Let's welcome Memphis to 2013 Big East Football

With news coming down that Memphis has accepted an offer to become the newest, and 12th member of Big East football and in all other sports, the Big East's goal of surviving as a conference is complete.  However, surviving the exits of Syracuse, Pitt and WVU, they may solidified their status as a mid-major conference.  Let's take a look at the new Big East (assuming all the teams leaving are able to leave for the 2013/2014 school year):

Big East East:
Central Florida (added 2012, C-USA)
Cincinnati (added 2005, C-USA)
UConn (added 2004, Independent. I-AA 1980-1999)
Navy (added 2015, Independent)
Rutgers (Original member)
South Florida (added 2005, C-USA. I-AA 1997-2001, Independent 2001-2003)

Big East West:
Boise State (added 2012, MWC/WAC)
Houston (added 2012, C-USA)
Memphis (added 2013, C-USA)
Louisville (added 2005, C-USA)
San Diego State (added 2012, WAC)
SMU (added 2012, WAC)

Teams lost:
Boston College (2005, ACC)
Miami (FL) (2005, ACC)
Pittsburgh (2013, ACC)
Virginia Tech (2005, ACC)
Syracuse (2013, ACC)
TCU (2012, Big XII)
West Virginia (2012, Big XII)

Now if these teams do not define a mid-major conference, I do not know what does.  The Big East could not have expected, as the weakest auto-BCS league, to lose the "best" programs, raid C-USA and keep their BCS status.  Oh and the football program they just added had their fired coach say this at his exit presser.

Good luck with that, Big Least (ahhhyyyoooo)

*AD response Update* Memo to the B1G: Keep up or get out of the way

Who wants some?!

"You're pissed because we went after a committed guy?  Guess what?  We have 9 guys who better go do it again.  Do it a little harder next time".  Shots fired (back).

This is what Urban had to say at the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association Clinic this morning, first reported by TheOZone.net and I found it from @LostLetterman.

This is a response to Bielema and Dantonio's bitching after signing day where the Buckeyes landed the 3-6th best class (depending on who you ask) while taking Se'Von Pittman who was committed to Sparty and Kyle Dodson, a lineman from Cleveland who had committed to the Badgers in the summer.

Things are getting hot and heavy and Urban hasn't been in the B1G for 3 months.  The two coaches who have had the best run in the last two years are not too happy with an SEC coach coming into the B1G and doing things the wrong way.  The way that has led the SEC to win 6 straight national championships, beating the B1G (Ohio State) in the title game twice.  Florida pounded, arguably, the best B1G team in the last 10 years ('06 Buckeyes) by 4 scores on the biggest stage.

You know who you don't hear bitching?  Michigan and Penn State.  They would have something to say about the Buckeyes "stealing" committed guys, but they haven't said anything.  You would think that Hoke would maybe chirp in because he likes to talk and forget the State part of Ohio State, but he has stayed quiet.  Michigan did finish with a Top 10 class themselves, however, I am sure he would have said something if he was pissed.  He probably isn't because Michigan is a top class program on their way back, and they probably like the challenge.  Penn State's coach, who is calling plays for the Pats in the Super Bowl, has not been quoted after Ohio State took 2 of their guys.  Michigan and Penn State are big time programs and understand you have to do what you have to do to get your guys.



He was good. In the 90s.



Michigan State won a share of the B1G title in 2010 but didn't make it to the Rose Bowl and lost to Alabama by 40 in the Citrus Bowl after a season that marked the most wins in school history.  Wisconsin made the Rose Bowl the last two years, losing both, to TCU and Oregon respectively.  The Badgers were the lead dog in the B1G the entire year and seemed to be on the path to the national title after a dismantling of Nebraska when Gameday came to Madison.  It was Wisconsin's first (and only) "huge" win where they were favored.  All their other program-defining wins have been an upset in the Rose Bowl in the late '90s and wins over the higher ranked Buckeyes, Wolverines and Nittany Lions (usually at home).  Their best players have been Ron Dayne and a QB that transferred for one year after playing at N.C. State.



After Wisconsin put
83 on IU in 2010


The Badgers are upset Urban is doing things the wrong way.  Here's a fun history fact: Wisconsin put 83 on Indiana in 2010.  Also, after going for two after a passing touchdown to put his team up by more than 5 touchdowns in the 4th last year, Bielema responded that his card told him to go for two after he was asked why he would run up the score.  It seems to me, on gameday, Wisconsin goes by the "if you don't like it, go ahead and stop it."  They also seem to love to beat up on the bottom-feeders of the conference, but when they get some competition, they tend to come up short (see: 2011 at Ohio State).

Do you think Urban gives a shit what those guys think?  The rest of the countries' elite programs laugh at the B1G.  Sure, Bielima doesn't want to do things the "SEC way", however, their way works, and dominates.  Get on the train or get run over.  They are pissed because Urban knows what it takes to compete with the SEC and the country, not just the Leaders and Legends.

If you would have told me before Memorial Day that Tressel would be fired retired, TP would be gone, Boom and Posey would miss a majority of the games, Ohio State would end up with a bowl ban after a 6-7 season, hire Urban Meyer and bring in a top 5 recruiting class, I would have punched you in the dick.

Michigan is back (maybe, probably).  Wisconsin is on top.  Michigan State is second.  Nebraska is lurking.  I hope they enjoyed Ohio State's one transition year.  I'll see you in Indy for the B1G Championship Games starting in 2013.



As Bo Ryan would say,
"JUST DEAL WITH IT"


Update:
Barry Alvarez has a response (and it sides with Urb) that he shared with ESPN's Joe Schad:
"Recruiting is recruiting until they sign.  If we had somebody who changed their mind and came to us, that's OK.  Urban was very aggressive but there is no pact within the conference not to continue to recruit. Open season until they sign."

Geno had his take as well:
"I am disappointed that negative references have been made about our football coaches, and particularly head coach Urban Meyer regarding recruiting. In our league appropriate protocol, if you have concerns, is to share those concerns with your Athletic Director (AD). Then your AD will make the determination on the appropriate communication from that point forward. The ADs in our league are professionals and communicate with each other extremely well. Urban Meyer and his staff have had a compliance conscience since they have arrived."

There you have it.  Once again, suck it ya big baby.  JUST BIEL WITH IT.  Next up, after Bert runs to the principals office, Jim Delany's take...Stay tuned for more BIG TEN IS BURNING!!!!

*Minnesota Update* College Uniform Release Day: What they wore back then now and beyond, featuring 2011 Nike Pro Combat Uniforms

1/20 Minnesota Gopher Update
The Golden Gophers first unvieled their helmet, and today they released a video showing their new uniforms, like it was a new ipod or car or something.  As a noted Buckeye honk, Minnesota is a nobody in the B1G so this video is kind of amusing.  It has Alabama or Clemson "swag" (and I use swag as a dig) but the acutal uniforms seems to be pretty plain with all the new nike technology.  I was fully expecting an Oregon-ization with some black and some silver/shiny to be featuring outside of the maroon and gold, but it looks like Nike went back to the glory days of the early 2000s.  Shoulder numbers, no stripes, and a contrasting collar.  Plain pants with some type of honey-comb padding.  Maroon, gold and white shirts and pants.  The numbers have a pattern that has something to do with Eskimos or the lakes, but overall I love the look.  Simple, classy, true to the colors and with the newest fabric.  Well done Gophers, well done.  You could have totally mucked it up, but you went the other way.  And no black jersey (that they show).  Here's the video:

The Jay-Z song from 3 years ago is a nice touch, by the way.  I don't think Sean Carter even knows what Minnesota or a gopher even is.  Anyway, in the time of (see below) uniforms, the Gophers keep it classy.  BRAVO.

Here is a video that explains the details of the uniform.  The numbers have a brick pattern on the white and gold (maroon numbers) jerseys.  The number font goes back to the font that was used on the 1940 jerseys when the Gophers won the national championship.  There is no mention of overall look being similar to the early 2000s but I think they look almost identical. 

Here's the video that explains the details:

Here are videos of the players showing them in a photo shoot:

*RESULTS UPDATE*Straight Ca$h Homey - BOWL SEASON NCAA Picks

Bowl Week Final:
I finished 5-2 and took the overall championship.  My final record was 67-35-3 (.638) with 11-4 in money games.  Brad went 4-3 so I won by 3 games.  The winner gets their earnings along with $20 from every other player.  That puts me over $350 for the year.

How I did it:
If you have read what I have posted about betting, you know that I like to take the favorites with the big offenses and I also like to bet against teams that are horrible.
I also made a spreadsheet of all my picks so I can look at the trends and what each team did the past few weeks.  I got on the Houston bandwagon and rode them for 4 money games.
I also kept the games I liked but took off the board, so I could see what my gut told me the past week and to see how I did with the games I liked, but took off.  I ended up around .500 with the "alternate" games.

My consistent picks this year have been with...
Oklahoma State - 12 picks (8-4), 0 Money Games
Wisconsin - 9 picks (7-2), 1-1 in Money GamesAlabama - 7 picks (5-2), 1 Money Game
LSU - 7 picks (7-0), 1-0 in Money Game
Houston - 7 (6-1), 4-0 in Money Games
Oregon - 4 picks (2-2), 0-1 in Money Games

College Gameday Picks:
11 picks, 9-2 record, 2-1 Money Games

My consistent picks against:
Minnesota
Iowa State
Kansas
Kentucky
Ole Miss

Out of 105 games, I took the favorite 87 times (60-27).  I took the underdog 18 times (12-6).

Conclusion: This year was lucky.  I took the favorites and they covered 69% of the time.  When I took the underdog, they covered 2/3 of the time.  I looked at a few teams that should win and I looked at a few teams that are bad and should be blown out.  This first week, I wanted to make the Gameday game as the money game, but then I realized that if you lose the money game, you pay up a lot.  If you win, you get some money.  I also learned that one game here or one game there isn't going to make the season so if one team kicks a late fieldgoal to beat the spread by 1, I shouldn't beat myself up about it.  The fact I won is great, but every week I had 7 games circled and it was the most fun thing I have done.  I really hope this continues down the road and I doubt I will ever come near the amount of success I had this year.
Basically I say this: Go with your gut, have fun, and when in doubt, take the teams you want to see win.  And never bet with money you don't have or can't afford.  HAVE FUN! See you for the 2012 season.  Hint: I'm taking USC, LSU and Oklahoma a lot.

I am currently 2 games ahead of Brad for the best record with one week left.  If I hold on, I get $20 from the other 10 guys in the pool along with my winnings that are totaled at $137 as of week 14.  For all the games I didn't take to Bodog or Sportsbook.com, this may be a great way to bring in the new year.  Enough of my personal finances, here are my final picks for the year and the most glorious time of the year...BOWL WEEK!!!

Take the Horned Frogs, you guys

Money Game:

Wed Dec. 21st

Poinsettia Bowl 8:00 ESPN

18TCU -10.5 vs. Louisiana Tech

TCU started out a little rocky, losing to Baylor the first week in one of the games of the year, and lost to SMU in overtime.  Patterson and the bro at qb righted the ship and went into Boise and beat the Broncos after scoring a touchdown in the last seconds and the two-point conversion to win 36-35.  They will have no problem with Tech.
Loss TCU 31 Louisiana Tech 24
LTech was up 24-17 at one point and even with the score to put up TCU by 7, the spread was never in doubt and I debated to take TCU or Boise, I made the wrong pick.  TCU didn't play too bad, I just under estimated a frisky LTech squad.  They have a little something going on down there.

Review: Year of Betting

Shock of the world, I am in a Bowl pick 'em with all my buddies, against the spread, where all the games are assigned points.  All non-BCS games are 1 and 2 points.  "Mid-Major" bowls are 3, BCS bowls are 5 and the BCS championship is 8 points.  All games are listed, all point spreads are listed, and everyone picks against the spread.  If the spread is 3 and the teams wins by 3, you get no points.

My history is pretty bad.  I have bet on bowl games on sportsbook.com or bodog.com, and as someone who tries to watch 90% of every college game on tv, you would think I would be able to make some money on betting on college kids playing football.  During college, I would give myself a $50 limit and once it is gone, it's gone.  I started out betting on single games, then Hale explained what a parlay was and of course, when I have 3 or 7 "can't miss" games, I put them together for $25 and look at a payout of near $100.  Well, as it turns out, I normally lose half of (if not all) those games, and sometimes the other team wins or loses straight up.  Then Hale pointed out what a teaser was, and giving myself 6 points is full proof.  Again, Vegas kicked my ass. 

*Results Update* Straight Ca$h Homey - Week 14 CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK

I posted my best week, going 6-1, winning my 10th money game and enlarging my lead over Brad from half a game to 3!  Two weeks left.  I wasn't sure how this week would go, but with 22 games, we are still picking the full 7.  Am I on "hang on" mode?  Hell no.  I am looking to run away with this (and if not, hoping that Brad picks the same games I do).  Pokes-Sooners.  Bruins-Ducks.  Cougars-Golden Eagles. Sparty-Bucky.  Tigers-Bulldogs.  Wildcats-Cyclones.  OH THE MADNESS!  Here are my picks to click, Championship Week edition:
3-4 but took the money game.  Bowl season up next to end the year.

Guex Tigers

Money Game:
14Georgia vs. 1LSU (-13.5) (Atlanta, GA) 4:30 CBS SEC CHAMPIONSHIP
Wow, UGA is on fire.  They get to play in their home state.  They have won 10 straight.  Biggest wins? Gators in Jacksonville and 45-7 vs Auburn.  No LSU, no Arkansas, no Bama.  Now they get LSU who has no regard for human life.  The Purple and Gold will be running around the Georiga Dome with that awesome SEC sign as Alabama sits at home, preparing for the REMATCH OF THE CENTURY OF THE GAME OF THE CENTURY in the TITLE GAME OF THE CENTURY between two of the best teams in the CONFERENCE OF THE CENTURY!!!!!! (!!!!!!!!!)  Jan. 9th in the SUPERDOME OF THE CENTURY, in case you care.
W LSU 42 UGA 10
LSU once again got down in the 1st half, 10-0.  Then went on a nice 6 touchdown run with Honey Badger doing his thing and LSU's 14 tailbacks running amok all over the Bulldogs as the game wore on.  See you Jan. 9th.

BCS Title 2011: Rematch Lives Here

The BCS Championship game will face 1 LSU against 2 Alabama in the Superdome January 9th.  You may be familiar with this game.  It was played earlier this year under TGOTC in Tuscaloosa as LSU beat the Crimson Tide in overtime, 9-6 after Alabama missed two field goals, had one blocked, and threw an interception at the goal line.

*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

*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.

*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.

*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.

*Results Update* Straight Ca$h Homey: Week 9 NCAA Picks

Tough week 8 all around (Bucky, Boomer Sooner) as I finished 3-4 and fell 3.5 games behind Brad who went 5-2.  I did, however, when my money game so thank you Case Keenum and the fellas.  Marshall was asking who the backup quarterback was and made it public they wanted to knock Mr. Keenum out.  Case went 376 for 6 touchdowns en route to a 63-28 beatdown while he broke the NCAA record for total offense.  Back in the baby pool, Thundering Herd.

Overall, I am a respectable 36-19-1 and the weeks are only going to get tougher.  I will be happy with 3-4 or 4-3 and the money game.  With the conference races taking shape, more and more games could go either way.  Here's my week 9 picks to click:
Started 4-0 with the Money Game, ended 4-3.  Oh well, the Buckeyes won and I went over .500.  Life is good.

Money Game:

My arm is tired...
from countin' all this bread

Rice at 17Houston (-27.5) 8:00 CBS Sports Net (THURSDAY)
Houston keeps rolling and I thought I would never see the day I am betting on a 4 touchdown spread Thursday night C-USA game but here I am.  It just got sad real.
W Houston 73 Rice 34.  Keenum threw 9 touchdowns and were down 17-7 in a driving rain early.  Every guy is open by 10 yards.

I support you this week

Purdue at 18Michigan (-13.5) Noon ESPN
Purdue is coming off a "huge" upset win over the Fightin' Zooks and Michigan has blown out teams they should have blown out but have lost to under Richard (see: the San Diego State, Minnesota, and Northwestern games).  Go Blue at home against a team that peaked last week?  Under two touchdowns?  Mich rolls.
W Michigan 36 Purdue 14.  Purdue scored a touchdown with 15 seconds left, spread not in doubt at any time.

Guns up, good sir

Baylor at 3Oklahoma State (-14.5) 3:30 ESPN/ESPN2
Oh lookie here, two of my favorite betting teams.  Baylor has screwed me (twice) and the Pokes have been rolling.  Gundy's squad got a little fight on the road against a fordable Mizzou squad and that games proved that all the Cowboys need is one stop beacuse they score every time they get the ball.  Two touchdowns against a team that has been ranked for the whole year is a lot, and the O/U is 79.5 (holy shit) but Baylor cannot keep up and Stillwater keeps partying.
W Oklahoma State 59 Baylor 24.  Pokes keep rolling and keep making me money.  LIKE.





I'm taking this guy as the underdog
to cover and win outright in Happy Valley

Illinois (+5.5) at 19Penn State 3:30 ABC/ESPN2
The Fightin' Illini cannot be as bad as the last two weeks and Penn State has the same wow factor as Lindsay Lohan in rehab/jail/community service/jail/playboy/jail/rehab.  Happy Valley is a nightmare to visitors, but I see the Zooks to rebound and to win outright against a below average State team.
W Penn State 10 Illinios 7.  Of course the Illini were up 7-3 the entire game and miss a field goal to tie it by hitting the upright.  The middle of the B1G is pretty much what this game was.  Nice snow in October, too.

You have until 2017 to win
the Legends Division.
Hopefully Notre Dame will in the B1G by then.

Iowa (-16) at Minnesota 3:30 BTN
One thing that has helped me this year is I tend to bet against the horrible teams.  Those teams are as follows (off the top of my head): Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Indiana, Iowa State, Minnesota, Ole Miss, and UCLA.  An average B1G team, on the road, favored by just under 3 scores?  America Needs Farmers and I need the Hawkeyes.  Oh, and Minnesota just extended coach Jerry Kill's contract by 7 years (!).  The Golden Gophers are currently 1-6 and winless in the B1G.  They have been outscored 144-31 against Michigan, Purdue and Nebraska in the last 3 weeks.  Their only win?  29-23 against the Redskinshawks of Miami University from Oxford, Ohio.  I would say it is an ideal time for a contract extension in his first year while he battles continued medical issues.
L Minnesota 22 Iowa 21.  Heard about this at the tailgate.  Didn't see one play.  No idea how or why Minnesota got their second win and first in the Big Ten.  If they play 10 times, Iowa wins by 40 nine times.  Sweet job Hawkeyes.

Your husband sucks as much
as you are good looking

4Stanford (-8.5) at 20USC 8:00 ABC GAMEDAY
Kirk, Corso and Fowler are back in L.A.  However, Reginold, Leinhart, LenDale, LoJack and Cassel are not walking through that door.  Dillon Baxter, who coach Kiffin said could be "the next Reggie Bush" is off the team to focus on academics.  He was looking as the prime suspect to take over the running game after senior Marc Tyler went TMZ to TMZ outside a night club and was suspended.  But then a funny thing happened:  Baxter didn't see the field against Arizona State nor Cal and didn't even make the trip to South Bend as Tyler regained his posistion atop the depth chart.  8 and a half is a big amount and some say Stanford hasn't been tested (way to show up Huskies).  They have beaten 10 straight opponets by 25 or more points and will come close to that again against the Men of Troy in the coliseum.
Oh and here's a fun fact I heard on the Dan Patrick Show Thursday morning:  In the last calander year, Stanford is 12-0-1 against the spread.  If you had bet $100 on the first game and let it ride, you would be looking at a $234,000 profit.  Does it end Saturday night?  I think not.
LStanford 56 USC 48 3OT.  The actual line was 7.5 at kickoff so everyone who took Stanford still covered, which could only happen if Stanford scored in the 3rd OT and USC turned it over.  Which happened.  However, for us, the Cardinal didn't cover.  I saw the end after the Buckeyes win so I don't really care.  Tough loss but whatever.





Is this the year?
Single Digits think so

6Clemson (-4) at Georgia Tech 8:00 ABC/ESPN3.com
So Clemson, who is known for their undisiplined ways, are facing a triple option team who will kill you if you are undisiplined.  Also, Clemson is on the road after putting up 59 previous week.  Apparently white is black, up is down, and water is dry beacuse I am taking Clemson.  They are ranked in the top 10, favored, on the road, a week after a big output, against a team who forces you to be focused and do your job every play.  That being said, Dabo has too many toys single digits to play with and this '11 team doesn't seem to care about Clemson going Clemson.  Until they meltdown.  Hopefuly, this week they dodge the Clemson going Clemson bullet again.
L Georgia tech 31 Clemson 14.  And there it is.  They gave me one against Maryland and took one away here.  Now I'm done.  Thank you Clemson.


I like but won't take:

Looks about right

Washington State at 7Oregon (-37) 3:00 FSN
Oregon is at home.  Oregon covers at home.  Washington State is Washington State and their new branding technique is to wear all grey at home.  That is all.  I want to be tailgating with beverages and not checking my phone every 15 minutes to see if Oregon is up 40 yet, so this one is off the board.
Oregon 43 Washington State 28.  Amazed Wazzou put up 4 scores and this is exactly why I didn't take a 37 point line.  It was 15-10 at half and the Ducks put 21 up in the 3rd quarter to build a 36-20 lead.  Both teams added a score in the 4th (the Cougars with a two poitn conversion).  Oregon was in no way in chance of losing this game, but didn't cover and didn't cover by a lot.  Nice no-call Dupe.



I have been giving America's picks the past few weeks and the average is right around .500 so screw that.  I will not settle for mediocracy.  Half of America is stupid and biased.  Just listen to a sports talk radio show with callers.  You'll see.

*Results Update* Straight Ca$h Homey: Week 8 NCAA Picks

Another 5-2 week (6th 5-win week in a row, 33-15-1 overall) but once again, not only do I not gain any traction on Bradley, but I fall further away.  His only loss?  Georgia Tech.  What a Delta Bravo.

There are a bunch of good games on TV.  I am an average bettor that looks at this stuff for a few hours each week and have a winning percentage of 67%, and I am not even winning my own pick 'em pool.  The goal for point spreads is to have have of the bettors take one side.  For Vegas to break even, the bettors should be around .500.  Anyway, this year, the guys who pay rent by betting are absolutely killing Vegas.  Therefore, all the spreads are inflated and I do not feel comfortable taking all 20 and 30 point favorites.

This week I am heavily relying on the trends of America and anything over 90% is fair game.  I don't like to bet on random games that aren't even on TV and in the past this has bitten me in the ass, but that's my strategy this week.  Conference USA/ESPN3.com dominates my picks to click for Week 8:

Update: Went 3-4 but won the money game.  Whacky week and only two guys had above .500 records.  Brad picked 5 games and extended his lead from .5 to 3.5 games.

*UPDATE* Straight Ca$h Homey: Week 7 NCAA Picks

Finished 5-2 for the 4th straight week, lost because Maryland came back, yet again in the second half against Georgia Tech.  Also lost when Ohio State blew a 27-6 lead and gave up 4 unanswered touchdowns to lose 34-27.

I am still down 1.5 games due to a 6-1 run (30-12, 71.4% overall) by Cosmic Warrior Brian Yontz (thanks for having us over) and Brad going 5-2.  Aceholes.  Also included in the 5-2 club were Pacetta and Kirby.

I bet on Ohio State once in 2004 against Marshall, when the Buckeyes needed a 55-yard field goal from Nugent to beat the 3-touchdown underdog Thundering Herd.  The other time?  Last week.  Bucks lose. Nebraska doesn't cover.  Lose, lose, lose, lose, lose.  Never again.  Never. Again.

The season is half over.  My trends continue as the same teams keep showing up.  Here is what I am looking at while I head to McGee's sit in Columbus for the Illibuck showdown.
*Lines are from Tuesday at noon from Cesar's/Hilton

Frogs go out east, come back home

You'll fit right in



 Texas Christian University announced last night that they have officially accepted an offer to join the Big XII, starting July 1, 2012.  This comes after the school had accepted a move to the Big East last year, which made absolutely no sense other than TCU getting out of the Mountain West and into a BCS situation.  After Boise State joined the MWC, it looked like they were going to have their little BCS-Buster playoff per the winner of the Mountian West.  The move to play UConn as a conference foe seemed even more peculiar.

With Texas A&M gone to the SEC and Mizzou wanting the Big Ten but would settle for the SEC, the Big XII, who has been on the complete brink of collapse twice, had to make a move and TCU makes the most sense.  If not for them, the conference too, filling a void left by the Aggies.

*Results Upate* Straight Ca$h Homey: Week 6 NCAA Picks

*5-2 again this week, lost money due to Yontz going 6-1.  Started .5 games back, now 1.5.  Somebody stop the Yontz train.  Now.

Rallied for a 5-2 week after the USF ass kicking at Heinz Field on Thursday night.  Baylor lost straight up, of course, so the 5 wins is a bit misleading.  I stand at 23-11-1 (3-2 in money games) overall. 

This week, hmmm little iffy (have said that since week 3).  Here is what I got.  No underdogs this week.  And by no I mean none.  At all.  Risky.



Exept when Boise visits the Valley



America, along with my 'stache
are taking the Broncos











*W 57-7.  One of the touchdowns was decribed as if "Boise State was running against air during walk through."
Money Game: 5Boise State (-21) at Fresno State 9:00 ESPN Friday
93% of America is taking Boise.  Sounds good to me.  From VegasInsider.com

My College Football Rankings - Week 6



#1







#1



#3









#4

 





#5





#6





#7





#8

*Week 5 Update* Straight Ca$h Homey: Week 5 NCAA Picks

Week 4 summarized:

Dude lives in a mordern-day west coast The Progam
The Pac-12 is stupid

*Note: These lines are from Tuesday Morning, Caesars-Hilton Sportsbook*
I feel like my luck may be running out after 3 weeks of 5 wins.  Each week I like less and less of the games but here we go:

Even I like Robert Griffin the Third
against the Wildcats



Can't Stop. Won't Stop.
More touchdowns than incompletions.
Thank you sir. May I have another?

 



*Loss.  The Third had over 300 yards and 5 touchdowns (mainly to Wright, 9 for 201 and 3 scores), but one costly pick in the redzone to which the Wildcats converted into the game-winning FG inside 3 minutes left.



Yeah, about that.
Kansas State 36
Baylor 35. Wonderful

College Football Rankings Week 5

After four weeks, I like to look at the best teams.  Preseasons ranking are ish.  The first three weeks, there are injuries and upsets and all that jazz.  After a month, I feel it is the right time to look at the best teams and putting them in order.  I like to do it by region and teams that just "look" good.