Baby steps at mid-season. I'll take it.
I snapped a losing streak (somewhat) last week with a 5-5 record. The big misses were the Miracle On Tenth Avenue in Atlanta and Utah falling flat against a wounded Southern Cal team.
My lack of confidence in Clemson also cost me, but I don't think even the most rabid Clemson fan saw a 58-0 beatdown of Miami on the radar. The Tigers were nearly flawless in dismantling the Hurricanes, a loss that ended Al Golden's stay at South Beach.
It's time to move on to Halloween weekend. Let's see if we can find more treats than tricks in the selections. As always, all picks are against the spread.
-- North Carolina -3 at Pittsburgh. A big game in the ACC Coastal. The winner will be well positioned for a trip to Charlotte. North Carolina is still kicking itself for that opening loss to South Carolina. The Tar Heels have not lost since the opening weekend. A big reason is defensive coordinator Gene Chizik, who has done a nice job putting some teeth in the Tar Heel defense. In his first season in charge of the Panthers, head coach Pat Narduzzi has Pitt on the fast track to respectability. I think the difference in this one is the North Carolina offense. I will give the points on the road. Take the Tar Heels.
-- West Virginia at TCU -14. Trevone Boykin and the TCU offense will shread the West Virginia defense. The Mountaineers will score some but not nearly enough. Pick TCU.
-- Louisville -11.5 at Wake Forest. The Cardinals climb to .500 overall with a victory over the Deacons. The spread of 11.5 is enough for a Deacon cover. Take Wake.
-- South Carolina at Texas A&M -16.0. The Aggies blasted the Gamecocks in Columbia last season, a loss that started a downward spiral in Columbia that has yet to hit bottom. A&M will have no trouble covering the spread at home. Pick A&M.
-- Georgia Tech -6 at Virginia. Georgia Tech pulled off the second-best finish this season when Lance Austin returned a blocked field goal 78 yards for a touchdown on the final play of the game to give the Yellow Jackets an upset of previously unbeaten Florida State. Can Tech use that miracle to build some momentum? Virginia head coach Mike London is waiting on the ax to fall. But first the ax will fall on Georgia Tech. Pick Virginia.
-- Clemson -10 at N.C. State. I feel the same way I did last week. This one makes me nervous. Ten is a lot of points. It is homecoming at N.C. State. The Wolfpack has shown respect to the unbeaten Tigers, but they also have talked about revenge for the beating they took in Death Valley last season. Emotion only lasts so long before talent takes over. This could be the Kiss of Death, but I think the Tigers will get it done. Pick Clemson.
-- Oklahoma State -3 at Texas Tech. Unbeaten Okie State travels to west Texas. The Cowboys have a big November at home with TCU, Baylor, and Oklahoma all coming to Stillwater. Looking past the trip to Lubbock could be dangerous, but I think the Cowboys will survive a shootout. Take Okie State.
-- Georgia vs. Florida -3. I don't care what they say this is still "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party". To this day, it is the only place have been overwhelmed by the smell of bourbon while standing on the sideline. Florida pulled a stunner last year by pounding Georgia. Could this be Mark Richt's last stand? A loss to the Gators could get "For Sale" signs put in his yard and finally get him into missionary work. I think Florida's defense will be the difference. Take Florida.
-- Ole Miss -7.5 at Auburn. If Ole Miss wins out, the SEC could miss the playoffs. Auburn is a three-alarm dumpster fire. The Rebels will add fuel to the fire. Take Ole Miss.
-- Notre Dame -10 at Temple. When Notre Dame scheduled this game, I am sure it expected a walk-over. Instead it gets undefeated Temple on the road with Game Day at Independence Hall. This is an interesting matchup. Will Notre Dame take Temple seriously? Can the Owls hang on Halloween? Here is a creepy stat -- Notre Dame is 15-0 all-time on Halloween. Make it 16-0.
Against The Spread
Last Week -- 5-5
For The Season -- 40-44
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Friday, October 23, 2015
Getting Close To Leonard's Losers Territory
We are getting close, dangerously close to Leonard's Losers territory.
A lot of you youngsters might not understand that reference so I will give you a brief explanation. Many years ago, there was a guy out of Athens, Ga., named Leonard Postero. He had a weekly radio show. The show was called "Leonard's Losers". During the show, he used colorful descriptions to pick losers rather than winners. Clemson was not Clemson. They were the Pickens County Felines. Georgia was the Red Clay Hounds. Georgia Tech was the Insects From The Institute.
Yes, it is getting that bad. Reverse picks on my picks.
Last week provided more head scratchers. I can't figure out Oklahoma. Michigan blew it against Michigan State with one of the worst punt attempts in history. Georgia and Missouri played a soccer match.
Last week's record was 4-7, dropping me to 35-39 for the season.
Let's try and make an assault on .500 this week. Here are the fearless selections. As always, picks are against the spread.
-- Clemson -6.5 at Miami. This one makes me nervous, real nervous. The Tigers are going on the road for just the second time this season. They have heard all week about how they have to bring their own energy in the large and empty pro stadium where Miami plays. Miami is 4-2 and capable. If Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya gets hot, the Tigers could be in trouble. My gut says upset, but I think the Tigers survive. Pick Clemson.
-- Florida State -5.0 at Georgia Tech. I keep waiting for Georgia Tech to jump up and sting somebody. I think that time as passed. Take Florida State.
-- Pittsburgh -6.5 at Syracuse. Pitt is the surprise of the ACC. The Panthers used a late field goal to beat Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Syracuse has lost three straight. Make it four. Pick Pitt.
-- Virginia at North Carolina -17.0. The Mike London Farewell Tour continues. Tar Heels roll and stay in the race for the Coastal title. Take UNC.
-- Duke at Virginia Tech -2.5. This is one Duke usually loses. But Virginia Tech is in decline and the talk of Frank Beamer hanging up it is becoming louder every day. The question is -- Can the Blue Devils break through a huge mental block and take out the Hokies. I think they can. Take Duke.
-- Texas Tech at Oklahoma -14.5. I cannot figure out Oklahoma. I have wiffed on the Sooners the last two weeks. This week they are at home against a Texas Tech team that is still struggling on defense. Pick Oklahoma.
-- Boston College at Louisville -7.5. The Boston College defense is for real. The Boston College offense is not. In this case, the half point is worth a look. In a fearless gamble, I am going to take BC.
-- Tennessee at Alabama -15.5. Alabama will have no problem covering this spread at home. Take the Tide.
-- Texas A&M at Ole Miss -6.0. Ole Miss got ambushed in Memphis last Saturday, but the Rebels will benefit from some home cooking. Take Ole Miss.
-- Utah at USC -3.5. Undefeated Utah is getting no respect as an underdog. Southern Cal is close to becoming a dumpster fire. Pick the Utes.
Last Week -- 4-7
For The Season -- 35-39
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Last Week's Lowlight -- A Sooner Scooner Wreck In Dallas
Last week's blog featured the biggest whiff of the season. An absolute total swing and a miss. Oklahoma, a double-digit favorite, got its rear end kicked in Dallas by a struggling Texas team. Big Game Bob Stoops is now just a distant memory. The Sooner Scooner has two broken wheels and cracked axle. And the Big 12 continues to look like a showdown between Baylor and TCU. But remember this. Baylor, TCU, and Oklahoma all have to visit Oklahoma State, which is still unbeaten. The Cowboys are going to have a lot to say about who wins the Big 12.
Last week's smelly 5-6 performance was highlight by several near misses. The two misses of note were TCU, which can score with anybody but can't stop anybody, and Utah, which got five picks against Cal but still managed to win by just six points.
The overall record has dipped under .500 for the first time this season -- 31-32. It is way past time to have a breakout week. Let's give it a go. Remember, there is no net with this high-wire act. As always, all selections are against the spread.
-- Pittsburgh at Georgia Tech -2.5. Watching Georgia Tech in person, I was shocked how inept Tech's offense has become. Clemson just smothered the Tech running game. The Jackets looked slow and unorganized. A couple of blown coverages by the Tigers were the only thing that allowed the Yellow Jackets to save some face. I thought Tech would show up last week. It didn't. I am going to give the Jackets one more chance to show up and be counted. Take Tech.
-- Vanderbilt at South Carolina -3.5. A stunning week in Columbia with the news about Steve Spurrier led to the great debate -- quitter or not a quitter? I say you can't spelled quitter without UT. Shawn Elliott was named interim head coach and made one immediate change -- rap and rock music throughout practice. Another change was more physical practices. I expect the Gamecocks to relax and play and run over punchless Vandy. Pick South Carolina.
-- Boston College at Clemson -15.5. Boston College has one of the nation's best defensive units and one of the nation's worst offensive units. Not a good combination for facing Clemson. BC is usually really tough on the Tigers, but I think Clemson is going to wrap up this remarkable three-game home stand with a big victory over the Eagles. Clemson.
-- Missouri at Georgia -16.0. Georgia is wounded. Nick Chubb is gone for the season with torn knee ligaments. The rumblings about firing Georgia head coach Mark Richt are getting louder by the hour. But with the season slipping away, I think Georgia will rise up and slap Missouri. Take the Dawgs.
-- Ole Miss -10.5 at Memphis. Watch out Rebels. If you go to sleep, high-powered Memphis could blow your doors off. The guess here is the Rebels make the 65-mile trip to Memphis and show the Tigers some SEC defense. Take Ole Miss.
-- Virginia Tech at Miami (Fla.) -6.0. I don't know what to do with this one. Both of these teams have head coaches sitting on white-hot hot seats. Hokie fans say Beamer has lost it and is too old. Miami fans just want Al Golden and his tie gone. The six points is for home field which isn't much of an advantage because Miami fans don't show up. I'm going to hold my nose and pick the Hurricanes. Take Miami.
-- Michigan State at Michigan -7.0. A real test for a surprising Michigan team that has been on a roll. Jim Harbaugh has put some pride and teeth back into the Wolverines. This could be an old-fashioned Big 10 slobber knocker. This one needs rain, mud, gray skies, and wind. Many observers believe Michigan State is the No. 1 challenger to Ohio State, but I think Sparty gets loss No. 1 Saturday in Ann Arbor. Take the Wolverines.
-- Oklahoma -4.5 at Kansas State. Oklahoma hangover? The Sooners pissed me off with that lame effort in the Red River Rivalry. I'm counting on another Sooner meltdown. Kansas State has dropped heartbreakers to Oklahoma State and TCU, but I like the Wildcats, the wizard Bill Snyder, and the points at home. Take Kansas State.
-- Alabama -4.5 at Texas A&M. After destroying Georgia, all of the talk was about how Alabama is not dead yet. But I think Alabama's hopes of an SEC West title will end in College Station. Take the Aggies.
-- Florida at LSU -6.5. Florida took a hit during the week when redshirt freshman quarterback Will Grier was suspended for take an over-the-counter supplement. Grier said he didn't know it was a banded substance. Grier should have read the publication the NCAA produces every year to let student-athletes know not to take substance until their trainer approves it. And it's not fine print. It's common sense. Grier's mistake did not come at a good time. Unbeaten LSU awaits in Baton Rouge. I think the Gators will slow down LSU's Leonard Fournette some, but I don't think they've going to stop him. The Bayou Bengals will end Florida's brief run of success. Take LSU.
-- Southern Cal at Notre Dame -7.0. What was USC athletic director Pat Hayden thinking when he decided to hire Steve Sarkisian? Didn't he know there were plenty of stories about Sarkisian's erratic behavior at both Washington and USC? Hayden can blame it on the search firm that vetted Sarkisian but that's a pretty weak excuse. Several observers say Hayden should also hit the road for botching the hire. The facts are Southern Cal was awful last Thursday night in a loss to Washington, and Sarkisian is history. The Trojans travel to South Bend and they are in no way, shape, or form ready to face the talented Irish. Notre Dame in a rout.
Against The Spread
Last Week -- 5-6
Season Record -- 31-32
Last week's smelly 5-6 performance was highlight by several near misses. The two misses of note were TCU, which can score with anybody but can't stop anybody, and Utah, which got five picks against Cal but still managed to win by just six points.
The overall record has dipped under .500 for the first time this season -- 31-32. It is way past time to have a breakout week. Let's give it a go. Remember, there is no net with this high-wire act. As always, all selections are against the spread.
-- Pittsburgh at Georgia Tech -2.5. Watching Georgia Tech in person, I was shocked how inept Tech's offense has become. Clemson just smothered the Tech running game. The Jackets looked slow and unorganized. A couple of blown coverages by the Tigers were the only thing that allowed the Yellow Jackets to save some face. I thought Tech would show up last week. It didn't. I am going to give the Jackets one more chance to show up and be counted. Take Tech.
-- Vanderbilt at South Carolina -3.5. A stunning week in Columbia with the news about Steve Spurrier led to the great debate -- quitter or not a quitter? I say you can't spelled quitter without UT. Shawn Elliott was named interim head coach and made one immediate change -- rap and rock music throughout practice. Another change was more physical practices. I expect the Gamecocks to relax and play and run over punchless Vandy. Pick South Carolina.
-- Boston College at Clemson -15.5. Boston College has one of the nation's best defensive units and one of the nation's worst offensive units. Not a good combination for facing Clemson. BC is usually really tough on the Tigers, but I think Clemson is going to wrap up this remarkable three-game home stand with a big victory over the Eagles. Clemson.
-- Missouri at Georgia -16.0. Georgia is wounded. Nick Chubb is gone for the season with torn knee ligaments. The rumblings about firing Georgia head coach Mark Richt are getting louder by the hour. But with the season slipping away, I think Georgia will rise up and slap Missouri. Take the Dawgs.
-- Ole Miss -10.5 at Memphis. Watch out Rebels. If you go to sleep, high-powered Memphis could blow your doors off. The guess here is the Rebels make the 65-mile trip to Memphis and show the Tigers some SEC defense. Take Ole Miss.
-- Virginia Tech at Miami (Fla.) -6.0. I don't know what to do with this one. Both of these teams have head coaches sitting on white-hot hot seats. Hokie fans say Beamer has lost it and is too old. Miami fans just want Al Golden and his tie gone. The six points is for home field which isn't much of an advantage because Miami fans don't show up. I'm going to hold my nose and pick the Hurricanes. Take Miami.
-- Michigan State at Michigan -7.0. A real test for a surprising Michigan team that has been on a roll. Jim Harbaugh has put some pride and teeth back into the Wolverines. This could be an old-fashioned Big 10 slobber knocker. This one needs rain, mud, gray skies, and wind. Many observers believe Michigan State is the No. 1 challenger to Ohio State, but I think Sparty gets loss No. 1 Saturday in Ann Arbor. Take the Wolverines.
-- Oklahoma -4.5 at Kansas State. Oklahoma hangover? The Sooners pissed me off with that lame effort in the Red River Rivalry. I'm counting on another Sooner meltdown. Kansas State has dropped heartbreakers to Oklahoma State and TCU, but I like the Wildcats, the wizard Bill Snyder, and the points at home. Take Kansas State.
-- Alabama -4.5 at Texas A&M. After destroying Georgia, all of the talk was about how Alabama is not dead yet. But I think Alabama's hopes of an SEC West title will end in College Station. Take the Aggies.
-- Florida at LSU -6.5. Florida took a hit during the week when redshirt freshman quarterback Will Grier was suspended for take an over-the-counter supplement. Grier said he didn't know it was a banded substance. Grier should have read the publication the NCAA produces every year to let student-athletes know not to take substance until their trainer approves it. And it's not fine print. It's common sense. Grier's mistake did not come at a good time. Unbeaten LSU awaits in Baton Rouge. I think the Gators will slow down LSU's Leonard Fournette some, but I don't think they've going to stop him. The Bayou Bengals will end Florida's brief run of success. Take LSU.
-- Southern Cal at Notre Dame -7.0. What was USC athletic director Pat Hayden thinking when he decided to hire Steve Sarkisian? Didn't he know there were plenty of stories about Sarkisian's erratic behavior at both Washington and USC? Hayden can blame it on the search firm that vetted Sarkisian but that's a pretty weak excuse. Several observers say Hayden should also hit the road for botching the hire. The facts are Southern Cal was awful last Thursday night in a loss to Washington, and Sarkisian is history. The Trojans travel to South Bend and they are in no way, shape, or form ready to face the talented Irish. Notre Dame in a rout.
Against The Spread
Last Week -- 5-6
Season Record -- 31-32
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
October Starts With Crash
Last week's picks were a total disaster. Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, and Ole Miss all went belly up and I could not recover.
The 4-7 slate for the week leaves me at .500 -- 26-26 -- for the season. Mediocre is not a strong enough word. I can think of a lot of words to describe what is going on, but I want to keep this blog in PG territory.
Well, let's see if we can get a clue this week. As always, the mighty and fearless selections are against the spread.
-- N.C. State at Virginia Tech Pick: Y'all know how I feel about Friday night college football. I hate it. Friday is for high schools. But the ACC has to collect all the checks it can, so N.C. State travels to Virginia Tech. State's rampage through cupcakes came to an end last week when Louisville handed the Wolfpack its first loss. The Hokies are struggling and the "Beamer needs to retire" talk is sure to gain some steam if the current trend continues. It is tough to pick against Virginia Tech at home, but I am going to take N.C. State.
-- LSU -13.5 at South Carolina: It has been a tough week in Columbia because of the massive amount of water, washed out roads, crumbling dams, etc. Then the word came on Wednesday that the game is being moved to Baton Rouge. Charlotte was not an option because the Panthers have sodded their field. A season that has started unraveling for the Gamecocks just continues to fall apart. LSU is led by running back Leonard Fournette, the best thing to come to Baton Rouge since gumbo. Tacklers bounce off of him like bullets bounce off Superman. Fournette has rushed for 200 or more yards in three straight games. Make it four. Take the Bayou Bengals.
-- Georgia Tech at Clemson -7: The classic trap game. Clemson used a lot of energy and emotion to hold off Notre Dame in one of the worst rainstorms in the history of Death Valley. The talk this week has been about focusing on Tech. Tech's triple option has been struggling, but Tech head coach Paul Johnson always seems to find a way against Clemson. The difference in this one is defense and special teams. Clemson has a defense and above average special teams. Tech has neither. Clemson.
-- Oklahoma State at West Virginia -7. Last time the Cowboys went to Morgantown, they got blasted. I don't think the Pokes are going to get blasted this time, but I do believe they will suffer their first loss. Take West Virginia.
-- Oklahoma -17 vs. Texas. Seriously, do we have to play this game? When Texas players are tweeting at halftime that they want to transfer from the program, you've got major problems. Plus, Texas head coach Charlie Strong got a vote of confidence this week. That's always trouble. Cue the violin music. Kiss of death. Texas has three wheels over the cliff. The program is a mess. Can't we just enjoy the Texas State Fair where they deep fry everything without having to watch the carnage that is going to take place in the old Cotton Bowl? Pass me a corndog and go heavy on the Sooners.
-- Virginia at Pittsburgh -8.5. The Mike London farewell tour continues. Pitt.
-- Wake Forest at Boston College -7.5. The Deacons played Florida State close. But I like Boston College at home. Take the Eagles.
-- Northwestern at Michigan -7.5. Northwestern's undefeated season comes to a screeching halt. Hail to the Victors. Take Michigan.
-- TCU -9 at Kansas State. Watch out TCU. Kansas State almost upset Oklahoma State in Stillwater with a wide receiver who had to play quarterback in an emergency situation. Bill Snyder will keep the Wildcats in the game for a while, but I just think the Horned Frogs have too much offensive firepower. Take TCU.
-- Miami (Fla.) at Florida State -9.5. Miami fans are flying "Fire Al Golden" banners at away games. Here's a Vegas bet for you. Who gets fired first -- Golden, London, or Strong? Florida State isn't Florida State. Yet. My gut tells me this will be closer than 9.5, but I'm not going to listen to my gut. I think Miami will fall by double digits. Chop, chop, chop. FSU.
-- California at Utah -7. Gameday is on campus. The pressure of being the Pac 12 frontrunner. Can Utah handle success? This will be interesting test for Utah, but I think Utes are for real. Take Utah.
Against The Spread
Last Week -- 4-7
Season -- 26-26
The 4-7 slate for the week leaves me at .500 -- 26-26 -- for the season. Mediocre is not a strong enough word. I can think of a lot of words to describe what is going on, but I want to keep this blog in PG territory.
Well, let's see if we can get a clue this week. As always, the mighty and fearless selections are against the spread.
-- N.C. State at Virginia Tech Pick: Y'all know how I feel about Friday night college football. I hate it. Friday is for high schools. But the ACC has to collect all the checks it can, so N.C. State travels to Virginia Tech. State's rampage through cupcakes came to an end last week when Louisville handed the Wolfpack its first loss. The Hokies are struggling and the "Beamer needs to retire" talk is sure to gain some steam if the current trend continues. It is tough to pick against Virginia Tech at home, but I am going to take N.C. State.
-- LSU -13.5 at South Carolina: It has been a tough week in Columbia because of the massive amount of water, washed out roads, crumbling dams, etc. Then the word came on Wednesday that the game is being moved to Baton Rouge. Charlotte was not an option because the Panthers have sodded their field. A season that has started unraveling for the Gamecocks just continues to fall apart. LSU is led by running back Leonard Fournette, the best thing to come to Baton Rouge since gumbo. Tacklers bounce off of him like bullets bounce off Superman. Fournette has rushed for 200 or more yards in three straight games. Make it four. Take the Bayou Bengals.
-- Georgia Tech at Clemson -7: The classic trap game. Clemson used a lot of energy and emotion to hold off Notre Dame in one of the worst rainstorms in the history of Death Valley. The talk this week has been about focusing on Tech. Tech's triple option has been struggling, but Tech head coach Paul Johnson always seems to find a way against Clemson. The difference in this one is defense and special teams. Clemson has a defense and above average special teams. Tech has neither. Clemson.
-- Oklahoma State at West Virginia -7. Last time the Cowboys went to Morgantown, they got blasted. I don't think the Pokes are going to get blasted this time, but I do believe they will suffer their first loss. Take West Virginia.
-- Oklahoma -17 vs. Texas. Seriously, do we have to play this game? When Texas players are tweeting at halftime that they want to transfer from the program, you've got major problems. Plus, Texas head coach Charlie Strong got a vote of confidence this week. That's always trouble. Cue the violin music. Kiss of death. Texas has three wheels over the cliff. The program is a mess. Can't we just enjoy the Texas State Fair where they deep fry everything without having to watch the carnage that is going to take place in the old Cotton Bowl? Pass me a corndog and go heavy on the Sooners.
-- Virginia at Pittsburgh -8.5. The Mike London farewell tour continues. Pitt.
-- Wake Forest at Boston College -7.5. The Deacons played Florida State close. But I like Boston College at home. Take the Eagles.
-- Northwestern at Michigan -7.5. Northwestern's undefeated season comes to a screeching halt. Hail to the Victors. Take Michigan.
-- TCU -9 at Kansas State. Watch out TCU. Kansas State almost upset Oklahoma State in Stillwater with a wide receiver who had to play quarterback in an emergency situation. Bill Snyder will keep the Wildcats in the game for a while, but I just think the Horned Frogs have too much offensive firepower. Take TCU.
-- Miami (Fla.) at Florida State -9.5. Miami fans are flying "Fire Al Golden" banners at away games. Here's a Vegas bet for you. Who gets fired first -- Golden, London, or Strong? Florida State isn't Florida State. Yet. My gut tells me this will be closer than 9.5, but I'm not going to listen to my gut. I think Miami will fall by double digits. Chop, chop, chop. FSU.
-- California at Utah -7. Gameday is on campus. The pressure of being the Pac 12 frontrunner. Can Utah handle success? This will be interesting test for Utah, but I think Utes are for real. Take Utah.
Against The Spread
Last Week -- 4-7
Season -- 26-26
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Still In The Positive But Fighting Late Slumps
For the second week in a row, I got off to a great start and then lost it at the end. I was 6-1 with three games remaining but Florida and TCU failed to cover and Arizona got steamrolled by UCLA.
As we enter October, the games are becoming more interesting. The largest spread on this week's sheet is Oklahoma State -8.5 at home against Kansas State.
Here we go. We'll give it our best shot. And as always, the selections are against the spread.
-- Miami (Fla.) -6.0 at Cincinnati. Miami takes its undefeated record to the Queen City to face at 2-2 Bearcat team that is coming off a shootout loss to Memphis. Cincinnati backup quarterback Hayden Moore entered the Memphis game and threw for a school record 557 yards and four touchdowns. Miami had last Saturday off after withstanding a furious rally by Nebraska in the fourth quarter. Will the Canes be looking ahead to their ACC opener against Florida State? Maybe, but I'm going to take Miami.
-- South Carolina at Missouri -4. How can Missouri be a favorite over anybody? Has to be the home field. It has been an ugly start for Mizzou. South Carolina may have found a little spark last week in quarterback Lorenzo Nunez. Both teams have lost to Kentucky. I think Nunez is going to be the difference. Take the Gamecocks.
-- Alabama at Georgia -2.5. Georgia's first real test as the Crimson Tide comes rolling into Athens. The Tide already has a conference loss so it is do-or-die for Bama as far as the national picture is concerned. Georgia has been rolling behind running back Nick Chubb and quarterback Greyson Lambert. I think Georgia is the real deal. Pick the Dawgs.
-- North Carolina at Georgia Tech -7. This spread makes no sense. North Carolina can score and seems to have found something since the season-opening disaster against South Carolina. Georgia Tech is just a disaster. Paul Johnson says his system has worked for a long time and will continue to work. It doesn't work well when there's no experience in the backfield. Take North Carolina.
-- Kansas State at Oklahoma State -8.5. The Cowboys got their fourth straight win in Austin last Saturday. They return home to face a Kansas State team that is undefeated after battling past Louisiana Tech in three overtimes. Oklahoma State needs more consistency on defense and better play out of quarterback Mason Rudolph. Take the Cowboys.
-- Notre Dame -1 at Clemson. Is this the biggest game in Clemson history? Every week is a big week for Notre Dame. Can Clemson handle the moment? Can Deshaun Watson have a breakout game on a big stage to kick start a Heisman campaign? Can Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer hold up against Clemson's pressure with 80,000 plus screaming at him? The winner places their name squarely in the conversation for the playoffs. Notre Dame spent the early part of the week using Twitter to fire some trash talk at the Tigers. That's why Clemson players are not allowed to use social media during the season. It cuts down on the noise. The chatter only lasts until you get hit the mouth the first time. Clemson.
-- Pittsburgh at Virginia Tech -4.5. Bud Foster's defense gave up 35 points last week at East Carolina. The Hokies will have to play better to beat Pitt. Take the Hokies.
-- West Virginia at Oklahoma -6.0. I want to get all giddy about undefeated West Virginia after the Mountaineers smashed Maryland. But I am going to take a chill pill because I believe the Sooner Scooner is ready to roll in Norman. Pick the Sooners.
-- Louisville at N.C. State -4.5. N.C. State is unbeated and untested. Louisville finally won a game last week. Can the Cards win two in a row? Nope. N.C. State.
-- Ole Miss -7.0 at Florida. Florida continues to walk a tight rope. The Gators rallied late to beat choking Tennessee. The Rebels won a snoozer against Vanderbilt, but they will have to get it cranked back up before entering The Swamp. Can Chad Kelly deliver another big road victory? Yes. Hoddy Toddy. Pick Ole Miss.
-- Mississippi State at Texas A&M -7.0. The Aggies continue to build momentum as they enter the teeth of their schedule. Take A&M at home.
Against The Spread
Last Week -- 6-4
For The Season -- 22-19
As we enter October, the games are becoming more interesting. The largest spread on this week's sheet is Oklahoma State -8.5 at home against Kansas State.
Here we go. We'll give it our best shot. And as always, the selections are against the spread.
-- Miami (Fla.) -6.0 at Cincinnati. Miami takes its undefeated record to the Queen City to face at 2-2 Bearcat team that is coming off a shootout loss to Memphis. Cincinnati backup quarterback Hayden Moore entered the Memphis game and threw for a school record 557 yards and four touchdowns. Miami had last Saturday off after withstanding a furious rally by Nebraska in the fourth quarter. Will the Canes be looking ahead to their ACC opener against Florida State? Maybe, but I'm going to take Miami.
-- South Carolina at Missouri -4. How can Missouri be a favorite over anybody? Has to be the home field. It has been an ugly start for Mizzou. South Carolina may have found a little spark last week in quarterback Lorenzo Nunez. Both teams have lost to Kentucky. I think Nunez is going to be the difference. Take the Gamecocks.
-- Alabama at Georgia -2.5. Georgia's first real test as the Crimson Tide comes rolling into Athens. The Tide already has a conference loss so it is do-or-die for Bama as far as the national picture is concerned. Georgia has been rolling behind running back Nick Chubb and quarterback Greyson Lambert. I think Georgia is the real deal. Pick the Dawgs.
-- North Carolina at Georgia Tech -7. This spread makes no sense. North Carolina can score and seems to have found something since the season-opening disaster against South Carolina. Georgia Tech is just a disaster. Paul Johnson says his system has worked for a long time and will continue to work. It doesn't work well when there's no experience in the backfield. Take North Carolina.
-- Kansas State at Oklahoma State -8.5. The Cowboys got their fourth straight win in Austin last Saturday. They return home to face a Kansas State team that is undefeated after battling past Louisiana Tech in three overtimes. Oklahoma State needs more consistency on defense and better play out of quarterback Mason Rudolph. Take the Cowboys.
-- Notre Dame -1 at Clemson. Is this the biggest game in Clemson history? Every week is a big week for Notre Dame. Can Clemson handle the moment? Can Deshaun Watson have a breakout game on a big stage to kick start a Heisman campaign? Can Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer hold up against Clemson's pressure with 80,000 plus screaming at him? The winner places their name squarely in the conversation for the playoffs. Notre Dame spent the early part of the week using Twitter to fire some trash talk at the Tigers. That's why Clemson players are not allowed to use social media during the season. It cuts down on the noise. The chatter only lasts until you get hit the mouth the first time. Clemson.
-- Pittsburgh at Virginia Tech -4.5. Bud Foster's defense gave up 35 points last week at East Carolina. The Hokies will have to play better to beat Pitt. Take the Hokies.
-- West Virginia at Oklahoma -6.0. I want to get all giddy about undefeated West Virginia after the Mountaineers smashed Maryland. But I am going to take a chill pill because I believe the Sooner Scooner is ready to roll in Norman. Pick the Sooners.
-- Louisville at N.C. State -4.5. N.C. State is unbeated and untested. Louisville finally won a game last week. Can the Cards win two in a row? Nope. N.C. State.
-- Ole Miss -7.0 at Florida. Florida continues to walk a tight rope. The Gators rallied late to beat choking Tennessee. The Rebels won a snoozer against Vanderbilt, but they will have to get it cranked back up before entering The Swamp. Can Chad Kelly deliver another big road victory? Yes. Hoddy Toddy. Pick Ole Miss.
-- Mississippi State at Texas A&M -7.0. The Aggies continue to build momentum as they enter the teeth of their schedule. Take A&M at home.
Against The Spread
Last Week -- 6-4
For The Season -- 22-19
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Late Sinking Spell Sinks Week Three Selections
Week Three provided a full-blown crash and burn. I was doing great until the final five selections. In the final five games, I took the big doughnut to record the first sub-.500 week of the season at 4-7. The overall record is still one above the magical .500 mark -- 16-15.
The fateful five games that sent me down the drain were Kentucky losing its 29th straight to Florida, Cal blowing a late three-touchdown lead before beating Texas by one stinking point, Stanford rising up and upsetting Southern Cal, Ole Miss knocking off Alabama in back-to-back seasons for the first time in school history, and UCLA failing to cover at double-digit spread over BYU.
I did pick Georgia, but I didn't anticipate a full nuclear meltdown by South Carolina. I thought the Gamecock defense was better but it got torched between the hedges. Even the OBC is going to have problems pulling this mess out of the ditch.
After a long Saturday full of losers, I am always amazed by the numbers set by "those guys in the desert" as the late great Larry Munson used to say.
Here are the selections for the final week of September. All picks are against the spread.
-- Boise State -2.5 at Virginia (Friday). Just a small editorial comment here. College football on a Friday night is a bad idea, an even worse idea than college football on a Tuesday night. I don't care where they are located on the eastern seaboard, ACC schools should not play on Friday nights. Friday nights are for high school football. College football on Friday night is just another sign that TV money is more important than the fans. End of rant and on to the game. Virginia put together an inspired effort against Notre Dame but blew it in the final minute. Boise State has to travel across country, but I don't think it is going to matter. Mike London, do you know any good real estate agents in Charlottesville? Take the Broncos.
-- Georgia Tech -9.5 at Duke. Duke lost the Academic Bowl last week to Northwestern, while Georgia Tech was getting smothered at Notre Dame. Tech coach Paul Johnson promised some fixes. Duke has been a pain in Tech's rear for a long time. This is a dangerous game for the Jackets at Wallace Wade Outdoor Stadium. Take Duke and the points.
-- Central Florida -14.5 at South Carolina. Here we have two teams that are both three-alarm dumpster fires. Central Florida lost at home to Furman, yes that Furman, while South Carolina got drilled by Georgia. What to do. What to do. If the Knights struggled with Furman, they certainly will have a difficult time with the Gamecocks. Right? Who knows? I expect a dead cat bounce from South Carolina. Take the Gamecocks.
-- Oklahoma State -3.0 at Texas. The Cowboys ride south to face their first "test" of the season. Texas has issues, but the Longhorns will be the best team Oklahoma State has faced to date. The interesting note on this game is that the road team has won six straight in the series. OSU continues that streak. Pistols firing. Take the Pokes.
-- BYU at Michigan -5.5. Michigan a favorite? Do my eyes deceive me? BYU lost its perfect season at UCLA. With that spread, somebody knows something. I have to take the Wolverines in the Big House.
-- Bowling Green -2.5 at Purdue. Both of these teams are 1-2. Purdue is 0-2 all-time against Bowling Green. The Falcons are averaging 39.6 points per game. I think Bowling Green will cover.
-- LSU -24.0 at Syracuse. Long trip for the Bayou Bengals and it will be difficult to find cajun food in upstate New York. There was a report that the 7,500 LSU fans making the trip were worried about running out of liquor. Now, that's a fan base. Twenty-four points is a lot but not enough to save the Orange. LSU.
-- Maryland at West Virginia -17.0. I'm picking West Virginia because Maryland has the ugliest helmets in college football and deserves to lose by three touchdowns. Hail to West Virginia, the pride of every Mountaineer.
-- Tennessee at Florida -1.5. Tennessee flunked its first major test by blowing at late lead at home against Oklahoma. Florida is still a mystery. The spread means nothing and the game is in The Swamp. I just don't believe in Tennessee. Take the Gators.
-- TCU -6.5 at Texas Tech. Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury piled on Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema after ripping the Hogs. TCU had a tougher than expected time with the Fighting Chad Morrises last week in Fort Worth. The Frogs have yet to show out. It's time. Take the Frogs.
-- UCLA -3.5 at Arizona. Battle of unbeatens. In this one, I like the home field. Rich Rodriguez gets it done. Pick the Wildcats.
Against The Spread
Last Week -- 4-7
Season -- 16-15
The fateful five games that sent me down the drain were Kentucky losing its 29th straight to Florida, Cal blowing a late three-touchdown lead before beating Texas by one stinking point, Stanford rising up and upsetting Southern Cal, Ole Miss knocking off Alabama in back-to-back seasons for the first time in school history, and UCLA failing to cover at double-digit spread over BYU.
I did pick Georgia, but I didn't anticipate a full nuclear meltdown by South Carolina. I thought the Gamecock defense was better but it got torched between the hedges. Even the OBC is going to have problems pulling this mess out of the ditch.
After a long Saturday full of losers, I am always amazed by the numbers set by "those guys in the desert" as the late great Larry Munson used to say.
Here are the selections for the final week of September. All picks are against the spread.
-- Boise State -2.5 at Virginia (Friday). Just a small editorial comment here. College football on a Friday night is a bad idea, an even worse idea than college football on a Tuesday night. I don't care where they are located on the eastern seaboard, ACC schools should not play on Friday nights. Friday nights are for high school football. College football on Friday night is just another sign that TV money is more important than the fans. End of rant and on to the game. Virginia put together an inspired effort against Notre Dame but blew it in the final minute. Boise State has to travel across country, but I don't think it is going to matter. Mike London, do you know any good real estate agents in Charlottesville? Take the Broncos.
-- Georgia Tech -9.5 at Duke. Duke lost the Academic Bowl last week to Northwestern, while Georgia Tech was getting smothered at Notre Dame. Tech coach Paul Johnson promised some fixes. Duke has been a pain in Tech's rear for a long time. This is a dangerous game for the Jackets at Wallace Wade Outdoor Stadium. Take Duke and the points.
-- Central Florida -14.5 at South Carolina. Here we have two teams that are both three-alarm dumpster fires. Central Florida lost at home to Furman, yes that Furman, while South Carolina got drilled by Georgia. What to do. What to do. If the Knights struggled with Furman, they certainly will have a difficult time with the Gamecocks. Right? Who knows? I expect a dead cat bounce from South Carolina. Take the Gamecocks.
-- Oklahoma State -3.0 at Texas. The Cowboys ride south to face their first "test" of the season. Texas has issues, but the Longhorns will be the best team Oklahoma State has faced to date. The interesting note on this game is that the road team has won six straight in the series. OSU continues that streak. Pistols firing. Take the Pokes.
-- BYU at Michigan -5.5. Michigan a favorite? Do my eyes deceive me? BYU lost its perfect season at UCLA. With that spread, somebody knows something. I have to take the Wolverines in the Big House.
-- Bowling Green -2.5 at Purdue. Both of these teams are 1-2. Purdue is 0-2 all-time against Bowling Green. The Falcons are averaging 39.6 points per game. I think Bowling Green will cover.
-- LSU -24.0 at Syracuse. Long trip for the Bayou Bengals and it will be difficult to find cajun food in upstate New York. There was a report that the 7,500 LSU fans making the trip were worried about running out of liquor. Now, that's a fan base. Twenty-four points is a lot but not enough to save the Orange. LSU.
-- Maryland at West Virginia -17.0. I'm picking West Virginia because Maryland has the ugliest helmets in college football and deserves to lose by three touchdowns. Hail to West Virginia, the pride of every Mountaineer.
-- Tennessee at Florida -1.5. Tennessee flunked its first major test by blowing at late lead at home against Oklahoma. Florida is still a mystery. The spread means nothing and the game is in The Swamp. I just don't believe in Tennessee. Take the Gators.
-- TCU -6.5 at Texas Tech. Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury piled on Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema after ripping the Hogs. TCU had a tougher than expected time with the Fighting Chad Morrises last week in Fort Worth. The Frogs have yet to show out. It's time. Take the Frogs.
-- UCLA -3.5 at Arizona. Battle of unbeatens. In this one, I like the home field. Rich Rodriguez gets it done. Pick the Wildcats.
Against The Spread
Last Week -- 4-7
Season -- 16-15
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Still Above .500 After Two Weeks
The good last week was picking Oklahoma and Michigan State and underdogs Kentucky (which won outright) and Mississippi State.
Last week's record was 7-4. All picks are against the spread. Here we go with Week Three:
-- Clemson -5 at Louisville. Clemson and Thursday nights give me heartburn. Thursday night equals struggle for the Tigers. Louisville is 0-2 but easily could be 2-0. The Cardinals have been their own worst enemy with turnovers and poor special teams play. Louisville had a lot of defense last year and controlled the Tigers after Watson's early exit with a broken finger. But the Cardinal defense was hit hard by the NFL draft. All the signs point to an upset, but I believe Clemson's rebuilt defense is for real. Tigers do enough to survive.
-- Florida State -8 at Boston College. This spread looks out of whack to me. The Eagles have given the Seminoles problems in Chestnut Hill, but I just don't see it this time. FSU.
-- Georgia Tech -2 at Notre Dame. This is one of Saturday's most interesting games. Paul Johnson has his triple-option offense cranked up. I mean really cranked up. The Yellow Jackets have literally steamrolled two straight opponents. Now Tech takes its act on the road to face a Notre Dame team that is missing its top running back and its starting quarterback. Notre Dame has a talented defense directed by former Georgia defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder, who is familar with Tech's scheme. The Irish will slow Tech down, but I don't think they will stop them. Take Georgia Tech.
-- South Carolina at Georgia -17. South Carolina has an improved defense, but the Gamecocks cannot score. Starting quarterback Connor Mitch is out with a separated shoulder. Georgia did what it had to do to beat Vanderbilt in Nashville, but Dawg fans are not happy with any part of their offense at the moment. Give Chubb the ball and ride your defense. That will be more than enough against the Gamecocks. Pick the Dawgs.
-- Auburn at LSU -7.5. Auburn has serious quarterback issues that will not be solved in one week. The Tigers survived an inspired effort from massive underdog Jacksonville State. After its home opener got washed out, LSU went to Starkville and knocked Mississippi State out of the national polls. Home field will be the difference. Auburn will not survive this week. LSU.
-- Colorado -3.5 at Colorado State. The Rocky Mountain Showdown has been dominated by Colorado. The Buffaloes have won 62 of the 86 meetings. But Colorado State has won two of the last three. The Rams are in their first year under the direction of new head coach Mike Bobo, the former offensive coordinator at Georgia. Last week, Colorado smashed UMass, while Colorado State dropped an overtime decision to Minnesota. The guess here is take Colorado State.
-- Florida -3 at Kentucky. Kentucky snapped a 20-game SEC road losing streak at South Carolina last week. Can the Wildcats snap a 28-game losing streak to the Gators? Kentucky is capable, but the mental block against Florida is a big one. But I think it can happen. More history for Kentucky. Take the Wildcats.
-- California -7 at Texas. After getting blown out at Notre Dame, Texas head coach Charlie Strong rearranged his offensive coaching staff. The results were positive against Rice, but California will provide a bigger challenge. Looking at the spread, I think the seven points is for home field. Take the Bears.
-- Stanford at Southern Cal -9.5. This is Southern Cal's first real game. Stanford isn't ready for the Trojans' high-powered offense. Fight on for Old SC.
-- Ole Miss at Alabama -6.5. Tuscaloosa will be too much for the Rebels. Roll Tide.
-- Brigham Young at UCLA -16.5. BYU, the nation's luckiest team, will have its luck run out at the Rose Bowl. Pick the Bruins.
Against The Spread
Last Week -- 7-4. Season -- 12-8
Last week's record was 7-4. All picks are against the spread. Here we go with Week Three:
-- Clemson -5 at Louisville. Clemson and Thursday nights give me heartburn. Thursday night equals struggle for the Tigers. Louisville is 0-2 but easily could be 2-0. The Cardinals have been their own worst enemy with turnovers and poor special teams play. Louisville had a lot of defense last year and controlled the Tigers after Watson's early exit with a broken finger. But the Cardinal defense was hit hard by the NFL draft. All the signs point to an upset, but I believe Clemson's rebuilt defense is for real. Tigers do enough to survive.
-- Florida State -8 at Boston College. This spread looks out of whack to me. The Eagles have given the Seminoles problems in Chestnut Hill, but I just don't see it this time. FSU.
-- Georgia Tech -2 at Notre Dame. This is one of Saturday's most interesting games. Paul Johnson has his triple-option offense cranked up. I mean really cranked up. The Yellow Jackets have literally steamrolled two straight opponents. Now Tech takes its act on the road to face a Notre Dame team that is missing its top running back and its starting quarterback. Notre Dame has a talented defense directed by former Georgia defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder, who is familar with Tech's scheme. The Irish will slow Tech down, but I don't think they will stop them. Take Georgia Tech.
-- South Carolina at Georgia -17. South Carolina has an improved defense, but the Gamecocks cannot score. Starting quarterback Connor Mitch is out with a separated shoulder. Georgia did what it had to do to beat Vanderbilt in Nashville, but Dawg fans are not happy with any part of their offense at the moment. Give Chubb the ball and ride your defense. That will be more than enough against the Gamecocks. Pick the Dawgs.
-- Auburn at LSU -7.5. Auburn has serious quarterback issues that will not be solved in one week. The Tigers survived an inspired effort from massive underdog Jacksonville State. After its home opener got washed out, LSU went to Starkville and knocked Mississippi State out of the national polls. Home field will be the difference. Auburn will not survive this week. LSU.
-- Colorado -3.5 at Colorado State. The Rocky Mountain Showdown has been dominated by Colorado. The Buffaloes have won 62 of the 86 meetings. But Colorado State has won two of the last three. The Rams are in their first year under the direction of new head coach Mike Bobo, the former offensive coordinator at Georgia. Last week, Colorado smashed UMass, while Colorado State dropped an overtime decision to Minnesota. The guess here is take Colorado State.
-- Florida -3 at Kentucky. Kentucky snapped a 20-game SEC road losing streak at South Carolina last week. Can the Wildcats snap a 28-game losing streak to the Gators? Kentucky is capable, but the mental block against Florida is a big one. But I think it can happen. More history for Kentucky. Take the Wildcats.
-- California -7 at Texas. After getting blown out at Notre Dame, Texas head coach Charlie Strong rearranged his offensive coaching staff. The results were positive against Rice, but California will provide a bigger challenge. Looking at the spread, I think the seven points is for home field. Take the Bears.
-- Stanford at Southern Cal -9.5. This is Southern Cal's first real game. Stanford isn't ready for the Trojans' high-powered offense. Fight on for Old SC.
-- Ole Miss at Alabama -6.5. Tuscaloosa will be too much for the Rebels. Roll Tide.
-- Brigham Young at UCLA -16.5. BYU, the nation's luckiest team, will have its luck run out at the Rose Bowl. Pick the Bruins.
Against The Spread
Last Week -- 7-4. Season -- 12-8
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