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.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Thursday's Selections
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Wednesday's Selections
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.
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
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.
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.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Way too Early Bracketology...
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Time for more Opinions
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
- 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
Monday, December 14, 2009
It's Bowl Season!!
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.
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.
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