After a disappointing 4-7 slate last week, it is now going to take a minor miracle to reach the .500 mark in the final week of the Cobb Blog for 2016.
The focus this week is on the conference championship games and Sunday's announcement of the CFP field.
The debate has been furious this season. How much does the committee value conference champions? Will this be the first season we see a two-loss team make the field? Will the Big 10 put three teams in the field? This Saturday is sure to make everything as clear as mud.
It is my opinion the CFP committee should value conference champions. It is not fair for a team that did not win its division and did not win its conference championship to sit on the sideline and wait on the other teams involved in the playoff chase to play another game.
The answer to the debate is simple. An eight-team field would put the five conference champions and three at-large teams in the field. The CFP committee would be responsible for selecting the three at-large teams and seeding the eight-team field.
As always, all picks are against the spread and are for entertainment purposes only.
Friday's Games
-- Western Michigan vs. Ohio -17.0. Western Michigan puts the finishing touch on an undefeated season to take the MAC title. Pick -- Western Michigan
-- Colorado vs. Washington -7.5. Colorado has been one of the great stories in college football this season. Washington has a lot on the line in this one. Win and the Huskies are in the CFP. Washington just has too much offense for the Buffs. Huskies pick up the Pac 12 championship and a spot in the CFP. Pick -- Washington
Saturday's Games
-- Oklahoma State at Oklahoma -11.0. They call it Bedlam, but the rivalry has been dominated by the Sooners. I anticipate a shootout for the Big 12 crown. The spread is too high. Pick -- Oklahoma State
-- Clemson vs. Virginia Tech +10.0. The Tigers have fooled me all year. It's a shame this game for the ACC title isn't in Charlotte, where it would be a complete sellout. Win and the Tigers are in. Lose and speculation has the Tigers headed to the Cotton Bowl. I think the Tigers will take care of business. Pick -- Clemson
-- Temple at Navy -3.0. The Midshipmen will sink the Owls for the AAC title. Pick -- Navy
-- Louisiana Tech at Western Kentucky -10.0. The Hilltoppers will unleash their high-powered offense on the Bulldogs to win the Conference USA title. Pick -- Western Kentucky
-- Baylor at West Virginia -17.0. Baylor interim head coach Jim Grobe, a truly nice guy, ends his career in his home state on a sour note. Pick -- West Virginia
-- Alabama vs. Florida +24.0. Why is this game being played? The SEC has a real problem. There is nobody in the league who can challenge the Crimson Tide. Pick -- Alabama
-- San Diego State at Wyoming +7.0. This is a rematch from a game that was played on Nov. 19. Wyoming won that meeting, 34-33 in Laramie. This one is for the Mountain West title. Can the Cowboys beat the Aztecs for the second time in three weeks? I'm taking the home field. Pick -- Wyoming
-- Wisconsin vs. Penn State +3.0. I think Wisconsin's defense will make the difference. On Wisconsin to the Big 10 title. Pick -- Wisconsin
Last Week -- 4-7
For The Season -- 57-61-3
Friday, December 2, 2016
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
ACC To Dominate The SEC On Rivalry Weekend
So far, November has not been kind to me.
Last week's record was 4-5-1. The push was Clemson's 22-point victory against Wake Forest.
The season record now stands at two games under .500. With two weeks remaining in the regular season, there is a need for a serious rally.
This is rivalry week, so I have added two extra games to the picks sheet.
We are guaranteed a shake up in the CFP rankings this week. Michigan at Ohio State will eliminate at least one of those schools from consideration for the playoffs.
I continue to believe this will be the first time we will see a two-loss team in the playoff field. The next two weeks are going to be really interesting.
I am looking for the ACC to totally dominate the ACC in inter-conference matchups this weekend. The SEC's best chance for a victory will be Georgia against Georgia Tech in Athens.
I hope everybody has a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. We have a lot to be thankful for.
As always, all picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
Friday's Games
-- N.C. State at North Carolina -11.5. North Carolina needs this game to keep pressure on Virginia Tech in the race for the Coastal Division title. N.C. State needs this game to become bowl eligible. I think the Heels have too much offense for the Pack. Pick -- North Carolina
-- TCU at Texas -3.0. Is this it for Charlie Strong at Texas? Can a Texas head coach survive any season that includes a loss to Kansas? Strong's players love him but will they go out and win for him and make the Horns bowl eligible? Plenty of questions for the Horns. I think Texas is going to show some pride and rise up. Pick -- Texas
-- Washington at Washington State +6.0. Washington State got tripped up at Colorado last week. Washington still has dreams of making the CFP. Washington's playoff dream will die in Pullman. Pick -- Washington State
Saturday's Games
-- Georgia Tech at Georgia -4.5. Paul Johnson's two victories against Georgia have come in Athens. Tech's offense has been playing better. The Yellow Jackets have scored 61 points in their last two games. Georgia's offense continues to struggle. Take the the Jackets and the points. Pick -- Georgia Tech
-- South Carolina at Clemson -24.0. The Tigers have fooled me most of the season. I think they will cover and they don't. I don't think they will cover and they do. Last week, they pushed against a 22-point spread at Wake. I believe the Tigers will win their third in a row against the Gamecocks, but I think the 24 points is too much. Pick -- South Carolina
-- Kentucky at Louisville -26.0. Louisville takes out some frustration on Kentucky. Lamar Jackson gets back on track. Don't worry Wildcats. Basketball season us underway. Pick -- Louisville
-- Michigan at Ohio State -6.5. I think this is the layup of the week. The lock of the season. The Buckeyes will deflate the overrated Wolverines and knock them out of the CFP. Pick -- Ohio State
-- Virginia at Virginia Tech -18.5. Is this a rivalry? Virginia Tech has won 12 in a row against Virginia. The spread is a little high but give me the Hokies. Pick -- Virginia Tech
-- Auburn at Alabama -17.0. Seventeen points isn't enough for slumping Auburn. Roll Tide roll. Pick -- Alabama
-- Mississippi State at Ole Miss -8.0. Ole Miss needs this game to become bowl eligible. The State defense has allowed 109 points in its last two games. Give the Golden Egg to the Rebels. Hoddy Toddy. Pick -- Ole Miss
-- Florida at Florida State -7.0. Florida won an emotional game at LSU last week. Florida State has won three straight. I think the Seminoles will roll the Gators. Pick -- Florida State
-- Notre Dame at Southern Cal -17.5. This might be a bigger lock than the Michigan-Ohio State game. Two teams going in different directions. The Irish end a pathetic season with another pathetic performance. Fight on. Pick -- Southern Cal
Last Week -- 4-5-1
For The Season -- 57-59-4
Last week's record was 4-5-1. The push was Clemson's 22-point victory against Wake Forest.
The season record now stands at two games under .500. With two weeks remaining in the regular season, there is a need for a serious rally.
This is rivalry week, so I have added two extra games to the picks sheet.
We are guaranteed a shake up in the CFP rankings this week. Michigan at Ohio State will eliminate at least one of those schools from consideration for the playoffs.
I continue to believe this will be the first time we will see a two-loss team in the playoff field. The next two weeks are going to be really interesting.
I am looking for the ACC to totally dominate the ACC in inter-conference matchups this weekend. The SEC's best chance for a victory will be Georgia against Georgia Tech in Athens.
I hope everybody has a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. We have a lot to be thankful for.
As always, all picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
Friday's Games
-- N.C. State at North Carolina -11.5. North Carolina needs this game to keep pressure on Virginia Tech in the race for the Coastal Division title. N.C. State needs this game to become bowl eligible. I think the Heels have too much offense for the Pack. Pick -- North Carolina
-- TCU at Texas -3.0. Is this it for Charlie Strong at Texas? Can a Texas head coach survive any season that includes a loss to Kansas? Strong's players love him but will they go out and win for him and make the Horns bowl eligible? Plenty of questions for the Horns. I think Texas is going to show some pride and rise up. Pick -- Texas
-- Washington at Washington State +6.0. Washington State got tripped up at Colorado last week. Washington still has dreams of making the CFP. Washington's playoff dream will die in Pullman. Pick -- Washington State
Saturday's Games
-- Georgia Tech at Georgia -4.5. Paul Johnson's two victories against Georgia have come in Athens. Tech's offense has been playing better. The Yellow Jackets have scored 61 points in their last two games. Georgia's offense continues to struggle. Take the the Jackets and the points. Pick -- Georgia Tech
-- South Carolina at Clemson -24.0. The Tigers have fooled me most of the season. I think they will cover and they don't. I don't think they will cover and they do. Last week, they pushed against a 22-point spread at Wake. I believe the Tigers will win their third in a row against the Gamecocks, but I think the 24 points is too much. Pick -- South Carolina
-- Kentucky at Louisville -26.0. Louisville takes out some frustration on Kentucky. Lamar Jackson gets back on track. Don't worry Wildcats. Basketball season us underway. Pick -- Louisville
-- Michigan at Ohio State -6.5. I think this is the layup of the week. The lock of the season. The Buckeyes will deflate the overrated Wolverines and knock them out of the CFP. Pick -- Ohio State
-- Virginia at Virginia Tech -18.5. Is this a rivalry? Virginia Tech has won 12 in a row against Virginia. The spread is a little high but give me the Hokies. Pick -- Virginia Tech
-- Auburn at Alabama -17.0. Seventeen points isn't enough for slumping Auburn. Roll Tide roll. Pick -- Alabama
-- Mississippi State at Ole Miss -8.0. Ole Miss needs this game to become bowl eligible. The State defense has allowed 109 points in its last two games. Give the Golden Egg to the Rebels. Hoddy Toddy. Pick -- Ole Miss
-- Florida at Florida State -7.0. Florida won an emotional game at LSU last week. Florida State has won three straight. I think the Seminoles will roll the Gators. Pick -- Florida State
-- Notre Dame at Southern Cal -17.5. This might be a bigger lock than the Michigan-Ohio State game. Two teams going in different directions. The Irish end a pathetic season with another pathetic performance. Fight on. Pick -- Southern Cal
Last Week -- 4-5-1
For The Season -- 57-59-4
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Like Dabo Said, Flush It
After the craziest Saturday of the season, I can take comfort in the wise words of Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney.
Flush it.
3-7. Yeah, that's correct. 3-7. By far my worst week of the season. Clemson continues to baffle me. I just can't figure out the Tigers. One of my wins was Georgia, which beat Auburn outright.
The stinker drops me to 53-54-3, the first time this season the overall record has been below .500.
Let's see if we can pick ourselves and move forward. It is time to rise up.
As always, all picks are against the spread and are for entertainment purposes only.
-- Louisville at Houston +14. This game was going to be Louisville's late-season statement until Houston, which opened the season with an upset of Oklahoma, lost two games. The Cardinals' only hope for an open path to the CFP is a Clemson loss to Wake Forest and statement win at Houston. I expect the Cards to roll the Cougars. Pick -- Louisville
-- Louisiana-Lafayette at Georgia -23. I believe the Dawgs will win, but I think the spread is too high for Georgia's anemic offense. Pick -- Louisiana-Lafayette
-- Oklahoma State at TCU -4.5. The Pokes travel to Fort Worth with Big 12 title hopes on the line. Give me the points. Pick -- Oklahoma State
-- Virginia at Georgia Tech -11. Can Paul Johnson save his job with a late-season run? Can the Yellow Jackets sweep the state of Virginia? Pick -- Georgia Tech
-- Clemson at Wake Forest - 22. The Tigers self-destructed last week against Pitt. Turnovers and discipline on defense continue to be big problems. The Tigers dropped to No. 4 in the CFP poll, which means three victories and the Tigers are in. There is no margin of error. I believe Clemson will beat Wake but will not cover. Pick -- Wake Forest
-- Florida at LSU -14. League rules forced Florida to play this game. You have to play eight to win the SEC title. But instead of playing in The Swamp where the game was originally scheduled, the Gators have to travel to the Bayou. The Tigers will skin the Gators in the Great Hurricane Makeup and create more turmoil in the SEC Least. Pick -- LSU
-- Washington State at Colorado -4.5. Mike Leach's high-flying Cougars knock a hole in Colorado's Pac 12 title hopes. Pick -- Washington State
-- Virginia Tech at Notre Dame. The Irish will take down the skiddish Hokies. Pick -- Notre Dame
-- Oklahoma at West Virginia +2.5. Loser is out of the Big 12 title race. Morgantown can be an intimidating place. But I think Oklahoma wins this one, which means all of the couches in Morgantown will stay on the front porch instead of being burned in the front yard. Pick -- Oklahoma
-- Southern Cal at UCLA +10.5. The red-hot Trojans will bash the Bruins. Fight on! Pick -- Southern Cal
Last Week -- 3-7
For The Season -- 53-54-3
Friday, November 11, 2016
Clemson, South Carolina Will Both Cover
Some days you're the windshield. Some days, you're the bug.
Last week was a bug week.
The record went below the .500 mark with some close misses and two big misses -- Clemson covered the 26 points, while Nebraska got beat by 59 by Ohio State.
Ten weeks in, the overall record is three games above the magical .500 mark.
This week features surging South Carolina at injury-riddled Florida and the renewal of the oldest rivalry in the Deep South -- Auburn at Georgia.
As always, all picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
-- South Carolina at Florida -11.0. Will Muschamp returns to the Swamp to face a Florida team that may not have enough bodies. Can quarterback Jake Bentley lead the Gamecocks to victory in his first start on the road in the SEC? Call me crazy (You're crazy!), but I think so. Pick -- South Carolina
-- Pittsburgh at Clemson -20.5. I didn't think the Tigers would cover last week. They covered the 26-point spread in the first half. Pitt can score, but Pitt's defense is the pits. The Tigers will cover this week. Pick -- Clemson
-- Auburn at Georgia +10. Georgia survived at Kentucky, while Auburn struggled with woeful Vanderbilt. The Bulldogs discovered their running game against the Wildcats. Home field makes the difference. Pick -- Georgia
-- Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech -14.0. The sun continues to set on Paul Johnson's tenure at Georgia Tech. Pick -- Virginia Tech
-- Texas Tech at Oklahoma State -12.5. The Pokes have enough offense to keep up with the Red Raiders. Pokes in a shootout. Pick -- Oklahoma State
-- Kentucky at Tennessee -14.0. The Vols continue their late-season run to a mediocre bowl game. Pick -- Tennessee
-- Miami (Fla.) at Virginia +10.0. Which Miami shows up? The one that covers the spread. Pick -- Miami
-- LSU at Arkansas +7.0. After a brutal battle with Alabama last week, seven points on the road is too much for LSU to overcome. Pick -- Arkansas
-- Southern Cal at Washington -9.0. Washington's speed is too much for the Trojans. Pick -- Washington
-- California at Washington State -14.5. Washington State gets another step closer to a massive Apple Cup game. Pick -- Washington State
Last Week -- 4-6
For The Season -- 50-47-3
Last week was a bug week.
The record went below the .500 mark with some close misses and two big misses -- Clemson covered the 26 points, while Nebraska got beat by 59 by Ohio State.
Ten weeks in, the overall record is three games above the magical .500 mark.
This week features surging South Carolina at injury-riddled Florida and the renewal of the oldest rivalry in the Deep South -- Auburn at Georgia.
As always, all picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
-- South Carolina at Florida -11.0. Will Muschamp returns to the Swamp to face a Florida team that may not have enough bodies. Can quarterback Jake Bentley lead the Gamecocks to victory in his first start on the road in the SEC? Call me crazy (You're crazy!), but I think so. Pick -- South Carolina
-- Pittsburgh at Clemson -20.5. I didn't think the Tigers would cover last week. They covered the 26-point spread in the first half. Pitt can score, but Pitt's defense is the pits. The Tigers will cover this week. Pick -- Clemson
-- Auburn at Georgia +10. Georgia survived at Kentucky, while Auburn struggled with woeful Vanderbilt. The Bulldogs discovered their running game against the Wildcats. Home field makes the difference. Pick -- Georgia
-- Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech -14.0. The sun continues to set on Paul Johnson's tenure at Georgia Tech. Pick -- Virginia Tech
-- Texas Tech at Oklahoma State -12.5. The Pokes have enough offense to keep up with the Red Raiders. Pokes in a shootout. Pick -- Oklahoma State
-- Kentucky at Tennessee -14.0. The Vols continue their late-season run to a mediocre bowl game. Pick -- Tennessee
-- Miami (Fla.) at Virginia +10.0. Which Miami shows up? The one that covers the spread. Pick -- Miami
-- LSU at Arkansas +7.0. After a brutal battle with Alabama last week, seven points on the road is too much for LSU to overcome. Pick -- Arkansas
-- Southern Cal at Washington -9.0. Washington's speed is too much for the Trojans. Pick -- Washington
-- California at Washington State -14.5. Washington State gets another step closer to a massive Apple Cup game. Pick -- Washington State
Last Week -- 4-6
For The Season -- 50-47-3
Clemson, South Carolina Will Both Cover
Some days you're the windshield. Some days, you're the bug.
Last week was a bug week.
The record went below the .500 mark with some close misses and two big misses -- Clemson covered the 26 points, while Nebraska got beat by 59 by Ohio State.
Ten weeks in, the overall record is three games above the magical .500 mark.
This week features surging South Carolina at injury-riddled Florida and the renewal of the oldest rivalry in the Deep South -- Auburn at Georgia.
As always, all picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
-- South Carolina at Florida -11.0. Will Muschamp returns to the Swamp to face a Florida team that may not have enough bodies. Can quarterback Jake Bentley lead the Gamecocks to victory in his first start on the road in the SEC? Call me crazy (You're crazy!), but I think so. Pick -- South Carolina
-- Pittsburgh at Clemson -20.5. I didn't think the Tigers would cover last week. They covered the 26-point spread in the first half. Pitt can score, but Pitt's defense is the pits. The Tigers will cover this week. Pick -- Clemson
-- Auburn at Georgia +10. Georgia survived at Kentucky, while Auburn struggled with woeful Vanderbilt. The Bulldogs discovered their running game against the Wildcats. Home field makes the difference. Pick -- Georgia
-- Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech -14.0. The sun continues to set on Paul Johnson's tenure at Georgia Tech. Pick -- Virginia Tech
-- Texas Tech at Oklahoma State -12.5. The Pokes have enough offense to keep up with the Red Raiders. Pokes in a shootout. Pick -- Oklahoma State
-- Kentucky at Tennessee -14.0. The Vols continue their late-season run to a mediocre bowl game. Pick -- Tennessee
-- Miami (Fla.) at Virginia +10.0. Which Miami shows up? The one that covers the spread. Pick -- Miami
-- LSU at Arkansas +7.0. After a brutal battle with Alabama last week, seven points on the road is too much for LSU to overcome. Pick -- Arkansas
-- Southern Cal at Washington -9.0. Washington's speed is too much for the Trojans. Pick -- Washington
-- California at Washington State -14.5. Washington State gets another step closer to a massive Apple Cup game. Pick -- Washington State
Last Week -- 4-6
For The Season -- 50-47-3
Last week was a bug week.
The record went below the .500 mark with some close misses and two big misses -- Clemson covered the 26 points, while Nebraska got beat by 59 by Ohio State.
Ten weeks in, the overall record is three games above the magical .500 mark.
This week features surging South Carolina at injury-riddled Florida and the renewal of the oldest rivalry in the Deep South -- Auburn at Georgia.
As always, all picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
-- South Carolina at Florida -11.0. Will Muschamp returns to the Swamp to face a Florida team that may not have enough bodies. Can quarterback Jake Bentley lead the Gamecocks to victory in his first start on the road in the SEC? Call me crazy (You're crazy!), but I think so. Pick -- South Carolina
-- Pittsburgh at Clemson -20.5. I didn't think the Tigers would cover last week. They covered the 26-point spread in the first half. Pitt can score, but Pitt's defense is the pits. The Tigers will cover this week. Pick -- Clemson
-- Auburn at Georgia +10. Georgia survived at Kentucky, while Auburn struggled with woeful Vanderbilt. The Bulldogs discovered their running game against the Wildcats. Home field makes the difference. Pick -- Georgia
-- Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech -14.0. The sun continues to set on Paul Johnson's tenure at Georgia Tech. Pick -- Virginia Tech
-- Texas Tech at Oklahoma State -12.5. The Pokes have enough offense to keep up with the Red Raiders. Pokes in a shootout. Pick -- Oklahoma State
-- Kentucky at Tennessee -14.0. The Vols continue their late-season run to a mediocre bowl game. Pick -- Tennessee
-- Miami (Fla.) at Virginia +10.0. Which Miami shows up? The one that covers the spread. Pick -- Miami
-- LSU at Arkansas +7.0. After a brutal battle with Alabama last week, seven points on the road is too much for LSU to overcome. Pick -- Arkansas
-- Southern Cal at Washington -9.0. Washington's speed is too much for the Trojans. Pick -- Washington
-- California at Washington State -14.5. Washington State gets another step closer to a massive Apple Cup game. Pick -- Washington State
Last Week -- 4-6
For The Season -- 50-47-3
Friday, November 4, 2016
Tide Trip To Baton Rouge Is The Game Of The Week
Last week provided the best week of the season.
A 7-3 record against the spread improved my overall record to 46-41-3.
Among the picks to celebrate last week were Virginia +33 and Utah +10. Both covered and both had a shot to win outright.
This week's selections are led by Alabama's trip to the Bayou. It could be a dicey night for the Crimson Tide.
As always, all picks are against the spread and are for entertainment purposes only.
-- Alabama at LSU +7.5. LSU is a sexy pick for the experts this week. Many are picking the Tigers upset the unbeaten Tide. I have watched Alabama several times this season. The Tide is a different animal. I think Alabama is by far the best team in the country. The Bayou Bengals will find that out Saturday night. Pick -- Alabama
-- Georgia Tech at North Carolina -10.5. The Tar Heels have to have this game to stay in the Coastal Division race. Tech's defensive is questionable at best. Even though the spread is a little high, I am going to grit my teeth, hold my nose, and take the Heels. Pick -- North Carolina
-- Syracuse at Clemson -26.0. The Tigers continue to play their best when they are under the most pressure. The Tigers have taken everybody's best shot and are still standing. Clemson has not been a good home team this season. Syracuse's offense is one of the fastest in college football. The play clock is no factor when the Orange have the ball. I think the Tigers will win, but I think 26 points is too much. Pick -- Syracuse
-- Oklahoma State at Kansas State -3.0. The Pokes journey to the Little Apple to face the always pesky Wildcats. It will be a tough afternoon, but OSU will survive and take another step toward the Big 12 title. Pick -- Oklahoma State
-- Missouri at South Carolina -7.0. The resurgent Gamecocks behind freshman quarterback Jake Bentley face five-alarm dumpster fire Missouri. Win this one and the Gamecocks are a victory over Western Carolina away from a bowl bid. Who would have thunk it? I don't think seven points is enough. The Gamecocks roll. Pick -- South Carolina
-- Georgia at Kentucky +2.5. Good even great Georgia teams have gone to Lexington and struggled. This is not a good Georgia team. Pick -- Kentucky
-- Virginia Tech at Duke +11. Surprising Virginia Tech is closing in on a trip to the ACC Championship game. Pick -- Virginia Tech
-- Florida State at N.C. State +5.5. Two depressed teams meet at Carter-Finley. Neither team has anything to play for but pride and a second- or third-rate bowl game. I believe Florida State's talent will make the difference. Pick -- Florida State
-- Nebraska at Ohio State -17.0. Last week, Ohio State slid past Northwestern, while Nebraska's undefeated season came to an end at Wisconsin. I think the spread is too high. Pick -- Nebraska
-- Washington at California +16.5. Unbeaten Washington received some motivation from the College Football Playoff committee by being ranked fifth in the first poll. The Huskies' non-conference schedule was pathetic, so from this point on, they will have to win and win big. If they finish unbeaten and win the Pac 12, there is no question the Huskies will be one of the four playoff teams. That being said, the spread for this one is too high. Pick -- California
Last Week -- 7-3
For The Season -- 46-41-3
A 7-3 record against the spread improved my overall record to 46-41-3.
Among the picks to celebrate last week were Virginia +33 and Utah +10. Both covered and both had a shot to win outright.
This week's selections are led by Alabama's trip to the Bayou. It could be a dicey night for the Crimson Tide.
As always, all picks are against the spread and are for entertainment purposes only.
-- Alabama at LSU +7.5. LSU is a sexy pick for the experts this week. Many are picking the Tigers upset the unbeaten Tide. I have watched Alabama several times this season. The Tide is a different animal. I think Alabama is by far the best team in the country. The Bayou Bengals will find that out Saturday night. Pick -- Alabama
-- Georgia Tech at North Carolina -10.5. The Tar Heels have to have this game to stay in the Coastal Division race. Tech's defensive is questionable at best. Even though the spread is a little high, I am going to grit my teeth, hold my nose, and take the Heels. Pick -- North Carolina
-- Syracuse at Clemson -26.0. The Tigers continue to play their best when they are under the most pressure. The Tigers have taken everybody's best shot and are still standing. Clemson has not been a good home team this season. Syracuse's offense is one of the fastest in college football. The play clock is no factor when the Orange have the ball. I think the Tigers will win, but I think 26 points is too much. Pick -- Syracuse
-- Oklahoma State at Kansas State -3.0. The Pokes journey to the Little Apple to face the always pesky Wildcats. It will be a tough afternoon, but OSU will survive and take another step toward the Big 12 title. Pick -- Oklahoma State
-- Missouri at South Carolina -7.0. The resurgent Gamecocks behind freshman quarterback Jake Bentley face five-alarm dumpster fire Missouri. Win this one and the Gamecocks are a victory over Western Carolina away from a bowl bid. Who would have thunk it? I don't think seven points is enough. The Gamecocks roll. Pick -- South Carolina
-- Georgia at Kentucky +2.5. Good even great Georgia teams have gone to Lexington and struggled. This is not a good Georgia team. Pick -- Kentucky
-- Virginia Tech at Duke +11. Surprising Virginia Tech is closing in on a trip to the ACC Championship game. Pick -- Virginia Tech
-- Florida State at N.C. State +5.5. Two depressed teams meet at Carter-Finley. Neither team has anything to play for but pride and a second- or third-rate bowl game. I believe Florida State's talent will make the difference. Pick -- Florida State
-- Nebraska at Ohio State -17.0. Last week, Ohio State slid past Northwestern, while Nebraska's undefeated season came to an end at Wisconsin. I think the spread is too high. Pick -- Nebraska
-- Washington at California +16.5. Unbeaten Washington received some motivation from the College Football Playoff committee by being ranked fifth in the first poll. The Huskies' non-conference schedule was pathetic, so from this point on, they will have to win and win big. If they finish unbeaten and win the Pac 12, there is no question the Huskies will be one of the four playoff teams. That being said, the spread for this one is too high. Pick -- California
Last Week -- 7-3
For The Season -- 46-41-3
Friday, October 28, 2016
Last Three Games Drag Down Record
I was rolling right along last week and then came the final three games.
Oklahoma won a ridiculous shootout at Texas Tech but failed to cover. Ohio State, a double-digit favorite, got whited out at Penn State. Ole Miss met LSU freight train Leonard Fournette and it wasn't pretty.
The result was a 4-5-1 week that still has me one game above .500 for the season entering Week Nine.
The big game of the week is Clemson at Florida State. The Tigers have lost their last four trips to Tallahassee. Clemson could afford a loss and still make the College Football Playoff, but the Tigers want to stay unbeaten and build some momentum entering November.
For some odd reason, the Tigers have been better on the road than they have at home. If you are a Clemson fan, you hope that trend continues Saturday night.
Most of the remaining unbeatens are on the road this week, so this could be Shake-Up Saturday.
As always, all picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
Duke at Georgia Tech -5.5 -- Duke has always been a pain for Georgia Tech. The wolves are howling on The Flats for Paul Johnson's job. The Jackets are running out of chances to make a stand this season. I'm just not feeling it for the Jackets. Pick -- Duke
West Virginia at Oklahoma State +3.5 -- The unbeaten Mountaineers return to West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen's old stomping grounds in Stillwater. He was Oklahoma State's offensive coordinator before taking the job at West Virginia. This looks to be a typical Big 12 shootout. Take the Pokes and the points. Pick -- Oklahoma State
Georgia vs. Florida -7.5 -- SEC and school officials can try and change the name all they want, but this game will always be known as The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. The smell of bourbon will be heavy in the air as the Dawgs and Gators tangle in Jacksonville. There is grumbling in Athens already. This is a game Florida needs to win the East. Pick -- Florida
Tennessee at South Carolina +13.5 -- After surviving UMass last week, the Gamecocks return to the SEC. The only thing more painful than losing to Tennessee is having to listen to Rocky Top all night long. Pick -- Tennessee
Clemson at Florida State +4.5 -- Before the season started, I marked this game as a loss for Clemson. This isn't a vintage Florida State team, but this game is Florida State's chance to make a major statement that it still exists. I think the Seminoles will play like their hair is on fire. Pick -- Florida State
Michigan at Michigan State +24.5 -- Michigan State got lucky last year when the Michigan punter made one of the biggest boneheaded plays of the season. The struggling Spartans won't be so lucky this year. Pick -- Michigan
Louisville at Virginia +33 -- Cardinal quarterback Lamar Jackson will add to his Heisman Trophy resume. I know the Cardinals are capable of covering the spread, but I have a feeling the Cavaliers will stay inside the 33. Pick -- Virginia
Miami at Notre Dame +2 -- Reality has settled in at Coral Gables. The Hurricanes have gone from unbeaten to out of the ACC Coastal race in one month. Notre Dame is a mess. I am going to take the points. Pick -- Notre Dame
Washington at Utah +10 -- The class of the Pac 12 travels to Salt Lake City to face its biggest challenge to date. I like the Utes. Pick -- Utah
Nebraska at Wisconsin -7.5 -- I am sorry. I just don't believe in Nebraska. Maybe they will make a believer out of me this week. But I don't think so. Pick -- Wisconsin
Last Week -- 4-5-1
For The Season -- 39-38-3
Oklahoma won a ridiculous shootout at Texas Tech but failed to cover. Ohio State, a double-digit favorite, got whited out at Penn State. Ole Miss met LSU freight train Leonard Fournette and it wasn't pretty.
The result was a 4-5-1 week that still has me one game above .500 for the season entering Week Nine.
The big game of the week is Clemson at Florida State. The Tigers have lost their last four trips to Tallahassee. Clemson could afford a loss and still make the College Football Playoff, but the Tigers want to stay unbeaten and build some momentum entering November.
For some odd reason, the Tigers have been better on the road than they have at home. If you are a Clemson fan, you hope that trend continues Saturday night.
Most of the remaining unbeatens are on the road this week, so this could be Shake-Up Saturday.
As always, all picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
Duke at Georgia Tech -5.5 -- Duke has always been a pain for Georgia Tech. The wolves are howling on The Flats for Paul Johnson's job. The Jackets are running out of chances to make a stand this season. I'm just not feeling it for the Jackets. Pick -- Duke
West Virginia at Oklahoma State +3.5 -- The unbeaten Mountaineers return to West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen's old stomping grounds in Stillwater. He was Oklahoma State's offensive coordinator before taking the job at West Virginia. This looks to be a typical Big 12 shootout. Take the Pokes and the points. Pick -- Oklahoma State
Georgia vs. Florida -7.5 -- SEC and school officials can try and change the name all they want, but this game will always be known as The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. The smell of bourbon will be heavy in the air as the Dawgs and Gators tangle in Jacksonville. There is grumbling in Athens already. This is a game Florida needs to win the East. Pick -- Florida
Tennessee at South Carolina +13.5 -- After surviving UMass last week, the Gamecocks return to the SEC. The only thing more painful than losing to Tennessee is having to listen to Rocky Top all night long. Pick -- Tennessee
Clemson at Florida State +4.5 -- Before the season started, I marked this game as a loss for Clemson. This isn't a vintage Florida State team, but this game is Florida State's chance to make a major statement that it still exists. I think the Seminoles will play like their hair is on fire. Pick -- Florida State
Michigan at Michigan State +24.5 -- Michigan State got lucky last year when the Michigan punter made one of the biggest boneheaded plays of the season. The struggling Spartans won't be so lucky this year. Pick -- Michigan
Louisville at Virginia +33 -- Cardinal quarterback Lamar Jackson will add to his Heisman Trophy resume. I know the Cardinals are capable of covering the spread, but I have a feeling the Cavaliers will stay inside the 33. Pick -- Virginia
Miami at Notre Dame +2 -- Reality has settled in at Coral Gables. The Hurricanes have gone from unbeaten to out of the ACC Coastal race in one month. Notre Dame is a mess. I am going to take the points. Pick -- Notre Dame
Washington at Utah +10 -- The class of the Pac 12 travels to Salt Lake City to face its biggest challenge to date. I like the Utes. Pick -- Utah
Nebraska at Wisconsin -7.5 -- I am sorry. I just don't believe in Nebraska. Maybe they will make a believer out of me this week. But I don't think so. Pick -- Wisconsin
Last Week -- 4-5-1
For The Season -- 39-38-3
Friday, October 21, 2016
Tigers Survive, Dawgs Disappoint
Two big misses last week dropped me below the .500 mark for the week.
I thought both Clemson and Georgia would roll. I was wrong.
The Tigers escaped a physical N.C. State team thanks to a late missed field goal. The Dawgs ran up and down the field against Vandy but could not score.
Both Clemson and Georgia are off this week, which will allow both teams to reset before two big showdowns -- Clemson at Florida State and Georgia vs. Florida at the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.
The biggest game this week is Texas A&M's trip to rampaging Alabama.
As always, all picks are against the spread and are for entertainment purposes only.
Oklahoma State at Kansas -24 -- Cowboys cross the northern border to tangle with pathetic Kansas. Take the Pokes. Pick -- Oklahoma State
Massachusetts at South Carolina -20.5 -- The big question among Gamecock fans is: Can our team score 20.5 points? Well the 0.5 might be difficult. Massachusetts is pathetic on defense. Reports are South Carolina is going to send Bobby Bentley's son out to play quarterback. It's a tough pick because the spread is high, but I'm going to take the Gamecocks. Pick -- South Carolina
Texas at Kansas State -2.0 -- Texas' season continues to circle the drain. Pick -- Kansas State
N.C. State at Louisville -19.0 -- Can the Wolfpack recover from last week's disappointment in Death Valley? State is an extremely physical team. The Cards better be ready. Pick -- N.C. State
North Carolina at Virginia +9.5 -- This feels like a week the Tar Heels mail it in. They recovered from the Virginia Tech beating by knocking off Miami last week. With Virginia Tech's 37-16 victory over Miami Thursday night, the Heels need this one to stay in the Coastal race. Pick -- North Carolina
Texas A&M at Alabama -18.5 -- In the college football landscape, it's Alabama and everybody else. Tide rolls. Pick -- Alabama
Arkansas at Auburn -10 -- Auburn has finally found some offense. The spread is a little high, but I'm taking the Tigers. Pick -- Auburn
Oklahoma at Texas Tech +14 -- Texas Tech's offense ran out of gas against West Virginia. The Sooners will come to Lubbock and slash their tires. Pick -- Oklahoma
Ohio State at Penn State +19.5 -- White Out. Blue Out. Magenta Out. It doesn't matter. Buckeyes crack the Nittany Lions. Pick -- Ohio State
Ole Miss at LSU -6.5 -- The spread is for home field. With Les Miles gone, the LSU offense has opened up. The promise of a special season at Ole Miss is gone. This will be a close one. Take the points. Pick -- Ole Miss
Last Week -- 4-6
For The Season -- 34-33-2
I thought both Clemson and Georgia would roll. I was wrong.
The Tigers escaped a physical N.C. State team thanks to a late missed field goal. The Dawgs ran up and down the field against Vandy but could not score.
Both Clemson and Georgia are off this week, which will allow both teams to reset before two big showdowns -- Clemson at Florida State and Georgia vs. Florida at the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.
The biggest game this week is Texas A&M's trip to rampaging Alabama.
As always, all picks are against the spread and are for entertainment purposes only.
Oklahoma State at Kansas -24 -- Cowboys cross the northern border to tangle with pathetic Kansas. Take the Pokes. Pick -- Oklahoma State
Massachusetts at South Carolina -20.5 -- The big question among Gamecock fans is: Can our team score 20.5 points? Well the 0.5 might be difficult. Massachusetts is pathetic on defense. Reports are South Carolina is going to send Bobby Bentley's son out to play quarterback. It's a tough pick because the spread is high, but I'm going to take the Gamecocks. Pick -- South Carolina
Texas at Kansas State -2.0 -- Texas' season continues to circle the drain. Pick -- Kansas State
N.C. State at Louisville -19.0 -- Can the Wolfpack recover from last week's disappointment in Death Valley? State is an extremely physical team. The Cards better be ready. Pick -- N.C. State
North Carolina at Virginia +9.5 -- This feels like a week the Tar Heels mail it in. They recovered from the Virginia Tech beating by knocking off Miami last week. With Virginia Tech's 37-16 victory over Miami Thursday night, the Heels need this one to stay in the Coastal race. Pick -- North Carolina
Texas A&M at Alabama -18.5 -- In the college football landscape, it's Alabama and everybody else. Tide rolls. Pick -- Alabama
Arkansas at Auburn -10 -- Auburn has finally found some offense. The spread is a little high, but I'm taking the Tigers. Pick -- Auburn
Oklahoma at Texas Tech +14 -- Texas Tech's offense ran out of gas against West Virginia. The Sooners will come to Lubbock and slash their tires. Pick -- Oklahoma
Ohio State at Penn State +19.5 -- White Out. Blue Out. Magenta Out. It doesn't matter. Buckeyes crack the Nittany Lions. Pick -- Ohio State
Ole Miss at LSU -6.5 -- The spread is for home field. With Les Miles gone, the LSU offense has opened up. The promise of a special season at Ole Miss is gone. This will be a close one. Take the points. Pick -- Ole Miss
Last Week -- 4-6
For The Season -- 34-33-2
Thursday, October 13, 2016
The Fun Is In The Winning
Last week finished on the plus side with a 5-3-1 mark. There were only nine games because Hurricane Matthew wiped out the LSU at Florida game.
I had a lovely trip to Boston. A big meatball, a chocolate custard cannoli, a nice filet, a police escort to the game, and a 46-point Clemson victory. The Tigers seem to be gaining momentum every week.
This week may be the toughest of the season. Six of the ten spreads are in double digits and two of those spreads are 20 or more points. You just know some dog is going to cover.
As we enter mid-October, it looks as if the main contenders for the four playoff spots are Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, Washington, and Clemson. But there is a long way to go before anything is decided.
Away we go with Week 7. All picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
Duke at Louisville -34.4 -- My mind says Louisville will lead by 35 after two quarters. My heart says Duke will find a way to sneak inside the spread. Let's go with the heart. Pick -- Duke
N.C. State at Clemson -17.5 -- Bottom line, N.C. State hasn't played anybody. Tigers roll. Pick -- Clemson
Vanderbilt at Georgia -14.0 -- Finally, the Bulldogs face somebody they can beat up. Commodores get sunk in Athens. Pick -- Georgia
West Virginia at Texas Tech +1 -- This will look more like a video game than a college football game. By the end of this one, both defensive coordinators will be on suicide watch. Because there is no direct way to get to Lubbock, Texas, I am going to pick the Red Raiders. Pick -- Texas Tech
North Carolina at Miami -7 -- North Carolina laid a big ole egg in the rain last week. Miami struggled the entire game against Florida State then failed to convert an extra point to tie. Loser is out of the Coastal Division race. Pick -- Miami
Alabama at Tennessee -12 -- Alabama is just better than anybody else. Tennessee better hang early or the Vols will get swamped. Pick -- Alabama
Ole Miss at Arkansas -7.5 -- Chad Kelly, America's favorite hot head, was in the news last week for all the wrong reasons. Arkansas got blasted by Alabama. Will home field make a difference? I think so. Pick -- Arkansas
Stanford at Notre Dame -3 -- The two biggest disappointments in college football this season. Stanford can't get any quarterback play. Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly is running around blaming everybody but himself for the flopping Irish. Home field is the difference. Pick -- Notre Dame
Ohio State at Wisconsin +10.5 -- Wisconsin played Michigan tough in the Big House. Have they got anything left for the visiting Buckeyes? I think so. Pick -- Wisconsin
Virginia Tech at Syracuse +20.5. Virginia Tech defense coordinator Bud Foster will cook up something for Syracuse, but the Orange won't like the taste. Pick -- Virginia Tech
Last Week - 5-3-1
Season - 30-27-3
I had a lovely trip to Boston. A big meatball, a chocolate custard cannoli, a nice filet, a police escort to the game, and a 46-point Clemson victory. The Tigers seem to be gaining momentum every week.
This week may be the toughest of the season. Six of the ten spreads are in double digits and two of those spreads are 20 or more points. You just know some dog is going to cover.
As we enter mid-October, it looks as if the main contenders for the four playoff spots are Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, Washington, and Clemson. But there is a long way to go before anything is decided.
Away we go with Week 7. All picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
Duke at Louisville -34.4 -- My mind says Louisville will lead by 35 after two quarters. My heart says Duke will find a way to sneak inside the spread. Let's go with the heart. Pick -- Duke
N.C. State at Clemson -17.5 -- Bottom line, N.C. State hasn't played anybody. Tigers roll. Pick -- Clemson
Vanderbilt at Georgia -14.0 -- Finally, the Bulldogs face somebody they can beat up. Commodores get sunk in Athens. Pick -- Georgia
West Virginia at Texas Tech +1 -- This will look more like a video game than a college football game. By the end of this one, both defensive coordinators will be on suicide watch. Because there is no direct way to get to Lubbock, Texas, I am going to pick the Red Raiders. Pick -- Texas Tech
North Carolina at Miami -7 -- North Carolina laid a big ole egg in the rain last week. Miami struggled the entire game against Florida State then failed to convert an extra point to tie. Loser is out of the Coastal Division race. Pick -- Miami
Alabama at Tennessee -12 -- Alabama is just better than anybody else. Tennessee better hang early or the Vols will get swamped. Pick -- Alabama
Ole Miss at Arkansas -7.5 -- Chad Kelly, America's favorite hot head, was in the news last week for all the wrong reasons. Arkansas got blasted by Alabama. Will home field make a difference? I think so. Pick -- Arkansas
Stanford at Notre Dame -3 -- The two biggest disappointments in college football this season. Stanford can't get any quarterback play. Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly is running around blaming everybody but himself for the flopping Irish. Home field is the difference. Pick -- Notre Dame
Ohio State at Wisconsin +10.5 -- Wisconsin played Michigan tough in the Big House. Have they got anything left for the visiting Buckeyes? I think so. Pick -- Wisconsin
Virginia Tech at Syracuse +20.5. Virginia Tech defense coordinator Bud Foster will cook up something for Syracuse, but the Orange won't like the taste. Pick -- Virginia Tech
Last Week - 5-3-1
Season - 30-27-3
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Tigers Face Trap Game In Boston
Still struggling to build some momentum, last week was our first sub-.500 week of the season.
Taking Clemson and the points at home was almost a gift, but the Tigers made our collective hearts skip several million beats before rallying to beat upstart Louisville.
Texas A&M could not shake South Carolina, so the Gamecocks managed to put a strike against our record by covering the 17 1/2 points.
We picked Washington, but we didn't expect the Huskies to destroy Stanford. The Pac 12 looks as if it belongs to the Huskies.
Tennessee's final-play Hail Mary in Athens accounted for the second push of the season and smashed Dawg hearts everywhere. I shed tears for the Dawgs. Just kidding.
After Friday night's trip to Chestnut Hill, Clemson's schedule will calm down. After a visit from N.C. State, Clemson will get a week off before finishing the regular season with five straight Saturday games. The Tigers have had two short weeks and have played on a Thursday and a Friday. The ACC didn't do the Tigers any favors by making them travel to Boston and play on Friday after last Saturday night's emotional victory over then-No. 3 Louisville. I still believe Friday night football should be reserved for high schools. TV powers are making the ACC schedule Friday games, but I still think it sucks.
As always, all picks are against the spread and are for entertainment purposes only.
Friday's Game
Clemson at Boston College +16.5. Chestnut Hill has always been a tough place for the Tigers to play. Boston College wants to play in a phone booth, so this will be a physical game that the Eagles will try and shorten with their running game. The Eagles lead the nation in total defense, so another turnover-filled game could mean trouble for the Tigers. The Eagles will be pumped for the annual Red Bandana Game, a game when they honor former Boston College lacrosse player Welles Crowther, who gave his life to save others during the 9/11 attack at the World Trade Center. Will the Tigers fall into the trap? Nope. Pick -- Clemson
Saturday's Games
Georgia Tech at Pittsburgh -6.5. Pittsburgh at home will be too much for struggling Georgia Tech. The triple option is getting old in Atlanta. Paul Johnson's seat gets warmer. Pick -- Pittsburgh
Georgia at South Carolina +7. This game is in doubt because of the hurricane. The Gamecocks have been hanging with everybody they have played. But moral victories don't count in the W column. Georgia suffered a killer loss at home last week to Tennessee. Pick -- South Carolina
LSU at Florida +3. Ed Orgeron, who has made a career of being an interim head coach, got off to a good start last week by blasting Mississippi State. Florida is tough to figure out. But take the Gators at home. Pick -- Florida
Notre Dame at N.C. State -2. The Wolfpack ended Wake Forest's undefeated season last Saturday. Notre Dame got back on the positive side by routing Syracuse. Are the Irish healed? I don't think so. Pick -- N.C. State
Oklahoma at Texas +10. According to reports, the Red River Rivalry at the Texas State Fair is the beginning of the Charlie Strong Farewell Tour. Texas upset Oklahoma last season. It won't happen this year because a speed bump in a Wal-Mart parking lot puts up more resistance than the Texas defense. Pick -- Oklahoma
Virginia Tech at North Carolina -2.5. A big ACC Coastal showdown in Chapel Hill. Virginia Tech, coming off a bye week, has scored 103 points in its last two games. The Tar Heels pulled off a miracle in Tallahassee last Saturday. I am going to take the Hokies and the points. Pick -- Virginia Tech
Tennessee at Texas A&M -7.0. Tennessee's prayer was answered in Athens, but those same prayers will fall on deaf ears this Saturday. Aggies will hand the Vols their first loss. Pick -- Texas A&M
Florida State at Miami -3.0. Another game that might have real hurricane issues. I wonder if they are missing Mark Richt in Athens? Richt has the Hurricanes undefeated after two scoop-and-scores led to a two-touchdown victory at Georgia Tech. Florida State is leaking oil and has several loose lug nuts. The Seminoles will hit the wall at Hard Rock Stadium. Pick -- Miami
Washington at Oregon +8.5. The Huskies have lost 12 straight in the series and have not won in Eugene since 2002. The Cascade Clash is one of the nation's most underrated rivalries. Oregon has lost three straight for the first time in recent memory. The Ducks take another hit. Pick -- Washington
Last Week -- 4-5-1
For The Season -- 25-24-2
Taking Clemson and the points at home was almost a gift, but the Tigers made our collective hearts skip several million beats before rallying to beat upstart Louisville.
Texas A&M could not shake South Carolina, so the Gamecocks managed to put a strike against our record by covering the 17 1/2 points.
We picked Washington, but we didn't expect the Huskies to destroy Stanford. The Pac 12 looks as if it belongs to the Huskies.
Tennessee's final-play Hail Mary in Athens accounted for the second push of the season and smashed Dawg hearts everywhere. I shed tears for the Dawgs. Just kidding.
After Friday night's trip to Chestnut Hill, Clemson's schedule will calm down. After a visit from N.C. State, Clemson will get a week off before finishing the regular season with five straight Saturday games. The Tigers have had two short weeks and have played on a Thursday and a Friday. The ACC didn't do the Tigers any favors by making them travel to Boston and play on Friday after last Saturday night's emotional victory over then-No. 3 Louisville. I still believe Friday night football should be reserved for high schools. TV powers are making the ACC schedule Friday games, but I still think it sucks.
As always, all picks are against the spread and are for entertainment purposes only.
Friday's Game
Clemson at Boston College +16.5. Chestnut Hill has always been a tough place for the Tigers to play. Boston College wants to play in a phone booth, so this will be a physical game that the Eagles will try and shorten with their running game. The Eagles lead the nation in total defense, so another turnover-filled game could mean trouble for the Tigers. The Eagles will be pumped for the annual Red Bandana Game, a game when they honor former Boston College lacrosse player Welles Crowther, who gave his life to save others during the 9/11 attack at the World Trade Center. Will the Tigers fall into the trap? Nope. Pick -- Clemson
Saturday's Games
Georgia Tech at Pittsburgh -6.5. Pittsburgh at home will be too much for struggling Georgia Tech. The triple option is getting old in Atlanta. Paul Johnson's seat gets warmer. Pick -- Pittsburgh
Georgia at South Carolina +7. This game is in doubt because of the hurricane. The Gamecocks have been hanging with everybody they have played. But moral victories don't count in the W column. Georgia suffered a killer loss at home last week to Tennessee. Pick -- South Carolina
LSU at Florida +3. Ed Orgeron, who has made a career of being an interim head coach, got off to a good start last week by blasting Mississippi State. Florida is tough to figure out. But take the Gators at home. Pick -- Florida
Notre Dame at N.C. State -2. The Wolfpack ended Wake Forest's undefeated season last Saturday. Notre Dame got back on the positive side by routing Syracuse. Are the Irish healed? I don't think so. Pick -- N.C. State
Oklahoma at Texas +10. According to reports, the Red River Rivalry at the Texas State Fair is the beginning of the Charlie Strong Farewell Tour. Texas upset Oklahoma last season. It won't happen this year because a speed bump in a Wal-Mart parking lot puts up more resistance than the Texas defense. Pick -- Oklahoma
Virginia Tech at North Carolina -2.5. A big ACC Coastal showdown in Chapel Hill. Virginia Tech, coming off a bye week, has scored 103 points in its last two games. The Tar Heels pulled off a miracle in Tallahassee last Saturday. I am going to take the Hokies and the points. Pick -- Virginia Tech
Tennessee at Texas A&M -7.0. Tennessee's prayer was answered in Athens, but those same prayers will fall on deaf ears this Saturday. Aggies will hand the Vols their first loss. Pick -- Texas A&M
Florida State at Miami -3.0. Another game that might have real hurricane issues. I wonder if they are missing Mark Richt in Athens? Richt has the Hurricanes undefeated after two scoop-and-scores led to a two-touchdown victory at Georgia Tech. Florida State is leaking oil and has several loose lug nuts. The Seminoles will hit the wall at Hard Rock Stadium. Pick -- Miami
Washington at Oregon +8.5. The Huskies have lost 12 straight in the series and have not won in Eugene since 2002. The Cascade Clash is one of the nation's most underrated rivalries. Oregon has lost three straight for the first time in recent memory. The Ducks take another hit. Pick -- Washington
Last Week -- 4-5-1
For The Season -- 25-24-2
Friday, September 30, 2016
Finally, A Week Over The .500 Mark
It just almost a month, but we finally had a positive record last week.
We nailed Clemson, Georgia, and South Carolina. Clemson's defense destroyed Georgia Tech's triple option, but the Clemson offense continues to sleepwalk. Georgia got hammered at Ole Miss. The Dawgs have got massive offensive problems. South Carolina also continues to have major offensive problems.
The biggest wiffs were Michigan State and Wake Forest. Really Michigan State? 30-6 loss to Wisconsin? We predicted the Demon Deacons would fall from the ranks of the unbeatens, but they managed to slip by Indiana on the road.
The feature game this week is the massive ACC Atlantic showdown at Clemson Saturday night.
Well, let's get it on!
All picks are against the spread.
And of course, all picks are for entertainment purposes only.
Friday
Stanford at Washington -3.5. Biggest game of the season to date for Stanford. The Cardinal pulled out a victory late at UCLA. Washington was a sexy preseason pick in the Pac 12. Let's ride the Huskies. Pick -- Washington
Saturday
Miami (Fla) at Georgia Tech +7. Mark Richt was 13-2 against Georgia Tech when he was at Georgia, but his Bulldogs did have some struggles against the Jackets' triple option. I think the combination of Miami's defense and Hurricane quarterback Brad Kaaya will be to much for Tech. Pick -- Miami
Texas at Oklahoma State -2.5. The Horns come to Stillwater Saturday and the Pokes will be waiting on them with all guns loaded. Pick -- Oklahoma State
Tennessee at Georgia +3. Georgia got exposed last week at Ole Miss. Tennessee will do more damage to the Dawgs this week. Kirby, we've got a problem. Pick -- Georgia
Louisville at Clemson +2. This line has been all over the board. Clemson an underdog at home? I know Lamar "Action" Jackson is the runaway favorite for the Heisman Trophy at the moment but is he that good? The key to the game -- Can Clemson turn Jackson into a pocket passer? If Jackson is allowed to run, it could be a long night for the Tigers. Clemson has been in big games recently. Louisville has not. Pick -- Clemson
Texas A&M at South Carolina +17.5. South Carolina can't score. A&M can score. The spread is a little hefty, but I think the Aggies will find a way to cover. Pick -- Texas A&M
Virginia at Duke -3.5. Duke shocked the world last week at Notre Dame. Can the Blue Devils come off their Golden Dome high in time to deal with the struggling Cavaliers? The answer is yes. Pick -- Duke
North Carolina at Florida State -11. Florida State at home against the Fighting Larry Fedoras. I think the Noles roll. Pick -- Florida State
Wisconsin at Michigan -11. Wisconsin's impressive early-season run ends in the Big House. The Wolverines stay unbeaten. Pick -- Michigan
Wake Forest at N.C. State -11. Speaking of unbeatens, how about Wake Forest? The surprising Deacons travel to Raleigh to face the skiddish Wolfpack. As long as they are unbeaten, let's ride the Deacons. Pick -- Wake Forest
Last Week -- 6-4
For The Season -- 21-19-1
We nailed Clemson, Georgia, and South Carolina. Clemson's defense destroyed Georgia Tech's triple option, but the Clemson offense continues to sleepwalk. Georgia got hammered at Ole Miss. The Dawgs have got massive offensive problems. South Carolina also continues to have major offensive problems.
The biggest wiffs were Michigan State and Wake Forest. Really Michigan State? 30-6 loss to Wisconsin? We predicted the Demon Deacons would fall from the ranks of the unbeatens, but they managed to slip by Indiana on the road.
The feature game this week is the massive ACC Atlantic showdown at Clemson Saturday night.
Well, let's get it on!
All picks are against the spread.
And of course, all picks are for entertainment purposes only.
Friday
Stanford at Washington -3.5. Biggest game of the season to date for Stanford. The Cardinal pulled out a victory late at UCLA. Washington was a sexy preseason pick in the Pac 12. Let's ride the Huskies. Pick -- Washington
Saturday
Miami (Fla) at Georgia Tech +7. Mark Richt was 13-2 against Georgia Tech when he was at Georgia, but his Bulldogs did have some struggles against the Jackets' triple option. I think the combination of Miami's defense and Hurricane quarterback Brad Kaaya will be to much for Tech. Pick -- Miami
Texas at Oklahoma State -2.5. The Horns come to Stillwater Saturday and the Pokes will be waiting on them with all guns loaded. Pick -- Oklahoma State
Tennessee at Georgia +3. Georgia got exposed last week at Ole Miss. Tennessee will do more damage to the Dawgs this week. Kirby, we've got a problem. Pick -- Georgia
Louisville at Clemson +2. This line has been all over the board. Clemson an underdog at home? I know Lamar "Action" Jackson is the runaway favorite for the Heisman Trophy at the moment but is he that good? The key to the game -- Can Clemson turn Jackson into a pocket passer? If Jackson is allowed to run, it could be a long night for the Tigers. Clemson has been in big games recently. Louisville has not. Pick -- Clemson
Texas A&M at South Carolina +17.5. South Carolina can't score. A&M can score. The spread is a little hefty, but I think the Aggies will find a way to cover. Pick -- Texas A&M
Virginia at Duke -3.5. Duke shocked the world last week at Notre Dame. Can the Blue Devils come off their Golden Dome high in time to deal with the struggling Cavaliers? The answer is yes. Pick -- Duke
North Carolina at Florida State -11. Florida State at home against the Fighting Larry Fedoras. I think the Noles roll. Pick -- Florida State
Wisconsin at Michigan -11. Wisconsin's impressive early-season run ends in the Big House. The Wolverines stay unbeaten. Pick -- Michigan
Wake Forest at N.C. State -11. Speaking of unbeatens, how about Wake Forest? The surprising Deacons travel to Raleigh to face the skiddish Wolfpack. As long as they are unbeaten, let's ride the Deacons. Pick -- Wake Forest
Last Week -- 6-4
For The Season -- 21-19-1
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
After Three Weeks, Still Can't Break Through The .500 Level
Three weeks in the books and all three weeks of picks have been dead even.
Louisville shocked the country last week by destroying Florida State. The Cardinals and dynamic quarterback Lamar Jackson look like the real deal.
Georgia and South Carolina both did damage to the picks record last week by barely covering narrow spreads.
Let's take a look at this week's selections. As always, picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
Thursday
-- Clemson at Georgia Tech +9.5. Clemson is a shaky 3-0. Georgia Tech is an unknown 3-0. The Tigers have not won in Atlanta since 2003 and strange things always seem to happen at ancient Grant Field, especially to the Tigers. A Clemson victory will set up a surprising early-season showdown against streaking Louisville on Oct. 1. I don't think the Tigers will be looking ahead. They cannot afford to. Grouchy Paul Johnson and his triple option deserve respect. Clemson has been working on Georgia Tech for 10 days and the Tigers spend time on the triple option in the spring because they play Tech every year. The line opened at 11, so the gamblers have been taking Tech. I think this will be Clemson's coming out party. Pick -- Clemson
Saturday
-- Southern Cal at Utah -3.0. Southern Cal's season got off to a rotten start when it got mutilated by Alabama. Utah will add to the USC misery. Pick -- Utah
-- Georgia at Ole Miss -7.0. Bottom line, Georgia simply isn't ready to see what it is going to see Saturday in Oxford, Miss. Ole Miss, which has blown a pair of signature wins against Florida State and Alabama, will take out some frustration on the Dawgs. Pick -- Ole Miss
-- South Carolina at Kentucky -2.5. The Gamecocks travel to Lexington, Ky., to try and equal last season's win total (3). It won't happen. Pick -- Kentucky
-- Oklahoma State at Baylor -9.5. The Cowboys leave Stillwater for the first time this season to face undefeated Baylor. Oklahoma State's defense is equal to a speed bump. A really low speed bump. Take the Bears at home. Pick -- Baylor
-- Wisconsin at Michigan State -5.5. Reality sets in for Wisconsin. Michigan State showed it still has some punch by manhandling Notre Dame last Saturday. Pick -- Michigan State
-- Pittsburgh at North Carolina -7.0. This one might last four-plus hours. Pitt has allowed 84 points in its last two games. UNC has allowed 84 points in its three games this season. Defense will take a holiday in this one. The over/under is a joke at 67.5. Pick -- North Carolina
-- Florida at Tennessee -6.5. Tennessee has lost 11 in a row to Florida, the last two by a single point. The streak ends this week in Knoxville. Gators go down. Vols stamp themselves as SEC East favorites. Pick -- Tennessee
-- LSU at Auburn +3.5. Both of these teams are an offensive mess. The difference is LSU has one solid option -- powerful running back Leonard Fournette. Fournette rushed for 244 yards and three touchdowns against Auburn last season. Gus Malzahn's seat at Auburn ignites into a five-alarm fire after this one. Pick -- LSU
-- Wake Forest at Indiana -7.5. Undefeated Wake Forest will fall from the ranks of the unbeaten. Pick -- Indiana
Last Week -- 5-5
For The Season -- 15-15-1
Louisville shocked the country last week by destroying Florida State. The Cardinals and dynamic quarterback Lamar Jackson look like the real deal.
Georgia and South Carolina both did damage to the picks record last week by barely covering narrow spreads.
Let's take a look at this week's selections. As always, picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only.
Thursday
-- Clemson at Georgia Tech +9.5. Clemson is a shaky 3-0. Georgia Tech is an unknown 3-0. The Tigers have not won in Atlanta since 2003 and strange things always seem to happen at ancient Grant Field, especially to the Tigers. A Clemson victory will set up a surprising early-season showdown against streaking Louisville on Oct. 1. I don't think the Tigers will be looking ahead. They cannot afford to. Grouchy Paul Johnson and his triple option deserve respect. Clemson has been working on Georgia Tech for 10 days and the Tigers spend time on the triple option in the spring because they play Tech every year. The line opened at 11, so the gamblers have been taking Tech. I think this will be Clemson's coming out party. Pick -- Clemson
Saturday
-- Southern Cal at Utah -3.0. Southern Cal's season got off to a rotten start when it got mutilated by Alabama. Utah will add to the USC misery. Pick -- Utah
-- Georgia at Ole Miss -7.0. Bottom line, Georgia simply isn't ready to see what it is going to see Saturday in Oxford, Miss. Ole Miss, which has blown a pair of signature wins against Florida State and Alabama, will take out some frustration on the Dawgs. Pick -- Ole Miss
-- South Carolina at Kentucky -2.5. The Gamecocks travel to Lexington, Ky., to try and equal last season's win total (3). It won't happen. Pick -- Kentucky
-- Oklahoma State at Baylor -9.5. The Cowboys leave Stillwater for the first time this season to face undefeated Baylor. Oklahoma State's defense is equal to a speed bump. A really low speed bump. Take the Bears at home. Pick -- Baylor
-- Wisconsin at Michigan State -5.5. Reality sets in for Wisconsin. Michigan State showed it still has some punch by manhandling Notre Dame last Saturday. Pick -- Michigan State
-- Pittsburgh at North Carolina -7.0. This one might last four-plus hours. Pitt has allowed 84 points in its last two games. UNC has allowed 84 points in its three games this season. Defense will take a holiday in this one. The over/under is a joke at 67.5. Pick -- North Carolina
-- Florida at Tennessee -6.5. Tennessee has lost 11 in a row to Florida, the last two by a single point. The streak ends this week in Knoxville. Gators go down. Vols stamp themselves as SEC East favorites. Pick -- Tennessee
-- LSU at Auburn +3.5. Both of these teams are an offensive mess. The difference is LSU has one solid option -- powerful running back Leonard Fournette. Fournette rushed for 244 yards and three touchdowns against Auburn last season. Gus Malzahn's seat at Auburn ignites into a five-alarm fire after this one. Pick -- LSU
-- Wake Forest at Indiana -7.5. Undefeated Wake Forest will fall from the ranks of the unbeaten. Pick -- Indiana
Last Week -- 5-5
For The Season -- 15-15-1
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Clemson Disappoints, TCU Loss Means Trouble For Big 12
It is the most asked question in upstate South Carolina this week: What is wrong with Clemson?
The Tigers are 2-0 but have been less than impressive in both of their victories. Basically, they have stumbled their way to 2-0. Quarterback DeShaun Watson has not been sharp and his receivers need the "electric football rule" to be added to the book. (Electric football rule -- Any pass hitting a receiver in the air is considered complete. Receiver can pick up the ball and run with it.) Ray Ray McCloud forgot to take something with him over the goal line in one of the biggest bonehead plays in Clemson history. Fans felt pretty good about the development of the defensive unit until it fell apart in the final five minutes against Troy. The Tigers have this week against South Carolina State to get things straightened out. Clemson is not one of this week's 10 picks because there is not a line. But if I were you, I would take the South Carolina State Marching 101 and the give the points.
TCU lost in overtime to Arkansas to make the Big 12 the early favorite to be left out of the College Football playoff. Coupled with Oklahoma State's shocking and illegal loss to Central Michigan at home, the Big 12 already has two wheels over the cliff. Oklahoma must beat Ohio State to stay alive in the CFP conversation.
Last week was another .500 week. Kentucky, a 16-point underdog, was the biggest disappointment of the week. The Wildcats didn't come close to covering as they lost their 30th consecutive game to Florida.
Here are this week's selections. All picks are against the spread.
-- Vanderbilt at Georgia Tech -6.5. This is a tough spot for Tech. SEC opponent then Clemson on a short week. Can the Jackets focus on the Dores first? Pick -- Georgia Tech
-- Pittsburgh at Oklahoma State -6.0. Don't let a loss beat you twice. Thanks to a major officiating error, the Cowboys' playoff hopes to a major hit last Saturday. Pitt, led by bruising running back James Connor, knocked off Penn State and come to Stillwater full of confidence. This is a clash of offensive styles -- the wide-open Cowboys versus the plodding Panthers. Home field makes the difference. Pick -- Oklahoma State
-- East Carolina at South Carolina -3.5. The Gamecocks play their first home game of the season. South Carolina's offense is a major work in progress. East Carolina has momentum after beating N.C. State last Saturday, its sixth straight victory over an ACC team. Pick -- East Carolina
-- Georgia at Missouri +6.5. Georgia also has offensive issues. Kirby Smart can't decided on a quarterback. I think 6.5 is just too many points. Pick -- Missouri
-- Florida State at Louisville +2.5. This is the marquee game of the day. On paper, it looks like a real shootout. Too bad the kickoff is at noon. This is Louisville's first real test. Lamar Jackson has been superb in the first two games -- 13 touchdowns in 57 minutes. Can he do anything against a real defense? Pick -- Louisville
-- Colorado at Michigan -20.5. Where are you Cordell Stewart? The Wolverines will rough up the Buffs in the Big House. Pick -- Michigan
-- Boston College at Virginia Tech -6.0. Both of these teams have offensive issues. Please God, don't let Virginia Tech wear those rock uniforms ever again. Thank you. Amen. Take the Hokies at home. Pick -- Virginia Tech
-- Alabama at Ole Miss -10. Nick Saban screaming at Lane Kiffin late in last week's game set the stage for this week. Saban is dialed in. The Rebels have won two straight against the Tide. That streak ends Saturday. Pick -- Alabama
-- Michigan State at Notre Dame -7.5. The Spartans do not have enough offense to keep up with the Domers. Pick -- Notre Dame
-- Ohio State at Oklahoma +1.5. It's mid-September but it's do-or-die for the Sooners. A second loss would almost certainly eliminate Oklahoma from playoff consideration. The Buckeyes rarely leave Columbus in September. They prefer a steady diet of home cupcakes before Big 10 play begins. I may be a sucker, but I can't pass up the Sooners getting points at home. Pick -- Oklahoma
Last Week -- 5-5
For The Season -- 10-10-1
The Tigers are 2-0 but have been less than impressive in both of their victories. Basically, they have stumbled their way to 2-0. Quarterback DeShaun Watson has not been sharp and his receivers need the "electric football rule" to be added to the book. (Electric football rule -- Any pass hitting a receiver in the air is considered complete. Receiver can pick up the ball and run with it.) Ray Ray McCloud forgot to take something with him over the goal line in one of the biggest bonehead plays in Clemson history. Fans felt pretty good about the development of the defensive unit until it fell apart in the final five minutes against Troy. The Tigers have this week against South Carolina State to get things straightened out. Clemson is not one of this week's 10 picks because there is not a line. But if I were you, I would take the South Carolina State Marching 101 and the give the points.
TCU lost in overtime to Arkansas to make the Big 12 the early favorite to be left out of the College Football playoff. Coupled with Oklahoma State's shocking and illegal loss to Central Michigan at home, the Big 12 already has two wheels over the cliff. Oklahoma must beat Ohio State to stay alive in the CFP conversation.
Last week was another .500 week. Kentucky, a 16-point underdog, was the biggest disappointment of the week. The Wildcats didn't come close to covering as they lost their 30th consecutive game to Florida.
Here are this week's selections. All picks are against the spread.
-- Vanderbilt at Georgia Tech -6.5. This is a tough spot for Tech. SEC opponent then Clemson on a short week. Can the Jackets focus on the Dores first? Pick -- Georgia Tech
-- Pittsburgh at Oklahoma State -6.0. Don't let a loss beat you twice. Thanks to a major officiating error, the Cowboys' playoff hopes to a major hit last Saturday. Pitt, led by bruising running back James Connor, knocked off Penn State and come to Stillwater full of confidence. This is a clash of offensive styles -- the wide-open Cowboys versus the plodding Panthers. Home field makes the difference. Pick -- Oklahoma State
-- East Carolina at South Carolina -3.5. The Gamecocks play their first home game of the season. South Carolina's offense is a major work in progress. East Carolina has momentum after beating N.C. State last Saturday, its sixth straight victory over an ACC team. Pick -- East Carolina
-- Georgia at Missouri +6.5. Georgia also has offensive issues. Kirby Smart can't decided on a quarterback. I think 6.5 is just too many points. Pick -- Missouri
-- Florida State at Louisville +2.5. This is the marquee game of the day. On paper, it looks like a real shootout. Too bad the kickoff is at noon. This is Louisville's first real test. Lamar Jackson has been superb in the first two games -- 13 touchdowns in 57 minutes. Can he do anything against a real defense? Pick -- Louisville
-- Colorado at Michigan -20.5. Where are you Cordell Stewart? The Wolverines will rough up the Buffs in the Big House. Pick -- Michigan
-- Boston College at Virginia Tech -6.0. Both of these teams have offensive issues. Please God, don't let Virginia Tech wear those rock uniforms ever again. Thank you. Amen. Take the Hokies at home. Pick -- Virginia Tech
-- Alabama at Ole Miss -10. Nick Saban screaming at Lane Kiffin late in last week's game set the stage for this week. Saban is dialed in. The Rebels have won two straight against the Tide. That streak ends Saturday. Pick -- Alabama
-- Michigan State at Notre Dame -7.5. The Spartans do not have enough offense to keep up with the Domers. Pick -- Notre Dame
-- Ohio State at Oklahoma +1.5. It's mid-September but it's do-or-die for the Sooners. A second loss would almost certainly eliminate Oklahoma from playoff consideration. The Buckeyes rarely leave Columbus in September. They prefer a steady diet of home cupcakes before Big 10 play begins. I may be a sucker, but I can't pass up the Sooners getting points at home. Pick -- Oklahoma
Last Week -- 5-5
For The Season -- 10-10-1
Thursday, September 8, 2016
After One Week At .500
After a wild Week One, the record stands at .500.
There weren't any big wiffs. I count Texas beating Notre Dame as probably the biggest surprise of the weekend.
Both Wisconsin and Houston won outright to cover their spreads. I nailed both of those games.
The big miss was Tennessee, a 20-point favorite, that had to fight like hell to beat Appalachian State.
I thought North Carolina could get Georgia, but Larry Fedora pulled his normal disappearing act in the first game of the season.
Clemson would have covered, but Dabo Swinney did too much thinking and decided not to kick the clinching field goal. Auburn took the ball and got off two Hail Marys before Clemson was finally able to end the game and keep numerous TVs in upstate South Carolina from being destroyed.
I got Florida State correct, but the Seminoles had to pull off the biggest comeback in school history to stun Ole Probation, I mean Ole Miss.
There was one push. Georgia Tech scored a late touchdown to beat Boston College by three.
This week's slate of games is not nearly as attractive as Week One. Here are this week's selections. As always, the picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only:
Friday's Game
-- Louisville at Syracuse -14.5. A somewhat interesting match up. This is the ACC opener for both teams. Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino is 5-0 against the Orange. Syracuse first-year head coach Dino Babers has installed a fast-paced offense and he promises to go even faster in the future. Babers wants 80-plus snaps per game. Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson accounted for eight touchdowns in the first half against outmanned Charlotte in the opener. The big question -- Will Louisville be looking ahead to Florida State? I don't think so. Pick -- Louisville
Saturday's Games
-- Troy at Clemson +36. No worries about kicking a field goal this week. Everybody plays. Everybody has a good time. Tigers in a laugher. Pick -- Clemson
-- South Carolina at Mississippi State -6.5. The Bulldogs blew a 17-point lead at home to lose their opener to South Alabama, a program that has existed for just seven seasons. South Carolina won a fist fight in Nashville thanks to the strong leg of Elliott Fry. Fry hit a career-long 55-yard field goal to win the game for the Gamecocks. The combination of State getting slapped in the face by South Alabama plus playing in Stark-Vegas will be too much for South Carolina. Pick -- Mississippi State
-- N.C. State at East Carolina +4.5. The Wolfpack travels east to renew a heated, under-the-radar rivalry. East Carolina plans to "stripe" the stadium with sections alternating purple and gold. Back in the day, these two schools hated each other. It is going to be interesting to see if time has cooled things down a bit. The Pirates can score, so I like the points. Pick -- East Carolina
-- Boston College at Massachusetts +16. UMass went to the Swamp and gave the suspect Gators all they wanted. BC went across the pond and suffered yet another narrow loss when Georgia Tech scored a touchdown with less than 30 seconds to play to win by three. The spread indicates to me that somebody knows something. Pick -- Boston College
-- Penn State at Pittsburgh -6, Pitt running James Connor is one of the best stories in college football. Connor has returned from a major knee injury and cancer to play for the Panthers. Playing in his first game after a year off last Saturday, Connor scored two touchdowns in Pitt's 28-7 victory over Villanova. The James Franklin era has yet to take off in Happy Valley. These two last met in 2000, a 12-0 Pitt victory that snapped a seven-game Penn State winning streak in the series. Connors' tough running and the Pitt defense will make the difference. Pick -- Pittsburgh
-- Wake Forest at Duke -5. I consider David Cutcliffe a miracle worker. He has been a winner everywhere he has been as a coach. He has made Duke football relevant. Wake football is back to where it came from before the glory days of Jim Grobe. In the toilet. Pick -- Duke
-- Kentucky at Florida -16. After the first week of the season, I think the key to this game is the line. I just don't think Florida can beat anybody by 16. Pick -- Kentucky
-- Arkansas at TCU -7.5. Here's a statistical oddity. Arkansas has won five in a row against TCU in Fort Worth. These two schools haven't played since 1991 -- Arkansas' final season in the Southwest Conference. It wasn't that long ago that TCU was known for defense. Now, the Frog faithful are wondering -- Where is the defense? This is a definite clash of offensive styles -- High-flying TCU versus plodding Arkansas. I will take the Frogs. Pick -- TCU
-- Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee -11.5 at Bristol, Tenn. A crowd of around 180,000 is expected at the converted Bristol Motor Speedway for this meeting between the Hokies and Vols. First-year Tech head coach Justin Fuente won his opener -- a 36-13 decision over Liberty. Tennessee, the preseason favorite in the SEC East, had to survive upstart Appalachian State in the opener. The Hokies are still too much of an unknown. Big question of the night. Will that say -- "Drivers, start your engines!" before the kickoff. Pick -- Tennessee
Weekly Record -- 5-5-1
Season Record -- 5-5-1
There weren't any big wiffs. I count Texas beating Notre Dame as probably the biggest surprise of the weekend.
Both Wisconsin and Houston won outright to cover their spreads. I nailed both of those games.
The big miss was Tennessee, a 20-point favorite, that had to fight like hell to beat Appalachian State.
I thought North Carolina could get Georgia, but Larry Fedora pulled his normal disappearing act in the first game of the season.
Clemson would have covered, but Dabo Swinney did too much thinking and decided not to kick the clinching field goal. Auburn took the ball and got off two Hail Marys before Clemson was finally able to end the game and keep numerous TVs in upstate South Carolina from being destroyed.
I got Florida State correct, but the Seminoles had to pull off the biggest comeback in school history to stun Ole Probation, I mean Ole Miss.
There was one push. Georgia Tech scored a late touchdown to beat Boston College by three.
This week's slate of games is not nearly as attractive as Week One. Here are this week's selections. As always, the picks are against the spread and for entertainment purposes only:
Friday's Game
-- Louisville at Syracuse -14.5. A somewhat interesting match up. This is the ACC opener for both teams. Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino is 5-0 against the Orange. Syracuse first-year head coach Dino Babers has installed a fast-paced offense and he promises to go even faster in the future. Babers wants 80-plus snaps per game. Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson accounted for eight touchdowns in the first half against outmanned Charlotte in the opener. The big question -- Will Louisville be looking ahead to Florida State? I don't think so. Pick -- Louisville
Saturday's Games
-- Troy at Clemson +36. No worries about kicking a field goal this week. Everybody plays. Everybody has a good time. Tigers in a laugher. Pick -- Clemson
-- South Carolina at Mississippi State -6.5. The Bulldogs blew a 17-point lead at home to lose their opener to South Alabama, a program that has existed for just seven seasons. South Carolina won a fist fight in Nashville thanks to the strong leg of Elliott Fry. Fry hit a career-long 55-yard field goal to win the game for the Gamecocks. The combination of State getting slapped in the face by South Alabama plus playing in Stark-Vegas will be too much for South Carolina. Pick -- Mississippi State
-- N.C. State at East Carolina +4.5. The Wolfpack travels east to renew a heated, under-the-radar rivalry. East Carolina plans to "stripe" the stadium with sections alternating purple and gold. Back in the day, these two schools hated each other. It is going to be interesting to see if time has cooled things down a bit. The Pirates can score, so I like the points. Pick -- East Carolina
-- Boston College at Massachusetts +16. UMass went to the Swamp and gave the suspect Gators all they wanted. BC went across the pond and suffered yet another narrow loss when Georgia Tech scored a touchdown with less than 30 seconds to play to win by three. The spread indicates to me that somebody knows something. Pick -- Boston College
-- Penn State at Pittsburgh -6, Pitt running James Connor is one of the best stories in college football. Connor has returned from a major knee injury and cancer to play for the Panthers. Playing in his first game after a year off last Saturday, Connor scored two touchdowns in Pitt's 28-7 victory over Villanova. The James Franklin era has yet to take off in Happy Valley. These two last met in 2000, a 12-0 Pitt victory that snapped a seven-game Penn State winning streak in the series. Connors' tough running and the Pitt defense will make the difference. Pick -- Pittsburgh
-- Wake Forest at Duke -5. I consider David Cutcliffe a miracle worker. He has been a winner everywhere he has been as a coach. He has made Duke football relevant. Wake football is back to where it came from before the glory days of Jim Grobe. In the toilet. Pick -- Duke
-- Kentucky at Florida -16. After the first week of the season, I think the key to this game is the line. I just don't think Florida can beat anybody by 16. Pick -- Kentucky
-- Arkansas at TCU -7.5. Here's a statistical oddity. Arkansas has won five in a row against TCU in Fort Worth. These two schools haven't played since 1991 -- Arkansas' final season in the Southwest Conference. It wasn't that long ago that TCU was known for defense. Now, the Frog faithful are wondering -- Where is the defense? This is a definite clash of offensive styles -- High-flying TCU versus plodding Arkansas. I will take the Frogs. Pick -- TCU
-- Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee -11.5 at Bristol, Tenn. A crowd of around 180,000 is expected at the converted Bristol Motor Speedway for this meeting between the Hokies and Vols. First-year Tech head coach Justin Fuente won his opener -- a 36-13 decision over Liberty. Tennessee, the preseason favorite in the SEC East, had to survive upstart Appalachian State in the opener. The Hokies are still too much of an unknown. Big question of the night. Will that say -- "Drivers, start your engines!" before the kickoff. Pick -- Tennessee
Weekly Record -- 5-5-1
Season Record -- 5-5-1
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
New Season. Let's Get It Started.
The waiting is finally over. The daily release of some sort of "list" about college football is done. The preseason All-American teams have been named. The predictions have been made. All of the talk is done.
It is time to get it on.
Welcome back to the Cobb Blog.
Week One has some amazing matchups. Gone are the days of paying to play four punching bags before entering conference play. The Big Five conferences know that strength of schedule means something. If you want to be in the talk for the College Football Playoff, you have to play quality non-conference opponents.
Locally, expectations at Clemson have never been higher. A dynamic offense, led by all-everything quarterback DeShaun Watson, should be the best in the country. The defense is going to need some time, but there is plenty of talent on the depth chart.
How good is Watson? There has been some chatter during the preseason that he is going to put it in cruise control to keep from getting hurt before the 2017 NFL Draft. Watson says that isn't going to happen. And I don't think that's Watson's style. He is going to give whatever he's got. As long as he is on the field, Clemson can beat anybody.
South Carolina is developing under first-year head coach Will Muschamp, who is getting a second chance to be a head coach in the SEC. Muschamp and his staff already have addressed one of the big issues in Columbia -- recruiting. But it is going to take some time to turn around the entire program that has declined the past two seasons.
This ranks as one of the most interesting opening weeks ever with five interesting neutral site games. Here are this week's selections. All picks are against the betting line. And as always, the picks are for entertainment purposes only:
Thursday Games
-- South Carolina at Vanderbilt -3.5. The Gamecocks have become a staple on the opening Thursday night of the season. This year, they take their act on the road to Nashville to face a Vandy team that has high expectations. But Vandy always has high expectations until the season starts. Both teams are a mystery, but I think the Muschamp era will get off to a good start. Pick -- South Carolina
-- Appalachian State at Tennessee -20.0. Many pundits say Tennessee is finally back. The Vols have been the most popular selection with take the SEC East title. The Mountaineers cannot be overlooked, but I don't think the Vols will have a problem. Pick -- Tennessee
Saturday Games
-- Georgia Tech vs. Boston College +3 at Dublin, Ireland. It took a lot of preparation to get both of these teams to Dublin -- passports for players and staff, counting equipment and compiling lists for security checks, shipping the equipment, etc. Last year was a total flop for both of these teams. Tech struggled to find offensive consistency, while BC just struggled for offense. The Eagles can play defense, so Tech's option attack better take care of the ball. The points are tempting, but I think the Yellow Jackets will find some way to cover the spread. Pick -- Georgia Tech
-- Georgia vs. North Carolina +3.5 at Atlanta. This one has interesting game written all over it. I am going to put Georgia on Upset Alert. Georgia fans finally managed to get rid of Mark Richt and get the man they have wanted for a long time -- former Bulldog player and former Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart. Georgia's offense got a boost when it was announced running back Nick Chubb, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Tennessee game last season, is ready to go for the opener. North Carolina will have a new starting quarterback who is not brand new -- Mitch Trubisky, who played in nine games last season. The Heels also have a solid running back -- Elijah Hood. The Heels can score and their defensive unit should take another step forward this season. Pick -- North Carolina
-- Clemson at Auburn -7.5. Another Upset Alert. Auburn struggled last season and has had several scrapes with the law during the off season. There are murmurs on the Plains that head coach Gus Malzahn is in trouble. Clemson has gone from hunter to hunted. Clemson's offensive unit should be high flying and dynamic with Watson at the controls. The Clemson defensive unit is in the same situation it was last season -- reloading with talented but untested players. Can former Clemson defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, who was fired by Dabo Swinney after the Tigers gave up 70 to West Virginia, inspire his Auburn defense to rise up against Clemson? This looks like a tussle for three quarters. There is a lot working in Auburn's favor, but some how, some way, I think Clemson will find a way to cover. Pick -- Clemson
-- Alabama vs. Southern Cal +9 at Arlington, Texas. The Crimson Tide has won four of the last seven national championships. Southern Cal has been through some trials and tribulations in recent years, but the Trojans are still considered one of the Blue Bloods of college football. But on Saturday night at Jerry World, I think the stage will be too big for the Trojans and the Tide will roll. Pick -- Alabama
-- Oklahoma at Houston -11. "Big Game" Bob Stoops is stepping out in the opener with a dangerous trip to Houston. Houston head coach Tom Herman has built a power high-scoring offense since coming to southeast Texas from Ohio State. The Cougars showed they are a national factor at the end of last season by beating Florida State in the Peach Bowl. Oklahoma has most of its key players back from last year's team that reached the College Football Playoff. I think the Sooners will win, but I don't think they will cover. Take the points. Pick -- Houston
-- UCLA at Texas A&M -3. No school has had more quarterbacks transfer out of the program in the last two years than Texas A&M. Aggie fans hope former Oklahoma quarterback Trevor Knight can stabilize the position. People keep waiting for Jim Mora, Jr., to return to the NFL, but for the moment, he is still in Westwood. The Bruins have enough defense to hang with the Aggies. Pick -- UCLA
-- LSU vs. Wisconsin -10 at Green Bay, Wisconsin. This one will be played on the not-so-frozen tundra of Lambeau Field. Saturday's forecast is 77 degrees and high humidity. LSU stud running back Leonard Fournette has been slowed by an ankle problem in the preseason. LSU head coach Les Miles is planning on reducing Fournette's workload in hopes of keeping him fresher later in the season. Wisconsin is all about a big offensive line and physical backs. Ten is a lot of points. I am going to take the points. Pick -- Wisconsin
Sunday
-- Notre Dame at Texas -2.5. The Irish humiliated the Longhorns last season in South Bend. The only thing Texas managed to do last year was upset Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry. Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly got a super dose of heart burn during the preseason when six Irish players decided to get themselves arrested. The Irish were a couple of plays away from being in the College Football Playoff last season. I just don't believe in Texas. Pick -- Notre Dame
Monday
-- Ole Miss vs. Florida State -5 at Orlando, Fla. Clemson reject Chad Kelly has become one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC. FSU's Dalvin Cook is one of the best running backs in the country, but the Seminoles have an issue at quarterback. After Sean Maguire was sidelined with a foot injury in the preseason, freshman dual threat Deondre Francois was named the starting quarterback. I think the difference in this one is defense. Florida State is really stout, and Kelly has a history of making bad decisions. Pick -- Florida State
It is time to get it on.
Welcome back to the Cobb Blog.
Week One has some amazing matchups. Gone are the days of paying to play four punching bags before entering conference play. The Big Five conferences know that strength of schedule means something. If you want to be in the talk for the College Football Playoff, you have to play quality non-conference opponents.
Locally, expectations at Clemson have never been higher. A dynamic offense, led by all-everything quarterback DeShaun Watson, should be the best in the country. The defense is going to need some time, but there is plenty of talent on the depth chart.
How good is Watson? There has been some chatter during the preseason that he is going to put it in cruise control to keep from getting hurt before the 2017 NFL Draft. Watson says that isn't going to happen. And I don't think that's Watson's style. He is going to give whatever he's got. As long as he is on the field, Clemson can beat anybody.
South Carolina is developing under first-year head coach Will Muschamp, who is getting a second chance to be a head coach in the SEC. Muschamp and his staff already have addressed one of the big issues in Columbia -- recruiting. But it is going to take some time to turn around the entire program that has declined the past two seasons.
This ranks as one of the most interesting opening weeks ever with five interesting neutral site games. Here are this week's selections. All picks are against the betting line. And as always, the picks are for entertainment purposes only:
Thursday Games
-- South Carolina at Vanderbilt -3.5. The Gamecocks have become a staple on the opening Thursday night of the season. This year, they take their act on the road to Nashville to face a Vandy team that has high expectations. But Vandy always has high expectations until the season starts. Both teams are a mystery, but I think the Muschamp era will get off to a good start. Pick -- South Carolina
-- Appalachian State at Tennessee -20.0. Many pundits say Tennessee is finally back. The Vols have been the most popular selection with take the SEC East title. The Mountaineers cannot be overlooked, but I don't think the Vols will have a problem. Pick -- Tennessee
Saturday Games
-- Georgia Tech vs. Boston College +3 at Dublin, Ireland. It took a lot of preparation to get both of these teams to Dublin -- passports for players and staff, counting equipment and compiling lists for security checks, shipping the equipment, etc. Last year was a total flop for both of these teams. Tech struggled to find offensive consistency, while BC just struggled for offense. The Eagles can play defense, so Tech's option attack better take care of the ball. The points are tempting, but I think the Yellow Jackets will find some way to cover the spread. Pick -- Georgia Tech
-- Georgia vs. North Carolina +3.5 at Atlanta. This one has interesting game written all over it. I am going to put Georgia on Upset Alert. Georgia fans finally managed to get rid of Mark Richt and get the man they have wanted for a long time -- former Bulldog player and former Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart. Georgia's offense got a boost when it was announced running back Nick Chubb, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Tennessee game last season, is ready to go for the opener. North Carolina will have a new starting quarterback who is not brand new -- Mitch Trubisky, who played in nine games last season. The Heels also have a solid running back -- Elijah Hood. The Heels can score and their defensive unit should take another step forward this season. Pick -- North Carolina
-- Clemson at Auburn -7.5. Another Upset Alert. Auburn struggled last season and has had several scrapes with the law during the off season. There are murmurs on the Plains that head coach Gus Malzahn is in trouble. Clemson has gone from hunter to hunted. Clemson's offensive unit should be high flying and dynamic with Watson at the controls. The Clemson defensive unit is in the same situation it was last season -- reloading with talented but untested players. Can former Clemson defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, who was fired by Dabo Swinney after the Tigers gave up 70 to West Virginia, inspire his Auburn defense to rise up against Clemson? This looks like a tussle for three quarters. There is a lot working in Auburn's favor, but some how, some way, I think Clemson will find a way to cover. Pick -- Clemson
-- Alabama vs. Southern Cal +9 at Arlington, Texas. The Crimson Tide has won four of the last seven national championships. Southern Cal has been through some trials and tribulations in recent years, but the Trojans are still considered one of the Blue Bloods of college football. But on Saturday night at Jerry World, I think the stage will be too big for the Trojans and the Tide will roll. Pick -- Alabama
-- Oklahoma at Houston -11. "Big Game" Bob Stoops is stepping out in the opener with a dangerous trip to Houston. Houston head coach Tom Herman has built a power high-scoring offense since coming to southeast Texas from Ohio State. The Cougars showed they are a national factor at the end of last season by beating Florida State in the Peach Bowl. Oklahoma has most of its key players back from last year's team that reached the College Football Playoff. I think the Sooners will win, but I don't think they will cover. Take the points. Pick -- Houston
-- UCLA at Texas A&M -3. No school has had more quarterbacks transfer out of the program in the last two years than Texas A&M. Aggie fans hope former Oklahoma quarterback Trevor Knight can stabilize the position. People keep waiting for Jim Mora, Jr., to return to the NFL, but for the moment, he is still in Westwood. The Bruins have enough defense to hang with the Aggies. Pick -- UCLA
-- LSU vs. Wisconsin -10 at Green Bay, Wisconsin. This one will be played on the not-so-frozen tundra of Lambeau Field. Saturday's forecast is 77 degrees and high humidity. LSU stud running back Leonard Fournette has been slowed by an ankle problem in the preseason. LSU head coach Les Miles is planning on reducing Fournette's workload in hopes of keeping him fresher later in the season. Wisconsin is all about a big offensive line and physical backs. Ten is a lot of points. I am going to take the points. Pick -- Wisconsin
Sunday
-- Notre Dame at Texas -2.5. The Irish humiliated the Longhorns last season in South Bend. The only thing Texas managed to do last year was upset Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry. Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly got a super dose of heart burn during the preseason when six Irish players decided to get themselves arrested. The Irish were a couple of plays away from being in the College Football Playoff last season. I just don't believe in Texas. Pick -- Notre Dame
Monday
-- Ole Miss vs. Florida State -5 at Orlando, Fla. Clemson reject Chad Kelly has become one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC. FSU's Dalvin Cook is one of the best running backs in the country, but the Seminoles have an issue at quarterback. After Sean Maguire was sidelined with a foot injury in the preseason, freshman dual threat Deondre Francois was named the starting quarterback. I think the difference in this one is defense. Florida State is really stout, and Kelly has a history of making bad decisions. Pick -- Florida State
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)