Week 5 College Football Picks

Week 1: 8-4
Week 2: 3-6
Week 3: 5-7
Week 4: 5-3-1

Nice little bounceback week....Temple played well last week...pretty happy

Temple +6 -- This is it....This is the week they will win. Army is so unimpressive it's ridiculous. I like that the line is moving my way as well. I'd be concerned with the support of the Owls and the line moving higher. I'd even feel comfortable taking the ML as well. The offense should move on them and keep Army around 17 points. I can see a 28-17 Owl win.

Indiana +10.5 -- The Hoosiers can keep this game close. Beat Iowa last year with about the same cast and the Hawkeyes are losing offensive weapons left and right. Indiana just needs a few stops to make this happen.

Tulane +42 -- All I need is for them to score one touchdown. LSU wants to get out of this game healthy and while their backups are probably better then Tulane's first team, i just have a feeling the foot will be off the pedal.

Notre Dame +22 -- God I hate backing the Irish but last time I checked Purdue's defense isn't that good. The Irish are due for an offensive explosion at some point (three offensive td's!!!) I can see a double digit loss for the Irish but they'll hang in there.

Michigan State +7.5 -- Boy i'm hesitant with this one...That Spartan Slide could come at anytime. I like how these teams mirror each other. A play of the under is probably better but Wisky has impressed me much.

Maryland +19 -- First test for Rutgers...Maryland's D can keep them in this one. I just have this feeling that Maryland hangs around long enough with the Scarlet Knights.

Under 43 Bama/FSU -- Two solid defenses and less then spectacular offenses.

TCU -10 -- Andre Brown returning is huge for the Frogs. CSU just can't play well away from Fort Collins.

UVA -6 -- Man i hate backing the hoos. Don't like Al Groh...don't like their pansy fans but I see this as a blowout. Pitt can't find a QB and should have trouble moving against that stout UVA defense. Man, I hate this pick but it seems too good.

Washington +21 -- I know the talent disparity in the matchup and i know it's the frosh against the great Trojan D but I love getting that many points against a team with a pulse in front of a raucous crowd.

I knew I was right!!!!

This is from an article in the Inquirer today....

"According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the Mid-American Conference yesterday admitted that its officials blew the call when a touchdown reception by Owls wide receiver Bruce Francis was disallowed with 40 seconds remaining in the team's 22-17 loss to host Connecticut on Sept. 15.

Francis was ruled out of bounds on the original call, which was upheld by a replay official. Television replays, though, showed Francis with one foot down in the back of the end zone, which would have made the catch a touchdown.

"All official reviews are internal, and not for public comment," said Gary Richter, media relations director for the MAC.

Temple's director of sports media relations, Larry Dougherty, said Owls coach Al Golden would have no further comment. Immediately after the Connecticut game, Golden expressed his disagreement with the ruling.

Under MAC bylaws, programs are allowed to send a play that involves a questionable call to the league office, where the director of officials will review it and reply with an interpretation."

Weekend Fast Hits

• First off, i want to address Derbybill's assertions that i'm not a good gambler. I went 5-3-1 this weekend with those picks. That's pretty good for someone who doesn't tout the lock of the century ever.
  
• The Eagles scored more points then i'd ever thought they would. I'd still deal McNabb. The Bears, Vikings, Chiefs are among the teams who would definately deal nicely for him. I can't see Donovan in an Eagles uniform much longer past a year or two.
  
• Those Eagle jerseys are freakin awesome...I'm looking into getting one for myself.
  
• With regards to the Skins, it's a shame how it ended and i can't help to wonder why in those situations they don't let their big QB sneak it in from one yard out. You get behind the biggest hog and follow him to freedom. Their still in better shape then predicted they would so that's a good thing.
  
• Syracuse was a huge surprise. No truth to the rumor that they played well because I tried to stop tuition payments. They havent scored that much since i went there.
  
• Temple is getting so close....i can taste that first win and after the first one, i smell a 2nd, 3rd and 4th ones as well. Their coming....The Golden Era is upon us.
  
• Hockey exhibition season is here....Hallejuyah!!! Ducks-Flyers stanley cup this year.
  
• Colt Brennan DNP'd this weekend vs. Charleston Southern. Unfortunately this probably hurts his heisman campaign when clearly it should help illustrate how much of a team player he is. He sacrificed a big half of stats to save his health for the team and their chances at a BCS bowl. I'm not jumping off his bandwagon but i'm attaching it to the Andre Woodson campaign. He fits it perfectly as he will not succeed in the pros but can be the Heisman. Just don't give it to John David Booty.
  
• Finally....HA HA Notre Dame fans....you deserve this winless start...pompous blowhards...take your independent status and NBC and enjoy.....Somehow you'll find your way to a bowl you don't belong at though.
  

Friday Quick Hits...

• It truly is the highlight of my week when the hooters girls come in. Those girls are so beautiful and smart. I'd love to date one if it was possible.
• This UVA game is so interesting. UVA is home and plays better at home but Ga Tech was embarrassed last week. I agree with Steve Merill's pick of the under though. Neither offense is that impressive.
  
• Don't you just hate internet poker sometimes. It seems that these sites reward idiocy. I will never play any internet poker tournaments for money because these idiots seem to win. No skill is allowed.
  
• It's terrible the position i'm in with regards to baseball. I hate the Phillies and the Mets...if the Marlins beat the Mets it helps the Phillies...if they lose it helps the Mets...This is just another reason as a Fish fan i don't like Atlanta because i wouldn't mind them winning the division.
  
• Scott Van Pelt is an outstanding addition to the Mike Tirico show. Can't believe he was broadcasting from Syracuse although he shouldn't have been at WAER. It was WERW's weak signal that gave me my start in this business. WAER's kids are just a bunch of snobs.
  

Week 4 College Football Picks

Week 1: 8-4
Week 2: 3-6
Week 3: 5-7

I don't know what pissed me off more last weekend...the fact that i fell for the chic upset picks or that scumbag Mike Tranghese screwing over my Owls from their rightful win. Right into the picks:

Temple +21 -- Vegas got modestly smarter and didn't make this 28 or above. The Owls are for real....or as for real as a winless team can get. This is the only team on their schedule looking for revenge but BG is very one dimensional. Owls hang in there and potentially win.

Wake Forest -3.5 -- Headscratcher of a line as I see the Deacs being head and shoulders above the Terps...especially if Skinner plays. I like their defense against the a Maryland team that can't pass.

Louisville -35 -- Lucky to get in this early but Syracuse won't score while Louisville will put up about 60. Sure they will not be happy about losing to UK but who better to take it out on then Syracuse. Can i stop tuition checks to them until they win?

Indiana +3 -- Clearly Vegas hasn't been watching this team. Kellen Lewis may be one of the top qb's in the big 10. His versatility will shine in a game that should be spread the other direction.

Duke +14 -- Never underestimate the value of picking up that first win. The Blue Devils have the offense to keep up with Navy if they let Thaddeus Lewis throw and throw some more.

Ohio State -23 -- Northwestern lost to above Duke at home. It's close for a quarter before the Buckeyes break away.

CSU +7 -- Gotta win a close game soon enough right? They've got some solid talent and should be able to hang around with Houston.

Cincy -24 -- Marshall will not score in this game. The Bearcats are on a roll and should continue it against a subpar Marshall team.

Oregon State +12 -- This pick changes with Torain's status. I like the ball control that OSU can have with Bernard mixed in with some Stroughter. Not impressed with ASU.

Lookin at Air Force and North Carolina as well. Have at it folks!

Wednesday's Quick Hits

• Do you think the Nats wished the season started over? They have been one of the hottest teams in baseball as of late and are playing real well.
  
• Anyone else annoyed with people who drive too slow because they are on their cell phone? I'm sick of the people in this city who are on the phone and drive slow and dumb and think that the phone is an excuse.
• Anyone else enjoying the collapse of the Red Sox? I think the Yankees best acquisition before the trade deadline was Gagne to the Red Sox.
  
• Still fuming at the Big East for hosing Temple. Love the Owls this week plus 21 points. Vegas always inflates Temple's lines when their really not as bad as they seem.
  
• Thanks to all of the callers on Tuesday who called into my show. I appreciate it and greatly will take your calls anytime...even Cowboy James and Carolina Rodney.
  
• The hockey exhibition season has begun. I know none of you care but I look for a great season from the Flyers. Can't be much worse then last year.
  
• Colt Brennan is hurt and may sit out a game. I hope this doesn't ruin his chances at the Heisman. I won't rest until he is at least invited to NY.
  

I'm glad to have heard all the "horror" stories from Skins fans and Larry Michael from their trip to Philly this past Monday. Guess what folks, it happens everywhere. Skins fans werent exactly nice to Eagles fans in DC when i went to those games for three of the past four years. A couple of friends and I went to Cleveland for an Eagles game and I had a man grab me and threaten death upon me. Only a certain usher saved me from who-knows-what...I had homeless people yell at me and I was told not to park in a certain lot because of what they do to opponent fans cars. It happens everywhere. Sure there are some bad eggs in Philly, but don't lump as all in there.

Honestly, this kid could be my hero...

Proof that Mike Tranghese is the devil

Saturday's Quick Hits...

• The Hokie offense is at it's best when there's a balance and it seems early on that the threat of Tyrod running helps give them that. The days of the plain dropback passer are going away...you need that running threat.
  
• I'll give UVA credit on that win. They looked good offensively and the defense did enough to get them the win. UNC has a good future ahead of them as that WR core has some playmakers. Give the Hoos those guys and their undefeated this season.
  
• As if I didn't need any more of a reason to hate the Big East, those cheating bastards had to go and screw Temple over. Replays of the touchdown clearly show it was a TOUCHDOWN. Although if you look closely you can see Mike Tranghese handing the ref an envelope. I wouldn't put anything past that slimy SOB.
  
• Syracuse...why bother wasting any space on them....I'm trying to stop payments to that school until they win a game. Heck Buffalo had 400 yards of offense on PSU.
  
• I love watching the misery of Notre Dame and their fans. It's a long time coming that the arrogance surrounding that program is put in their place. Looking at their schedule, their next win may not even come for awhile. Hail to the Victors Notre Dame....Michigan may have lost to a I-AA but you don't have an offensive touchdown.
  
• This just in....Colt Brennan can run for touchdowns as well. Not an overwhelming effort from him statistically but he still is running that ship nicely. Dispatched a 2nd straight road team.
  
• Matt Ryan a heisman candidate? He made Tenuta's defense look foolish....Check out his next three games and make room for him in NY.
  
• It is so clear that the best talent in the college football world is in the PAC 10 and SEC. The Big 10, Big East and Big 12 are so inferior compared to those two it's ridiculous. The balance in those two conferences is unmatched. Kentucky served notice to the college landscape yesterday in a game they needed to win. Andre Woodson is the newest thing in college football as well.
  
• Wow Nick Saban has made a difference in the SEC...maybe Auburn will look for the same spark next year since Tommy Tuberville may be looking for a new job.
  
• Congrats to the R-Braves....Glad to see the home team win.
  

Week 3 College Football Picks

Week 1: 8-4
Week 2: 3-6

There's nothing i can say other then that was the low of the lows...both my picks and the Owls...I at least will bounce back this week:

Temple +29.5 -- I know, I know...why would I back them again? I truly think the Buffalo game was an aberration and a rare thought by them that they can suit up and win. I just don't think UConn is good enough to give anyone 29.5 points. I think the Huskies score early and often but on 10-15 play drives. I'm sorry, I just think the Owls hang around with the Huskies.

Syracuse +13 -- I'm backing my alma mater here....Illinois is a solid team but I think this is the Cuse's last stand. If they don't win this then Buffalo is their only win. I think they put together a solid effort and actually take this game outright.

CMU +22 -- The offensive balance here will keep the Chippewas in the game and eventually Purdue will pull away but their the type of team with a 29-30 point lead who gives up a meaningless touchdown in the end.

Iowa State +17.5 -- It's a rivalry game and as putrid as ISU has been this season, they will put it all on the line when they play Iowa. The Hawkeyes havent been that impressive except against the Cuse this year. This is a game Bret Meyer shines and ISU is in it all day long.

WMU +20.5 -- Missouri's defense is mediocre at best. this reeks of a shootout. It's going to be one of those games where Missouri dominates yet the score doesn't reflect it because of some late scores.

Wake -19.5 -- Frustrations let loose in this game. Wake's not the type to blow anyone out but i just think this has been in the making since getting hosed last week.

Under 42 OSU/Washington -- The better defense plays the better offense here. I really think U-Dub has shown a lot more on offense then the buckeyes. problem is that this will be the best D they face. I think the Huskies have the D to keep OSU in check and prevent them from hitting 30. I smell 24-17.

UCF +17.5 -- Central Florida getting a team like Texas at home?!!? They will not let this chance slip away. UCF has offensive weapons and the defense to keep Colt McCoy in check. His offense hasn't been that spectacular anyways.

ECU +1 -- Too impressive to be a dog. Eric Kass being dumb was the best thing for this team because Pinkney got his chance to shine.

Under 47 Ark/Bama -- O/U this high in the SEC are ludicrous.

Fresno +16.5 -- Very chic pick amongst the experts but they have the talent to hang with Oregon.

Under 48 BC/Tech -- Two solid defenses with two offenses that need a little more work. I like the under in almost any game John Tenuta is coaching.

Cheaters and taking the fun out of football

A pair of hot issues here in the area involving the new great american sport football.

First, Bill Belichick...what can i say? The Patriots are the model organization in all of sports. They do everything right on and off the field but maybe we know why now. It's funny to watch him squirm in front of the podium. It's like the kid who gets caught doing something bad by his parents and he tries to lie to get out of it. Belichick knows what he did and got caught. I think they should award the win to the Jets and give NYJ some of NE's picks. If your really so against it Roger Goodell, be swift, be firm and take care of business.

Now the hokie topic....Lemme just say i was one of the more rowdier Syracuse fans at school. We had a chant involving the Hey Song which was less then nice. The school told the band they couldn't play it anymore so what did we do? We sang the song without the band and kept the tradition going. Greg's right...football is a weekly release of all the frustrations and crap that we've taken during M-F. If they want it to be like church, that's what Sunday morning is for. A lot of us take pride in our teams and take pride in our chants and "Stick it in...Stick it in" is as much a part of Virginia Tech as anything else.

That's all.

24 hours later...

Alright, one would think that i've cooled down but honestly, i think i'm angrier. This is ridiculous. There is no other team in the NFL with as much talent as the Eagles who lose in the stupidest ways. a 62 yd FG....a non-existent punt returner. Argh, I don't even know how i'm going to survive this week. I'm sure the Cowboys callers will make it so much easier for me....NOT

Humbling...

In what could have been one of the worst personal sports weekends ever, i find few things to hang my hat on...

We start on Saturday when Tech, Temple, Syracuse and Michigan took turns in being the worst team in my life. I think they combined for like 10 points between the 4 of them. Although, the future is bright for the Hokies...Tyrod showed flashes of greatness...more then Glennon ever showed.

Then on Sunday....first stinkin sunday of the year and i'm already aggrevated. Our beloved boy genius Andy Reid who is rapidly approaching Charlie Weis status gagged away another game. I wish the fat-man would go help his family out and stay the hell away from this team. How bad was Jeremy Bloom that he had to put these morons back there to get punts. The question was asked during his postgame presser "if the returners knew they didn't have to touch the ball," and I truly think that may not have been the case. McNabb sucked giving me more reason to despise Syracuse's favorite son. The playcalling was hideous and i added more reasons to hate Brett Favre. Those fox announcers sucked.

With regards to the Skins, I liked what Campbell did but losing Jansen has to be a huge blow. Time for Stephen Heyer to show what he's got in the real spotlight. Portis looked good...but boy Carlos Rogers sucked huh? Their going to face a desperate Eagles team next week. Sadly, if both teams play like they did today, skins will be 2-0.

Hideous weekend....absolutely hideous...i guess my next hope for success is the Flyers who begin camp soon.

Week 2 College Football Picks

Record: 6-3

Welcome back...We had a good week last night and got very lucky with the Sun Belt teams. I'll begin with the Temple game.

Temple -3 -- It scares the crap out of me that everyone loves Temple and that the line is so small. For once there is actually a talent disparity in favor of Temple. The Owls have way more athletes then UB and actually showed a semblance of an offense. Defensively you can't really gauge the effort considering Navy is so unique. The crowd will be nowhere near as strong but talking to my people in Philly, the fans will be back to the game. I'm taking the Owls but I don't necessarily support it. Last time they were favored was 2003 at home against Rutgers and they got swamped. They'll win the game though.

Vandy +4 -- I watched their game against Richmond and I expect this to be a typical low scoring SEC affair. I think this is a Vandy team that will be able to score on Bama. Can Bama do the same? Probably but I think Vandy will keep up. I see a 20-17 game here.

Wyoming -24 -- So impressive against a piss poor UVA team. Utah State is the most putrid team in america and i don't expect them to get out of double digits. I'm thinking there may be some letdown but USU is so bad that Wyoming will only be up 10 at half.

Washington +3 -- I might have been blinded by the Orange on my alma mater's jerseys but Washington looked great. Team speed looked good and this kid Locker is a stud. I'm just not a big believer of Boise State. This line should be higher to me which means they want BSU money. I'm not buyin it.

Troy +28 -- Once again i'm going to chance it with them against an SEC school. Troy has some offensive weapons mainly Haugabrook and I fully expect Florida to sleep walk through this game. Troy may need that late TD again to get me the cover.

Tulane +5.5 -- I know I know...Tulane sucks but MSU does as well. There may not be much of a homefield but i'll take the home dog in a battle of two bad teams. Matt Forte may be the best player on the field.

Hawaii -28.5 -- Colt Brennan is on a mission and so is this team to lay bad teams to waste away from home. Colt puts up 6 TD's in a quarter and then adds a few more.

Arkansas State +3 -- Impressive vs. Texas...might be a mirage but once again i'll take the home dog. Memphis just not as impressive to me on defense and i think ASU will be able to move the ball on the Tigers.

Iowa -22 -- Man, Syracuse stunk on the road when they had a good team with weapons...how are they going to do without any? Robinson is an improvement over Patterson but that's not saying much. Iowa rolls in their first home game.

Tech +12 -- Gimme the Hokies to lose an inspired 17-13 effort. I don't think Matt Flynn and that offense move the ball as easily.

Kinda lookin at Georgia -4 but I expected the line to be higher.

Quick Hits

• Is it wrong that I'm modestly attracted to Diana Taurasi? Actually, is it wrong that i've dedicated any time at all to a member of the WNBA in my blog?
  
• I actually watched some tennis this week....I liked what I saw except all of the grunts and groans...if i wanted that i'd listen to my neighbors. Although i do believe Maria Sharpova grunts as well.
  
• Last night, I can honestly say I didn't watch much of the NFL. That Louisville game was impressive. I think being in this college type town and covering the hoos and hokies so much that college football has overaken the NFL in my book. I love my Sundays but I find myself Saturday watching so many games that don't involve my teams or bets that it's surprising.
  
• Hawaii is in Louisiana Tech this weekend. There's no chance that Colt doesn't throw for 450 yards and 6 or 7 TD's. College Football News has already joined me in the dark side picking him for heisman after his week one, ONE HALF, performance.
  
• Tech will be in this game this weekend and will cover that double digit spread. They also have a viable chance of winning the game. PREDICTION: LSU 17-13
• Duke/UVA...This game should be a romp and it probably will but Hoo fans this doesn't mean your team is fixed...UNC awaits in Tar Heel country and that's not going to be easy.
  

Women Suck......

Honestly, I don't know what i'd do without women and sports because other then those two things my life would be problem free. I have officially written off the baseball season as a wash once football begins. The Marlins suck and so do the Twins...who i also root for.

You all know why i think women suck. Truly are the most painful part of this existence on earth. I was so excited for my lunch date today but she cancelled because she was sick. I don't know what it is with them but girls are put on this earth to pull at our emotions and basically make sure we don't go a 24 hour period without something going wrong.

That's all....i'll blog my college football picks for this weekend later on today since i'll have nothing to do as usual

Colt Brennan Factoid number two: When Hawaii isn't playing football, Colt is curing cancer.

The Title....

Alright, so the title of this blog isn't exactly the greatest. I don't exactly feel like a muse or anything but hey it's the best "M" word i could come up with. Feel free to make some suggestions.

Some quick hits.....
- I really think the Skins roll this week...Somewhere around 27-13 or so....this washington team is going to be a thorn in the sides in the rest of the NFC east.
- The hooters girl depth chart did get me into a lot of trouble. Let's be honest though, you really can't go wrong with any of the girls. Unfortunately though there has to be a number one.
- For those of you who don't listen to Riggins, give him a shot. It's a very entertaining show and there's a lot more then just the Skins to his show.
- Rotohog update: about 122 people have signed up...a lot of you listeners still need to join us for this exciting league. (so exciting that i dropped an f bomb that thankfully none of you heard)

- GAMBLING PICK OF THE NIGHT: I'm lookin at the Brewers tonight. Matt Albers pitching for the Astros who has been pitching well as of late but the kid Gallardo goin for the Brew Crew is a phenom and will shut down a putrid Astros offense.

This Blog....

Welcome to my blog. This is for all of the many opinions that I have that Greg doesn't let me say on the air. It's also for my daily pumping of Colt Brennan for the heisman and for the constant education of my listeners on who to bet on and against.

Stay Tuned.

PS....Colt Brennan factoid number one......His touchdown passes bring rain to countries that are in a drought.