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
Friday, October 28, 2016
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
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