Sorry about not having a recap article this week I wasn't able to find the time yesterday to take care of that but I'm back for our new week of picks. Last week, I went 13-4 on winners and 7-9-1 ATS bringing my totals for the season to, 70-14 and 28-29-3 respectively. Now onto the week at hand we have three top 13 match-ups and a 7-8 match-up for the second week in a row. As always feel free to comment and all times Central time zone...
Thursday, September 29th, 2011:
#16 South Florida at Pittsburgh, 7:00 pm ESPN, a battle of two teams whose years have been defined by one game. South Florida became a media and fan darling by beating ND week one on a handful of Irish turnovers and have run with that momentum to an undefeated early season. Pittsburgh on the other hand is coming off back to back bad beats to Iowa and ND and looks to be a dejected team with its back firmly against the wall. Winner: South Florida 24-17 ATS: South Florida -2.5
Saturday, September 1st, 2011:
#14 Texas A&M vs #18 Arkansas (Arlington), 11:00 am ESPN, a preview of the SEC West for at least next year takes place in Arlington Saturday and we should see a pretty good game. Both these teams are coming off of disappointing performances against conference foes. A&M blew a 17 point lead at half-time in the 3rd quarter of a game in which they outscored Oklahoma State 29-9 in the other three quarters. Arkansas on the other team lost to a superior team in Alabama and looks to redeem some of their SEC buzz. Winner: Arkansas 38-34 ATS: Arkansas +2.5
Minnesota at #19 Michigan, 11:00 am BTN, this one is a mismatch I don't care what you think of Marquis Grey or the Michigan defense this one isn't close. The Gophers don't have the team defense to deal with a truly gifted player in Denard Robinson where as Grey is hit or miss at best on understanding what he's doing on the field. Winner: Michigan 45-28 ATS: Minnesota -19
Northwestern at #24 Illinois, 11:00 am ESPN2, the battle for the Land of Lincoln Trophy comes to Champagne this year as the Illini and Wildcats meet to open their conference slates. Northwestern gets Dan Persa back this week hopefully fully healthy which should help the passing game. Illinois looks like less of a certainty with this news. Winner: Illinois 28-27 ATS: Northwestern +8
Mississippi State at Georgia, 11:00 am, this one will go a long way in telling up which of these two teams will be a tough out for the contending teams in later in the year. Both teams still have a chance to win the SEC title with a win but neither has looked like they can knock off the tops in their divisions. Winner: Georgia 31-27 ATS: Mississippi State +6.5
Air Force at Navy, 11:00 am CBS, the top two service academies of the last decade face off in the first leg of the Commander in Chief's Trophy. I think this will be a fun game to watch and a nice showcase for the service academies and two good not great teams. Winner: Navy 28-27 ATS: Air Force +3
Kentucky at #1 LSU, 11:21 am, you don't get many cupcakes on the SEC conference schedule but Kentucky is looking the part this year. Winner: LSU 31-9 ATS: Kentucky +30
Nevada at #4 Boise State, 1:30 pm Versus, a rematch of a great game and upset in Reno last year comes to us in the non-conference this year. Nevada looks exactly how we expected them to look, young. Boise looks like we thought Boise would look, scary good. Winner: Boise State 48-17 ATS: Boise -27.5
Auburn at #10 South Carolina, 2:30 pm CBS, The Gamecocks host a young and slightly faltering Auburn team. Unless Auburn's defense finds a way to slow down the best running back in the country they don't have a chance in this game. Winner: South Carolina 38-17 ATS: South Carolina -10
#15 Baylor at Kansas State, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN, RG3 is putting up ridiculous numbers this season for a surprise Bears team. Kansas State is coming off a win over the Miami Hurricanes but look to be the inferior team from a talent perspective. Winner: Baylor 38-24 ATS: Baylor -3.5
SMU at #20 TCU, 2:30 pm, this game holds Boise State's BCS hopes in the balance if SMU wins TCU falls out of the top 25 and Boise has no top 25 teams left on the schedule. SMU under June Jones is seeing it's first sustained success and upward trend since the death penalty. TCU is struggling for the first time in a while in the Gary Patterson era, and it's due to a lack of experience on both sides of the ball. Winner: SMU 28-24 ATS: SMU +13
#21 Georgia Tech at North Carolina State, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN, the winner becomes a contender in their division the loser becomes the spoiler in their division. NC State looks like it could use Russell Wilson right about now on an offense that looks even more anemic than usual. Georgia Tech is coming off of back to back routes of so-so teams. Winner: North Carolina St. 24-21 ATS: North Carolina St. +10
Bowling Green at #22 West Virginia, 2:30 pm, Winner: West Virginia 58-17 ATS: WVU -20
Arizona at USC, 2:30 pm, these two teams are coming off of big losses last week to conference foes and both are struggling this season despite solid QB play. This one comes down to which defense stiffens up the best and which team gets the most out of their talent. Winner: USC 38-35 ATS: Arizona +13
Michigan State at Ohio State, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN, Another see which team has what game in Columbus between Big Ten Co-Champions from last season. Ohio State has looked good, bad and ugly this season and Michigan State has looked great and horrible. This game is much like both the Miss St. at GA and Ga Tech at NC State games the winner challenges for a division title the loser most likely becomes the conference spoiler. Winner: Ohio State 24-21 ATS: Ohio State -3 (Push)
#13 Clemson at #11 Virginia Tech, 5:00 pm ESPN2, this is the most un-Clemson team we have seen this late into a season for a long time. Virginia Tech is still working out kinks on offense but the defense is a Frank Beamer defense and has held some pretty good offenses down this season. This comes down to which young QB you like better Boyd or Thomas. Winner: Virginia Tech 27-21 ATS: Clemson +7
Ball State at #2 Oklahoma, 6:00 pm, ummmm....yeah. Winner: Oklahoma 45-20 ATS: Ball State +38
#17 Texas at Iowa State, 6:00 pm FX, Iowa State pulled off the upset last year and looks to be a team on the rise to the middle of the Big XII pack. Texas looks to be at least Texas lite. Winner: Texas 24-23 ATS: Iowa State +9.5
#3 Alabama at #12 Florida, 7:00 pm CBS, Florida is better in year 1 is better than any of thought they would be, Bama is a Nick Saban coached team. Florida's offense has the most dynamic set of backs in the country, Alabama might have the best set of backs in the country. Florida's defense has speed and talent, Alabama's has at least 3 first round NFL players. Winner: Alabama 27-20 ATS: Alabama -3.5
#8 Nebraska at #7 Wisconsin, 7:00 pm ABC, Jim Delany's wet dream is here. Two top ten teams, one is the newbie one is the rising star of the conference, both are exciting (Wisconsin was top 10 in points per play last year), and both bring buzz to ABC on Saturday night. Winner: Wisconsin 31-21 ATS: Wisconsin -9
UCLA at #6 Stanford, 9:30 pm, Stanford has Andrew Luck, UCLA has Rich Neuheisel. Winner: Stanford 45-20 ATS: Stanford -20.5
Oregon State at #25 Arizona State, 9:30 pm, Arizona State is Arizona State week on the road good at home but will let inferior competition sneak up on them and keep it so much closer than it should be. Oregon State is inconsistent. Winner: Arizona State 41-17 ATS: Arizona State -18
Enjoy week 5 of the college football season.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Rambling's Week 4 CFB Picks
Welcome back for another round of college football picks and thank you for reading. Week 4 seems like the season just started but the bus keeps rolling on. I've been pretty good this year picking winners with a 57-10 record but need some work against the spread (ATS) at 21-20-2. As always feel free to let me know what you think in the comments section below and lets look towards this weeks games...
Friday, September 23rd, 2011:
UCF at BYU, 7:00 pm ESPN, both teams are coming off of tough but different losses. BYU is coming off a 40 point beat down from Utah and UCF a close loss to in-state non-AQ FIU. I think UCF is in a better place overall than BYU is but I think that BYU front four could give their offense fits. Winner: UCF 27-24 ATS: UCF +2.5
Saturday, September 24th, 2011:
North Carolina at #25 Georgia Tech, 11:00 am ESPN, an ACC match-up between two very different teams. Georgia Tech is coming off a dismantling of Kansas last week in which they put up some gaudy offensive numbers but can they do that against a much more physically gifted Tar Heels defense. The Tar Heels on the other hand have been dealing with a myriad of off the field issues for over a year now and turmoil surround the team. Winner: North Carolina 27-21 ATS: UNC +6.5
San Diego State at #22 Michigan, 11:00 am, the battle for Hoke's soul takes place in Ann Arbor this weekend as Brady's former team visits his Alma Mater. Although he left a solid base in place at his last stop I think that he inherited a more talented team in the Wolverines. Winner: Michigan 38-21 ATS: Mich -10.5
Notre Dame at Pittsburgh, 11:00 am ABC, Notre Dame is coming off its first loss of the season, where as Pitt is coming off what will most likely be their most devastating. The trouble of the Wannstedt era seem to be seeping over into the this team and I don't like the direction. Notre Dame on the other hand looked like it learned a few lessons from it's heartbreaks and should cruise here. Winner: Notre Dame 34-21 ATS: Notre Dame -6.5
#11 Florida State at #21 Clemson, 2:30 pm ESPN, we see a similar story to this game as we did the ND-Pitt match-up with one major difference there were positives to take from a tough loss to Oklahoma for FSU. Jimbo Fisher is making strides in his second year as head man and we should continue to see signs of that this week in Death Valley. Clemson is shouting from the mountain tops in joy of its streak snapping victory over the defending national champs but can Dabo and his team keep this from being just another mirage of what could have been for the Tigers. Winner: Clemson 24-21 ATS: Clemson -2
#7 Oklahoma State at #8 Texas A&M, 2:30 pm ABC, an afternoon showcase for a conference which will most likely be no more with-in the next year. This should be as exciting as last years contest was but the story on the field will see which style of offense is better suited for victory. A&M brings it's pro style attack will most definitely try to slow the game down, as to not give Justin Blackmon and Brandon Weeden from racking up points like it's Super Mario Brothers. Winner: Texas A&M 31-28 ATS: Ok State +4
#13 Virginia Tech at Marshall, 2:30 pm, this one shouldn't be close but if the last few weeks have taught us anything is that Va Tech is struggling more than most of us thought with their QB transition and it shows in the points differential. However, this game shouldn't be too much of a struggle for Beamer and Co. but will be a close one past halftime. Winner: Va Tech 35-20 ATS: Marshall +20
#14 Arkansas at #3 Alabama, 2:30 pm CBS, big time SEC West match-up this week, the Hogs going to Tuscaloosa to face a top tier 'Bama defense. Offense wins games but defenses wins championships is the motto which means Arkansas has a chance here but I think the home field advantage and the strength of this Bama D win the day. Winner: Alabama 24-14 ATS: Arkansas +11
Western Michigan at #24 Illinois, 2:30 pm BTN, this will be a closer game than many think but I still don't give WMU much chance to win this one. Winner: Illinois 35-27 ATS: WMU +13.5
#15 Florida at Kentucky, 6:00 pm ESPN, Kentucky has been bad, I mean really bad, losing to Louisville and only scoring 14 on a WKU team that lost to an FCS team this weekend bad. Florida has shown signs of being, well, Florida. Winner: Florida 31-10 ATS: Florida -19
Rice at #17 Baylor, 6:00 pm, see: Robert Griffin III Winner: Baylor 45-21 ATS: Baylor -20
Vanderbilt at #12 South Carolina, 6:00 pm ESPN2, a battle of unbeaten SEC teams in Columbia this week as the Commodores visit the Gamecocks. With a newly aggressive defensive strategy and a competent offense so far this season we will see if Vandy can get a surprise SEC upset. The key will be how well Lattimore runs. Winner: South Carolina 27-24 ATS: Vandy +16
#9 Nebraska at Wyoming, 6:30 pm Versus, Nebraska visits Wyoming in a warm-up to the the Huskers first Big Ten game at Camp Randall next weekend which suggests we may see a sluggish Nebraska team. Winner: Nebraska 38-17 ATS: Wyoming +23
Tulsa at #4 Boise State, 7:00 pm, Boise State has Kellen Moore, Tulsa has given up over 360 yards to both Landry Jones and Brandon Weeden. Winner: Boise State 52-17 ATS: Boise State -28.5
Missouri at #1 Oklahoma, 7:00 pm FX, a week after a big win at Florida State they come home to avenge last years loss at the hands of the Tigers in Columbia last year. The Tigers don't have the talent that says they have a chance but you never know coming off an emotional game last week. Winner: Oklahoma 38-20 ATS: Missouri +21
#2 LSU at #16 West Virginia, 7:00 pm ABC, the ABC game of the week is a mirror of the Arkansas-Alabama contest and I think the same thing applies although, West Virginia does have the added advantage of playing at home making this a closer game in my opinion. Winner: LSU 21-20 ATS: West Virginia +5.5
#23 USC at Arizona State, 9:15 pm ESPN, the better of the two late night Pac-12 match-ups in the deserts Arizona is between USC and ASU. The men of Troy come in undefeated and looking to prove that although they can't play for the Pac-12 Championship they are the best in the South. Winner: USC 38-35 ATS: +2.5
#10 Oregon at Arizona, 9:15 pm ESPN2, this one isn't much of a contest but you will see Nick Foles puts up huge numbers in a loss, again. Winner: Oregon 48-27 ATS: Oregon -15.5
Enjoy the football and a NFL preview to come in the next day or two.
Friday, September 23rd, 2011:
UCF at BYU, 7:00 pm ESPN, both teams are coming off of tough but different losses. BYU is coming off a 40 point beat down from Utah and UCF a close loss to in-state non-AQ FIU. I think UCF is in a better place overall than BYU is but I think that BYU front four could give their offense fits. Winner: UCF 27-24 ATS: UCF +2.5
Saturday, September 24th, 2011:
North Carolina at #25 Georgia Tech, 11:00 am ESPN, an ACC match-up between two very different teams. Georgia Tech is coming off a dismantling of Kansas last week in which they put up some gaudy offensive numbers but can they do that against a much more physically gifted Tar Heels defense. The Tar Heels on the other hand have been dealing with a myriad of off the field issues for over a year now and turmoil surround the team. Winner: North Carolina 27-21 ATS: UNC +6.5
San Diego State at #22 Michigan, 11:00 am, the battle for Hoke's soul takes place in Ann Arbor this weekend as Brady's former team visits his Alma Mater. Although he left a solid base in place at his last stop I think that he inherited a more talented team in the Wolverines. Winner: Michigan 38-21 ATS: Mich -10.5
Notre Dame at Pittsburgh, 11:00 am ABC, Notre Dame is coming off its first loss of the season, where as Pitt is coming off what will most likely be their most devastating. The trouble of the Wannstedt era seem to be seeping over into the this team and I don't like the direction. Notre Dame on the other hand looked like it learned a few lessons from it's heartbreaks and should cruise here. Winner: Notre Dame 34-21 ATS: Notre Dame -6.5
#11 Florida State at #21 Clemson, 2:30 pm ESPN, we see a similar story to this game as we did the ND-Pitt match-up with one major difference there were positives to take from a tough loss to Oklahoma for FSU. Jimbo Fisher is making strides in his second year as head man and we should continue to see signs of that this week in Death Valley. Clemson is shouting from the mountain tops in joy of its streak snapping victory over the defending national champs but can Dabo and his team keep this from being just another mirage of what could have been for the Tigers. Winner: Clemson 24-21 ATS: Clemson -2
#7 Oklahoma State at #8 Texas A&M, 2:30 pm ABC, an afternoon showcase for a conference which will most likely be no more with-in the next year. This should be as exciting as last years contest was but the story on the field will see which style of offense is better suited for victory. A&M brings it's pro style attack will most definitely try to slow the game down, as to not give Justin Blackmon and Brandon Weeden from racking up points like it's Super Mario Brothers. Winner: Texas A&M 31-28 ATS: Ok State +4
#13 Virginia Tech at Marshall, 2:30 pm, this one shouldn't be close but if the last few weeks have taught us anything is that Va Tech is struggling more than most of us thought with their QB transition and it shows in the points differential. However, this game shouldn't be too much of a struggle for Beamer and Co. but will be a close one past halftime. Winner: Va Tech 35-20 ATS: Marshall +20
#14 Arkansas at #3 Alabama, 2:30 pm CBS, big time SEC West match-up this week, the Hogs going to Tuscaloosa to face a top tier 'Bama defense. Offense wins games but defenses wins championships is the motto which means Arkansas has a chance here but I think the home field advantage and the strength of this Bama D win the day. Winner: Alabama 24-14 ATS: Arkansas +11
Western Michigan at #24 Illinois, 2:30 pm BTN, this will be a closer game than many think but I still don't give WMU much chance to win this one. Winner: Illinois 35-27 ATS: WMU +13.5
#15 Florida at Kentucky, 6:00 pm ESPN, Kentucky has been bad, I mean really bad, losing to Louisville and only scoring 14 on a WKU team that lost to an FCS team this weekend bad. Florida has shown signs of being, well, Florida. Winner: Florida 31-10 ATS: Florida -19
Rice at #17 Baylor, 6:00 pm, see: Robert Griffin III Winner: Baylor 45-21 ATS: Baylor -20
Vanderbilt at #12 South Carolina, 6:00 pm ESPN2, a battle of unbeaten SEC teams in Columbia this week as the Commodores visit the Gamecocks. With a newly aggressive defensive strategy and a competent offense so far this season we will see if Vandy can get a surprise SEC upset. The key will be how well Lattimore runs. Winner: South Carolina 27-24 ATS: Vandy +16
#9 Nebraska at Wyoming, 6:30 pm Versus, Nebraska visits Wyoming in a warm-up to the the Huskers first Big Ten game at Camp Randall next weekend which suggests we may see a sluggish Nebraska team. Winner: Nebraska 38-17 ATS: Wyoming +23
Tulsa at #4 Boise State, 7:00 pm, Boise State has Kellen Moore, Tulsa has given up over 360 yards to both Landry Jones and Brandon Weeden. Winner: Boise State 52-17 ATS: Boise State -28.5
Missouri at #1 Oklahoma, 7:00 pm FX, a week after a big win at Florida State they come home to avenge last years loss at the hands of the Tigers in Columbia last year. The Tigers don't have the talent that says they have a chance but you never know coming off an emotional game last week. Winner: Oklahoma 38-20 ATS: Missouri +21
#2 LSU at #16 West Virginia, 7:00 pm ABC, the ABC game of the week is a mirror of the Arkansas-Alabama contest and I think the same thing applies although, West Virginia does have the added advantage of playing at home making this a closer game in my opinion. Winner: LSU 21-20 ATS: West Virginia +5.5
#23 USC at Arizona State, 9:15 pm ESPN, the better of the two late night Pac-12 match-ups in the deserts Arizona is between USC and ASU. The men of Troy come in undefeated and looking to prove that although they can't play for the Pac-12 Championship they are the best in the South. Winner: USC 38-35 ATS: +2.5
#10 Oregon at Arizona, 9:15 pm ESPN2, this one isn't much of a contest but you will see Nick Foles puts up huge numbers in a loss, again. Winner: Oregon 48-27 ATS: Oregon -15.5
Enjoy the football and a NFL preview to come in the next day or two.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Ramblings Week 3 CFB Review
Well for a bad week of college football it sure was entertaining, I enjoyed games during each time slot, although the 2:30 slate left a little to be desired. On to my picks I went 18-4 on winners and 12-10 ATS this week making my season totals 57-10 and 21-20-2. So lets take a look at the games I lost and anything that caught my eye.
Michigan State disappointed me this week with their running game against the Notre Dame defense. That young offensive line was dominated by the ND tackles and MSU had no choice but to go to the air with Kirk Cousins which ultimately led to their demise. I was impressed again by the strides on defense that Brian Kelly and his staff have made so far this season. Should be two interesting teams to watch the rest of the season. As I highlighted in my preview I thought that this game would give us an early indication of who would challenge for #2 Non-AQ buzz after Boise State. You have to be impressed with FIU's ability to win without it's best offensive weapon this week as T.Y. Hilton got hurt early on. UCF disappoints me because it was the more talented team in the match-up and had the chance to win this game. Both teams will challenge for bowl wins at the end of the season. The Sun Devils were the most disappointing team in America this weekend in their road loss to an Illinois team that will be middle of the pack Big Ten team. They set themselves up for a letdown after a good not great win over Missouri and they played like a content team on Saturday night. Illinois looks good especially on defense but the offense seems to get stymied way too easily. Ohio State just isn't Ohio State right now and that was very evident at Miami. They are sloppy on defense and have no ability to move the ball on offense. Neither Joe Bauserman nor Braxton Miller moved the offense down the field and this was against a Miami defense that got walked over by Maryland. I think that both teams will struggle through their respective conferences. Tough losses but everything happens for a reason. There wasn't a whole lot that caught my eye this week sorry but things went pretty much the way everyone thought.
Please leave comments and suggestions below.
Michigan State disappointed me this week with their running game against the Notre Dame defense. That young offensive line was dominated by the ND tackles and MSU had no choice but to go to the air with Kirk Cousins which ultimately led to their demise. I was impressed again by the strides on defense that Brian Kelly and his staff have made so far this season. Should be two interesting teams to watch the rest of the season. As I highlighted in my preview I thought that this game would give us an early indication of who would challenge for #2 Non-AQ buzz after Boise State. You have to be impressed with FIU's ability to win without it's best offensive weapon this week as T.Y. Hilton got hurt early on. UCF disappoints me because it was the more talented team in the match-up and had the chance to win this game. Both teams will challenge for bowl wins at the end of the season. The Sun Devils were the most disappointing team in America this weekend in their road loss to an Illinois team that will be middle of the pack Big Ten team. They set themselves up for a letdown after a good not great win over Missouri and they played like a content team on Saturday night. Illinois looks good especially on defense but the offense seems to get stymied way too easily. Ohio State just isn't Ohio State right now and that was very evident at Miami. They are sloppy on defense and have no ability to move the ball on offense. Neither Joe Bauserman nor Braxton Miller moved the offense down the field and this was against a Miami defense that got walked over by Maryland. I think that both teams will struggle through their respective conferences. Tough losses but everything happens for a reason. There wasn't a whole lot that caught my eye this week sorry but things went pretty much the way everyone thought.
Please leave comments and suggestions below.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Ramblings Week 2 NFL Picks
Week 2 of the NFL season and this is the week the overall picture of where teams are headed starts to come into focus.
Browns at Colts, 12:00 pm CBS, both teams are coming off a tough week one loss but for very different reasons. The Colts produced nothing on offense with Kerry Collins at the helm and I don't expect that to be fixed this week, but they should score a little more than 7 points this week. The Browns were disappointing on the defensive side of the ball especially and need to improve to give McCoy and the offense a chance. Winner: Colts 17-14, ATS: Colts +2
Bears at Saints, 12:00 pm FOX, the Bears surprised a lot of people in last weeks beat down of Atlanta and I expect that to continue as the offense should be able to move the ball with some ease against the Saint's D. The Saints on the other hand will need to do a better job on the ground than they did at Green Bay last week and whoever has more success up front wins this game. Winner: Chicago 27-20 ATS: Chicago +7
Packers at Panthers, 12:00 pm FOX, Cam Newton lit it up in his NFL debut, but it was against a very bad Arizona defense. I think the Packers test how well Newton can adjust to big time pressure and how far he has progressed in his reading of defenses. Winner: Green Bay 38-17 ATS: Green Bay -10
Raiders at Bills, 12:00 pm CBS, for games in which a west coast team travels to the east coast for a noon start I will always take the east coast team as long as the talent is relatively close. Winner: Buffalo 28-17 ATS: Buffalo -3
Jaguars at Jets, 12:00 pm CBS, the Jets are the more talented team in this match-up and they are at home so the edge goes to them coming in. Add on the fact that there is a McCown playing QB for the Jaguars and you have yourself a winner. Winner: Jets 24-10 ATS:Jets -9
Ravens at Titans, 12:00 pm CBS, the Ravens and Titans meet week 2 and I think this game comes down to who controls the other teams rushing attack. I think the Ravens have the better front seven even if it is aging. Ngata and Cody scare the living crap out of me and that is the difference in this game. Winner: Baltimore 27-17 ATS:Baltimore -3.5
Cardinals at Redskins, 12:00 pm FOX, for games in which a west coast team travels to the east coast for a noon start I will always take the east coast team as long as the talent is relatively close. Winner: Washington 24-10 ATS: Washington -4.5
Chiefs at Lions, 12:00 pm CBS, the chiefs are coming off a blowout loss to Buffalo which set football 85 years. The Lions come off a sloppy but important win over the Bucs last week and carry the momentum back home to Detroit. I don't like the Lions secondary but I think they have too much firepower to succumb to that flaw. Winner: Detroit 30-17 ATS: Detroit -7.5
Buccaneers at Vikings, 12:00 pm FOX, the bad and the ugly from last week meet in an old NFC Central match-up at the Metrodome. Peterson should run for a good amount on the young Bucs but I think Tampa has the more talented team. Winner: Tampa Bay 24-17 ATS: Tampa Bay +3
Seahawks at Steelers, 12:00 pm FOX, for games in which a west coast team travels to the east coast for a noon start I will always take the east coast team as long as the talent is relatively close. Winner: Steelers 38-20 ATS: Steelers -14
Cowboys at 49ers, 3:05 pm FOX, the battle of great quarterbacks happens this week in San Fran as Tony Romo faces off against Alex Smith. I think this game comes down to which secondary has the better day. Winner: San Francisco 20-17 ATS: San Francisco +3
Bengals at Broncos, 3:15 pm CBS, like the Raiders-Broncos game last week I just don't care much about this game other than for fantasy football implications. Winner: Denver 17-14 ATS: Cincinnati +3.5
Texans at Dolphins, 3:15 pm CBS, a battle of much maligned quarterbacks, Schaub and Henne face off in this one which will tell us if the Texans D is improved or if Henne has improved going forward this year. Winner: Houston 35-28 ATS: Houston -3
Chargers at Patriots, 3:15 pm CBS, a battle of high powered offenses and two of the best at QB. I think the Chargers hold Peyton under 350 yards and 3 TDs and think we see Rivers throw all over the Patriots secondary. I think the Pats will have some good luck with the run game and are at home. Winner: New England 24-21 ATS: San Diego +6.5
Eagles at Falcons, 7:20 pm NBC, Michael Vick's return to Atlanta should be an interesting one but I don't think it much effects the outcome of this game. If the Falcons don't improve their defense of pass catching RBs and find a way to keep Vick in the pocket they are going to have trouble this week. Winner: Philadelphia 31-20 ATS: Philadelphia -2
Rams at Giants, 7:30 pm ESPN, this looked a lot more promising a match-up before injuries decimated both teams, Giants in the off-season and Rams Week 1. I think both teams rally after week 1 defeats and it comes down to who makes the best adjustments. Winner: New York 20-14 ATS: Push (NYG -6)
Please feel free to leave comments and to make suggestions in the comments section below and enjoy your football viewing this weekend. CFB review will be up on Monday and NFL Review on Tuesday.
Browns at Colts, 12:00 pm CBS, both teams are coming off a tough week one loss but for very different reasons. The Colts produced nothing on offense with Kerry Collins at the helm and I don't expect that to be fixed this week, but they should score a little more than 7 points this week. The Browns were disappointing on the defensive side of the ball especially and need to improve to give McCoy and the offense a chance. Winner: Colts 17-14, ATS: Colts +2
Bears at Saints, 12:00 pm FOX, the Bears surprised a lot of people in last weeks beat down of Atlanta and I expect that to continue as the offense should be able to move the ball with some ease against the Saint's D. The Saints on the other hand will need to do a better job on the ground than they did at Green Bay last week and whoever has more success up front wins this game. Winner: Chicago 27-20 ATS: Chicago +7
Packers at Panthers, 12:00 pm FOX, Cam Newton lit it up in his NFL debut, but it was against a very bad Arizona defense. I think the Packers test how well Newton can adjust to big time pressure and how far he has progressed in his reading of defenses. Winner: Green Bay 38-17 ATS: Green Bay -10
Raiders at Bills, 12:00 pm CBS, for games in which a west coast team travels to the east coast for a noon start I will always take the east coast team as long as the talent is relatively close. Winner: Buffalo 28-17 ATS: Buffalo -3
Jaguars at Jets, 12:00 pm CBS, the Jets are the more talented team in this match-up and they are at home so the edge goes to them coming in. Add on the fact that there is a McCown playing QB for the Jaguars and you have yourself a winner. Winner: Jets 24-10 ATS:Jets -9
Ravens at Titans, 12:00 pm CBS, the Ravens and Titans meet week 2 and I think this game comes down to who controls the other teams rushing attack. I think the Ravens have the better front seven even if it is aging. Ngata and Cody scare the living crap out of me and that is the difference in this game. Winner: Baltimore 27-17 ATS:Baltimore -3.5
Cardinals at Redskins, 12:00 pm FOX, for games in which a west coast team travels to the east coast for a noon start I will always take the east coast team as long as the talent is relatively close. Winner: Washington 24-10 ATS: Washington -4.5
Chiefs at Lions, 12:00 pm CBS, the chiefs are coming off a blowout loss to Buffalo which set football 85 years. The Lions come off a sloppy but important win over the Bucs last week and carry the momentum back home to Detroit. I don't like the Lions secondary but I think they have too much firepower to succumb to that flaw. Winner: Detroit 30-17 ATS: Detroit -7.5
Buccaneers at Vikings, 12:00 pm FOX, the bad and the ugly from last week meet in an old NFC Central match-up at the Metrodome. Peterson should run for a good amount on the young Bucs but I think Tampa has the more talented team. Winner: Tampa Bay 24-17 ATS: Tampa Bay +3
Seahawks at Steelers, 12:00 pm FOX, for games in which a west coast team travels to the east coast for a noon start I will always take the east coast team as long as the talent is relatively close. Winner: Steelers 38-20 ATS: Steelers -14
Cowboys at 49ers, 3:05 pm FOX, the battle of great quarterbacks happens this week in San Fran as Tony Romo faces off against Alex Smith. I think this game comes down to which secondary has the better day. Winner: San Francisco 20-17 ATS: San Francisco +3
Bengals at Broncos, 3:15 pm CBS, like the Raiders-Broncos game last week I just don't care much about this game other than for fantasy football implications. Winner: Denver 17-14 ATS: Cincinnati +3.5
Texans at Dolphins, 3:15 pm CBS, a battle of much maligned quarterbacks, Schaub and Henne face off in this one which will tell us if the Texans D is improved or if Henne has improved going forward this year. Winner: Houston 35-28 ATS: Houston -3
Chargers at Patriots, 3:15 pm CBS, a battle of high powered offenses and two of the best at QB. I think the Chargers hold Peyton under 350 yards and 3 TDs and think we see Rivers throw all over the Patriots secondary. I think the Pats will have some good luck with the run game and are at home. Winner: New England 24-21 ATS: San Diego +6.5
Eagles at Falcons, 7:20 pm NBC, Michael Vick's return to Atlanta should be an interesting one but I don't think it much effects the outcome of this game. If the Falcons don't improve their defense of pass catching RBs and find a way to keep Vick in the pocket they are going to have trouble this week. Winner: Philadelphia 31-20 ATS: Philadelphia -2
Rams at Giants, 7:30 pm ESPN, this looked a lot more promising a match-up before injuries decimated both teams, Giants in the off-season and Rams Week 1. I think both teams rally after week 1 defeats and it comes down to who makes the best adjustments. Winner: New York 20-14 ATS: Push (NYG -6)
Please feel free to leave comments and to make suggestions in the comments section below and enjoy your football viewing this weekend. CFB review will be up on Monday and NFL Review on Tuesday.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Rambling's Week 3 CFB Picks
Welcome back college football fans, we have another week of college football to preview and enjoy. So far this year I am 39-6 in straight game picks and was 9-10-2 in my first week of picking against the spread (ATS) and a reminder all times are central because I watch them in the central time zone an don't hesitate to leave me feedback in the comments section...
Thursday, September 15th, 2011:
#3 LSU at #25 Mississippi State, 7:00 pm ESPN, this is the more interesting of the two marquee SEC games this week and it should go a long way in confirming our thoughts on the SEC West. I believe that this will be a closer game than many in the college football world believe coming off a bad loss by the Bulldogs at the hands of Auburn. This game will come down to which team can run the ball and stop the run with the most effectiveness. I think LSU wins those battles and walks away with the win. Winner: LSU 24-21 ATS: MSU +3.5
Friday, September 16th, 2011:
#4 Boise State at Toledo, 7:00 pm ESPN, Toledo is coming off a near upset in Columbus and showed the rest of the country what they have but I think that was their best game against a Ohio State team looking a little bit ahead towards this weeks Miami game. I think that Boise should be ready for a fight but that they are the far superior team in this match-up. Winner: Boise 41-24 ATS: Toledo +20
Saturday, September 17th, 2011:
#18 West Virginia at Maryland, 11:00 am ESPNU, an interesting match-up for both sides, Maryland under Edsall look like they have improved. West Virginia should have the full playbook in hand this week and we should see how well Holgerson has assimilated his new team into his offensive system. I think he puts it together and gets a good road win at Maryland. Winner: West Virginia 31-17 ATS: Pk WVU
#21 Auburn at Clemson, 11:00 am ABC, Auburn has shown great resilience in both of its wins this season and carry some momentum into perennial let down Clemson, last years game was a barn burner and this years game should be no different. Winner: Clemson 28-24 ATS: Clemson -3.5
ULM at #23 TCU, 1:00 pm, This game has all the makings to either be really close or a blowout midway through the third quarter. ULM will challenge for the Sun Belt title and isn't as bad as their name says but I think the talent in Fort Worth is just too superior to overcome. Winner: TCU 35-21 ATS: ULM +28.5
Tennessee at #16 Florida, 2:30 pm CBS, this match-up has been all Florida the last 3-4 years but this year Tennessee has some good skill players and an improving defense under Derek Dooley. Florida has made strides however on offense as well with Brantley picking up Weis' offensive system. This one should be an exciting one in Gainesville. Winner: Florida 28-27 ATS: Tenn +9.5
#15 Michigan State at Notre Dame, 2:30 pm NBC, Notre Dame has caused the heartbreak of Domers across the country in the first two weeks of the season and I don't see week 3 playing out any differently for Brian Kelly's team. These teams are pretty close on talent with MSU having a slight edge development wise however Michigan State hasn't shown the same propensity for shooting themselves in the foot and that could be the edge this week. Winner: Michigan State 24-17 ATS: MSU +5.5
#23 Texas at UCLA, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN, this was the upset of last year until we realized that Texas was horrible and UCLA wasn't actually trending upwards. This years game should be an entertaining game but I'm not sure that either team has made great strides to take this game by the horns, no pun intended. Winner: Texas 20-17 ATS:UCLA +4
Washington at #11 Nebraska, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN, they split the season series in two lop-sided games that told us little about either team. With the Huskies traveling east I think Nebraska has the advantage on them and has the experience to beat Washington for the second regular season in a row. Winner: Nebraska 24-10 ATS: Washington +16.5
Northern Illinois vs #7 Wisconsin, 2:30 pm, Soldier Field hosts this years neutral site game in Chicago but I don't think this one will be as close as last years. Wisconsin has a running game that will shread a very weak NIU front seven and should allow this game to be put away early. NIU has a chance to put up some points on a banged up Wisconsin secondary but I don't think it will be enough to bridge the talent gap. Winner: Wisconsin 38-17 ATS: Wisconsin -17
Arkansas State at #13 Virginia Tech, 3:00 pm, this one has the opportunity to put Hugh Freeze on the map or leave Arkansas State another year behind in the Sun Belt. If they can put up a moderate amount of points on the Hokies you have to walk away excited if you're an Ark State fan. On the flip side, if that happens you have to be worried for another season that your team will come up a hair short of any kind of ultimate promise by seasons end. Winner:Virginia Tech 35-20 ATS: Arkansas State +24
Central Florida at Florida International, 5:00 pm, the battle for early season non-AQ #2 goes down Saturday evening in Florida. This is a battle between teams that have lofty expectations and aspirations of big things to come in conference play. FIU won't be considered non-AQ #2 by seasons end even if it wins but with a win at home they look to be ahead of where many thought they would be this season. Winner: UCF 21-17 ATS: UCF +5.5
Navy at #10 South Carolina, 5:00 pm ESPN2, this one should be relatively easy compared to last weeks shenanigans based meeting with Georgia. Navy does not have the athletes to compete with South Carolina nor does anyone expect them too. Winner: South Carolina 28-14 ATS: Navy +17
Idaho at #9 Texas A&M, 6:00 pm, with Oklahoma State and Arkansas coming up in the next two weeks I expect a slow start by the Aggies but a win going away against an over-matched Idaho team. This one will show us how well tuned the A&M offense is going into a very tough two week stretch. Winner:Texas A&M 58-16 ATS: A&M -35.5
#22 Arizona State at Illinois, 6:00 pm ESPN2, one of the most underrated games of this college football weekend the Sun Devils come up north to take on the Fighting Illini in Champaign. The best match-up is between Brock Osweiler and Nathan Scheelhaase the quarterbacks for ASU and Illinois respectively. I think the QB that makes the fewest bad decisions will put their team in the win column. The other man who will have something to say will be Vontaze Burfict the stud linebacker for the Sun Devils will certainly be a man to watch again this week. Winner:Arizona State 27-21 ATS: Arizona State Pk
Troy at #14 Arkansas, 6:30 pm, anther sneaky Sun Belt match-up between Sun Belt juggernaut Troy and perennial SEC West #2 Arkansas. Once again I see a good 2.5-3 quarter fight from troy but ultimately Arkansas should walk away in this one. Winner: Arkansas 35-17 ATS:Toy +22.5
North Texas at #2 Alabama, 6:30 pm, the final Tide warm-up before Arkansas and Florida games Alabama won't be tested. Winner: Alabama 48-6 ATS:North Texas +45.5
#17 Ohio State at Miami (FL), 6:30 pm ESPN, Convicts vs. Convicts comes to ESPN Saturday night as the kings of the off-season face off in Miami. Al Golden's team seems to just be treading water right now as a program and that does not bode well for this season and beyond. The Buckeye's on the other hand have a much steadier program at the moment and seem to at least be heading in a slightly positive direction early in the season even with a rough showing against Toledo. Winner: Ohio State 27-21 ATS:Ohio State +2.5
#1 Oklahoma at #5 Florida State, 7:00 pm ABC, the game of the week by any standards comes to us from Tallahassee and should be a barn burner at least into the fourth quarter. Oklahoma has more established talent but I like the direction of the 'Noles which to me should make this a very entertaining ball game. Winner:Oklahoma 38-35 ATS: Push (-3)
Utah at BYU, 8:15 pm ESPN2, the holy war in Provo, UT brings us a match-up of former MWC foes in new positions, Utah Pac-12 and BYU independent, along with two teams that are trending up from collapses last year. BYU has the front seven advantage and both teams are coming off tough losses last week. Winner: Utah 21-17 ATS:+4
#8 Oklahoma State at Tulsa, 9:00 pm, Oklahoma State's offense doesn't seem to have skipped a beat and that is a good thing as the team also gives up a good amount of yards. Tulsa has been beaten around in the first couple of weeks. Too much firepower here but OK State could be looking ahead to A&M. Winner: Oklahoma State 41-20 ATS:Oklahoma State -13.5
#6 Stanford at Arizona, 9:45 pm ESPN, a Pac-12 showdown in the desert as Stanford visits the Wildcats off the heals of a beat-down at the hands of Oklahoma State. Another good QB match-up with Foles versus Luck and that in and of itself is a very good reason just to tune in. Winner: Stanford 38-20 ATS: Stanford -9.5
Enjoy another great weekend of college football and I'll see those of you who follow the NFL on Friday.
Thursday, September 15th, 2011:
#3 LSU at #25 Mississippi State, 7:00 pm ESPN, this is the more interesting of the two marquee SEC games this week and it should go a long way in confirming our thoughts on the SEC West. I believe that this will be a closer game than many in the college football world believe coming off a bad loss by the Bulldogs at the hands of Auburn. This game will come down to which team can run the ball and stop the run with the most effectiveness. I think LSU wins those battles and walks away with the win. Winner: LSU 24-21 ATS: MSU +3.5
Friday, September 16th, 2011:
#4 Boise State at Toledo, 7:00 pm ESPN, Toledo is coming off a near upset in Columbus and showed the rest of the country what they have but I think that was their best game against a Ohio State team looking a little bit ahead towards this weeks Miami game. I think that Boise should be ready for a fight but that they are the far superior team in this match-up. Winner: Boise 41-24 ATS: Toledo +20
Saturday, September 17th, 2011:
#18 West Virginia at Maryland, 11:00 am ESPNU, an interesting match-up for both sides, Maryland under Edsall look like they have improved. West Virginia should have the full playbook in hand this week and we should see how well Holgerson has assimilated his new team into his offensive system. I think he puts it together and gets a good road win at Maryland. Winner: West Virginia 31-17 ATS: Pk WVU
#21 Auburn at Clemson, 11:00 am ABC, Auburn has shown great resilience in both of its wins this season and carry some momentum into perennial let down Clemson, last years game was a barn burner and this years game should be no different. Winner: Clemson 28-24 ATS: Clemson -3.5
ULM at #23 TCU, 1:00 pm, This game has all the makings to either be really close or a blowout midway through the third quarter. ULM will challenge for the Sun Belt title and isn't as bad as their name says but I think the talent in Fort Worth is just too superior to overcome. Winner: TCU 35-21 ATS: ULM +28.5
Tennessee at #16 Florida, 2:30 pm CBS, this match-up has been all Florida the last 3-4 years but this year Tennessee has some good skill players and an improving defense under Derek Dooley. Florida has made strides however on offense as well with Brantley picking up Weis' offensive system. This one should be an exciting one in Gainesville. Winner: Florida 28-27 ATS: Tenn +9.5
#15 Michigan State at Notre Dame, 2:30 pm NBC, Notre Dame has caused the heartbreak of Domers across the country in the first two weeks of the season and I don't see week 3 playing out any differently for Brian Kelly's team. These teams are pretty close on talent with MSU having a slight edge development wise however Michigan State hasn't shown the same propensity for shooting themselves in the foot and that could be the edge this week. Winner: Michigan State 24-17 ATS: MSU +5.5
#23 Texas at UCLA, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN, this was the upset of last year until we realized that Texas was horrible and UCLA wasn't actually trending upwards. This years game should be an entertaining game but I'm not sure that either team has made great strides to take this game by the horns, no pun intended. Winner: Texas 20-17 ATS:UCLA +4
Washington at #11 Nebraska, 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN, they split the season series in two lop-sided games that told us little about either team. With the Huskies traveling east I think Nebraska has the advantage on them and has the experience to beat Washington for the second regular season in a row. Winner: Nebraska 24-10 ATS: Washington +16.5
Northern Illinois vs #7 Wisconsin, 2:30 pm, Soldier Field hosts this years neutral site game in Chicago but I don't think this one will be as close as last years. Wisconsin has a running game that will shread a very weak NIU front seven and should allow this game to be put away early. NIU has a chance to put up some points on a banged up Wisconsin secondary but I don't think it will be enough to bridge the talent gap. Winner: Wisconsin 38-17 ATS: Wisconsin -17
Arkansas State at #13 Virginia Tech, 3:00 pm, this one has the opportunity to put Hugh Freeze on the map or leave Arkansas State another year behind in the Sun Belt. If they can put up a moderate amount of points on the Hokies you have to walk away excited if you're an Ark State fan. On the flip side, if that happens you have to be worried for another season that your team will come up a hair short of any kind of ultimate promise by seasons end. Winner:Virginia Tech 35-20 ATS: Arkansas State +24
Central Florida at Florida International, 5:00 pm, the battle for early season non-AQ #2 goes down Saturday evening in Florida. This is a battle between teams that have lofty expectations and aspirations of big things to come in conference play. FIU won't be considered non-AQ #2 by seasons end even if it wins but with a win at home they look to be ahead of where many thought they would be this season. Winner: UCF 21-17 ATS: UCF +5.5
Navy at #10 South Carolina, 5:00 pm ESPN2, this one should be relatively easy compared to last weeks shenanigans based meeting with Georgia. Navy does not have the athletes to compete with South Carolina nor does anyone expect them too. Winner: South Carolina 28-14 ATS: Navy +17
Idaho at #9 Texas A&M, 6:00 pm, with Oklahoma State and Arkansas coming up in the next two weeks I expect a slow start by the Aggies but a win going away against an over-matched Idaho team. This one will show us how well tuned the A&M offense is going into a very tough two week stretch. Winner:Texas A&M 58-16 ATS: A&M -35.5
#22 Arizona State at Illinois, 6:00 pm ESPN2, one of the most underrated games of this college football weekend the Sun Devils come up north to take on the Fighting Illini in Champaign. The best match-up is between Brock Osweiler and Nathan Scheelhaase the quarterbacks for ASU and Illinois respectively. I think the QB that makes the fewest bad decisions will put their team in the win column. The other man who will have something to say will be Vontaze Burfict the stud linebacker for the Sun Devils will certainly be a man to watch again this week. Winner:Arizona State 27-21 ATS: Arizona State Pk
Troy at #14 Arkansas, 6:30 pm, anther sneaky Sun Belt match-up between Sun Belt juggernaut Troy and perennial SEC West #2 Arkansas. Once again I see a good 2.5-3 quarter fight from troy but ultimately Arkansas should walk away in this one. Winner: Arkansas 35-17 ATS:Toy +22.5
North Texas at #2 Alabama, 6:30 pm, the final Tide warm-up before Arkansas and Florida games Alabama won't be tested. Winner: Alabama 48-6 ATS:North Texas +45.5
#17 Ohio State at Miami (FL), 6:30 pm ESPN, Convicts vs. Convicts comes to ESPN Saturday night as the kings of the off-season face off in Miami. Al Golden's team seems to just be treading water right now as a program and that does not bode well for this season and beyond. The Buckeye's on the other hand have a much steadier program at the moment and seem to at least be heading in a slightly positive direction early in the season even with a rough showing against Toledo. Winner: Ohio State 27-21 ATS:Ohio State +2.5
#1 Oklahoma at #5 Florida State, 7:00 pm ABC, the game of the week by any standards comes to us from Tallahassee and should be a barn burner at least into the fourth quarter. Oklahoma has more established talent but I like the direction of the 'Noles which to me should make this a very entertaining ball game. Winner:Oklahoma 38-35 ATS: Push (-3)
Utah at BYU, 8:15 pm ESPN2, the holy war in Provo, UT brings us a match-up of former MWC foes in new positions, Utah Pac-12 and BYU independent, along with two teams that are trending up from collapses last year. BYU has the front seven advantage and both teams are coming off tough losses last week. Winner: Utah 21-17 ATS:+4
#8 Oklahoma State at Tulsa, 9:00 pm, Oklahoma State's offense doesn't seem to have skipped a beat and that is a good thing as the team also gives up a good amount of yards. Tulsa has been beaten around in the first couple of weeks. Too much firepower here but OK State could be looking ahead to A&M. Winner: Oklahoma State 41-20 ATS:Oklahoma State -13.5
#6 Stanford at Arizona, 9:45 pm ESPN, a Pac-12 showdown in the desert as Stanford visits the Wildcats off the heals of a beat-down at the hands of Oklahoma State. Another good QB match-up with Foles versus Luck and that in and of itself is a very good reason just to tune in. Winner: Stanford 38-20 ATS: Stanford -9.5
Enjoy another great weekend of college football and I'll see those of you who follow the NFL on Friday.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Rambling's Week 1 NFL Review
Well the first week of pro football is behind us and as always we take a minute to look back at what we got right, what we got wrong and what struck a chord with football fans.So let's take a look at this weeks action. New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers, my pick: Packers, I had this one as a much lower scoring game, my total was 45 the result was 76 total points. This was one of many games devoid of a whole lot of defense which is what many suspected with the lack of a full off-season. I'll take the win for my picks and my home team and leave you with that to ponder.
Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears, my pick: Bears, I was much closer on this total (me:42, real:45), however I did not foresee such a whooping from the Bears. The Bears controlled this contest from start to finish and really played a much better brand of football than the Falcons. You can't jump to too many conclusions in week 1 but how these two teams play next week will help us get a true sense of where we might find them at the end of the season.
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns, my pick: Browns, This one was a disappointment to me as Bruce Gradkowski led the Bengals to the victory after rookie Andy Dalton went down. There isn't too much more to say on this game or these teams but I expect a better showing by the Browns especially on offense in week 2.
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs, my pick: Kansas City, Arrowhead is usually an extremely tough place to be a road team but this game turned ugly fast. The Bills led by Fitzpatrick, did practically whatever they wanted to against a weak Chiefs secondary that was further depleted by the loss of Eric Berry at safety. If this keeps up I would worry about Charles in fantasy a little but he had as many points in week 1 as Peterson had.
Philadelphia Eagles at St. Louis Rams, my pick: Eagles, I got the eagles side down pat but I missed on the Rams by two touchdowns but I will put that miss on key injuries to Jackson, Bradford and Amendola on the Rams offense which certainly won't help going forward for a young team that had so much promise. I think this may be a good indicator of what we see out of each team going forward and hopefully will be cemented after week 2.
Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, my pick: Bucs, This pick will haunt me forever, two young teams that I really like but I thought the Bucs defense was going to make strides this year especially up front but they put virtually no pressure on Stafford and in turn got burned pretty bad by the Lions offense. Detroit impressed me but I want to see Stafford stay healthy in the coming weeks before I crown them here.
Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars, my pick: Titans, 3 Tds combined in this game was about what we thought we would see on the field, but you have to like what you saw out of the Jaguars defense getting pressure on the QB but with a McCown-Hasselbeck match-up this game ended pretty much how I expected except for the team I picked to win. The South looks like it's Houston's division with the Colts looking terrible as well.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens, my pick: Ravens, I would take credit for this game but the Ravens blew me out of the water with their performance in this game I didn't expect them to win with such gusto against the Steelers and the early returns on the Steelers can't be more than concern about defensive age and offensive line play. If this does project forward the Ravens will be a force in the AFC and the Steelers will struggle to put it all together.
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans, my pick: Texans, I thought the Colts offense would be a little more effective than this against a rebuilding Texans defense but they were listless and non-existent. The Texans look to be making good strides on the defensive side of the ball and their offensive should have the same kick to it.
Record after Sun. Noon games: 5-4 or mediocre
New York Giants at Washington Redskins, my pick Giants, I underestimated the extent to which the Giants defense is banged up and deep into the two man. Sexy Rexy looked good but I want to see him do it for another week or to before I'm behind the Redskins at all in the NFC East.
Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers, my pick:49ers, the only thing of note here are the two return TDs to seal the victory for the niners week one. This game is going to be the typical NFC West match-up and I think the 49ers are in the drivers seat with the woes in the rest of the league.
Minnesota Vikings at San Diego Chargers, my pick Chargers, this game showed us what we already know about the Chargers in that their special teams suck and their offense and defense are very good. McNabb was awful and he won't be that bad in another game this year but Vikings fans should be very worried about any part of their team not named Adrian Peterson.
Carolina Panthers at Arizona Cardinals, my pick: Cardinals, Cam Newton, wow, what a debut for the young man out of Auburn. You can't help but be impressed even in a defeat with a first start that includes 422 yds passing, 2 tds and anoher rushing td, with only one INT. The Cardinals pulled off the victory and this game didn't tell us much outside of the Newton performance.
Dallas Cowboys at New York Jets, my pick: Jets, thank you Mr. Romo for confirming all of my feelings about you as a QB, you're great for my fantasy team but if I cheered for the Cowboys you would worry me any time a game is on the line. The Jets look shaky but do what they've done since Rex became coach and found a way to win a game they had no right to win.
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins, my pick: Patriots, Offense, no defense Brady looking like a god and Henne looking like Brady. Summed up.
Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos, my pick: Raiders, another win for me and the take away is that the Raiders should be able to run and the Broncos are still bad on defense.
I was saved by the afternoon games to pull out a respectable record, 11-5 week 1, thanks to all who read and leave comments to let me know how to improve going forward.
Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears, my pick: Bears, I was much closer on this total (me:42, real:45), however I did not foresee such a whooping from the Bears. The Bears controlled this contest from start to finish and really played a much better brand of football than the Falcons. You can't jump to too many conclusions in week 1 but how these two teams play next week will help us get a true sense of where we might find them at the end of the season.
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns, my pick: Browns, This one was a disappointment to me as Bruce Gradkowski led the Bengals to the victory after rookie Andy Dalton went down. There isn't too much more to say on this game or these teams but I expect a better showing by the Browns especially on offense in week 2.
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs, my pick: Kansas City, Arrowhead is usually an extremely tough place to be a road team but this game turned ugly fast. The Bills led by Fitzpatrick, did practically whatever they wanted to against a weak Chiefs secondary that was further depleted by the loss of Eric Berry at safety. If this keeps up I would worry about Charles in fantasy a little but he had as many points in week 1 as Peterson had.
Philadelphia Eagles at St. Louis Rams, my pick: Eagles, I got the eagles side down pat but I missed on the Rams by two touchdowns but I will put that miss on key injuries to Jackson, Bradford and Amendola on the Rams offense which certainly won't help going forward for a young team that had so much promise. I think this may be a good indicator of what we see out of each team going forward and hopefully will be cemented after week 2.
Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, my pick: Bucs, This pick will haunt me forever, two young teams that I really like but I thought the Bucs defense was going to make strides this year especially up front but they put virtually no pressure on Stafford and in turn got burned pretty bad by the Lions offense. Detroit impressed me but I want to see Stafford stay healthy in the coming weeks before I crown them here.
Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars, my pick: Titans, 3 Tds combined in this game was about what we thought we would see on the field, but you have to like what you saw out of the Jaguars defense getting pressure on the QB but with a McCown-Hasselbeck match-up this game ended pretty much how I expected except for the team I picked to win. The South looks like it's Houston's division with the Colts looking terrible as well.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens, my pick: Ravens, I would take credit for this game but the Ravens blew me out of the water with their performance in this game I didn't expect them to win with such gusto against the Steelers and the early returns on the Steelers can't be more than concern about defensive age and offensive line play. If this does project forward the Ravens will be a force in the AFC and the Steelers will struggle to put it all together.
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans, my pick: Texans, I thought the Colts offense would be a little more effective than this against a rebuilding Texans defense but they were listless and non-existent. The Texans look to be making good strides on the defensive side of the ball and their offensive should have the same kick to it.
Record after Sun. Noon games: 5-4 or mediocre
New York Giants at Washington Redskins, my pick Giants, I underestimated the extent to which the Giants defense is banged up and deep into the two man. Sexy Rexy looked good but I want to see him do it for another week or to before I'm behind the Redskins at all in the NFC East.
Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers, my pick:49ers, the only thing of note here are the two return TDs to seal the victory for the niners week one. This game is going to be the typical NFC West match-up and I think the 49ers are in the drivers seat with the woes in the rest of the league.
Minnesota Vikings at San Diego Chargers, my pick Chargers, this game showed us what we already know about the Chargers in that their special teams suck and their offense and defense are very good. McNabb was awful and he won't be that bad in another game this year but Vikings fans should be very worried about any part of their team not named Adrian Peterson.
Carolina Panthers at Arizona Cardinals, my pick: Cardinals, Cam Newton, wow, what a debut for the young man out of Auburn. You can't help but be impressed even in a defeat with a first start that includes 422 yds passing, 2 tds and anoher rushing td, with only one INT. The Cardinals pulled off the victory and this game didn't tell us much outside of the Newton performance.
Dallas Cowboys at New York Jets, my pick: Jets, thank you Mr. Romo for confirming all of my feelings about you as a QB, you're great for my fantasy team but if I cheered for the Cowboys you would worry me any time a game is on the line. The Jets look shaky but do what they've done since Rex became coach and found a way to win a game they had no right to win.
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins, my pick: Patriots, Offense, no defense Brady looking like a god and Henne looking like Brady. Summed up.
Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos, my pick: Raiders, another win for me and the take away is that the Raiders should be able to run and the Broncos are still bad on defense.
I was saved by the afternoon games to pull out a respectable record, 11-5 week 1, thanks to all who read and leave comments to let me know how to improve going forward.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Ramblings Week 2 CFB Review
Another exciting week of college football has come and gone so let's take a minute to recap and remember the pllayers and game from this week.(please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section) Week 2 was pretty good on straight picks for yours (18-3) truly, however, the spread wasn't as good to me with a 9-10-2 record so let's look at my 3 losses and a couple games that drew my attention....
The first of my 3 losses came in the Mississippi State at Auburn game I thought that despite being on the road Mississippi State would run away with this game and boy was a wrong on that front. Although I still believe the Bulldogs are the better team Auburn is impressive in their resilience and ability to pull victory from the jaws of defeat. I think Dan Mullen's team still has a chance to surprise in a tough SEC West but I was wrong this week. My next loss came in the TCU at Air Force game coming off of a bad beat to Baylor and with their two best defensive players sidelined I changed my mind on who would win this game and TCU made me look stupid for doing that. TCU dominated this game from start to finished and further cemented Coach Patterson's status as one of the best coaches in the country. I don't think TCU will run away with a whole lot of games like this until the passing defense improves but they should be competitive the entire season to a greater extent than I expected. My final loss came in a game that was tough to prognosticate coming in, South Carolina at Georgia. I wasn't sure how the Bulldogs would respond to their loss at the hands of Boise State and South Carolina had some problems with ECU. Georgia was the better team in this game and dominated pretty much the whole game but found ways to make little mistakes look huge, I did push the spread however and I was right on it being a close game so I'll take a moral victory from this defeat now on to the games that caught my eye for other reasons.
Toledo at Ohio State didn't receive a lot of attention leading up to the game and for good reason as most people expected the Buckeye's to run away with this game but Toledo had a chance for victory late in the game as well. It causes a lot of concern that a team with this much talent would struggle so heavily on defense that Toledo would stick around to the final whistle. So much more is expected out of Ohio State and that's what caught my eye from Columbus. The second game that caught my eye was the most exciting game of the night, Notre Dame vs Michigan. Notre Dame seems to have created six teams in a row that aren't prepared for the limelight and we saw them make mistakes at crutial times on both sides of the ball Saturday. On the Michigan side, however, we saw Denard Robinson step up with the game on the line in the fourth quarter. That's my recap for week 2 will be back with week 3 picks and week 1 NFL recap in the next day or two.
The first of my 3 losses came in the Mississippi State at Auburn game I thought that despite being on the road Mississippi State would run away with this game and boy was a wrong on that front. Although I still believe the Bulldogs are the better team Auburn is impressive in their resilience and ability to pull victory from the jaws of defeat. I think Dan Mullen's team still has a chance to surprise in a tough SEC West but I was wrong this week. My next loss came in the TCU at Air Force game coming off of a bad beat to Baylor and with their two best defensive players sidelined I changed my mind on who would win this game and TCU made me look stupid for doing that. TCU dominated this game from start to finished and further cemented Coach Patterson's status as one of the best coaches in the country. I don't think TCU will run away with a whole lot of games like this until the passing defense improves but they should be competitive the entire season to a greater extent than I expected. My final loss came in a game that was tough to prognosticate coming in, South Carolina at Georgia. I wasn't sure how the Bulldogs would respond to their loss at the hands of Boise State and South Carolina had some problems with ECU. Georgia was the better team in this game and dominated pretty much the whole game but found ways to make little mistakes look huge, I did push the spread however and I was right on it being a close game so I'll take a moral victory from this defeat now on to the games that caught my eye for other reasons.
Toledo at Ohio State didn't receive a lot of attention leading up to the game and for good reason as most people expected the Buckeye's to run away with this game but Toledo had a chance for victory late in the game as well. It causes a lot of concern that a team with this much talent would struggle so heavily on defense that Toledo would stick around to the final whistle. So much more is expected out of Ohio State and that's what caught my eye from Columbus. The second game that caught my eye was the most exciting game of the night, Notre Dame vs Michigan. Notre Dame seems to have created six teams in a row that aren't prepared for the limelight and we saw them make mistakes at crutial times on both sides of the ball Saturday. On the Michigan side, however, we saw Denard Robinson step up with the game on the line in the fourth quarter. That's my recap for week 2 will be back with week 3 picks and week 1 NFL recap in the next day or two.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Rambling's NFL Week 1 Picks
It's finally here, the NFL season, is finally here and I as one of the masses is very excited about the up-coming slate. So, without further ado, my picks for the season...
Thursday, September 8th, 2011:
New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers,7:30 pm NBC, A match-up of the past two Super Bowl champs at Lambeau Field seems like the best way to kick-off the season. These two teams return a lot of talent to the field from last years teams. Although I'm not scared of the Saints rushing attack I have reservations about the front 3 of the Packers defense. The loss of Cullen Jenkins means that they must rely on the oft-injured Mike Neal at one end, although, the Raji and Pickett should be stalwarts once again. I like Green Bay in this game by a score of 24-21.
Sunday, September 11th, 2011:
Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears, 12:00 pm FOX, the Bears are the least thought of 2 seed in history and the doubters have come out in full force to bash what life there was left in the hopes of the Bears' fan base. But lest we forget this is a Chicago home game on shitty turf that will slow down the White-Jones combo and this just feels like a Chicago win to me, with a score of 21-16.
Cincinnati at Cleveland, 12:00 pm CBS, these contests are usually close and I think the result of this game will surprise some people, with an infusion of young blood in the forms of Andy Dalton and A.J. Green in Cincinnati that offense could surprise some people. Cleveland on the other hand has seen an emergence of Colt McCoy as a gifted west coast passer in Pat Shurmur's new offense and I think that the difference we see in Cleveland's 31-17 victory.
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs, 12:00 pm CBS, if this game doesn't peak your interest you're probably alive and not a fan of the Bills or Chiefs. The one bright spot will be watching Jamaal Charles run roughshod over a very poor Bills defense. I think the Chiefs win this one going away, 38-20.
Philadelphia Eagles at St. Louis Rams, 12:00 pm FOX, this game is tougher than many think it looks, but a road dome game to open the season with inexperience all over a revamped offensive line scares me even if you have weapons like Maclin, Jackson, McCoy and Vick. I think the Rams are a year or two away but hey should scare some teams this year. I see an Eagles 31-27 victory.
Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 12:00 pm FOX, this involves a team that got good earlier than expected (Tampa) and a team expected to get good earlier than expected (Detroit). Most assume that TB will regress this season after winning 10 last year and they think that regression will start in week one against Detroit, I think we see Tampa Bay win easier than expected, 31-20.
Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars, 12:00 pm CBS, an intriguing divisional match-up involving teams who employ QBs with major question marks. I trust Hasselbeck more than Cade McNown ergo I like the Titans to win this one 24-14.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens, 12:00 pm CBS, this one will be a barn burner as it has been for the past four or five years and I think home-field wins this game for the Ravens but not by much 24-21.
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans, 12:00 pm CBS, this game would have been great had Manning made his return this week, but with Collins this offense seems destined to be listless. Houston has made the effort towards improving on defense and I think they will but not without some trifles this week, which will make this Houston win closer than if they had had a full off-season, 38-27.
New York Giants at Washington Redskins, 3:15 pm FOX, another week 1 divisional game, this one from the NFC East shall give us insight into the coming season's for both teams, especially the Redskins D and Giants O which are both big question marks. I believe we see a pretty handy Giants victory 31-13.
Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers, 3:15 pm FOX, another one of those great divisional barn burners we so often see out of the NFC West, when in doubt go with the better quarterback, which oddly enough is Alex Smith... 49ers victory 21-17.
Minnesota Vikings at San Diego Chargers, 3:15 pm FOX, this is pretty lopsided on paper, the Chargers are better on both sides of the ball and the two teams are weak on special teams. However, Norv Turner's Chargers have had issues with early season games making this one more intriguing. I do think however we see a Chargers victory 35-31.
Carolina Panthers at Arizona Cardinals, 3:15 pm FOX, I don't think this match-up deserves much more than Newton-Kolb we shall see who show more early season promise, Cardinals 17-13.
Dallas Cowboys at New York Jets, 7:20 pm NBC, the Cowboys are set up for a bit of a fall this season due to a horrid O-line and a defensive back field that's suspect at best, I think the Jets win 24-14.
Monday, September 12th, 2011:
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins, 6:00 pm ESPN, a lopsided divisional match-up between teams that have been polar opposite when it comes to consistency over the past decade. The Patriots are much better and will show it on the scoreboard, 38-17.
Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos, 9:15 pm ESPN, this game excites no part of my imagination two mediocre teams starting two hours after sundown, Oakland 21-13.
Please let me know what you think of my picks and what you expect and are excited to see this weekend in the NFL.
Thursday, September 8th, 2011:
New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers,7:30 pm NBC, A match-up of the past two Super Bowl champs at Lambeau Field seems like the best way to kick-off the season. These two teams return a lot of talent to the field from last years teams. Although I'm not scared of the Saints rushing attack I have reservations about the front 3 of the Packers defense. The loss of Cullen Jenkins means that they must rely on the oft-injured Mike Neal at one end, although, the Raji and Pickett should be stalwarts once again. I like Green Bay in this game by a score of 24-21.
Sunday, September 11th, 2011:
Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears, 12:00 pm FOX, the Bears are the least thought of 2 seed in history and the doubters have come out in full force to bash what life there was left in the hopes of the Bears' fan base. But lest we forget this is a Chicago home game on shitty turf that will slow down the White-Jones combo and this just feels like a Chicago win to me, with a score of 21-16.
Cincinnati at Cleveland, 12:00 pm CBS, these contests are usually close and I think the result of this game will surprise some people, with an infusion of young blood in the forms of Andy Dalton and A.J. Green in Cincinnati that offense could surprise some people. Cleveland on the other hand has seen an emergence of Colt McCoy as a gifted west coast passer in Pat Shurmur's new offense and I think that the difference we see in Cleveland's 31-17 victory.
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs, 12:00 pm CBS, if this game doesn't peak your interest you're probably alive and not a fan of the Bills or Chiefs. The one bright spot will be watching Jamaal Charles run roughshod over a very poor Bills defense. I think the Chiefs win this one going away, 38-20.
Philadelphia Eagles at St. Louis Rams, 12:00 pm FOX, this game is tougher than many think it looks, but a road dome game to open the season with inexperience all over a revamped offensive line scares me even if you have weapons like Maclin, Jackson, McCoy and Vick. I think the Rams are a year or two away but hey should scare some teams this year. I see an Eagles 31-27 victory.
Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 12:00 pm FOX, this involves a team that got good earlier than expected (Tampa) and a team expected to get good earlier than expected (Detroit). Most assume that TB will regress this season after winning 10 last year and they think that regression will start in week one against Detroit, I think we see Tampa Bay win easier than expected, 31-20.
Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars, 12:00 pm CBS, an intriguing divisional match-up involving teams who employ QBs with major question marks. I trust Hasselbeck more than Cade McNown ergo I like the Titans to win this one 24-14.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens, 12:00 pm CBS, this one will be a barn burner as it has been for the past four or five years and I think home-field wins this game for the Ravens but not by much 24-21.
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans, 12:00 pm CBS, this game would have been great had Manning made his return this week, but with Collins this offense seems destined to be listless. Houston has made the effort towards improving on defense and I think they will but not without some trifles this week, which will make this Houston win closer than if they had had a full off-season, 38-27.
New York Giants at Washington Redskins, 3:15 pm FOX, another week 1 divisional game, this one from the NFC East shall give us insight into the coming season's for both teams, especially the Redskins D and Giants O which are both big question marks. I believe we see a pretty handy Giants victory 31-13.
Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers, 3:15 pm FOX, another one of those great divisional barn burners we so often see out of the NFC West, when in doubt go with the better quarterback, which oddly enough is Alex Smith... 49ers victory 21-17.
Minnesota Vikings at San Diego Chargers, 3:15 pm FOX, this is pretty lopsided on paper, the Chargers are better on both sides of the ball and the two teams are weak on special teams. However, Norv Turner's Chargers have had issues with early season games making this one more intriguing. I do think however we see a Chargers victory 35-31.
Carolina Panthers at Arizona Cardinals, 3:15 pm FOX, I don't think this match-up deserves much more than Newton-Kolb we shall see who show more early season promise, Cardinals 17-13.
Dallas Cowboys at New York Jets, 7:20 pm NBC, the Cowboys are set up for a bit of a fall this season due to a horrid O-line and a defensive back field that's suspect at best, I think the Jets win 24-14.
Monday, September 12th, 2011:
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins, 6:00 pm ESPN, a lopsided divisional match-up between teams that have been polar opposite when it comes to consistency over the past decade. The Patriots are much better and will show it on the scoreboard, 38-17.
Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos, 9:15 pm ESPN, this game excites no part of my imagination two mediocre teams starting two hours after sundown, Oakland 21-13.
Please let me know what you think of my picks and what you expect and are excited to see this weekend in the NFL.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Rambling Sports Week 2 CFB Picks
After a pretty solid Week 1 picks it's time to turn our focus to week 2, also wanted to add a little twist and put how I think teams will perform against the spread (ATS), so let's get to it...
Thursday, September 8th, 2011:
Arizona at #9 Oklahoma State, 7:00 pm ESPN, the first of a couple of interesting Big XII-Pac-12 match-ups this week, as the Wildcats meet the Cowboys. I believe this one comes down to both teams ability to stop the passing attack of the other and with the Cowboys having the more explosive and experienced laden offense I think we see them win a shootout... Winner: Oklahoma State, 45-31, ATS:Push (line currently OK State -14)
Friday, September 9th, 2011:
#21 Missouri at Arizona State, 9:30 pm ESPN, the other major Big XII-Pac-12 match-up this weekend pits the favorite in the Pac-12 South versus what is probably the 4th or 5th best team out of the BXII although Missouri is the higher ranked team coming in I think the talent on ASU's defense will help them win this match-up... Winner: Arizona State, 28-20, ATS: ASU -7.5
Saturday, September 10th, 2011:
Oregon State at #8 Wisconsin, 11:00 am ESPN, Oregon State's coming off a loss to FCS Sacramento State in overtime on Saturday and will be looking to make a Statement Saturday afternoon in Madison however teams from out west don't do well in morning games multiple time zones east and the Badgers are dominant in Camp Randall. I think the Badgers walk away with a victory in this one...Winner: Wisconsin, 44-24, ATS: Oregon State +22
Toledo at #15 Ohio State, 11:00 am BTN, Ohio State plays it's second MAC team in as many weeks and this one should be a little more trouble than its last game, however this still shouldn't be much of a challenge for the Buckeyes...Winner: Ohio State, 38-17, ATS: OSU -18
Florida Atlantic at #17 Michigan State, 11:00 am ESPN2, Michigan State was a little sluggish last week against Youngstown State and they may start sluggish again here due to not being as excited about their match-up again this week but it should be a very relaxing day for Spartan fans. Winner: Michigan State, 49-13, ATS: MSU -31.5
#16 Mississippi State at Auburn, 11:21 am SEC Network, if the reigning have any chance in this game they need to play a more balanced game on defense and draw from the home crowd. Dan Mullen, however, has his best team in his tenure in Starksville and should win this one going away to go 1-0 in SEC play this year... Winner: Mississippi State, 38-21, ATS: Miss. State -7
#3 Alabama at #23 Penn State, 2:30 pm ABC, in the second game of the home and home Penn State hopes for a better fate than last year's 24-3 defeat in Tuscaloosa. The good new for PSU is that they have a stout defense that has many veterans and Alabama's QBs surrendered 4 Int's to a Kent State defense. Alabama has a top 10 defense and will likely pose a threat for whomever gets under center for Penn State, I believe this will be a low scoring affair which favors the home team but I think the talent level is definitely higher than PSU... Winner: Alabama, 16-10, ATS: Penn State +10
#6 Stanford at Duke, 2:30 pm ESPNU, Battle of the Brains always a great showcase for student-athletes will not be exciting for fans of the game. Stanford behind Andrew Luck will roll an improving Blue Devils team led by David Cutcliffe in a relatively easy game... Winner: Stanford, 38-13, ATS: -20.5
#11 Virginia Tech at East Carolina, 2:30 pm, ECU a week off of a neutral site game against the Gamecocks, welcome the Hokies to town. This isn't Skip Holtz's ECU however, and they just don't have the defense to win many games against this high quality of opponent.... Winner: Virginia Tech, 51-20, ATS: Va Tech-19.5
Nevada at #13 Oregon, 2:30 pm FX, Oregon fresh off a bad beat at the hands of the LSU Tigers, come home to face off against the only team to beat Boise State in the last two years, however they are missing a lot of pieces from last years team and don't seem to be as up to snuff as last year... Winner: Oregon, 49-17, ATS: Oregon -26
#25 TCU at Air Force, 2:30 pm Versus, TCU comes off a poor showing against Baylor last week, the defense which returned only 2 starters from last years team seems to be struggling with such a lack of experience. Air Force runs the triple option which is always an interesting prep for a defense and should pose a problem to the Horned Frogs, however, I think they bounce back with an early conference victory this week...Winner: TCU, 35-31, ATS: Air Force +2.5 edit 9/9/11... Winner: Air Force, 31-28, ATS: Air Force -1.5
California at Colorado, 2:30 pm, a non-conference game between conference mates seems like something to hit on plus it gives us an opportunity to mention that Cal looked surprisingly good in it's season opener, something that Tedford's teams have lacked in the past. Look for the Bears to roll the Buffs in this one.... Winner: California, 27-13, ATS: Cal -6
#12 South Carolina at Georgia, 3:30 pm ESPN, a loss hear would be devastating for both Richt and the Georgia program not only would a year full of promise go away in 120 minutes, but Richt's job would go from hot to scalding in near record time. The defending SEC East champs come in after cruising past ECU and will be looking to solidifying their status atop their division along with putting their hat farther into the SEC ring... Winner: Georgia, 24-23, ATS: Georgia +3
Fresno State at #10 Nebraska, 6:00 pm, As Polini stated this week, Fresno has made a habit of playing these early season games very tight and should be a good challenge for the Huskers and their new offense. Nebraska holds the talent edge and home field on their side and should win this game but the 'Dogs should put up a fight... Winner: Nebraska, 34-17, ATS: +27.5
New Mexico at #14 Arkansas, 6:00 pm ESPNU, The Lobos suck, plain and simple... Winner: Arkansas, 52-6, ATS: Arkansas +36
UAB at #18 Florida, 6:00 pm, UAB has some hope that 2010 will bet better than 2011 but it most certainly looks that way for Florida and they do have the far superior talent in this contest... Winner: Florida, 31-3, ATS: UAB +23
Ball State at #22 South Florida, 6:00 pm, fresh off an upset victory over Notre Dame the Bulls should be raring to go for their first home game of the season against a Ball state team coming against it's own victory over Indiana. I think the Bulls take this one behind the leadership of B.J. Daniels but with a little hangover to accompany it... Winner: South Florida, 27-23, ATS: Ball State +20
BYU at #24 Texas, 6:00 pm ESPN2, The Longhorns didn't stay out of the AP top 25 long and welcome the newly independent Cougars to Austin to celebrate. The Longhorns may want to discuss independence and the trials of running ones own network with BYU and the action on the field should be entertaining as the revamped Longhorn rushing attack goes up against a stout BYU front seven... Winner: Texas, 21-20, ATS: BYU +7
Utah at USC, 6:30 pm Versus, USC welcomes Utah to the Pac-12 at the Coleseum in what should be another great example of what makes college football so compelling. Utah comes in looking to prove that it can run with the "big boys" on a week by week basis and USC wants to prove that it will be back on top the Pac-12 when the post-season ban comes off next year.... Winner: USC, 23-17, ATS: Utah +9
Notre Dame at Michigan, 7:00 pm ESPN, rivalry, first night game at the big house and teams seemingly headed back to their primes. Notre Dame's trek back up the BCS latter took a hit with it's home loss to USF last week and dampens the optimism around Brian Kelly's program. In contrast, the Michigan defense proved that it made strides during the off-season and the offense still looked very explosive... Winner: Michigan, 27-17, ATS: Michigan +3.5
Boston College at UCF, 7:00 pm, BC is coming off a bad home loss to Northwestern, but they can't dwell on that loss long if they're to have a chance against UCF. What should scare BC fans is that UCF runs the ball even better than Northwestern and has their stud QB healthy... Winner: UCF, 35-21, ATS: UCF -7
There you have it hope you enjoy week 2 of the college football season and I'll be back with a recap Sunday or Monday and some NFL content in the next day or two.
Thursday, September 8th, 2011:
Arizona at #9 Oklahoma State, 7:00 pm ESPN, the first of a couple of interesting Big XII-Pac-12 match-ups this week, as the Wildcats meet the Cowboys. I believe this one comes down to both teams ability to stop the passing attack of the other and with the Cowboys having the more explosive and experienced laden offense I think we see them win a shootout... Winner: Oklahoma State, 45-31, ATS:Push (line currently OK State -14)
Friday, September 9th, 2011:
#21 Missouri at Arizona State, 9:30 pm ESPN, the other major Big XII-Pac-12 match-up this weekend pits the favorite in the Pac-12 South versus what is probably the 4th or 5th best team out of the BXII although Missouri is the higher ranked team coming in I think the talent on ASU's defense will help them win this match-up... Winner: Arizona State, 28-20, ATS: ASU -7.5
Saturday, September 10th, 2011:
Oregon State at #8 Wisconsin, 11:00 am ESPN, Oregon State's coming off a loss to FCS Sacramento State in overtime on Saturday and will be looking to make a Statement Saturday afternoon in Madison however teams from out west don't do well in morning games multiple time zones east and the Badgers are dominant in Camp Randall. I think the Badgers walk away with a victory in this one...Winner: Wisconsin, 44-24, ATS: Oregon State +22
Toledo at #15 Ohio State, 11:00 am BTN, Ohio State plays it's second MAC team in as many weeks and this one should be a little more trouble than its last game, however this still shouldn't be much of a challenge for the Buckeyes...Winner: Ohio State, 38-17, ATS: OSU -18
Florida Atlantic at #17 Michigan State, 11:00 am ESPN2, Michigan State was a little sluggish last week against Youngstown State and they may start sluggish again here due to not being as excited about their match-up again this week but it should be a very relaxing day for Spartan fans. Winner: Michigan State, 49-13, ATS: MSU -31.5
#16 Mississippi State at Auburn, 11:21 am SEC Network, if the reigning have any chance in this game they need to play a more balanced game on defense and draw from the home crowd. Dan Mullen, however, has his best team in his tenure in Starksville and should win this one going away to go 1-0 in SEC play this year... Winner: Mississippi State, 38-21, ATS: Miss. State -7
#3 Alabama at #23 Penn State, 2:30 pm ABC, in the second game of the home and home Penn State hopes for a better fate than last year's 24-3 defeat in Tuscaloosa. The good new for PSU is that they have a stout defense that has many veterans and Alabama's QBs surrendered 4 Int's to a Kent State defense. Alabama has a top 10 defense and will likely pose a threat for whomever gets under center for Penn State, I believe this will be a low scoring affair which favors the home team but I think the talent level is definitely higher than PSU... Winner: Alabama, 16-10, ATS: Penn State +10
#6 Stanford at Duke, 2:30 pm ESPNU, Battle of the Brains always a great showcase for student-athletes will not be exciting for fans of the game. Stanford behind Andrew Luck will roll an improving Blue Devils team led by David Cutcliffe in a relatively easy game... Winner: Stanford, 38-13, ATS: -20.5
#11 Virginia Tech at East Carolina, 2:30 pm, ECU a week off of a neutral site game against the Gamecocks, welcome the Hokies to town. This isn't Skip Holtz's ECU however, and they just don't have the defense to win many games against this high quality of opponent.... Winner: Virginia Tech, 51-20, ATS: Va Tech-19.5
Nevada at #13 Oregon, 2:30 pm FX, Oregon fresh off a bad beat at the hands of the LSU Tigers, come home to face off against the only team to beat Boise State in the last two years, however they are missing a lot of pieces from last years team and don't seem to be as up to snuff as last year... Winner: Oregon, 49-17, ATS: Oregon -26
#25 TCU at Air Force, 2:30 pm Versus, TCU comes off a poor showing against Baylor last week, the defense which returned only 2 starters from last years team seems to be struggling with such a lack of experience. Air Force runs the triple option which is always an interesting prep for a defense and should pose a problem to the Horned Frogs, however, I think they bounce back with an early conference victory this week...
California at Colorado, 2:30 pm, a non-conference game between conference mates seems like something to hit on plus it gives us an opportunity to mention that Cal looked surprisingly good in it's season opener, something that Tedford's teams have lacked in the past. Look for the Bears to roll the Buffs in this one.... Winner: California, 27-13, ATS: Cal -6
#12 South Carolina at Georgia, 3:30 pm ESPN, a loss hear would be devastating for both Richt and the Georgia program not only would a year full of promise go away in 120 minutes, but Richt's job would go from hot to scalding in near record time. The defending SEC East champs come in after cruising past ECU and will be looking to solidifying their status atop their division along with putting their hat farther into the SEC ring... Winner: Georgia, 24-23, ATS: Georgia +3
Fresno State at #10 Nebraska, 6:00 pm, As Polini stated this week, Fresno has made a habit of playing these early season games very tight and should be a good challenge for the Huskers and their new offense. Nebraska holds the talent edge and home field on their side and should win this game but the 'Dogs should put up a fight... Winner: Nebraska, 34-17, ATS: +27.5
New Mexico at #14 Arkansas, 6:00 pm ESPNU, The Lobos suck, plain and simple... Winner: Arkansas, 52-6, ATS: Arkansas +36
UAB at #18 Florida, 6:00 pm, UAB has some hope that 2010 will bet better than 2011 but it most certainly looks that way for Florida and they do have the far superior talent in this contest... Winner: Florida, 31-3, ATS: UAB +23
Ball State at #22 South Florida, 6:00 pm, fresh off an upset victory over Notre Dame the Bulls should be raring to go for their first home game of the season against a Ball state team coming against it's own victory over Indiana. I think the Bulls take this one behind the leadership of B.J. Daniels but with a little hangover to accompany it... Winner: South Florida, 27-23, ATS: Ball State +20
BYU at #24 Texas, 6:00 pm ESPN2, The Longhorns didn't stay out of the AP top 25 long and welcome the newly independent Cougars to Austin to celebrate. The Longhorns may want to discuss independence and the trials of running ones own network with BYU and the action on the field should be entertaining as the revamped Longhorn rushing attack goes up against a stout BYU front seven... Winner: Texas, 21-20, ATS: BYU +7
Utah at USC, 6:30 pm Versus, USC welcomes Utah to the Pac-12 at the Coleseum in what should be another great example of what makes college football so compelling. Utah comes in looking to prove that it can run with the "big boys" on a week by week basis and USC wants to prove that it will be back on top the Pac-12 when the post-season ban comes off next year.... Winner: USC, 23-17, ATS: Utah +9
Notre Dame at Michigan, 7:00 pm ESPN, rivalry, first night game at the big house and teams seemingly headed back to their primes. Notre Dame's trek back up the BCS latter took a hit with it's home loss to USF last week and dampens the optimism around Brian Kelly's program. In contrast, the Michigan defense proved that it made strides during the off-season and the offense still looked very explosive... Winner: Michigan, 27-17, ATS: Michigan +3.5
Boston College at UCF, 7:00 pm, BC is coming off a bad home loss to Northwestern, but they can't dwell on that loss long if they're to have a chance against UCF. What should scare BC fans is that UCF runs the ball even better than Northwestern and has their stud QB healthy... Winner: UCF, 35-21, ATS: UCF -7
There you have it hope you enjoy week 2 of the college football season and I'll be back with a recap Sunday or Monday and some NFL content in the next day or two.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Rambling's Week 1 CFB Review
Week 1 of the college football season has come and passed and the time has come to take a look at how my picks turned out during the duration of the weekend...
9/2/11: Only one game of note on Friday night involving TCU and Baylor this was a close one as predicted but the substantial attrition from TCU showed itself against Robert Griffin III in a much higher scoring affair than many suspected. Picks: 2-1
9/3/11: Oklahoma, Alabama, Florida State, Stanford, Oklahoma State, South Carolina, Ohio State and Florida all cruised against lower level FBS teams over the weekend proving little to nothing. The #3-#4 match-up at Jerry World proved that LSU is deeper than the Pac-12 preseason favorite, the Tigers won this one going away, however it wasn't such smooth sailing for one of LSU's conference brethren. Boise State took another step towards becoming a permanent nightmare to every team in the country with it's picking apart of Georgia Saturday night. The game started off sluggish but Kellen Moore and the Boise offense rolled through the Bulldog D on the way to a 14 point win in Atlanta. Notre Dame laid a huge egg this weekend at home against USF with multiple turnovers in the Bulls red zone that led to the 23-20 loss, once again it looks as though a Notre Dame team will fail to live up to the hype. I got the Auburn pick right, however this should have been a loss for the defending champs they needed a perfect onside kick to score twice in two minutes to win the game at home. USC let Minnesota stick around much the same way as Auburn-Utah State earlier in the day, USC won but this game should have never been this close. The Northwestern vs BC game was intriguing and exciting but Northwestern proved to have better depth pulling away during the second half to a comfortable victory on the road. As expected we saw an improved Wolverine defense after a shaky start versus the Broncos but Michigan started to pull away before a storm system stopped the game for good. My second loss of the day was a good game none the less as the Bruins made it exciting down the stretch and pushed Houston to the brink in Keenum' return to the field. Picks: 14-2
9/4/11: So these games ended up being much less competitive than I thought both WVU and A&M won going away and affirmed what many thought of these two teams going into the season. Picks: 2-0
9/5/11: Miami vs Maryland was a much better game than I thought we'd see, as it took a late interception return for a touchdown that should have put the game out of reach if not for a failed, and unnecessary, two-point attempt. It all ended up with a Maryland victory, however, which is what we're looking for. Picks 1-0
Week 1 record: 21-3 I'll have my week 2 picks up within the next 24 hours or so so stop back in to see what week 2 will hold.
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