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.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Week 9 College Football Picks
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.
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.
Monday, October 26, 2009
I'm sorry....
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.
- 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.
Friday, October 16, 2009
College Football Picks Are Back!!!
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?
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
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!
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!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Yes, I'm still alive
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.
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.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
College Football Win Total Article
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
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
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