Matt's Musings

Baseball Season Musings

2010-03-30T19:44:00.000-07:00

Baseball begins on Sunday night so it’s time to make last minute preparations with regards to betting trends and teams to watch. We’ll start this article off with pitchers to play and to fade.

Five Pitchers to back:

Wade Davis, TB – This 5^th starter made six starts last year for the Rays going 2-2 with a 3.72 ERA on the season. Davis started his career giving up one run and three hits against the Tigers in seven innings of work last September. While he did struggle against the Red Sox in his next start, Davis gave up just six earned runs in his last four starts of the season against the likes of Baltimore, Seattle and the Yankees. Should be noted that Davis has an 8.80 ERA in spring training but he’s been tinkering with new pitches.

Brian Matusz, Baltimore – The bandwagon is big for this tall left hander as a good spring training has backed a nice finish to his 2009 season. Matusz is 1-2 with a 3.10 ERA in five outings this spring striking out 19 while walking only 3.

Homer Bailey, Cincinnati – This phenom’s career couldn’t be more helter-skelter. Bailey spent 2007 and 2008 getting smacked around going 4-8 in 17 games over those two seasons. Last year, he improved a bit going 8-5 with a 4.53 ERA. Bailey has made three outings this spring giving up just four runs in 11.2 innings pitched. While his strikeout numbers aren’t very gaudy (3), he seems to have fixed his walk problem that plagued him earlier in his career.

Ricky Nolasco, Florida – Nolasco spent some time in the minors last season and it seemed to clear his head. While the 5.06 ERA last season is unsightly, he still managed to go 13-9 striking out 195 while walking only 44. This spring, Nolasco is 3-0 with a 1.78 ERA in five starts striking out 21 while walking only one batter. Ricky seems to be in midseason form already.

Luke Hochevar, Kansas City – Much like Homer Bailey, Hochevar has been inconsistent throughout his career. The right hander is 13-26 with a 5.88 ERA in 51 starts over his career. Still Luke has shown flashes of brilliance. He’s 0-1 with a 3.94 ERA in four starts this spring. This is purely a speculative play as I feel that the Royals will be a team on the rise this season and for that to happen, Luke will have to lead the charge.

Four hurlers to fade:

Cole Hamels, Philadelphia – While we don’t like telling people to fade the Phillies at any time, this left hander’s inconsistency presents opportunities to jump on a juicy runline. Hamels is a top 5 pitcher when he wants to be. The lefty went 10-11 with a 4.32 ERA last year allowing batters to hit .273 against him. This spring hasn’t been much better as he’s gone 1-1 with a 5.57 ERA over five starts. Hamels has given up 11 runs in 10.1 innings of work his last two outings and pitchers are supposed to improve instead of regress the closer the season comes.

Cliff Lee, Seattle – Of course the injury helps us here but I feel like even when he gets healthy, the left hander will be fade material. Lee expressed dismay at his trade from Philly to Seattle and has already been suspended once during spring training. In two starts, Lee has given up 11 hits and five runs during 5.2 innings of work. Lee’s move back to the American League could be a struggle this season as I feel like the Mariners may not live up to expectations.

Vicente Padilla, LA – The Dodgers named this right hander as their opening day starter and I’m not quite sure why. This head case seven months ago was released by a pitching starved Ranger team and went to LA where he experienced some success. Padilla’s been tattooed a bit during the spring giving up 19 hits and 10 runs in 14.1 innings of work as hitters are ringing him up to a tune of .306 BAA. I just don’t feel safe backing this right hander in games where he will be pitted against other aces.

Jeremy Guthrie, Baltimore – Guthrie had one of the worst seasons of his short career last year going 10-17 with a 5.04 ERA. The right hander hasn’t been much better during the spring giving up 19 runs and 28 hits in 20.2 innings of work. Not only that, the righty has walked 13 batters as well.

Two teams that will surprise:

Kansas City Royals (Over 72.5) – This could be a surprise to some as the Royals have gone over this total only once in the last five seasons. The AL Central is wide open with each of their teams featuring problem spots. The lack of a closer will hurt the Twins while an inconsistent lineup could plague both Detroit and Chicago. Kansas City is 12-11 in the spring but what’s been impressive is that this lineup has scored the 2^nd most runs in the cactus league 175. The team added Scott Podsednik, Jason Kendall and Chris Getz to the lineup as well as Rick Ankiel who will bolster the middle of a lineup that features Billy Butler who most feel will break out this season. Alex Gordon’s injury will be a bit of a concern but when he returns the lineup becomes a lot better.

The team cleaned out a lot of crap in their organization letting Sidney Ponson, Jamey Wright and Coco Crisp go among others. Pitching-wise the team has Zack Greinke who had an amazing season last year for the Royals. The team has Gil Meche, Luke Hochevar, Brian Bannister and Kyle Davies rounding out the rotation. Meche is a solid number two and is a lot better than the 6-10 record he had last season. Hochevar, as noted above, is due for a breakout as is Bannister who went 7-12 last season.

Evidence that the team is capable of solid pitching is their 4.05 ERA from the beginning of the season to June 17^th. Unfortunately, after that date, the team put forth a 5.32 ERA. That was due to an inconsistent bullpen which features more players who struggled to meet expectations in Kyle Farnsworth and Juan Cruz. Joakim Soria is a top 10 closer in the league.

This play is purely speculative but something I’m intrigued by. The Royals have the pieces to make a run at the AL Central and with a price of EVEN or better on some sportsbooks, it’s worth a shot to bet on Kansas City.

Cincinnati Reds (Over 79.5 wins) – Much like the Royals, a few things need to break our way for this team to contend. They spent the offseason making a big splash by signing Cuban born Aroldis Chapman who will start the season in the minors but figures to make an impact at some point this season. Orlando Cabrera is another underrated signing for Cincinnati. The Reds have improved their win total over the past three seasons and feature some youthful stars.

Last season Cincinnati had seven players go under the knife and featured eight players who made their major league debuts. The Reds were supposed to be a factor last year but ended up using their projected starting lineup only 10 times. Despite all this, the team racked up 20 wins in September and October giving them momentum coming into this year.

The lineup features 1^st baseman Joey Votto who became the first Red since Sean Casey and Ken Griffey Jr. to hit over .300. Votto dealt with stress issues last year but still managed to lead them in most major hitting categories. Scott Rolen mans the other hot corner for the Reds and he provides the leadership a young squad needs. In the 40 games Rolen started in, the Reds went 27-13. Cabrera’s addition now gives Cincinnati three gold glove winners in the infield as Brandon Phillips also received the honor.

The Reds pitching staff has a ridiculous amount of depth featuring veterans Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo. Those two will be atop the rotation with young talent Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey anchoring down the back end. Bailey went 6-1 with seven quality starts over his nine final outings. The fifth spot is up in the air right now but former 17 game winner Edinson Volquez is expected to return by late summer from Tommy John surgery. Not only that, but as mentioned above Aroldis Chapman will provide a boost when he joins the 25 man roster. The bullpen ranked third in the NL in ERA and is completely back. The Reds are locked and loaded there with Arthur Rhodes and Daniel Ray Herrera being their LOOGYs while Nick Masset and Mike Lincoln will be the right handed setup men for consistent closer Francisco Cordero.

Much like the AL Central, the NL central is wide open and can be won by anyone. Cincinnati has the talent to contend and could have done the same last year with better health.

One team who will fall short:

Los Angeles Dodgers (Under 84 wins) – Hard to believe that a team who won 95 games could fall so far but the perfect storm has hit LA. An offseason of tumult has hit tinseltown with the McCourt’s fighting for control of the team during a nasty divorce. Because of that the team wasn’t as busy in the offseason losing players such as Randy Wolf, Jon Garland, Juan Pierre and Orlando Hudson. In the process they didn’t really manage to bring anyone spectacular in outside of Vicente Padilla who will be their opening day starter.

The Dodgers lineup is not the issue for the 2010 version. Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier and Manny Ramirez pace a strong outfield for LA. Ramirez has already mentioned that this may be his last season as a Dodger as he’s ready to move on. Could this mean a midseason trade if he becomes a distraction? Definitely something to consider as we head into the season. The infield features a lot of steady production from players such as James Loney, Rafael Furcal and Casey Blake. The team’s bench is solid but nowhere near last year when they could pull Juan Pierre off and not have much drop off.

LA’s issues will come from the rotation. Vicente Padilla is not an opening day starter. The righty has been known to have some mental issues from time to time and his inconsistency is not what this team needs. Behind him are talented Clayton Kershaw, Hiroki Kuroda and Chad Billingsley but each have questions. Kershaw had a 2.56 ERA in his last 10 starts but went 0-3 in that span because he was unable to go that far. Billingsley managed three wins in his last 19 starts last year after starting out hot. Kuroda’s got injury issues making only 21 starts last season. The fifth spot is up in the air but could go to Ramon Ortiz or Charlie Haeger. The bullpen features a solid array of arms but Joe Torre’s overuse forced them to the DL multiple times in 2009. Jonathan Broxton’s 85.7 percent save success rate was just ninth best in the NL.

This is a talented team but the McCourt’s off the field issues combined with a fragile roster make me believe that they won’t win an improved NL West. The Rockies figure to be a factor along with a Giant team that has the best rotation in the NL and a Diamondback team with a young lineup that could be tough to deal with. Some books have the under at +125 or +130 which is a great price for something like this.

Bracket Buster Saturday Selection

2010-02-20T07:24:00.000-08:00

For clarification purposes, this game is at the Palestra yet it's a Hawks home game. Those nice people think they can beat us away from their gym so they do the right thing and play it on a neutral court. We will outnumber them at this game as the SJU program is apathetic right now towards Martelli and it seems like their regressing.

This game is a Big 5 game and the 9.5 looks mighty juicy to those not in the know. I've been hard on the Owls lately constantly trying to fade them because I hadn't been a believer. I'm coming around...Three scorers with Moore starting now and Fernandez off the bench is just an amazing way to be. The Hawks can't matchup with Eric and Allen on the inside. O'Brien doesnt want to bang with the bigs. Williamson can only "shut down" one of our guys which leaves a few of the others.

All that said, weird things happen at the Palestra....I think for a half this is close. Maybe less then a half but eventually our depth and sheer awesomeness will overwhelm the Hawks. I never like to lay so many points so I don't have any official plays. Leans for me are St. Blow's 1H, Temple game and the game Under.

Also adding:
Boston -2 -- Delaware is hideous. Blue Hen fans arent going to show up much for this one.

JMU +4 -- The Dukes are a live road dog in this one. Canisius may have trouble with Bowles.

BC/UNC Over 143.5 -- I think that these two will play in the 70's. BC has so many weapons and they play so much better at home.

Buffalo +1.5 -- I think the Bulls are the better team outright. Having watched some St. Peter's games...they play better at home but it's not exactly intimidating in their little gym.

Colorado/Kansas Over 145 -- This is going to be one of those lopsided games where it's like 92-65 or something. Kansas will do most of the work in helping this hit.

Fordham/URI Over 148 -- See above except replace Kansas with Rhode Island.

Eastern Illinois -5 -- Simple fade of NIU on the road.
EIU/NIU Over 141 -- On the road NIU gives up almost 73 points per game. I don't think EIU will mind getting up and down.

Radford -7 -- No Fields for UNCW. Radford's a pretty respectable squad with a couple of good D-1 talents.
Over 141 -- Radford averages 77 at home and UNCW gets a bit leaky away from home too.

WKU/Arky State Over 135.5 -- Western Kentucky overs are on a roll as of late so I'm continuing to ride the wave. Last 5 games they are averaging 80 points.

Wisky Green Bay -5 -- Indiana State is still banged up. I think this one gets ugly.

Long Beach State +7 -- Idaho's guards will meet some just as good as them in LBS. They are 10-5 since 1997 against the Vandals too.

Zags/Pepperdine Over 146.5 -- The Waves don't play much defense so I think the Zags could get in the 80's or 90s.

Saturday's Selections

2010-02-13T08:44:00.000-08:00

Temple/URI -- Needless to say this is a huge game for both teams. Temple got undressed by Richmond last week and had a week to get ready for Rhode Island. They won over the Rams earlier this season with horrible officiating not in their favor and a lot going against them. It was one of the more impressive wins this season. Now they return home in a game that may not have much atmosphere outside the students...The bigger issue involves Juan Fernandez. The PG is still dealing with lingering concussion symptoms. At one point this week he sat in a dark room all day to rest his head. This is a bad game for him to miss because URI's press will eat them alive without him. Ramone Moore filled in well offensively but the offense lacked direction in Richmond without Fernandez. If you held me to it, I don't think Fernandez is going to play in this one. He hasn't practiced much outside of some light shooting. If he doesnt play it comes down to Lavoy Allen who tore URI up inside at their place. The Rams are coming off a tough home loss to Richmond and will be focused heading to Philly.

My pick for this one is URI +5 and a small small small lean to the over. I'm not sure if the Owls win this. If I knew that Juan was going to play, I'd feel a whole hell of a lot better with this one. I'll keep you posted if things change. RIght now URI +5 and the over.

Elsewhere:
Baylor/Missou Over 144.5 -- The over has hit three straight times in Baylor in this matchup. The Bears average over 80 points at home.

Drake +3 -- Indiana State's injury problems lead me to take the road team in this one. Drake's not a horrible road team.

Nebraska +15 -- Texas isn't playing well right now and the Huskers have had ATS success against the Longhorns.

JMU +11 -- This is a matchup of two teams that have talent but can't decide if they are good or bad. VCU's road problems rear their ugly head here. The key is the Sanders/Bowles matchup. Whomever wins this one wins the game. VCU may win but this one's gonna be close.

Auburn/Miss State Over 143.5 -- 8 of the last 12 have gone over. The Tigers score 70 points a game but give up that much as well.

WKU/UALR Over 138.5 -- I'm going to keep pressing the WKU overs until they stop hitting. The Hilltoppers will get to 75 or so in this one.

North Texas -5.5 -- Denver is 0-9 ATS on the road and is outscored by an average of 8 points. I think UNT runs them out of the building.

UVA +6.5 -- This one is tighter then people think.The hoos have been off for the week and are itching to get out there. Landesburg/Delaney is going to be one hell of a matchup to watch.

La Tech -8 1H -- Hawaii is outscored by 14 in the 1st half of their road games and are playing with a lack of guards now that Jeremy Lay is out for the season. This one's gonna get ugly.

San Jose State +7 -- Adrian Oliver and the boys are a whole different team at home. I think they hang around in this one against Utah State.

Saturday's Selections

2010-02-05T18:56:00.001-08:00

We begin with the Owls and Spiders here in Richmond. Yours truly will be in attendance rooting on the cherry and the white. I'm not gonna lie...this matchup scares me. I'd like to see the Owls play a lot of zone and force Richmond to shoot them out of it. If the Spiders choose to zone up the Owls, I'd hope that Moore/Jefferson/Randall come in and slash thru it. Time and time i've short sold Temple this season because I keep getting this nagging feeling that the bottom is going to drop out on them. There's a ton of scoring options on this team but they rarely put it all together with all of them coming together. I've been real impressed with this Spider team and there's no reason why that they couldnt be a thorn in someone's side in the tourney. They are trying to hype this game here in Richmond but weather may keep some away. I'm going to short-sell this team one more time and take Richmond -1. The Spiders take care of business at home in a game that will be ugly as sin.

Nova +2 -- Georgetown was lucky to keep it close the first time these two met. The Vilecat guards are head and shoulders better then the Hoyas. Yarou has to get Monroe in foul trouble for them to be in good shape.

Gonzaga +5 -- I know that the Zags are a flaky team but I feel like the loss to San Francisco focused them a whole lot more. I don't see the Zags losing until the NCAA tourney. Their so much more deeper then Memphis.

Old Dominion +3 -- Let's just say there may be circumstances involved with this game that don't help the Rams out. Monarch size plus experience wins out here unfortunately. Also may not be the biggest crowd depending on the weather.

UCLA +5 -- I'm not sold on Cal. The Bruins have been a drastically better team at home this season. I think they keep it close.

Michigan +1 -- The Wolverines take care of business at home. I like this spot especially since the Badgers have lost three of their last four away from home.

Missouri -4 -- Simply playing the spot against the Buffs who extended themselves big time against Kansas and fell short. I dont think they've got two of those games in a row.

Oregon State -1.5 -- I know the Beavers are flaky (see Seattle game) but why would I think of backing the Ducks in this one. I think the Beavs beat them again.

Wichita State -13.5 -- Indiana State is banged up big time and Wichy smells blood in the water. The Shockers win this one easy.

Troy/WKU Over 143 -- This one went over in Troy and I can't see much of a difference in this one. WKU's game against Monroe would have gone over if the Hilltoppers didnt have a brain fart at the end of regulation.

Thursday's Picks....

2010-02-04T10:53:00.001-08:00

Before we get to the picks, just a comment on my Owls. Time after time they have surprised me this season and last night was another time. I've constantly short sold them waiting for the bottom to drop out. I don't like their chances in Richmond but we'll see.

Western Michigan -4 -- I've ridden this team a lot this year. I like their chances at home against Miami Ohio. Kool and McLemore are solid players and I think this team will be a factor in the MAC tourney.

Charleston -10 -- Simmons is probable for this one. I know the Mocs have improved but Charleston is especially tough at home. Just ask UNC.

WKU/ULM Over 136 -- Monroe has no problems getting up and down the court averaging over 70 points a game at home. They also average around that much on defense as well.

Valpo +3 -- Is there a team undersold more then these guys. I know Wright State has the better record but Valpo are no slouches. I think they win this one outright.

Murray State -12 1H -- The Racers are outscoring their opponents by DD in the 1st half of their home games.

UCLA -4.5 -- Stanford's road record speaks for itself. They are remarkably bad away from home.

Portland/Gonzaga Over 145 -- This one's gonna be high scoring. The Zags should get to 80 to help this one out.

Wednesday's Selctions

2010-02-03T09:21:00.001-08:00

Yikes...yesterday was my first trainwreck of a day. I don't see that as being a trend...stick with me...we'll be fine.

Temple/Duquesne -- The Owls return home before their big game here in Richmond. Temple played great against a shorthanded La Salle team. Next up is Duquesne....a talented but utterly ridiculous team. Bolding and Saunders have to be 1 and 1a in focus for the Temple defense. No doubt in my mind that the Dukes are the more athletic team but they don't play very smart. All that said, I feel this is a close one. Temple has won the last three by 5 points each. This game will be a little more methodical then the Dukes would like because Temple just won't let it get too nuts. Give me Duquesne +13 tonight. The total is right on so i wouldnt touch that. I'm thinking something like 61-50 tonight.

Elsewhere:
UVA -5 -- Line is very fishy. I dont know how NC State wins their games. Outside of Gonzalez and Tracy Smith, this team is devoid of consistent options. Wood and Horner pick and choose when they want to show up. Granted, UVA isnt as good as their record but I think the Hoos win this one easily at home. Maybe they struggle a bit at the start after their win over UNC but Tony Bennett is one of the best coaches in the country.

William and Mary +12 -- We gave you Drexel on Sunday in their game at Williamsburg. Now the Tribe are in Norfolk taking on the Monarchs. ODU is only 6-6 TS against the Tribe in Norfolk. I think William and Mary uglies this up enough that they keep it close in the end.

St. Louis -5 -- So Nicholson is questionable yet the line falls 1.5 points? St. Louis is the better team in this game but the Bonnies have been real pesky this season. Four of their last five road games settled by single digits. Still, I'll take the Billikens in this one.

Tu

2010-02-02T08:53:00.001-08:00

I didnt post it and didnt add it to my record but I was actually on two unders yesterday. Never again....such a tough way to go.

ECU/UCF Over 133.5 -- I realize both offenses have fallen off since last year but I still sense a trackmeet in this one. I'd take the Pirates but they burned me against Rice who is much worse. I'm thinking this one makes it to the 70s.

SMU/Southern Miss Over 119 -- I just find it so hard to believe that this doesnt go over. Both average approx 68 points per game. Prolly a trap but I'll fall for it.

TCU/BYU Over 142 -- The Cougs averaging about 82 points per game. I dont think TCU would mind running either.

Air Force +18 -- Same rule applies here as Toledo did too. Low O/U and high spreads favor the underdog. I think AFA hangs around.

Sunday's Selections

2010-01-31T07:58:00.000-08:00

Interesting day yesterday. I want to see more time for Ramone Moore as a zone buster for the Owls. I expect us to grind Duquesne into the ground before prolly falling to Richmond on Saturday.

X/Fordham Over 145 -- I feel like the Muskies will do most of the heavy lifting for this. If X can get to 85 or 90 I feel comfortable this hits.

St. Joe/Duquesne Over 143 -- St. Joe's has one of the worst defenses statistically in the country. The Dukes have a lot of weapons. I think this one is a get up and down affair.

Northern Colorado/Montana State Over 137.5 -- These two played earlier and MSU pounded UNC. I feel like payback's a bitch and this one gets up there points-wise. I am concerned that Montana State averages approx 63 on the road but I think once again, the home team does a lot of the heavy lifting.

Drexel +4 -- The Dragons are hot right now. The Tribe is going the other way so I'm going to take my philly boys in a game that they can win outright with stingy defense and timely offense.

Saturday's Selections

2010-01-30T06:36:00.000-08:00

Temple/La Salle -- I think Temple wins this game. It was a bad mix of foul trouble, homecooking from the refs and a hot Charlotte team that contributed to their loss. I dont know if I can take Temple -11.5 because I think that's an awful lot for this game. If the Explorers throw one of their clunkers then yes that's a good play. I don't see it coming as they play us tough always. I'm not playing the game but IF you must......Take La Salle +11.5 and I'd even consider a small play on the over. The Owls defense has been a bit leaky lately and I feel like this game could have both teams make the 60's.

My plays:
Rhode Island -10 -- I don't think GW can keep up with the Rams. If URI gets their pace, which im thinking they will, this game will not be close. The Colonials don't have the firepower to keep up with them.

OK State/Missouri Over 145 -- Both teams will want to run in this one. I think this thing is played in the 70's. Missou averages almost 88 at home. That should be plenty.

St. Louis +7.5 -- I'm banking on St. Louis in this one as I think the Spiders struggle to generate momentum without many fans and with the stingy Billiken defense.

Washington -7.5 -- The Cougs won't know what hits them up in U-Dub. I would have thought this would have been a lot higher of a spread. The Huskies are pretty damn good at home. Don't see it being close.

Auburn Pick -- Tigers 7-5 at home with and have won the last two games at home in this series. I think they make it three today.

New Orleans/Western Kentucky Over 123.5 -- WKU will want to quicken the pace and despite UNO's struggling offense, I feel like they will make this game into the 60's or 70's. Just need one team to do the scoring and I feel confident in WKU to do that.

East Carolina -6 -- I dont like making this pick without LuDawg's opinion but I feel confident that this team is better then Rice. Many offensive weapons for the Pirates.

UTEP/UAB Over 131.5 -- I know the Blazers play good defense but I'm not confident enough in them shutting down UTEP. Outside of last year's game on March 4th, this one's been a scorefest. I'm hoping for that once again. BEST PLAY OF THE DAY.

Pacific -3 -- This team just wins games. I love them today against Riverside who I have made fade material lately. I can't imagine them having much of a homecourt advantage.

San Jose State +16 -- Homestand got this team right. I like them to keep it close with Utah State.

Pepperdine +1.5 -- Not too bad of a team. No real reason why I like this but i'm on it.

1/28 Selections

2010-01-28T12:28:00.001-08:00

Bad night last night all around. Owls got bitten by homecooking from the Refs. Certainly told me we're not as deep as I thought and that Fernandez and Allen can't get in foul trouble.

Wake Forest +5 -- Think the Demon Deacons can win this one outright. Ga Tech is so flaky. Shut down Lawal and Favors and that team doesnt scare me as much.

Georgia State +16.5 -- Small over unders have me leaning to the underdog getting a ton of points in this one.

Citadel/Ga Southern Over 125 -- This one's gonna be scary but i'll take the team at home who will try to push the pace. Ga Southern's lack of defense should help me on this one too.

Charleston +6 -- Better team getting six points? I'll take it. Steph Curry isn't walking thru that door!

UNT/WKU Over 140 -- Love the pace in this one. Both teams have no problem picking it up. I think this one is played in the 70's.

St. Mary's/Pepperdine Over 148 -- I'm thinking SMC gets to the 80's. With that end Pepperdine can get to the 60's.

Really looking hard at UC Davis too.

Wednesday's Selections

2010-01-27T08:33:00.001-08:00

As always, we'll start with the Temple game. This is a tough one for me as Charlotte's hot right now and part of me deep down is still not convinced in this Owls team. They are due to lose but the question is do the Niners have what it takes. Last year Lavoy Allen had a big game against them but this is a different Niners team. They are deficient size-wise but have speed and a nice backcourt. I'm making no official play on this game as I'd really like to see what the Owls do in this one. They arent exactly entering this game on good form. Their defense has been a bit leaky lately excluding the Fordham game. There's better games to bet on in this card then this one. It'll show me a lot if Temple pulls this out.

Elsewhere:
William and Mary -3 -- JMU's homecourt isn't that impressive. The Dukes are inconsistent at best. They may have more athleticism but I think the Tribe is the better team. Can't afford to lose games like this as they actually have a decent resume for an at-large bid.

UNC Wilmington +6 -- Seahawks are the deeper team. Hofstra's bench is kinda short which won't help against the style of UNCW.

Western Michigan +1 -- I've made some money off these guys so I'll take a chance with them at home and the short number.

La Salle/Fordham Over 140 -- I think the Explorers have their way with Fordham. Moderately to quick paced game benefits La Salle. Despite Fordham's scoring struggles I think LS's defense will be more then accommodating.

Tennessee/Vandy Over 146 -- Two quick paced teams. This one's going to be played in the 70's.

Tuesday's Selections

2010-01-26T13:19:00.001-08:00

Unders will rarely be on my card again.

Maryland -7 -- The Canes don't impress me much. The Terps balanced scoring will be too much for Miami.

Clemson/BC Over 136 -- BC is just what Clemson asked for with regards to livening up their offense. I think this one gets up and down. What does concern me is Stitt not playing but I think the Tigers get it done.

Kentucky -6.5 -- The Wildcats streak won't end in South Carolina. Not enough horses to keep up. Might be close in the beginning but 2nd half they'll pull away.

Rutgers/Marquette over 138 -- Rutgers gives up 82 on the road while Marquette scores that much at home. I just hope the Scarlet Knights do enough to hold up their end.

Monday's Selections

2010-01-25T07:39:00.001-08:00

4-0 day yesterday made that debacle in the NFL feel better.

St. Joe -6.5 -- At first I thought this was an easy bet but then I wondered about St. Blows and the possibility that they could actually lose this. The Hawks are the better team even though they are struggling big time. They are coming off a win at home against Dayton. Penn has played much worse this season. The Hawks will have their presence at the Palestra.

Under 144 Penn/St. Blow's -- I don't think this is a pretty game. I'm thinking something to the tune of 70-58 in this game placing it under.

Idaho/Boise Over 145 -- The Broncs are more then generous defensively on the road giving up nearly 78 points a game away from home.

SIU/WKU Over 135 -- This isnt your defense-based SIU teams from the past. These guys score 72 points at home. I think this game is moderately paced enough that we get to the 70's and go over this total.

Sunday's Selections

2010-01-24T08:06:00.001-08:00

I'm not really in LOVE with anything today. This card is very mediocre but the gambler in me needs to make some plays.

FSU/GT Under 135 -- Two of the better defensive teams in the conference. I think this one could be played in the 60's.

Seton Hall -2 -- Go figure Pittsburgh. I think SH is the more athletic team and should take care of business at home.

Penn State/Wisky Over 115 -- A total this low...I'll take my chance on the over.

Creighton/Missou State Over 138 -- Both teams average in the 70's so I feel like this could be a game played in the 70's.

As I said above...I don't love this card but it's just a few thoughts.

Saturday's Selections...

2010-01-22T22:15:00.001-08:00

As always, I'll start out with the Temple game. I have this very sneaky feeling that Fordham covers. I'm not touching this game at all neither total nor spread. One of my personal rules is to never lay that many points on the road. Next up for the Owls is Charlotte on the road which will be tough. I feel like this is an ugly game from the start. If you forced me to take something in this one, give me the under at 128 but i'm not releasing this as a play.

Official Plays:
Drexel -5.5 -- Hofstra just doesnt have the manpower to keep up with Drexel. The Dragons are ridiculously inconsistent but they'll D up Jenkins enough that Hofstra won't be able to score.

Ohio State +5.5 -- West Virginia's not exactly playing great basketball right now. I like the Buckeyes athletes and speed to keep this one close.

Richmond +1 -- GW may be the more athletic team but I'll take the smarter Spiders who won't lose two in a row. There will be a nice Spider presence at the game.

UCLA -1.5 -- Not that I'm a big fan of the Bruins right now but I'm just not convinced of Wazzu. I think the Bruins take care of business at home in this one. The Cougs road woes continue.

Towson +6.5 -- Mason's road team is way different then when they play at home. Towson's not very good but with Hairston and Lee they can keep this one close and maybe win outright.

Over 145 UMass/Baylor -- I think the Guards on both teams do a lot of the work in getting this over. Someone's getting to the 80's in this one.

Over 135.5 UTEP/UCF -- I feel like both teams will get in the 70's. UCF's defense may have shown up against Houston but UTEP has more weapons and neither team will have a problem getting up and down the court.

William and Mary +3.5 -- Odd line as I don't think much changes for the Tribe even after losing to the Rams at VCU. That was a must win for VCU and I think the Tribe's methodical style wins them this game outright over ODU.

Duquesne -4 -- Go figure this line. The Dukes are home and play better there then on the road. I know the Bonnies won at UMass but I think the Dukes are the better team.

Stanford -6 -- Oregon's falling miserably as of late. I think the Cardinal will continue to play well at home. The Ducks streak of bad luck continues.

San Jose State -3.5 -- The Spartans win this one by a lot. New Mexico State nearly blew it at Hawaii and have to continue on the road with a short turn-around against the Spartans.

On the Radar:
Villanova -5 -- I don't see how St. Johns can keep up with the guards of the Vilecats.
Boston College +7.5 -- Both teams are so inconsistent but I think that the Eagles have more firepower then the Hokies do.
Illinois +1.5 -- There will be more Illini fans at this game then NW fans. Color me not a NW fan but I think Illinois is the better team.

Friday's Selections

2010-01-22T08:03:00.001-08:00

Great day yesterday once again....San Jose State was an outright winner.

Charleston -3 -- Very odd that these teams are playing on back to back days but I'll lean to the home team who doesnt have to travel. Granted the travel isnt that far but I'll still lean to the team who is home in this one. Besides I like them more then Wofford.

Manhattan +4 -- They are a solid team at home. I'll take the short line in this one for a team that I think is better then Iona at home.

Northern Colorado/Sac State Over 137 -- UNC averages 91 points at home. They should have their way with Sac State.

Thursday's Selections

2010-01-21T08:09:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness for my Owls and La Salle that made it a profitable night. Anyways, here's today's picks...

The Citadel +2 -- Close series at home for these two teams. For some reason, this game stood out for me.

Siena -8 1H -- Loyola will potentially be without their top two scorers for this one. I think Siena runs out on these guys and has a nice lead at half.

WKU/Troy Over 143 -- One team has scored at least 80 in the last three meetings of this series. I don't see that being a problem this year either.

Stanford -6.5 -- I'm hoping the bad Oregon State shows up. Stanford's pretty good at home.

San Jose State +7 -- Adrian Oliver and the boys should keep this close despite La Tech's record.

Cal Poly -1 -- Odd line as Riverside hasn't shown much this season. Then again neither has the Mustangs but I'll take them at home with a short number.

Wednesday's Selections

2010-01-19T20:36:00.000-08:00

Record: 1-2

Alright, let's begin with the Owls and X....As mentioned many times in this thread I've been way off on my beloved Temple even though last week I did have UMass. I maintain this team has done it thru smoke and mirrors. Having watched X against Dayton the Muskies don't like being D'd up. Ryan Brooks has done an excellent job against the best player of the other team so Crawford will have a tough time. The Muskies looked mighty lost against Dayton without him. I really think that the Owls win this one. The students will be back and the place will be electric. Temple's won two straight at home against X and won a tough one last year in the A-10 tourney over them. Give me Temple -3 and my A-10 tourney bid plz.

MONSTER PLAY
Those of you who follow my threads know that I don't often tout plays as bigger then others. Too much pressure and too much to lose if they are wrong. I feel so strongly about this that I'm willing to go nuts on it. Give me La Salle -10. Last year I remember boasting about this team in this game and they came up just short. As a matter of fact, I remember the spread being 10 and it falling short. This year's game is even more lopsided. Penn is terrible...absolutely hideous. Bernadini may be back but even with him they arent that good. The key here for La Salle is getting Barrett back....I dont care if he plays or not but I love this. The Explorers are going to work hard to get Rodney Green back on track. He has struggled with his shot and has had his PPG go down as the season works along. There's no one on that team that can cover Green and oh yeah...then you got Aaric Murray (who should be an Owl). I think La Salle pounds them. I'm going to go big on the 1H and game spreads....

Elsewhere:
Duquesne/Rhode Island Over 146 -- This game will be so ridiculously paced that I think it sails over. URI should hopefully put up somewhere in the 80's.

Houston -12 -- UCF is such a young team who plays almost no defense on the road. I watched their game against Tulsa and I just can't see the Golden Knights keeping up with the Cougs.

Also on the radar:
Richmond/Charlotte Under 134
Western Michigan -2.5
UAB -11
App State/Georgia Southern Over 146
VCU/Tribe Under 141
UTEP +8

Will be back tomorrow to confirm these after more research.

Tuesday Evening Selections

2010-01-19T08:56:00.001-08:00

Alabama +2 -- The lack of scholarship players has to eventually catch up to Tennessee. I'm not a believer in the Vols yet so I'm going to play the home dog tonight.

Over 137.5 A&M/Oklahoma -- The Sooners defense away from home allows almost 82 points per game. That's a shocking number and one of the reasons I'm going over in this game.

Miami/BC Over 133 -- Miami scores almost 80 at home and will want to get their trip to the Virginia schools out of their system. Look for the Canes to get to at least 70-75 which should be enough for this to hit.

Way too Early Bracketology...

2010-01-14T19:36:00.001-08:00

Since I'm a college basketball nerd watching a basketball game between Fresno State and Louisiana Tech, I figured why not jump into the whole field of 65 thing....it can't be that hard now could it.

America East (1) -- Vermont
ACC (5)
Definitely In -- Duke, Clemson, UNC, GT, VT
On the Bubble -- FSU
Needs Work -- Maryland, UVA, NC State
Analysis: The conference is acquitting itself nicely right now. Plenty of opportunities for quality wins and if UVA hangs around and shows some staying power, a fanbase that wasn't in love with Tony Bennett may change their tune. Granted some of them loved him from the start but others needed some help
A-Sun (1) -- Campbell
Atlantic 10 (5)
Definitely In -- Xavier, Rhode Island, Temple, Richmond, Dayton
Needs Work -- Charlotte
Analysis: Who would have thought that this conference would have five pretty strong cases for tournament teams? As a Temple guy, who would have thought they'd be questionably the best team in the league. Richmond's out of conference schedule puts them in line for a nice seeding come tourney time. Xavier and Dayton were figured to be here so it's nice to see some company. This conference's RPI has been a surprise as well and if Charlotte does some good things, they have an outside shot.
Big East (9)
Definitely In -- West Virginia, Syracuse, Nova, Pittsburgh, Georgetown, UConn, Louisville, Note Dame, Cincinnati
Needs Work -- St. John's, Marquette, Seton Hall
Analysis: As always the Big East will be there in the end with the most bids. This is the best conference in basketball and because of that there's a lot of chances for St. John's and Cincinnati and Marquette to get in the tourney. This may be the year they get 10 in especially with the downfall of the PAC 10 among others
Big Sky (1) -- Northern Colorado (WATCH OUT FOR THEM COME TOURNEY TIME)
Big South (1) -- Coastal Carolina
Big 10 (5)
Definitely In -- Michigan State, Wisconsin, Purdue, Ohio State, Minnesota,
Needs Work -- Illinois, Northwestern
Analysis: This conference is very top heavy. Still the four-six teams who could make the tournament won't be easy outs like in past years.
Big 12 (7)
Definitely In -- Texas, Missou, Kansas, Kansas State, Baylor, Ok State, Texas A&M
Analysis: Can someone tell me why Kansas State is ranked so high? Mark it down now, with the right matchup, they are a first round out. Them and Wisconsin will fall early in the field of 65.
Big West (1) -- Pacific (MAJOR LEAGUE PAIN IN THE BUTT)
CAA (1) -- William and Mary
Analysis: I'd love to put the Rams here and trust me...they are one of a FEW teams who can do it but the inconsistency scares me. VCU's talent is right up there with ODU and Northeastern in this league but can they put it together in the conference tournament for a night after night. I don't think so i'll go with the Tribe and the best coach in the league. I can't see a 2nd bid here unless the Tribe run thru the league like a knife thru hot butter.
Conference USA (1) -- UAB
Needs Work -- Memphis, Tulsa, Marshall
Analysis: So odd to see Memphis not in the other category but they havent beaten anyone of note this season yet. Unfortunately for them, this conference doesnt give them many opportunities to do so so they may have to win the conference to ensure themselves a bid. Watch out for the Blazers who are a solid team and Tulsa could scare someone if they get in. They have a kid named Jordan who has a ton of moves in the post.
Horizon (1) -- Butler
Ivy League (2) -- Cornell, Harvard
Analysis: Harvard could mess this up a bit and there's a chance that this conference could get two bids if Harvard/Cornell split and Harvard somehow wins. Cornell's got a nice resume and would really force the committee to consider two teams.
MAAC (1) -- Siena
MAC (1) -- Western Michigan
MEAC (1) -- Morgan State
MVC (2) -- Northern Iowa, Wichita State
Analysis: Before last night's 0 for 3 by the Big 12 home teams...UNI handed the Big 12 their only non conference home loss when they won at Iowa State. This conference always produces a threat or two to the BCS conferences. Both of these teams could produce an upset or two.
Mountain West (2) -- UNLV, BYU
Work to be done: New Mexico, Colorado State
Analysis: Those transfers down in UNLV land are helping out big time. The Rebels playing like the teams under Jerry Tarkanian.
NEC (1) -- Quinnipiac
OVC (1) -- Murray State
PAC 10 (1) -- Washington
Analysis: There's a good chance this conference could get only one. No one is really separating themselves from the pack and the lack of good victories for any team here is alarming. California and Arizona State are also possible here.
Patriot (1) -- Lafayette
SEC (5) -- Kentucky, Tennessee, Miss State, Ole Miss, Vandy
Needs Work: Alabama, South Carolina, Florida
Analysis: The Volunteer story is a good one. That win over Kansas was amazing considering the circumstances. Unfortunately this is another team with an early exit in their future. Their style is conducive to a lot of turnovers which keeps a lesser seed hanging around.
Southern (1) -- Charleston
Southland (1) -- SE Louisiana
SWAC (1) -- Jackson State
Summit (1) -- IUPUI
Sun Belt (1) -- Western Kentucky
West Coast (2) -- St. Mary's and Gonzaga
WAC (1) -- La Tech

First time thru the list, I picked 58 teams.....After that I added VT, Notre Dame, Cincinnati, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, Minnesota. Got to the final spot and decided to cheat putting Cornell in too.

We'll keep this updated and we'll add some teams/players to watch.

Time for more Opinions

2010-01-06T21:16:00.000-08:00

For those who listen to Hardly Workin, I'm a very opinionated person and I don't mind sticking my neck out if I firmly believe in something. For those who don't listen to the show, time for you to get educated on some of my current sports beliefs. While some think I do it to spur calls for Greg's show, I actually believe this stuff with a lot of my heart.

- The hall of fame put Andre Dawson in yesterday. A lot of the talk surrounds those who didnt vote and those who didnt get in. To me, you get three chances to get in...if you arent good enough for the voters to put you in during that timespan then you arent worth it. I mean, this is the hall of fame...the best players in the sport...the guys that you will tell your children about when they ask about the greats in baseball. I feel that Cooperstown is watered down as it is. Bert Blyleven has been on the ballot for 13 years...to me, that's it. He's had WAY too many chances to get in yet his vote total keeps increasing. If you like the guy now, why didnt you like him then? Also, please don't try and tell me that Blyleven is a hall of famer. If you told me to name top pitchers in his decade, he doesnt come along in the top 15 or 20 which should clue you in that he's not a hall of famer.
- The bowls need to stay. I'll begin this with the fact that I was all for the playoffs in college football but i'm slowly coming away from that. No matter how big or small you make a playoff, you'll leave someone out. College football's regular season might be the most important regular season in all of sports putting emphasis on every game and every play because one loss can kill your season and can end your chances for the title. Yes, it is unfair that Boise and TCU didnt get a chance to play in the title game and i'm as angry as anyone else about this but i'm just not as jazzed about a playoff. Next year will be the true test for Boise who should be top 5 and will have the schedule to move up into the title contendership. I think the first change college football needs to make is to scrap the preseason top 25 and make the first one appear week 3 or 4 of the season. That hurt Boise/TCU more then their results as they couldnt make up enough ground to get to the title game.
- I want to start the hype for Boise and VT next season. The winner of this game should be in the title game by virtue of their victory over the other. Boise will be returning a ton of starters to this game while the Hokies will bring back their potent offense looking for O-Line help. If I was to set an early line for this game, i'd install the Hokies a four point favorite. Neutral field helps keep this line down and Boise being the more experienced team. It'll be interesting to see if Beamerball can prevent the Broncos from beating them with trick special teams plays.
- College basketball season is upon us and if i'm doing a power ranking system of the state/area schools i'd give William and Mary the lead with Richmond, ODU, VT and VCU rounding out the top five. Having seen the Hokies a few times this season, I'm impressed with their roster. That win over Seton Hall told me a lot since they didnt have Delaney and depended on Dorenzo Hudson to get them the victory. If they had a balanced effort against Temple, they'd be undefeated and higher up on the power poll.
- The Redskins....I go back and forth on them. At one point this season, I said they had one of the most talented defenses in the league and they do but I can't help but think the roster as a whole needs work. Much props to Jason Campbell for setting Clinton Portis in his place. Campbell took a beating this season and deserves to dish it out. Portis sat on the sidelines after a concussion and was a cancer to the locker room according to Campbell. Clinton's not going to be back and I think it's for the best. Keep Betts, Rock and Ganther for the backfield or trade down in the 1st round and take CJ Spiller and fill another hole as well. Shanahan will be a good hire but he's going to have to have patience. The O-Line and skill positions need some tweaking before this team can compete in the NFC East.
- Pitchers and Catchers Report in February....Is there a better phrase in sports? There's something about baseball that just warms the soul of many Americans across the country. I'm excited for baseball already even though we are in the heat of College basketball season.
- Winter Olympics are coming soon as well...Defintely stoked for this as well. Oddly I find myself becoming more patriotic during this time period. Looking forward to the curling and hockey among other events.
- NFL playoffs time...I've pretty much laid out my rooting interests. In the NFC ultimately it's about my Eagles. When/If they get eliminated, it's about exposing the Saints and the frauds that they are. Ideally i'd like it to be Philly who does it but Green Bay or Arizona would be suffice. I hope Favre and Dallas lose early as well. In the AFC, I've been partial to the Jets who are the cousins of the Eagles. Lewd fanbase/great fans, name spelling and same colors make them a fanbase that I can identify with. The Ravens entice me as well. Love watching the Rays (Lewis and Rice). Ultimately I'm predicting a Packers/Cardinals vs. Chargers superbowl. Green Bay has the defense to slow down the Vikings and Saints.
- Finally, being that March is a mere two months away, it's time for sports fans to plan the ultimate trip. Vegas for the first two rounds of March Madness is the place to be. Your living room is nice and all but try watching a game with a little cash on the line with a couple hundred of your closest friends in their college gear and screaming any basket in every game. It's something you have to experience and I think once you do, you'll make it an every year thing. Not to mention, there are plenty of pretty girls who go out there at this time as well.

For more of my opinions that I like to say on a day to day basis, tune in to Hardly Workin with Greg Burton, 4-7pm on ESPN 950 and ESPN950am.com

It's Bowl Season!!

2009-12-14T23:05:00.001-08:00

Before we get into all of the other bowls, let's talk about Temple - UCLA. Personally, I'm stoked about this matchup for multiple reasons...First off, the Bruins are a nice name/test for the Owls to use to go into the 2010 season which could be even bigger for Temple if things bounce right for them. The talking heads on ESPN said that UCLA has the better talent and should easily walk all over the Owls. I just can't see that happening unless Golden is gone. No this Cincinnati opening scares the crap out of me but I can't see him leaving...I just can't.

For those not familiar with the Owls, Temple gets it done on the ground with freshman stud Bernard Pierce and Matt Brown along with Lamar McPherson and a little James Nixon around the edge. Pierce is practicing and should be ready for this. Chester Stewart has been an improvement over Vaughn Charlton as he's slightly more accurate and gives them a threat to run. This offense uses the reverse and the play action pass so well in getting it out to Nixon, Maneri and Campbell.

Defensively, I must say that this defense is perplexing. Their front four/five are outstanding. Adrian Robinson can get to the QB along with Neblett and the rest of the boys up front. Lately they havent been as good getting to the QB though and it's forcing this piss poor secondary to get burned. I've never seen a team run zone coverage worse then Temple does. They cover no one at all. I'm stunned at how poor they are. The linebackers are pretty good as this team hasnt been gouged too badly on the ground.

With regards to UCLA, from what I know about them, they were an under team. Great defense but a piss poor offense. This is a great matchup for Temple as I dont think the Bruins can beat the Owls as badly thru the air. Their QB play is so inconsistent that I can't see it going haywire on us. Defensively of course it's a concern for me as they could bottle up the run and force Temple to pass. Of course other teams have done that too but the Owls managed to still move the ball on them as well.

Intangibles in this one are these....Will Coach Golden be Coaching the Owls? I'd love to think he will but there's a chance he won't. If he's not, who knows what the mindset will be. Attendance will be another intangible. I have a feeling that UCLA fans won't be that thrilled to be in DC on the 29th and who knows if that carries over to the team. Flying east for a relatively early bowl game isn't exactly the best thing for a west coast squad. Finally, the intangible that is Temple in the bigtime...The Eagle Bank Bowl isnt great to most teams but this means a whole lot to these players, this school, this fanbase and everyone involved. Will nerves be a factor? Will the experience of UCLA win out?

Prediction: Your gonna think this is a homer pick...your going to question my thinking....I'm going to take Vegas gift and say thank you as I just think this magical season ends with a win. Could Temple be outclassed and get run out of the building? Sure....I see the game going like this....defensive struggle early on with field position flipping back and forth...Maybe a 7-3 halftime score...Temple's going to win this thing.

Temple 21-17

Other Bowl Game Picks:

St. Petersburg Bowl: Under 44.5 with two good defenses going at it here. The UCF offense is pretty bad. Rutgers is inconsistent but may struggle with UCF.
New Orleans Bowl: Under 58....Two underrated defenses in this one. I really like Dwight Dasher in this one almost enough to take MTSU but I'd rather go total here instead.
Las Vegas Bowl: Oregon State ML...The Beavers are the better team. How much motivation does BYU have to play in this bowl again? Not exactly what the Beavs want either but I'll take this PAC 10 talent over the Mountain West.
Poinsettia Bowl: Utah +3...Utes have won eight straight bowl games. Something about Cal just doesn't sit right with me.
Hawaii Bowl: Over 73.5...Two fun offenses in this one. Kyle Padron has moved in nicely for Bo Levi Mitchell. The balance of Nevada prevents me from taking SMU in this one but I'd lean to the underdog if forced to take a side.
Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl: Ohio ML...Bobcats win behind another solid effort by Theo Scott. Who is going to coach Marshall? Will Darius Marshall be healthy? Neither are questions I want to ask before a bowl game.
Meineke Care Bowl: Under 44.5 -- Two solid defenses. I like UNC to slow down Dion Lewis and force Stull to beat them. The Heels offense has been disappearing way too much this season.
Emerald Bowl: BC +9 -- Gotta question the Trojans motivation for this one. My worry about taking BC is that they dont have the talent to compete with a focused Trojan team. I'm banking that they arent and BC wants it more.
Champs Sports Bowl: Miami ML...Canes win this one with better athletes then Wisky has. Home field will play a factor a bit in this one too.
Humanitarian Bowl: Over 68...Fun game here with two teams that have smoking hot offenses. Idaho's defense tends not to show up in shootouts. This one will be played in the 40's.
Armed Forces Bowl: Houston -4.5...Air Force can't keep up in this one. Sure points will be scored but Case Keenum has a field day.
Sun Bowl: Stanford +8...Another chance for the Cardinal to make a statement to the country. Toby Gerhart will run wild on OU.
Texas Bowl: Over 53...This one will be like the SMU or Hawaii games. Navy can't stop the balance of Missou while the Tigers struggle with the Naval attack.
Chick Fil-A Bowl: VT ML...If the Hokies don't blow out Tennessee, i'll be disappointed. VT is head and shoulders above the Vols it's not even funny.
Gator Bowl: West Virginia -3....I dont care that it's Bowden's last game. Give me the more talented squad and the shorter number. FSU's defense is one of the worst units i've seen this season.
Rose Bowl: Oregon ML....I lulz at Ohio State. The Ducks will run roughshod all over the Buckeyes.
Sugar Bowl: Over 57...Cincinnati will be angry and will really test the Gators without Charlie Strong. The Bearcat D sucks too and Tebow won't want his last game to be a dud.
International Bowl: NIU +6.5 -- South Florida's collapse continues as the Huskies beat em outright.
Papa Johns Bowl: UConn +4.5 -- This team should have more wins and has played inspired ball since their CB's death. The Huskies close out the season on a high note.
Cotton Bowl: Ole Miss -3 -- Better team. SEC > Big 12
Liberty Bowl: ECU +7.5 -- The Pirates defense is underrated. They did some work on Tulsa who isnt as good as Arkansas but I feel they will do enough to hang around.

Musings across the sports world

2009-11-16T16:13:00.001-08:00

So much to get to with the busy time of sports. It's funny...i'm not ready for college bball season but it's here.

MLB
Congrats to the New York Yankees. I'm not among those who hate this team. This year's version doesnt feature the crybabies and outcast losers like past years when Chuck Knoblauch, Paul O Neill and others were a part of their dugout. It's like they finally realized that they werent a corporation and had some fun. There's no reason they can't win again next year which may make me dislike them again.

Should be an interesting offseason with the likes of Roy Halladay and Matt Holliday changing places. Halladay will change the landscape of baseball depending on where he goes. I'd love to see him go to a smaller market team and make them relevant but that won't happen.

NFL
Hard to believe we are half way thru the season but we are. Let me just say that the NFL Network's Redzone TV is a mix of awesome with a hint of "whoa, what kind of acid trip am I on." (not that the author endorses or takes drugs). Scott Hansen does a great job but I feel like I'm missing something by watching this instead of just one game. It also loses interest to me because I don't have a pay fantasy football team this year so i'm not as intrigued.

The Redskins talent finally showed up although they had the help of noodle arm Chris Simms. I can't believe how far he's fallen since his college career. Simms is worthless now....borderline irrelevant. I hope that Colt McCoy isnt that bad. It's a shame because I still stand by the fact that a better Skins team takes control of this division. That defense they have is pretty good when they want to be.

Elsewhere, It's great when Belicheck is wrong. The man believes he wrote football and while he has the rings to be the way he is, doesnt mean he should. It's amazing to watch the NFL is played at it's best. That game was the two best teams playing football as it should be. I hope we see it again although next time I'd like it to be a 45-17 Colts win.

I'm not a believer in the Saints. You can't convince me that this is a super bowl team. Their defense is pretty piss poor despite the influence of Gregg Williams. Their offense is all-world but I just don't like counting on guys like Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem. Reggie Bush is still overrated and always will be. I'm supposed to believe in him now? The man isnt even a full-time RB. They go to Bell and Pierre Thomas more...So paint me as someone who doesnt see the Saints winning the super bowl nor do I think they get there. Give me the Vikings over them with their running game and good defense.

NBA
Bah, it's the NBA. Congrats to Eric Maynor for his play. Bout time the Jazz realize how good he is. He needs to get more run. Other then that, I couldnt care less about this sport. Sorry.

NCAAF
This has been a great season so far especially for me as a fan of the mid majors. There's no doubt in my mind that the big three wants no part of TCU because they are the best team in the country. Yes, in this blog, I had them and Pittsburgh as likely unders for their win total this season but these two have played way better then I ever thought. That same article told you to take the under in Boise as well. I'm not as big a fan of the Broncos as the Horned Frogs but they'll do some damage to the right BCS team. Can't forget the great stories in Idaho and Temple. Two programs that would never see the light of day on ESPN College Gameday yet both are mentioned and featured on ESPNU.

With regards to the Heisman race, I'm still on the Case Keenum and Kellen Moore bandwagon. Colt McCoy's nice but all the do is throw the ball so you can't use that to benefit McCoy and condemn Keenum. If Tebow wins, then the award is a joke...even though it kinda is with all the jokes who've won it already. Tebow is nothing but a glorified TE in the NFL.

With regards to the local teams, I'm interested to see how much the Hokies are motivated in a lower tier bowl game this year. Not that they'll be playing out in San Francisco or Boise but I'm very interested to see how they react to a non-Orange and probable non-Chick Fil-A bowl season. Richmond's got that national title feel to them again this year and I think they loss will help set them straight. Not that they were doing much wrong but it's a lot to bear with such a long streak.

That's all I got right now...Time's yours.

Week 9 College Football Picks

2009-10-30T17:02:00.001-07:00

Record: 21-18

As always we start with the Temple Owls. Last week, if I knew that Pierce was playing I wouldnt have played Toledo. My one qualm is that he carried the ball 40 times which was a little much for a banged up RB. This week, they face Navy who they should have beaten last year if not for an untimely fumble. The Middies will be using their backup QB who ran the offense well against Wake but Temple's rush defense is more stout. Behind the legs of Pierce and the solid defense of the Owls, I think Temple wins outright. Give me Temple +7 and if you must play a total, i'd lean under.

Elsewhere:

Idaho -3 -- I dont know why the people are on La Tech in this one. I know their offense is solid and Idaho's defense is pretty bad but c'mon the Vandals are the 2nd best story behind the Owls. Give me the Vandals in this one to win a high scoring affair.

Northwestern +15 -- This is simply a feeling as I dont like the Nittany Lions in this spot. Penn State gets into a sloppy affair in this one and I think the Wildcats keep it close.

ULM/Troy Under 58 -- Troy's defense will slow down ULM without their starting QB. The big hope is that Troy's attack gets slowed down too.

Western Michigan +2.5 -- I'll take the points with the better team in this one. I still dont know how Kent State has only one conference loss.

New Mexico State +45 -- A wise gambler once told me when the spread is close to the o/u to take the underdog as Vegas is expecting a low scoring game. Here's hoping for a 45-3 score.

Indiana +17.5 -- Iowa's banged up offensively so im hoping Indiana can take advantage of this with Doss and Chappell.

Rutgers/UConn Under 47 -- I'm not convinced in either offense to go off on the other. Solid defenses prevail in this one.

Time's yours.

I'm sorry....

2009-10-26T21:03:00.000-07:00

There are so many apologies I must hand out in the sports world. So many mea culpas that I need to make.

- I'm sorry that I actually thought that the Skins were going to win. This is just a bad situation.
- I'm sorry for those who want to blame Jim Zorn for this mess. It's not his fault. He's about 4th or 5th down the line and it doesnt start with Campbell either. He's got nothing to work with on this team.
- I'm sorry for those who like that jerk Randle El. He's just a jerk and a loser. I dont think I've ever seen a punt that he's ever fielded and done something with other then go down or fair catch it.
- I'm sorry for those I told how excited I was about Macho Harris being an Eagle. Not very good at all right now. Kid could have a bright future but he is hurting us now...the tight end is still killing us.
- I'm sorry that the Eagles still would let Brian Dawkins go even if given another chance to get/keep him.
- I'm sorry for Washington fans because their sports suck. The Wizards won't be much better and most of DC won't follow the Caps once Ovechkin gets hurt or gets deported.
- I'm sorry for Hoos and Hokies bball fans. The season could be long for both teams.
- I'm sorry for the Big East or ACC team that gets the privilege to lose to Temple in the postseason bowl game.
- I'm sorry to Al Golden for doubting him.
- I'm sorry to my Phillies brethren but I'm rooting for the Yankees. The pain it would cause Sox fans would be too great to pass up.
- I'm sorry for those who hate the Yankees for any other reason besides being a rival. This is not a hatable team.
- I'm sorry for those of you who don't give hockey a chance. It's a lot of fun to watch and can be addictive.
- I'm sorry for those who have used my picks in the past and lost. I'm not gonna go 100% all of the time but we'll keep at it.
- I'm sorry for not blogging more often. My loyal readers (Dad) probably are very disappointed.

Time's yours.

College Football Picks Are Back!!!

2009-10-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

Temple/Army -- It's going to be a wet one in Philadelphia on Saturday as the Owls and Army go at it. Unfortunately Army's specialty is the run game so the weather won't affect them. It may be a positive thing for Temple who won't have Charlton throw them out of the game. This game is going to be played on the ground and Temple's ground defense is pretty damn good. For the 2nd straight week, i'm faced with a point spread that's foreign to the Owls and for the 2nd straight week, i'm playing the opponent. Give me Army +10 in this one as Temple just can't make things easy for me. I see a 24-17 win or something like that.

Wake Forest +7 -- Color me unimpressed by Clemson. They lost to TCU there and while the Horned Frogs are better then Wake, I like the Demon Deacons at a few key areas more then I like Clemson. Skinner and Grobe can win this game for them.

Middle Tennessee State +5 -- This is a scary team at home and has had success against BCS schools sweeping Maryland their last two games. Miss State hasnt exactly lit the world on fire either.

Rice/ECU Under 55
TCU/CSU Under 50

Both of those above are the same game in my eyes. It's a good defense at home against an inferior opponent. I can't see Rice and Colorado State scoring often meaning their defenses have to slow down ECU and TCU. I can see like a 31-13 game in each.

Indiana +2 -- Why are they home dogs? I think that they are better then Illinois and have more to play for then the Illini do. The Hoosiers are capable of winning this game so the points are beautiful to have.

Navy/SMU Over 56 -- This game is my bazillion lock of the week. Last year they played in horrendous weather and almost got here. That won't be an issue in this game as Navy doesnt have the athletes to cover the wideouts of SMU while the Mustangs arent bright enough to be able to stop Navy. Both teams are getting to 30 in this one. Put the house on it.

Miami/UCF -- UCF gets another big boy at home with Miami coming in banged up and all. I really think this is a close tight game so i'm on UCF +14.5 and Under 47. Their offense isnt that good but that defense has talent all over.

Thoughts?

Rainy Friday

2009-10-16T10:52:00.000-07:00

I honestly don't know how I survived four years in Syracuse. To me, the weather the past few days has been cold and horrible. I'm more of a bright and sunny kind of guy. Kinda like the outlook up in Charlottesville right now? Ain't that something that UVA has decided to pick up their play and start winning. One would like to think they could somehow market this and make money off of the fact that they don't wake up until October. Maybe sell some of it to the Skins who could become the most expensive embarrassment in the NFL. They rival the New York Mets as the team that thinks money wins out. It's heart and that's something that you can't purchase in the free agency market.

With regards to the much vaunted team name of the new Richmond minor league team....I love it. Why shouldnt we? It's clever...it's corny....it's minor league baseball! I for one welcome the new team name and think those who don't should really re-examine themselves. Are you really in a position to get uptight and angry over a minor league team that you may or may not see play at all next season? Honestly, the guy who's making the petition over this is the one who makes me laugh the most. If he spent more time on his work and less time on this stupid petition, his life would be so much better. Yeah, I wasn't a fan of some of those names but you know what, I moved on....I've got too many other things in my life to worry about from women issues to halloween ideas to my next great gambling picks.

Gambling picks? You want some picks? Let me tell you something...I like a bunch of games but if you want that one pick that I'm on....take Navy/SMU over 56. The Midshipmen managed 400 yards rushing on the Mustangs last year in a driving rainstorm. Weather won't be a factor in this one. For every rushing TD Navy will have, SMU will counter with a passing TD. Both teams will reach 30. Put the Hardly Workin Bucks on this one folks...and thank me on Monday.

That's all for now folks!

Yes, I'm still alive

2009-10-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

I've wanted to do a blog for a long time because as most of you know i'm very opinionated. Problem is, that i'm not bright enough to update it enough to actually sustain followers. I'm going to try and do that again and see what happens:

MLB
It's playoffs time in baseball and unfortunately my Florida Marlins arent in it. Gotta love the stories behind the Rockies and Twins. Unfortunately neither team is going to be around that long I'm afraid to say. I really want to see an underdog series of Colorado-Minnesota but as Colin Cowherd says people like Cinderellas but the ratings don't reflect that. I'm calling Cardinals - Yankees with the Bronx Bombers taking it in 6. St. Louis is just an all around good team with two amazing aces, two great hitters and a solid manager. My Yankees pick is part bias and part recognizing the talent they've assembled. The Red Sox are their biggest threat as the Angels will prolly flame out like usual. They don't have the postseason pitching to succeed.

NFL
I really have to stop buying into the Redskins. Before the season began, I saw them as a threat to the NFC East but unfortunately this team is just a threat to the number one draft pick. I'll never get why Jason Campbell gets all the blame for this train wreck. Number one is Vinny Cerrato with number two being Jim Zorn. Zorn was put into a situation that was a lose-lose. They wanted Cowher, Shanahan or Holmgren and settled for this guy who they originally thought was good enough to just be their OC. Cerrato has shown time and time again that he's spending Danny Boy's money poorly. Effective use of the cash would make this team so much better because there are winning pieces.

Elsewhere in the league...did we overrate Tony Romo too fast? He's proven to be quite human on and off the field. While he was the greatest thing since sliced bread last year, he's become nothing more then another quarterback. His accuracy is in question and his woman (Jessica Simpson) is gone from his life. I'm also done defending JaMarcus Russell. He's just hopeless...just a cannon of an arm with a 10 cent head. Michael Vick will NOT help the Eagles this season but will go to some team in the offseason who hopes he can become their savior...which he won't.

NCAA Football
Tim Tebow's injury might be the most talked about injury in the history of college football. I really hope he doesnt play Saturday against LSU because they'll still win and hopefully Vegas gives me a good price on him. My question is...who will come down faster from their lofty college career....Psycho T or Tim "Virgin Mary" Tebow? Both will find that the pros arent as cushy as the college game has been to them.

Virginia Tech's offense has such potential and at times this year we've seen that. There are top 25 teams who would die for a situation with Oglesby and Ryan Williams AND a kid like David Wilson on the sidelines. Granted their WR core leaves a lot to be desired but Tyrod Taylor is improving in the many phases of his game. Could this be the year the Hokies have to outscore teams to win? Now that's something I'd like to see.

Quick hits....Richmond's got that title feel to them once again.....Virginia's got that feel of a comeback story which keeps Al Groh's job....Temple's got that feel of a bowl team. That's right Al Golden's got those boys on Broad Street heading in the right way.....Hey Penn State, Eastern Illinois, really? Good luck with that Nittany Lions. Frauds

NHL
The season has begun. I know most of you don't know and don't care but i'm kinda excited. Ray Emery has beaten anyone up yet and Cindy Crosby's boys are back as well. I won't waste much space on this league here but the Winter Classic at Fenway is gonna be a good one.

NBA
Really? Sorry...no time for this at all. Couldnt care less. The Lakers are gonna win 70 games...Lebron will travel at least once or twice a game and Kobe's gonna do something dumb. Moving on.

College Football Win Total Article

2009-08-22T22:35:00.001-07:00

With the upcoming College football season approaching, gamblers are looking for value in over/under win totals. There's always a team or two that surpass or fall short of lofty expectations set by the oddsmakers. When trying to find value, you must group games into three categories...sure wins, sure losses and question marks. Ideally you want to find more sure results when deciding which side you fall on. This year I've found value in a couple of totals. All spreads provided by bodog sportsbook.

Boise State Under 10.5 (+150) -- There is a lot of hype surrounding the Broncos this season as a BCS buster and a team to be watched potentially in the national title hunt. Boise returns six starters on offense and five on defense. The offense will be led by Kellen Moore who will have Jeremy Avery and Austin Pettis to help him out. The team also returns three offensive linemen. Their problem lies in the front seven where only two starters return from a defense that was pretty strong last season. Looking at their schedule:

Sure Wins (8):

Miami Ohio (9/12), @ Bowling Green (9/26), UC Davis (10/3), @ Hawaii (10/24), San Jose State (10/31), Idaho (11/14), @ Utah State (11/20), New Mexico State (12/5)

Sure Losses (0):

Question Marks (5):

9/3 vs. Oregon -- The Ducks will have revenge on their minds from last season's 37-32 home loss to the Broncos. Oregon returns just nine starters from last year's team but they are at the right places. Oregon was 4-2 on the road last season and has the talent to make this a close game.

9/18 @ Fresno -- The Bulldogs bring back 15 starters and have shown that they can be a thorn in teams sides with upsets over Rutgers and Kansas State over the past few season. FSU grinds it out with Ryan Mathews and Lonyae Miller and has the offensive line that could be able to push around the relatively new Boise D-Line.

10/14 @ Tulsa -- The Golden Hurricane are one of the few teams who can match point for point offensively with the big boys. Their defense will be improved with eight starters back and many offensive weapons as well. They've gone 11-1 over the last two seasons at home.

11/6 @ La Tech -- All I'm saying here is that the Bulldogs won't be a pushover. They return 16 starters from an improving Bulldog team and are another squad that has the run game and the o-line to push Boise around. Daniel Porter is an underrated back. Last year they beat Mississippi State there and two years ago LT matched them offensively but had a costly fumble in BSU territory.

11/27 vs. Nevada -- The Wolf Pack have a bunch of offensive weapons and return Colin Kaepernick and Vai Taua who will be joined by Luke Lippincott who was granted a fifth season of eligibility. The last two meetings have been close with a 7 point loss last year and 2 point loss in 4OT in 2007.

Pittsburgh Under 7.5 Wins -- The Panthers are one of the many teams in the mediocre Big East who could be towards the top or fighting Syracuse in the bottom. There's a lot of uncertainty in the conference with Rutgers, West Virginia, USF and Pittsburgh among those who could win it all. Upon first look in Pittsburgh you'll notice no LeSean McCoy who stablized the position along with LaRod Stephens-Howling who is also gone. The Pitt Panthers return 15 starters but are handicapped by Dave Wannstedt who isn't exactly the brightest bulb in the bunch. The schedule also doesnt do the Panthers much good.

Sure Wins (4): 9/5 Youngstown State, 9/19 Navy, 10/10 UConn, 11/7 Syracuse

Sure Losses (2): 9/26 @ NC State, 10/16 @ Rutgers

Close Calls (6):

9/12 @ Buffalo -- The Bulls played them tough in Pittsburgh falling 27-16 to the Panthers and were only down 1 entering the 4th quarter. Pittsburgh lost to Bowling Green last season at home and the Bulls have comparable talent. James Starks and Naaman Roosevelt will need to have a big games for the Bulls to pull it off.

10/2 @ Louisville -- The Panthers have lost seven of their last eight to Louisville ending a seven game losing streak last season. The Cardinals bring back 13 starters and a potent offense that will need time to gel with new QB Justin Burke, the NC State transfer.

10/24 vs. USF -- Matt Grothe and George Selvie lead the inconsistent Bulls. Last year Pittsburgh won in Florida but the Bulls took the game in Pittsburgh two years ago. USF lives and dies by their stiff defense and has shown they can win on the road putting it on NC State last season.

11/14 vs. Notre Dame -- The Irish will be much improved this season and are 12-3 since 1988 against the Panthers. Last year Pittsburgh won 36-33 in 4OT against the Irish in South Bend so revenge will be on ND's minds.

11/27 @ West Virginia -- Revenge will be involved in this one. The Panthers have won two straight in this rivalry but Jarrett Brown and Jock Sanders pace an offense that can put up points if need be. The Mountaineers may also feature the best secondary in the Big East.

12/5 vs. Cincinnati -- Eight starters on offense return plus possibly the best coach in the Big East in Brian Kelly. The Bearcats may need this game for bowl eligibility. Cincy won last year's meeting.

NC State Over 8 (+170) -- The Wolfpack have the pieces to be a real dangerous team in the ACC. They bring back the best quarterback in the conference in Russell Wilson and a nasty defense. The thing that makes the Wolfpack even tougher is the depth they have on both lines. Last season, they finished one of the hottest teams in the country winning four of their last five games including demolishing North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

Sure Wins (6): 9/12 Murray State, 9/19 Gardner Webb, 9/26 Pittsburgh, 10/10 Duke, 11/7 Maryland, 11/14 Clemson

Sure Losses: 11/21 @ Va Tech

Close Calls:

9/3 vs. South Carolina -- NC State has won four of their last five vs. the Gamecocks. They got shut out 34-0 last year on the road but were breaking in Wilson who got hurt in the middle of the game. South Carolina is rebuilding.

10/3 @ Wake Forest -- The Wolfpack scored a comeback win over the Demon Deacons who are tough at home. Riley Skinner has a case for being the best in the conference. The Demon Deacons only return four starters on defense.

10/17 @ BC -- The Eagles are a thorn in the side of NC State. The Pack havent won in Chestnut Hill since 1937. Last year they gave up 578 yards to them losing 38-31. BC will have an inexperienced QB and a relatively weak defensive line.

10/31 @ FSU -- Halloween night the Pack will see the Seminoles who have won two straight against NC State after losing their last four. The Pack had a 17-13 lead in the 4th quarter before losing 26-17. FSU is only 5-4 away from home the last two seasons and return only 5 starters on D.

11/28 vs. North Carolina -- The Wolfpack are 9-4 since 1996 in home finales and forced 6 Heel turnovers last year on their way to a 41-10 win. They've won two straight in this heated rivalry.

OTHERS TO LOOK FOR:
Under 9 TCU (+110) -- Tough road trips to UVA, Clemson, Air Force, BYU and a sneaky trip to Laramie could help the Under.
Over 9 Oklahoma State (+110) -- The Cowboys just need to take one game out of the group of Texas, @ Oklahoma and Georgia in order

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-24T17:49:00.001-07:00

Before we begin this blog with sports drivel, I want to thank all of the soldiers and people in the service for what they do for us. Without them, things would be much worse and people would have bigger worries then Brad Lidge's blown saves and travelling non-calls in the NBA playoffs. So on this weekend, when you are enjoying your beer and your burgers, remember those who helped it make it a good day.

Interleague play wraps up it's first weekend and I for one have enjoyed it. I get a lot of pleasure from seeing the two leagues play each other. The series in NY, Boston, Houston, Minnesota have all been highly enjoyable and something the sport needs. Heck, do you think Nats park would be as packed as it was on Saturday and Sunday if it wasn't the Orioles? People laugh at the White Sox/Pirates and the Braves/Jays series but they are just as enjoyable as any old Pirates/D-Backs or Padres/Brewers series so why not? I dont mind watching the AL pitchers hit...heck Orioles fans may ask for more of that with Danys Baez and Brad Bergesen getting hits. I'm 110% for Interleague and would love to see more of it. Those who are against it just don't get it. Stop living in the past and enjoy the present and future of baseball.

It's such an awkward time in football. You know it's bubbling deep in the NFL and NCAA fans' bellies which is why the letters O T and A mean something to us. It's amazing how much of a hold it has on us. It's why the NFL Network is a stop for most sports fans nowadays even if it's got nothing on. College Football Live and NFL Live are now regular staples on ESPN even though there is rarely new news. The season is coming.

The playoffs in both sports have been pretty good. I'll give the NBA credit in that these four teams still playing are great but all of these LeBron/Kobe commercials are making me sick. They are falling into the same trap the NHL did with Crosby and Ovechkin. Why aren't they marketing Howard and Carmelo? Those two are highly entertaining and a series featuring Denver and Orlando would be more enjoyable to me and some fans outside of LA and Cleveland. Plus, it's hard to watch a sport where every call is being bitched about. Every NBA player feels like they've never committed a foul. Stop crying and moaning. If you are a superstar, occasionally you do committ a foul.

Admittedly, i've checked out of the NHL playoffs for now. A Pittsburgh-Detroit Stanley Cup final will be exciting but my despise for both teams prevents me from wrapping my arms around it. Both are quality organizations but Cindy Crosby is a crybaby, Evgeni Malkin is ugly and the Red Wings inspire thoughts of Communist Russia.

That's all for now. I'm goin to watch the Twins and Brewers.

Baseball's Time To Shine

2009-05-18T21:38:00.000-07:00

The NBA and NHL playoffs are rapidly heading towards their conclusions although the NBA surely has another month or two left. It's baseball's time to shine and so far this season hasn't let us down. Let's take a look at why this season has been very good:

1) Check out the standings...Right now Kansas City and Toronto are in first place and are giving those cities hope of a bright future. Heck, Zack Greinke might put up amazing numbers this year for the Royals bringing them the Cy Young Award. Toronto has Roy Halladay and a bunch of no-name starters making people scurry to baseball-reference.com to find out the difference between Scott Richmond and Richmond Virginia.
2) The Mets and Yankees are struggling. Granted the Bronx Bombers are headed in the right direction but the Mets are a mess. They have superstars but not super leaders. Their rotation is as mediocre as it gets and when they send Johan to the mound, they just don't score. Thank goodness there won't be a Subway Series.
3) The Texas Rangers are no longer a black hole for starting pitching. Scott Feldman and Kevin Millwood have led the charge as the Rangers are atop the AL West. Good for them. Josh Hamilton isn't even hitting much yet but the rest of the team is. I hope they keep it going.
4) The Nationals are a fascinating team. Check out these numbers: Relievers have a 6.68 ERA and are 1-13. Washington is 6-10 when they've scored 6+ runs this season whereas Pittsburgh is 14-0 in the same case. This is one of the best lineups in the NL with quite possibly the worst bullpen in the history of major league baseball. They don't draw but perhaps they should. If people are clamoring for offense so desperately, then why not go patronize the team with some of the best in baseball. Ryan Zimmerman should be in the NL All Star game. And with that, time for me to get on my soapbox. Vote for who belongs not your home team. I love the Marlins but im sure as hell not voting for Emilio Bonafacio or Cody Ross to go. I've got some sort of soul so here's who you SHOULD be voting for

AL
C: Victor Martinez, Cleveland (.401 on that bad team is pretty good) Also Acceptable: Joe Mauer, Mike Napoli
1B: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit (almost hitting .400 and 30 RBI's) Also Acceptable: Kevin Youkilis, Justin Morneau
2B: Aaron Hill, Toronto (leads 2B's in all major categories except SB's) Also Acceptable: Ian Kinsler, Dustin Pedroia.
3B: Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay (Putting up obscene RBI Numbers) Also Acceptable: Michael Young
SS: Jason Bartlett, Tampa Bay(.384 5 HR, 22 RBI are by far the best here) Also Acceptable: NONE
OF: Adam Jones, Baltimore (.370 8 HR, 26 RBI from a relative unknown before this year), Carl Crawford, Tampa Bay (a terror on the basepaths and hitting over .300), Johnny Damon (.324, 10 HR....someone's benefitting from the new park) Also Acceptable: Jason Bay, Torii Hunter, Nick Markakis
SP: Roy Halladay (If the fate of the world depended on one game, I'd give the ball to this man) Also Acceptable: Zack Greinke

NL
C: Bengie Molina, San Francisco (hitting over .300 and represents the power in a weak Giants lineup) Also Acceptable: NONE really
1B: Albert Pujols, St. Louis (usually one of the few that the fans get right; Prince Albert just keeps rolling) Also Acceptable: Todd Helton (pretty nice numbers for him), Nick Johnson (what he's not hurt?), Joey Votto
2B: Orlando Hudson, Los Angeles (pretty nice pickup at the end of the FA for the Dodgers) Also Acceptable: Chase Utley, Freddy Sanchez, Felipe Lopez
SS: Hanley Ramirez, Florida (.343 6 HR, 20 RBI...i'm a homer so what) Also Acceptable: Cristian Guzman (NL's leading hit guy)
3B: Ryan Zimmerman, Washington (.358 10 HR, 31 RBI...shame he'll lose) Also Acceptable: David Wright, Aramis Ramirez (injured), Chipper
OF: Carlos Beltran (.378...hate rewarding big market guys but he belongs), Ryan Braun (gotta rep the Jews especially when they hit over .300 with power), Raul Ibanez (.357 13 HR...does the guy ever smile? Meanest homerun hitter ever) Also Acceptable: Carlos Lee, Hunter Pence, Manny Ramirez
SP: Johan Santana

Sports World Musings

2009-05-08T21:17:00.001-07:00

So much going on across the board so let's go for some musings

MLB
- Manny's on illegal drugs. Oh well. I'm from the camp that I just don't give a crap. I go to baseball for a few things....some cash to spend if I'm doing well in my picks, some entertainment if my team is winning and a diversion if my life isn't going so hot. Yeah, i'd like to tell my kids that the players didn't cheat but is it really cheating if the majority is doing it. And don't think that because they havent been exposed, doesnt mean they didnt cheat. I just don't care anymore.
- The Nationals arent the worst team in baseball. Their record may say so but their lineup is better then a lot of teams' with better records. Their pitching staff is going to improve once Zimmermann learns to stop relying on his fast ball. Stephen Strasburg threw a no-no tonight and struck out 17. He'll be on this team in August and September. This will be a ticket you want to get so stay tuned to the show to get your tickets. This team will be around come August and September and won't be an easy win.
- The Yankees won't win the AL East. Their bullpen just isn't good enough for them to do it. Not every SP is CC Sabathia who can throw 130 pitches every time. The Red Sox or Rays will take it and the Jays will hang around the Wild card race too.

NBA
- I'm sorry, i'm just not a LeBron fan. Then again, I'm not an NBA guy so the thought of Kobe/LeBron NBA finals just doesnt interest me. I'd like a Suns/Magic "First to 120" series. I'm not interested in the close game in the 80's with many timeouts and "strategy" You can get me into a game with all these suspensions and all these issues that they've been having.
- Sixers Brass...if you are reading this. Please draft Eric Maynor. We need a point guard who can score and he fits the bill there.

NHL
- Begrudgingly I must give the NHL it's due. This Caps/Pens series has been pretty spectacular despite what it took to get here. I'm also glad that it's bringing new fans to the sport who see that it's pretty fun to watch especially played at it's highest levels. Finally, I'm also glad that they are seeing Sidney Crosby for what he is which is a pampered superstar who needs to get a reality check that there are others out there besides him.
- Finals prediction: Ducks - Caps.

NFL
- Signups are also taken here for my side of the Brett Favre argument. If he comes back AGAIN, do I get credit for calling it a 2nd time? And to play for the Vikings? Do you have any shame Brett? He was bad for the Jets and his wanting to get revenge against Green Bay may mean that the Packers sweep the Vikes. Would that finally end his career? God I hope so. Just stay away Brett.

Cleaning out the sports closet.

2009-04-29T20:54:00.001-07:00

Well the draft is over and next up is minicamp after minicamp. The funny thing about that is NFL fans gobble this stuff up. No other sport would practices like these be attended so well and be so much on a sports fan's radar. The NFL is the king in all of the sports world yet for some reason a lot of their athletes arent happy. Contract squabbles are common on almost every team and I don't get why. These players make more then we could ever dream of. Sure they put their body's on the line for our entertainment but that was their choice. Sheldon Brown, Mike Sellers among others arent happy with their contracts. Just shut up and play for the love of the game and try not to squander that 10 million dollars you already have.

Elsewhere it's playoff time in the NHL and NBA. Geez, could the NBA playoffs be any longer. It's one of a few things i'd change. First off, three game series in the first round and five the rest of the rounds. I'm getting sick of seeing the same teams, same plays and same storylines. It's time to move on to the next round.

Secondly, the superstar treatment goes out the window. I dont care if you are Dwight Howard or Peja Stojakovic or Chris Anderson....a foul is a foul is a foul. Rajon Rondo hacked Brad Miller maliciously but it wasn't called the flagrant like it should have been.

Next, get rid of the rule that you can advance the ball after a timeout. Pointless. Why are rewarding people for that stuff. Also, reduce the number of timeouts. The end of these games take forever. Finally, with regards to rule changes, make the bonus available after 7 fouls like in college basketball. Not five...comes too quickly and greatly reduces the flow of the game.

The NBA needs to take it's cue from the NHL where someone else is a star every night. The goalies, the wingers, the defensemen all come up big on different nights. Sure most of the players arent American but c'mon it's a great sport if you give it a chance. Those of you in Richmond, Vs. is channel 2 on your cable box. Find it and watch and thank me later.

Baseball time...We're about 20 games in or so in the season. I'd say about 20-25 more before the monotony of the season begins to set in. Fortunately soon comes interleague which adds a little spice to the season. Count me as one who likes it and wishes it was expanded more. Take a picture Mariners, Blue Jays fans...your teams stay in 1st place won't be that long.

Broseph's Mock Draft

2009-04-24T05:32:00.000-07:00

Alright, everyone else has a mock draft. I'm going to do one as far as I can until I get bored with typing or until I just run out of intelligent things to say. Some would stop now thinking I have nothing intelligent to say.

1) Detroit Lions -- Matt Stafford, QB Georgia - It's the logical pick but I'm 100% sure he's not the #1 talent in this draft. The Lions would have been better served stinking next year and drafting Sam Bradford instead. Of course, there's nothing to say they couldn't go 0-16 next year too.

2) St. Louis Rams -- Eugene Monroe, OT, UVA - The Rams had success drafting former Hoo Chris Long so they go back to the well and take someone from the offensive side of the ball. They are looking to replace Orlando Pace and can't go wrong with Monroe.

3) Kansas City Chiefs -- Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest - The number one defensive player in the draft goes to the worst defense in the draft. Last year, KC had an obscenely low total of sacks. Curry will help change that.

4) Seattle Seahawks -- Mark Sanchez, QB, USC -- This mock draft i'm doing will not feature any trades. The Skins will NOT get Sanchez so don't worry. In the end, I think logic wins out and the team stays where they are. Seattle drafts their QB of the future since Matt Hasselbeck is on the other side of his NFL career.

5) Cleveland Browns -- BJ Raji, DT, Boston College -- Pair off this big man with Shaun Rogers and it's going to be tough to run up the middle on the Browns. Raji played well at Boston College. Crabtree could go here and if he did then Braylon Edwards could be on his way out to the Giants.

6) Cincinnati Bengals -- Andre Smith, OT, Alabama -- It's a match made in heaven as the troubled NFL franchise takes the best player with the checkered past. Smith's actions during the combine and the picture that has scared little children of his flabs of skin make him attractive to the ugly rose of the NFL. Smith's talent isn't in question, his decision making is.

7) Oakland Raiders -- Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri -- Speed speed speed. That's what Al Davis wants in his players and certainly in his wide receivers. Maclin's a do it all player who will help the Raiders on offense and the special teams as well.

8) Jacksonville Jaguars -- Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech -- Crabtree will not fall much more. The Jaguars offense desperately needs weapons especially with losing Matt Jones. Crabtree's talent isn't denied by anyone but his injury caused some to be scared off especially since they didnt get to "kick his tires."

9) Green Bay Packers -- Jason Smith, OT, Baylor -- Smith is the best of the remaining OL right now and it fills a big need on Green Bay who wants to have Aaron Rodgers survive another season. Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton are getting up in age.

10) San Francisco 49ers -- Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss -- Oher's an athletic tackle and being written in a book helped this guy's stock. The 49ers need a mauling run blocker so they'll go after the athletic Oher.

11) Buffalo Bills -- Brian Orakpo, DE/LB, Texas -- The Bills Defense gets a boost for a front line that didnt get enough sacks or pressure on the quarterback. Orakpo is flexible enough to be on the line or rushing from the edge.

12) Denver Broncos -- Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State -- Maybin's quickness helps the Broncos defense which was absolutely horrible last season. Maybin or Tyson Jackson could go here. Depends on what they value more on their draft board.

13) Washington Redskins -- Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee -- Sorry no Sanchez, no Crabtree, nothing too exciting. That D-line is aging and in need of some youth. Ayers can get up the field after the quarterback. It's the smart pick and I think the team should pay for the medical bills of it's fans for putting them thru the Sanchez saga.

14) New Orleans Saints -- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State -- Jenkins helps the leaky secondary of New Orleans. Beanie Wells has been rumored here but they need more help on the defensive side of the ball. Jenkins can play either corner or safety for New Orleans too.

15) Houston Texans -- Everette Brown, DE, FSU -- The Texans need a rush end to complement Mario Williams and Amobi Okoye. Brown fits that and fits in with Houston's scheme.

16) San Diego Chargers -- Beanie Wells, RB, Ohio State -- Need some thunder to go with Lightning in Darren Sproles. Wells injury concerns are an issue but he'll fit right in to be groomed until LT is ready to give up the reigns.

17) New York Jets -- Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State -- The Jets need a quarterback and moving up get Sanchez will cost too much. Why not get the talented yet raw Freeman and groom him to take over next year after one year of Kellen Clemens?

18) Denver Broncos -- Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi -- The defense gets another stud. This time it's a beefy defensive tackle who penetrates the gaps and causes havoc in the middle.

19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Brian Cushing, OLB, USC -- Derrick Brooks' replacement has been found in one of the three linebackers that come from USC to be drafted early in this draft.

20) Detroit Lions -- Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU -- Well I completely forgot about this guy so why not have the Lions take him. Hey, sometimes good players are forgotten about and fall farther then they should. Jackson's a great addition to a defense that needs all the help it can get.

21) Philadelphia Eagles -- Donald Brown, RB, UConn -- The Eagles have professed their love for Knowshon Moreno as much as I have for Megan Fox on the air. That usually means that they arent taking him. Brown is a nice complement to Westbrook. Brandon Pettigrew could also be the pick here after Philly fell short in their pursuit of Tony Gonzalez.

22) Minnesota Vikings -- Percy Harvin, WR, Florida -- The Vikings need weapons. Despite Harvin's drug use and injury history, he's one of the most explosive wideouts in the draft. Coach Childress has to step outside the box here with this pick.

23) New England Patriots -- Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois -- Best player on the board who will help the Patriots now. The best cornerback in the draft and despite a checkered past, Coach Belicheck will roll the dice with this good cover corner.

24) Atlanta Falcons -- Clint Sintim, OLB, UVA -- The Falcons got their tight end already so they'll bolster the linebacker corps.

25) Miami Dolphins -- Darrius Heyward Bey, WR, Maryland -- Heyward Bey can stretch the field real well and will help a WR core that needs a little more. Chambers and Ginn are nice but we saw last year that the depth wasn't there. Camarillo, London and now Heyward Bey make this a nice group to compete in the AFC East.

26) Baltimore Ravens -- Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers -- Another team that needs a boost to their wide receiver corps gets on in Britt who has great hands and will be able to catch Flacco's deep bombs. Derrick Mason needs help and gets it in Kenny Britt.

27) Indianapolis Colts -- Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia -- No more Dominic Rhodes in Indy. Joseph Addai is injury prone so why not add Moreno to the mix and Peyton Manning's team will run the ball a little more.

28) Buffalo Bills -- Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State -- Best TE in the draft goes to the team that needs it the most. They could go Tackle here and take Eben Britton but Pettigrew is good for the offense both blocking and catching.

29) New York Giants -- Hakeem Nicks, WR, UNC -- Maybe a Plaxico Burress in training? He's tall, fast and able to be the red zone presence that Eli Manning needed last year against the Eagles.

30) Tennessee Titans -- Rey Maualuga, LB, USC -- They needed a WR but the last run prevents them from getting who they want. Maualuga strengthens an already tough defense and joins Cushing as the USC linebackers taken in the 1st round.

31) Arizona Cardinals -- Clay Matthews, LB, USC -- Arizona wants a running back since Edge is most likely splitsville at the end of the season. Unfortunately the top three are off the board so they'll defense as well. Matthews is the most flexible of all the USC linebackers and has the pedigree to succeed in this league right away.

32) Pittsburgh Steelers -- Max Unger, C, Oregon -- Offensive line help is needed for the defending champions. Unger is able to play multiple positions on the OL. Could also see Alex Mack go here as he's the most talented Center in the draft.

Other Predictions:
Lawrence Sidbury to the Dolphins -- They love their small school guys. Jim Reid gets Sidbury to join him in Miami.
Pat White to the Patriots -- It's crazy enough that it just might happen. White's the biggest wild card in the draft and Bill Belicheck is the right man to take the risk.
Temple will have more players drafted then the U. 1-0 will be that score. Small victory for the up and coming Owls.

One Week In....

2009-04-13T10:13:00.000-07:00

One week already into the baseball season and basically everyone except the Nationals are in it. Kudos go out to the Orioles who are playing good baseball right now. Their lineup is quite formidable although it's not enough to beat the Rays or Red Sox. Any team with Mark Hendrickson and/or Adam Eaton in their rotation won't survive.

Notice I didn't put the Yankees up there. I'm just not convinced right now. They have a lot of holes and older players who i'm not convinced will make it the whole season. Mark Teixeira already is out with a wrist injury. Jorge Posada's knees are already an issue. This team will go as far as CC, AJ, Joba and Chien Ming Wang can take them. Also, they need a quick return by A-Rod because this lineup isn't as formidable as the older bronx bomber days.

In the NL, my Marlins are lookin good early. They will be a factor so fans of other NL East teams need to realize that. They have the best rotation in the division and if they can field even a little bit, they will be there in the end. The Phillies and Mets started slow but we know they will be there in the end. Atlanta (as i predicted on the show) will be there too. Their lineup is fierce from Chipper to McCann to Schafer who has been a godsend in CF. Heck, if Francoeur can put something together, they may surpass Philly as the best lineup in the NL East. Washington will get better. They have shown they can hit the ball, they just havent done it when it mattered yet. One hit here and there and this team has 2 or 3 wins.

As an aside, it's stanley cup playoff time. For those of you who stopped reading my blog post at the word Stanley, I urge you to sit and watch one game, one period and tell me that you don't find it exciting. Heck, we'll welcome you even if you are a bandwagon jumper to watching NHL hockey. The whole Washington Capital fanbase are bandwagon jumpers. They didn't know that city had a hockey team until they made the playoffs. I'm goin San Jose-New Jersey in the Stanley cup finals with the Sharks taking it all.

Oh yeah, NBA playoffs start next week..zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Putting College Ball to bed.

2009-04-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

Was it just me or did this tournament lack excitement? The final 4 featured a couple of blowouts and the title game also wasn't very close. What's even odder was the fact that I chose to watch the Twins/Mariners game and House instead of the title game. Granted, I had a bigger interest in baseball for certain reasons but still, this was the National title game.

Heck, even One Shining Moment lacked the excitement that it always carries when you know the tourney is about to end. So looking back at the 2008-09 season here's what stuck out:

- VCU ended two eras with another CAA title and a heartbreaking loss. I'm thinking the Shaka Smart era continues with much success and hits the ground running early and often next year.
- The Richmond Spiders will be the scariest team in this city next year with the potential that they showed at the end and adding Dan Geriot. It's not out of the realm of possibility that they win the conference especially with Sean Miller taking his expertise elsewhere.
- The Hokies were well....the Hokies. They came up short in their quest for a tournament bid by virtue of some close losses and odd play. The face of the franchise will change next year.
- The Hoos hired Tony Bennett who I've said on the record will be an outstanding hire. Winning is winning no matter if it's by scoring 50 points or 80 points.

And now it's time for baseball and eventually the NHL and NBA playoffs. I'm sure most eyes will go to the Great American Pastime as they should but don't forget about the postseason in those other two sports. While I dislike the NBA, i'll be checking in from time to time and the NHL is exciting stuff when we hit this time of year.

Coaching Searches are OVER

2009-03-31T21:17:00.000-07:00

Well that was quite a rush for a pair of Virginia schools. First let me start with UVA, a school that people know I don't particularly care for. Tony Bennett is an outstanding hire. The man has done a lot with Wazzu and this past year's effort should be the reason why you like him. Wazzu wasn't expected to do squat in the PAC 10 yet this team made a late push for a potential at-large and got an NIT bid instead. He's shown he can recruit and he's shown that he can win. Bennett's going to do well. Don't worry about the style of play. Clearly the up and down style (see: no defense played) of Dave Leiteo didnt work. Cougar students showed up for Bennett's team, UVA students will do the same or pay for it. Sounds familiar like another Virginia school.

VCU's hire is good as well. Shaka Smart is a stud, bar none. Florida fans arent happy he's leaving while we took another "Anthony Grant" from their school. Grant was a one of a kind coach and his departure will leave a void temporarily. He's class personified and those condemning him for leaving should look in the mirror and tell themselves they wouldnt have done the same. Grant will prosper in Alabama and those who were unhappy he left, will quickly turn around and root for him in the end. Smart keeps Eblen and the rest of the current Rams squad, Mason and ODU fans will be complaining once again that VCU is too good. VCU made the "smart" hire. hehe

It's almost baseball season...So excited for it because for the first month or two the Marlins are hanging around.

Later on fellas
Matt

PS..... Villanova must go down

NCAA Tournament Dancing and NIT

2009-03-15T19:03:00.001-07:00

Well the brackets are out and VCU is coming home to my town to play the west coast Bruins of UCLA. What a great matchup for the Rams as they will be staring at a mirror image of them. UCLA features all world PG Darren Collison, Shipp and Aboya and a lot of youth. At times the Bruins are a turnover prone team and one that has gone cold for long stretches of time. Don't expect this one to get to 70 points. If either does then, they will win. I just don't see it happening because the one consistency for the Bruins is a stout defense. Plus, never count out Ben Howland or Anthony Grant. This one has classic written all over it. VCU 67-64.

If they win, they play the hated Villanova Wildcats...well...err at least I hate them....and..that's if Jeff Jones American team doesnt knock off the Vilecats. Nova isn't a tall team outside of Dante Cunningham and has guards out the wazoo. This one would be a higher paced game because both teams push the pace. Nova has given up exorbitant totals at times in the Big East.

Elsewhere:

Va Tech gets Duquesne in the NIT. This is big time trouble for them. What will the Hokie mindset be? Will they take this as a challenge and make a run to send Vassallo off or will they bitch and moan and piss awy the home game. The Dukes are an explosive team and will be tough to prep for. This will be an intriguing one especially if Duquesne is hot from the outside.

Mason made the NIT and will get Penn State in a 2-7 matchup. Another case of mindset as most NIT games are. Especially if PSU is unhappy to have not made the tourney. I havent seen too many PSU games this year as Big 10 bball is unwatchable. I'd like to think Mason can hang around and clamp down on the Nits. This one wont reach 70 either.

Teams to watch in the NCAA tourney:

Temple of course
Washington -- Watch out for the VCU of the west. Final 4 talent when it all gets put together.
Ohio State -- Only because they are "home" which is a crock (PS...How the hell did Maryland get a 10 when they didnt even belong in the tourney. No team should make the field of 65 when you've lost games by at least 30 points)

That's all for now

Welcome Back

2009-03-08T17:55:00.000-07:00

Hardly Workin is back on the air and it feels great especially since i've started to catch some march madness fever. The CAA tournament is one of the more underrated tournaments in the mid-major country. Great crowds, great action and good rivalries. The Mason-VCU final tomorrow will be outstanding. I feel like the Rams will come out on top because they can't let Eric Maynor's senior year be sullied by an NIT bid. VCU's defense as of late has been out of this world and the tired Patriots had way too many mental lapses. Rams take it 67-60.

The Spiders are going into the A-10 tourney with a ton of momentum. I'm feeling at least one victory with a good chance for two. Richmond's bigs are going to be the key. We know that the Spiders guards will score and we've seen games where Martel/Gonzo/KA have carried the team to a victory but it's the bigs who will need to contribute as well. Rhode Island's guards are good, Dayton's are underrated. Spiders get two wins but bow out in a close one in the Semi's.

Would you call me crazy if I said UVA had a better chance of winning their first round game then the Hokies do? I know about the crazy stretch Va Tech has had but UVA is "hot" right now. You never know where the points are gonna come from outside of Sylven but the Hoos are playing with house money. There's even a projection out there the Hoos make the CollegeInsider.com tournament. Meanwhile the Hokies big 3 have struggled mightily lately. They will be playing a desperate Canes team in the 1st round and will need Delaney, Vassallo and Allen to step up big to prevent Miami from gettin back on the bubble.

March Madness is alive and well and soon before we know it, it will be baseball season.

Week 13 College Football Picks.....

2008-11-21T09:00:00.001-08:00

Week 1: 3-4
Week 2: 4-4
Week 3: 5-2
Week 4: 1-8
Week 5: 2-6
Week 6: 6-1
Week 7: 4-3
Week 8: 3-4
Week 9: 5-2
Week 10: 5-2
Week 11: 2-4
Week 12: 2-7

Alright, last week was a complete and utter abortion. You can tell early on how my picks are doing if i win the first one or two. When it rains, it pours with me but we trudge on.

Like always we begin with Temple. The Owls have officially been eliminated from bowl contention this season after the abysmal loss to Kent State in front of like 6 people. This weekend, Temple hosts EMU. Somehow the Owls are a 10-11 point favorite this weekend. The offense has been clicking lately and EMU doesnt exactly present much of a threat but something about this tells me to take EMU plus the points. I can't imagine much motivation for a team who will be playing for nothing in front of nothing. I like the Over 44 more but i'd consider EMU +11.

This seems too easy....plus it's the shady MAC conference so i know something's up here but Toledo -3? Against Miami-Ohio who stinks out loud? Yikes....The Rockets have shown a pulse winning in Michigan...what has MU done this year. Give me The Rockets -3.

Indiana/Purdue....great basketball matchup....tons of points in football...or at least im hoping. Neither team is exactly interested in playing defense and neither is exactly playing for anything either. I'll take over 49 in this one.

The SEC is traditionally a tough conference to cap. I like Mississippi State despite the fact that they couldnt score on a pee-wee team. I'm not a fan of Arkansas and their running game against this defense. Give me MSU +1.

TCU's defense is nearly untouchable at home. AFA loves to run the ball and that drains clock. The Air Force Academy also has been playing a little defense themselves lately. I think this total is a little high for a close game. Take Under 45.

I've rode them thru thick and thin and this seems to be a beautiful spot to do it again. I like Arizona -3 at home against Oregon State. This team is completely different at home and is better then an OSU team who is inconsistent at best on the road.

Week 12 College Football Picks....

2008-11-14T12:12:00.000-08:00

Week 1: 3-4
Week 2: 4-4
Week 3: 5-2
Week 4: 1-8
Week 5: 2-6
Week 6: 6-1
Week 7: 4-3
Week 8: 3-4
Week 9: 5-2
Week 10: 5-2
Week 11: 2-4
Week 12: 0-1

Alright, Temple's season is over except for two hideously under-attended home games at the Cavernous Lincoln Financial Field. Just as low was my picks last week...

Tonight's game between Cincinnati and Louisville is a juicy one...I'm still a believer in the Cardinals. Despite the solid defense that Cincinnati features, I'm goin Louisville +3.5 tonight and a small lean on under 49.

Penn State is going to cream Indiana. It won't be pretty either. I'm not as confident on the 36 point game line but i'll take a 1st half line that's sure to be around 21 or so. For the purposes of these picks give me PSU -21 1st half.

South Florida's Jekyll and hyde season continues at home as they host Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights aren't ready to win this one or even come anywhere close. I love the Bulls -8 in this one.

Western Michigan is heading towards a sweet bowl after beating Illinois and then return home to host Toledo. The Rockets can score a little in this game. Give me Over 54.5 in this one.

Speaking of teams who are very inconsistent, Maryland is hosting North Carolina. The Twerps don't seem to look like their crappy selves when they play at Byrd Stadium. Give me Maryland +3.

This is purely a feel pick. I've been a fan of the Arizona Wildcats this season and i feel like they are a good play at Oregon. The Ducks are a good team but can be beat. A ton of points will be put up in this one and i like my chances with Willie Tuitama in a shoot out. Arizona +5 in this one.

Last pick for this week is a similar situation. LSU and Tulane played a couple of weeks ago and it was an under. I feel like Troy could be better then Tulane defensively and maybe a little bit offensively as well. This o/u is way too high for an offense that is inconsistent. Take Under 54.5 in the Troy/LSU game.

Week 11 College Football Picks....

2008-11-07T10:18:00.001-08:00

Week 1: 3-4
Week 2: 4-4
Week 3: 5-2
Week 4: 1-8
Week 5: 2-6
Week 6: 6-1
Week 7: 4-3
Week 8: 3-4
Week 9: 5-2
Week 10: 5-2

Well in my many years of watching football, I don't think i've ever seen a team self-implode as badly as Temple did last week. What was going to be a promising season fell big time in the span of 3 or 4 plays over 3 or 4 games. Unlike my beloved Owls, i've been hot with the picks.

This has been a favorite play of mine as of late. For some reason the BYU over under in their games hasnt been high enough as they've scored the total by themselves almost. This time they play a horrific SDSU and the total is 59? BYU will score at least that in this game. Considering their defense hasn't been that good either, they may give some up themselves. Take Over 59

Conference USA rivals the Big 12 for offenses and scoring totals. This has a chance to sail over or be way under depending on how Bo Levi Mitchell comes out firing. I feel both teams will put up at least 30 so i'm going Over 63 for SMU/Memphis.

One of my favorite picks if not THE favorite pick of the weekend is in the ACC. While the Wolfpack hasn't been that successful in conference, they still have shown a defensive effort from time to time. I think the week off will do them good. Duke's offense is ridiculously inconsistent. Give me under 49 NC State/Duke

Unders for the most part in the SEC have been money outside of this season. The defenses in this league have not shown up for the most part. I feel like this is the last stand for LSU and their defense. Under 48 Alabama/LSU

A pair of home dogs are next up in the selections: Last time I checked Hawaii stinks away from the Islands. Now I know that New Mexico State isn't exactly a world beater but i'll take my chances that Holbrook has one good game in him to beat UH. Give me NMSU +3.5

Next.....It's been a dismal season for UCLA. Tons of injuries and bad games but Oregon State has been living on the edge. Outside of a win in Washington, they stink out loud on the road. Sure they hung around with Utah but in the end they fell short. Gimme a Bruins team +8 motivated to hurt OSU.

Final pick this week for me comes in the WAC. Very rare to appear on my writeups but something about this game struck me. I like San Jose State -7 over La Tech. The Spartans have some talent on offense with Myles Eden leading them and David Richmond catching his passes. Away from Ruston La Tech is terrible. Take SJSU -7.

Week 10 College Football Picks.....

2008-10-31T09:41:00.001-07:00

Week 1: 3-4
Week 2: 4-4
Week 3: 5-2
Week 4: 1-8
Week 5: 2-6
Week 6: 6-1
Week 7: 4-3
Week 8: 3-4
Week 9: 5-2

Well I typed this up once and unfortunately lost it so the wittiness may not be here the 2nd time. Check out my articles on coversexperts.com on USF and Tulsa.

We always start with Temple and it's amazing how the spread in this game has gone down over the years going from 31.5 to 21 to 7.5 this year. I have absolutely no feel in this game. Temple has hung around with Navy lately but I dont know if i feel so confident this year. If the offense picks up, this will be an over and a Temple cover. If the Temple offense continues to suck, it'll be Navy and the under. No pick in this one.

The theme of these picks at least in the beginning is feeling dirty and going against teams and picks i don't like. I'm normally not on Minnesota but they have a juicy matchup against a banged up Northwestern team. No Sutton and most likely no Bacher either. Minnesota has been playing well as of late. Give me Minnesota -6.5.

Tulsa and Arkansas is such an intriguing game this week and was a line i know a lot of us were waiting for. Golden Hurricane -7 o/u 77. This is like playing with fire but give me under 77. Arkansas plays a little bit of defense and it's the most hostile environment Tulsa will play in this year.

Continuing with my backing of teams i cant believe i'd ever do, let's take an Irish team getting a short line against an overrated Pittsburgh squad. Granted Notre Dame is ridiculously inconsistent but with the uncertainty at QB. Irish -5.

Wake Forest is due to explode offensively. The team will welcome Duke with open arms into Winston Salem. The Blue Devils are also capable of putting up some points as well. It's going to be a back and forth game hopefully. Give me over 38

Any chance Tulane had at covering against LSU went out the window when Andre Anderson went out for the season. The only question is how motivated LSU will be for this game. Give me under 55.5 in this one. LSU's offense is so inconsistent that they may not put up 40 in this one.

To me this could be the easiest bet on the board and i'm glad i got on it early. The mediocrity of conference USA produces a ton of points. Southern Miss and UAB are no different. Joe Webb and Damian Fletcher are capable of putting up a couple TD's each. This game will be in the 60's or 70's. Give me Over 58.

Finally, give me the under in the Sunday night....Neither teams are overwhelming on offense and UCF is solid enough on defense. Give me under 51.5 in a game where neither team will hit 30.

Week 9 College Football picks

2008-10-24T10:31:00.003-07:00

Week 1: 3-4
Week 2: 4-4
Week 3: 5-2
Week 4: 1-8
Week 5: 2-6
Week 6: 6-1
Week 7: 4-3
Week 8: 3-4
Week 9: 2-0 so far

How bout my Temple owls....we gave you guys the Under and the Owls and granted most of you were already on it but i'd like to stroke my ego a little bit so i can feel worth on this great board...hahah...The MAC east is within our sights....

Cincinnati and UConn are ridiculously inconsistent on offense so far this year. Pike is back for the Bearcats but they weren't exactly juggernauts with him under center this season. The Huskies are one sided with Donald Brown as well. Neither team is that good so i'll take Under 45.

The Big 12 has put up some crooked numbers offensively this year and some of the culprits include Kansas and Texas Tech. Neither team plays a lick of defense and TT has been ripe for the picking lately playing some bad games. The Jayhawks have yet to explode yet this year but i see a ton of points in this one. Over 67

BYU has another stellar offense...UNLV has weapons but i dont need too too much from them. The Cougars need to continue to pound their opponents for the BCS. They may put up 55 themselves. Gimme Over 55 in this one.

Alright, i'll bite...usually the SEC is traditionally an under conference. Death Valley at 3:30 is not quite as intimidating as it is at night. Georgia's offense should provide most of the fire in this game. I'll take under 48.5 in this one which is unusually high for an SEC game.

The only spread i really like this week is Arizona +16. The Wildcats are head and shoulders better at home and have the certain pieces to make this a close game. Willie Tuitama is a damn good quarterback and Antolin is running well in place of Grigsby. The foolish turnovers will have to stop but 16 is ridiculously high for a team who may win outright. Arizona +16.

Finally, the Ga Tech - UVA game is so intriguing to me. When it first came out, I was all over UVA +12 feeling the rush of the Hoos from the homestand. Then as the week continued i leaned more and more towards the Jackets. UVA's road history is hideous and while GT's offense is inconsistent, i feel it overrides the Hoos road history. No pick in this game but feet in the fire i'm takin GT -12.

Week 9 College Football picks

2008-10-24T10:31:00.001-07:00

Week 8 College Football Picks

2008-10-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

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

Oh man, i can't wait for Tuesday night so the ESPN2 watching nation can watch the Owls in action. Obviously no pick from me yet in this game but i'll say this...with Adam DiMichele at the helm, the Owls are the 3rd best team in the MAC behind Ball State and maybe Central Michigan although we almost beat them with crap at QB. Pick on this game coming on Tuesday.

I'll start with the alma mater and USF this weekend. I'm not convinced the Cuse is gonna win the game but they've played with a pulse lately. USF is a massive favorite and rightfully so. The o/u is 49.5. I like the under....here's why....Cuse will play D but won't score much. USF will play D but will score more. Give me under 49.5

Nebraska...man what a fall they've had lately. This team's defense has been hideous and the offense hasn't been able to keep up. Iowa State has been an up and down team so far this year. Their QB Arnaud has been hot as of late. I like ISU +7 and would even consider a ML play on this. Cyclones are for real.

Staying in the Big 12...Oklahoma State is riding high off their upset of Missouri in their place. They return home with an upstart Baylor team. Baylor's offense is very underrated as is their QB Griffith. Sure in a conference with Bradford, McCoy, Daniel and Z. Robinson, you can get lost. This is going to be a video game score. Take the Over 68.5

For some reason Vegas hasn't learned yet. The Hoos are back! well at least at home....They wrap up a three game homestand with a wounded UNC team. The Heels lost Brandon Tate to an injury and he represented a large piece of their offense. Now Brooks Foster and Hakeem Nicks will need to step up. Give me the Hoos +5 in a game they may win outright.

I'm goin off the board with this one. I like UAB....with all my anger of the o/u loss in their last game, they were impressive. Joe Webb has weapons and while Marshall also has weapons, i'll take the home team. Give me UAB +3

Missouri and Texas go at it in the night game. Couldnt be a bigger contrasting momentum goin into this game. Texas a big win, Missouri a big loss....I'm goin with the loser....I think Missouri bounces back. Texas has the hangover effect and the Tigers will be able to capitalize if the Horns go any longer then a quarter to get it goin. Missou +6

Finally, I'm goin with Arizona. Weird things happen in that stadium and im not completely convinced about California. Willie Tuitama blows up bigtime and i think Zona wins outright. To be safe, give me the 3 points. AU +3

Week 7 College Football Picks

2008-10-10T17:37:00.001-07:00

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

What a difference one week makes...last week i doubted my prowess at picking college football and doubted that Temple would ever win again. Both changed and in a big way. The Owls vaunted (yes i said vaunted) defense stepped up and did more then enough to take care of a weak Miami-Ohio Team.

Next up for the Owls is Central Michigan and the line was bet down from 10 to 7 in some areas. A lot of people have asked me about this game and I have thought hard about it. I just can't back Temple +7...just can't....This team's offense is way too inconsistent and CMU's is way too good. The Owls defense can hold CMU to 30 or so but I can't see the Owls getting to 20. Gimme Under 47.5 in what should be a low-scoring game. If DiMichele was playing, I'd be all over the Owls +7 or so but with Stewart forget it.

UVA continues their 2nd game of a 3 game homestand and now they host ECU. I was not a fan of the Pirates lately because of how they played. It seemed like UVA put it all together against an overrated Maryland team. They finally committed to the run...I think the good times continue in Charlottesville hopefully keeping Al Groh there. Gimme UVA +6.5

Man, i dont know why im backing Indiana again. They've burned me multiple times this year but Iowa is nothing special. They've done most of their damage at home. I feel like the Hoosiers will put it all together and win outright. Indiana +6

Rutgers and Cincinnati arent exactly the best offensively while the Bearcats defense has been nasty this year. I'll take Under 48 in a game that neither team will get to 30 for.

We have yet to see that big explosion from Kansas yet against an opponent with a pulse. Colorado may be that first test for them and i feel like their going to pass with flying colors. Because of this I like Over 54 in this game.

Tennessee has had a lot of issues this season but not on the defensive end. Their QB position has been hideous this year and hasnt been able to help Foster or Hardesty find running room. With that defense of theirs they could hold down Georgia. Under 42 here.

Here's my favorite pick of the week...Southern Mississippi has been an enigma this season losing at home to Marshall and UTEP but not embarrassing themselves against Auburn. Yet for some reason, im backing them at home against Boise. They've won at Oregon and held down Bowling Green. Give me USM +12.

Week 6 College Football Picks

2008-10-03T08:44:00.001-07:00

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

Right now, im straight fade material on everything except my feel for the Temple Owls. I dont know what's been going wrong or what gambling god i've pissed off...Unfortunately the two bad weeks won't stop me from rolling along.

We start with the Owls who lost another tough game last week and could have been another win. Imagine if the Owls are 4-1 which they rightfully should be....man, i'd be in heaven. Alas, they are 1-4 but there may be a light at the end of the tunnel. Chester Stewart has been hurt....Vaughn Charlton in at QB for two weeks until the Ohio game when DiMichele is back. Miami-Ohio sucks...terrible terrible team...If DiMichele is at QB, Temple wins outright....with Charlton at QB, they keep it close. Unfortunately the inconsistency on offense prevents me from taking the 7. Gimme Under 41 in a 17-7 Temple loss.

Western Kentucky and Virginia Tech....a rivalry as old as a newborn child. The hokies are riding high off their big win over Nebraska but to be honest, i have no idea how they do it. Their passing attack is consistently one of the worst in the country. They return home to take on a Hilltopper team that hasnt really been that embarrassing this season taking their schedule into account. Gimme WKU +29 in a sleeper kind of game.

FSU and Miami renew acquaintances on Saturday and boy there will be a lot of talent on the field. The canes played one half of great football last week following it up with absolute ugliness as they led UNC win on their turf...BUT THE SWAGGER IS BACK....sorry had to get that out since the announcers had to pound that in my head. FSU has a solid defense. Gimme Under 43

Love the home dog...absolutely love them...especially in the SEC. I have yet to be impressed by Auburn....the spread offense doesnt work with them...they dont have the athletes. Vanderbilt does have the athletes. In what is expected to be a low scoring game, I'll take the home team with the guys who can make plays. Vanderbilt +4

I must be absolutely crazy....those who read my picks know i'm not the biggest UVA supporter...you could say im Colin Cowherd when it comes to the Hoos. They return home to host Maryland who i have no idea about....I correctly called the MTSU upset but thought they'd get pounded by Cal. This is a huge rivalry in the ACC. I can't believe im about to type this but.....Gimme UVA +14. This will be their best performance of the season.

Time to kick a dog while it's down....Washington stinks with Jake Locker....it's FIU-like without him. Arizona's offense revs up to the tune of 60 points on Washington. Gimme Cats -21

I hate Ohio State too....Hate wisconsin too....Being a bitter Michigan fan, Ohio State is gonna cream the Badgers. Wisky doesnt have the athletes to keep up with the Buckeyes. OSU -1.5

Fade me if you like

Week 5 College Football Picks

2008-09-26T09:51:00.001-07:00

Week 1: 3-4
Week 2: 4-4
Week 3: 5-2
Week 4: 1-8 (yikes)

Wow...my hatred for Stanford has never been higher. Usually i've hated on them for their doofus twin centers like the Lopez's and the Collins' but now it's because of their football team and their score running up. That's one of the worst losses in my gambling career. My apologies for the bad week but i promise it won't happen again:

As always we start with Temple and boy we just can't catch a break. Starter Adam DiMichele is out for 3-6 weeks so we now turn to the freshman arm of Chester Stewart. Kid is a mobile QB and didnt completely suck ass when he was thrown to the wolves in happy valley. In comes Western Michigan with their big time offense. This line is at 4 in most places with the o/u of 47. Weather may be an issue in this game once again. I have such a good feeling about the Owls winning this game outright but my official pick in this game is the under. The Owls offense has never been a juggernaut but their defense will keep them in this. Take Under 47

I can't believe i'm going to make this next pick after the Hoosiers performance last week but it's almost time for the yearly Spartan downfall. Granted they can run the ball well but Hoyer has yet to show a pulse generating an air attack. The Hoosiers have to be embarrassed at how they played against Ball State. I'm a huge fan of home teams with a pulse getting points at home. Take IU +8

West Virginia and Marshall renew rivalries on the football field and guess what Marshall is pretty good. Their offense has been rolling as of late while WVU's Defense has been stumbling big time. Love the over 51.5

Colorado and Florida State play in Jacksonville. This will be a tight low scoring game. Colorado nearly lost to EWU but beat West Virginia. Florida State managed 3 points at home against Wake Forest. I like the Under 41

Buffalo will most likely be without James Starks and CMU hasn't really had that breakout game yet this year. The Bulls are a solid team who kept up with Missouri for a half but in conference play it's different. MU was bored with Buffalo....CMU will get bored too on their way to a 17 point win. CMU -6.5

The wrong team is favored in a game this weekend and i love it. How the heck is New Mexico favored at NMSU. The Aggies have the better offense in this game and if it gets to be any sort of a shootout, i'll take the team who can win thru the air as opposed to a team that will rely on the run. Ferguson may go for 2 bills but NMSU gets the win. NMSU +3.5 and Over 53

My hatred for those stinkin Trees in California may blind me here but I hope Washington grinds those a-holes into the ground. Gimme the Fighting Lockers to get on the Win column. U-Dub -3.5

That's all for now folks.

Week 4 College Football Picks

2008-09-19T09:16:00.001-07:00

Week 1: 3-4
Week 2: 4-4
Week 3: 5-2

Great week from everyone except my beloved Owls. The pain of seeing that hail mary over and over is still setting in. For some reason four guys decided to be BEHIND the guy catching the ball instead of in front or trying to knock the ball down. So close to 3-0 this season...man, you wouldnt believe how stoked i'd be with that.

We begin with Temple and Penn State. In the past, this has been a blowout of epic proportions and a 1st half bet would be almost a gimmie as PSU would be up 21-0 before you know it. This Temple team has a pulse and a 1st half bet isn't as easy as usual. The spread is rising and is 29 in some places. While I can't pull the trigger on the Owls, i just can't do it for Penn State either. Al Golden has the respect of JoePa. I don't love any side in this game but the Under would be the best play if i had any....Officially, no play in this game for me.

Georgia Tech/Miss State is where i'm goin next. These two teams don't exactly light up the scoreboard but have the defenses that prevent the other team from doin the same. There will be a ton of running if not because Carroll and Nesbitt are bad. The o/u is 38 and that seems like a good number to me. Under 38

One of the best plays on the board is in Raleigh where NC State gets their crack at East Carolina. The Pirates were wholly unimpressive last week and will be in an ugly affair with the Pack. Hopefully Russell Wilson bounces back. I like the Under 44.5 in this game as i don't think ECU scores 30 or NC State gets to 14.

The BEST play on the board is the Naval Academy. This team has been fed to the wolves going into two relatively hostile environments...okay okay....Duke and Ball State are two up-and-comers in the country. Rutgers has sucked...plain and simple and even worse it's been at home. The road game may be therapy for them but they havent gotten on track. Teel and Underwood havent been on the same page yet. There will be a TON of points in this game. If there was a parlay on the board, go Navy +6 definitely and then if you are daring add over 61.5

UNC/Va Tech is an interesting game. The spread has gone up a little to 3 points essentially making this an even game with the homefield getting three. The Heels are flying high off a win over Rutgers while the Hokies have beaten Ga Tech. I still dont think they've fixed everything so i like the Heels -3 in a program building game for Butch Davis.

New Mexico and Tulsa are two teams who can put up a ton of points. Granted, they do it in different ways with the Lobos using Ferguson while the Hurricane do it thru the air. New Mexico broke out last week in a big way and i feel like it continues this week. I like this play the least but a small play on New Mexico +11

This is a quick hitter here.....Miami Ohio doesnt impress me....Cincinnati is a solid home team and has the defense to keep this unimpressive Redhawk attack in check....Gimme the Bearcats -11.

I hate making this many plays in a week but the board is too juicy....Love Under 38 in LSU/Auburn....If the Tigers could only put up 2 on Miss State then what will they do against the Tigers. Psst...Tommy, the spread offense needs talent...you don't have the pieces to run it.

Final Pick, San Jose State +9....Dick Tomey has done a great job and Kyle Reed finally gets his crack at Stanford...granted it's not with California.

Week 3 College Football Picks

2008-09-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

Week 1: 3-4
Week 2: 4-4

A few more close overs that just fell short. Stinkin Arizona missed a FG for my over...Stinkin Ball State falling short.

As we always do, it's time to start with Temple. The Owls were robbed again of a poor spot by the officials in their game with the UConn Huskies. Temple won that game....it's a win....Now they must head to Buffalo in a must win situation. The Bulls crushed them last year and made them look foolish. UB will be up for this game. If the Owls hope to win, they'll need to open up the playbook more. The Defense will have to stop James Starks too. I actually have no lean on this game. There are two scenarios i can see....One Buffalo controls the clock and wins in a workmanlike effort in the roundabouts of 27-17. Two, i can see a shootout where the Owls actually use their weapons and keep up within one possession. Due to the 6 point spread...there's no pick from this game. If you can buy points...i'd get this thing above 7 and take Temple.

The funny thing about taking the over...you arent winning most of the game. There are a couple of games that scream over in the Noon hour. Both the Duke/Navy and Toledo/EMU games have the potential for a lot of points. The Blue Devils will gash Navy thru the air while Navy will Shun White the Blue Devils to death. Toledo and EMU do their dirty work thru the air. I'll take a flier on the over on both at 58.

BYU/UCLA is where im heading next...It's a big game for the Cougs as many think they will be BCS busters. This line has gone down probably due to many thinking the Bruins are better then they really are. I managed to get the line to 7 and i'll take BYU. This is their chance one again to prove themselves in front of a huge Versus audience. BYU -7 big

Home teams in the SEC even with lesser talent are still a good play. If this game was at Auburn, they'd crush em. I havent been impressed with the Tigers who are still feeling their way thru the spread offense. Getting 10.5 points at home in front of a jazzed crowd is always a good bet in my book. Sure they lost at La Tech but by the same situation Miss State will be up for this game. They probably don't win outright but they'll keep it close. Vegas thinks so too as the ou is only 39. Miss State +10.5

Nebraska may put up 50 themselves....so when i see an over/under of 59 in a game like that against an offense with a semi-pulse, i'll jump all over the over. Gimme Over 59 in Nebraska.

One parlay this week....gimme Fresno +1 and the under 49.5...This is going to be played tight to the vest in a Big 10 style of game. Lots of grind out ball with Matthews and Hill running. Neither team's passing attack is all that stellar. I see Fresno pullin out a 23-20 game.

Week 2 College Football Picks

2008-09-05T10:58:00.001-07:00

Week 1: 3-4

Well last week was frustrating having a couple of losses come pretty close to the end. We bounce back as the 1st week is always a learning experience.

As always we start with Temple and I may be blinded by my allegiance but this game has been the one this team and fanbase has pointed to since last year. Lawn placards and signs have been made dubbing this the battle number 2. Temple is a 7 point dog in a game where weather is a factor. Last year's game was a Temple victory snatched from them by Mike Tranghese. Temple wins this game outright this weekend thus the seven points are a gift. Temple +7

Next, being in Virginia i feel like this is a definite game of interest. Richmond, who is one of the best teams in I-AA goes to a crappy ass UVA in a deluge expected. six inches of rain are being called for.The Spiders are led by former UVA d-coordinator Mike London and have the talent to keep up. Ras-I Dowling and Mikell Simpson are questionable. Give me Richmond +14

Friday night is a great opportunity for money as last night was. Love the over in a game which could feature ridiculous college fantasy numbers. Something like 45-35 in a game with these two offenses is possible....Over 60 in Ball State/Navy

Central Michigan +24 -- The Chippewas have a pulse...granted they don't have the defense to keep up with Georgia but I think if they get 17 points, it's enough to cover in this game. LeFevour is a solid enough quarterback and their offense is good enough to get points when UGA takes their foot off the pedal.

Duke +7 -- Yeah, yeah i know....this is a popular pick im sure. There's a mystique to this team that hasnt been there for awhile. The fans came out to the opener and the team didnt make the mistakes that bad teams usually make. Northwestern looked good against Syracuse but Duke is better. I'd even parlay the +7 with the over too. Points will be put up.

MTSU +14 -- Last year, UVA went to Murfreesboro and nearly came away with a loss. Their team was better that year then the UMD entering MTSU this year. Maryland has QB issues and general issues with moving the ball outside of Da'Rel Scott.

Arizona/Toledo Over 59 -- That Wildcat defense will get a stiffer test this week. Toledo's got the weapons to keep up with Zona. Someone reaches 40 and the other team will reach 20. This will be an easy over.

Have fun, good luck and Go Owls.

Week One College Football Review

2008-08-31T10:10:00.000-07:00

Alright, the picks didnt go as well as hoped but it's still the first week of the season. There's so much to learn and so much to soak in from the first week:

- How fast will that redshirt come off Tyrod? Let's be honest here, Sean Glennon has a lot to work on and I still maintain that the Hokies are indirectly telling their fans to write off this season especially if they dont un-redshirt Tyrod. Those of you who took under 9 wins for the Hokies this year are in great shape. Glennon showed flashes of brilliance but so has Rob Johnson and Ty Detmer. That's all Glennon will ever be. The defense looked good in the game but they need help from the Offense.
- UVA....what can be said...I mean standing o for playing USC but it should have been a rude reminder how far off this team is. Lalich started the game surprising literally no one but that didnt help. The Trojans showed the country how deep their team is once again while UVA showed the world that it's not quite ready for relevance.
- Richmond...Get ready Spider fans for a special season once again. The offense has reloaded and the defense is as stout as ever. Get your taunts ready for Hoo fans because there is a great shot you guys win next week. Eric Ward had a near flawless game and the defense held down a solid Elon offense.
- Clemson/ACC.....Nice work on Saturday. I guess the choke comes early this year. I mean it wasn't even funny how outclassed the Tigers were on Saturday night. Wake Forest has this conference wrapped up. Congrats to Duke too for their victory...in this weakened conference the Blue Devils may be a factor. UNC struggled with McNeese State too....Should be wild.
- Pittsburgh/Syracuse....Can Coaches Wannstedt and Robinson please pick up the courtesy phone? Your paychecks are waiting.
- Michigan....Not that most of us didnt expect it to be a long year for the Big Blue, but that loss hurt. The Big House is one of the most overrated stadiums in sports. When's the last time a less talented Ohio State and LSU lost at home to a team they should beat? I put part of that blame on the fans. They play a part in the game too....
- Temple.....You folks still have your shot to jump on the bandwagon for our big game next week against UConn....once the Owls move to 2-0....you've lost your shot at premiere membership, if you jump on after that you only get bronze membership which means you must say to me every day that i was right all along.

That's all for now.

Week One College Football Picks....

2008-08-27T20:45:00.000-07:00

Last year we hit 65% of our games and this year we're going to surge higher like the Owls as well....Those of you who followed my picks last year know that i always start with the Temple game...

Temple -7 @ Army: The unbridled enthusiasm of the Owls fanbase is amazing for this year. Al Golden pointed to this as the beginning of our time to shine and I truly think it could happen. The problem is that the rise will have to occur on the road. Clearly, Temple is a better team then Army but will they revert to the Owls of old who lose to worse teams on the road. I have the utmost faith that Temple will win this game but I will NEVER feel easy laying points with them on the road. Plus, they almost never kill anyone....Give me Army +7 but take the Owls ML. With regards to the total, i'm hesitant to play either side but gun to my head i like the under.

Elsewhere:

South Carolina/NC State Under 45: It's the perfect matchup to exploit the under....The Wolfpack is solid enough on D to keep it close while the Gamecock D is good enough to keep the young Wolfpack offense down. Russell Wilson is going to be a star in the ACC but he's not ready to win on the road especially in an SEC atmosphere. Get to know Alan Michael Cash as he's going to wreck havoc on South Carolina in a 23-14 type game.

Va Tech/ECU Under 47.5: Another game that screams for an under. The Hokie offense will need time to gel with all of the new RB's and WR's. ECU's defense is just good enough to slow them down while the Hokie defense despite not having the big names of last year's team, will do just enough to not let the Pirates run away. Neither of these teams have big play potential which kills the under. Also love ECU +9.5. While i'm on the side of the Hokies in the UVA/Tech rumble down here in Richmond, I think that the Pirates will keep this game close. Pinkney last year kept ECU in the game in Blacksburg and that's with all the "Names" on defense.

UVA +20: Man, i hate games like this. USC has more talent then the hoos....heck their 2nd team may have more too. The Trojans do their business in games like this in workman-like manner. UVA's linebacker corps is very underrated in the scope of college football. I can see a 31-13 game.

La Tech +8: A rare chance for this WAC team to host an SEC team. I'm a big fan of the homedog early on especially before their fanbase realizes whether or not their team will suck. Patrick Jackson is gonna do some damage in this game.

La Monroe +26: Look I must be nuts and last year in this situation when i've taken the Sun Belt at the SEC, it was nailbiter city. I feel like the new clock rules benefit a team like ULM and Auburn. The Tigers will want to get this game moving and once they get a lead they can milk the clock. ULM has the veterans at skill positions to put up some points.

More will be added later or taken off but these are my early picks....

Virginia Tech

2008-08-18T17:16:00.001-07:00

With today's news about Zach Luckett, it's hard to see how Hokies fans are as optimistic as they are. A quick check of the sportsbook has people pounding the over 9 win total that they set for Virginia Tech and at an alarming rate. Those maroon glasses must be strong because i've never seen a time that has as much positivity yet so many holes. Who is going to run the ball? Who is going to catch it? Who is going to throw it?

Listen, we all know that they SHOULD win all of their home games but that's 6 with a neutral site ECU and a couple of tough roadies. Even with the most optimistic prediction of 6 wins at home, they'd still have to win 3 more to even push the 9. I'd love to see this team put it all together and shut me up but I have some strong issues with what this team is trying to do.

UVA? They have a ton of issues too but it seems Hoo fans have a level head and expect a rough time. It's not like they think USC's a win and some realize Richmond's gonna be tough too. The first Virginia team to figure out who their QB, RB problem will be the first one to race towards a mediocre bowl this season. Sadly i feel i won't even get to gorge on chick-fil-a :(

Your College Football Fix....

2008-08-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

With the college football season almost upon us, it is time to reveal my favorite college football win totals. When looking these over...you always want to find value...don't take a side with the heavy lean....you've always gotta find value when doing these. Also, you have to do best and worst case scenarios. With that....

Kentucky Under 6.5: No Andre Woodson and no surprise value anymore with this team...they go back to SEC doormat/possible upset once in awhile.
Definite Wins: Norfolk State, MTSU, WKU
Swing Games: South Carolina, Arkansas, Georgia, Vandy
Definite Losses: @ Louisville, @ Florida, @ Tennessee, @ Alabama

Wisconsin Under 8.5
Illinois Under 8

Both of the above are on the borderline at -130/-140. Almost not worth it.

Indiana Over 5: This team's got a favorable schedule and can pull off the home upset if the road team isn't careful.

Definite Wins: WKU, Murray State, Ball State, Iowa
Swing Games: MSU, NW, CMU, Wisky, @ Minnesota
Definite Losses: @ Illy, @ PSU, @ Purdue.

Texas Tech Under 9: This year's fad team to make a splash in the league always fades in the clutch. For as good as their offense is, their defense is that bad. Harrell and Crabtree are studs tho.

Definites: EWU, SMU, UMass, Baylor, Ok State, Nebraska
Swing Games: @ Nevada, @ KSU, @ A&M, Texas,
Definite loss: @ Kansas, @ Oklahoma

Clemson Under 9.5 (+110): Another team whose hype exceeds their production usually. The talent is there but the OL needs work and so does the consistency.

Definite W: Citadel, NC State, SC State, Maryland, Ga Tech, Duke, South Carolina
Swing Games: @ Wake, vs. Bama, @ BC, @ UVA,
Definite L: @ FSU

Duke Over 3 (+130): Watch out for the Blue Devils....Trips to Wallace Wade arent layups anymore. Can't give them any definite wins but watch out.

Definite W:
Swing Games: JMU, Northwestern, Navy, UVA, Miami, NC State, UNC
Definite L: @ Ga Tech, @ Vandy, @ Wake, @ Clemson, @ Hokies

LAST ONE:

Florida Under 10 (+110): Taking a massive chance here....Most have the Gators in the title hunt but there are plenty of pitfalls for this team if they arent careful. Take a chance with some excess dough on the Under

Definite W: Hawaii, Miami, Ole Miss, Kentucky, @ Vandy, South Carolina, Citadel
Swing Games: @ Tennessee, @ Ark, LSU, Georgia, @ FSU
Definite L:

Heisman Trophy Props: Tim Tebow is of course your leader here and while there is some value with him...why not go a little off the board and find some real value on the rest who may be in NY for the ceremony. If everyone loves TTech so much why not Harrell (10-1) or Crabtree (10-1)? They may split the votes but the numbers either will put up could break records. Another pair of QB's with value are Chase Daniel (5-1) and Pat White (12-1) both of whom can run or pass their way to records and wins for their team.

Join The Revolution Part II

2008-07-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

Last post, I told the members of Virginia why they should root for the Temple Owls this coming season....That got me thinking why couldn't every other team in the nation outside of those in the MAC root for the Owls as well. I will now provide for you reasons why you should be on Al Golden's bandwagon.

First off, there are a lot of you teams out there who may be looking to pillage the Owls for their Einstein-like coaching staff led by the great one Al Golden. That's right, i'm looking in your direction Syracuse, Minnesota, UAB, Iowa State, Baylor. So basically, if your team has a coach opening after another season of dismal failure....you too should root for the Owls because their success means you'll be gettin a good one.

Next off, I'm looking at the schools who must compete with the likes of Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers and Ohio State in their conference. You guys should want the Owls to succeed as their success means they will be able to take recruits from the Nittany Lions and the Panthers. Temple's already experienced increased success in Philly taking recruits from the other schools thus hurting them in their future.

I havent forgotten about you guys on the West Coast who still arent convinced that you should be on the bandwagon. Well...the fact is...well....im struggling to think about it but i'm sure you guys would rather root for an up and comer in Temple then root for Washington or Idaho or Idaho State or some other school that will soon have less wins then the Owls.

Finally if you hate any of the other schools in the MAC, root for Temple. They represent what most of us strive for in life as a "Rocky" story of sorts. They need your support.

All of this is for your benefit because surely when they become the next thing after a few six or seven win seasons, you can tell your friends that you were on board. It won't hurt and it may even help you gain respect amongst your friends. Everyone can root for USC and Florida and brag about winning. It takes more character to root for a losing team that's up and coming.

Thanks!

Join The Revolution.....

2008-07-24T20:14:00.001-07:00

Join The Revolution baby....Temple football and Al Golden is going to be great. The hype is actually here...My dad told me there was a season ticket holder event in Philly and a lot of people actually showed up. They even handed out lawn placards for the big rematch with the Tranghese-led UConn Huskies. They know what we're capable of. UVA fans, embrace Al Golden because he was once yours....Virginia Tech fans, embrace Al Golden because he left UVA and every win Temple has is another twist of the knife...Richmond fans, embrace Al Golden just because...The rest of you schools who read this, embrace Al Golden and the Owls because of you think you could beat them.

Six wins.....for most that's a poor season....for Temple....that's a bowl season!

College Football

2008-07-17T09:19:00.001-07:00

Alright, i know people are getting the jones for College football. I know i am because that's when the true betting skills come to roost with me and a lot of my brethren. The over/under for Virginia Tech is 9....havent quite gotten a lean on this one yet but i'm thinking it's an 8 or 10 win season. It's how optimistic you are about an offense that's replacing a lot of pieces to it.

As an aside, my fantasy college football draft is soon and i got the 3rd pick. Ahead of me is an OSU fan who has said he's taking Beanie Wells and a Gator fan ahead of me who is taking Tim Tebow. Where do i go then....Pat White, Graham Harrell or Michael Crabtree?

Over/unders on the NFL are out too....havent had a chance yet to look at them but trust me there are some values out there.

My Tardiness

2008-07-11T04:30:00.000-07:00

My apologies for abandoning this blog and it's wonderful listeners. Soon enough it'll be time for my award winning college football picks and whatnot. Before then it's time to tout the official team of this blog....the Temple Owls football team. This team is gonna be good....scary good at times....they will have a winning record and may get more wins then the hoos. Those who disagree can take a look at the schedules and tell me differently. College football is coming and with that our saturdays go with it. I can't wait for the first tripleheader featuring the Spiders who will be scary good as well.

Keep truckin

NFL Mock Draft....

2008-04-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

Alright, yesterday i gave you the guys you want on your draft board and guys that you don't...Now i figure it's time to do up a mock draft and see how i can do. I've never really attempted one of these but here we go...

1) Miami Dolphins -- Jake Long, Michigan -- Hey, I got one right!
2) St. Louis Rams -- Glenn Dorsey, LSU -- This pick will be a point of interest. I can see a trade here for some team desperate to get Matt Ryan or Darren McFadden. With Ryan though, a lot of boards have him falling therefore, in the end the Rams make a pick and help a woeful defensive line that needed a lot of help.
3) Atlanta Falcons -- Chris Long, UVA -- Listen, the smart pick for them is to take Matt Ryan but this team was a wreck defensively last year. Is Ryan really that much better then Brian Brohm? Not in my book and Brohm is a late 1st rounder...early 2nd rounder.
4) Oakland Raiders -- Darren McFadden, Arkansas -- Honestly, i think we see a record for fastest draft selection of all time. McFadden fits this team to a tee and would be an outstanding addition for an offense that needs a little pep...heck, i'm bettin we see him in the Razorback formation for the Raiders too.
5) Kansas City Chiefs -- Vernon Gholston, Ohio State -- Get rid of Jared Allen, replace him with the next best thing and pick up another 1st round pick? Sounds too good....this team has a lot of holes and a QB is always an option but how can you pass up on Gholston.
6) New York Jets -- Sedrick Ellis, USC -- This pick will not be made by the Jets. They wanted Long or McFadden and neither are here. Ellis may help them especially if they deal Robertson but I think somebody (Dallas, New Orleans, Miami, Philly) moves up to this spot.
7) New England Patriots -- Mike Jenkins, USF -- The Pats need to reduce the average age of their defense and this is going to do it. They need to improve at the corner position and it's been said that Beli-cheat loves this kid. I can see him or Talib going here.
8) Baltimore Ravens -- Matt Ryan, BC -- If the Ravens don't pick him here, he continues to free-fall Aaron Rodgers style. The Ravens clearly need a quarterback and Ryan is the most polished of the group.
9) Cincinnati Bengals -- Keith Rivers, USC -- This team needs to draft a jail warden but Rivers steps right in at a position of weakness for the Cats. Last year injuries ravaged them here but if you put Ahmad Brooks and Rivers together you got a nice deal.
10) New Orleans Saints -- Leodis McKelvin, Troy -- This team is dying for corners. Mike McKenzie's good but not enough. Troy's defense was as solid as they came in college and this guy was the reason why. McKelvin's size is a bit of a concern but he's proven himself.
11) Buffalo Bills -- Dominique Rodgers Cromartie, Tennessee State -- Another team that is need of help in the secondary. Wide receiver is a bigger need here but there's none that fit the bill.
12) Denver Broncos -- Branden Albert, UVA -- Time for the high riser to get selected. I'm sure the team would love to add another running back to it's stable but i'm sure there will be plenty around later on. Albert will fit in well in Denver which breeds solid offensive linemen like it breeds good beer.
13) Carolina Panthers -- Derrick Harvey, Florida -- Mike Rucker's retirement makes Harvey a good pick for them. The team needs OL help and could take Otah here or go wideout to help Steve Smith.
14) Chicago Bears -- Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh -- Man this was a tough one....this team needs Otah badly to help open holes for Benson but Rashard Mendenhall might be worth a selection here too...Should be noted Mendenhall's relationship with Ron Turner who is now in Chicago.
15) Detroit Lions -- Chris Williams, Vanderbilt -- The team throws the ball so much, they need someone to protect the quarterback. A lot of these offensive lineman are bunched together but I see the Lions taking the best one available. Another team who could be interested in Mendenhall is Detroit...their RB situation is up in the air now that Jones is gone.
16) Arizona Cardinals -- Aquib Talib, Kansas -- This team always will need defense and eventually they will get enough to catch up to the offense. This pick changes if they deal for Lito Sheppard in a Boldin/Philly deal which is being vehemently denied by the Cards.
17) Kansas City Chiefs -- Ryan Clady, Boise State -- The chiefs rebuilding project continues as they help the other side of the ball after taking Gholston earlier in the round. The team needs some youth on their line and this kid is as strong as an ox.
18) Houston Texans -- Kenny Phillips, Miami -- If any of the big 4 CB's are available, look for Houston to go defense....their not in this mock draft so they go for the next best thing...the #1 safety on most mock boards.
19) Philadelphia Eagles -- Felix Jones, Arkansas -- I'm callin my shot here....admitting this is a total pick with my heart but this team always looks years ahead. Obviously one of the big OL's would be what they take but their not there...if not an OL then Phillips but he's gone too. The team may prepare for the future without Westbrook with his replacement who can do almost as much.
20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- DeSean Jackson, California -- Wide receiver is a need here and while they already have a mighty mite in the shorter Galloway, Jackson's speed and ability is too much to pass on here. If Hardy was a little faster maybe he gets selected here and if Malcolm Kelly wasn't a little punk always complaining, he'd get picked too.
21) Washington Redskins -- Phillip Merling, Clemson -- Defensive line is a huge need. The age on the ends is concerning especially with the lack of them being able to stay healthy for too long. Merling fills a need and could be able to make an impact early.
22) Dallas Cowboys -- Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois -- Great change of pace back to pare off with Marion Barber. Rumors have it that the team has already made a jersey for Felix Jones but their divisional rival beat them to the punch. Mendenhall would look nice with a star on his helmet.
23) Pittsburgh Steelers -- Gosider Cherilus, BC -- The team gave up 47 sacks and has an older front line. The run on offensive linemen early hurt the Steelers but the BC product protected Matt Ryan well. The best protection for Big Ben is a helmet but that could be drafted in rounds 6 or 7.
24) Tennessee Titans -- Limas Sweed, Texas -- Pare off the texas wideout with the texas QB and the team fills a nice need. Titans need help on the offense because VY can't do it all himself.
25) Seattle Seahawks -- Jonathan Stewart, Oregon -- Local product makes it big with pro team in his area. The running back situation is messed up as it is so why not add another guy to it with a little youth and a little speed.
26) Jacksonville Jaguars -- Calais Campbell, Miami -- Hard to believe a team with a defense this good needs another guy but D-Line has been an issue for the Jags. They get pressure up the middle with their DT's but Campbell is a freak at 6-6 and could help out.
27) San Diego Chargers -- DaJuan Morgan, NC State -- Neither safety they have is that talented. Morgan has played well in the ACC and could be a nice little pick to help the defense. Obviously, any of the top RB's available go here to replace Turner but none are there.
28) Dallas Cowboys -- Reggie Smith, Oklahoma -- Well all of the corners they'd target are gone so why not go with a player familiar with Texas and playing there for rivalry games. Dallas could go WR here but none are left that are worth the first round selection. Again, Manningham could have gone here if he wasnt such a knucklehead.
29) San Francisco 49ers -- Pat Sims, Auburn -- The team needs a solid DT to help with the 3-4 and why not take one of the top ranked DT's left on the board. The team could go Quentin Groves as well but i think you go with the position with less depth.
30) Miami Dolphins -- Brian Brohm, Louisville -- Green Bay trades out of this pick to the best offer from Miami so the fins can take their QB. Baltimore and Atlanta are also options here to move up for Brohm. If the Packers stay here, i can see them taking Martellus Bennett from A&M to help in the mold of longtime TE Bubba Franks.
31) New York Giants -- Quentin Groves, Auburn -- A move like this helps move Kiwanuka to his original position of DE.

Teams who will be active: Philly (Lito and an itchy trigger finger after a bad season), Washington (Very itchy trigger finger...way too many picks for them), Dallas (Two 1st's always bring intrigue), Miami (Parcells is a great poker player with a lot of needs and players to deal including Jason Taylor)

NFL Draft Notes....

2008-04-22T20:15:00.000-07:00

Alright, i'd like to call myself a connoisseur of the NFL Draft and my lack of a solid social life has given me time to study the list of players....I will give you five players your team should be happy to draft...and five guys you won't want on your team...My credibility in this background, which i'm sure no one will believe but I told my college buddies that Vincent Jackson was going to be a stud WR from simply watching his workout video on comcast....Anyways

Five Guys you want on your draft board:
1) Paul Smith, QB, Tulsa -- Now the size is definitely scary because he's a shrimp but the versatility is awesome. Last year he had better numbers then Tebow rushing and passing but got none of the credit. Ran a 4.75 40 but is only 6-1. Obviously, he's nowhere near the impact player of a Flacco or a Matt Ryan but I think he'll have a solid NFL Career.
2) Kevin Smith, RB, UCF -- Smith was one of the best RB's in the country last year and had games of 5 and 6 td's and 250 yards rushing. Kid is built like a bowling ball at 6-1, 211...4.55 40 yard dash...reminds some of a healthy Rudi Johnson...all i know is the kid has pedigree and can be had later on in the draft.
3) Matt Forte, RB, Tulane -- Sticking with the RB's...this kid is another one who is hard to tackle. He faced 10 in the box a lot last season but still managed to bust out when his team needed him. Forte also has durability getting a lot of carries last year as well. He's a nice third down back option and even a touchdown vulture as well.
4) Mario Urrutia, WR, Louisville -- First off, the kid's size stands out....reminds me a lot of Jackson...6'6 is hard to teach and great hands...just ask Brohm how good this kid can be. His speed could be a little better but 4.55 isn't too shabby. For a team like the Eagles or Skins, a tall drink of water like this would be an awesome change.
4a) Dexter Jackson, WR, Appy State -- Bonus player to the list as we head to the other end of the spectrum size-wise. This kid is a lightning bug and was a workout wonder. Appy State has a few fans in Michigan who can tell you how good this kid is. He's got Hester-like speed and can be a gamechanger.
5) Tommy Blake, DE, TCU -- If you watched E: 60, you saw Blake's story. Blake has an immense amount of talent but has dealt with bouts of depression which took him away from his team in his senior year when he could have been a 1st round pick. Yes, Ricky Williams was a headcase and a regretable pick for the Saints and you don't want to deal with problems like that but still...a 5th or a 6th round pick on this kid could be the best one you make. He played linebacker in a 3-4 and could be a DE in a 4-3.

Three guys you don't want:
1) Chad Henne, QB, Michigan -- Trust me...as a Michigan fan who suffered thru him for 4 years...this kid folds like a cheap tent in the clutch. Kind of a weak arm as well....you could do better then a kid like this. He has Kerry Collins written all over him.
2) Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia -- Wow, this kid has taken a tumble and probably should have stayed in school. He was a surefire 1st rounder at one point in his career and may not be a 1st day pick now. He's nothing special...for all the hype surrounding the mountaineers, he didnt live up to it in workouts.
3) Chris Ellis, DE, Virginia Tech -- There is no denying his talent and his speed but what position is he? I certainly don't think he's a DE...maybe a LB but I really don't like his attitude. Kid has a very big opinion of himself. Ellis had the potential to be so much more then he was but his mouth got in the way. Hopefully, he could be a good early addition to someone's special teams.

Other Tidbits:

I'm calling it now....Felix Jones will be a better RB then McFadden...There were times that Jones outshined McFadden in games. Jones has the speed to change games and can be used as a change of pace back. The one negative about Felix is the durability considering there were games he only got 8 carries.
Colt Brennan...Man what a drop he has had. I still maintain he will start an NFL game in his career. You can't deny his accuracy...you can't deny the numbers he put up in college. Sure, you can point to Timmy Chang but then i point to Ty Detmer...granted Detmer's career wasn't anything special BUT he's still around and has had a long career.
Tim Hightower and Arman Shields both have been getting a lot of interest thru pre-draft. Both of them should get drafted and I expect both to make impacts on their team. Shields has the makeup of a successful special teams player while Hightower could be someone who gets a few carries.
I think one of the better local players will be Duane Brown. He did so much for the Hokies last year and has so many skill sets playing TE at one point and being instrumental at times for them on special teams. Whoever drafts Brown will be getting a kid who will make an impact early in his college career.

That's all for now....I may attempt a mock draft and post it here...

It's Been Awhile....

2008-04-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

As pointed out by loyal fan Derby Bill, it's been awhile since i've updated this. Since then, VCU's season ended and the college basketball world was turned upside down by Billy Packer's proclamation that the game is over. Well the season's over and now the focus turns to baseball. I'm a Marlins fan and a Twins fan too. Love the "mid-major" baseball. These two payrolls together don't even equal the Phillies payroll who is in the 100 million range i'm sure. But something about them is sexy...I know their not the best teams but rooting for the underdog is better then rooting for Microsoft.

My focus also goes to the Stanley Cup playoffs where my Flyers get the Caps....I really think this is the best matchup for them and they should win in 6. Those of you who laugh at hockey need to turn on Vs. this week (channel 2 for those of you on Comcast) and watch the majestry of the NHL. Especially tune in when it looks like sudden death OT happens. That's so great that even if you don't have a rooting interest, your nervous for those teams out there.

Also, after a brief respite, the Sixers will be back in the playoffs and they are the picture of mid-major basketball. No real stars but hustle their asses off. I love this team almost as much as I did when they had AI. Seriously though, the NBA playoffs suck....7 game series' all of the rounds? No thanks...I don't need to watch the same old crap every game of the series...gimme hockey's playoffs.

Critical Day

2008-03-12T20:36:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is a critical day for VCU fans...There's a lot of teams who can get their NIT tickets punched. Villanova, Dayton, UMass, Arizona State and Oregon are all underdogs in their games and could be sent back to the bubble/NIT with a loss. I'm not even that convinced West Virginia is definitely in either. To me, their resume is thoroughly unimpressive. I really think that this will be the season the mid-major fights back.

Chances VCU gets in: 40% (There are way too many sites that have them last four out for them to not be hanging around.)

This is College Basketball

2008-03-04T11:24:00.000-08:00

Before any of you kick the bucket...you must go to the Palestra.

Field of 65 Update....

2008-03-02T20:42:00.000-08:00

Well i'm 1 for 1....granted most of you would have gotten this one too because Cornell had an overwhelming lead but I'm tied for 1st.

Conference tournaments begin this week and while most of you won't be watching the MEAC or Atlantic Sun, i'll be excited to see how those play out. The more results that come in, the more that VCU's resume looks good if they need to go the at-large route. Maryland, Syracuse, Houston, Southern Illinois all with bad losses over the weekend. Still need to have conferences like the MAC and West Coast hold serve though.

Maryland moves to the last 4 out....shame is that since they are in the almighty ACC, their chances only took a modest hit. Granted they are out right now.

My Field of 65

2008-02-28T19:26:00.001-08:00

Alright folks it is done....The committee has a tough job this year. A few notes before i reveal my results

Last Four In: Maryland, Va Tech, Illinois State, Houston
Last Four Out: Kansas State, UMass, UAB, Ohio State

I didnt have Maryland in until they won tonight...Their schedule is modestly favorable and i'm thinking the committee gives the ACC the benefit of the doubt. The Hokies really would benefit themselves if they won at Clemson. The Terps took the place of Kansas State whose record isn't as good and will probably continue to fall off.

I really struggled putting in the last 10 teams and there is no reason VCU couldnt get an at-large if they lose in the CAA title game somehow. Their resume matches up with a lot of the other teams that i had when i got down to the 14 at-larges. The Rams have the quality wins and the good RPI. Plus all of the talk about helping Nova because of their BS call against G-Town...the ODU non-call should be a factor as well.

Alright to the field of 65
America East: UMBC
A-10 (2) : St. Joe's (tourney champ), Xavier
ACC (6): UNC (tourney champ), Duke, Maryland, Miami, Clemson, Va Tech
A-Sun: E. Tennessee State
Big 10 (4): Indiana (tourney champ), Wisky, MSU, Purdue
Big 12 (5): Kansas (tourney champ), Texas, Baylor, Texas A&M, Oklahoma
Big East (8): Louisville (tourney champ), Notre Dame, G-Town, UConn, Marquette, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, WVU
Big Sky: Portland State
Big South: Winthrop
Big West: Fullerton
CAA: VCU (duh)
C-USA (2): Memphis (tourney champ), Houston
Horizon: Butler
Ivy: Cornell
MAAC: Niagara
MAC: Kent State
MEAC: Hampton
MVC (3): Southern Illinois (tourney champ), Drake, Illy State (NOTE: 3 is a stretch but i'm covering my bases...most likely a 2 bid league but this scenario might bring 3)
Mountain West (2): UNLV (tourney champ), BYU
NEC: Wagner
OVC: Austin Peay
PAC-10 (5): UCLA (tourney champ), Wazzu, USC, Arizona, Stanford
Patriot: Navy
SEC (6): Tennessee (tourney champ), Miss State, Kentucky, Vandy, Arkansas, Florida
Southern: Davidson
Southland: Stephen F. Austin
Summit: Oral Roberts
SWAC: Alabama State
Sun Belt: South Alabama
WCC (2): Gonzaga (tourney champ), St. Mary's
WAC: New Mex State

Now with regards to VCU....They need to watch the Sun Belt, Southern, West Coast and Horizon league tourneys....They need to hold form. I'd say that Davidson, Gonzaga, St. Mary's and Butler all have precedence over the Rams.

As part of this pool i did...you also have to pick an elite 8, final 4, champ and a wild card so here they are:

Elite 8: UNC, Indiana, Louisville, Memphis, UCLA, Tennessee, Georgetown and Drake
Final 4: UNC, Louisville, G-Town and UCLA
Champ: UNC
Wild Card: Gonzaga

Thoughts? Tear it apart?

Blogging from the Bracket Bunker...

2008-02-28T15:56:00.000-08:00

Alright, i'm hunkered down in my apartment with a modest amount of paperwork in order to get my field of 65 done....The reason i'm doing this is for my yearly preparation of the Pre-Tourney Pool....I've picked most of my conference champs (VCU included) and now i have 14 bids left after putting in the definite at-larges...

Continuing my work now...but 14 bids still left.

Tournament Field of 65

2008-02-26T12:33:00.001-08:00

Alright folks, on Thursday i'm going to lock myself into my own bunker and predict the 65 teams heading into the tournament. I think there are a few conferences and areas of concern for VCU and the other mid majors. The ACC for one may get more teams then they deserve....the big east is the same as well...

Also, conferences like the Horizon and West Coast need to hold serve because St. Mary's, Gonzaga and Butler will all get in no matter what.

After Thursday, i will update the bunker results daily depending on the results of the day. We'll see how easy this is....Mr. Joe Lunardi....except i'm not going to be biased towards St. Joe because they write your paycheck.

Pre Tournament Pool....

2008-02-20T10:48:00.001-08:00

Alright, i'm sending a challenge out to the listeners who read my blog. It's March Madness time and i'm doing a different kind of pool. It's a pool I have done for multiple years and have had the pleasure of winning once. It's not your ordinary kind of pool though as for this you pick the teams in the tournament and conference winners. It's a lot of fun. The pool costs $10 to do but you can do it for free....just don't expect to win any money.

Information is at http://www.dknofish.com. The pools are due at the end of the month with the money due in March. Check out the website for all of the information.

I'll even help those of you with the smaller conferences as well.

I don't get the bar scene....

2008-02-15T23:22:00.000-08:00

Alright, so let me rant for a minute:

So I went out tonight and met this chick that i was being set up with by my friends and we met at this downtown bar and let me just say i was put into a complete lose-lose situation...Before we get to that though, let me just say i don't get the many nuances of the bar scene....

First off, why the hell do bars have to be so damn small? What the hell is quaint about a place where you can feel the person next you literally in your shorts. Now granted there are the times a hot blonde is rubbin up against you but then there are those times when LeRoy the damn tattoo parlor guy is all up in your junk and hasnt showered since puberty. I don't understand why i have to be put in a place where talking to someone up close you still have people literally throw you aside to get to where they are going in there.

Next, I don't get the whole process....you go out....get drunk...spend $60 on a bunch of beers and then what? Sure it's fun and all but it's expensive and what the hell do you get out of it. I watched this girl and her friend drink shots of stuff they didnt even like and were gagging on....$8 shots they didnt like! Then you got the people who drink too much and can't handle it as i watched one girl yak all over herself in a bar stool and then fall down the stairs...WHAT FUN...WOO-HOO....Sure, it's okay though, she had fun doing it! Then you have to tip toe around the urine and puke on the streets on the way to your car.

Finally, there's the awkwardness of hitting on females or being in a group of them. For example, tonight, the woman i met was with her friend who had these two guys hitting on her. At one point, she proceeded to forcefully get the one's hands off of her. So yeah, if that escalates into something more....me being the only guy in the group would have had to do something which i don't really want to do. So yeah, that was awkward and then what do you do if they hit on the girl your grindin on?

Actually, i forgot something...the drivers who drive home drunk. Apparently a lot of people do it. Whether it be the guy whose car was towed in front of the bar because he hit a light pole or the guy who was driving down one of those narrow city streets and nearly pulled a Ricky Bobby and drove off of both sides of cars....Honestly, 60-70 percent of the people in the bar were in no shape to drive home and i bet half did.

These reasons are why i can't survive in the bar scene.

Greatest time in sports approaching....

2008-02-05T12:12:00.000-08:00

Folks, the sports world is just getting ready to heat up with the approach of conference tournaments and the upcoming baseball season. For most of you, baseball season is filled with promise. Only about 15-20 fanbases have playoff dreams...i unfortunately am not involved with one of them...

We move on though...VCU is in the hunt for one of those coveted 65 spots for the postseason. In this space, we will chronicle their chances and other teams who could stand in their way.

Last nite while most of you were asleep, two teams went at it that could joust with the Rams for an at-large bid. St. Mary's and Gonzaga played in werehouse like conditions as I don't believe the Gaels paid their light bills. Seriously, both of these teams deserve bids and both will cause havoc for the teams they are unfortunately paired off with. Gonzaga, year after year, brings forth young and exciting teams and has played a tough schedule. Despite losing last night, they are still in a good position for a bid. So is St. Mary's who beat both Seton Hall and Oregon this year. Get to know Patrick Mills and Omar Samhan. These two teams are for real and will represent the mid majors well.

Here's what John Madden does in his spare time

2008-01-06T19:50:00.001-08:00

Another Hokie Disaster....

2008-01-04T20:35:00.000-08:00

Well i'm back from Miami and it feels all too familiar. A little too much Sean Glennon and not enough Brandon Ore. Man, it felt like watching the Eagles...the stubborness of Stinespring and the other coaches was terrible. Best drive of the night was Ore left, Ore right, Ore down the middle...and guess what...No more drives like it. There was even a 3 play grouping with no Ore at all!

Can't fault the defense for this one either although it annoyed the hell out of me to see them in a zone with two lockdown corners and pressure on the QB. No need to do that when they can't beat you with their wideouts.

I also disagreed with the 4th and 1 play. I think you go for it with Ore and pound it down their throats. Sure the FG was a chippy but still, you get a TD there, you get even more momentum.

Sad to see all those Hokie fans leave. Hokie nation represented itself well in Miami and while i'm not a part of it, i was proud to see them represent.

Looking back at 2007....

2007-12-25T16:31:00.000-08:00

What an interesting sports year....So many on the field and off the field stories. Sadly the bad side of sports may have overshadowed the good with Vick, Donaghy, Steroids and more overshadowing the Patriots (as much as i hate to say it), the Rockies and the Florida Gators.

In the city, it's been great....three great teams with the R-Braves, VCU Bball team and Richmond football team giving us winners all the time. Eric Maynor and Tim Hightower are now household names and forever will be in the lore of this city.

For me it's been a year of disappointment from all of the Philly sports teams but a discovery of a little school and their basketball team in VCU. What a scene the siegel center is and can be...I'd be remiss to say if i didnt enjoy the Richmond Spiders run in football. With all the injuries and everything the team went through to get as far as they did, it's amazing.

Musings Time....

2007-12-18T18:14:00.000-08:00

Alright, since it's been pointed out that i havent wrote in a while, it's time to put down some thoughts to the blog.

- I'm a huge college bball fan....not going to deny it but for some reason i'm not that into it yet. Could be that i'm still in College Football and Hawaii mode. Could be that the compelling games havent happened yet...who knows but i havent caught myself watching too many whole college bball games yet.
- The Redskins have been such a nice story this season with all the stuff they've been through. I'm sorry though....the story has a horrible ending. I have this feeling that all of the work they've done could fall down the tubes in the last week to Dallas.
- VCU has the potential to be special....and not just this season. Watching all the young'uns play showed such a bright future for a Rams team that is going to be a factor in recruiting.
- The Patriots....what do i say...i don't like them but i gotta respect them. That's all....
- Cya Donovan and Andy...you guys can go to Minnesota or Chicago for all i care. All i can say is Colt Brennan looks mighty nice in Eagle green.
- I just want to thank all of our loyal listeners for their support to this show. Without you guys i'd have to listen to Greg more. Each and every one of you contributes something to the show and we wouldn't be here without you.

Wow....Just Wow....

2007-12-02T09:38:00.000-08:00

First off, lemme just say that i'm exhausted after watching that game but it was well worth it. Anyone who says this team can't hang with the top teams in the country is absolutely wrong. Colt Brennan punched his ticket to New York. I know i know...he probably won't win but he belongs in the top 3 after Chase Daniel crapped the bed.

With regards to the title game, you will never convince me that Ohio State belongs and that a 2 loss team should be playing them instead of a zero loss Hawaii. The point of the college football system is to get to the postseason with as few losses as possible. Nowhere does it say anything about who they have to beat to get there and the margin of victory in order to achieve it. It's ridiculous that Hawaii isn't in the national title game.

Alright, i'm off to DC to watch the Rams and Terps.

Week 14 College Football Picks...

2007-11-29T08:47:00.000-08:00

Week 1: 8-4
Week 2: 3-6
Week 3: 5-7
Week 4: 5-3-1
Week 5: 9-1!
Week 6: 5-4
Week 7: 4-5
Week 8: 3-3-1
Week 9: 3-4
Week 10: 5-2-1
Week 11: 4-4
Week 12: 3-6
Week 13: 6-2

Not many games but definately a lot of games to like:

New Mexico State +13 -- The Aggies have been so inconsistent on offense but I just have this feeling in Chase Holbrook's last home game of the year...he steps up big. The Bulldogs are equally inconsistent as well.

CMU -3.5 -- This pick seems a little too easy. The chippewas are a lot better then Miami Ohio. If the CMU defense shows up even a little then this game may not even be close. LeFevour will be the best player on the field.

Under 46 Tech/BC -- I know the conditions contributed to the low score of the 1st game but I feel like both teams will feel each other out for at least a quarter. I can see a 24-21 type score so as long as it's 46 we're good.

Nevada -7.5 -- This team is rollin on offense. I really can't see La Tech keeping up with the Wolf Pack. Lippincott, Mitchell and Kaerpernick are humming and may go bowling.

Under 60 for LSU/Tennessee -- This number boggles my mind. LSU's defense isn't as bad as they have been and their offense is really inconsistent. The SEC title game has been a clunker lately.

OSU/Oregon Under 44.5 -- Both offenses are ravaged by injuries. I really can't see much offense in a rivalry game like this. The Beavers without their big 3 while the Ducks will be starting a frosh at QB.

UCLA +21 -- Rivalry game + Bruins finally getting healthy = nailbiter for the Trojan fans. I know that the Rose Bowl is within their grasp but it's also in UCLA's grasp possibly as well.

Hawaii -14 -- This is a headscratcher. The Warriors are head and shoulders better then Washington. Colt Brennan is playin for the Heisman while Hawaii is playin for the BCS. Love this team to roll it up and make sure the BCS voters check them out.

My Apologies.....

2007-11-29T08:45:00.001-08:00

My apologies go out to my loyal fans of this blog for my tardiness in posting. We will resume regular posts touting the greatness that is VCU among many other things. It's college basketball season and i'm absolutely enthralled with the early season results but it's funny...i'm still in college football mode.

Hawaii has a big one saturday night that i hope everyone stays up for. I think Colt Brennan still has a shot to edge his way into NY despite missing games. I mean come on, his team hasnt lost while Tim Tebow's team has lost 3 times!!

Hawaii wins easily and then goes to the BCS and shows the nation that good football can be played out on the islands.

Week 11 College Football Picks

2007-11-09T11:21:00.001-08:00

Week 1: 8-4
Week 2: 3-6
Week 3: 5-7
Week 4: 5-3-1
Week 5: 9-1!
Week 6: 5-4
Week 7: 4-5
Week 8: 3-3-1
Week 9: 3-4
Week 10: 5-2-1

Alright, my title last week about laughing at Ohio backers rankled some people and they humbled my beloved Owls. With that we still did have another winning week.

Temple +24 -- Listen I hear the snickers at this pick. Surely, your thinking i'm a homer and will never bet against the Owls. The Nittany Lions havent been that impressive this year and their offense isn't that good. This is THE game for Temple. The fans will be doing a Cherry Out and the team points this as their coming out party. Plus, Golden is a Paterno disciple so i don't see a score being run up. I'm hoping D'Onfrio opens up the playbook.

Purdue -4 -- The Spartan slide continues. They have so much talent offensively but their falling per usual as they do at the end of the season. The Boilermakers play inspired ball at home and Painter goes out in style at home.

Iowa -14 -- The Hawkeyes are hot while Minnesota just can't do much right. I can see Iowa romping all over a beaten and terrible Gopher team. The Hawkeye D may shut them out.

Iowa State +5 -- Rode them last week...why not do it again. The team is so good at home and Colorado's offense just isn't that spectacular.

Rice +6.5 -- Once again i'm breaking my rule of taking a road team in a game of two bad teams but Chase Clement is the best player on the field in this game. Clement and the Owls offense has been humming.

Wyoming +14 -- Defense wins ballgames and keeps teams hanging around on the road. The Cowboys D is ranked Top 10 in the league and has the personnel to keep it close. Their run game will keep the clock running and the better Utah team off the field.

Wazzu -11 -- Thanks for the upset Stanford of USC but now you return to the bad team you've always been. Granted the Cougars arent world beaters but their simply a more talented team then the Fighting Trees. Expect the Cougs D to score 2 TD's and capitalize off turnovers.

Maryland +6.5 -- This is my most hesitant pick. BC on the road after losing the undefeated season against a desperate Terps team who has the talent to play well at home. I'll take my chances with Coach Fridgen against a BC offense that lacks weapons.

Week 10 College Football Picks...

2007-11-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

Week 1: 8-4
Week 2: 3-6
Week 3: 5-7
Week 4: 5-3-1
Week 5: 9-1!
Week 6: 5-4
Week 7: 4-5
Week 8: 3-3-1
Week 9: 3-4

We've cooled off a little since our hot streak as of late. Unfortunately, i've been getting heat for my picks from the listeners of Richmond Sports radio so improvement is needed.

Temple +8 -- Honestly, i couldn't believe this when i saw it. Granted the Owls are still Temple and don't deserve respect yet but c'mon. Ohio isn't that good to be getting 5 extra points on top of the homefield advantage. Temple could the extra week to implement a nice offensive package for Vaughn Charlton who has a cannon of an arm. The Owls have the best defense in the MAC.

Iowa State +14 -- K-State is so inconsistent. I know that ISU has been putrid but they've played their best ball at home staying close with Oklahoma and beating their rival Iowa. The Cyclone defense is respectable and all i think i need is 10 points from Meyer and Blythe in order to get a cover.

Troy +17 -- Classic case of an emotional win leading to a letdown performance. Troy is a solid squad and has played well at times this season. Georgia's offense is solid and steady but i have a feeling things could stay close with a chance for the cover.

UCF -14 -- The Knights are a different team at home. Marshall is a terrible team on the road. They got their lone win of the season and just won't be able to keep up with UCF. Smith goes of for 4 TD's in the win.

Alabama +7 -- Perriloux's absence may not seem like much but he provided a few things for LSU that Flynn couldn't. I really like the defense of the Tide to keep LSU in check. I smell a 24-21 win for the Tigers. A play on the under may be made as well.

TCU -3.5 -- Blake and Aaron Brown return for the Horned Frogs who will look to get back to the level everyone thought they were capable of. The team has been so inconsistent but i feel Blake's return motivates the D to their best effort of the season.

Toledo -8 -- This offense has exploded lately and will be no match for an EMU team that just can't score. The Rockets have a slight chance at a bowl game as well.

Texas A&M +21 -- Man, I can't figure this out....I mean the Aggies are struggling this year but their offense has a pulse. If they were smart, they'd run Lane 30 times and grind this game out. Unfortunately i have a feeling they won't and i'll be praying for a backdoor cover.

Ram Media Day Thoughts.

2007-10-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

It's not even November and we're talkin college basketball. VCU had their media day today and let me just say i'm ecstatic with how this team looks. The freshman all look energetic and look like their ready to run this press well. Maynor looks a lot more mature and is ready to take on the roll of being the leader of the team. He's certainly not letting all the honors get to his head.

It's funny, one of the freshmen that i'm looking forward to seeing most is Kirill. I think he's going to provide a lot to the team. He looks like a banger who can hit the 3. Certainly, a lot more likable VV. The pieces seem to be there for a nice run this season. If they can find their consistent 3rd scorer outside of Maynor and Shuler, this team will be a force.

Very excited for Thursday night to see the team in action.

Thoughts of this football Weekend

2007-10-29T13:51:00.001-07:00

I'm sorry...your not going to get any sympathy from me regarding UVA. Seriously though, it's good for them to lose to keep all of the intrigue of the Hokie game. They were living on borrowed time and eventually it was going to catch up to them.
Greg is so off about the Georgia celebration. It fired the team up and brought them together. The only negative to it which could have been brought up was that it would fire Florida up too which it did briefly. I still maintain that the display gave the Bulldawgs what they needed to win.
Hard to believe but Temple's got a huge game with Ohio this weekend which could help their chances for the MAC East title. Temple playing big games is too much to handle....ps...Their 8.5 point dogs in Vegas....ridiculous.
Michael Crabtree had another 10 catch over 100 yards game with a touchdown game. He won't win the heisman but he's having an amazing season.
I feel ashamed having liked the 17 points in the Skins game. This team is just so hard to figure out. Their defense has a lot of star power but they don't play like it all the time. The Jets game isn't as easy as you think. Kellen Clemens gives them more of a chance to win.
The Eagles won...odd thing was i didn't go out of my way to watch or listen to the game. The apathy towards this team from me is staggering....usually my sunday's revolve around them.
The NBA begins tomorrow....i'm not a huge fan of it but the Sixers are who i'll follow. they'll win about 20 games but they'll be fun to watch. I'm all about the Nuggets though as my two favorite players team up.

Week 9 College Football Picks

2007-10-26T12:19:00.000-07:00

Week 1: 8-4
Week 2: 3-6
Week 3: 5-7
Week 4: 5-3-1
Week 5: 9-1!
Week 6: 5-4
Week 7: 4-5
Week 8: 3-3-1

Honestly, i don't think i've ever been more soaked then i was standing on the sidelines of the Hokie game last night. I was also dampened by the fact that Erin Andrews is off the market as she's dating David Wright......We won't be dampened with these picks:

Ball State +14 -- We've seen what this team is capable when they bombed away on Nebraska. Illinois D ain't that stellar plus I don't think they've chosen a QB yet. Juice Williams and McGee are like night and day.

Iowa +3 -- I like the Hawkeyes at home against MSU. I smell the Spartan slide coming soon. Iowa is good at home despite the weak offense and all of the injuries.

Washington -4 -- Arizona is putrid. Stick a fork in them after that Stanford loss. how do you lose that game? Locker has played well and the homefield equals a double digit win.

Rice +8.5 -- I'm going against my own rule. In a game of two bad teams, you always go with the home team but when the home team is as bad as Marshall, i gotta break the rule. Marshall may get their first win but that team ain't blowing anyone out.

Colorado State +6 -- I think last week woke this team up and they start to play like the talented bunch that they are. Bell and Hanie are too talented to not potentially win this game.

Toledo -3 -- NIU sucks and I really like the potential of DJ Lenehan and Opelt. Toledo is the better team and although the line reeks, i still like the home team in this game.

New Mexico State +28 -- I like them to keep the scoring up with Hawaii especially with Holbrook under center. I even think we may get a late TD in our favor. I smell a 52-27 score and that's a cover in my book.

Might add one or two but that's what i got for now.

It's almost time Ram fans....

2007-10-21T17:58:00.001-07:00

Almost time to make some more magic.

More Wins Then Notre Dame!

2007-10-21T07:51:00.001-07:00

Week 8 College Football Picks

2007-10-19T10:15:00.000-07:00

Week 1: 8-4
Week 2: 3-6
Week 3: 5-7
Week 4: 5-3-1
Week 5: 9-1!
Week 6: 5-4
Week 7: 4-5

Woulda been another winning week if the weenies from UVA didn't blow it. Those spoiled SOB's cost me my 4th straight winning week.

Temple +7 -- Honestly, please Vegas continue to undersell the Owls. They win this game outright. If not for a few plays, Miami Ohio has a losing record. The Owls are hot right now and are the better team. Adam DiMichele may be one of the best QB's in the MAC.

Central Michigan +16.5 -- The best QB in the MAC is in death valley and i like their chances to hang around. The Chippewas are humming right now on offense and you can't help but think the Tigers won't be that into this game.

Wisconsin -23 -- NIU simply sucks. The Badgers are coming off a couple of putrid performances and will look to get going against this patsy. I'd love a 1st half play as well.

Georgia Tech -24 -- The Yellow Jackets are just that much better then Army. I hate giving so many points but i just can't see Army scoring at all.

Baylor +25.5 -- This is the craziest selection i think i've made this season. This pick is being made solely on feel. I know the QB injuries with Baylor but for some reason i see them putting up a nice performance and even knocking Colt McCoy out.

East Carolina -5 -- Two things here....The Wolfpack stink plus this is ECU's chance finally to get the Wolfpack in their house. NC State has played ECU in their place like 18 of their last 20 meetings. Don't tell me they don't want to make a statement this game by beating them up and taking recruits from them in the future.

Arizona -10.5 -- Stanford has fallen back to earth. The Wildcat D can shutdown the Cardinal's attack.

These are my favorite games....some leans i have that i'd like more opinions on....Tulsa +3, Nevada -7, UAB +13

My New Heisman Candidate.....

2007-10-15T21:22:00.000-07:00

Alright, we're not jumping off the Colt Brennan or Andre Woodson bandwagons but there is a player who is head and shoulders above else. It's freshman Michael Crabtree from Texas Tech. I know i know....a wideout can't win the heisman.....i know i know....a freshman can't win.....i know i know....system players can't win but check out these stats thru seven games.

78 rec, 1244 yds, 17 TD

THRU SEVEN GAMES. I don't know who represents heisman-like excellence more then him. Crabtree hasn't scored in one game but ho hum he had 170 yds receiving. He's on pace to break all sorts of records. He's got more showcase games too...including this weekend at Missouri. Ideally, Brennan, Woodson and Crabtree are brought to NY and one of them wins this prestigious reward.

Birthday Bash....

2007-10-12T11:09:00.002-07:00

Well folks, thanks for such a great night. It was the best party anyone has ever thrown for me. The Hooters girls were amazing....I will forever cherish the shirts they made for me. Thanks to Dingo, Big John, Big East Andy, Spider Ross, Mr. beach, Saint Chris, the Caddy and everyone else who came out to support me and make me feel like i'm doing something in this city. Most of all I want to thank Jeannine for taking time out of her busy schedule to come tell me i drink like a woman.

Continue to listen to the show folks, we appreciate all of you who call and listen. It'll be hard to top last night for me in awhile.

PS....Hawaii football on ESPN at 8 tonight....Watch the Colt Brennan Experience!!

Week 7 College Football Picks

2007-10-12T11:09:00.001-07:00

Week 1: 8-4
Week 2: 3-6
Week 3: 5-7
Week 4: 5-3-1
Week 5: 9-1!
Week 6: 5-4

Three straight winning weeks but I'm a bit worried. I'm massively hung over from a birthday party at Hooters in which the girls wore my name on their shirts...(oh the perks of being on the radio)...I hope that in my haze these picks hit the mark.

Temple +11 -- You really think i'm going to pick against them now? The Owls offense is moving the ball and guess what...the Owls actually have a defense! Akron has been so unimpressive this season. Take the Owls with a small chance we win outright.

Miami -3 -- I like the Canes over the slumping Jackets. Miami seems to be a different team at home. I like the fact that it seems a lot of money is going on Georgia Tech. Kyle Wright might actually have a good game.

Nebraska -4 -- I'm so unimpressed by Oklahoma State. Their QB's are subpar at best. I think the Blackshirts show up after the debacle against Missou. Keller throws for 4 TD's in the win.

UNC +7.5 -- I love the Heels in this game. UNC has the offensive talent to matchup with a lot of good teams while the Cocks are highly inconsistent. Surely USC has better D but I don't think they can hold down UNC.

CMU -13 -- Army's got a good D but I don't think they can hold down the Chippewas. CMU is playing well as of late and are head and shoulders above Army.

UVA -3.5 -- majorly concerned about this pick. Not gonna lie when i say the Hoos have a huge talent advantage in this game. UConn should have one loss this season and has played NO one. Vegas is saying the Hoos are only 0.5 points better? Very concerned about this.

Tulsa -14 -- This Golden Hurricane offense is due for an explosion. Marshall's lackluster defense should provide that for them as Paul Smith hopefully torches them. There will be a ton of points in the game though.

K-State -5 -- I like the Wildcats to bounce back against a Colorado team who is overrated. Kansas State has shown flashes of greatness and i'll take Freeman over Cody Hawkins all day.

Washington +11.5 -- Locker tears up the ASU defense. I like the Huskies to wake up after their bye week.

Might add one or two more when i sober up.

WOOOOOOOOO

2007-10-07T21:46:00.001-07:00

Week 6 College Football Picks

2007-10-05T10:11:00.001-07:00

Week 1: 8-4
Week 2: 3-6
Week 3: 5-7
Week 4: 5-3-1
Week 5: 9-1!

What a week we had last week....Let's try and keep it up...

Temple +4 -- Listen, i know i've been on them the whole season and ATS they've been money so far this season. It's frustrating because i've seen positives from this team but it's so hard to get that first win. Those of you who root for bad teams know what i mean. Temple will win a game or two this year....i can feel it. NIU's offense is tough but their D isn't anything special.

Michigan State -16.5 -- The Spartan slide doesn't come for another week as they pound hapless NW. The Wildcats coughed up a 35 point lead at home last year and shouldn't provide much of a threat.

UNC +7 -- Butch Davis against his old team...The canes havent been that impressive since the A&M game so far this season. Certainly not against Duke. The Heels will be up for this game and I think they cover possibly losing the lead late in the game.

Bowling Green +20.5 -- BC has sleptwalked thru their last couple of games against lower competition. This BG has some talent and can move the ball. I think the Eagles leave the backdoor open.

Alabama -11 -- a bit of a headscratcher here....You'd figure that Bama is at least a 14 point fave at home. Houston's got a nice balanced offense but I think the Tide take care of business at home.

FAU +15.5 -- USF is for real...coming off the huge win over WVU but one can't help but see a letdown here. The Bulls have an outstanding secondary playing right into FAU's pass offense. This is a huge game for the Owls. I really think that the Owls keep up with USF for most of this game.

MTSU +10 -- UVA has gotten fat and happy at home but you can't forget how pitiful they have been on the road out of conference. MTSU has put up offensive numbers and rarely gets a BCS conference team in their house. Inspired effort leads to them falling short.

Texas A&M -6.5 -- I like their balance and how well Stephen McGee is playing right now. OSU has done it thru smoke and mirrors so far this season. Not impressed with any of their options at QB. Meanwhile the Aggies are playing for their coach who is under fire again.

Cincinnati +3.5 -- I love the bearcats. Absolutely have ridden them all season long. Rutgers has a good balance on offense but this Cincy team can score and will score on a mediocre Scarlet Knight team. Hard to believe but Rutgers is gonna lose two home games in a row.

Week 5 College Football Picks

2007-09-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

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!!!!

2007-09-26T14:42:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

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...

2007-09-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-19T13:10:00.001-07:00

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...

2007-09-16T21:29:00.001-07:00

Proof that Mike Tranghese is the devil

2007-09-16T21:18:00.000-07:00