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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

New Ohio State Head Coach: Urban Meyer

Finally, Urban Meyer HAS COME BACK...TO OHIO STATE.  Ok, not really.  He did coach here in the late '80s with a nice 'stachio under Earle Bruce as a grad assistant.  You may know the Urb as the coach with the new high speed motion spread offense attack with Josh Harris at Bowling Green, Alex Smith at Utah and Chris Leak and ole' what's his face down in Gainsville. 

The moment he took the Gators job after Zook went Zook, there was always this point: while he may never leave Florida, he has two outs in his contract; Notre Dame and Ohio State.  That was in 2005 as Tressel was in his 5th year guiding the Buckeyes to their first of 6 5 straight Big Ten Championships and a Fiesta Bowl win over Notre Dame.

Monday, November 28, 2011

*Results Update (6-1)* Straight Ca$h Homey - Week 13 NCAA Picks

It figures the week I go 4-3 and miss the money game for the first time in 7 weeks, I take the overall lead by a game and half over Brad.  It just so happens we all picked 4-5 games and the ones we didn't, I won.  Blap.  Only two weeks left before the Bowl Season so we are looking at rivalries galore.  You know what that means: THROW OUT THE RECORDS OUT WEEK 1 (Sorry Cal-Stan and ASU-Ariz).  The Leaders Division is on the line in Madison and another Top 3 SEC-West matchup involving LSU.  Here are my 13 picks to click:
Went 6-1 and widened my lead on Brad by 3 games.  I am on fire.  Look the F OUT!


Touchdown, Cougs
Money Game: 8Houston (-3.5) at Tulsa 12:00 CBSSN FRIDAY
Houston is a single digit favorite? Did I miss Tulsa being ranked in the Top 10? No mask or gun needed in this robbery.
W Houston 48 Tulsa 16
Tulsa got the early lead and the only teams Tulsa had lost to were Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and Boise.  That is why, along with being at home, they were only 3.5 point underdogs.  FREE MONEY BABY!  The Cougs host Southern Miss for the C-USA title and guess who is going to be in this spot right here?! YOU GOT IT.  GET OFF MY BLOCK!

My College Football Rankings - Week 14

Week 14
Another week, another game of the week LSU played in.  This time, they welcomed #3 Arkansas to town for the battle of the boot.  They got down early 14-0, then proceeded to outscore the Hogs 41-3 en route to the school's first ever 12-0 start.  They play UGA in the SEC Championship next.  The BCS gurus have said that even if they lose, their schedule and wins are so impressive that they wouldn't fall beyond two, assuring a rematch of Bama-LSU in the title game.  For Championship Week, we are looking at Oregon hosting a .500 UCLA team that lost to USC 50-0 while 11-1 Stanford and Alabama sit at home.  Bedlam matches the Sooners at the Cowboys with the winner taking the Big 12.  Sparty and Bucky rematch for the first ever B1G title game and Houston hosts Southern Miss for the C-USA crown.  One more week left.  Here are my rankings:

1. LSU 12-0 (8-0)
W 41-17 vs. #3 Arkansas
Next Game: vs. #14 Georgia SEC Championship in Atlanta

2. Alabama 11-1 (6-1)
W 42-14 at #24 Auburn
Next Game: Bowl

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

*Results Update* Straight Ca$h Homey - Week 12 NCAA Picks

Took the bagel in the loss column this week and am only a half-game behind Frye Guy.  Out of 11 weeks, I have had only two losing weeks, each 3-4.  I may have to look getting back into sportsbook.com or bodog.  No pics or witty captions due to Open Enrollment at work (which is like a fatal fourway, free-for-all hell in the cell buried alive match in the world of HR) and moving houses, my head is spinning.  Week 12 picks to click:

Money Game:
17Wisconsin (-14) at Illinois 12:00 ESPN2
The Badgers have rolled the bottom-feeders of the B1G.  Next up:  The Fightin' Zooks.  Two scores?  Thank you sir, may I have another?  The defense may walk off just like the Zooker did himself at his weekly presser on Tuesday.
L Wisconsin 28 Illinois 17
The Zooks had some pep in their step and raced out to an early lead.  Wisconsin, with no points to prove, took the lead and got out of the House that Zook Tried to Rebuild.  Up Next: The Leaders Division Game of the Century-Penn State vs Wisconsin.  Winner meets Sparty for the B1G Championship.

Monday, November 14, 2011

*Results Update* Straight Ca$h Homey - Week 11 NCAA Picks

After a 3-1 start, I finished 1-2 with the late games, setting me at 4-3 for the second straight week and 1.5 games behind Brad, who went 5-2 and won his money game by .5 points as Oregon doubled up the Huskies 34-17.  I did win my money game and a total of $1, pushing my total to $16.  Whoopie.  This week we got #1 LSU vs. Western Kentucky and Gameday travels to Palo Alto along with Oregon.  It's been a crazy week with everything to happen in Happy Valley so I haven't spent much time on this.  I also moved cubes at work and am starting the move process to a new house, so here are just my picks.
Went 5-0-2 with strong covers by Arkansas, Houston and the Pokes.  Wisconsin had a late score to give me the W and Michigan handled a fading Illini squad.  Thought the 'Bama spread was 17.5 so I was pissed but later realized it was 17 and a push is a lot better than a loss.  I won money for the best record and picked up a game on Frye to put me back half a game.  Overall I am 49-25-3 with a winning percentage of .636.  I should really look into converting my picks to SportsBook.com or Bodog.  I could make some serious cayesh.

Picks to click, week 11 edition:

Money Game:
Tennessee at 8Arkansas (-13.5) 6:00 ESPN2
The Vols had to call a kicker from a frat house last week and this week the only kicker they will need is a punter because Arkansas, off a nice win over South Carolina, is going to put up some points and have placed themselves in position to take the third bowl in the SEC West after Bama and LSU take 2 BCS bids.
W Arkansas 49 Tennessee 7

11Houston (-34) at Tulane 8:00 CBS Sports Net THURSDAY
Oh lookie, Houston plays on Thursday night again.  And Craig James isn't doing the game.  Under 70? Check.  Under 5 touchdowns? Hell yes.  Tulane had their head coach Bob Toledo resign a few weeks back and then promptly lost to Memphis.  Let's hope this doesn't turn into another Boise-UNLV.
W Houston 73 Tulane 17
Scoreless after the first, Houston is unstoppable in C-USA.  Under 70? I'm rollling with the Cougs

2Oklahoma State (-17.5) at Texas Tech 12:00 ABC
Quality win over Kansas State, Oklahoma State goes to Lubbock.  Texas Tech has gotten rolled by Iowa State (!) and Texas the past two weeks after their upset of the year in Norman.  I guess Adam James' isn't the best player in the history of college football like his daddy likes to think (#fireCraigJames).  Pokes roll and I enjoy every moment.  Bedlam is one week closer.
W Oklahoma State 66 Texas Tech 6
It was 49-0 at half and Texas Tech sucks.  Sweet upset a month ago.  I hate teams that have one big win and mail it in after.  Thanks for the money though, Red Raiders.

19Nebraska (-2.5) at 12Penn State 12:00 ESPN
Nebraska looks to rebound and the mess at Penn State right now cannot not effect the entire program.  I'm very hesitant to even take this game, but this was posted on Tuesday.  I feel for everyone, especially the families.
T Nebraska 17 Penn State 14
Both entire teams prayed at midfield before the game.  Penn State walked out as one before the game.  The Nittany Lions were down 17-0 and scored twice in the 4th and had the ball to tie/win late.  I'm honeslty suprised that Nebraska didn't win by 40.  Penn State has heart.

16Wisconsin (-27) at Minnesota 3:30 BTN
The Gophers hung out with Sparty and pushed them in the last minutes.  Bucky spanked the Boilers and will destroy Kill's crew by 5+ touchdowns.
W Wisconsin 42 Minnesota 13
The Badgers had to score late to go up by 29.  Minnesota scored a 2nd quarter touchdown on a fake field goal that was run in by the kicker.  He then missed the extra point.  The Golden Gophers everybody!

22Michigan (-1) at Illinois 3:30 ABC
UM looses to Iowa on the road and are a favorite in Campaign.  I'll take the Maize and Blue again this week.
W Michigan 31 Illinois 14
Michigan was in control the entire game and to take Mich as a pick 'em was free money.  Nard dog got hurt though, and after I watched the first half, I expected Michigan to be a lot tougher than they are under coach Hoke.

3Alabama (-17 -17.5) at Mississippi State 7:45 ESPN
The Tide rolls into Starkvegas and looks at a huge spread after a loss, on the road.  However, Bama has no problems and may start out slow (see: Ole Miss) but Mississippi is playing out the string after high expectations and Saban might have a point to make after getting beat by Less and the Bayou Bengals for the 3rd straight time.
T Alabama 24 Miss. State 7
I was at a bar with my dudes after an engagement party and occasionally looked up to see the score.  Bama scored late to get to 17 and I was under the impression it was 17.5  Push goes to Dupe.  Best record goes to Dupe.  $68 goes to Dupe.  Nice little weekend.  Other than Ohio State and the Browns.



Games I like but took off the board:
West Virginia (+3.5) at Cincinnati 12:00 ABC
WVU loses to The Ville and now travel to Nippert as they are in the midst of the Big East gauntlet.  This is a personal pick since I hate the bUCkeye state Bearcats and WVU is my second home.
West Viginia 24 Cincinnati 21
Game was played at Paul Brown with the Bengals' stuff still on the field.  WVU blocked a field goal on the last play that would have sent it into overtime.  UC's starting QB broke his ankle as he was sacked and fumbled into the endzone.

Washington (+13) at USC 3:30 FX #riseandfire
U-dub battled the Ducks and USC isn't mentally strong.  12:30 local start, could be a sleep-walk and I would like to see Wash by more than 2 scores but this could be a 3, 7, 10 margin.  Unless Barkley and Woods lose their minds.
USC 40 Washington 17
I didn't watch one single play nor did I want to, hence this one off the board.  USC has some guys despite their coach.  They travel to Oregon this week.  Coach 'em up, Lane.

7Oregon at 4Stanford (-3.5) 8:00 ABC GAMEDAY
Pac-12 North Championship.  Stanford is too tough for the high-flyin' Ducks.  Their O might put up points but they won't stop Luck and the Cardinal will get a key stop and Stanford will score late to put the game away.  I just hope they don't wear all black.  Oregon can score at any time, any way.  Vegas Insider puts this around 55-45.  Too close to call.
Oregon 53 Stanford 30
Looks like their opening day loss had no effect on the Ducks.  If LSU stumbles against Arkansas or the SEC title game against Georgia and OU beats OSU in Stillwater, Oregon has a chance to make it back-to-back BCS Championship game apparences.  Next up: The Men of Troy at home.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

You Are...Penn State

Joe Paterno is out as head coach.  The President of the university is out.  The athletic director is out.  The VP of fiance is gone.  The long-time d-coordinator has been arrested on more than 40 counts of child sexual abuse. Mike McQueary still has a job (for now).  Joe Pa's statements.  The silence by the NCAA, the Big Ten, the President of the University and Joe Pa.  The Board of Trustees' press conference.  The student riots.  This is the worst and sickest story I have ever seen in the world of sports. 

Joe Paterno is out.
McQueary has to be next.

Eight, nine, students were raped, some in the Penn State locker room, by Joe Pa's right hand man.

This is not about Joe Paterno's legacy, for all he has done for Penn State.  This is not about Penn State football, not about sports, not about the Nebraska game, not about who is next in line. 

This is about protecting and helping children.  The worst thing even happened and people knew.  People knew and did nothing.  They knew children were being raped by a retired football coach and they reported to their superiors, but the police were not called.  The non-action is why everything had to go down like this.  You have to protect children that are in harm's way, were violated and will be hurting for the rest of their lives, the rest of their family lives.

Monday, November 7, 2011

*Results Update* Straight Ca$h Homey - Week 10 NCAA Picks

I ended up 4-3, 4-0 with Houston as my money game and lost the last three games.  Stanford amazingly covered the 7.5 after a pick 6 put them down by 7 with 3 minutes left, but we had them at 8.5.  Clemson went Clemson and Minnesota beat Iowa.  I'm going to type that again.  Minnesota beat Iowa.  If you watched that game, stab yourself in the neck.  Anyway, Brad went 1-6 and I am now a half game back.  I'm not going to lie, I only saw some of the games as I was tailgating before and after the Buckeye win of the year vs. Bucky (I did catch the USC/Stanford overtimes).  This week, I think LSU plays but I can't remember who off the top of my head.  Week 10 picks to click:
4-3 yet again after a strong start.

Money Game:

9 touchdowns last week,
could get 9 in the first half this week
13Houston (-28) at UAB 7:00 CBS Sports Net
Anything under 50 and I'm taking Houston at this point.  Last week took Houston -28 for money and will take them this week.
Win Houston 56 UAB 17.  Houston was actually down but then scored about 4 times in 2 minutes in the 3rd quarter to put way the Blazers.  I can honestly say I was the only television in Ohio switiching back and forth between this game and the other ones, fists a pumping.

This guy may have 20 catches for 8 touchdowns
USC (-21) at Colorado 9:00 ESPN FRIDAY
USC had Stanford and then a Kiffin coached team makes brutal mistakes that cost them in the end, that's odd.  Colorado is horrid and the Barkley-Woods combo has 4 touchdowns alone.
Win USC 42 Colobado 17.  Came home from the Segert concert to catch the last 10 minutes.  When in doubt, take the team with talent against the horrible one.




Nice job against Minnesota, coach
15Michgan (-3.5) at Iowa 12:00 ESPN
Michigan looked pretty good against Purdue, a team they would have struggled against under the previous regime.  Iowa lost to Minnesota.  Let me type that again.  Iowa lost to Minnesota.  Under a touchdown seems like free money.  However, this is the B1G and could be another classic 10-7, 17-14 battle.  Classic meaning nap time.
Loss Iowa 24 Michigan 16.  Iowa when patriotic and had the lead through the entire game.  Michigan scored late to pull within 8 but couldn't find the endzone once more.  A team is never as bad as their worst loss and never as good as their best win/upset.  It's tough to win on the road and when they paint your locker room pink.




I don't think Purdue has this guy.
Purdue at 20Wisconsin (-26.5) 3:30 ABC/ESPN2
HAH LOL WTF FU Bucky.  They rebound at home against Purdue.  Look for 70.
Win Wisconsin 62 Purdon't 17.  Bucky was pissed as they returned home and were throwing playaction into the endzone up 40+ in the fourth.  They love to bully the bottom feeders.





1LSU (+4.5) at 2Alabama 8:00 CBS GAMEDAY GAME OF THE CENTURY
Seems a bit much for the game of the century.  Neutral field, Bama has a 1.5 point edge with the lesser quarterback?  I would probably take the underdog no matter what.  The countdown has started.
Win LSU 9 Alabama 6 OT.  I am not sure why anyone was surprised.  The defenses showed up and special teams ended up huge which they do in huge games (they also win championships, maine).  Bama only falls to third in the BCS and have a real shot of a rematch via Oklahoma State losing to OU and Stanford getting bested by the Ducks.  To be continued...




A lot of this yet again.
14Kansas State at 3Oklahoma State (-21.5) 8:00 ABC/ESPN2
Kansas State got taken out back by the Pokes big brother at home.  They have to lick their wounds and travel into Stillwater against a white-hot Cowboy team that I have been riding all year.  TAKE THEM AGAIN!
Loss Oklahoma State 52 Kansas State 45.  While switching back and forth to this game, in no way were the Pokes going to cover.  Kansas State has some fight and were threatening to tie on the last play.  Great game, OSU survives, but 3+ touchdowns? Not close the entire game.



Washington State 59
UNLV 7
Boise State > Wazzou

5Boise State (-41) at UNLV 10:30 CBS Sports Net
I know what Boise can do.  I know what UNLV can't do.  Boise is also coming off a Bye after a lackluster effort against Air Force.  41 is just too much for this guy.  Screw it, I'm taking the Broncos.  They need to make statements against the MWC anyway.
Update: UNLV has suspended 5 players, including starting tailback Tim Cornett (via Doctor Saturday).  This spread is looking pretty good.
Loss Boise State 48 UNLV 21.  Boise was tied at 14 in the second and went to half with a 21-14 lead against, arguably, the worst team ever in D-1.  Yuck.

Games I like but are off the board:


preview of the sidelines

19Arizona State (-9.5) at UCLA 7:30 Versus
Sparky invades the Rose Bowl and is under 10.  Me likey this one.  I had to take one off after re-adding Boise so Sparky gets the boot.
UCLA 29 Arizona State 28.  Game was as good as the sidelines.  UCLA is over .500, 4-2 in conference and tied with USC for the lead in the Pac-12 South.  Sparky is yet again Clemson of California.



Go Ducks!
We hate UW? OK!
8Oregon (-16.5) at Washington 10:30 Fox Sports Net
Just under 3 scores after a lackluster Oregon effort and Washington seemed a little overrated a few weeks ago cracking the Top 25.  Shouldn't be close and shouldn't be close early.
Update:  Just watched the highlights and did some reading on Oregon's victory against Wazzou.  Thomas was benched in the 2nd half due to performance/injury.  16.5 is a little much for me against a could be-pesky Washington team still licking their wounds from the beating they took against the Cardinal two weeks ago.  Oregon could roll but this could also be a 16-13 Cal from last year game.  Uhggg.  Here are 14 reasons why the Huskies and Ducks hate each other.
Oregon 34 Washington 17.  Covered by half a point, which Brad made his money game.  SO CLOSE.  Week 11?  The Ducks travel to take on the Cardinal along with ESPN Gameday.