Thursday, October 9th, 2014:
BYU (24.39) at UCF (29.25) (3.19), 6:30 pm ESPN, I included this game because it intrigues me. BYU lost Taysom Hill to a broken leg last week in the loss to Utah State and looked lost without him. UCF for their part are a good team, but aren't anywhere near as special as last season's AAC champs. This may be a sloppy and poorly played game but it will tell us a lot about who the best mid major team is. Power Pick: UCF by 8.05 My Pick: UCF 23-13 Line: UCF -3
Friday, October 10th, 2014:
Washington State (28.83) at #25 Stanford (52.05) (3.78), 8:00 pm ESPN, Wazzou heads to Stanford to face off against a Cardinal squad that lost at Notre Dame last week in a heart breaker. Wazzou for their part is coming off an epic shootout loss against Cal, in which Connor Halliday threw for 734 yards, 6 tds and 0 ints in a losing effort. Wazzou isn't gonna put up those numbers on Stanford but the Coogs don't need to as the Stanford offense has been about as efficient as a 1920's jalopy. I think Stanford squeaks one out against a porous Wazzou defense. Power Pick: Stanford by 26.99 My Pick: Stanford 27-24 Line: Stanford -17
Saturday, October 11th, 2014:
#1 Florida State (66.50) at Syracuse (35.85) (2.96), 11:00 am ESPN, With Notre Dame on deck and Syracuse being less than a high level opponent this looks like a classic look ahead spot for a Seminole team that has absolutely played down to their competition at times this season. Syracuse for it's part almost lost to Villanova at home in there opener and have now lost three in a row to Maryland, Notre Dame and Louisville. I think Florida State wins, but by a more modest amount as they look forward to Notre Dame. Power Pick: Florida State by 27.69 My Pick: Florida State 38-17 Line: Florida State -24
Texas (29.21) vs #11 Oklahoma (59.50) (Cotton Bowl), 11:00 ABC, Oklahoma heads to the Texas State Fair Grounds with revenge on their mind. Texas sprung the upset last season 36-20, despite being universally loathed as the worse team in the matchup. Oklahoma is the better team once again and the first year of Charlie Strong's tenure is on the rocks but this is one of those matchups where anything is possible. Power Pick: Oklahoma by 30.29 My Pick: Oklahoma 41-17 Line: Oklahoma -14.5
#13 Georgia (47.24) at #23 Missouri (56.20) (4.12), 11:00 am CBS, Battle for SEC LEast switches to the further inland Columbia for a matchup between the Bulldogs who lost at South Carolina dn the Tigers who lost at home to Indiana. Todd Gurley should have lots of room to run on this Missouri defense and unless Mizzou can get stops and put this game in Hunter Mason's hands this one could be pretty ugly for Mizzou. Power Pick: Missouri by 13.09 My Pick: Georgia 31-28 Line: Georgia -3
Northwestern (30.33) at Minnesota (43.03) (3.66), 11:00 am BTN, Northwetsern heads to the Twin Cities to take on the Gophers off an upset of Wisconsin in Evanston. Neither one of these teams is great, or even all that good, but this would set up the winner with the pole position in the stretch run for the Big Ten West. Power Pick: Minnesota by 16.36 My Pick: Minnesota 17-14 Line: Minnesota -4
Thursday deadline---
Duke (41.67) at #22 Georgia Tech (32.11) (3.47), 11:30 am ESPN3, Power Pick: My Pick: Line:
#2 Auburn (74.55) at #3 Mississippi State (57.15) (4.09), 2:30 pm CBS, Power Pick: My Pick: Line:
#9 TCU (28.39) at #5 Baylor (51.13) (3.40), 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Power Pick: My Pick: Line:
North Carolina (30.80) at #6 Notre Dame (49.74) (4.79), 2:30 pm NBC, Power Pick: My Pick: Line:
#8 Michigan State (47.69) at Purdue (10.82) (3.18), 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Power Pick: My Pick: Line:
#12 Oregon (69.56) at #18 UCLA (67.85) (3.83), 2:30 pm FOX, Power Pick: My Pick: Line:
#16 Oklahoma State (35.56) at Kansas (14.15) (2.97), 3:00 pm FOX Sports 1, Power Pick: My Pick: Line:
#7 Alabama (43.81) at Arkansas (33.16) (4.05), 5:00 pm ESPN, Power Pick: My Pick: Line:
#19 East Carolina (23.48) at USF (7.65) (2.83), 6:00 pm ESPNU, Power Pick: My Pick: Line:
LSU (41.77) at Florida (38.29) (4.97), 6:30 pm SEC Network, Power Pick: My Pick: Line:
#3 Ole Miss (55.64) at #14 Texas A&M (58.72) (5.10), 8:00 pm ESPN, Power Pick: My Pick: Line:
USC (58.10) at #10 Arizona (55.30) (3.44), 9:30 pm ESPN2, Power Pick: My Pick: Line:
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Thursday, October 2, 2014
2014 Rambling Sports Week 6 CFB Preview
Thursday, October 2nd, 2014:
Arizona (49.34) at #2 Oregon (70.12) (4.31), 9:30 pm ESPN, Arizona visits Autzen Stadium to attempt to repeat their performance from 2013 in which they beat Oregon down at home. It should be a heack of a game but Arizona has shown a propensity to play very uneven football. If Arizona can expose o-line weaknesses that have burst onto the sceen for Oregon and make this a true shootout then you wanna watch this one even if it makes you stay up way too late tonight. Power Pick: Oregon by 25.09 My Pick: Oregon 59-46 Line: Oregon -23.5
Friday, October 3rd, 2014:
Utah State (15.49) at #18 BYU (28.23) (4.11), 9:15 pm ESPN, Utah State travels to BYU in a game that would have been a much better test with Chuckie Keeton on the field but this is still one of the last true tests on the BYU schedule and a good enough game to keep me from going to watch high school football on Friday. It also gives us one more time to try and figure out Taysom Hill and watch that BYU defense wreak havoc. Power Pick: BYU by 16.85 My Pick: BYU 34-17 Line: BYU -21
Saturday, October 4th, 2014:
#6 Texas A&M (58.93) at #12 Mississippi State (54.29) (4.09), 11:00 am ESPN, This should be one of the absolute best 11:00 games we see all season. Mississippi State is the upstart at home but two things worry me. First, how good is LSU? WE think they are good, they beat Wisconsin at home week one but how good is Wisconsin and LSU hasn't really shown anything else that would make them elite this season just yet. Second, weird shit happens in this first set of games every week and with a shootout looming between two very good offenses how will CLANGA perform in a hyped matchup. Power Pick: Texas A&M by .55 My Pick: Texas A&M 59-56 Line: Miss State -2.5
#20 Ohio State (41.92) at Maryland (41.26) (2.91), 11:00 ABC, Ohio State heads to a Maryland team that is an enigma, inside a mystery, inside a forturne cookie. A packed house should provide a great atmosphere but I don't think Maryland is quite talented enough to beat the Buckeyes but the OSU faithful are gonna sweat this one out. Power Pick: Maryland by 2.24 My Pick: Ohio State 31-28 Line: Ohio State -8.5
Iowa State (21.04) at #21 Oklahoma State (34.20) (4.04), 11:00 am Fox Sports1, Iowa State heads to OK State for a beatdown and not much more. Power Pick: Oklahoma State by My Pick: 41-13 Line: Oklahoma State -17
SMU (.66) at #22 East Carolina (23.06) (3.55), 11:00 am ESPNU, If you like football murderball this is your game. ECU whooped both Va Tech and North Carolina and SMU is at best in the worst five if not the worst team in FBS. I suggest watching A&M-Miss State but this one will have a total close to that put up entirely by one side of this contest. Power Pick: East Carolina by 25.95 My Pick: East Carolina 69-13 Line: East Carolina -41
Wake Forest (6.00) at #1 Florida State (65.94) (4.46), 2:30 pm ABC, The most exciting part of this game will be the horse retirement at half time. Power Pick: Florida State by 64.40 My Pick: Florida State 66-13 Line: Florida State -37.5
#3 Alabama (44.05) at #11 Ole Miss (53.11) (4.04), 2:30 pm CBS, Alabama heads to the Grove to take on a Ole Miss squad that is showing why you can't discount recruiting ranks and new blood can greatly effect a program. Alabama is showing an offense that can differentiate it from former Tide teams and from other teams in conference, but this will be Kiffin and co. biggest test to date and should tell us a lot about the depth, development and talent of this offensive line. For Ole Miss, the qutestion is which Dr. Bo is gonna show up this week. Power Pick: Mississippi by 13.11 My Pick: Alabama 34-31 Line: Alabama -6
#4 Oklahoma (60.89) at #25 TCU (25.51) (3.69), 2:30 pm FOX, Oklahoma heads to TCU for what is the last major road test on their schedule. TCU presents one of the best defenses in the country once more and an offense that has looked good so far this season but hasn't really been tested all that much so far this season. Oklahoma has looked really good on defense, perfectly fine on offense witha few hiccups but altogether they me be the most well rounded performing team in the country. I think Oklahoma pulls away late and five is just too low a spread considering the talent. Power Pick: Oklahoma by 31.68 My Pick: Oklahoma 38-27 Line: Oklahoma -5
#7 Baylor (47.38) at Texas (29.91) (5.33), 2:30 pm ABC, Baylor heads to Texas in a battle for state in-conference supremacy but unlike years past Baylor is the known commodity and Texas is the great unknown. I don't think this one ends up close as Baylor is Power Pick: Baylor by 12.14 My Pick: Baylor 52-24 Line: Bayler -15
#14 Stanford (52.42) at #9 Notre Dame (47.00) (4.79), 2;30 pm NBC, Stanford heads to South Bend to take on a Notre Dame team that has shown flashess but hasn't really had a test to prove just how good they are with Everett Golson back at the helm. I think Stanford is too good and strong up front for Notre Dame and Power Pick: Stanford by .63 My Pick: Stanford 24-21 Line: Stanford -2.5
#17 Wisconsin (31.77) at Northwestern (28.31) (2.98), 2:30 pm ESPN2, Wisconsin has started slow this year despite a stong run game and road graders up front. Northwestern however doesn't have a team that has shown the ability to pounce and rack up points while the Badgers spin their wheels. Power Pick: Wisconsin by 2.98 My Pick: Wisconsin 31-28 Line: Wisconsin -9
Thursday night cutoff --- (the remaining I forgot until Friday night, but at least I got the picks on record.)
NC State (13.96) at Clemson (41.00) (4.72), 2:30 pm ESPNU, Power Pick: Clemson by 31.77 My Pick: Clemson 34-28 Line: Clemson -14
Vanderbilt (24.67) at #13 Georgia (45.72) (5.13), 3:00 pm SEC Network, Power Pick: Georgia by 26.19 My Pick: Georgia 45-13 Line: Georgia -33
#15 LSU (41.77) at #5 Auburn (72.09) (4.84), 6:00 pm ESPN, Power Pick: Auburn by 35.15 My Pick: Auburn 38-27 Line: Auburn -7.5
Texas Tech (28.46) at #23 Kansas State (28.61) (4.02), 6:00 pm ESPNU, Power Pick: Kansas State by 4.17 My Pick: Kansas State 31-20 Line: Kansas State -14
Arizona State (48.96) at #16 USC (58.71) (4.32), 6:30 pm FOX, Power Pick: USC by 14.07 My Pick: USC 24-21 Line: USC -12
#19 Nebraska (34.56) at #10 Michigan State (45.51) (4.53), 7:00 pm ABC, Power Pick: Michigan State by 15.48 My Pick: Michigan State 24-17 Line: Michigan State -7
Utah (31.20) at #8 UCLA (69.91) (3.83), 9:30 pm ESPN, Power Pick: UCLA by 42.54 My Pick: UCLA 45-24 Line: UCLA -13
Arizona (49.34) at #2 Oregon (70.12) (4.31), 9:30 pm ESPN, Arizona visits Autzen Stadium to attempt to repeat their performance from 2013 in which they beat Oregon down at home. It should be a heack of a game but Arizona has shown a propensity to play very uneven football. If Arizona can expose o-line weaknesses that have burst onto the sceen for Oregon and make this a true shootout then you wanna watch this one even if it makes you stay up way too late tonight. Power Pick: Oregon by 25.09 My Pick: Oregon 59-46 Line: Oregon -23.5
Friday, October 3rd, 2014:
Utah State (15.49) at #18 BYU (28.23) (4.11), 9:15 pm ESPN, Utah State travels to BYU in a game that would have been a much better test with Chuckie Keeton on the field but this is still one of the last true tests on the BYU schedule and a good enough game to keep me from going to watch high school football on Friday. It also gives us one more time to try and figure out Taysom Hill and watch that BYU defense wreak havoc. Power Pick: BYU by 16.85 My Pick: BYU 34-17 Line: BYU -21
Saturday, October 4th, 2014:
#6 Texas A&M (58.93) at #12 Mississippi State (54.29) (4.09), 11:00 am ESPN, This should be one of the absolute best 11:00 games we see all season. Mississippi State is the upstart at home but two things worry me. First, how good is LSU? WE think they are good, they beat Wisconsin at home week one but how good is Wisconsin and LSU hasn't really shown anything else that would make them elite this season just yet. Second, weird shit happens in this first set of games every week and with a shootout looming between two very good offenses how will CLANGA perform in a hyped matchup. Power Pick: Texas A&M by .55 My Pick: Texas A&M 59-56 Line: Miss State -2.5
#20 Ohio State (41.92) at Maryland (41.26) (2.91), 11:00 ABC, Ohio State heads to a Maryland team that is an enigma, inside a mystery, inside a forturne cookie. A packed house should provide a great atmosphere but I don't think Maryland is quite talented enough to beat the Buckeyes but the OSU faithful are gonna sweat this one out. Power Pick: Maryland by 2.24 My Pick: Ohio State 31-28 Line: Ohio State -8.5
Iowa State (21.04) at #21 Oklahoma State (34.20) (4.04), 11:00 am Fox Sports1, Iowa State heads to OK State for a beatdown and not much more. Power Pick: Oklahoma State by My Pick: 41-13 Line: Oklahoma State -17
SMU (.66) at #22 East Carolina (23.06) (3.55), 11:00 am ESPNU, If you like football murderball this is your game. ECU whooped both Va Tech and North Carolina and SMU is at best in the worst five if not the worst team in FBS. I suggest watching A&M-Miss State but this one will have a total close to that put up entirely by one side of this contest. Power Pick: East Carolina by 25.95 My Pick: East Carolina 69-13 Line: East Carolina -41
Wake Forest (6.00) at #1 Florida State (65.94) (4.46), 2:30 pm ABC, The most exciting part of this game will be the horse retirement at half time. Power Pick: Florida State by 64.40 My Pick: Florida State 66-13 Line: Florida State -37.5
#3 Alabama (44.05) at #11 Ole Miss (53.11) (4.04), 2:30 pm CBS, Alabama heads to the Grove to take on a Ole Miss squad that is showing why you can't discount recruiting ranks and new blood can greatly effect a program. Alabama is showing an offense that can differentiate it from former Tide teams and from other teams in conference, but this will be Kiffin and co. biggest test to date and should tell us a lot about the depth, development and talent of this offensive line. For Ole Miss, the qutestion is which Dr. Bo is gonna show up this week. Power Pick: Mississippi by 13.11 My Pick: Alabama 34-31 Line: Alabama -6
#4 Oklahoma (60.89) at #25 TCU (25.51) (3.69), 2:30 pm FOX, Oklahoma heads to TCU for what is the last major road test on their schedule. TCU presents one of the best defenses in the country once more and an offense that has looked good so far this season but hasn't really been tested all that much so far this season. Oklahoma has looked really good on defense, perfectly fine on offense witha few hiccups but altogether they me be the most well rounded performing team in the country. I think Oklahoma pulls away late and five is just too low a spread considering the talent. Power Pick: Oklahoma by 31.68 My Pick: Oklahoma 38-27 Line: Oklahoma -5
#7 Baylor (47.38) at Texas (29.91) (5.33), 2:30 pm ABC, Baylor heads to Texas in a battle for state in-conference supremacy but unlike years past Baylor is the known commodity and Texas is the great unknown. I don't think this one ends up close as Baylor is Power Pick: Baylor by 12.14 My Pick: Baylor 52-24 Line: Bayler -15
#14 Stanford (52.42) at #9 Notre Dame (47.00) (4.79), 2;30 pm NBC, Stanford heads to South Bend to take on a Notre Dame team that has shown flashess but hasn't really had a test to prove just how good they are with Everett Golson back at the helm. I think Stanford is too good and strong up front for Notre Dame and Power Pick: Stanford by .63 My Pick: Stanford 24-21 Line: Stanford -2.5
#17 Wisconsin (31.77) at Northwestern (28.31) (2.98), 2:30 pm ESPN2, Wisconsin has started slow this year despite a stong run game and road graders up front. Northwestern however doesn't have a team that has shown the ability to pounce and rack up points while the Badgers spin their wheels. Power Pick: Wisconsin by 2.98 My Pick: Wisconsin 31-28 Line: Wisconsin -9
Thursday night cutoff --- (the remaining I forgot until Friday night, but at least I got the picks on record.)
NC State (13.96) at Clemson (41.00) (4.72), 2:30 pm ESPNU, Power Pick: Clemson by 31.77 My Pick: Clemson 34-28 Line: Clemson -14
Vanderbilt (24.67) at #13 Georgia (45.72) (5.13), 3:00 pm SEC Network, Power Pick: Georgia by 26.19 My Pick: Georgia 45-13 Line: Georgia -33
#15 LSU (41.77) at #5 Auburn (72.09) (4.84), 6:00 pm ESPN, Power Pick: Auburn by 35.15 My Pick: Auburn 38-27 Line: Auburn -7.5
Texas Tech (28.46) at #23 Kansas State (28.61) (4.02), 6:00 pm ESPNU, Power Pick: Kansas State by 4.17 My Pick: Kansas State 31-20 Line: Kansas State -14
Arizona State (48.96) at #16 USC (58.71) (4.32), 6:30 pm FOX, Power Pick: USC by 14.07 My Pick: USC 24-21 Line: USC -12
#19 Nebraska (34.56) at #10 Michigan State (45.51) (4.53), 7:00 pm ABC, Power Pick: Michigan State by 15.48 My Pick: Michigan State 24-17 Line: Michigan State -7
Utah (31.20) at #8 UCLA (69.91) (3.83), 9:30 pm ESPN, Power Pick: UCLA by 42.54 My Pick: UCLA 45-24 Line: UCLA -13
Thursday, September 25, 2014
2014 Rambling Sports Week 5 CFB Preview
Thursday, September 25th, 2014:
Texas Tech (29.40) at #24 Oklahoma State (32.38) (4.04), 6:30 pm ESPN, The first of a couple of games Thursday that could be suprisingly good or blowouts and over by halftime. Oklahoma State to me is the superior team Tech has disappointed at every turn this season. Kingsbury fired his defensive coordinator but it seems like a decade since the last good defense at Tech. Oklahoma State is still relatively young but the FSU close call and the dismantling of UTSA show a team that has matured quickly. Power Pick: Oklahoma State by 7.02 My Pick: Oklahoma State 41-17 Line: Oklahoma State -13.5
#11 UCLA (64.52) at #15 Arizona State (49.05) (3.80), 9:00 pm Fox Sports 1, This has the potential to be the better game of the night and one of the best games of the weekend. Hundley has been struggling with a elbow injury, and that combined with UCLA's propensity to not play up to it's talent this could be a really barn burner. The opposite could still happen as Kelly is out at quarterback and this Arizona State team is already light on experience. Power Pick: UCLA by 11.66 My Pick: UCLA 31-24 Line: UCLA -3.5
Saturday, September 27th, 2014:
USF (8.73) at #19 Wisconsin (31.04) (4.72), 11:00 am ESPNU, Wisconsin is coming off a 644 rushing yard performance against Bowling Green and in contrast USF beat UCONN in a monsoon and had 271 total yards. Wisconsin should run (sorry) away with this game and should be another confidence boost heading into the conference season. Power Pick: Wisconsin by 27.03 My Pick: Wisconsin 41-10 Line: WIsconsin -34
Wyoming (5.17) at #9 Michigan State (44.95) (4.53), 11:00 am ESPN2, Wyoming heads to Michigan State for one more whoopin' from a major conference foe in the non-conference. I don't think the score gets out of hand until late but I don't think Wyoming has a chance in this game. Power Pick: Michigan State by 44.31 My Pick: Michigan State 31-10 Line: Michigan State -28
Tennessee (22.55) at #12 Georgia (44.29) (5.13), 11:00 am ESPN, Tennessee heads to Georgia in a SEC East matchup. Tennessee's lines haven't quite gotten up to speed and with Todd Gurley coming to town that's gonna be a major issue. I think Georgia pulls away in the middle of the third quarter and wins by double digits. Power Pick: Georgia by 26.87 My Pick: Georgia 38-21 Line: Georgia -17
#1 Florida State (63.92) at North Carolina State (14.10) (3.82), 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Florida State heads to the place it last conference loss in NC State who is one of the bigger suprise undefeated teams left. All that being said, Jameis is back and it will probably take +3 in the turnover column to beat the Seminole team. Power Pick: Florida State by 46.00 My Pick: Florida State 41-9 Line: Florida State -18.5
Editor's Note; This is the line of games posted at 1:45pm so that the Thursday games are published pre game time.
Arkansas (33.45) vs #6 Texas A&M (56.11) (Arlington), 2:30 pm CBS, Much like the Oklahoma State Texas Tech game this could be the game of the day or an absolute curb stopming. Arkansas will look to use a power run game to shorten the game. The key to this whole thing is the continued efficiency of Kenny Hill and Arkansas' defensive ability to get the Aggies off the field without touchdowns. Power Pick: Texas A&M by 22.66 My Pick: Texas A&M 38-27 Line: Texas A&M -9.5
Louisiana Tech (-1.60) vs #5 Auburn (71.78) (4.84), 3:00 pm SEC Network, Don't watch this game. Power Pick: Auburn by 78.22 My Pick: Auburn 62-10 Line: Auburn -33
#16 Stanford (46.98) at Washington (49.10) (4.08), 3:15 pm FOX, If you know what Washington is then you are a better football mind than I and you might also be a liar. Washington is pretty talented but I think Stanford is better and once home field comes into play I think Stanford wins but never puts it away. Power Pick: Washington by 6.20 My Pick: Stanford 31-28 Line: Stanford -4
Cincinnati (19.48) at #22 Ohio State (40.63) (5.55), 5:00 pm BTN, Ohio State has played below the expected level this season even when the absence of Braxton Miller is factored in. The good news is they have a talent level that is much above Cincinnati. For the Bearcats, if they can keep it close they at least prove to be better than just a defacto American front runner. Power Pick: Ohio State by 26.71 My Pick: Ohio State 38-17 Line: Ohio State -17
Missouri (50.39) at #13 South Carolina (63.60) (4.85), 6:00 pm ESPN, The battle for Columbian supemacy happens in South Carolina and I'm interested but meh. The losses of both teams have sapped a lot of the fun out of this matchup. I think South Carolina can still be the SEC East and SEC champ but they have a long way to go. Missouri lost at home to Indiana and well that sums up where I'm gonna stand on the Tigers for a while. Power Pick: South Carolina by 18.06 My Pick: South Carolina 31-24 Line: South Carolina -5.5
North Carolina (33.57) at Clemson (38.87) (4.72), 6:00 pm ESPNU, Neither one of these teams want to win this game but Clemson is better and sure why not them. Power Pick: Clemson by 10.03 My Pick: Clemson 38-20 Line: Clemson -15
Memphis (18.73) at #10 Ole Miss (51.92) (4.04), 6:30 pm ESPN3, Memphis isn't a push over but unless Ole Miss plays at home like they are on the road Ole Miss is the superior side in this one. Power Pick: Ole Miss by 37.23 My Pick: Ole Miss 38-27 Line: Ole Miss -21
New Mexico State (-9.14) at #17 LSU (41.65) (5.10), 6:30 pm SEC Network, You wouldn't like Les Miles when he's angry. Sorry Doug Martin. Power Pick: LSU by 55.89 My Pick: LSU 41-6 Line: LSU -43
#7 Baylor (44.62) at Iowa State (21.84) (4.04), 7:00 pm FOX, Yeah if Paul Rhodes does this I'll get a tatoo of his face on my ass. Power Pick: Baylor by 18.73 My Pick: Baylor 52-20 Line: Baylor -21
#8 Notre Dame (42.26) vs Syracuse (38.43) (MetLife Stadium), 7:00 pm ABC, Why is this happening, why did Notre Dame decide to make like eight of the whitest matchups possible happen? Rudy was offsides on the sack. Power Pick: Notre Dame by 3.84 My Pick: Notre Dame 38-17 Line: Notre Dame -9.5
Illinois (25.64) at #21 Nebraska (32.92) (5.12), 8:00 pm BTN, You know that Big Ten game that everyone talks about that's a slog fest and full of meh? Yeah this is it. Nebraska big. Power Pick: Nebraska by 12.40 My Pick: Nebraska 34-13 Line: Nebraska -21
Oregon State (41.48) at #18 USC (56.25) (4.32), 9:30 pm ESPN, USC should run away with this but four loss Sark still looms large on the horizon. Power Pick: USC by 19.09 My Pick: USC 38-17 Line: USC -8.5
Texas Tech (29.40) at #24 Oklahoma State (32.38) (4.04), 6:30 pm ESPN, The first of a couple of games Thursday that could be suprisingly good or blowouts and over by halftime. Oklahoma State to me is the superior team Tech has disappointed at every turn this season. Kingsbury fired his defensive coordinator but it seems like a decade since the last good defense at Tech. Oklahoma State is still relatively young but the FSU close call and the dismantling of UTSA show a team that has matured quickly. Power Pick: Oklahoma State by 7.02 My Pick: Oklahoma State 41-17 Line: Oklahoma State -13.5
#11 UCLA (64.52) at #15 Arizona State (49.05) (3.80), 9:00 pm Fox Sports 1, This has the potential to be the better game of the night and one of the best games of the weekend. Hundley has been struggling with a elbow injury, and that combined with UCLA's propensity to not play up to it's talent this could be a really barn burner. The opposite could still happen as Kelly is out at quarterback and this Arizona State team is already light on experience. Power Pick: UCLA by 11.66 My Pick: UCLA 31-24 Line: UCLA -3.5
Saturday, September 27th, 2014:
USF (8.73) at #19 Wisconsin (31.04) (4.72), 11:00 am ESPNU, Wisconsin is coming off a 644 rushing yard performance against Bowling Green and in contrast USF beat UCONN in a monsoon and had 271 total yards. Wisconsin should run (sorry) away with this game and should be another confidence boost heading into the conference season. Power Pick: Wisconsin by 27.03 My Pick: Wisconsin 41-10 Line: WIsconsin -34
Wyoming (5.17) at #9 Michigan State (44.95) (4.53), 11:00 am ESPN2, Wyoming heads to Michigan State for one more whoopin' from a major conference foe in the non-conference. I don't think the score gets out of hand until late but I don't think Wyoming has a chance in this game. Power Pick: Michigan State by 44.31 My Pick: Michigan State 31-10 Line: Michigan State -28
Tennessee (22.55) at #12 Georgia (44.29) (5.13), 11:00 am ESPN, Tennessee heads to Georgia in a SEC East matchup. Tennessee's lines haven't quite gotten up to speed and with Todd Gurley coming to town that's gonna be a major issue. I think Georgia pulls away in the middle of the third quarter and wins by double digits. Power Pick: Georgia by 26.87 My Pick: Georgia 38-21 Line: Georgia -17
#1 Florida State (63.92) at North Carolina State (14.10) (3.82), 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Florida State heads to the place it last conference loss in NC State who is one of the bigger suprise undefeated teams left. All that being said, Jameis is back and it will probably take +3 in the turnover column to beat the Seminole team. Power Pick: Florida State by 46.00 My Pick: Florida State 41-9 Line: Florida State -18.5
Editor's Note; This is the line of games posted at 1:45pm so that the Thursday games are published pre game time.
Arkansas (33.45) vs #6 Texas A&M (56.11) (Arlington), 2:30 pm CBS, Much like the Oklahoma State Texas Tech game this could be the game of the day or an absolute curb stopming. Arkansas will look to use a power run game to shorten the game. The key to this whole thing is the continued efficiency of Kenny Hill and Arkansas' defensive ability to get the Aggies off the field without touchdowns. Power Pick: Texas A&M by 22.66 My Pick: Texas A&M 38-27 Line: Texas A&M -9.5
Louisiana Tech (-1.60) vs #5 Auburn (71.78) (4.84), 3:00 pm SEC Network, Don't watch this game. Power Pick: Auburn by 78.22 My Pick: Auburn 62-10 Line: Auburn -33
#16 Stanford (46.98) at Washington (49.10) (4.08), 3:15 pm FOX, If you know what Washington is then you are a better football mind than I and you might also be a liar. Washington is pretty talented but I think Stanford is better and once home field comes into play I think Stanford wins but never puts it away. Power Pick: Washington by 6.20 My Pick: Stanford 31-28 Line: Stanford -4
Cincinnati (19.48) at #22 Ohio State (40.63) (5.55), 5:00 pm BTN, Ohio State has played below the expected level this season even when the absence of Braxton Miller is factored in. The good news is they have a talent level that is much above Cincinnati. For the Bearcats, if they can keep it close they at least prove to be better than just a defacto American front runner. Power Pick: Ohio State by 26.71 My Pick: Ohio State 38-17 Line: Ohio State -17
Missouri (50.39) at #13 South Carolina (63.60) (4.85), 6:00 pm ESPN, The battle for Columbian supemacy happens in South Carolina and I'm interested but meh. The losses of both teams have sapped a lot of the fun out of this matchup. I think South Carolina can still be the SEC East and SEC champ but they have a long way to go. Missouri lost at home to Indiana and well that sums up where I'm gonna stand on the Tigers for a while. Power Pick: South Carolina by 18.06 My Pick: South Carolina 31-24 Line: South Carolina -5.5
North Carolina (33.57) at Clemson (38.87) (4.72), 6:00 pm ESPNU, Neither one of these teams want to win this game but Clemson is better and sure why not them. Power Pick: Clemson by 10.03 My Pick: Clemson 38-20 Line: Clemson -15
Memphis (18.73) at #10 Ole Miss (51.92) (4.04), 6:30 pm ESPN3, Memphis isn't a push over but unless Ole Miss plays at home like they are on the road Ole Miss is the superior side in this one. Power Pick: Ole Miss by 37.23 My Pick: Ole Miss 38-27 Line: Ole Miss -21
New Mexico State (-9.14) at #17 LSU (41.65) (5.10), 6:30 pm SEC Network, You wouldn't like Les Miles when he's angry. Sorry Doug Martin. Power Pick: LSU by 55.89 My Pick: LSU 41-6 Line: LSU -43
#7 Baylor (44.62) at Iowa State (21.84) (4.04), 7:00 pm FOX, Yeah if Paul Rhodes does this I'll get a tatoo of his face on my ass. Power Pick: Baylor by 18.73 My Pick: Baylor 52-20 Line: Baylor -21
#8 Notre Dame (42.26) vs Syracuse (38.43) (MetLife Stadium), 7:00 pm ABC, Why is this happening, why did Notre Dame decide to make like eight of the whitest matchups possible happen? Rudy was offsides on the sack. Power Pick: Notre Dame by 3.84 My Pick: Notre Dame 38-17 Line: Notre Dame -9.5
Illinois (25.64) at #21 Nebraska (32.92) (5.12), 8:00 pm BTN, You know that Big Ten game that everyone talks about that's a slog fest and full of meh? Yeah this is it. Nebraska big. Power Pick: Nebraska by 12.40 My Pick: Nebraska 34-13 Line: Nebraska -21
Oregon State (41.48) at #18 USC (56.25) (4.32), 9:30 pm ESPN, USC should run away with this but four loss Sark still looms large on the horizon. Power Pick: USC by 19.09 My Pick: USC 38-17 Line: USC -8.5
Thursday, September 18, 2014
2014 Rambling Sports Week 4 CFB Preview
Week three all set hopefully a better week overall than last week against the spread.
Thursday, September 18th, 2014:
#5 Auburn (68.17) at #20 Kansas State (28.28) (HFA:4.02), 6:30 pm ESPN, In a really good, early season, big 5 Thursday nighter Auburn heads from the plains to the plains to take on K State in Manhattan. Auburn is much better on offense than any team on Kansas State's schedule but the D has had some issues with physical running teams and Bill Snyder is a wizard which should give anyone pause when picking the favorite on the road on a Thursday. That being said... Power Pick: Auburn by 35.87 My Pick: Auburn 34-24 Line: Auburn -7.5
Saturday, September 20th, 2014:
Eastern Michigan (4.94) at #11 Michigan State (44.43) (HFA:4.53), 11:00 am BTN, Eastern Michigan heads to Michigan State to be a sacrificial in-state lamb before Michigan State starts their title repeat campaign in the Big Ten. Power Pick: Michigan State by 44.02 My Pick: Michigan State 34-9 Line: Michigan State -45.5
Troy (-2.87) at #13 Georgia (44.10) (HFA:5.13), 11:00 am SEC Network, Georgia comes off a heart breaker of a game at the hands of the Gamecocks and Todd Gurley will take his frustration out on a hapless Troy team. Georgia romps as Troy's woes continue. Power Pick: Georgia by 52.10 My Pick: Georgia 59-13 Line: Georgia -40
Bowling Green (22.28) at #19 Wisconsin (29.66) (HFA:4.72), 11:00 ESPN2, Bowling Green heads to Wisconsin off the heels of an upset of Indiana the weak before. Wisconsin is coming off a bye that hopefully saw Melvin Gordon get healthier and gave the pass game time to figure out an identity or at least a gameplan. Bowling Green comes in hoping to continue to figure out where it stands after the loss of Matt Johnson for the year with a hip injury. Power Pick: Wisconsin -12.09 My Pick: Wisconsin 31-17 Line: Wisconsin -27
Florida (39.95) at #3 Alabama (41.75) (HFA:5.45), 2:30 pm CBS, Florida heads to Bama in the first test of a Gator offense that has looked better under Kurt Roeper but didn't face the stiffest test in week 2. On other side of the field Lane Kiffin and an offense that has put up more than 500 yards each week looks to prove it's the genuine article against another typically stout Bama defense. A much improved Florida offense paired with a very good Florida D should keep this closer than expected but the talent gap right now is just a touch too wide. Power Pick: Alabama by 11.25 My Pick: Alabama 27-21 Line: Alabama -14.5
#6 Texas A&M (55.22) at SMU (3.89) (HFA:1.95), 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Texas A&M ran South Carolina out of their own house, SMU got run off the field by Baylor and North Texas. A&M rolls and there is no reason to watch other than for the schadenfreude. Power Pick: Texas A&M by 49.38 My Pick: Texas A&M 66-3 Line: Texas A&M -33.5
*Virginia (25.74) at #21 BYU (26.57) (HFA:4.11), 2:30 pm ESPN, Virginia heads to Salt Lake City to take on a BYU team that may be the best of the non-Big 5 teams in the land. This matchup is Taysom Hill versus a Virginia defense may be one of the top 25 in the country. If the Virginia offense can put up 21 this could be a marquee win and a turning point to save Mike London's job. Power Pick: BYU by 4.11 My Pick: BYU 27-24 Line: BYU -14.5
*North Carolina (35.23) at East Carolina (20.81) (HFA:3.55), 2:30 pm ESPNU, This could be the most intriguing matchup of the day and the most illuminating. East Carolina hung with South Carolina and beat Virginia Tech. North Carolina by contrast struggled to pull away from Liberty and barely beat San Diego State and has yet to answer the call of being a fringe top 25 team. I don't know what to think, I know UNC is more talented but East Carolina has performed better this season so far and if appearances are to be believed may challenge for a conference title. Power Pick: North Carolina by 10.87 My Pick: East Carolina 21-20 Line: East Carolina -2.5
*Utah (29.37) at Michigan (33.51) (HFA:5.73), 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Utah heads to Michigan in a game that I really don't know what's going to happen and I have no confidence in my ability to discern that information. So we'll wing it and I'll go Wolverines, 'cuz "thIer At hOmE". Power Pick: Michigan by 9.87 My Pick: Michigan 27-24 Line: Michigan -4
*Indiana (40.28) at #18 Missouri (51.56) (HFA:4.12), 3:00 pm SEC Network, Indiana visits the "other" Columbia to take on the "other-other" SEC Tigers. Indiana is coming off a disappointing home loss to Bowling Green sans it's starting QB and is looking for some retribution as they play Missouri. Missouri is coming off a four touchdown win over UCF and looks to be better than expected so far this season. Power Pick: Missouri by 15.41 My Pick: Missouri 31-10 Line: Missouri -14
*Mississippi State (49.18) at #8 LSU (42.12) (HFA:5.10), 6:00 pm ESPN, Mississippi State travels to Death Valley to take on the LeSU Tigers in a sneaky good matchup that may fly slightly under the radar. My numbers say the Bulldogs win in a tight one as the Tigers homefield advatage has a pretty good effect. My mind says LSU is better, Dak Prescott hasn't improved as much as expected but the defense is real good and this one is a slug it out game that is won late by the home team. Power Pick: Mississippi State by 1.96 My Pick: LSU 24-21 Line: LSU -9
*#4 Oklahoma (58.35) at West Virginia (19.13) (HFA:3.78), 6:00 pm FOX, This is a spread that suprised me on first look (Oklahoma -7.5 started at 11) but as the week has moved on I think it ends up being a lot like Auburn-Kansas State. Tough place to play with the superior team on the road and a venue with a penchant for crazy things to happen. My numbers say Oklahoma romps, my mind says Oklahoma romps and my gut says two crazy plays and West Virginia wins in a game we all call weird. Power Pick: Oklahoma by 35.44 My Pick: Oklahoma 31-20 Line: Oklahoma -7.5
*#14 South Carolina (60.22) at Vanderbilt (26.24) (HFA:3.20), 6:30 pm SEC Network, Vanderbilt has gotten blown out by Temple, shellacked by Ole Miss and only beat UMASS by 3 even in a let down spot I don't see Spurrier, et. al having any trouble here. Power Pick: South Carolina by 30.78 My Pick: South Carolina 31-3 Line: South Carolina -21.5
*#22 Clemson (38.94) at #1 Florida State (61.53) (HFA:4.46), 7:00 pm ABC, Clemson heads to Florida State for a revenge game after last seasons beat down at home. Clemson's upset bid is helped by Winston being suspended for the first half but I just don't see the difference in these two squads being purely Winston and I look for the FSU defense to shut down Clemson early and often and minimize the damage of an inexperienced quarterback in the first half. Power Pick: Florida State by 27.05 My Pick: 37-20 Line: Florida State -15
*Miami (FL) (35.43) at #24 Nebraska (30.64) (HFA:5.12), 7:00 pm ESPN2, A great 90's classic erupts in a sea of red on saturday night as the fifth best Big Ten and ACC teams play with conference pride at stake. Miami-Nebraska this time it's personal... and less fun. Power Pick: Nebraska by .34 My Pick: 20-17 Line: Nebraska -7.5
#2 Oregon (66.47) at Washington State (28.45) (HFA:2.96), 9:30 pm ESPN, Much like South Carolina I want this to be entertaining and close but I don't see Leach and company hanging around much past the five minute mare of the third quarter as Oregon puts on the jets. Power Pick: Oregon by 35.05 My Pick: Oregon 52-24 Line: Oregon -23.5
* denotes games that weren't done as of 6:45 Thursday night so that the Thursday prediction was up before the Auburn-Kansas State game.
Thursday, September 18th, 2014:
#5 Auburn (68.17) at #20 Kansas State (28.28) (HFA:4.02), 6:30 pm ESPN, In a really good, early season, big 5 Thursday nighter Auburn heads from the plains to the plains to take on K State in Manhattan. Auburn is much better on offense than any team on Kansas State's schedule but the D has had some issues with physical running teams and Bill Snyder is a wizard which should give anyone pause when picking the favorite on the road on a Thursday. That being said... Power Pick: Auburn by 35.87 My Pick: Auburn 34-24 Line: Auburn -7.5
Saturday, September 20th, 2014:
Eastern Michigan (4.94) at #11 Michigan State (44.43) (HFA:4.53), 11:00 am BTN, Eastern Michigan heads to Michigan State to be a sacrificial in-state lamb before Michigan State starts their title repeat campaign in the Big Ten. Power Pick: Michigan State by 44.02 My Pick: Michigan State 34-9 Line: Michigan State -45.5
Troy (-2.87) at #13 Georgia (44.10) (HFA:5.13), 11:00 am SEC Network, Georgia comes off a heart breaker of a game at the hands of the Gamecocks and Todd Gurley will take his frustration out on a hapless Troy team. Georgia romps as Troy's woes continue. Power Pick: Georgia by 52.10 My Pick: Georgia 59-13 Line: Georgia -40
Bowling Green (22.28) at #19 Wisconsin (29.66) (HFA:4.72), 11:00 ESPN2, Bowling Green heads to Wisconsin off the heels of an upset of Indiana the weak before. Wisconsin is coming off a bye that hopefully saw Melvin Gordon get healthier and gave the pass game time to figure out an identity or at least a gameplan. Bowling Green comes in hoping to continue to figure out where it stands after the loss of Matt Johnson for the year with a hip injury. Power Pick: Wisconsin -12.09 My Pick: Wisconsin 31-17 Line: Wisconsin -27
Florida (39.95) at #3 Alabama (41.75) (HFA:5.45), 2:30 pm CBS, Florida heads to Bama in the first test of a Gator offense that has looked better under Kurt Roeper but didn't face the stiffest test in week 2. On other side of the field Lane Kiffin and an offense that has put up more than 500 yards each week looks to prove it's the genuine article against another typically stout Bama defense. A much improved Florida offense paired with a very good Florida D should keep this closer than expected but the talent gap right now is just a touch too wide. Power Pick: Alabama by 11.25 My Pick: Alabama 27-21 Line: Alabama -14.5
#6 Texas A&M (55.22) at SMU (3.89) (HFA:1.95), 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Texas A&M ran South Carolina out of their own house, SMU got run off the field by Baylor and North Texas. A&M rolls and there is no reason to watch other than for the schadenfreude. Power Pick: Texas A&M by 49.38 My Pick: Texas A&M 66-3 Line: Texas A&M -33.5
*Virginia (25.74) at #21 BYU (26.57) (HFA:4.11), 2:30 pm ESPN, Virginia heads to Salt Lake City to take on a BYU team that may be the best of the non-Big 5 teams in the land. This matchup is Taysom Hill versus a Virginia defense may be one of the top 25 in the country. If the Virginia offense can put up 21 this could be a marquee win and a turning point to save Mike London's job. Power Pick: BYU by 4.11 My Pick: BYU 27-24 Line: BYU -14.5
*North Carolina (35.23) at East Carolina (20.81) (HFA:3.55), 2:30 pm ESPNU, This could be the most intriguing matchup of the day and the most illuminating. East Carolina hung with South Carolina and beat Virginia Tech. North Carolina by contrast struggled to pull away from Liberty and barely beat San Diego State and has yet to answer the call of being a fringe top 25 team. I don't know what to think, I know UNC is more talented but East Carolina has performed better this season so far and if appearances are to be believed may challenge for a conference title. Power Pick: North Carolina by 10.87 My Pick: East Carolina 21-20 Line: East Carolina -2.5
*Utah (29.37) at Michigan (33.51) (HFA:5.73), 2:30 pm ABC/ESPN2, Utah heads to Michigan in a game that I really don't know what's going to happen and I have no confidence in my ability to discern that information. So we'll wing it and I'll go Wolverines, 'cuz "thIer At hOmE". Power Pick: Michigan by 9.87 My Pick: Michigan 27-24 Line: Michigan -4
*Indiana (40.28) at #18 Missouri (51.56) (HFA:4.12), 3:00 pm SEC Network, Indiana visits the "other" Columbia to take on the "other-other" SEC Tigers. Indiana is coming off a disappointing home loss to Bowling Green sans it's starting QB and is looking for some retribution as they play Missouri. Missouri is coming off a four touchdown win over UCF and looks to be better than expected so far this season. Power Pick: Missouri by 15.41 My Pick: Missouri 31-10 Line: Missouri -14
*Mississippi State (49.18) at #8 LSU (42.12) (HFA:5.10), 6:00 pm ESPN, Mississippi State travels to Death Valley to take on the LeSU Tigers in a sneaky good matchup that may fly slightly under the radar. My numbers say the Bulldogs win in a tight one as the Tigers homefield advatage has a pretty good effect. My mind says LSU is better, Dak Prescott hasn't improved as much as expected but the defense is real good and this one is a slug it out game that is won late by the home team. Power Pick: Mississippi State by 1.96 My Pick: LSU 24-21 Line: LSU -9
*#4 Oklahoma (58.35) at West Virginia (19.13) (HFA:3.78), 6:00 pm FOX, This is a spread that suprised me on first look (Oklahoma -7.5 started at 11) but as the week has moved on I think it ends up being a lot like Auburn-Kansas State. Tough place to play with the superior team on the road and a venue with a penchant for crazy things to happen. My numbers say Oklahoma romps, my mind says Oklahoma romps and my gut says two crazy plays and West Virginia wins in a game we all call weird. Power Pick: Oklahoma by 35.44 My Pick: Oklahoma 31-20 Line: Oklahoma -7.5
*#14 South Carolina (60.22) at Vanderbilt (26.24) (HFA:3.20), 6:30 pm SEC Network, Vanderbilt has gotten blown out by Temple, shellacked by Ole Miss and only beat UMASS by 3 even in a let down spot I don't see Spurrier, et. al having any trouble here. Power Pick: South Carolina by 30.78 My Pick: South Carolina 31-3 Line: South Carolina -21.5
*#22 Clemson (38.94) at #1 Florida State (61.53) (HFA:4.46), 7:00 pm ABC, Clemson heads to Florida State for a revenge game after last seasons beat down at home. Clemson's upset bid is helped by Winston being suspended for the first half but I just don't see the difference in these two squads being purely Winston and I look for the FSU defense to shut down Clemson early and often and minimize the damage of an inexperienced quarterback in the first half. Power Pick: Florida State by 27.05 My Pick: 37-20 Line: Florida State -15
*Miami (FL) (35.43) at #24 Nebraska (30.64) (HFA:5.12), 7:00 pm ESPN2, A great 90's classic erupts in a sea of red on saturday night as the fifth best Big Ten and ACC teams play with conference pride at stake. Miami-Nebraska this time it's personal... and less fun. Power Pick: Nebraska by .34 My Pick: 20-17 Line: Nebraska -7.5
#2 Oregon (66.47) at Washington State (28.45) (HFA:2.96), 9:30 pm ESPN, Much like South Carolina I want this to be entertaining and close but I don't see Leach and company hanging around much past the five minute mare of the third quarter as Oregon puts on the jets. Power Pick: Oregon by 35.05 My Pick: Oregon 52-24 Line: Oregon -23.5
* denotes games that weren't done as of 6:45 Thursday night so that the Thursday prediction was up before the Auburn-Kansas State game.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Rambling's 2014 Week 3 CFB Recap
I was doing some volunteering and went out for drinks afterwards so I saw very little football, outside the second half of Georgia-South Carolina. I will however make this post to update how me and my system did.
PP: (7-11 ATS, 14-4 SU)
Me: (8-10 ATS, 16-2 SU)
Rough week against the spread but a pretty good week of picking winners once again. Next week should be a return to normalcy on the blog.
PP: (7-11 ATS, 14-4 SU)
Me: (8-10 ATS, 16-2 SU)
Rough week against the spread but a pretty good week of picking winners once again. Next week should be a return to normalcy on the blog.
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