We Make It Rain

NFL Conference Championship Weekend Picks

2012-01-22T12:15:00.005-05:00

So, my quest for a perfect playoffs ended way early, but my disdain for my personal picks ended after watching thelast quarter of the New Orleans - San Francisco game. Fantastic, and just absolutely the reason why we watch playoff football. Well, that and watching the sports bar I was in turn off the Denver-New England game for UFC.

As always, I will make the picks straight up and against the spread.

Baltimore Ravens +7 at New England Patriots
Baltimore Ravens

New England's offense is out-of-this world, however, the Pats have to play against an equally talented (and perhaps more so) defense in the Ravens. However, the Ravens can play the run, and the pass, whereas the Patriots can only really pass. In fact, Aaron Hernandez (about whom I commented when he was at UF would be the best pro out of those Gator teams), was the leading running back last week for New England. For those new to the game of football, Hernandez is a TIGHT END!

Since New England cannot really run very well, and if they try, Haloti Ngata will stuff that, leaving Terrell Suggs to rush, Ray Lewis to cover sideline-to-sideline, and the opportunistic secondary to make things difficult for the New England pass catchers.

One caveat, New England can win if Rob Gronkowski gets matched up with Ray Lewis or a safety one-on-one.

That being said, Ray Rice outperforms everyone, and scores enought for the Ravens to wing.

New York Giants +2 at San Francisco 49ers
New York Giants

San Francisco was ridiculously impressive last week, and Alex Smith looked like he not only belongs in the league, but he could be a star. However, that was against New Orleans' defense. The Giants defense, led by the best player in the league this year, Jason Pierre-Paul, is much bigger, faster, stronger and more athletic than the Saints.

Although the 49ers are tough against the run, I expect AHmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs to be somewhat productive, with Patrick Willis getting a few licks in.

The caveat, if Frank Gore has a 135 yards rushing, 80 yards receiving and 3 Touchdown kind of game, the 49ers can win.

I don't think they will.

Last Week Straight Up: 2-2
Last Week Against-the-Spread: 2-2
Playoffs Straight Up: 3-5
Last Week Against-the-Spread: 3-5

Playoff Picks

2012-01-14T15:41:00.004-05:00

Boy was I way off the reservation last week. 11-0 is way gone, both straight-up and against the spread. I need a big comeback week to try to get back to respectability, after a darn good season of picks.

New Orleans Saints -3 at San Francisco
New Orleans Saints

The Saints have consistently been the second best team in the league this year (excepting the Packers). They have a ton of weapons. I know that the 49ers may have the defense to stop almost anybody, but their most experienced playoff performer is David Akers (now watch him hit the winning field goal). Drew Brees is white hot, and I look forward to the Saints-Packers rematch next week.

Denver Broncos +13 1/2 at New England Patriots
New England Patriots

I fully expect the Patriots to move on to next week's AFC Championship game, however, their defense is so bad, that I do not think they will outscore the Broncos by two touchdowns. "But Pepster, they already did". I know, but that was with the aid of three turnovers. If they do not get the turnovers this week, it will be a much closer game. I expect it to be close, but the much maligned defense of the Patriots will make two big plays, one by Vince Wilfork in stuffing a third or fourth and short, and one in the secondary by Patrick Chung. Also going against Denver, the playoff team playing a Saturday game after winning on the previous Sunday is 4-14 since 1990.

Houston Texans + 7 1/2 at Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens

Once again, I pick the AFC favorite to win, with the underdog to cover. With both teams playing great defense and running the ball exceptionally well, I fully expect this game to have 2/3 of the possessions of the average game - maybe 8 or 9 a piece. This severely limits the amount of points one team can score, making it harder to cover a touchdown spread.

New York Giants + 7 1/2 at Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers

Green Bay has been the best team all year, and the week of rest helps them get their offensive line healthy (which they will need against the Giants) and an extra week of rest for Greg Jennings. the Giants front 7 will keep the game close, and the Giants offense will score enough against the Packers to make this a good game. I once again have to mention the player who I felt has played the best this season, regardless of position and regardless of statistics; Jason Pierre-Paul.

Playoff Record To Date

Straight Up: 1-3
Against the Spread: 1-3

Playoffs Picks

2012-01-07T11:52:00.002-05:00

My attempt to go 11-0. I will pick against the spread and straight up.

Cincinnati Bengals +4 at Houston Texans
Cincinnati Bengals

Injuries finally catch up to Houston, as the Bengals' rookie QB is better than the Texans'.

Detroit Lions +10 1/2 at New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints

Detroit has the firepower to hang with New Orleans, so they should cover, but New Orleans is way too potent at home to lose this shootout.

Atlanta Falcons +3 at New York Giants
Atlanta Falcons

This should be a very close game. The Falcons massive draft day trade to get Julio Jones pays off as they play the horrific Giants secondary. I do want to mention that I think Jason Pierre-Paul has played the best football of anyone I have watched this year - and I watched a lot of football.

Denver Broncos +8 v. Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
I don't think Denver can win this game, but their defense, coupled with the injuries to Mendenhall, Pouncey and Roethlisberger, should keep this game close. I am intetested to see how Brady Quinn might do, if he plays as is being reported.

Picks of the Week

2011-12-01T14:28:00.003-05:00

Last week was my first big losing week of the season, even at 8-8 (damn Big Bet). A quick refresher: Each pick is using the spread (straight up is for wussies), and the betting line is from the same website each week as of the time of typing the entry. I keep a running tally of my record, plus my winnings/losses. We will pretend that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler. On to the picks.

Philadelphia Eagles -3 at Seattle Seahawks
So it turns out that Philly is much worse than everyone thought and the Seahawks are much better. And the Eagles have the DeSean Jackson drama, Maclin and Vick out, McCoy - who knows? But, that is better than Sidney Rice on IR and the starting quarterback with a torn pectoral muscle.

Chicago Bears -7 v. Kansas City Chiefs
Caleb Hanie at least showed that he can move the ball - Tyler Palko didn't. However, Orton should play, and then it is a whole different ball of wax. Nevertheless, the Bears D is gelling, with Peppers garnering NFC Defensive Player of the Month honors.

New England Patriots -20 v. Indianapolis Colts
This spread is so absurd, that I have to take New England, just to say I bet on a 20 point NFL favorite. The Pats offense is cruising; just when people learn they have to guard the two tight end offense, the Pats have two receivers hang 100 plus. And, we might have found an offense that the Pats D can stop.

Tennessee Titans +2 1/2 at Buffalo Bills
Chris Johnson has awaken. The Bills are still playing better than anyone believed, but it is going to be hard for any of their receivers to get open because of Jason McCourty, the guy I believe is playing the best of any corner in the NFL.

Houston Texans +3 v. Atlanta Falcons
This is a weird game to pick, because we just have no idea what we are going to get out of T.J. Yates. But, we do know what we will get from the Texans defense and their running game, so I'll take the points and hope for a close game.

Denver Broncos + 1 1/2 at Minnesota Vikings
Is it possible to have a 0-0 game with 0 total yards from scrimmage?

Washington Redskins +3 v. New York Jets
I don't know why, I just feel that the Redskins have been playing well, the Jets haven't, and I want the points. Plus, the Redskins get a chance to see what they really have in Helu.

Carolina Panthers +3 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Panthers running game seems to be getting back on track, and that will really open things up for Cam Newton.

Oakland Raiders +3 at Miami Dolphins
Both teams are playing much better than expected, but the Raiders running game is much stronger, and on that basis, I want the Raiders.

Pittsburgh Steelers -6 1/2 v. Cincinnati Bengals
Pittsburgh beats Cincinnati by 7 at Cincinnati, should be by more in Pittsburgh.

Baltimore Ravens -6 1/2 at Cleveland Browns
I am not sure anyone should really be a 6 1/2 point favorite in this division, but I like the Ravens much more than the Browns. I hope the divisional rivalry thing doesn't make Cleveland play better than they really are.

Green Bay Packers -7 at New York Giants
Only Jason Pierre-Paul is really playing an effective defensive line for the Giants, and without a major pass rush, Rodgers can pick the defense apart. Plus, Brandon Jacobs is a shell of his former self, and cannot be an effective starting running back. The Giants need Bradshaw back.

St. Louis Rams +13 at San Francisco 49ers
St. Louis has not been winning a lot of games, but they have the offensive firepower to stay close. I'll take almost two touchdowns.

New Orleans Saints -9 v. Detroit Lions
With Suh out, the Lions interior rush falls to rookie Nick Fairley. New Orleans showed that they could run-and-gun with Green Bay, now they are fresh and looking to put their stamp on the second best team in the NFC sweepstakes.

Jacksonville Jaguars +3 v. San Diego Chargers
The Jaguar defense played amazingly in their previous Monday Night Football appearance, and I look for an inspired performance this week after the del Rio firing and news that the purchasing owner will keep the team in Jacksonville. Gabbert really needs to perform much better, if he is given the chance to play.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Dallas Cowboys -4 at Arizona Cardinals
Dallas is playing much better since DeMarco Murray has been inserted into the starting role, and DeMarcus Ware is having a Defensive MVP type season. I heard a line today that sums up Arizona. "We finally found a way to defend Larry Fitzgerald - John Skelton".

Previous Week's Record: 8-8
Year to Date: 74-68-5
Big Bet Last Week: 0-1
Big Beat Year to Date: 9-1
Winnings (Losses) Last Week: $(245)
Winnings (Losses) Year-To-Date: $1105

My Argument Against Alabama

2011-11-26T22:17:00.004-05:00

Okay, so it appears to be a foregone conclusion that LSU and Alabama will meet in the BCS Championship Game in January to determine college football's National Champion. I think it is the wrong game, and I think LSU is being penalized for being maybe the 2nd best team I have seen in college football. I am going on record now as being in favor of an LSU - Oklahoma State matchup (assuming OSU handles its business against OU next week), and I give you the following for your consideration:

1. I have never agreed with premise that a team should be eligible for the championship game if it does not win its conference. Alabama is not even going to play in the SEC Championship game next weekend. This is ridiculous! LSU has gone through the West Division of the SEC undefeated and is rewarded by having to play an extra game against a much improved Georgia team in Atlanta. I don't think it is going to matter if LSU loses since they have beaten three teams in the top 3 this year and seven ranked teams overall. However, the risk of a loss at the end of a season is significant considering that Alabama is going to be sitting at home resting and watching.

2. Why will Alabama be sitting at home resting next weekend? Because they lost to LSU earlier this month...AT HOME! So, just to be clear, LSU will now be required to beat Alabama twice - once in Tuscaloosa and once on a neutral field. LSU is really getting the short end of the stick here. Hell, I might argue that even if LSU were to lose to Alabama in a championship game, I would STILL give them the trophy for beating Alabama in Tuscaloosa!

3. I don't like the BCS, but it is all we have at the moment. The intent of the BCS is to put the number 1 and 2 teams together every year. This year it is difficult, but not impossible. The computers overwhelmingly have OSU as the second best team in the country. I recognize that the computers don't watch games, but it is an integral part of the formula and again, it is all we have. Also, OSU's only loss was in two overtimes, on the road, on a day when the athletic department lost two basketball coaches in a plane crash. I imagine that the players weren't very close to those involved in the crash, but it must still be traumatic. I don't know, I am thinking about giving them a pass for that.

4. I will not entertain arguments for Virginia Tech (pitiful schedule that they should have murdered), Stanford (embarrassed at home), Houston (please), or Boise State (lost at home to TCU). Nice seasons, but not part of this conversation.

I am not going to say that OSU is a better football team this year than Alabama. I don't know the answer to that and there is no playoff to determine who is better. What I do know is this - LSU is better than Alabama. It was proven at the University of Alabama on national television. It is unfair to LSU to make them prove it again on a neutral field.

My BCS Championship Game is LSU vs. OSU. And there shouldn't be an argument.

Thanksgiving Picks of the Week

2011-11-24T10:43:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving, and welcome to the "picks of the week". A quick refresher: Each pick is using the spread (straight up is for wussies), and the betting line is from the same website each week as of the time of typing the entry. I keep a running tally of my record, plus my winnings/losses. We will pretend that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler. On to the picks.

Detroit Lions +6 v. Green Bay Packers
Green Bay's defense has not looked that great, and Detroit's offense has a lot of firepower. Stafford is a different quarterback at home. I am not saying that the Lions beat the Packers, but they definitely score enough to keep it within a touchdown.

Dallas Cowboys -7 v. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have looked really good the past 3 or 4 weeks, and they have not given up a touchdown in what seems like forever. That stops today. Cowboys smell the opening to win the division, and I expect them to take a big bite toward that title today.

Baltimore Ravens -3 1/2 v. San Francisco 49ers
Very short week and travel from west coast to east coast will be detrimental to the 49ers. Yeah, I know I know they have won every east coast game this year, but the Ravens are not the Redskins. Plus, Torrey Smith has brought an additional dimension to the Ravens offense.

Chicago Bears +4 at Oakland Raiders
I have bet the Raiders more times than most this year, but I think this Bears team is really gelling on defense. If Hanie can get a good full week of practice in before the game, and if he continues to show the strengths he brought to the second half of the NFC Championship game, then the Bears should be all right. Plus, they have the non-Aaron Rodgers MVP of the league in Matt Forte.

Tennessee Titans -3 1/2 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have been a big disappointment for a lot of people this year. Although they still have some good, young talent, the Titans are a really tough team. Johnson might be rounding into form, and whether Hasselback can play or not, Jake Locker looks like he can play.

St. Louis Rams No Line v. Arizona Cardinals
I think that you are starting at QB for Arizona this week.

New York Jets -9 v. Buffalo Bills
The loss of Fred Jackson cannot be overestimated. The fact that the Bills were on a downward spiral with Jackson doesn't help either. The only reason this isn't a 15 or 17 point spread is because the Bills have the better quarterback.

Houston Texans -3 1/2 at Jacksonville Jaguars
I have no idea what we are going to get in Matt Leinart, and nobody else does either. Not even the Texans. Especially not the Texans. However, the Jaguars know exactly what they are getting in Blaine Gabbert.

Carolina Panthers -3 at Indianapolis Colts
Boy are the Colts bad without Peyton.

Cincinnati Bengals -7 1/2 v. Cleveland Browns
Andy Dalton is making a run at NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Browns are in complete disarray.

Atlanta Falcons -9 1/2 v. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota's offense is reeling, and the Falcons seem to be out of the funk they were in at the beginning of the season.

Washington Redskins + 3 1/2 at Seattle Seahawks
I am still not picking Seattle.

San Diego Chargers -6 v. Denver Broncos
The Chargers have not been very good and they turn the ball over, but that's OK because this Broncos offense cannot move the ball effectively. If Rivers doesn't throw interceptions, the Chargers are due for a win.

New England Patriots -4 at Philadelphia Eagles
So the league has figured out that the way to stop Welker is to play him man-to-man, but the Pats have Gronkowski and Hernandez. The Eagles don't even know if they will have Vick, although I suspect they will. I expect a shootout, with the Pats winning by a touchdown.

New Orleans Saints -7 v. New York Giants
The Saints offense was hitting on all cylinders just prior to the bye week. I think the week off will do nothing but refresh them. The Giants have been Jekyll and Hyde this year, but I think the Saints score enough anyway.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Pittsburgh Steelers -10 1/2 at Kansas City
I hate to make a double digit spread my "Big Bet of the Week", but then again, have you seen Kansas City play? Mike Wallace has emerged as one of the best receivers in the league, Mendenhall is a solid running back, and they still have that Steeler defense (although not as Steel as in the past).

Previous Week's Record: 6-6-2
Year to Date: 66-60-5
Big Bet Last Week: 1-0
Big Beat Year to Date: 9-0
Winnings (Losses) Last Week: $90
Winnings (Losses) Year-To-Date: $1350

Picks of the Week

2011-11-17T15:54:00.004-05:00

It is time for the "picks of the week". A quick refresher: Each pick is using the spread (straight up is for wussies), and the betting line is from the same website each week as of the time of typing the entry. I keep a running tally of my record, plus my winnings/losses. We will pretend that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler. On to the picks.

Denver Broncos +6 v. New York Jets
The Jets should win this game, but with the Broncos new rushing attack, possessions will be fewer. Plus, this line has grown 1 1/2 points since open, meaning, I will go against the majority of Americans almost every time. Plus, the Jets have only had 1 practice to get ready for the college offense of the Broncos, having played late Sunday night.

Dallas Cowboys -7 at Washington Redskins
Boy are the Redskins bad. The Cowboys may have really found a player in this DeMarco Murray.

Miami Dolphons -2 v. Buffalo Bills
The Dolphins have never quit in any game this year, and played some good teams close. Buffalo is no longer a good team.

Green Bay Packers -14 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Unlike the Dolphins, Tampa Bay has a tendency to quit in games. That will be easy to do once Rodgers gets up on them.

Detroit Lions -7 v. Carolina Panthers
There is no way that Detroit lays two eggs in a row, so after that beatdown at the hands of the Bears, I look for Detroit to give a similar beatdown to Carolina. For the Panthers, Newton has looked spectacular at time, but lately, he is getting absolutely no help from the running game. They need Williams and/or Stewart to step up to help Newton.

Jacksonville Jaguars +1 at Cleveland Browns
There is no reason whatsoever that I want to watch this game, nor do I really care who wins. I'll take the points, nay, point.

Cincinnati Bengals +7 at Baltimore Ravens
I still think that the Ravens are going to win, but Cincinnati showed last week against Pittsburgh that they can hang with the big boys. The Ravens showed that they can lose to anyone.

Chicago Bears -3 1/2 v. San Diego Chargers
Gates is playing like he is old, Philip Rivers is playing like he has no offensive help, and the Bears are cruising right now, and they are at home.

Arizona Cardinals +9 1/2 at San Francisco 49ers
Arizona beat Philadelphia last week, and they way they played, they could keep it close. I like the 49ers to win, perhaps by a touchdown, but with a run-first offense and a strong defense, the clock will keep running down and limit possession, hopefully keeping the score close, even if San Fran dominates.

St. Louis Rams -2 v. Seattle Seahawks
I don't care who they beat last week, I cannot bet on Seattle.

Green Bay Packers -5 1/2 at San Diego Chargers
Green Bay is simply the best team in football, and we need to set up the Packers being undefeated going into the Thanksgiving game at Detroit.

Tennessee Titans +6 at Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons looked pretty good against the Saints, but this team could meltdown knowing that 1 loss could keep them out of the playoffs, especially when that one loss can be laid strictly at the feet of one really stupid decision.

New York Giants -4 1/2 v. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are nowhere near as good as everyone thought they were going to be. In fact, we can offically call them BAD.

New England Patriots -14 1/2 v. Kansas City Chiefs
We have had some really bad Monday night games this year, including a couple of blowouts. Let's add another to the list.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Oakland Raiders -1 at Minnesota Vikings
Carson Palmer is starting to hit a bit of a groove and Michael Bush is a more than capable backup to Darren McFadden. Christian Ponder has had his moments, but this is not a good Vikings team. Without Jared Allen and Adrian Peterson, this team would be nothing this year. And with Janikowsi and Lechler, this team can play field position football with absolutely anybody.

Previous Week's Record: 8-6
Year to Date: 60-54-3
Big Bet Last Week: 1-0
Big Beat Year to Date: 8-0
Winnings (Losses) Last Week: $290
Winnings (Losses) Year-To-Date: $1260

NFL Picks

2011-11-04T13:28:00.003-04:00

It is time for the "picks of the week". A quick refresher: Each pick is using the spread (straight up is for wussies), and the betting line is from the same website each week as of the time of typing the entry. I keep a running tally of my record, plus my winnings/losses. We will pretend that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler. On to the picks.

New York Jets +2 at Buffalo Bills
I really don't know what to think of this game, and in that situation, I always take the points. Plus, the Jets should be a bit healthier after the bye week.

Dallas Cowboys -11 v. Seattle Seahawks
Just to keep betting against Seattle.

Cleveland Browns +10 1/2 at Houston Texans
This has nothing to do with Peyton Hillis, but more to do with the fact that the spread is double digits. I really don't think Cleveland can win, but could lose by 10.

Atlanta Falcons -7 at Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis is not good. Falcons should run the ball on them all game.

Kansas City Chiefs -4 v. Miami Dolpins
If this Chiefs defense plays anything like Monday night, Miami does not have a chance. They are playing hard, the Dolphins just aren't good.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +8 1/2 at New Orleans Saints
LaGarrette Blount is back, and the Saints will make just one too many turnovers to cover this spread.

Cincinnati Bengals +2 1/2 at Tennessee Titans
Cincinnati is play surprisingly well, and since every other defense has bottled up Chris Johnson this year, the Bengals should be able to do so as well.

Oakland Raiders -8 v. Denver Broncos
Darren McFadden is much, much better than anything the Broncos have. Plus, Janikowski is back.

St. Louis Rams + 1 1/2 at Arizona Cardinals
John Skelton.

Green Bay Packers -5 1/2 at San Diego Chargers
Green Bay is simply the best team in football, and we need to set up the Packers being undefeated going into the Thanksgiving game at Detroit.

New York Giants +9 at New England Patriots
It appears that teams have figured out that playing Welker man-to-man is the way to slow down the Patriots offense. After watching the Giants against the Dolphins, that may not be enough for them to win, but it may be enough for them to cover.

Baltimore Ravens +3 at Pittsburgh Steelers
With the exception of the first game of the season, this game is always close. Ravens have not been playing as consistent since, and the Steelers are playing better since, so this game should be close this time around.

Chicago Bears +8 at Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles give up around 5 yards a carry, and Forte gains about 5 yards a carry. The Eagles looked great last week, but the Bears are rested after a bye. I'll take the 8 points gladly. If the Bears weren't my favorite team, I might have made this my Big Bet.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

San Francisco 49ers -3 1/2 at Washington Redskins
Jim Harbaugh has the 49ers playing tough, and good, football. The Washington Redskins, well, not so tough or good.

Previous Week's Record: 6-7
Year to Date: 52-48-3
Big Bet Last Week: 1-0
Big Beat Year to Date: 7-0
Winnings (Losses) Last Week: ($20)
Winnings (Losses) Year-To-Date: $970

Picks of the Week

2011-10-30T10:53:00.005-04:00

Abbreviated picks this week, as I am traveling. I righted the ship last week after my first and only losing week of the season. On to the picks.

Baltimore Ravems -12 v. Arizona Cardinals
Minnesota Vikings +3 at Carolina Panthers
Jacksonville Jaguars +9 1/2 v. Houston Texans
Tennessee Tirans -8 v. Indianapolis Colts
New Orleans Saints -13 1/2 at St. Louis Rams
New York Giants -9 1/2 v. Miami Dolphins
Buffalo Bills -4 v. Washington Redskins
New England -2 1/2 at Pittsburgh Steelers
San Francisco 49ers -8 1/2 v. Cleveland Browns
Cincinnati Bengals -1 1/2 at Seattle Seahawks
Dallas Cowboys +3 v. Philadelphia Eagles
San Diego Chargers -3 Kansas City Chiefs

Big Bet
Detroit Lions -3 at Denver Broncos

Previous Week's Record: 6-6-1
Year-to-Date: 46-41-3
Big Bet Last Week: 1-0
Big Bet Year-to-Date: 6-0
Winnings (Losses) Last Week: $90
Winnings (Losses) Year-to-Date: $990

Picks of the Week

2011-10-22T13:02:00.003-04:00

It is time for the "picks of the week". A quick refresher: Each pick is using the spread (straight up is for wussies), and the betting line is from the same website each week as of the time of typing the entry. I keep a running tally of my record, plus my winnings/losses. We will pretend that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler.

I apologize for missing last week. Not good as two weeks ago was my first losing week (only -$20, so not too bad), but I was out celebrating my Mom's 60th birthday. I hope you understand. On to the picks.

Carolina Panthers -2 1/2 v. Washington Redskins
When your best offensive player and your best defensive player are both upset that John Beck is starting, then your team has problems. Plus, I had a dream that the Panthers drafted Justin Blackmon this year to go with Cam Newtwon and Steve Smith - wouldn't that be something?!

Tennessee Titans -3 v Houston Texans
Tennessee always plays tough, and the Texans are once again without Andre Johnson. Although I would have loved to have seen McCourty cover Johnson during this game, it appears McCourty will have to be happy shutting down Walter and Jones.

San Diego Chargers +1 at New York Jets
Beating the Dolphins doesn't impress me Jets.

Denver Broncos pick 'em at Miami Dolphins
Coming off a bye week and playing the Dolphins is the perfect storm for Tim Tebow. But, see my immediate entry above.

Detroit Lions -3 v. Atlanta Falcons
I just don't think the Falcons defense can stop the Lions offense, even though the Lions are effectively without any running backs - unless you include Keiland Williams.

Seattle Seahawks +3 at Cleveland Browns
Not because this is what I think will actually happen, but simply because I have been saying that I will bet against Seattle until they start Charlie Whitehurst. Well, they are starting Charlie Whitehurst.

Pittsburgh Steelers -4 at Arizona Cardinals
What a long way away from he Super Bowl for both of these teams.

Oakland Raiders -3 1/2 v Kansas City Chiefs
I really don't know what to make of the Raiders QB situation, but in any event, they still have Darren McFadden. If I was the Raiders, I would be more concerned about missing Sebastian Janikowski. Putting this one on the defense.

Green Bay Packers -10 at Minnesota VIkings
Never take a 10 point road divisional favorite - unless of course the other team is starting a rookie QB in his very first NFL start, their starting CB was just arrested on domestic assault charges and isn't likely to be released before the game, and they just aren't very good.

Dallas Cowboys -13 v. St. Louis Rams
This Rams team just is not very good. I am worried about the 13 point spread, but Austin has a game under his belt, and hopefully a little more synch to the offense.

New Orleans Sainst -13 1/2 v. Indianapolis Colts
Marques Colston is officially back after last week's performance, and, I figured that I have already taken each of the other two double digit favorites.

Baltimore Ravens -8 1/2 v. Jacksonville Jaguars
Ravens are one of the best two or three teams in the NFL. The Jaguars aren't.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Chicago Bears -1 1/2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (in London)
After last week's performance, I have to pick the Bears, especially since the Bucs will be without LaGarrette Blount. The Bears arrived much later in London than the Bucs, I just hope they get acclimated to the time change prior to kickoff.

Previous Week's Record: 6-7
Year to Date: 40-35-2
Big Bet Last Week: 1-0
Big Beat Year to Date: 5-0
Winnings (Losses) Last Week: ($20)
Winnings (Losses) Year-To-Date: $900

World Series Roundtable

2011-10-19T20:43:00.003-04:00

As Game 1 is underway, it is time to reveal our discussions and predictions for the World Series.

Hopps, since you predicted each of the divisional series correctly, would you like to go first, or last.

Hopps: I'll go last. Sinickal, you're up!

Sinickal: I look up and down each of the rosters and the Texas Rangers are just better than the Cardinals. With the possible exception of Carpenter as ace, and Pujols as best overall player (but not by much over Hamilton), the Rangers are better top-to-bottom. That means the Rangers should win this thing, and I will say in 6.

However, if we fast forwarded ten days or so and you told me that the Cardinals won, for some reason I would not be surprised. Such a victory would have to be based upon the pure power of Albert Pujols, just willing this team to a World Series victory as part of his goodbye St. Louis victory tour.

That being said, I still say Rangers in 6.

Pepster: Sinickal, as much as I agree with the fact that Pujols can do what Prince Fielder didn't, and that is lead his team in the playoffs before heading out of dodge, where is he going to go? The Red Sox and Yankees are set, for big money, at first base, Pujols is too athletic to DH and Fielder is younger such as to have a bit more value in free agency. The Dodgers like Loney, although he is nowhere near the player Pujols is, the Angels could be a candidate, or .... AH HA! You are pushing Pujols for the Cubs! I knew there was an ulterior motive to your honoring Pujols despite picking against the Cardinals.

Wow - that was pretty good psychology right there.

Anyway, I am going to agree with your Rangers in 6. Carpenter wins at least 1 so the series goes 6, but that Rangers lineup is loaded! Hamilton has yet to hit his postseason groove, if Nelson Cruz's next hit is for extra bases, he ties the record of consecutive post-season extra base hits held by the immortal Jayson Werth, and Young, Beltre, Kinsler, Napoli, et. al all have power. And I keep preaching the value of Elvis Andrus, and at some point he is going to explode. The Rangers have enough pitching, and they were here last year. I think it all adds up.

Hopps, your opinion?

Hopps: Texas.

Pepster: Anything else to add?

Hopps: Nope.

Sinickal: Why not?

Hopps: I don't have to justify anything, I was perfect the last round we did this. OUT!

Tebow, The Next Newton?

2011-10-12T21:55:00.004-04:00

Let me open this way. You will learn nothing new in the next few paragraphs. This is my effort at piling on to the Tim Tebow narrative.

So, Tim Tebow has finally been tapped as the starter in Denver. His early success is almost a guarantee give that he has a bye week, then a homecoming game in Miami against one of the worst teams in football. The Bye week alone should be enough to vault him into the top five quarterbacks in the league. The schedule gets harder after that, but will it matter? Three weeks from now, Tebow will be better than Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers or...wait for it...Cam Newton!

It will be interesting to watch the next few weeks. Tebow does some things that blow your mind - and not in a good way. He had a play in the game against San Diego in Week 5 in which he turned his back to the line of scrimmage for no apparent reason. it was part of some strange pirouette that didn't make sense because he wasn't under that much pressure. What the hell was that? I am sorry. I shouldn't cuss when talking about Tim Tebow.

I get that he is big and athletic and super enthusiastic and a really sweet guy, but he is not a NFL quarterback.

Let me repeat that. He is not an NFL quarterback.

Full disclosure -- I also thought Cam Newton would fail miserably in the NFL. Fail like Tiger Woods in a family structure. I was completely wrong. Cam Newton is big and athletic, and is blessed with a cannon. Newton can make any throw from the pocket and is near impossible to defend when he is on the run. He is also much better at understanding his offense and reading defenses than I ever thought he would be. I am quickly becoming sold on him as a starting quarterback in the league. So far, he is worth the first overall pick that Carolina spent on him.

Tebow, on the other hand, was drafted much earlier than he should have been. It was a mistake to put this kind of pressure on him and on the Denver Broncos franchise. Tebow has poor mechanics, poorer accuracy, and the arm strength of Carl Lewis. That combination will not survive in today's NFL. If you can't make all of the throws in this league, you will not survive!

I am looking forward to this. I am not a true Tebow hater, I just think that the love for this guy borders on irrational! It will be comical watching the UF fans fawn all over him during his "Florida Day" in Miami next week. It will be nauseating listening to the Brett Favre like love affair with him a week from Monday. And it will be satisfying to see him taking his place on the bench with all of the other highly touted, underachieving quarterbacks that simply can't play at the NFL level.

We have seen this story before.

Picks of the Week

2011-10-08T13:52:00.004-04:00

It is time for the "picks of the week". A quick refresher: Each pick is using the spread (straight up is for wussies), and the betting line is from the same website each week as of the time of typing the entry. I keep a running tally of my record, plus my winnings/losses. We will pretend that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler. First set of bye weeks this week, so less games to choose. Gotta be careful to keep finishing in the money. On to the picks.

Philadelphia Eagles -2 1/2 at Buffalo Bills
The curtain was pulled back a bit last week. The Bills are still being wizarded by the Harvard guy, but that first loss hurt their mystique.

Tennessee Titans +3 at Pittsburgh Steelers
James Harrison being hurt limits the Steelers at two positions, as Lawrence Timmons moves inside. Mendenhall has not been special this year, but he is still generally pretty good, so his loss hurts as well. The Titans are playing well so far this year.

New York Giants -9 1/2 v. Seattle Seahawks
Once again ... Tarvaris Jackson.

Minnesota Vikings -3 v. Arizona Cardinals
A surprisingly difficult game for me to select. In those situations I usually take the points. But then again, I usually am not choosing against Kevin Kolb.

Cincinnati Bengals +1 1/2 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Cincinnati surprised everyone last week beating Buffalo. Should be a fun battle of rookie quarterbacks.

Indianapolis Colts -2 v. Kansas City Chiefs
The Colts looked stronger than I expected against a tough Tampa team. The Chiefs ... not so tough.

New Orleans -6 1/2 at Carolina Panthers
That first week loss to the Packers might have been between the best two teams in the league. Cam Newton is fast becoming the most exciting player in the NFL.

Oakland Raiders +5 at Houston Texans
The Raiders are pretty good, and the Texans, although still explosive, will miss Andre Johnson.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3 v. San Francisco 49ers
A surprisingly good matchup between two potential playoff teams. I will take the points, and hope the Bucs play a bit better than they did last week.

New England Patriots -7 v. New York Jets
Yes, I know that Rex Ryan seems to have the Patriots number. However, this is not the same Jets team from the last few years. Plus, Ryan refuses to put Revis on Welker in the slot, preferring to keep him outside. That could limit Ochocinco to like, 2 catches!

Green Bay Packers -5 1/2 at Atlanta Falcons
Best team in the league right now going against a team that was very overrated at the beginning of the year. I don't see how Atlanta stops Green Bay's offense.

Chicago Bears +5 at Detroit Lions
I don't think my Bears can win ... but I do think they can cover. Detroit's first time on the big stage in a long, long time.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

San Diego Chargers -3 1/2 at Denver Broncos
I know this is a divisional game, but really, how is the line this close?

Previous Week's Record: 8-8
Year to Date: 34-28-2
Big Bet Last Week: 1-0
Big Beat Year to Date: 4-0
Winnings (Losses) Last Week: $70
Winnings (Losses) Year-To-Date: $920

Picks of the Week

2011-10-02T12:47:00.003-04:00

Short picks this week because I am traveling.

Chicago -7
Washington -3
San Francisco +9 1/2
Minnesota -3
New Orleans -8 1/2
Pittsburgh +3 1/2
Detroit +2 1/2
Buffalo -3
Tennessee pick 'em
Atlanta -4 1/2
Green Bay -12
Miami +6 1/2
Oakland +6
Baltimore -4 1/2
Tampa Bay -10

Big Bet
New York Giants -1

Last Week's Record: 8-7-1
Record Year-to-Date: 26-20-1
Last Week's Big Bet: 1-0
Big Bet Year-to-Date: 3-0
Last Week's Winnings: $180
Winnings Year-to-Date: $850

MLB Divisional Series Roundtable

2011-09-30T17:03:00.005-04:00

As the first playoff game begins, Hopps, Sinickal and myself all knock off work a bit early to have a quick roundtable discussion on the MLB divisional series. For our collective thoughts and picks, let's begin with the first game, Tampa Bay Rays at Texas Rangers. Hopps?

Hopps: Screw you!

Pepster: My bad - I probably shouldn't have started with the Red Sox fan on this one. Sinickal, your thoughts?

Sinickal: I am going with Tampa. I think they will have a short hangover, but ultimately an easy series. They are a really good team from the best division. Four games.

Pepster: I have to disagree. I think that the Rangers just have too much for the Rays. The Rays are supposed to have pitching and defense, but they are starting Matt Moore in only his second MLB start in Game 1. Texas's lineup is stacked now that everyone is healthy, and it is about time people realize that Elvis Andrus is going to be really, really good. Also in four games.

Hopps: Damn. Now no matter who I select I have to agree with one of you. I am going to say Texas, as the Rays just won their World Series.

Pepster: Now to the marquee American League matchup, Detroit and New York Yankees. I think that nobody has really been talking about Detroit all year outside of Verlander, but that lineup is good and deep. The Yankees lineup is deep too, but guys like Miguel Cabrera are just too dumb to realize they are supposed to lose to the Yankees. Plus, I don't think Verlander will even have to pitch two games in this series. Tigers in 4.

Sinickal: Verlander gets to pitch games 1 and 5. That means that the Yankees have to win 3 straight in the middle. I don't seem them getting that done.

Hopps: Detroit - Verlander. That's all.

We all agree on that one. Let's go to another series where we should all agree, Philadelphia and St. Louis. Hopps?

Hopps: St. Louis. They are playing good baseball. This is the upset of the playoffs.

Pepster: They do have Pujols, but there is no way that I can pick them. It's Philly. There offense has not been the typical Philly offense all year, but they still have Victorino, Rollins, Utley, Howard, et. al. And they have pitching! Philadelphia in 4.

Sinickal: Best team in baseball with great pitching in a short series. This might be a sweep.

And for the last series - Milwaukee or Arizona?

Sinickal: Arizona plays in the equivalent of the NFC West. Good team and bad division v. Great team. I'll pick Milwaukee.

Hopps: I will also take Milwaukee. They win at home; best home winning percentage in the majors.

Pepster: I will make it 3 for 3, even though Justin Upton could be the best player in baseball that nobody talks about. Sneaky good pitching, and Braun/Fielder is a helluva one-two punch, especially with Hart and McGehee showing some power as well. Brewers in 4.

That wraps up our divisional roundtable. But what would this conversation be without mentioning our Patron Saint, Adam Jones, helping to eliminate the Red Sox from the playoffs.

Hopps: That isn't the same Adam Jones. I hate you.

Pepster: Oh, my bad, maybe I just wanted to mention that the Sox collapsed. See you back here for the League Championship Series roundtable.

Picks of the Week

2011-09-25T10:36:00.003-04:00

It is time for the "picks of the week". A quick refresher: Each pick is using the spread (straight up is for wussies), and the betting line is from the same website each week as of the time of typing the entry. I keep a running tally of my record, plus my winnings/losses. We will pretend that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler. On to the picks.

New England Patriots -7 at Buffalo Bills
The Bills and Fitzpatrick are a great story to date, and it is possible that they put up a bunch of points against the Patriots. But it is also probable that they give up a lot more.

Carolina Panthers -3 v. Jacksonville Jaguars
Blaine Gabbert is making his first start. Cam Newton is practically a veteran comparatively.

Cincinnati Bengals -2 1/2 v. San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco is still searching for their quarterback. Cincinnati may have found theirs.

Miami Dolphins +1 1/2 at Cleveland Browns
I really don't know what to make of this game. In that situation, I'll take points and just hope.

Detroit Lions -3 at Minnesota Vikings
The Lions juggernaut continues. Minnesota looked much better in Week 2 than in their opening game, but they are a long way away from competing with Detroit.

New Orleans Saints -3 1/2 v. Houston Texans
New Orleans looks like one of the best 2 or 3 teams in the league right now. Houston is trying to get to that level. They are not quite there ... yet.

New York Giants +8 1/2 v. Philadelphia Eagles
Vick is likely going to play, but how effective is he going to be. Philly is stronger, but I don't think they are 8 1/2 points stronger.

Tennessee Titans -7 v. Denver Broncos
Tennessee rolled the Ravens last week without Chris Johnson doing what Chris Johnson does. I don't know if Johnson will start to heat up, but the Titans look to have more than the Fighting Tebows do.

Green Bay Packers -4 1/2 at Chicago Bears
The Bears could put up a lot of offensive yards against the Packers if they can keep Cutler upright. That is a big IF.

San Diego Chargers -14 v. Kansas City Chiefs
That's a big spread, but Kansas City is without its best offensive (Jamal Charles) and defensive (Eric Berry) players for the season. San Diego is hurting, but most of their questionables should at least give it a go.

Oakland Raiders +3 v. New York Jets
Oakland has played two very close games to start the season. The Jets have not given me any reason to think that this will not be a close one as well.

Atlanta + 1 1/2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Atlanta is a much stronger team than the Bucs. They are only getting points because they are on the road. I'll take 'em.

Arizona Cardinals -3 at Seattle Seahawks
Once again - Tarvaris Jackson.

Pittsburgh Steelers -10 1/2 at Indianapolis Colts
Without Peyton Manning, this is a much different team.

Washington Redskins No Line at Dallas Cowboys
Thanks to Romo, there is no official line in this game. But since it is my blog, I am going to count it as a pick 'em. It is still too soon for Rex Grossman to implode.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Baltimore Ravens -5 at St. Louis Rams
The Ravens need a big bounce back after last week's loss to the Titans. They get it here.

Previous Week's Record: 8-7-1
Year to Date: 18-13-1
Big Bet Last Week: 1-0
Big Beat Year to Date: 2-0
Winnings (Losses) Last Week: $180
Winnings (Losses) Year-To-Date: $670

Picks of the Week

2011-09-18T12:08:00.003-04:00

It is time for the "picks of the week". As you know, I like to keep track of what I would have earned had I actually bet on all of the games (since gambling is illegal). Each pick is using the spread (straight up is for wussies), and the betting line is from the same website each week as of the time of typing the entry. I will keep a running tally of my record, plus my winnings/losses. We will pretend that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler. On to the picks.

New Orleans Saints -5 v. Chicago Bears
I would love for my Bears to pull this off, but with the funeral of Brian Urlacher's mom being held yesterday, and several players and stafff flying back to New Orleans just yesterday, they will likely be a bit tired. Also, the adrenaline that will carry them through the first quarter would likley fade quickly as the game goes on.

Buffalo Bills -4 v. Oakland Raiders
Although I think that the Raiders are the better team, west coast teams flying east to play the early game just are not very successful. A big congratulations to my body Sebastian Janikowski for his record-tying 63 yard field goal on Monday night.

Washington Redskins -4 v. Arizona Cardinals
Again with the west coast teams going east. Plus, we are still a few weeks from the inevitable Rex Grossman implosion.

Baltimore Ravens -5 1/2 at Tennessee Titans
The only explanation for last week for the Ravens is "WOW"!

Jacksonville Jaguars +9 at New York Jets
The Jets offense was not impressive last week against the Cowboys. At least not 9 point spread impressive. Jacksonville still has to prove themselves, and this is their chance.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers + 1 1/2 at Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings were absolutely horrible last week. McNabb might just be done.

Green Bay Packers -10 1/2 at Carolina Panthers
What would the point spread have been if the Packers were at home?!

Detroit Lions -7 1/2 v. Kansas City Chiefs
Detroit seems to be this year's "it" team, while Kansas City was simply awful last week.

Cleveland Browns -2 at Indianapolis Colts
No Peyton Manning.

Dallas Cowboys -3 at San Francisco 49ers
Dallas should have won that game against the Jets, but they didn't. Doesn't matter because the 49ers are nowhere near the same level of the Jets.

New England Patriots -7 v. San Diego Chargers
This could be another PAtriots barnburner with tons and tons of yards and points. Exciting game to watch for sure.

Denver Broncos -3 v. Cincinnati Bengals
I really have no reason to support this pick other than the fact that Tim Tebow prayed extra hard this week.

Houston Texans -3 at Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins were valiant on offense against the Patriots, but virtually nonexistent on defense. that is not the side of the ball to be weak against the Texans.

Philadelphia Eagles -2 1/2 at Atlanta Falcons
Both sides have weaknesses, but I think the Falcons might be bruising from the beating the Bears gave them last week.

St. Louis Rams -6 1/2 v. New York Giants
Is Hakeen Nicks going to play? Even if so, are the Giants that much of an offensive threat to win this game by 7? I don't think so.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Pittsburgh Steelers -13 1/2 v. Seattle Seahawks
Tarvaris Jackson! Plus, the Steelers should be angry after the beat down last week at the hands of the Ravens.

Previous Week's Record: 10-6
Year to Date: 10-6
Big Bet Last Week: 1-0
Big Beat Year to Date: 1-0
Winnings (Losses): $490

Picks of the Week

2011-09-11T10:25:00.004-04:00

Welcome back to this year's "picks of the week" segment that will occur weekly at We Make It Rain. As a refresher, I like to keep track of what I would have earned had I actually bet on all of the games (since gambling is illegal). Each pick is using the spread (straight up is for wussies), and the betting line is from the same website each week as of the time of typing the entry. I will keep a running tally of my record, plus my winnings/losses. We will pretend that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler. On to the picks.

Green Bay Packers - 4 1/2 v. New Orleans Saints
See my entry from Thursday.

Atlanta Falcons -1 1/2 at Chicago Bears
The Falcons are loaded for Bear this year, and the addition of Julio Jones can only mean some easier catches for Roddy White - who makes them all look easy already. I am afraid that this could be the start of a long season for the Bears.

Detroit Lions + 1 1/2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers had a very impressive season last year, and Josh Freeman looks to be very good, but as long as Matt Stafford is healthy, the Lions will move the ball against anyone. Plus, if you believe the old adage that everything start up front, the Lions have a head start in Ndamukong Suh.

St. Louis Rams + 3 1/2 v. Philadelphia Eagles
Until the Eagles offensive line shows me that they can actually block, I will be happy taking points from this "Dream Team". The Rams are legitimate playoff contenders this year.

Buffalo Bills + 4 1/2 at Kansas City Chiefs
I can't help but think that last year was an aberration for the Chiefs. If I am correct that means both of these teams are bad. In that case, take the points. Oh yeah, and GO HARVARD!

Tenneessee Titans pick 'em at Jacksonville Jaguars
Chris Johnson over Maurice Jones-Drew. OK, both of them are good. Matt Hasselbeck over David Garr ... strike that, Luke McCown, of Josh McCown, or Cade McNown. Whichever. Yep, that makes more sense.

Houston Texans -9 v. Indianapolis Colts
The point spread seems too high, but I have a feeling the Texans want to make a strong early statement. I don't think any of us can guess the effect of Manning's latest neck surgery, placing him most likely out for the whole season, will have on this team.

Cleveland Browns -6 1/2 v. Cincinnati Browns
Peyton Hillis cannot have the same year he had last year, but this might be the year Colt McCoy steps up in stature. Either way, I have Cincinnati as one of the worst 3 or 4 teams in the league. I'll take the Browns at home.

Pittsburgh Steelers v. Baltimore Ravens
These games are always close, something like 10 points difference total in the last 7 or 8 games. Given this fact, and that both teams rely on defense and the rushing games, I'll take the points.

Washington Redskins +3 v. New York Giants
Just a hunch. Plus, Rex Grossman always starts strong to give his team's fans some hope before he rips their hearts out with a 4 int, 3 fumble game.

San Francisco 49ers -5 1/2 v. Seattle Seahawks
Tarvaris Jackson.

Arizona Cardinals -6 1/2 v. Carolina Panthers
Rookie QB, so I cannot take Carolina. Although Newton will have a couple of plays in which we will all say, "Wow". Unfotunately for Carolina, Fitzgerald will have more.

Minnesota Vikings + 8 1/2 at San Diego Chargers
I expect the Chargers to win the AFC West, but giving 8 1/2 points to a team with Donovan McNabb and Adrian Peterson seems a bit high. I would not be shocked if the Chargers won by a touchdown.

Dallas Cowboys +6 at New York Jets
The Jets have a great defense, but the Cowboys have lots of weapons. They had the number 1 offense since Garrett took over the head coaching position. I think the Cowboys are going to surprise a lot of people this year with Romo back.

Miami Dolphins +7 v. New England Patriots
Chad Henne gets way too much blame for the Dolphins woes. Now he has Marshall, Bess and Reggie Bush to play with. Look for the Dolphins to be a much harder out than people expect.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Oakland Raiders +3 at Denver Broncos
I feel weird putting my big bet status on Oakland, but they ran their division last year, and the Broncos are in disarray, with most of their fans cheering for their co-second string (read: thrid string) quarterback. Orton will put up numbers, but the Raiders will put up more points. Watch out for Von Miller as potential NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Previous Week's Record: N/A
Year to Date: N/A
Winnings (Losses): N/A

For Future Use

2011-09-08T17:51:00.000-04:00

Green Bay Packers -4 1/2 v. New Orleans Saints

Draft Genius

2011-08-30T20:35:00.006-04:00

Before we head into the college and pro football seasons, I want to take a brief respite to discuss baseball, or more importantly the future of baseball, especially since the future is so very bright. Now I know that there are problems with the game: lack of attendance, super low television ratings, football's popularity and not to mention that home field advantage for the world series is determined by the All-Star game. That being said, the future of the on-field game is very bright.

The number of young, extremely talented players is astonishing. Justin Verlander is 28, Prince Fielder is 27 as is Tim Lincecum. Felix Hernandez is 25. Not to mention the talented players that are even younger than those All-Stars, like Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro, Giants catcher Buster Posey, Yankees pitcher Ivan Nova, the Marlins trio of Mike Stanton, Gaby Sanchez and Logan Morrison, the Braves duo of Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman, the dramatic possibilities of Stephen Strasbourg and Bryce Howard, and former Hurricanes Jon Jay and Ryan Braun. In fact, it is Ryan Braun that led me to this column.

While reading about Braun one day, I decided to look up his draft class, and boy was I shocked at what I saw; simply the greatest draft class of all time (Ed. Note - not every draft class was reviewed before making this assertion). At least this draft class should be spoken about in baseball circles like the 1983 NFL draft and the 2003 NBA draft, Here are some of the selections in the 2005 MLB amateur draft.

1. Justin Upton - Diamondbacks
2. Alex Gordon - Royals
3. Jeff Clement - Mariners
4. Ryan Zimmerman - Nationals
5. Ryan Braun - Brewers
6. Ricky Romero - Blue Jays
7. Troy Tulowitzki - Rockies
9. Mike Pelfrey - Mets
10. Cameron Maybin - Tigers
11. Andrew McCutcheon - Pirates
12. Jay Bruce - Reds
16. Chris Volstad - Marlins
19. John Mayberry, Jr. - Rangers
23. Jacoby Ellsbury - Red Sox
25. Matt Garza - Twins
26. Craig Hansen - Red Sox
28. Colby Rasmus - Cardinals
30. Tyler Greene - Cardinals
40. Luke Hochever - Dodgers
42. Clay Buchholz -Red Sox

And that was just the first rounders. Uptown, Braun, Zimmerman, Tulowitzki, McCutcheon, Ellsbury and Buchholz are stars, Bruce has been an All-Star, and everyone else listed (except for Jeff Clement) is or has been a major contributor to their major league squad. That is 19 out of 42!

Makes me wonder, in hindsight of course, what Mariners General Manager Bill Bavasi was thinking in passing on all of that talent for Clement. Bavasi was fired on June 16, 2008. He has found employment as the special assistant to the General Manager for the Cincinnati Reds. Quite a bit of a fall compared to the ceilings of these present and future stars.

Baseball is indeed in good hands.

Ready for Some Football

2011-08-21T20:53:00.004-04:00

It is that time of the year again, time for the start of college football. What would the start of college football be without a preseason All-American list. Once again, I am here to give you my preseason All-Americans. As usual, there will be more than 11 a side, to account for the different types of formations (spread, three receiver set, 4-3, 3-4, etc). I explain some of my picks, while others I do not. Why? Because I can.

Offense

QB - Landry Jones, Oklahoma; Andrew Luck, Stanford; Denard Robinson, Michigan - I just think that Jones is going to have a better year than Luck, but Luck is a great backup to have. Robinson might be the most dynamic player in the country.

RB - LaMichael James, Oregon; Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina; Michael Dyer, Auburn; Chris Polk, Washington - James and Lattimore are no-brainers, while Auburn is going to heavily rely upon Dyer post-Newton. I just have a hunch about Polk.

WR - Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma; Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina; Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State; Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M - The first three are self-explanatory, or at least they should be.

TE - Michael Egnew, Missouri

OL - Johnathan Martin, Stanford; Barrett Jones, Alabama; Mike Brewster, Ohio State; David Molk, Michigan; Matt Kalil, USC; Levy Adcock, Oklahoma State; Seantrel Henderson, Miami - All big, strong and key cogs to their respective teams.

Defense

DE - Quinton Coples, North Carolina; Brandon Jenkins, Florida State; Vinny Curry, Marshall - Coples continues the string of talented Tar Heel defensive playersnwhile Jenkins leads a defense known for making plays behind the line of scrimmage.

DT - Jared Crick, Nebraska; Billy Winn, Boise State - Crick is good enough to have moved outside of the extremely large shadow of Ndamukong Suh.

LB - Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State; Dont'a Hightower, Alabama; Tank Carder, TCU; Luke Kuechly, Boston College; Sean Spence, Miami - Burfict is my absolute favorite player in all of college football. He is the most likely player to actually decapitate someone since LaVar Arrington. Hightower is the best defensive player on a Nick Saban defense, while Spence is my favorite Miami player. A darkhourse youngster to watch is Jon Bostic of Florida.

CB - Jayron Housley, Virginia Tech; Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina; Cliff Harris, Oregon; Mark Barron, Alabama; Chase Minnifield, Virginia; Kenny Tate, Maryland - Housley is the best corner in college, while Gilmore very well could be by the time the season is over. Why Harris? I need someone to hang out with Sean Spence.

Special Teams

K - Will Snyderwine, Duke - Because it is kicker, and because it is weird to have a Duke football All-American.

P - Drew Butler, Georgia - Easily the best punter in the NCAA.

KR/PR - Damaris Johnson, Tulsa; Andre DeBose, Florida; James Rodgers, Oregon State - Johnson set the single game all-purpose yards record in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl and it is time for DeBose to live up to his potential and not just try to be Percy Harvin.

First The Fat Boys Break Up And Now This...

2011-02-21T22:37:00.008-05:00

Aaron Baddeley won the Northern Trust Open this weekend at storied Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. What was interesting however, were the names of those chasing him down the stretch. Names we haven’t heard in seemingly forever…Fred Couples and Vijay Singh. Both are supremely accomplished elder statesmen that are long past their primes and no longer a threat to contend for titles on a regular basis.

You know who else is now in that group? Yes, him.

Tiger Woods.

While most people have been content to speculate on when he will get back to his old form, let me definitively state right now that Tiger is done. Finished as a dominant golfer. Finished as a golfer feared by other golfers on tour. Finished as a golfer that made 10 to 15 foot pressure putts appear mundane. Finished as a golf’s greatest threat to Jack Nicklaus’ 18 major championships.

Just finished.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that Tiger won’t put it all together every now and then to win an occasional tournament. I am saying that the days of Tiger being a dominant athlete are long gone. In fact, I am willing to predict that he may be in jail before this golf season is out. I understand that is an outlandish prediction, but follow me for a few minutes.

Let me summarize a career for you. What if I said to you that there would be an athlete so dominant in his particular sport, that it was clear he would be the greatest of all time. Every event he participated in would be must see television. That he would change the culture! Then, what if I told you that he simply would be unable to maintain that level of excellence. He became just another athlete to his sport. It either was too high a level to maintain (possible), or the world around him made it impossible to maintain said level (more probable). We started to see the demise, but we couldn’t believe our eyes. Then there is a signature moment and it all came crashing down. We wanted to believe that it was not the end, but our fallen hero couldn’t ever seem to muster the skill and mystique that he once had. And sadly, it came to an ugly, caricature like end.

My friends, that is the story of Mike Tyson. Go back and look at the career and remember that the wheels were already coming off before the Barbara Walters interview. To me, the arcs are eerily similar.

Tiger is 60% of the way there. The wheels were coming off of this SUV long before Elin went wreckshop on his grill (not the car). Remember, when the TMZ story broke, we were 3 months beyond a WTF moment when Y.E. Yang caught Tiger from 4 strokes back on the final day of the PGA Championship. Apparently, something was already going wrong; we just refused to believe it. Y.E. Yang!!!

Now, Tiger just plays for a check. He routinely collapses late in tournaments to fall out of contention. Primarily because his short game is an atrocity! We could point to any number of issues, and most will point to swing changes that he is currently going through. I will point to the three other technical issues.

1. He doesn’t make putts anymore and he seems concerned over every short putt. I have always believed that once doubt creeps in with putting, it is over. You don’t get that back.
2. Tiger never adjusted to PGA rules changes affecting the grooves on clubs. His short game has suffered tremendously as a result
3. With the exception of Jack Nicklaus, there hasn’t been a golfer to have a run of dominance of more than 6-8 years. Ever. And Jack did it long before this era of pop culture sports.

Add to these the fact that players aren’t fearing him anymore (in fact, some that we have never heard of before are mocking him), and well, you see my point.

Now, about this jail thing...

Two things are certain about competitive people: 1) They play only to win. However, once one learns how to quit, it becomes much easier each time you do it; and 2) competitive people compete at everything. EVERYTHING.

While these points seem contradictory, they are not. Tiger has learned how to mail it in on Sundays and collect a check. Or, quit. This does not bode well for one of the greatest competitors of the last 15 years. The more you watch, the more you realize that he loses interest when his game starts to go south. Regarding his competitiveness, he still appears unwilling to lose even small insignificant battles. Especially with Elin. This is where he will get into trouble. If there is even a shred of truth to this article, Tiger is going to do something really stupid soon. Think Tyson, Jim Brown , or God forbid, OJ Simpson.

I hope Tiger figures this all out and proves me wrong. If not, get ready for the next great pop culture sports story.

Super Bowl Roundtable

2011-02-06T13:20:00.003-05:00

Welcome everybody to the Super Bowl Roundtable discussion. Joining me are Sinickal and Hopps. It's the biggest day in American sports, so let us get right to it. Pittsburgh or Green Bay. Since I know what Sinickal is going to say, let's start with you, Hopps. Your thoughts on the game, outright?

Hopps: I have to go with Pittsburgh. Big Ben has been here before, and I think that the defense, led by James Harrison and Lamarr Woodley (not to mention Polamalu), will hit Aaron Rodgers all day.

Sinickal: I agree with you there Hopps. Pittsburgh has a much better defense than the Bears, and other than the opening drive of the NFC championship game, the Bears defense owned Rodgers. If the Bears made life hard for Rodgers, Pittsburgh is definitely going to do the same. The Bears had the Packers on the ropes with a third string quarterback.

Pepster: Don't you mean a 4th string quarterback? When Cutler went down, the Bears put in Todd Collins, and there is no way that he is a second stringer. He has to be a third string quartback. If they replace him with the next guy, Caleb Hanie, then Hanie must be the fourth string.

Sinickal: At least he isn't Henry Burris or Steve Stenstrom.

Pepster: Don't remind me.

Hopps: Plus, I just think that Tomlin is going to have the team much better prepared than the Packers coaching staff. 34 - 31.

Sinickal: Mike Tomlin - I love that magnificent bastard. If he had breasts I would try to marry him.

Pepster: Yes, we all have a man crush on Mike Tomlin, as well. I guess that means that we are all in agreement. We all think that Pittsburgh is going to win this game. Any other interesting thoughts:

Sinickal - not me, bring on the beer. And, Go Steelers. I will never, ever, ever, root for the Green Bay Packers.

Hopps: I have a few. My own personal prop bets. Forget about the over/under, I am picking these exact scenarios:

People carted off the field - 3
Blown ref calls - 2
Brett Favre mentions - 10
Christina Aguilera Hotness - 10.

Very interesting. That concludes our roundtable for today. For my final picks, see below.

OVER 1:54 - Christina Aguilera's national anthem elapsed time

OVER 6 seconds - Christina Aguilera holding "Free"

OVER 3 - Shots of Jerry Jones

OVER 1/2 - A Steeler mimics Aaron Rodgers' championship belt celebration.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK
Pittsburgh Steelers + 2 1/2 over Green Bay Packers

Previous Week's Record: 1-1
Playoff Record: 5-5
Year to Date: 109-78-5
Previous Week's Big Bet: 1-0
Big Bet Year to Date: 5-11
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): ($140)
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: $205

Conference Championship Roundtable

2011-01-23T10:55:00.005-05:00

Welcome to our Roundtable Discussion for Conference Championship Weekend in the NFL. Once again all three of us are here today; that is Hopps, Sinickal and myself.

For starters we have the most important game of the new decade, Packers versus the Bears. (Ok - so the decade just started - sue me).

Sinickal: Green Bay is statistically superior, but I going to pick them for another reason; namely that I don't want to have to root for my money and my team with Jay Cutler steering the ship. I am really hoping that he is run over by a bus, and Peyton Manning is given the chance to lead this team since he was so betrayed by Jim Caldwell needing to use all of his timeouts.

Pepster: I share your concern with Cutler, for sure, Sinickal, but everybody in the world is aware that Jim Caldwell is not a very good coach and that he butchered that playoff game. This is not breaking news. You act like you invited this story.

Sinickal: Well, I did have it up on the blog before that day's games were finished.

Pepster: That part is true. Hopps, your thoughts?

Hopps: Bears. They have a better defense.

Pepster: The Bears are known for their defense, but not sure they have the best defense in this game. The Pacers gave up the second fewest points in the league, while the Bears were sixth. Should be pretty tight.

Hopps: Well then, a Bears victory could secure Lovie in charge FOREVER!!!

Pepster: Now that is something to root for. Nothing like a veiled race card reference (foreshadowing) on our blog. I am not sure I want Lovie forever, but he has done pretty well when he has good assistants. Although I want to pick the Bears, I have to select the Packers. First, I cannot put too much faith in Cutler. Second, I had the Packers as one of my pre-season Super Bowl picks (with the Ravens). Third, the games against the Packers have been really close this season, so one turnover could spell the difference, and guess which team has Cutler? I say Packers, but I think the Bears will cover. On to the AFC.

Hopps: Steelers at home. The Jets spent what they had last week at the Pats.

Sinickal: Of course, the New Englander thinks that every team must be spent because they beat the vaunted New England Patriots. Didn't Pittsburgh just win a slugfest over the Ravens?

Hopps: I am being serious this is not a homer reason. The Jets are going to have a letdown.

Pepster: Hopps - who are your favorite Patriots anyway?

Hopps: The same ones that everyone else likes - in order: 1. Brady; 2. Welker; 3. Woodhead; 4. Mankins and 5. Edelman.

Pepster and Sinickal: Those are all the WHITE players! I mean, we will give you Brady, but ...

Sinickal: What about Mayo?

Pepster: What about Wilfork?

Sinickal and Pepster: Typical New England fan.

Pepster: That reminds me of this conversation I had earlier this year while watching the Bears/Ravens game. A Patriots clown starts talking about how much better Tedy Bruschi was than Ray Lewis. He even said that Bruschi is better today than Lewis is. I casually (i.e. with bewilderment) told him that Bruschi wasn't even the best linebacker in Patriots history, much less NFL history (like Lewis is). That linebacker is Andre Tippett, for you New England fans that started watching in the mid-to-late 90's. He keeps carrying on and on until I finally tell him he can have his team of all-time Patriots but I will still take the best player from each position in NFL history and then lets see who wins. That actually got him to shut up. Anyway, Sinickal, your thoughts on the game?

Sinickal: Pittsburgh is better in every statistical category than the Jets, and the Jets just played their Super Bowl. What are we to expect here? Quite honestly, the Jets shouldn't be here at all save Jim Caldwell being the single worst faux football coach on the planet. Oh, and Mike Tomlin is a quote a minute and we need more of that magnificent bastard.

Pepster: Again with the Caldwell. I agree on Mike Tomlin. I think he is much more quotable and fascinating than even Rex Ryan, but not as disturbed. I'll take the Steelers as well. The Jets are not beating the Steelers in Pittsburgh twice in a row, especially with Polamalu and Heath Miller playing today. And as you may recall from last week, Jason Campbell, Alex Smith, Shaun Hill and Chad Henne all had better QB ratings than Sanchez this year. That is not exactly the '83 draft of Elway, Kelly and Marino, or even Blacklege, Eason and O'Brien. That gives me a thought, somebody remind me to write a column on that '83 draft - one that doesn't focus on the QBs. It was phenomenal. Oh yeah, and if the Bears win early, guarantee a Steelers victory. 100% of the time that Lovie Smith has been in the Super Bowl, he has faced another African-American coach. 100%!

Pepster: So to sum it all up - the non-Bears fan selects the Bears, while the two Bears fans pick Green Bay. We all agree on Pittsburgh. Somehow, that sounds like us.

Enjoy watching the games everybody. Read us next week. On to my picks of the week.

My picks of the week:

Chicago Bears+3 1/2 v. Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers has been playing brilliantly, and so far the Bears have been the only team that could contain him this year, holding him to 17 points early in the season and just 10 in the last game, a must win for the Packers to even make the playoffs. Even though I said the Packers above, I am going to say that it is a close one, no matter what.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK
Pittsburgh Steelers -4 v. New York Jets
I just don't have enough faith in the Dirty, Dirty.

HOPPS PROP BET OF THE WEEK
OVER/UNDER - 5 - People carted off the field today - OVER

Previous Week's Record: 2-2
Playoff Record: 4-4
Year to Date: 108-77-5
Previous Week's Big Bet: 0-1
Big Bet Year to Date: 4-11
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): ($185)
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: $65

Divisional Roundtable

2011-01-15T12:02:00.004-05:00

Welcome to the Divisional Week of the NFL Playoffs Roundtable. Here with me today is Hopps and Sinickal.

Let's start with tomorrow, as both of our favorite teams play then. In reverse order, what do we think about the Jets-Pats matchup.

Sinickal: That's easy. The Patriots. They are just better.

Hopps: Pats at home no doubt. The Jets always put their foot in their mouth (or someone else s) and the Pats practice and execute. The Pats will be up 20 at the half and the Jets will quit. I think it's also supposed to snow so look for the Pats to post 40+. Brady's line: (5TDs/ 400+/ 100+ rating). Pats -8 (Big Bet)

Pepster: Gee, that's not much of a homer pick. I will make it a clean sweep and take the Patriots. They are just better, but I think people are also overvaluing the Jets. Let's take Mark Sanchez for example. He finished the season with a lower QB rating than Jason Campbell, Alex Smith, Shaun Hill and Chad Henne. And Dolphins fans want Henne gone. Pats in a rout. But, can we please put all this childish wannabe trash talk away? Welker, your foot/feet presser was boring and dumb. Try to be a little clever, OK? Also, Hopps, yours wasn't much better. Bears v. Seahawks?

Hopps: Remember, I picked the Seahawks last week!

Pepster: Yes, but you said you didn't know why, you just wanted to do it. You thought Pete Carroll would dumb his way into a playoff victory.

Hopps: But I was right!!! Seahawks +10. This will be the most painful dagger in Si's heart. He once said to me "Lovie should be coach of the year" - enter the Pete Carroll face (again). Even the Hawks won't know how they won this game...but they will.

Sinickal: I am going with the Seahawks. Cutler is going to kill us.

Pepster: I sure hope not Sinickal, but I cannot say that is not a viable option. I am going to go with our Bears, and then remind you of your Sinicism next week. Cutler sure does scare me though. What about the other NFC game - the Packers and Falcons? I am going to say the Packers. Sure they cannot run, but they have a helluva QB. In yet another stat I will quote again below, the Packers only lost by 3to the Falcons earlier in the season, and the Packers are playing phenomenally better.

Sinickal: If Bears ain't going, Pack ain't going.

Hopps: Now that is some interesting analysis. Me, I also say Atlanta, but for a specific reason. Matty Ice at home during his career is 19-2. The Pack is good, but the Falcons are better. Great balance, great in all 3 phases, and one hell of a RB. They win this on turnover margin.

Pepster: Any particular reason why you only mentioned the BC guy?

Hopps: I mentioned the QB. He just happens to be from BC. What about the first game, Steelers/Ravens?

Sinickal: No matter what everybody says about how close these two teams are, Pittsburgh is the much better team statistically and at QB. Expect a Flacco interception late in the game to seal it.

Hopps: I am taking Pittsburgh. The only difference between Brady and Big Ben is 1 SB win. He plays as good in big games as Brady. Steelers D brings the pain and Flacco can't close.

Pepster: One SB win, and 2 rape accusations. I am going to take the Ravens. Mostly because I want to see them play the Patiots again, but partly because I am sick of hearing that damn "Here we go" song by Steelers fans. Ed Reed could be the big difference, and Matt Birk - from Harvard - is questionable. If they both play, the Ravens are a much, much better team than without them. I'll take a flier on the Ravens.

Everyone, check back with us next week for Championship weekend.

My picks of the week:

Baltimore Ravents +3 at Pittsburgh Steelers
My mind tells me that the Steelers are going to win, especially with Roethlisberger, but (a) I picked the Ravens at the beginning of the season; and (b) the played the Patriots incredibly close earlier in the season. I want to see that matchup. Not usually big on the wishful thinking bets, but I will this time.

Green Bay Packers +1 1/2 at Atlanta Falcons
Green Bay lost by 3 earlier this year and seem to be playing much, much better.

Chicago Bears -10 v. Seattle Seahawks
The Bears are the one team that is not going to overlook the Seahawks, having already lost to them at home earlier this year. At that time the Bears were a revolving door on the offensive line and played without Lance Briggs. I look for a big Bears play early and Seattle to fold.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK
New England Patriots -8 1/2 v. New York Jets
They are just better than the Jets. Plus, I'll say it again, Jason Campbell, Alex Smith, Shaun Hill and Chad Henne all had better QB ratings that Mark Sanchez did.

Previous Week's Record: 2-2
Playoff Record: 2-2
Year to Date: 106-75-5
Previous Week's Big Bet: 1-0
Big Bet Year to Date: 4-10
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): $130
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: $250

Wild Card Wrap-Up I

2011-01-09T13:52:00.006-05:00

Interesting couple of games on the first day of Wild Card Weekend. If I were truly the degenerate gambler that I claim to be, I wouldn't have a roof over my head this morning. I didn't think there was a chance in hell that I would be staring at Seahawks and Jets today. Oh well, there must have been some lessons from the Saturday contests.

So, what did I learn?

1. All professional football players get paid to play this game. And they get paid a lot because they are in the top 50 in the world at what they do. Give a team home field advantage, a playoff atmosphere, and something to rally against and all bets are off. I don't care what their record is. Well played Seattle Seahawks. Good luck next week when you see a team that won't be overlooking you.

2. The Saints secondary was atrocious! Cover somebody. Seahawk receivers were running so wide open that at times I thought the Saints were playing with 9 players. That has to get fixed if the Saints are going to contend next year.

3. I am not sure I understand why coaches go away from their strengths in critical times. Why run the ball for the two point conversion attempt when your two best short yardage backs are not in the game and you haven't shown the ability to pick up 2 yards when you need it all day? I was baffled by that call. The Saints deserved the loss for that call alone.

4. I am officially calling for Jim Caldwell to be fired. And I am predicting that Peyton Manning will throw him under the bus within the next few weeks. What possessed him to start trying to coach the team yesterday? All was going just fine with him as a figurehead. Everyone understood that the Colts had too many injuries to get far in this year's tournament, so there is no need to try and prove anything. And then the following two things happen during yesterday's game:

He throws a challenge flag moments into the game that clearly was not going to be overturned. Too early in the game for that, and a wasted timeout to boot. It had no impact on the game ultimately, but it was just plain stupid.
More egregious was the timeout called by Caldwell just prior to the Braylon Edwards catch to set up the short field goal. WHAT ARE YOU THINKING! The Jets run the ball into the middle of the line and appear content to attempt a very long field goal for the win. They aren't going to use their last time out at that point, because they need it to kick the field goal. There is no reasonable scenario under which the Colts are getting the ball back with any time remaining for a drive, so there is no need for the Colts to stop the clock. Caldwell allowed the Jets (and a young QB) to regroup, gave them an extra timeout, allowed them more options with the next play (a sideline pass to Edwards), and ultimately a chip shot field goal to win the game. While not being talked about this morning, this may be one of the dumbest coaching moves I have seen in a long time.

Now, there were a bunch of other contributions to loss by the Colts. There was the running into the kicker penalty at the end of the game (ultimately helped the Colts by running time off the clock), the missed 3rd and 6 by Peyton Manning before the go ahead field goal, and the kick-off return leading to the final Jets drive. All of those probably also can be attributed to an unprepared team, but the stuff from the sidelines was just absurd.

Playoff Roundtable

2011-01-08T13:00:00.006-05:00

Welcome to the 2011 NFL Playoffs Roundtable. Here with me today is Hopps. Absent from this week is Sinickal, who thinks that he is too good to participate in the Wildcard Round. Maybe he will sneak in for the Divisional Round games.

Our first game today is New Orleans at Seattle.

Pepster: I think that this is a no brainer. We have the Saints, nay, the defending Super Bowl Champion Saints, who are only in this wild card round because the Falcons threw up a NFC best 13-3, against the pathetic 7-9 Seahawks. The Saints would actually be the 2-seed in the NFC if the brackets were drawn up simply by records. I am taking the Saints as having way too much firepower for the lowly, shouldn't even be in the playoffs Seahawks.

Hopps: But the Saints are not what they were last year. Despite a relatively gaudy 11-5 record, they seem to be missing that extra gear that they had last year. Plus, the ridiculously accurate Drew Brees has thrown an interception in like 12 straight games. I am taking Seattle. I am not sure why, and not sure why not the Saints. I think Pete Carroll is ging to dumb luck his way into the next round and sheer stupidity and the classic Pete Carroll Face.

Pepster: Gutsy pick Hopps, and an almost great use of a Bill Simmons reference. On to this evening's game The New York Jets at the Indianapolis Colts. Hopps?

Hopps: Peyton and his squad on turf. I don't care who actually composes the squad, I am taking them.

Pepster: I am actually going to agree with you here. For as much as Indy has relied upon Peyton for oh so many years, Javarris James, from the U, has actually energized the running game a bit, and the Jets defenses has not been as vaunted as advertised. Plus, the Jets don't really disguise blitzes so much as they just bring everybody. Manning should be able to pick apart those blitzes most of the game, and a receiver is going to break a 5 y ard slant into a big game. I am going with the Colts.

What about tomorrow's games Hopps?

Hopps: I am going with the Ravens on the road. Charlie Weis is off to your neck of the woods at UF, and if he has already checked out, then I imagine the team has as well.

Pepster: I am going with the Ravens as well. The Chiefs have overachieved, and have been pretty balanced attach with Jamaal Charles leading a running back crew and Cassell throwing to Dwayne Bowe. A very fast defense with Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali. I think running game will get some yards, but the Ravens run defense, led by Haloti Ngata (Ray Lewis would have been to obvious a mention), and Ed Reed is likely to get at least one really big pass breakup and/or interception. Ravens are too much. Keep an eye on the Chiefs in the next couple of years though.

Oh, and UF is not my "neck of the woods". I am 4 hours south, and in civilization. You are just jealous because it isn't cold down here in the winter.

As for the last game, I am going with the Packers. I think Vick is hurt a bit more than anyone would care to admit, and since its his quad, his mobility isn't going to be the best. The Packers defense can make a lot of big plays, and I want to see a ridiculously one-dimensional offense advance. By the way, why didn't the Packers sign DeShawn Wynn instead of the Saints? I guess the Packers do not even care about running.

Hopps: You are crazy. The Michael Vick redemption tour continues. Both QBs are injured, but Rodgers has yet to win a playoff game. EVER! His first is not coming at the Linc. I would have thought that you would have been the first one on the Free Ookie train!

Pepster: Free Ookie indeed! But, I need the Packers to win just in case Seattle does as you says and dumbs their way into the next round. That way my Bears can host the Seahawks in the next round. Wishful thinking I suppose.

Sinickal: Don't you mean MY Bears?!

Pepster and Hopps: Welcome to the party Sinickal.

By the way, my picks of the week:

New Orleans Saints -10 at Seattle Seahawks

Indianapolis Colts -2 v. New York Jets

Green Bay Packers + 2 1/2 at Philadelphia Eagles

BIG BET OF THE WEEK
Baltimore Ravens -3 at Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City is the NFC West Champions having beat the Seahawks, the Rams, the 49ers and the Cardinals. That is four of their 10 wins.

Previous Week's Record 10-6
Year to Date: 104-73-5
Previous Week's Big Bet: 0-1
Big Bet Year to Date: 3-10
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): $225
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: $120

Picks of the Week

2010-12-02T13:23:00.002-05:00

Not a great week, but not as bad as it could have been. Getting close to being in the black for the season after a very slow start.

Houston Texans +8 at Philadelphia Eagles
Hopefully Andre Johnson has instilled a little fight into the Texans.

Jacksonville Jaguars Pick 'em at Tennessee Titans
Jaguars are this year's surprise team, and Tennessee has no idea who is playing quarterback.

New York Giants -7 v. Washington Redskins
Giants are just too strong for the Redskins, who seem to have hit their wall of maximim potential.

Minnesota Vikings -5 1/2 v. Buffalo Bills
Is it any surprise that the VIkings are better without Brad Childress? Is it any surprise that the Bills are better with Fitzpatrick.

Cleveland Browns +4 1/2 at Miami Dolphins
Peyton Hillis is having an MVP like season since he entered the starting lineup. The Dolphins are not very strong at home.

Kansas City Chiefs -9 v. Denver Broncos
The Chiefs have already annihilated Denver once, and I think the situation with McDaniels has gotten worse since the last time.

Green Bay Packers -9 1/2 v. San Francisco 49ers
Green Bay is not Arizona, much to the 49ers chagrin.

Chicago Bears -3 1/2 at Detroit Lions
Chicago has come a long way from the first game with the Lions. This game will not come down to a Calvin Johnson "dropped" touchdown.

Oakland Raiders +12 1/2 at San Diego Chargers
San Diego should still win, but I don't think it'll be this much of a blowout. Unlike the Colts, the Raiders can run, and (somewhat) pass.

Carolina Panthers +6 at Seattle Seahawks
You couldn't pay me to watch this game.

Dallas Cowboys +5 at Indianapolis Colts
The Colts were exposed last week. The Cowboys are resurgent under Garrett.

Atlanta Falcons -3 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Once again, the Bucs return to normal against one of the best teams in the league.

St. Louis Rams -3 at Arizona Cardinals
This Sam Bradford guy could turn out to be good.

Baltimore Ravens -3 v. Pittsburgh Steelers
Should be a knock-down, drag-out fight for AFC North supremacy.

New York Jets +3 at New England Patriots
The Patriots are having a great season, but I don't think they can take the Jets at this point in the season.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK
New Orleans Saints -6 1/2 at Cincinnati Bengals
Only 6 1/2?

Previous Week's Record 9-7
Year to Date: 94-67-5
Previous Week's Big Bet: 0-1
Big Bet Year to Date: 3-9
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): ($35)
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: ($105)

Picks of the Week

2010-11-28T11:18:00.002-05:00

A really good week last week, so I need to see if I can continue it this week. A couple more weeks like that can make for a good year. Perhaps I should continue analyzing the games rather than just picking them. Thanksgiving Day games are included as well.

New England Patriots -7 at Detroit Lions

Dallas Cowboys +3 1/2 v. New Orleans Saints

Cincinnati Bengals +9 1/2 at New York Jets

Minnesota Vikings -2 at Washington Redskins
Whose drama affects them the most, the Vikings with Childress being fired or the McNabb situation in Dallas? I'll give the edge to the Vikings because they got rid of their major problem, albeit way too late.

Jacksonville Jaguars +7 at New York Giants
The Jaguars are much better than anyone gives them credit for being. Not sure they win, but a full touchdown spread seems like a lot.

Houston Texans -6 v. Tennessee Titans
Jeff Fisher is an outstanding coach, but this is the first time that he has had to deal with this type of problems.

Green Bay Packers + 1 1/2 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta has been very good this year, I just have a feeling that the Packers are on a roll.

Cleveland Browns -9 1/2 v. Carolina Panthers
Does anyone actually believe that the Browns are giving almost ten points to someone this year? The Panthers are the worst team in the NFL.

Kansas City Chiefs -2 1/2 at Seattle Seahaks
Usually Seattle plays well (for them at least) at home. That still doesn't say much.

Oakland Raiders -2 v. Miami Dolphins
No Brandon Marshall, and either a gimpy Chad Henne or a bad Tyler Thigpen.

Chicago Bears +3 v. Philadelphia Eagles
Vick cannot keep playing as well as the last couple of games, right? A strong home team getting points at home, so I'll take them.

Baltimore Ravens -7 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa begins its descent to normalcy.

Denver -3 v. St. Louis Rams
If the Broncos were a better team, we would be hearing non-stop Orton for MVP chatter.

Indianapolis Colts -2 1/2 v. San Diego Chargers
This game could end with over 900 total passing yards, all to receivers we have never heard of.

San Francisco 49ers -1 at Arizona Cardinals
San Francisco is amazingly still in the playoff hunt.

Big Bet of the Week
Pittsburgh Steelers -6 at Buffalo Bills
The Steelers are just too strong at running the ball against a rather porous Bills defense.

Previous Week's Record 10-6
Year to Date: 85-60-5
Previous Week's Big Bet: 1-0
Big Bet Year to Date: 3-8
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): $490
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: ($70)

Thanksgiving Picks

2010-11-25T09:20:00.000-05:00

Quick picks for Thanksgiving games. I'll explain them later when I make the picks for the rest of this week.

New England Patriots -7 at Detroit Lions - hoping Brady plays

Dallas Cowboys +3 1/2 v. New Orleans Saints

Cincinnati Bengals + 9 1/2 at New York Jets

Picks of the Week

2010-11-21T09:15:00.002-05:00

A good record so far this year, but down money-wise because of the damn big bet of the week. Got off to a great start this week with the Thursday game. Hopefully that turns things around for me.

Tennessee Titans -7 v. Washington Redskins
Tennessee is getting stronger, while it looks like the Redskins are falling apart.

Oakland Raiders +7 1/2 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh should be a much better team, but the Raiders have been surprising people all year. I'll take more than a touchdown.

New York Jets -6 1/2 v. Houston Texans
Houston's season started off with so much promise. The Jets continue to roll.

Green Bay Packers -3 at Minnesota Vikings
The drama continues. Fire Brad Childress!

Kansas City Chiefs -8 Arizona Cardinalsv.
The Cardinals are an absolute mess. Kansas City continues its surprising season by running all over the Cardinals defense.

Cleveland Browns +2 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville at home has been a great pick this year, but, Cleveland has played to the level of the elite teams. Browns should be able to win outright.

Dallas Cowboys -6 v. Detroit Lions
Which Dallas is real - the team that started awfully, or the team that simply annihilated the Giants?

Baltimore Ravens -11 1/2 at Carolina Panthers
Do you really take a double digit favorite on the road? You do when they are coming off a bye and when the starting quarterback was literally a stay-at-home dad last week.

Atlanta Falcons -3 at St. Louis Rams
St. Louis has made a habit of covering spreads this year, but this spread is too small, and Atlanta is too good.

San Francisco 49ers -3 1/2 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Troy Smith has really energized the 49ers. Tampa Bay has been a great story, but the Mike Williams circus cannot help this week.

Buffalo Bills + 4 1/2 at Cincinnati Bengals
After an exhilarating Harvard victory, I look for the Crimson's Ryan Fitzpatrick to cover against the Bengals.

New Orleans Saints -11 v. Seattle Seahawks
Seahawks are brutally awful on the road, and the Saints are conveniently flying under the radar. It's about time they make their move and assert some control over the NFC South.

New England Patriots -4 v. Indianapolis Colts
New England is simply a better team than the Colts this year.

Philadelphia Eagles -3 v. New York Giants
Divisional games among close teams are always tough. But, I am so jaded after last week's performances, I have to go with the Eagles.

San Diego Chargers -9 1/2 v. Denver Broncos
I went back and forth on this one for a long while before settling on the Chargers. Should be a shootout, so that will make it a fun game to watch!

Big Bet of the Week
Chicago Bears +1 1/5 at Miami Dolphins
I had already put this on record with several friends, so nobody can accuse me of cheating. The defense giving up the third fewest points in the NFL getting points against a third string quarterback making his first start in forever. This one was easy.

Previous Week's Record 8-6
Year to Date: 75-54-5
Previous Week's Big Bet: 0-1
Big Bet Year to Date: 2-8
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): ($25)
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: ($560)

Picks of the Week

2010-11-11T12:45:00.002-05:00

Last week was a good week for me, so I thought that I would try to get into the trend by actually thinking about my picks before making them. That is why this week you get some actual analysis. Perhaps that will keep me on the winning track.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers -7 v. Carolina Panthers
Tampa Bay impressed me last week against the Falcons. There were several moments when it looked like Atlanta was going to run away with it, only to have Tampa storm back. Carolina cannot even decide which rookie backup quarterback will start.

Tennessee Titans -2 at Miami Dolphins
I am not sure what to make of this quarterback change, but I did see a much different Dolphins team against the Ravens than earlier in the season (particularly against Pittsburgh), and that is not a good thing. It will be interesting to see how Moss is incorporated into the offense with the NFL's leading passer by rating (among those qualifiers), Vince Young.

Houston Texans +1 1/2 at Jacksonville Jaguars
I debated this selection for a long time before simply deciding to take the points. One incredibly disappointing team (the Texans) v. one surprising team (the Jaguars). Who knows?

Cincinnati Bengals +7 at Indianapolis Colts
Cincinnati is also one of the most disappointing teams in the league. Indianapolis is strong, but not as strong as recent vintage, so I am going to take the TD.

New York Jets -3 at Cleveland Browns
Cleveland, and Peyton Hillis, have already shredded some good defenses this year, but I don't think they have enough to defeat the Jets, even at home. We will hear a lot about the Ryan brothers, but this game will come down to whether Cleveland can run against the Jets.

Chicago Bears +1 v. Minnesota Vikings
Despite last week's comeback, the Vikings are in disarray. They are one play away from an implosion like we have ever seen on a football field.

Detroit Lions +3 at Buffalo Bills
Detroit has shown that it can keep rolling with Shaun Hill. The question is can they do so if Drew Stanton is forced to make an appearance.

Kansas City Chiefs -1 at Denver Broncos
Rough, late defeat for the Chiefs last week. We already know that the Broncos cannot run, so the question becomes, can Tamba Hali feast against the Broncos passing attack. He is averaging 1 sack a game, and this is the type of game that could propel him to the top of the sack stats.

Arizona Cardinals -3 v. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle has been absolutely brutal on the road this year. I am not sure that you could pay me to watch this game.

St. Louis Rams +6 at San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco really has a legitimate chance of winning this division and a win here puts them only a game out. But, I have picked St. Louis a ton this year (one of my more favorable decisions), so I will keep riding that horse.

New York Giants -13 1/2 v. Dallas Cowboys
That is a lot of points to give away, but the Cowboys have given up on this season. The offense has not been stellar enough for Garrett to warrant a head coaching position either, so this game could be a disaster. Of course, the Cowboys could pull it out so Jerry Jones can blame the whole thing on Wade Phillips.

New England Patriots +4 1/2 at Pittsburgh Steelers
I sense this game being decided by a field goal, so I will certainly take 4 1/2 points. I think the Patriots simply overlooked the Browns last week.

Philadelphia Eagles -3 at Washington Redskins
Michael Vick on Monday night! Ookie is finally free!

Big Bet of the Week
Baltimore Ravens +1 at Atlanta Falcons
Baltimore, to me, is a Top 3 team in the league right now. Atlanta is one of the best teams in the NFC, but that isn't saying much. In a short week, take the talent of the coaching and preparedness.

Previous Week's Record 8-4-1
Year to Date: 67-48-5
Previous Week's Big Bet: 0-1
Big Bet Year to Date: 2-7
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): $195
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: ($535)

Picks of the Week

2010-11-07T10:52:00.003-05:00

Once again lazy this week, so no analysis. Perhaps I would do better if I put more time into my thinking. Oh well.

Atlanta Falcons -9 1/2 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Arizona Cardinals +7 1/2 at Minnesota Vikings
San Diego Chargers -3 at Houston Texans
New York Jets -5 at Detroit Lions
New Orleans Saints -6 1/2 at Carolina Panthers
Baltimore Ravens -5 v. Miami Dolphins
Chicago Bears -3 at Buffalo Bills
New York Giants -7 at Seattle Seahawks
Oakland Raiders Pick -em v. Kansas City Chiefs
Indianapolis Colts +3 at Philadelphia Eagles
Dallas Cowboys +7 at Green Bay Packers
Pittsburgh Steelers -5 at Cincinnati

Big Bet of the Week
New England Patriots -3 1/2 at Cleveland Browns

Previous Week's Record 7-6
Year to Date: 59-44-4
Previous Week's Big Bet: 0-1
Big Bet Year to Date: 2-6
Previous Week's Winnings ($125)
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: ($730).

Picks of the Week

2010-10-31T11:39:00.003-04:00

Lazy this week, so no analysis. You don't really want my analysis with the way the picks are going this year. It is time to step things up this week.

Miami Dolphins - Pick 'em at Cincinnati Bengals
St. Louis Rams -2 v. Carolina Panthers
New York Jets -6 1/2 v. Green Bay Packers
Buffalo Bills +7 at Kansas City
Detroit Lions -3 v. Washington Redskins
Dallas Cowboys -6 1/2 v. Jacksonville Jaguars
San Diego Chargers -4 1/2 v. Tennessee Titans
Arizona Cardinals -3 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Oakland Raiders -2 1/2 v. Seattle Seahawks
New England Patriots -5 1/2 v. Minnesota Vikings
Pittsburgh Steelers Pick 'em at New Orleans Saints
Houston Texans +5 1/2 at Indianapolis

Big Bet of the Week
Denver Broncos +2 1/2 at San Francisco 49ers

Previous Week's Record 6-8
Year to Date: 52-48-4
Previous Week's Big Bet: 0-1
Big Bet Year to Date: 2-5
Previous Week's Winnings ($445)
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: ($605).

Picks of the Week

2010-10-24T08:38:00.002-04:00

Traveling down to the Steelers-Dolphins game as I type my picks - I am not driving - so just picks with no analysis again this week. You can look to previous picks for the rules I follow.

Falcons -3
Titans -3
Rams +3
Steelers -3
Jaguars +9
Ravens -13
49ers -3
Bears -3
Cardinals +7
Raiders +7 1/2
Patriots +2
Vikings +2 1/2
Giants +3

Big Bet of the Week
Saints -13

Previous Week's Record 8-5-1
Year to Date: 46-40-4
Previous Week's Big Bet: 0-1
Big Bet Year to Date: 2-4
Previous Week's Winnings $85
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: ($160).

Picks of the Week

2010-10-17T12:42:00.002-04:00

I am late once again, so only short abbreviated picks this week.

Saints -4
Chargers -8 1/2
Steelers -14
Falcons +2
Lions +10 1/2
Ravens +2 1/2
Chiefs +4 1/2
Dolphins +3
Jets -3 1/2
Raiders +7
Vikings -1 1/2
Colts -3
Titans -3

Big Bet
Bears -6

Previous Week's record: 7-5-2
Yar To Date: 38-35-3
Big Bet Previous Week: 0-1
Big Bet Year To Date: 2-3
Winnings (Losses) Last Week: ($15)
Winnings (Losses) Year To Date: ($245)

Picks of the Week

2010-10-10T12:35:00.002-04:00

Since I am out-of-town and it is almost game time - only short abbreviated picks this week.

Ravens -7
Packers -2 1/2
Indianapolis -7
Houston -3
Detroit -3
Atlanta -3
Cincinnati -6 1/2
Chicago +1 1/2
Jacksonville +1 1/2
Tennessee +7
San Diego -6
Philadelphia +3
New York Jets -3 1/2

Big Bet
New Orleans -7

Previous Week's record: 6-8
Year To Date: 31-30-1
Big Bet Previous Week: 0-1
Big Bet Year To Date: 2-2
Winnings (Losses) Last Week: ($445)
Winnings (Losses) Year To Date: ($230)

Picks of the Week

2010-10-03T11:06:00.005-04:00

A strong week 1, and two 8-8 weeks. Let's see how I can do during the first weeks of byes. We will pretend that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler. All spreads are used from the same site each week, as of the time I do the picking. On to the picks.

Tennessee Titans -6 1/2 v. Denver Broncos
Denver is going to have a really tough time dealing with Chris Johnson. But then again, who doesn't.

Baltimore Ravens +2 1/2 at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers cannot go 4-0 without Roethlisberger, can they?

Cleveland Browns +2 1/2 v. Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati hasn't really started clicking yet, and Peyton Hillis gained 144 on the ground against the Ravens.

Detroit Lions +14 1/2 at Green Bay Packers
Detroit has shown that they can score some points against anybody. Green Bay will win, but not by more than 2 Touchdowns.

New Orleans Saints -13 v. Carolina Panthers
Defending champions at home against a rookie quarterback. Easy pick.

Atlanta Falcons -6 1/2 v. San Francisco 49ers
Atlanta showed their mettle against the Saints, while the 49ers are already imploding.

St. Louis Rams +1 1/2 v. Seattle Seahawks
It may be because I am ridiculously stubborn, but I just don't believe in the Seahawks. Bradford is an NFL quarterback already.

New York Jets -6 at Buffalo Bills
Tough to pick against a Harvard quarterback, but Rex Ryan is going to test his knowledge of defenses. Fitzpatrick has been good enough that the Bills just cut Trent Edwards.

Houston Texans -3 at Oakland Raiders
Tough defeat for the Raiders last week. Tougher team to come back against this week.

Arizona Cardinals +9 1/2 at San Diego Chargers
Is San Diego's slow start just that a slow start, or is it a sign that they just are not that good?

Philadelphia Eagles -5 v. Washington Redskins
So, has anybody heard anything about McNabb's return to Philly this week?

Chicago Bears +3 1/2 at New York Giants
I know the Giants are the home team, but how are they favored. If the Bears were not my favorite team, I would have made this game my big bet of the week.

Miami Dolphins +1 v. New England Patriots
The Dolphins always play the Patriots tough.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Indianapolis Colts -7 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Just too much talent versus not enough talent.

Previous Week's Record: 8-8
Year to Date: 25-22-1
Big Bet Previous Week: 1-0
Big Bet Year to Date: 2-1
Winnings (Losses) Last Week: $70
Winnings (Losses)Year to Date: $215

The Ole College Try

2010-10-01T15:50:00.006-04:00

Welcome to the almost weekly perspective of college football. For those that don't remember, I write this column as if every player is a Heisman Trophy candidate. Why? Because it is ridiculously ludicrous that the networks, including the World Wide Leader, nay, especially the World Wide Leader, emphasize the Heisman Trophy race this early in the season. After all, who knew who Mark Ingram was at this time last year. Regular readers will remember, or at least can go look up, my initial column last year where I accurately predicted the third straight sophomore Heisman winner (so what if it wasn't Jacory Harris?) Consider this my sarcastic homage to stupid reporting.

Heisman Watch

Quarterback Edition

Favorite - Terrelle Pryor - Ohio State - The legitimate front runner for this award after gaining 42,000 total yards in the last two games, or at least, that is what ESPN has led me to believe.

Andrew Luck - Stanford - This is now a two person race, unless Oregon's defense totally decimates Luck this weekend. Luck has taken over the favorite for first draft pick from fellow Pac-10 QB Jake Locker.

Rising - Denard Robinson - Michigan - A tremendous athlete at the QB position. He leads the nation in rushing. The nation. As a QB!!!

Falling - Case Keenum - Houston - No ACL, No Heisman.

Running Back Edition

Favorite - John Clay - Wisconsin - 501 yards and 6TDs. Big test this week as Wisconsin, with the tenth best rushing attack in NCAA, goes against Michigan State, with the tenth best rushing defense in the NCAA. Somethings gotta give.

Sleeper - LaMichael James - Oregon - He made Oregon fans forget about LaGarrette Blount last year, and he is making them care about him this year. A big game against Stanford would vault James into the national spotlight, and Oregon into the national championship hunt.

Rising - Kendall Hunter - Oklahoma State - 8TDs so far this year and 7 yards per carry. He is no Denard Robinson, but then again, who is.

Falling - Trent Richardson - Alabama - Not necessarily because of anything that he has done, but simply because of what Mark Ingram has done. It became fashionable when Ingram was injured for some analysts (myself included) to say that Richardson might even be better than Ingram. He is not.

Defensive Leader - Monte Te'o - Notre Dame - 54 tackles so far this season. Of course, he seems to be the only person tackling anybody for Notre Dame.

Player to Watch

Trey Burton - QB/RB - Florida - 6 TDs last week against Kentucky, including 5 rushing TDs on 5 carries. This guy is a talent, and with Demps being injured, should have more plays called for him against Alabama.

My New Favorite Player

Taylor Martinez - QB - Nebraska - First of all, he's Hispanic. Second of all, he's a QB. 9.4yards per carry, 8 TDs and just shy of 500 yards rushing. Oh yeah, and he is a freshman.

Goat of the Week (Player Edition)

The Georgia CB who allowed Arkansas' receiver to score the go-ahead TD in the last second a couple of weeks ago. He is so unimportant to me, I don't even want to look him up.

Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)

Les Miles - LSU - For coming out and insulting the LSU fans for booing during the games. Les, the fans are not booing your players, they are booing you.

Predicted BCS Championship Game Matchup
Boise State v. Alabama - Alabama looked beatable against Arkansas, and Boise State handled Oregon State, putting them on a crash course for the BCS Champtionship game, depending on what happens in the Oregon - Stanford game, especially if Oregon wins.

Rant(s) of the Week
Why can't any team find helmets that stay on the player's heads during the game? Seriously, now that I have mentioned it, watch how many helmets fly off for no reason.

Congratulations of the Week

Boise State - Again. They didn't make the rules, but they have beaten the only two teams on their scheduled.

Under Performance of the Week

Texas. I mean they haven't had a running game for a while, but boy-oh-boy did they look awful against UCLA.

Offensive Play of the Week

Defensive Plays of the Week

Stanford FB/LB Owen Marecic scores a rushing touchdown, then intercepts the next offensive play for a TD. Two touchdowns on two consecutive plays, one on offense and one on defense You don't get any better than that.

Last Week's Trivia Answer

TCU QB Andy Dalton is tied with the most wins in school history. With who is he tied?

Slingin' Sammy Baugh.

Trivia Question of the Week

Nebraska Freshman QB Taylor Martinez has 532 yards rushing through the first four games. What is the NCAA FBS freshman rushing record, and who holds it?

Matchup(s) to Watch

3. Wisconsin v. Michigan State - As stated above, the tenth best rushing team against the tenth best rushing defense. If Wisconsin wins, they could emerge as the biggest challenger to Ohio State's potential undefeated season, Big Ten championship, and potential BCS championship birth.

2. Florida v. Alabama - Could be a preview of the SEC Championship game. Florida seems to be playing better after routing Kentucky, but Alabama is most likely too strong. The big question is does Florida learn something from this game that they use to beat Alabama in December.

1. Stanford v. Oregon - This could be the most exciting game of the season. Actual potential for 100 points to be scored.

Picks of the Week

2010-09-26T09:32:00.002-04:00

This is abbreviated for now because I am typing on my phone. I will turn it into a proper post later, but I need to get my picks on record first.

Ravens -10 1/2
Steelers -2 1/2
Titans +3
Saints -3
Patriots -14 1/2
Lions + 11 1/2
Chiefs +3
Texans -2 1/2
Eagles -2 1/2
Rams +4 1/2
Raiders +4 1/2
Colts -5 1/2
Chargers -4
Dolphins -1
Packers -3

Big Bet - Bengals -3

Last Week 8-8
Big Bet 0-1
Last Weeks Earnings: (245)
Year to Date: +145

Picks of the Week

2010-09-19T11:22:00.003-04:00

AFter a pretty good start, I think I learned some things about teams that could contribute to a continued winning streak. Let's at least hope so. We will pretend that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler. All spreads are used from the same site each week, as of the time I do the picking. On to the picks.

Kansas City Chiefs +3 at Cleveland Browns
There is no telling who is going to start, or finish, at QB for Cleveland. Kansas City looked good against the Chargers. I look for them to at least keep it close, if not win outright.

Green Bay Packers -12 1/2 v. Buffalo Bills
Long time followers of this blog know that I hate giving up double digits. Not this time.

Tennessee Titans -6 v. Pittsburgh Steelers
With Roethlisberger this game would be entirely different. I look for Vince Young to make several more key plays than Dennis Dixon will.

Philadelphia Eagles -6 1/2 at Detroit Lions
Just a hunch, because of the return of Michael Vick.

Chicago Bears +7 at Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys offense has struggled the entire preseason and first game. Julius Peppers cannot wait to see Alex Barron lined up across from him.

Carolina Panthers -3 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With or without Matt Moore, Carolina's running backs are just too tough for Tampa.

Atlanta Falcons -6 1/2 v. Arizona Cardinals
This is not Arizona's year.

Miami Dolphins +5 1/2 at Minnesota Vikings
Miami always plays good teams really tough. Should be a close game.

St. Louis Rams +3 1/2 at Oakland Raiders
Sam Bradford can definitely play in this league.

Seattle Seahawks +3 1/2 v. Denver Broncos
We will find out if Seattle's first game was a fluke or not.

Houston Texans -2 1/2 at Washingotn Redskins
Houston is really, really good. Should be favored by 6 1/2.

Jacksonville Jaguars +7 at San Diego Chargers
I just really cannot figure out Jacksonville. I am taking a flyer on them this week.

New England Patriots -3 at New York Jets
Both teams played like polar opposites last week. Not a good omen for the Jets this week.

Indianapolis Colts -5 v. New York Giants
Indianapolis lost to a really good time. Not sure the Giants are as good as they looked in Week 1.

New Orleans -5 1/2 at San Francisco 49ers
I don't think San Fran is as bas as they showed last week, but they are not as good as New Orleans.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Baltimore Ravens -2 1/2 at Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals looked more like the Bungles of the past last week, while the Ravens now have an offense. That is really scary for the rest of the AFC.

Previous Week's Record: 9-6-1
Year to Date: 9-6-1
Big Bet Previous Week: 1-0
Big Bet Year to Date: 1-0
Winnings (Losses): $390

NFL Wrap-Up

2010-09-17T21:27:00.003-04:00

Here are my thoughts from Week 1 of the NFL season, based purely on what I was able to see, and again, since I was at a bar all day drinking and watching football, that was a lot!

Game of the Week

Indianapolis Colts 24 at Houston Texans 34. There were no really classic games in Game 1. Some teams made a statement that they are better than expected, some teams made the opposite statement (I am looking at you New York Jets). This game was the game of the week for what it represented, The Houston Texans' emergence as a power in the NFL, and Indianapolis' comeuppance. Now Indianapolis may not slide into complete mediocrity, but they are at a point where other good teams are no longer scared of them. Houston, without great games from Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson, but behind a ridiculous effort by the offensive line leading to 231 rushing yards by Arian Foster, made a claim that they are the team to beat in the AFC South.

Best Team Performance

The New England Patiots. They completely dismantled the defending AFC North champions the Cincinnati Bengals, who became preseason darlings after the arrival of Terrell Owens. New England asserted control early, and eased into a 38-24 victory, letting the Jets know that despite Rex Ryan's assertions, the Jets are not the team to beat in the AFC East.

Least Impressive Team Performance

New York Jets - Horrific offensively against the Ravens, and they looked like they were completely lost on offense. The defense only gave up 10 points to a supposedly vaunted Ravens offense, but when needed, and especially on third down, Baltimore was able to have its way with the Jets.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Offense)

Arian Foster, RB - Houston. 231 yards on 33 carries, including 4 consecutive carries during which he gained 98 yards. In all honesty, I don't know what was more impressive, Foster's running or the blocking provided by the offensive line.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Defense)
LaRon Landry, S - Washington Redskins. 17 tackles, including 13 solo tackles, against the hated rival Dallas Cowboys in a 13-7 victory. Honorable mention to Clay Matthews, who had 3sacks for Green Bay against the Eagles.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Special Teams)

Dexter McCluster KR, Kansas City Chiefs. A 94 yard return for a TD in his NFL debut. In a game in which he was not supposed to play because of an illness. So much for being too small for the league.

Goat of the Week

Calvin Johnson, WR - Detroit Lions. Yes, in reality he caught the ball. We all saw it. But anyone who has watched the NFL for any length of time knows that if you go to the ground during a catch, you have to maintain possession the entire time. Apparently Johnson was too busy with his engineering studies to watch the NFL growing up.

Hit of the Week

Julius Peppers - DE, Chicago Bears. Not a classically great hit in terms of viewing pleasure, but Peppers separated Matthew Stafford's shoulder with his hit, knocking the QB out for several weeks, maybe months. You don't get much harder than that. Peppers must be chomping at the bit to go against the Cowboys' Alex Barron.

Breakthrough Performance

Sam Bradford - QB - St. Louis Rams. No the Rams didn't win, and no Bradford did not play like a star. But, he looked like he belonged in the NFL as a QB, and he had 55 pass attempts. Generally most rookie QBs don't throw that much in 4 or 5 games.

Finally

Michael Vick, QB - Philadelphia Eagles

After serving time in the federal pen, and after not playing much at all last year, Vick looked good in throwing the ball for 175 yards, and he looked like himself in rushing for 103 yards. He gets the start this week.

Impact Injury

So many to choose from this week, but I will have to go with Matthew Stafford. The Lions look like they could be emerging this season to respectability, and now they lose Stafford for an indeterminate number of weeks.

Team Rising

Kansas City Chiefs - They looked good in defeating the perennial AFC West favorites San Diego Chargers. More importantly, they looked fun, not boring, with Charles and McCluster breaking off big plays.

Team Falling

Toss Up between the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys, but I am going to pick the Cowboys, because they lost to the Redskins. The Jets at least lost to the Baltimore Ravens, a team some consider a Super Bowl favorite.

Best Teams

1. New Orleans Saints
2. New England Patriots
3. Houston Texans
4. Tennessee Titans
5. New York Giants

Worst Teams

32. San Francisco 49ers
31. Cleveland Browns
30. Oakland Raiders
29. Carolina Panthers
28. Cincinnati Bengals

Preview - Game(s) of the Week

4. Chicago Bears at Dallas Cowboys - Is it possible that Dallas is as bad as it has shown in the preseason games and week 1? The Bears looked really good at times against the Lions, but the Cowboys aren't the Lions.

3. New England Patriots at New York Jets - After last weeks debacle, the Jets really need to assert some control over the other playoff favorites. New England looks to continue its dominance from last week.

2. Miami Dolphins v. Minnesota Vikings - Can Miami be that good without any real stars? Can Minnesota start 0-2? Both important questions that can be answered early in the season.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers v. Tennessee Titans - Two tough grind it out teams fight for early season supremacy. Steelers D v. Chris Johnson. Dennis Dixon with a game under his belt. Who knows what could happen?

Trivia
Houston Texans RB Arian Foster surprisingly rushed for 231 yards last week. This should not have been that much of a surprise as he is the second leading rusher in Tennessee Volunteer history. Who is the first? Answer provided next week.

Sports Bar Review of the Week
This is a new segment this year. Me and my peeps are going to attempt to watch the NFL games every Sunday from a different sports bar. My review of the bar will be in this section of the NFL Wrap-Up. This week's bar - JJ Muggs Stadium Grill in the Abacoa section of Jupiter, Florida.

JJ Muggs is in a great location, right across from the Spring Training stadium of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Florida Marlins. At first, it looks like a great sports bar, with lots of televisions in all good angles for watching. However, we were asked to move from our table because it was "reserved", and those that reserved it had arrived. We later find out that the reserving party was a bunch of employees, including the girlfriend of one of the managers. We were escorted upstairs, which is a nice area for a private party, but not so great for NFL Sunday. The televisions are located only along one wall, running perpendicular to the tables. Not good angles for watching the actual games.

Our bartender/waitress, Katie, was very attentive and generally really good. Although she seemed incredibly busy, running a small bar and about 10 tables by herself, she generally kept on top of everything.

The bar offers all you can eat wings during football Sundays, and although the buffalo style was OK, the barbecue wings were great. The sauce was exceptional, and we ordered more than several plates.

The beer was cold, the prices were good, and the experience might have been better if only it was easier to watch the actual games. It was better for the 4:00 games, as most of the bar cleared out after the early games finished, but generally, it was difficult to maneuver to watch more than one game.

On a scale of 1-10, the overall rating is a 3. It might have been higher if we were downstairs, and it would have been even higher if we weren't kicked out from downstairs. The saving grace was Katie and the barbecue sauce.

Picks of the Week

2010-09-10T17:05:00.007-04:00

Welcome back to this year's "picks of the week" segment that will occur weekly at We Make It Rain. As a refresher, I like to keep track of what I would have earned had I actually bet on all of the games (since gambling is illegal). Each pick is using the spread (straight up is for wussies), and the betting line is from the same website each week as of the time of typing the entry. I will keep a running tally of my record, plus my winnings/losses. We will pretend that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler. On to the picks.

New Orleans Saints - 4 1/2 v. Minnesota Vikings
See my entry from Thursday.

Carolina Panthers + 6 1/2 at New York Giants
The Giants struggled at the end of last season, going 3-8 in their last 11. I just don't see them as being that talented overall, especially on offense. And they are giving points!

Miami Dolphins -3 at Buffalo Bills
I suspect that the Bills will be much better than expected this season, but they still have a long season ahead of them.

Pittsburgh Steelers +1 v. Atlanta Falcons
This should be a close game, so I will take the points. Steelers defense, with Polamalu, keeps them in the game. I look for Dixon to make one really special, and one really costly, play.

Detroit Lions +7 at Chicago Bears
The Detroit Lions defensive line looks to be much improved, with Ndamukong Suh and Kyle Vanden Bosch. Stafford should be much improved as well. I don't know if the Lions will win outright, but they should cover. The Bears could be really, really bad this year.

Cincinnati Bengals + 4 1/2 at New England Patriots
The story is going to be a rookie and a second year cornerback for the Patriots guarding TO and OchoCinco, with little or no pass rush. Take the Bengals outright.

Denver Broncos + 2 1/2 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville could be in for a long, long season. Most of the people attending this game will be wearing Denver and or UF 15 jerseys anyway.

Houston Texans +1 v. Indianapolis Colts
It has to happen sometime, and it might as well occur when Indy's run game is struggling.

Tennessee Titans -6 v. Oakland Raiders
All Vince Young does is win. It isn't always pretty numerically, but he gets it done.

Green Bay Packers -3 at Philadelphia Eagles
I could easily see the Packers in the Super Bowl this year.

San Francisco -3 at Seattle Seahawks
The winner of this game could actually clinch the division title - yes in week 1.

St. Louis Rams +4 v. Arizona Cardinals
Now wouldn't this be a surprise? However, some surprise always occurs in week 1. Arizona lost a ton of talent (Warner, Boldin, Dansby), and Fitzgerald is hurting. This team may have to reevaluate itself very quickly.

Dallas Cowboys - 3 1/2 at Washington Redskins
Dallas will almost certainly implode this season, I just don't expect it to be week 1. The Redskins may ultimately show improvement this year, but it is going to take a bit of time to get there.

Baltimore Ravens + 1 1/2 at New York Jets
Baltimore's offense is much better than the Jets. The Jets defense is not that much better than the Ravens.

San Diego Chargers - 4 1/2 at Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are also going to be better as the season moves forward, just not in week 1.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Cleveland Browns + 4 1/2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay should not be giving points to anybody at this stage, I don't care if it is a home game or not.

Previous Week's Record: N/A
Year to Date: N/A
Winnings (Losses): N/A

The Ole College Try

2010-09-09T16:52:00.007-04:00

Once again, I will attempt to do a weekly wrap-up of the college football season, told from a couple of days distance simply to let some of the stories simmer a bit and to gain a bit of perspective. Generally this column will come out on Wednesday. Although you may have a different take on the past weekend, I can only truly comment on games that I have seen, and this is my perspective.

Also, I write this column as if every player is a Heisman Trophy candidate. Why? Because it is ridiculously ludicrous that the networks, including the World Wide Leader, nay, especially the World Wide Leader, emphasize the Heisman Trophy race this early in the season. After all, who knew who Mark Ingram was at this time last year. Regular readers will remember, or at least can go look up, my initial column last year where I accurately predicted the third straight sophomore Heisman winner (so what if it wasn't Jacory Harris?) Consider this my sarcastic homage to stupid reporting.

The only thing is we have no "Big 3 Edition" this season, since Bradford, McCoy and Tebow all defected to the riches of the NFL.

Heisman Watch

Quarterback Edition

Favorite - Kellen Moore - Boise State - Only 23-38 for 215 yards, but 3 TDs, including the last minute, prime time Labor Day evening game winner over Virginia Tech.

Tyler Yates - North Carolina - 412 yards, 3 TDs, no INTs against LSU. North Carolina's defense was undermanned this game (perhaps the season), so they needed every single one of Yates' yards to even compete.

Sleeper - Nick Foles - Arizona - 32-37 for 360 yards. Only 5 incompletions. Did have 1 interception, though.

Rising - Andrew Luck - Stanford - With his old backfield mate now on the Vikings (that's Toby Gerhart), this is Luck's team. Could be in contention for a PAC-10 title.

Falling - Nobody - yet.

And yes, I suspect this is the only time Yates and Foles merit mention in this column.

Running Back Edition

Favorite - Demarco Murray - Oklahoma - 208 yards and 2 TDs. This team is now definitely back to being a running team, and Murray is the lead horse.

John Clay - Wisconsin - Only 123 yards, but on 17 carries. Will have a much heavier workload in tougher games.

Sleeper - Davin Meggett - Maryland - 105 yards, but on only 8 carries. I don't expect him to keep up this pace, but the Terps need something to work on offense for them to be good this year.

Rising - Nobody is rising after only one week.

Falling - Same.

Defensive Leader - Lance Mitchell S - Oregon State - 18 tackles! Not sure OSU wants its safety to have this many tackles, but he deserves to be on top for this week.

Co-Leader - Janoris Jenkins - CB - Florida - When the Gators so desperately needed a play, it was Jenkins, and not any of the members of the vaunted offense, that stepped up.

Player to Watch

Jacory Harris - QB - Miami - I am going with him for the second straight year after week 1. The fact that the Canes need him to play extremely well going into the Horseshoe is understating the facts.

My New Favorite Player

Kyle Padron - QB - Southern Methodist - Simply because of his name

Goat of the Week (Player Edition)

Mike Pouncey - C (former C) - Florida - He is not his brother Maurkice. Must have had 300 bad snaps during the game. Almost cost them the game against Miami (OH). One of the ESPN announcers stated that the Gators should bench Brantley and promote a shortstop.

Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)

Ken Niumatalolo - Navy - I understand going for it when your team is the underdog, tired, and becoming less and less competitve. When you have the better and stronger team? Go for the tie, prolong the game and outlast the weaker opponent. Even Niumatalolo admitted this mistake. You were rushing at will against Maryland, did you think that wasn't going to last in overtime?

Predicted BCS Championship Game Matchup
Boise State v. Alabama - Boise State has one big matchup left, against Oregon State. Alabama, until someone knocks them off is on top. Still way too early to tell.

Rant(s) of the Week
Florida State wide reciever/punt returner Greg Reid goes down with what looks to be a leg cramp, but could be more serious. The team gets him to the sidelines, and right in front of the cameras someone gives him a pill, puts something in his water bottle and has him drink. Now, I am sure it was a potassium pill or something similar, but for crying out loud, in this day and age of PEDs, at least have someone tell the audience what it was that he took.

Congratulations of the Week

Boise State - For the first time in their history, they looked like an actual great (potentially) team, rather than just a plucky good story with a good system.

Under Performance of the Week

Florida - Just awful. They got outplayed. Lucky to have won.

Offensive Play of the Week

Touchdown Catch by Boise State TE Tommy Gallarda. Magnificent diving catch in the endzone, holding onto the ball while hitting the ground with his elbow.

Co-Defensive Plays of the Week

Maryland Safety Kenny Tate stopping Navy QB Ricky Dobbs at the goal line with :34 left was important, but it paled in comparison to teammate Adrian Moten jumping over the line of scrimmage at the snap and simultaneously sacking Dobbs and causing a fumble. Roy Williams-like in athleticism.

Trivia Question of the Week

TCU QB Andy Dalton is tied with the most wins in school history. With who is he tied?

Matchup(s) to Watch

3. USF v. Florida - Could Florida really be that bad? South Florida QB B.J. Daniels is a handful - if you don't believe me, ask Florida State fans.

2. Florida State v. Oklahoma - Florida State's offense can compete with anyone, now we will see if the Seminoles defense can stop somebody good. Demarco Murray and Ryan Broyles give Landry Jones two phenomenal weapons to use.

1. Miami v. Ohio State - Need you ask?

For Future Reference

2010-09-09T16:41:00.002-04:00

This is an abbreviated post, to be continued before Sunday, but for now my pick of the night ...

New Orleans Saints - 4 1/2 v. Minnesota Vikings

Same Saints offense, worse Vikings offense. It'll be tough for Minnesota to overcome the loss of Rice and the headaches of Harvin.

The Greatest Of My Time

2010-08-28T19:05:00.004-04:00

I have been a baseball fan for an incredibly long time. For most of my life really. And in my time, there have been 3 players that existed during my time that were head and shoulders above the rest. There are a lot of players that I wanted to see play, because of their particular skills or abilities, like Greg Maddux, Ichiro and Vladamir Guerrero, or last name, like Sammy Sosa and Elias Sosa, but none could compare to the three greats of "my" generation. One has been disgraced by the steroid era - Barry Bonds; one continues to pummel the ball like it's his job (hint: it is) - Albert Pujols, and the other showed such tremendous ability at all 5 skills that it is ridiculous - Ken Griffey, Jr.

Ken Griffey, Jr. had some tough shoes to fill. His father, Ken Griffey, was a pretty darn good baseball player himself. Senior played in the majors from 1973 through 1991, was a member of the "Big Red Machine" earning 2 world series titles, was a 3 time All-Star, including MVP of the 1980 All-Star Game.

Ken Griffey, Jr. was so much more. He played from 1989 through this season, 2010. He hit .284 with 630 homers, 2,781 hits, and 1,836 RBIs. He was a 13 time All-Star, including the 1992 All-Star game MVP. He was a 10 time gold glove winner, a 7 time silver slugger winner, and a member of the All-Century team. He was also the 1997 MVP. But Jr. was much more than stats and awards. Watching him patrol center field with reckless abandon was like watching Mozart conduct a symphony, like watching Picasso paint, like watching me write this post. (OK, so I got a little carried away). Griffey is THE greatest defensive centerfielder since Mays, and perhaps is even better than Mays. By watching Griffey, you simply knew he was great, even if you never saw a statistic of his.

He has been recently chastised about being a bad "guy", or at least a bad "teammate". The story about him not being able to pinch-hit earlier this year because he was asleep in the clubhouse made its way around the airwaves. In my experience, this can not be further from the truth.

Now, I do not know Griffey, Jr., but I have had the occasion to meet him on two occasions: once at a charity golf tournament and once at events surrounding the BCS Championship game. At the first, I was a volunteer caddy, but I had clubhouse privileges for food and drink (note - not locker room privileges). Most caddies did not have such privileges (it's a long story). After the round, I walked into the clubhouse to eat, as did a few of the caddies that had such privileges. The "bouncer" told us that we had to leave, not realizing that we were allowed to be there. Included in the group was Griffey's caddy for the round. Griffey, Jr. saw what was happening, and even though he had no idea that we were actually allowed to be in the clubhouse, told the bouncer that he was leaving if we were not allowed in. He then invited us to his table where we talked about fantasy football and baseball for the entire meal. The conversation was particularly funny because Griffey's quarterback was Drew Brees, sitting at the next table.

My second time meeting Griffey, Jr. also had to do with a charity event. The BCS Championship game was held in Miami in 2009. As a kickoff to BCS week, the baseball player Brad Wilkerson, a UF alum and resident of South Florida, hosted a charity event. Griffey, Jr. attended the event out of respect for a fellow baseball player. At the event, Griffey, Jr. purchased half of a box that was being auctioned for the charity. When we all arrived at the tailgate for the game (I was not part of the people invited to the box, but went to the game anyway), Griffey was parading around the grounds with ... his children. He couldn't have cared less about being a celebrity, he simply wanted to take his kids to the game, and help a fellow major leaguer's foundation while he was at it. Certainly, most of us could not purchase a box to a BCS game, but, we all would bring our kids (if we had them) to a game of such import if the situation arose. He was just being a regular dad.

And although baseball seems to be in good hands with a great quality, and quantity, of young guns, we will certainly miss seeing the likes of Griffey, Jr., who will forever be patrolling centerfield, at least in my mind. And as a baseball fan, let me simply say ... Thank you! The Hall of Fame is going to be lucky to have you as a resident in five years.

Underrated Television Actresses

2010-08-28T17:35:00.010-04:00

As I am working this fine Saturday, I have decided to take my break by adding a bit to our blog. I was going to work on my Ken Griffey, Jr. story, but since one of our illustrious readers has been waiting so long to read it, I figured that I would write something that I know she would dislike first, before I write the Griffey post. So, I have decided to write about my Top 10 Underrated Television Actresses.

These actresses are not usually the stars of their shows, nor are they the most well known and focused upon starlots. Nevertheless, the are great contributors to television, and will likely be much more well known in the very short future.

I define appearing on television as appearing regularly - whether on a current series or in syndication. Why? Because I can.

10. Cote de Pablo - NCIS

Her Ziva David is much more intense and dangerous than Caitlyn Todd ever could have been. A great choice by the network, and necessary for the show to continue. Her Mossad agent character is certifiably badass - just don't let her drive.

8/9. Norah O'Donnell/Erin Burnett - NBC Family of Networks

Not the most famous of newscasters, but very important nonetheless. Erin Burnett is a frequent contributor to the Today Show, Meet the Press and Morning Joe.

7. Michelle Beadle - SportsNation

It takes a strong personality to put the blowhard Colin Cowherd in his place. Beadle more than fits that bill as co-host of ESPN's SportsNation.

6. Grace Park - Hawaii Five-O

They have already started running promos, so I am going to count it. Besides, she has appeared on Battlestar Galactica and The Cleaner, so she more than certainly qualifies.

5. Marsha Thomason - White Collar

Currently on White Collar, she is likely most recognizable from Las Vegas, where she played the pit boss Nessa. Even on Vegas she was the least known of the female characters (Vanessa Marcil, Molly Sims and Nikki Cox), yet she still held her own.

4. Navi Rawat - Numbers/Burn Notice

She had a brief part in Burn Notice this season, but if you recognize her it is from Numbers, where she plays the brilliant professor Amita. Although overshadowed by the other male characters, she often provides lucrative insight into the pending investigations.

3. Eva La Rue - CSI Miami

As crime scene investigator Natalie Boa Vista, La Rue actually makes the cheesiness that is the writing and David Caruso acting tolerable.

2. Giada de Laurentiis - Food Network

She is on every show not populated by Rachael Ray and Guy Fieri. Definitely holds her own in the cooking shows.

1. Christina Hendricks – Mad Men

OK, so I had to go with one person that was pretty well rated.

Waiting for College Football

2010-08-22T21:35:00.007-04:00

As we approach the commencement of college football season, I feel that this is the appropriate time to unveil my preseason All-American team. At the urging of Jorge O., it is time to have a beer in hand, breakfast on the stove, and college football on the television. A few rules, although there are more than 11 offenseive and defensive players listed, the team is selected to account for the various offenses and defenses used around the country (trip receivers, spread, 3-4, 4-3, etc.). I chose to explain my picks in some instances, and not in others. Why? Because I can. Now here are the Pepster Preseason All-Americans.

Offense

QB - Kellen Moore, Boise State; Case Keenum, Houston - I had Moore as my second team NCAA All-American QB last season, and he returns. Keenum will put up tons and tons of stats. Moore may finish undefeated and gain a birth in the BCS Championship game. If I had to pick a surprise third QB, it would be Christian Ponder of FSU.

RB - Mark Ingram, Alabama; Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech; Jazquizz Rodgers, Oregon State; Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh; John Clay, Wisconsin - Ingram and Williams are returning from my post-season All-American list last season, even though Ingram may not be the best running back on his team (see Richardson, Trent). Williams is my preseason player of the year. Lewis and Clay will both post lots and lots of yards, and are likely conference player of the year candidates, especially Clay behind that big Wisconsin line.

WR - A.J. Green, Georgia; Michael Floyd, Notre Dame; Julio Jones, Alabama; Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma - I having been touting Green for a couple of years, and Floyd was likely Notre Dame's best receiver last year. It is now time for Jones to show the fruits of all of that talent of his. Broyles could catch 90 balls.

TE - D.J Williams, Arkansas; Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame - Ryan Mallet could make a real star out of Williams.

T - Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin; Jason Pinkston, Pittsburgh - Look for both offensives to strive this year.

G - Rodney Hudson, Florida State; John Moffitt, Wisconsin - Hudson was a Pepster All-American last year, and Moffitt will lead the interior of a great running game at Wisconsin.

C - Mike Pouncey, Florida - Only because his brother Maurkice is gone.

Defense

DE - Adrian Clayborn, Iowa; Cameron Heyward, Ohio State - Both very experienced, and both will wreak havoc on opposing offenses. Heyward is the son of former NFLer Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, so he must be tough.

DT - Jared Crick, Nebraska; Stephen Paea, Oregon State - Crick learned by playing next to the best, Ndamukong Suh, last season, and more than holding his own. Paea is a small mountain.

LB - Von Miller, Texas A & M; Greg Jones, Michigan State; Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina; Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State; Dont'a Hightower, Alabama; Sean Spence, Miami - All athletic beasts that will make a ton of tackles. OK, maybe Spence was a bit of a homer pic.

CB - Patrick Peterson, LSU; Brandon Harris, Miami; Janoris Jenkins, Florida - Harris among the leaders is passes defensed last year. Jenkins will make sure that Gators fans do not miss Joe Haden too much.

S - Rahim Moore, UCLA; DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson - The easiest position to select on the team, as both were high talents last year among the NCAA interception leaders

Special Teams

K - Matt Bosher, Miami - A little homerism, but, he is just the kicker.

P - Drew Butler, Georgia - Again, he is just the punter.

R - LaVon Brazill, Ohio University - A great returner, and he is from nearby my hometown.

Forgive me for any typographical errors, I didn't feel like proofreading this. I simply want to start college football season. Stay tuned for my weekly college football updates.

Super Picks of the Week

2010-02-06T15:20:00.004-05:00

Here is this week's "Super Bowl Picks of the Week". Thanks to the over bet on the Saints, a great winning week. I am looking to ride that train through the Super Bowl.

As a refresher, I use the same website for the betting lines for consistency. If they are different than your lines, too bad. Standard 100 bet with a 10% vig for losing. For one game each week, I will "bet" $250. Totals for the season will be tabulated.

On to the picks ...

Indianapolis Colts -5 v. New Orleans Saints
Yes, it would be a great story to have the Saints win. However, I like the Colts defense a bit more than the Saints. With Peyton throwing the ball, I bet he likes the Colts defense a lot more than the Saints. I'll give the points.

Shots of Archie Manning in the stands 2 1/2 OVER
Has to be more than that, right? I figure at least 2 per quarter.

Peyton Manning Completions 24 1/2 OVER
They aren't going to be running the ball very much.

Drew Brees Completions 24 1/2 OVER
He is good for 30-42 I think.

And because this is the Super Bowl, I will make two big bets this week.

BIG BETS OF THE WEEK

Hurricane Katrina references during the broadcast 4 1/2 OVER
I am way surprised that this is not higher.

New Orleans Saints at Indianapolis Colts - 56 1/2 OVER
I said last week that I was going to ride this train throughout the playoffs. So I will.

Previous Week's Record: 2-1 (1-0 Big Bet)
Playoffs To Date: 7-5 (2-1 Big Bet)
Year to Date: 101-75-3 (7-5-1)
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): $240
Playoffs Winnings (Losses): $285
Year to Date Winnings (Losses): $2060

NCAA Football All-Americans

2010-01-27T18:55:00.006-05:00

As we begin the college football All-Star season, it seems as if it is the time to honor this season's We Make It Rain All-Americans. Although there are more than 11 offenseive and defensive players listed, the team is selected to account for the various offenses and defenses used around the country (trip receivers, spread, 3-4, 4-3, etc.). I also choose some backups to account for different styles of players. I chose to explain my picks in some instances, and not in others. Why? Because I feel like it. Now here are the Pepster All-Americans. Those in bold are those that I chose as Pepster Preseason All-Americans.

Offense

QB - Colt McCoy, Texas; Kellen Moore, Boise State - McCoy led Texas to the NCAA Championship game without much of a running game. Moore had huge numbers, and Boise State has to get some recognition.

RB - Mark Ingram, Alabama, Toby Gerhart, Stanford, Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech - The Heisman Trophy winner and runner up, and Ryan Williams is my preseason player to watch next season. What, no C.J. Spiller? Keep reading.

WR - Jordan Shipley, Texas, Mardy Gilyard; Freddie Barnes, Bowling Green; Golden Tate, Notre Dame - Shipley should have been a Heisman finalist, Barnes led the country in receptions (155) and receiving yards (1,770), and Tate is good, when he isn't complaining and campaigning for pass interference penalties.

TE - Aaron Hernandez, Florida - And nobody else was close.

T - Bryan Bulaga, Iowa; Russel Okung, Oklahoma State - Both big and strong, and keys to their respective offenses.

G - Mike Iupati, Idaho; ; Rodney Hudson, Florida State - Hudson did not give up a quarterback pressure all year.

C - Maurkice Pouncey, Florida - Definitely stood out this year, and for good reason.

Defense

DE - Jerry Hughes, TCU; Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech; Sergio Kindle, Texas - Hughes was simply dominating, and Morgan was remarkably consistent. Kindle gets this position simply by virtue of his work in the BCS Championship game. My humble apologies to Texas A & M senior Von Miller.

DT - Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska; Terrence Cody, Alabama; Brian Price, UCLA - Suh might have been the most dominating player in the NCAA, Cody anchored the NCAA's championship defense; Price had 22 1/2 sacks.

OLB - Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri; Eric Norwood, South Carolina - Norwood is a beast, while Weatherspoon just makes tackles. I have no reason whatsoever to change my preseason picks!

ILB - Rolando McClaim, Alabama; Greg Jones, Michigan State - If I have to justify McClain, you have not been watching college football this year. Jones had 153 tackles this season, good for fourth best in the country.

CB - Joe Haden, Florida; Javier Arenas, Alabama - Haden is the best cover corner in college, and Arenas, well, he just makes plays.

S - Eric Berry, Tennessee; DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson; Earl Thomas, Texas - Again, I do not have to justify Berry, and I shouldn't have to justify Thoimas. McDaniel, like Thomas, had 8 interceptions.

Special Teams

K - Leigh Tiffin, Alabama - Championship kicker. Can't really find a better criteria than that.

P - Drew Butler, Georgia; Zoltan Mesko, Michigan - Butler, because he averaged 48.8 yards per punt. Mesko, because you don't mess with the Zohan.

R - C.J. Spiller, Clemson - He had to be on any All-American team, and by placing him as my returner, I could choose an additional running back.

Playoffs Picks of the Week

2010-01-24T13:12:00.004-05:00

Here is this week's "Playoffs Picks of the Week". So, another 50-50 week, but thanks to the over bet on the Saints, a great winning week. I am looking to ride that train through the Super Bowl.

As a refresher, I use the same website for the betting lines for consistency. If they are different than your lines, too bad. Standard 100 bet with a 10% vig for losing. For one game each week, I will "bet" $250. Totals for the season will be tabulated.

On to the picks ...

Indianapolis Colts -8 v. New York Jets
The Jets defense may be great, but Peyton Manning will still move the ball against them. And even if Darelle Revis shuts down another star wide receiver in Reggie Wayne, that still leaves Dallas Clark, and an up-and-coming Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie. Colts to the Super Bowl.

New Orleans Saings -3 1/2 v. Minnesota Vikings
The Saints just know how to score points, whether it be running the ball with Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell and Reggie Bush, or through the air with about 100 different receivers, or even via special teams with a newly revitalized Reggie Bush. The Vikings are also potent, but they seem to have forgotten about Adrian Peterson, and that could punish them if they get into a gunfight with Drew Brees. Favre with 3 picks this game.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints - OVER 54
This line just moved up 1/2 point from the time I started this post until now. Not a good sign for this bet, but both teams can score in a myriad of ways, including via defense. 27 points per half is just fine by me. I'll take the over.

Previous Week's Record: 3-2 (1-0 Big Bet)
Playoffs To Date: 5-4 (1-1 Big Bet)
Year to Date: 99-74-3 (6-5-1)
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): $230
Playoffs Winnings (Losses): $45
Year to Date Winnings (Losses): $1820

Playoff Picks of the Week

2010-01-16T12:05:00.004-05:00

Here is this week's "Playoffs Picks of the Week". So, a 50-50 (i.e. "losing") start last week, but who would have thought that the number 1 defense in the NFL would have forgotten to show up for the game against the Cardinals.

As a refresher, I use the same website for the betting lines for consistency. If they are different than your lines, too bad. Standard 100 bet with a 10% vig for losing. For one game each week, I will "bet" $250. Totals for the season will be tabulated.

On to the picks ...

Arizona Cardinals +7 at New Orleans Saints
The Saints struggled against inferior teams even before they clinched home field advantage throughout the playoffs. That should make for a close game. Hopefully a shoot-out like last week for the Cardinals (see below).

Indianapolis Colts -6 1/2 v. Baltimore Ravens
Manning has defeated the Ravens something like 7 times in a row. Besides, given the rest of my picks, I am going to have to choose 1 home favorite. Indianapolis is it.

Dallas Cowboys +2 1/2 at Minnesota Vikings
I just simply think that the Cowboys defense is entirely too good right now. I also think, that as great as the Vikings defensive line is, that if Romo gets time, he can carve up the secondary with Austin, Witten and possibly even Roy Williams.

New York Jets +7 at San Diego Chargers
I actually think San Diego is going to win, but 3 road teams won last year, and the home teams in the divisional round have not had a winning record since 2004. (Thanks to the fellas on Todd's e-mail chat list for these stats). Coupled with the Jets ball control running game, Darrelle Revis locking up Vincent Jackson, and the rest of the Jets defense being dominating, I expect them to keep it within a touchdown, so I will take the points.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints - OVER 57
Somehow this seems too easy, but I will take it.

Previous Week's Record: 2-2 (0-1 Big Bet)
Playoffs To Date: 2-2 (0-1 Big Bet)
Year to Date: 96-72-3 (5-5-1)
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): ($185)
Playoffs Winnings (Losses): ($185)
Year to Date Winnings (Losses): $1590

Playoff Picks of the Week

2010-01-09T18:42:00.002-05:00

Here is this week's "Playoffs Picks of the Week". Yes, the first game has already started, but I have previosuly made my selection to some of my friends, so nobody can accuse me of cheating (plus, the bet had to be made before kickoff).

As a refresher, I use the same website for the betting lines for consistency. If they are different than your lines, too bad. Standard 100 bet with a 10% vig for losing. For one game each week, I will "bet" $250. Totals for the season will be tabulated.

On to the picks ...

New York Jets +2 1/2 at Cincinnati Bengals
Yes Cincinnati played a limited game plan last week, but they got their asses beat. Bad. Too much to overcome.

Philadelphia Eagles +4 at Dallas Cowboys
Unlike the above rematch, last week Philly was a couple of close passes away from making it a game, and they never, ever, blitzed. Plus, Andy Reid is like 141-0 in first round playoff games. Slight exaggeration, but he is undefeated.

Baltimore Ravens + 3 1/2 at New England
The Welker loss is huge, and Ray Rice has jumped into the upper echelon of running backs this year. He is a legitimate double threat.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Green Bay Packers -1 at Arizona Cardinals
The Packers defense is too strong and dominating for the Cardinals. Plus, the Cardinals are down at WR with Boldin's injury, and Steve Breaston not making the leap this year that was expected after a 77 catch season last year.

Previous Week's Record: 8-6-2 (0-0-2 Big Bet)
Year to Date: 94-70-3 (5-4-1)
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): $140
Year to Date Winnings (Losses): $1775

Picks of the Week

2009-12-17T17:57:00.006-05:00

In honor of the NFL's Thursday night game, I am going to go ahead and make my picks for the entire week. I asked for a winning week last week, and I got it, so I am going to try to keep up the momentum for the last few weeks of the season.

As a refresher, I use the same website for the betting lines for consistency. If they are different than your lines, too bad. Standard 100 bet with a 10% vig for losing. For one game each week, I will "bet" $250. Totals for the season will be tabulated.

On to the picks ...

Indianapolis Colts -3 at Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars beat the teams they should, but they usually lose to good teams. The Colts are definitely a good team this year.

Dallas Cowboys +7 1/2 at New Orleans Saints
Tony Romo has actually played well in the last few games. The Cowboys lose this one, but only by a touchdown.

Chicago Bears +11 at Baltimore Ravens
I was impressed with the Bears loss last week, well, impressed enough to take the 11 points. They still lose.

Tennessee Titans -4 1/2 v. Miami Dolphins
I am taking the Titans. Four separate sites all have no line, so I may update this pick later. I found the line. For some reason, I am still sold on Vince Young (at least for this year).

Houston Texans -14 at St. Louis Rams
I am taking the Texans. Four separate sites all have no line, so I may update this pick later. I found the line. The Rams are Null and Void.

Philadelphia Eagles -9 v. San Francsico 49ers
The 49ers defense was impressive against the Cardinals last week, with Patrick Willis being possibly the best defensive player in the league. But, the Eagles have been equally impressive offensively.

Atlanta Falcons +6 at New York Jets
I am taking the Jets. Four separate sites all have no line, so I may update this pick later. OK, I found the line and I am changing my pic. I'll take the six with Ryan and Turner both playing.

Cleveland Brows +1 at Kansas City Chiefs
Both teams playing better as of late, but I am going to go with the points, and the new running game of the Browns behind Chris Jennings.

Arizona Cardinals -12 1/2 at Detroit Lions
Injuries have depleted the Lions, and they didn't have much with which to start.

New England -7 at Buffalo Bills
Might be interesting to see the Moss versus Owens blow-up contest, as in which one will blow up first. (Literally, not figuratively).

Oakland Raiders +1 at Denver Broncos
The Raiders players have shown that they have heart and they are playing like they care. Of course, that is much easier to do when you have a quarterback that can complete more than 7.4% of his passes. The question is, is Charlie Frye more Bruce Gradkowski than JaMarcus Russell?

Cincinnati Bengals +6 1/2 at San Diego Chargers
Emotion keeps this game close. So does the Bengals running game. Even during the loss last week to Minnesota, Benson still gained 96 rushing yards.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers + 6 1/2 at Seattle Seahawks
Only because the Bucs played the Dolphins close at Miami. It has really been my only exposure to the team this year.

Minnesota Vikings -9 at Carolina Panthers
The Vikings defense is tough to run against, and that is Carolina's specialty. If the Vikings keep DeAngelo Williams in check, this could be a blowout. Carolina might actually be jealous of the Raiders quarterback situation.

Washington Redskins +3 v. New York Giants
I actually just changed my pick on this one. The Redskins have been playing tough, and Vinny Cerrato's firing might be enough to put them over the top against a division rival.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Green Bay Packers +1 at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Packers defense is what the Steelers defense is supposed to be. The Packers are getting points here? I'll take 'em.

Previous Week's Record: 11-5 (1-0 Big Bet)
Year to Date: 86-64-1 (5-4)
Previous Weeks Winnings (Losses): $700
Year to Date Winnings (Losses): $1635

Picks of the Week

2009-12-13T10:26:00.003-05:00

Finally back after a brief hiatus. Here are this week's, "Picks of the Week".

As a refresher, I use the same website for the betting lines for consistency. If they are different than your lines, too bad. Standard 100 bet with a 10% vig for losing. For one game each week, I will "bet" $250. Totals for the season will be tabulated.

On to the picks ...

Pittsburgh Steelers -9 1/2 at Cleveland Browns
I thought for sure that the Browns were exactly what the Steelers needed to halt their slide. I was wrong.

New Orleans Saints -10 at Atlanta Falcons
The Saints are just cruising, and Atlanta is experiencing way too many important injuries.

New York Jets -3 1/2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Without Sanchez, the Jets are going to do what they do best, and that is run the ball with Thomas Jones. Should be a recipe for success.

Carolina Panthers +13 at New England Patriots
The Patriots are in disarray. The Panthers running games should keep the ball out of Brady's hands. Brady seems to be doing his best to keep the ball out of Randy Moss's hands.

Minnesota Vikings -6 v. Cincinnait Bengals
The Bengals continue to surprise everyone, but the Vikings defenses should contain Cedric Benson enough for the Vikings to win.

Buffalo Bills -1 at Kansas City Chiefs
Who cares?!

Jacksonville Jaguars -3 v. Miami Dolphins
If the Dolphins had Ronnie Brown, this could have been one helluva game.

Denver Broncos +6 1/2 at Indianapolis Colts
The Colts cannot keep winning forever, can they?

Houston Texans -7 v. Seattle Seahawks
Houston's offense is just too strong, while Seattle's, isn't.

Baltimore Ravens -14 v. Detroit Lions
For Detroit, at least they are better and more exciting that last year.

Tennessee Titans -13 v. St. Louis Rams
Matt Forte ran all over the Rams. Matt Forte is no Chris Johnson.

Washington Redskins -1 at Oakland Raiders
The Redskins have been much imporved of late, as have the Raiders. This is a much more interesting game than anyone would have guessed even 3 weeks ago.

San Diego Chargers +3 1/2 at Dallas Cowboys
San Diego is probably the least recognized good team in the league. Dallas, however, is the most publicized average team in the league. I'll take the points.

Philadelphia Eagles -1 at New York Giants
Both teams seem to be going in opposite directions. I'll take the team going up.

Arizona -3 1/2 at San Francisco 49ers
The Niners usually play Arizona tough and close, so I am glad to see the spread only 3 1/2 points. I can give those.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Green Bay Packers -4 at Chicago Bears
I am not at all high on my Bears.

Previous Week's Record: 9-10 (1-0 Big Bet)
Year to Date: 75-59-1 (4-4)
Previous Weeks Winnings (Losses): ($50)
Year to Date Winnings (Losses): $935

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY!!!

2009-11-26T09:25:00.004-05:00

Enjoy your day, and everything that you are thankful for, like NFL Football!

Here is an abbreviated version of my picks for this week, containing only today's games. I will combine this post with Sunday's game picks later this week.

Green Bay Packers -12 at Detroit Lions
Never take a double digit favorite in a division game, unless the starting quarterback is injured, that team gave up a gazillion yards to the Browns, and, well, that team is the Lions.

Oakland Raiders +13 1/2 at Dallas Cowboys
The Raiders have been playing remarkably strong, and although they are winning, the Cowboys have started their Romo-led December swoon a little bit early.

New York Giants -6 at Denver Broncos
Both teams have slipped from their early starts, but the Giants might just be a bit too strong for the Broncos right now.

Picks of the Week

2009-11-22T08:56:00.008-05:00

Here are this week's, "Picks of the Week", this time with time for a little thought to put into the selections. No more byes, so we have a full slate. Hopefully that will halt the min-slide I have been on. If anything, last week did see my first push of the year. Thanks Belichek! (Please not sarcasm).

As a refresher, I use the same website for the betting lines for consistency. If they are different than your lines, too bad. Standard 100 bet with a 10% vig for losing. For one game each week, I will "bet" $250. Totals for the season will be tabulated.

On to the picks ...

Carolina Panthers -3 1/ v. Miami Dolphins
With Ronnie Brown hurt and Carolina on a bit of a roll, I thought for sure this was a lock. Whoops. Bad start.

Indianapolis Colts -1 at Baltimore Ravens
This should be an excellent game. But for some reason, Indianapolis seems blessed this year. I am not saying they will go undefeated, but with Belichek coaching as if he were Bruce Coslet.

Atlanta Falcons +7 at New York Giants
Atlanta can control the ball, and with Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez, has enough firepower to test the Giants secondary. The Giants, well, aren't playing like the Giants. I believe a touchdown is too many points. I'll take 'em.

Minnesota Vikings -10 1/2 v. Seattle Seahawks
Vikings just have way too much talent for Seattle this year.

Pittsburgh Steelers -10 1/2 at Kansas City Chiefs
With the loss of Dwayne Bowe for 4 weeks, every team can just roll its coverage toward Chris Chambers. Pittsburgh's defense is just too tough for the newly-minted started Jamal Charles.

Jacksonville Jaguars -9 v. Buffalo Bills
The Bills run defense is horrendous, and the Jaguars have, well, nothing more than Maurice Jones-Drew.

Green Bay Packers -6 1/2 v. San Francisco 49ers
Jay Cutler threw 4 interceptions, and the Bears were driving for a winning score when he threw his fifth. That must mean San Francisco is not that good. Frank Gore could still have a great game, but not good enough.

Detroit Lions -3 1/2 v. Cleveland Browns
Did I really just take Detroit? Giving points? Really? Yes. Yes I did. Cleveland will not stop Kevin Smith today. (Did you hear me fantasy teams - you will not stop Kevin Smith!)

Washington Redskins +11 at Dallas Cowboys
I believe that Dallas will win this game, but the Redskins defense is much stronger than people would like to believe, given how bad the team is overall. I'll take the points on this one.

Arizona Cardinals -9 1/2 at St. Louis Rams
I really didn't know where to go on this game. St. Louis has kept games close. It's defense is playing better each week, and Steven Jackson is having a phenomenal season, albeit in obscurity. However, I think Arizona has found a running game in Beenie Man, and that could make for a scary, scary offense. Arizona just needs to play Wells full time, instead of alternating him with Hightower and Tackleberry.

San Diego Chargers -5 1/2 at Denver Broncos
LaDanian Tomlinson might be back. Chris Simms is.

New England Patriots -10 1/2 v. New York Jets
They have to bounce back after last week's debacle.

Cincinnati Bengals -9 1/2 at Oakland Raiders
This line would probably have been 12 if Russell was starting. Instead, it is Bruce Gradkowski at the helm. At least the Raiders still have Sebastian Janikowski. The Benson injury scares me a bit, but only about covering the spread.

Philadelphia Eagles -3 at Chicago Bears
As I said last week, I am no longer betting on this Bears team.

Houston Texans -4 v. Tennessee Titans
I expect 2,000 yards of total offense.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

New Orleans -10 1/2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Saints have been skating by the last few games, or so it seems. However, I saw the Buccaneers play in person last week, and they are no match for the Saints. Josh Freeman does offer them a pretty good looking future at QB, but they just don't have the weapons for him yet.

Previous Week's Record: 7-6-1 (0-1 Big Bet)
Year to Date: 66-49-1 (4-4)
Previous Weeks Winnings (Losses): ($235)
Year to Date Winnings (Losses): $985

The Ole College Try

2009-11-20T19:20:00.014-05:00

So Sinickal has called me out about my post that Terrence Cody deserves the Heisman Trophy. He absolutely does. PERIOD!!! However, I know how the whole Heisman voting works, so Cody doesn't have a prayer. So, given that the season is beginning to wrap up with Rivalry Weeks being this weekend and next weekend, I will replace my usual Heisman Watch/Recap of games with an actual sample of what my Heisman ballot would look like if I had a vote (and if I could vote for 5 spots rather than the usual 3).

Despite the fact that I believe Cody deserves the award, he will not get my 1st place vote, as I want to maximize the points for the most deserving candidate out of those that actually have a chance to win. Here is my ballot, bottom to top.

5. Kellen Moore, QB - Boise State. He leads the nation in passing efficiency with a 172.49 QB rating. He has thrown for a nation leading 32 touchdowns, despite 214 fewer passing attempts than second place Case Keenum of Houston (31 TDs in 514 attempts compared to 32 TDs in 300 attempts for Moore). Plus, Moore deserves to get some votes to offset the fact that Boise State has absolutely no chance to play in the BCS championship game, despite its undefeated season (although it should be in a BCS bowl game, likely the Fiesta again).

4. Terrence Cody, DT - Alabama. Please see this column, where I exalt the virtues of Mr. Cody.

3. Mark Ingram, RB - Alabama. Ingram is Sinickal's selection for Heisman at this point, and a strong case could be made for Ingram, as he is 5th in nation in rushing yards and, more importantly, leads the SEC in rushing. He has 1297 yards at a 6.7 yards clip. However, he only has 10 touchdowns, which is significantly less than other top Running Backs, and Alabama's offense is not that scary in total, anyway. He looks like he will be phenomenal next year, and an early season Heisman favorite. However, this year, he isn't even the best running back. That title belongs to ...

2. C.J. Spiller, RB - Clemson. Spiller only has 836 yards rushing this season, but he also has 382 yards receiving, and 1.2 million return yards. (OK - only 734 yards). He also has 4 return touchdowns this year. You read that correctly - 4! And in every game he plays, he is the best player on the field. But he isn't the only multi-threat player in the game. The best multi-threat player in the game is also my Heisman winner to date. This year's Heisman Trophy should go to ...

1. JORDAN SHIPLEY, WR - Texas. Shipley has the statistics: 81 receptions (6h in the nation), 1,096 yards (5th in the nation) and 8 TDs (14th in the nation), as well as 303 punt return yards and 2 punt returns for TD. But more importantly, he is in control of every Texas game. You may turn on the television to watch Colt McCoy, but your eye will migrate to the apparently always open Shipley. He is the one guy every Longhorn opponent has to account for, otherwise it will be a long game, and Texas opponents have had several long games.

Notice that none of my top 5 include the pre-season top 3 of Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow.

Onto the rest of the college football world.

MY NEW FAVORITE PLAYER

DeAndre McDaniel - S - Clemson - I still think that Eric Berry is the best safety, and most likely the best defensive player, in the NCAA, but I have seen McDaniel play 2 whole games, and snippets of others. He is a ball hawk in the true sense of the word, He has 8 interceptions, but he also has 70 tackles, showing he isn't afraid to stick his nose into the running game.

PREDICTED BCS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME MATCHUP

Alabama v. Texas - Not sure anybody can stop Texas, and obviously, barring a huge upset of Alabama by Auburn or Florida by Florida State, the SEC Champion will be in this game. Right now, that looks like Alabama.

WHAT SEMI LIKELY EVENT TCU, BOISE STATE AND CINCINNATI NEED TO OCCUR THIS WEEK

My assumption of Iowa losing occurred. So now that they are out of the picture for the Championship, TCU, Boise State and Cincinnati all need this to occur this week (Keep in mind other parameters can be met in subsequent weeks, this is just for this week).

Kansas, whose players rally behind Coach Mangino, halt a 5 game slide and defeat Texas. Let's face it, this is much more likely that Chattanooga defeating Alabama or Florida International defeating Florida.

PREDICTED BCS BOWL GAMES

BCS Championship Game - See Above.

Fiesta Bowl - Boise State v. Penn State
Orange Bowl - Georgia Tech v. Cincinnati
Rose Bowl - Oregon v. Ohio State
Sugar Bowl - Florida v. TCU

The Fiesta Bowl will need a big travelling team to counteract Boise State's presence. Penn State is just too attractive of a candidate. Much more attractive than Iowa or Pittsburgh. Oklahoma State could be an option if the beat Oklahoma next week, but without Zac Robinson, that is much less likely.

The Orange Bowl is hoping for a Georgia Tech victory over Clemson in the ACC Championship game. That could pit an undefeated Cincinnati against a one-loss Georgia Tech team. Remember Cincinnati beat Virginia Tech here last year. Of course, Cincinnati needs to beat Pittsburgh in the league, and season, finale to qualify as the Big East Champion.

The Rose Bowl will pit the Big Ten Champion (Ohio State) versus the Pac-10 Champion (likely Oregon, but Stanford, Oregon State and Arizona still in the mix - with Arizona and Oregon playing this week.

The Sugar Bowl will take the SEC second place team (in my scenario Florida), and pit a one loss SEC team against the likely undefeated TCU.

TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK

C.J Spiller has 4 total return touchdowns (both kickoff and punt returns combined) this season, and 7 for his career. What is the NCAA record for most return touchdowns in a career, with at least one touchdown return for kickoff and punt? Bonus if you can name who holds the record. Place your guesses in the comments.

LAST WEEK'S TRIVIA ANSWER

Last entry's trivia question was, "USC was torched by Oregon on Halloween evening, October 31. Losing on Halloween allowed USC to keep one streak alive. How many consecutive games have the Trojans won in the month of November?" The answer was 28, before last week's obliteration at the hands of Stanford.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH

3. California v. Stanford - Not only is this a big rivalry game, Stanford needs it to stay in the Pac-10 championship hunt.

2. Oregon v. Arizona - Oregon can win the Pac-10, and they are simply exciting to watch. Arizona has come out of nowhere.

1. Harvard v. Yale - THE GAME! Enough said.

Picks of the Week

2009-11-15T08:44:00.002-05:00

Here are this week's, "Picks of the Week", without analysis as I have to leave for the Dolphins-Buccaneers classic in about 30 minutes

As a refresher, I use the same website for the betting lines for consistency. If they are different than your lines, too bad. Standard 100 bet with a 10% vig for losing. For one game each week, I will "bet" $250. Totals for the season will be tabulated.

On to the picks ...

Even if you don't believe it ...

San Francisco 49ers -3 v. Chicago Bears - can be verified by friends, when I just said, I don't think I want to bet on the Bears for the rest of the year.

Atlanta Falcons -1 at Carolina Panthers

Denver Broncos -3 1/2 at Washington Redskins

Tennessee Titans -9 1/2 v. Buffalo Bills

New Orleans -12 1/2 at St. Louis Rams

Cincinnati Bengals + 7 at. Pittsburgh Steelers

Jacksonville Jaguars +6 1/2 at New York Jets

Minnesota Vikings -16 1/2 v. Detroit Lions

Miami Dolphins -10 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Oakland Raiders -1 v. Kansas City Chiefs

Arizona Cardinals -9 v. Seattle Seahawks

Philadelphia Eagles +1 at San Diego Chargers

New England Patriots +1 at Indianapolis Colts

Baltimore -10 1/2 at Cleveland Browns

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Dallas Cowboys -3 at Green Bay Packers

Previous Week's Record: 6-7 (1-0 Big Bet)
Year to Date: 59-43 (4-3)
Previous Weeks Winnings (Losses): ($20)
Year to Date Winnings (Losses): $1220

Random Thoughts

2009-11-08T17:59:00.008-05:00

A short post of random thoughts on the college football action Saturday. Some of these could be individual posts, but...ah screw it. Here are the thoughts:

I was watching the crawl during the GaTech - Wake Forest game yesterday and noted that the Oklahoma - Nebraska game was on. Wait, what? This use to be one of the go to games of the year! It is staggering how far the mighty have fallen

Speaking of the mighty falling, how about Notre Dame losing to Navy for the second time in three years. Oh, and both in South Bend. How Charlie Weiss keeps his job is beyond me. That team is under talented and underachieving

Back to that GaTech win. Paul Johnson went for it on 4th and 1, in OT, at home and down by three. One of the ballsiest calls you will ever see. I can't think of another coach that wouldn't have just kicked the field goal and lived to play another OT. Well maybe Les Miles

Oh, and LSU - Alabama...This is the first year in a long time that I am not sure that the SEC has the best team in the nation. I don't know who is, but I am pretty sure that it is not Florida, Alabama or LSU

Here are some teams that definitely are not the best team in the nation; Cincinnati, Boise State, Iowa, and TCU. Again, I don't know who the best team is, but I have have named seven who aren't. Even my playoff format would solve this problem. At least, I don't think it would

Iowa, like the rest of the Big Eleven, stinks on a stick

The injury to the Oregon RB going into the endzone was as fascinating as any that I have seen in a few years. I was both screaming at how good a play he made and screaming because I thought he died

I would be remiss if I didn't note that either USC is way overrated or Oregon play the game of their lives last week. I am inclined to think that USC is overrated. You can't continue to put 10 players a year into the NFL and maintain your prominence

Who is this years Heisman Trophy frontrunner? I think it is Mark Ingrahm of Alabama, but who knows. Pepster wanted me to acknowledge the Alabama DT with all the blocked FG's this year. Yeah, I don't think so.

I will say this about Pepster, Hopps, and myself, we are alums of some very insignificant college programs. Period. Makes it difficult to trash talk on any given Saturday

How bad is it for me you ask? I had to root for Syracuse, led by a Duke point guard, against a Dave Wannstadt led Pittsburgh team. Syracuse is awful so it was a certain loss, I hate Paulus and hate having to root for him, and the only thing I hate more is Dave Wannstadt. He is the antichrist for what he did to the Chicago Bears. That, my friends, is the Tennessee Triple. Thankfully, I gargled with sulfuric acid last night to reduce my pain.

You know what, I am old and I should just start watching soccer. It is better for my health.

Picks of the Week

2009-11-08T10:11:00.003-05:00

Back on the winning track, albeit barely, after two subpar weeks. Time to continue the streak. Here are this week's, "Picks of the Week".

As a refresher, I use the same website for the betting lines for consistency. If they are different than your lines, too bad. Standard 100 bet with a 10% vig for losing. For one game each week, I will "bet" $250. Totals for the season will be tabulated.

On to the picks ...

Green Bat Packers -9 1/2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay is bad, and their defense is no match for this Green Bay offense.

Miami Dolphins +10 1/2 at New England Patriots
New England might be ready for the "Wildcat", at least compared to last year, but Miami is a much better team than a double digit spread.

Jacksonville Jaguars -6 1/2 v. Kansas City Chiefs
Thank God I do not have to worry about watching this game.

Houston Texans +9 at Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have no secondary remaining. Even if the Colts win, Andre Johnson should have a big enough game to keep this within a touchdown.

Baltimore Ravens -3 at Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are not going to surprise the Ravens this game, and with Odom out of the game, they probably will not have the same pass rush as they mounted in the first game.

Chicago Bears -3 v. Arizona Cardinals
I really did not know where to go for this game, except that Warner is coming off a bad game, and Boldin has not yet shown himself to be Anquan Boldin yet this year due to the high ankle sprain.

New Orleans Saints -13 v. Carolina Panthers
I keep hearing how Carolina is going to run the ball and keep possession away from New Orleans. How did that work out for the Dolphins?

Detroit Lions +10 1/2 at Seattle Seahawks
A boring, close game. I'll take the points.

San Diego Chargers +5 at New York Giants
The Giants secondary has proven to be suspect, and I look for Phillip Rivers to have a very strong game. Look for Antonio Gates to shine as well. The Chargers suspect defense has actually been improving throughout the year.

Philadelphia Eagles -3 v. Dallas Cowboys
The Eagles have shown that they are a legitimate contender this year. Dallas hasn't. This game could go a long way to determining which team will be in the driver's seat for the NFC East.

Pittsburgh Steelers - 1 at Denver Broncos
I am still one of the doubters of the Broncos.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Atlanta Falcons -9 v. Washington Redskins
As if anyone didn't know, the Redskins are in serious trouble. The Falcons are cruising into the playoffs.

Previous Week's Record: 7-6 (0-1 Big Bet)
Year to Date: 53-36 (3-3)
Previous Weeks Winnings (Losses): ($125)
Year to Date Winnings (Losses): $1240

The Ole College Try

2009-11-06T19:11:00.006-05:00

Here at We Make It Rain, we are going to change up the typical "Ole College Try". Normally I do the analysis of last week's games, and to some extent the entire college season to date, through the glorified term "Heisman Watch". For those loyal readers, that is a simple guise to highlight the great performances, and performers during the game. This week, however, I will highlight that one person who should, but won't, win the Heisman Trophy this year, at least if the season ended this week.

What characteristics make up the traditional Heisman Trophy winner? OK, now take out the fact that the player has to play quarterback (or maybe running back). Let's just look at the entire gamut of players from all positions. First, the player has to play on a contending team. Not necessarily the best team, but at least a contending team. Second, the player has to be a driving and dominant force on that team. Third, the player has to have significant enough statistics for their position. Fourth, that player has to have at least one defining moment or play that the media and public can latch onto and remember forever. (For example, Desmond Howard striking the Heisman pose after a long touchdown reception). We have all of these bases covered already this season. To date, your Heisman winner should be:

TERRENCE CODY.

Let's go through the questions I self posed above.

1. The player has to play on a contending team. Check. Alabama is undefeated, and presupposing a victory against LSU this week, on a crash course with the Gators in the BCS Championship game.

2. The player has to be a driving and dominant force on that team. Check. Between Cody and Rolando McCain, Alabama is a dominant defense, and that dominance starts with the big nose tackle.

3. The player has to have significant enough statistics for their position. Check. Admittedly harder to determine for a nose tackle, given that a nose tackles job is to simply stuff the middle, but Cody does have 17 tackles, 5 for a loss, and even 2 passes defensed. He also has, well, let's just go to the next question.

4. One defining moment or play. Check/Check. Cody's two blocked kicks, one at the buzzer, against Tennessee to seal the victory against the Volunteers. That play was topped only by his celebration seen nationally over and over again on every single replay on every sports channel nationwide.

Therefore, ladies and gentlemen readers, Terrence Cody should be the Heisman Trophy winner. Nevertheless, it won't happen, as a defensive player has never won a Heisman Trophy. For those that want to argue Charles Woodson, I would posit that he only won the Heisman Trophy by virtue of his defensive play in addition to his play as a return man on special teams. Don't forget that his coach also started to play Woodson as a wide receiver late in the year as well, so Woodson was not truly, or at least not solely, a defensive player.

MY NEW FAVORITE PLAYER

Jeremiah Masoli - QB - Oregon - He absolutely eviscerated the USC Trojans for a total of 368 yards rushing and passing. He is what multi-talented (read pass/run QBs) like Tebow and Terrelle Pryor are supposed to be.

PREDICTED BCS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME MATCHUP

Alabama v. Texas - I have thought that Florida would be in this game. However, their offense has become entirely too predictable, and Alabama's defense is too tough for a predictable offense. I see nobody that can defeat Texas on their schedule. If Florida can start to get their offense on track, which playing Georgia definitely helped, they will be back in this game.

WHAT BOISE STATE AND CINCINNATI NEED TO OCCUR THIS WEEK

First, I am assuming that Iowa is going to lose at some point in time. Boise State and Cincinnati need LSU to defeat Alabama. (Then a one loss Alabama to defeat Florida in the BCS championship game).

TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK

USC was torched by Oregon on Halloween evening, October 31. Losing on Halloween allowed USC to keep one streak alive. How many consecutive games have the Trojans won in the month of November?

LAST WEEK'S TRIVIA ANSWER

Last entry's trivia question was, "South Florida's freshman quarterback B.J. Daniels led the Bulls to an upset victory over the Florida State Seminoles. From what hometown does Daniels hail?" The answer, of course, is Tallahassee, Florida, the home of the Seminoles.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH

3. Oregon State v. California - Two of the best running backs in the country matched up in this game. Jacquizz Rodgers for the Beavers and Jahvid Best for the Bears. Must see for anyone that likes to watch tough runners.

2. Oregon v. Stanford - Can Oregon follow-up their drudging of USC at a much better than expected Cardinal squad? I say a resounding "Yes", but crazy things have been happending in the Pac-10 this year.

1. LSU v. Alabama - LSU is ridiculously overrated (as is most of the SEC this year), but can make a big statement by defeating the Crimson Tide. (By overrated I mean that Florida and Alabama should be the only teams rated in any poll)

Picks of the Week

2009-11-01T09:06:00.004-05:00

After a second consecutive 5-9 week, I decided to take a couple of weeks off. (OK, that really wasn't the decision, I was just too busy to put the post up before the games started. Nevertheless, I am back. Here are this week's, "Picks of the Week".

As a refresher, I use the same website for the betting lines for consistency. If they are different than your lines, too bad. Standard 100 bet with a 10% vig for losing. For one game each week, I will "bet" $250. Totals for the season will be tabulated.

On to the picks ...

Baltimore Ravens -3 1/2 v. Denver Broncos
Denver has been a pleasant surprise this year. It just seems like time for the Ravens to finally make a stand against a good team. Plus, it is about time for Denver to lose a big game.

Miami Dolphins +3 1/2 at New York Jets
Jets seem to be reeling a bit, and the Dolphins have been able to run on everyone. I think they can do that against the Jets, at least enough to win.

Indianapolis Colts -13 v. San Francisco 49ers
Alex Smith. PERIOD.

Detroit Lions -4 v. St. Louis Rams
Desperately close to selecting the Rams here. Stephen Jackson is quietly having a very good season. However, the Rams themselves have been so uncomptetitive, they will have to prove it to me before I pick them. Plus, Stafford is back, and Kevin Smith has traditionally played very well against the Rams.

Dallas Cowboys -9 1/2 v. Seattle Seahawks
More of a note on how bad Seattle can be versus how good Dallas is.

Chicago Bears -13 v. Cleveland Browns
See above.

Houston Texans -3 1/2 at Buffalo Bills
Texans seem to be heating up. It looks like Andre Johnson is going to play. If he can be effective, this is an easy bet. Johnson's lung is the only thing that kept this from being my "Big Game of the Week".

Philadelphia Eagles +1 v. New York Giants
Giants seem to be reeling a bit after being taken down a notch by the Saints. I think the trend might continue as good coaches like Reid pick apart the Saints and Cardinals film.

San Diego Chargers -16 1/2 v. Oakland Raiders
Double digit favorites have been remarkably successful this year. I think the Chargers are embarrased after the week 1 debacle, and they will not be surprised by the Raiders this week, especially with the Raiders coming off the Eagles game.

Jacksonville Jaguars +3 at Tennessee Titans
Vince Young is starting and giving points. Deadly combination. The downside of this bet, Young is well rested.

Minnesota Vikings +3 at Green Bay Packers
Adrian Peterson is pretty good too in case you didn't know.

New Orleans Sants -11 v. Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta is a very good team that can score from anywhere on the field. They are no New Orleans offense, which can score in absolute bunches. Atlanta could play New Orleans very close and still lose by 14-17.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Arizona Cardinals -10 v. Carolina Panthers
Arizona's play against the Giants was the first that they have actually looked like they were in the Super Bowl last year. Still waiting for the Panthers to look like they were in the NFL last season (other than DeAngelo Williams, of course).

Previous Week's Record: 5-9 (0-1 Big Bet)
Year to Date: 46-30 (3-2)
Previous Weeks Winnings (Losses): ($1155)
Year to Date Winnings (Losses): $1365

GET DIRECT TV FOOL!

2009-10-21T13:40:00.002-04:00

If you had Direct TV you wouldn't have to worry about that!

DC: City of Champions

2009-10-19T18:09:00.006-04:00

Yeah, yeah…I am back. Blah, blah, blah. Spare me your jokes, punks.

Anyway, I live in Washington, DC. As a result, I had the privilege of watching the following NFL games yesterday as part of my network package (I have Comcast Cable whom I hate more than the current lovefest with Brett Farve):

1:00 Kansas City vs. Washington (remarkably, not blacked out)

4:00 Philadelphia vs. Oakland and Buffalo vs. NY Jets

That’s right I got to watch four of the worst football teams possibly in the history of the league! And I have one declaration to make here – The Washington Redskins are the worst team I have seen.

THEY ARE VOMIT ON BURNT TOAST!

Keep in mind that as I write this: 1) there was team whose quarterbacks went a combined 2 – 14 for minus 7 yards and 2 interceptions. Shockingly, they lost 59 – 0 and that score could have been 1000 – 0; 2) JaMarcus Russell is still a starter in the league; 3) Tampa Bay and St. Louis may both go 0 – 16 and it wouldn't be a surprise; 4) There are five starting quarterbacks in the league with QB Ratings below 60.0 and only Mark Sanchez plays for a team with a winning record. That will soon change because; 5) Mark Sanchez went 10 - 29 for 119 yards and 5 interceptions yesterday.

Back to the Redskins. Consider the following:

- As of today, the Redskins have not played a team that had registered a win. You are welcome to throw out the NY Giants since that was week one, but that leaves five consecutive winless teams! Has that ever happened before?

- Three teams have registered their first win of the season against the Redskins (Detroit, Carolina, Kansas City).

- During the Kansas City game yesterday there was an attempted onside free kick after a safety. Again, has that ever happened before?

- The Redskins beat Tampa Bay and St. Louis by a combined 5 points. AT HOME!

Now, the Carolina Panthers were a 12-3 playoff team last year and their demise – like Tennessee’s - is somewhat disturbing. You can certainly point to several reasons for why but that is for another post. As for the Chiefs and Lions, well Kansas City had lost 9 straight and 15 of 16 before yesterday. And Detroit? Detroit’s win was its first in 20 games. Let me repeat that, 20 GAMES!

I have no real point to this post other than to take some minutes from your lives. I lost 8 hours of mine yesterday and those are never coming back.

I hate Dan Snyder. I hate that he is making my football watching experience this year like tweezing pubic hair. I have to watch the putrid home team or, soon enough, nothing because the team will be blacked out!

I just want what all other decent, hard-working football fans want...quality entertainment. I don't want to have to start watching the UFL. And, I don’t need this type of torture.

Picks of the Week

2009-10-11T09:09:00.002-04:00

I took it on the chin about this week, with my first sub-.500 performance. Trying for a nice rebound this week. Here are this week's "Picks of the Week". As a refresher each pick is using the spread (straight up is for wussies), and the betting line is from the same website each week as of the time of typing the entry. I will keep a running tally of my record, plus my winnings/losses. We will pretend that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler. On to the picks, without analysis, since I have a lot to do today.

Baltimore Ravens -9 v. Cincinnati Bengals

Minnesota Vikings -10 at St. Louis Rams

Philadelphia Eagles -15 1/2 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

New York Giants -15 v. Oakland Raiders

Dallas Cowboys -9 at Kansas City Chiefs

Pittsburgh Steelers -10 1/2 v. Detroit Lions

Carolina Panthers -4 v. Washington Redskins

Cleveland Browns +6 at. Buffalo Bills

San Francisco 49ers -2 1/2 v. Atlanta Falcons

Houston Texans +5 1/2 at Arizona Cardinals

Jacksonville Jaguars -3 at Seattle Seahawks

Indianapolis Colts -3 1/2 at Tennessee Titans

New York Jets -1 at Miami Dolphins

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

New England Patriots -3 at Denver Broncos

Previous Week's Record: 6-8 (0-1 Big Bet)
Year to Date: 41-21 (3-1)
Previous Weeks Winnings (Losses): ($445)
Year to Date Winnings (Losses): $2075

Talkin' Baseball

2009-10-08T14:52:00.007-04:00

While discussing many of life's important issues, your authors, (Yes, all three of us), turned to the baseball playoffs. Yes, we know that 3 series have already started, but we had our conversation and predictions at lunch yesterday. Just getting to the post toda. Here are our respective predictions, along with the transcript of our exact converstion.

Pepster: Hey Hopps, Sinickal, good to speak with you guys again. How are you doing?
Sinickal: Not too bad, lots of golf over the weekend. Got to get all the east coast golf in that I can before it gets too cold, and I have to concentrate on only Arizona golf.
Hopps: Besides the fact that the family is driving me crazy? I'm doing great.
Pepster: Good, Good. So, playoffs starting today. After that Minnesota-Detroit play-in game, I am ready for some good playoff baseball.
Sinickal: Can you believe how the term "Play-in" game has become so widespread? Just because the NCAA tourney wanted to have 34 at large teams. Ridiculous.
Pepster: I know. They even had a "play-in" game in my kickball league this season.
Hopps: You clowns still playing kicball?
Pepster: Yep.
Sinickal: Not exactly playing since the Achilles incident.
Hopps: Dopes.

Pepster: Anyway, let's start with the Yankees/Twins series, since the Yankess outdistanced everyone else in the Major Leagues by 6 whole games.
Hopps: You know I hate them. I'll just say Yankees in 4.
Pepster: Excellent analysis Hopps.
Hopps: Shut up. I just hate them soooo much.
Pepster/Sinickal: We know. We know.
Sinickal: I think that the Twins are just on a real hot streak right now. Mauer is as good as they come with the bat, Kubel and Spann have been hitting machines this year. Plus, remember that run the Rockies went on a couple of years ago. I don't think that the Twins will win, but they will play the Yanks tough. Yankess in 5.
Pepster: Interesting. Don't forget how well Young has been hitting the last 6 weeks or so too. Bottom line, the Twins are spent. Morneau would have made a big difference as well. Sabathia's inninngs have been lowered, so he's rested, and the bullpen is just lights out. I think the Yankees sweep.

Sinickal: So, we all agree on the Yankees. Let's turn to the other American League series. Hopps, what do you think about this one.
Hopps: Sox will win it all!!!!
Sinickal: So you expect them to beat the Angels.
Hopps: I expect them to beat the Yankees.
Sinickal: They aren't playing the Yankees.
Hopps: Who cares. Sox sweep!
Sinickal: Pepster, your take?
Pepster: I think I am in the minority in this room. I think the Angels will win, in 4.
Sinickal/Hopps: What?!
Pepster: I know, I know. Sox have won 9 of the last 10 in the playoffs against the Angels, but I just have a different feel about this series. It used to be the Angels were Vlad Guerrero at the plate, and hope Glaus, Kotchman or somebody else could hit with him, and maybe Figgins get on base. Not so this year. Kendry Morales hit over .300 with his 34 homers and over 100 RsBI.
Sinickal: Just stop it with your RsBI. I know it is Runs Batted In, not Run Batted Ins, but call them RBIs anyway.
Pepster: Like I was saying, Morales has flat out hit, Torii Hunter, Mike Napoli and Howie Kendrick have had solid seasons, and Abreu will take about 1,000 pitches, wearing down the Sox staff. Although Ortiz has been coming along, Youkilis doesn't seem the same, and he is incredibly important for the Sox.
Sinickal: All true and good points, except that the Angels pitching staff remains the same. Lackey, Saunders, Santana. Kazmir doesn't seem to be himself. Beckett is a big-game pitcher. Sox in 3.
Pepster: Don't I know that. Beckett is money.
Sinickal: Shut up - don't bring up 2003 with me.
Pepster: Why not? Because Beckett shut down your Cubs? Are you going to predict the Cubs will win next year for the 108th consecutive year? (Purposefully not mentioning the word "Bartman").
Sinickal: Find some fans. Really. Like there are more than 14 Marlins fans in the world.

Hopps: OK, guys, that seems like a good time to switch to both of your beloved National League. Before we start, let me remind you that my team is the only one in the playoffs.
Pepster/Sinickal: Shut up.
Hopps: Dodgers-Cardinals. Who you got?
Pepster: I would think that this will be a split-decision amongst ourselves. You can't find 5 bigger Manny Ramirez fans in the country (not named Ramirez) than me. However, Pujols is the best player on the planet. That alone is worth one game. The Holliday and DeRosa pick-ups have proven to be the best mid-season moves in baseball. I say Cardinals in a hard fought 5. Wow - I didn't even talk about pitching.
Sinickal: Carpenter/Wainwright. Enough said. Cardinals in 4.
Hopps: Really? Ramirez is just as deadly at Pujols, because he just doesn't care if he fails in a big spot. That makes him that much more dangerous. Ethier and Kemp are incredible in the field, and at the plate. And you really want to pitch to either Ramirez or Ethier at the plate in a big spot? Billingsley and Kershaw have incredible stuff. Not as good over the full season as Carpenter and Wainwright, but for any given game, those guys can pitch with anyone. Dodgers in 4.

Pepster: What about the Phillies series?
Hopps: The Rockies are a formidable enough team to win 1 game. Phillies in 4.
Sinickal: I would love to give some fascinating analysis about this series, but it isn't really worth it. Phillies sweep.
Pepster: I concur.

Pepster: Gentlemen, it has been a pleasure. I'll call you both before the LCS starts. Closing thoughts?
Hopps: My analysis is a little hindered and blinded by my fandom, but with Lester and Beckett, the Sox have two power, power pitchers to go in any series. That gives them a huge advantage. I just hope that they can take advantage of it.
Pepster: Now I know that we are nowhere near being what others would call emotional guys, but I have to give props to how the Angels have handled the Nick Adenhart situation. Great celebration when they clinched the playoff spot. That would be a great story if that continued. Sinickal - how 'bout our Bears?
Sinickal: Doing great so far. Glad Gould is better than each of the other kickers he has faced so far. Cutler is definitely worth it to date. But, they have a bye this week, so go Syracuse.
Pepster: They are 2-3, going against West Virginia this week. Make that 2-4.
Hopps: And you have to root for Paulus. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Sinickal: Yeah, well Harvard may run the world, but Syracuse writes, produces and directs it.
Hopps/Pepster: Yeah, yeah. Like we haven't heard that before.

Picks of the Week

2009-10-04T12:27:00.002-04:00

A nice 11-5 week 3 to follow week 2's 15-1. Let's see how I can do this week. Here are this week's "Picks of the Week". As a refresher each pick is using the spread (straight up is for wussies), and the betting line is from the same website each week as of the time of typing the entry. I will keep a running tally of my record, plus my winnings/losses. We will pretend that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler. On to the picks, without analysis, since the games are getting ready to start.

Chicago Bears -9 1/3 v. Detroit Lions

Washington Redskins -9 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baltimore Ravens +1 at New England Patriots

New York Giants -9 at Kansas City Chiefs

Tennessee Titans -3 at Jacksonville Jaguars

Indianapolis Colts -10 v. Seattle Seahawks

Oakland Raiders +9 at Houston Texans

Cincinnati Bengals -6 at Cleveland Browns

Buffalo Bills +1 at Miami Dolphins

New Orleans Saints -7 1/2 v. New York Jets

San Francisco 49ers -9 v. St. Louis Rams

San Diego Chargers +6 at Pittsburgh Steelers

Minnesota Vikings -4 v. Green Bay Packers

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Dallas Cowboys -1 at Denver Broncos

Previous Week's Record: 11-5 (1-0 Big Bet)
Year to Date: 35-13 (3-0)
Previous Weeks Winnings (Losses): $700
Year to Date Winnings (Losses): $2520

The Ole College Try

2009-10-02T18:30:00.012-04:00

Here is this week's wrap-up of the college football season, told from a distance simply to let some of the stories simmer a bit and to gain a bit of perspective. Although you may have a different take on the past weekend, I can only truly comment on games that I have seen, and this is my perspective. I did watch an absolute ton of games this week, so lots of information in this week's Try.

Heisman Watch

Big 3 Edition (Since ESPN told me only 3 candidates exist)
As stated earlier - I no longer subscribe to the Big 3 theory (Bradford, McCoy, Tebow).

Quarterback Edition
Tony Pike - Cincinnati - 1,223 yards, 11 TDs, with a 70% completion rate. One of two very important offensive reasons Cincinnati should be looked at seriously for the BCAS Championship game (plus their schedule).

Running Back Edition
Ryan Mathews - Fresno State - 592 yards and 5 TDs, despite being the primary weapon upon which every defense is focused. Of course, he is helped by Cal's obliteration. I still expect Jahvid Best to be back on this list soon.

Statistical Favorite - Still Taylor Potts - Texas Tech - 1,602 yards and 13 TDs, including 321 yards against a surprising Houston team that humbled Oklahoma State as well.

Miscellaneous Position
Marshawn Gilyard - WR - Cincinnati - 31 catches, 442 yards and 6 TDs, including 9 for 177last week against Fresno State.

Defensive Leader - Eric Norwood - LB - South Carolina - Definitely going to give Eric Berry a run for Defensive Player of the Year in the SEC. Norwood runs sideline-to-sideline, has 6 sacks, and even an interception so far this season. Standout in the 'Cocks upset of then number 4 Ole Miss.

Sleeper - Kellen Moore - QB - Boise State - Leading the country in passing efficiency for a team likely to finish the season undefeated.

Rising - Ryan Williams - RB - Virginia Tech - 492 yards and 8 touschdowns to date, including lighting up Miami for 150 yards and 2 scores.

Falling - Jacory Harris - QB - Miami - Perhaps I was a little to hasty to anoint Jacory Harri as the third straight Heisman winning sophomore quarterback. Tough loss to V-Tech, however, if Graham, the power forward-turned-tight end catches one of the two passes on the second drive in the third quarter, the score is 21-14, and it is a whole different ballgame.

Player to Watch

Eric Decker - WR - Minnesota - Perhaps the only reason to watch Minnesota, this exciting receiver is well worth the price of admission.

Taylor Wyndham - DE - Kentucky - If you have to ask why, then you either (a) don't know me; or (b) don't read this blog regularly.

My New Favorite Player

Goat of the Week (Player Edition)
Matt Pipho - T - Miami - His horrendously awful pass blocking led to the Hokies' constant harassment of Jacory Harris, and his run blocking was even worse.

Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)
Joe Paterno - Penn State - To not have your team ready for this game is absolute abomination. With their weak schedule, 1 loss completely knocks Penn State out of the Championshp hunt.

Coach of the Week
Kirk Ferentz - Iowa - Is there a coach in the country that constantly does more with less than Kirk Ferentz?

Breakthrough Performer of the Week
Jean Pierre-Paul - DT - South Florida - George Selvie is a high NFL draft pick caliber on the end of the line, but Pierre-Paul more than upheld his own against the middle of the Florida State line in the Bulls upset of the Seminoles. A couple of sacks and dozens of pressures, Pierre-Paul looked to me like that 4th round draft pick that plays for 10 years in the NFL.

Breakthrough Coach
Dan Mullen - Mississippi State - A goal line stand by LSU away from upsetting the Tigers. Mullen has made Mississippi relevant, and better than they should be right now, while the offense at Florida has grown stagnant. (Mullen was the Offensive Coordinator for the Gators before coming to Mississippi State). Mullen earning his coaching stripes in a tough, tough conference.

Predicted BCS Championship Game Matchup
Texas v. Alabama - Alabama is looking much stronger than Florida right now. Texas does not look like they have a challenger unless Bradford returns, at top form.

RANT OF THE WEEK

Would the officials at least learn the rules. If two players possess the ball simultaneously, the offensive player is deemed to maintain possession. Afterward, if both players then fall to the ground, the play is over, and the offensive receiver is down by contact. If the defensive player then takes the ball away, the offense maintains the ball, it is not an interception. I hope you learned your lessons Big Ten officials in the Michigan/Indiana game, plus the replay official.

Congratulations of the Week

Jim Leavitt - Coach - South Florida - A big in-state win against the Seminoles that should cement Leavitt as one of the better coaches in the country.

Under Performance of the Week

Miami - They did not show up to play in the first half against Virginia Tech. They just were not yet ready to handle the pressure of the big time.

Game of the Week

Michigan 36 - Indiana 33 - Just an exciting game from start to finish. Indiana has not won at the Big House in 42 years. Michgan scores a touchdown, Indiana answers a couple of drives later, only for Michigan to score again on the next drive. Toss in the phantom interception call, and you have the makings of a great 4th quarter.

Play(s) of the Week

Second week in a row for a defensive play. Kentucky's defensive end Taylor Wyndham knocking Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, TFO.

A strong runner up to Safety Chad Jones of LSU, who, on Mississippi State's potential game winning drive, made the play on third, and fourth down. On third down he jumped high into the air to deflect a pass to a wide open tight end. (Jones was easily 5 yards away from the intended receiver while no other player was in the end zone). On fourth down, Chad Jones made the initial hit on quarterback Tyson Lee. LSU won 30-26.

Trivia Question of the Week

South Florida's Freshman Quarterback B.J. Daniels led the Bulls to an upset victory over the Florida State Seminoles. From what hometown does Daniels hail?

Last Week's Trivia Answers

Last week's first question was, "Oklahoma State's Zac Robinson set the Oklahoma State career touchdown record. Whos recod did he break. The answer is Josh Fields.

Last week's second question was, "Tim Tebow's 30 consecutive game streak with at least 1 touchdwon was ended by Tennessee. Who holds, and what is, the recod for most consecutive games with at least 1 touchdown pass? The answer is Ty Detmer, 35 games.

Matchup(s) to Watch

4. LSU v. Georgia - LSu just hasn't looked like a top 4 team yet this year, so the competition of Georgia, who has played Oklahoma State, South Carolina, Arkansas and Arizona State to date, should prove a tough test. The winner of this game is likely to be better than anyone thought.

3. Alabama v. Kentucky - Although the transitive property does not specifically apply in sporting events, Kentucky hosting Florida and Alabama back-to-back can give us a glimpse as to the quality of those two teams vis-a-vis each other.

2. USC v. California - Neither of these teams can afford to lose their second conference game. This was supposed to be the game in the conference, before the losses to Washington and Oregon, respectively. Winner still in the hunt for the Rose Bowl (and outside shot at the BCS Championship game), losers season becomes very disappointing.

1. Oklahoma v. Miami - The matchup this week east of the Mississippi. Can Miami's youngsters bounce back from the VTech defeat? Is Oklahoma the same team with Landry Jones? Will Sam Bradford play? Is Miami more comfortable at home? Either way you slice it, this game should be exciting.

And once again, for good time's sake!

Me and Mariah...(She's Back!)

2009-10-02T16:05:00.012-04:00

Mariah Carey - We Belong Together

It's like when you've seen an ex-girlfriend from 15 years ago and you wonder to yourself why you stopped being into her.....?

If that doesn't work for you - I question your Manhood

Almost stripper heels...

Yup.

GOOD GOD!

And a side of DAMN!

A two piece to go...

Enough Said! Have a great weekend!

Picks of the Week

2009-09-26T13:43:00.003-04:00

Wow - What a week 2 for me (/pats self on the back). You don't get much better than 15-1 against the spread. That is going to be a tough act to follow. However, not that week 3 of the NFL season is upon us, I will have to do forward and try to capitalize on my recent successess. Here are this week's "Picks of the Week". As a refresher each pick is using the spread (straight up is for wussies), and the betting line is from the same website each week as of the time of typing the entry. I will keep a running tally of my record, plus my winnings/losses. We will pretend that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler. On to the picks.

Tennessee Titans +2 at New York Jets
The Jets offense is nowhere near as prolific as Houston's can be on their best day, I look for the Titans to bounce back from a rough defeat last week.

Houston Texans -3 1/2 v. Jacksonville Jaguars
Not only did the Texans finally wake up last week, they did it without a strong game from Steve Slaton, which is important because the Jags are still pretty stout against the run.

Philadelphia Eagles -9 v. Kansas City Chiefs
The good thing for the Eagles is that the Chiefs are not the Saints. In fact, I don't think they are even the "Aints" from the 80's.

Baltimore Ravens -13 1/2 v. Cleveland Browns
Two pathetic efforts by the Browns coupled with the fact that the Ravens have an actual offense.

New York Giants -6 1/2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
My only hesitation is that the Giants are coming off an emotional victory in opening Cowboy Stadium.

Detroit Lions +6 1/2 v. Washington Redskins
Detorit has played pluckily in the first half in their first two games. That may be enough to keep this one close against the Redskins, who barely defeated an abysmal St. Louis Rams last week 9-7.

Green Bay Packers -6 1/2 at St. Louis Rams
Rams have scored 7 total points this year. One touchdown by the Packers may be enough to cover the spread.

San Francsisco 49ers +7 at Minnesota Vikings
A very interesting 49ers team that can be great on defense, and better than expected on offense. I think the Vikes win this one, but the 49ers keep it close.

Atlanta Falcons +4 1/2 at New England
I am picking the team with the most dynamic weapons on offense. That is not the Patriots.

New Orleans Saints -6 at Buffalo Bills
New Orleans shredded the Eagles defense. I am not sure that there is a spread high enough that I wouldn't pick New Orleans right now.

Miami Dolphins +5 1/2 at San Diego Chargers
Miami's running game was great against the Colts. The Chargers so far have been horrific at stopping the run.

Cincinnati Bengals +3 1/2 v. Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers cannot run the ball, while the Bengals have some big, strong receivers which will force matchup problems in the secondary. Add those ingrediants to a intra-divisional game, and I'll take the upstart Bengals.

Oakland Raiders + 1 1/2 v. Denver Broncos
The Broncos were the one team that I picked incorrectly last week. I didn't want to select them for that reason alone. Plus, JaMarcus Russell has to start picking things up soon (doesn't he?).

Indianapolis Colts + 2 1/2 at Arizona Cardinals
Indianapolis has already proven that it does not need the ball that much to win a game. Only 15 minutes in time of possession last week (compared to 45 for the Dolphins).

Dallas Cowboys - 8 1/2 v. Carolina Panthers
Dallas Cowboys defense has been a big problem for them this year (no turnovers, no sacks). Likewise, Jake Delhomme has been the problem for the Panthers. One of them has to change this game. I think its Dallas' D.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Chicago Bears -2 1/2 at Seattle Seahawks
I despise picking the Bears in the big game as they are my favorite team. However, it is just too hard to resist this week, as they are giving up less than a field goal to a Seahawks team that will be starting Seneca Wallace, or a lumbering (on his best days) Matt Hasselback, with a broken rib. The Seahawks will have to rely on Julius Jones, Edgerrin James and TJ Duckett to run the ball. I like those odds.

Previous Week's Record: 15-1 (1-0 Big Bet)
Year to Date: 24-8 (2-0)
Previous Weeks Winnings (Losses): $1540
Year to Date Winnings (Losses): $1820

The Ole College Try

2009-09-25T19:14:00.007-04:00

Here is this week's wrap-up of the college football season, told from a couple of days distance simply to let some of the stories simmer a bit and to gain a bit of perspective. Although you may have a different take on the past weekend, I can only truly comment on games that I have seen, and this is my perspective. I was at the Tennessee/Florida game this weekend, so I did not have the opportunity to watch as many games as normal. I still saw a good amount though.

Heisman Watch

Big 3 Edition (Since ESPN told me only 3 candidates exist)
Despite the World Wide Leader's belief, I am discontinuing this section as clearly, Bradford and Tebow should no longer be considered candidates given their early performances. I have no doubt they will play their way back into play by the end of the season.

Quarterback Edition
Jacory Harris - Miami - 656 yards and 5 TDs in only 2 games, against Florida State and Georgia Tech. 270 yards and 3TDs, against 0 interceptions against Georgia Tech alone, while completing only 80% of his passes. Looks like we could see our third straight sophomore quarterback Heisman winner.

Running Back Edition

Favorite - Jahvid Best - California - 131 yards and 5 TDs against Minnesota in a 35 - 21 victory last week. And on top of that, he is the third leading rusher in the country so far, only 35 yards behind Ryan Matthews of Fresno State.

Statistical Favorite - Still Taylor Potts - Texas Tech - 1,281 and 12 TDs, including 420 yards against the vaunted Texas defense.

Miscellaneous Position - LeRoy Vann, PR - Florida A & M - 2 punt returns for touchdowns in each of the first two games. He has 4 on the season already. The FCS (that's Division I-AA for those of you that refuse to make the jump into the present) record for a season is 5!

Defensive Leader - Eric Berry - S - Tennessee - His interception against Florida gave him 13 for his career. And, he was all over the field against Florida as well. He seemed to make every tackle around the line of scrimmage.

Sleeper - Ryan Mallett - QB - Arkansas - 717 yards, and 6TDs in only two games, including 408 and 5 against Georgia. The best part is 0 interceptions, in 61 attempts, for an ungodly 193.49 QB rating.

Rising - Case Keenum - QB - Houston - The NCAA's returning total offense leader has 725 yards, 7 TDs, 1 interception in only 2 games, which includes the upset of then number 5 Oklahoma State.

Falling - Tim Tebow - Only 540 yards passing in 3 games, and he has already been sacked 4 times (keeping in mind that his first two games were against Charleston Southern and Troy.

Player to Watch

Ryan Mathews - RB - Fresno State - The nations leading rusher carries a hefty 9.1 yards per carry so far this year, including 234 against Boise State.

My New Favorite Player

Eric Berry - S - Tennessee - I used to be on the Taylor Mays of USC was the best safety in the country bandwagon. After seeing Berry play, that is no longer the case.

Goat of the Week (Player Edition)

Aaron Corp - QB - USC - OK, so picking on a backup quarterback and calling them a goat may not be completely fair, but backups at USC are not your normal backups, and Corp was the starting entering fall practice. He went 13 - 22 with 1 interception in USC's loss at Washington (who won exactly as many college football games last year as I did). Each of the 9 incompletions looked horrendous.

Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)

Urban Meyer - Florida - Was whispering around town about scoring 100 against Tennessee. He should start by trying to score 24. He should also start by trying to stop the run. Blaming the flu on Sunday is not classy at all Coach. Not at all. If you think that the flu is going to be an issue, be up front about it, don't sneak it in after a lackluster effort. You insult your opponents by doing that.

Predicted BCS Championship Game Matchup
Texas v. Florida - No reason to change it yet, but Alabama is starting to look real strong. We will see what Miami has these next two weeks.

RANT OF THE WEEK

Not one person in the media has come out against Urban Meyer this week (see above). I understand the the entire sports-media complex wants to see Tim Tebow in the championship game, but that does not excuse Meyer's antics this week before and after the Tennessee game. At least one legitimate national columnist or commentator should have brought it up.

Congratulations of the Week

Zac Robinson - QB - Oklahoma State - Not only bounces back from the Houston loss to defeat Rice, but his two touchdowns set the Oklahoma State record for career touchdown passes.

Under Performance of the Week

USC - I understand that Corp is your backup quarterback, but a loss at Washington is not a good way to follow the huge win at Ohio State.

Game of the Week

Georgia 52 - Arkansas 41 - Georgia QB Joe Cox threw for 375 yards and 5 TDs, and he was the least productive quarterback on the field. Just an outstanding aerial show by both offenses (and/or pathetic display by the defenses).

Play(s) of the Week

Texas's Sergio Kindle sacks Texas Tech's Taylor Potts, and separates Potts from the football, AND HIS HELMET, to lead to Colt McCoy's final touchdown pass and to preserve the Texas victory.

Trivia Questions of the Week

As stated above, Oklahoma State's Zac Robinson set the Oklahoma State career touchdown record. Whose record did he break?

Tim Tebow's 30 consecutive game streak with at least 1 touchdown pass was ended by Tennessee. Who holds, and what is, the record for most consecutive games with at least 1 touchdown pass?

Last Week's Trivia Answer

Last week's question was, "Central Michigan's Dan LeFevour set the MAC Total Offense Recor. Whose record did he break?" The answer is Marshall's Byron Leftwich.

Matchup(s) to Watch

4. Iowa v. Penn State - I have no doubt that Penn State remembers last year's heartbreaking loss to the Hawkeyes. I also have no doubt that Penn State has looked beatable this year. I am sure they win at home, but it looks like it is going to be a great game to watch.

3. Texas Tech v. Houston - Should be another offensive juggernaut with around 1 million passing yards.

2. Arkansas v. Alabama - It's time for Ryan Mallett to show us if he can play against a real strong defense. It's time for Alabama to show that it is ready to take on the Gators.

1. Miami v. Virginia Tech - As stated previously, the Hurricanes are my favorite team. But, this this is also a potential conference championship game. Could the Canes be 3-0 heading into Oklahoma week?

Picks of the Week

2009-09-18T10:47:00.004-04:00

Week 2 of the NFL season is upon us. Here is this week's "Picks of the Week". As a refresher each pick is using the spread (straight up is for wussies), and the betting line is from the same website each week as of the time of typing the entry. I will keep a running tally of my record, plus my winnings/losses. We will pretend that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler. On to the picks.

Houston Texans +6 1/2 at Tennessee Titans
I believe that Houston's (lack of) offense last week was due more to a strong defense on the part of the Jets. Tennessee is without Haynesworth, although Finnegan can play Johnson tough. The Titans don't look to be blowing too many people out this year. I'll take the points.

New York Jets +3 1/2 v. New England Patriots
The Jets defense looks to be tough this year under Rex Ryan, and New England's defense is not going to be the same without Seymour and Mayo.

Cincinnati Bengals +9 at Green Bay Packers
This was a difficult decision for me, but Green Bay had 9,000 turnovers against the Bears and still only won by 6. A revived Cedric Benson may keep the ball long enough to make this closer than expected.

Minnesota Vikings -10 at Detroit Lions
Rookie Quarterback, meet Kevin Williams, and Pat Williams and Jared Allen. Smart money says always take double digit points in a division game. Smart money also didn't have to go against Adrian Peterson.

New Orleans +1 at Philadelphia Eagles
Drew Brees versus Kevin Kolb. One of these things is not like the other.

Atlanta Falcons -6 1/2 v. Carolina Panthers
Atlanta's offense is strong, and the Panthers could be in serious trouble this year.

St. Louis Rams +10 at Washington Redskins
Simply because I do not want to give up double digit points in more than one game.

Arizona Cardinals +3 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars reeling from their owners Tim Tebow comments this week. Arizona bounces back from last week's loss at the hands of the surprising 49ers.

San Francisco 49ers -1 1/2 v. Seattle Seahawks
Mike Singeltary will continue to have this team ready to play. If Seattle tries to run the ball with its unholy (and un-young) triumverate, Patrick Willis may have 20 soo tackles.

Buffalo Bills -5 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Even without getting its wide receivers into the action, the Bills played New England tough. The Bills should use this momentum to beat a very beatable Bucs squad.

Cleveland Browns +3 at Denver Broncos
The Browns were surprisingly spry against the Vikings, at least for a half. Plus, if Denver is giving points this year, I am going to take them.

Baltimore +3 at San Diego Chargers
Baltimore actually has an offense this year. San Diego had problms with Oakland's offense. LDT is already injured this year. Baltimore' defense has the speed to contain Sproles.

Chicago Bears +3 v. Pittsburgh Steelers
Despite an absolutely horrific performance by Cutler, the Bears only lost by 6 at the Packers. Plus, the Steelers cannot run the ball. I look for the Bears to bounce back.

New York Giants +3 at Dallas Cowboys
Despite the presence of DeMarcus Ware, the Cowboys defense isn't that strong. The Giants' offensive line and running game is.

Indianapolis +3 at Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins fall back to earth after last year's playoff run.

Just for the record, I lost the Denver-Cincinnati game on Stokely's fluke touchdown reception to end the game. Even High School coaches tell their defensive players to "KNOCK IT DOWN"!

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Oakland Raiders +3 at Kansas City Chiefs
Oakland played fairly well against San Diego, and the Chiefs, well, not so much. I look for Oakland to b fairly copetitive throughout the year.

Previous Week's Record: 9-7 (1-0 Big Bet)
Year to Date: 9-7 (1-0)
Winnings (Losses): 280

The Ole College Try

2009-09-16T15:20:00.007-04:00

Here is this week's wrap-up of the college football season, told from a couple of days distance simply to let some of the stories simmer a bit and to gain a bit of perspective. Although you may have a different take on the past weekend, I can only truly comment on games that I have seen, and this is my perspective.

Heisman Watch (Since the World Wide Leader tells us its never too early)

Big 3 Edition (Since the tv told me only 3 exist)
Favorite - Colt McCoy - Texas - 337 yards and 3 TDs against Wyoming. Tebow had 5 TD's, but his sloppy first quarter play keeps him in second in this close race.

Quarterback Edition (other than the big 3)

Aaron Opelt - Toledo - 319 yards and 4 TDs passing to go along with 109 yards and 2 TDs rushing, against Colorado. Just a truly dominating performance for those who watched it.

Running Back Edition

Favorite - Jahvid Best - California - Still with the best chance (pun intended) to usurp the big 3, following up his 137 yards against Maryland with 144 against Eastern Washington. His total of 281 yards come on only 27 carries.

Sleeper - Ralph Bolden - Purdue - The nations leading rusher to date, with 357 yards, with Northern Illinois next on the agenda.

Statistical Favorite - Taylor Potts - Texas Tech - Since I already mentioned Opelt, Potts is the latest Red Raider to throw out huge numbers. So far 861 yards and 9 touchdowns through the first two games.

Miscellaneous Position - Freddie Barnes, WR - Bowling Green - 25 receptions so far this year. 25!

Defensive Leader - Rahim Moore S - UCLA - His two interceptions against Tennessee give him 5 for the season. On pace for 30 this year. (My guess is that he does not, I repeat, not, keep that pace).

Rising - Jimmy Clausen - Notre Dame - 651 yards, 7 TDs and no interceptions. Despite the loss to Michigan, Clausen is becoming the player everyone at Notre Dame thought that he should be.

Falling - Still Sam Bradford - Oklahoma - due to injury.

Player to Watch

Tate Forcier - QB - Michigan - If you saw the game, then you know why. Just completely in control.

My New Favorite Player

Tate Forcier - QB - Michigan - Exciting, and he beat Notre Dame!

Goat of the Week (Player Edition)

Cody Hawkins - QB - Colorado - Not so much because he played like a goat, or because he gave the game away (in fact, he played fairly well and with a ton of heart and determination against Toledo 356 yards, 4 TDs, 3 INTs), but, if Colorado is losing to Toledo, Hawkins is the symbol of how far that program has fallen.

Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)

Lane Kiffin - Tennessee - Fourth and goal from the 3 and you run? First and second down I understand. Third down, you sometimes pass and sometimes run. But, if you do not have a dominating offensive line, you have to either kick or pass. No arguments.

Predicted BCS Championship Game Matchup
Texas v. Florida - No reason to change it yet, especially since Oklahoma State has fallen back to earth.

Rant(s) of the Week
Helmets are meant to stay on your head. I don't know what the problem was Florida, or more specifically Riley Cooper, but your helmet should not pop off every time you make a hit or get hit. Fix that immediately before someone is seriously injured.

Congratulations of the Week

Central Michigan and Dan LeFevour - Big in-state win against Michigan State. LeFevour set the MAC Total Offense record (See below). Keep in mind, this is the Dan LeFevour, who threw for more yards and rushed for more yards that Tim Tebow two years ago, Tebow's much heralded Heisman year.

Under Performance of the Week

Oklahoma State - Big win against Georgia in week 1 to give you a top 5 ranking, then you give it back with a very humbling loss to Houston. Not the way to get it done.

Game of the Week

Colorado - Toledo - Easily the most entertaining game, with 1,075 yards of total offense and 7 touchdown passes. Toledo won 54-38.

Play(s) of the Week

Andrew Aguila - K - Central Michigan. First, a picture perfect onside kick that nobody from Michigan State even had a chance to recover. Then, hits the game winning 42 yard field goal (after missing from 47 - the miss nullified by a penalty). Then with 3 seconds remaining, hits the front line of the Michigan State return team starting the clock, making any return impossible.

Trivia Question of the Week

As mentioned earlier, Dan LeFevour set his conference Total Offense Record. Whose record did he break?

Last Week's Trivia Answer

Last week's question was, "Florida's Brandon James returned a kickoff against Charleston Southern for a touchdown. In what year was the last time previously that Florida had returned a kickoff for a touchdown." The answer was 1999. It had been 10 years since the Gators had returned a kickoff for a touchdown.

Matchup(s) to Watch (5 this week - because I said so)

5. Texas Tech v. Texas - Big revenge game for Texas. I want to see how Tech responds, even without Harrell and Crabtree.

4. Ohio State v. Toledo - Could this be a letdown for Ohio State? A big chance for an exciting Toledo team.

3. Florida State v. BYU - This might be the most athletic team the BYU plays this year. Plus, Florida State has a lot to prove after the close loss to Miami, and the narrow victory over Jacksonville State.

2. Tennessee v. Florida - Tennessee's first visit to Gainesville in the Kiffin era. Kiffin against Meyer. Attitude versus attitude. Plus, I will be present.

1. Georgia Tech v. Miami - First, the Hurricanes are my favorite team. Second, this is a legitimate top twenty game, with conference championship implications. Plus it could be payback for the 1,400 yards rushing Georgia Tech had in last year's game. Game two of Miami's killer 4 game run.

Picks of the Week

2009-09-11T23:29:00.003-04:00

This is the first of this year's "picks of the week" segments that will occur weekly at We Make It Rain. It is a tried and trued concept, plus I can keep track of what I would have earned had I actually bet on all of the games (since gambling is illegal). Each pick is using the spread (straight up is for wussies), and the betting line is from the same website each week as of the time of typing the entry. I will keep a running tally of my record, plus my winnings/losses. We will pretend that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler. On to the picks.

Tennessee Titans +6 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Scroll down a couple of blog entries to see my pick in this game.

New Orleans Saints -13 v. Detroit Lions
High scoring and high flying Saints versus doormat Lions. The Lions will improve from last year, since, well, they have to, but not yet.

Philadelphia -2 1/2 at Carolina Panthers
I don't really know what to do here, I just think Delhomme might be running out of gas. Do not underestimate the loss of Jim Johnson to the Eagles Defense.

Houston Texans -4 1/2 v. New York Jets
Rookie Quarterback, meet Mario Williams and Demeco Ryans.

Dallas Cowboys -5 1/2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Not sold on Dallas going to the playoffs, but sold on their firepower versus overmatched Buccaneers. Watch for the penalties on Dallas' offensive line, though (false starts and holdings), as a sign of the future.

Denver Broncos +4 1/2 at Cincinnati Bengals
Not that I think the Broncos are going to be good this year, but it has been a while since Palmer was great due to injuries, and Elvis Dumervil can pressure the QB.

Atlanta Falcons -4 v. Miami Dolphins
Miami takes a step back this year, while the Falcons take another step forward.

Kansas City Chiefs +13 at Baltimore Ravens
Real big number for an early season game. Ravens may win 12-0.

Indianapolis Colts -7 v. Jacksonville Jaguars
A rivalry that is a shadow of its former self.

St. Louis Rams +7 1/2 at Seattle Seahawks
Everybody seems to be making a big deal of Hasselback's return to Seattle, however, they also have Julius Jones as a running back.

Washington Redskins +6 1/2 at New York Giants
The Giants Offense (minus Brandon Jacobs) needs to show me something before I lay 6 1/2 against a division rival.

San Francisco 49ers +6 at Arizona Cardinals
Shaun Hill is better than most people think, and with Singletary at the helm, the defense will be much improved. Arizona may win, but San Fran will keep it close.

Chicago Bears +4 at Green Bay Packers
I see this game coming down to a field goal, so I'll take the 4 points. Plus, the Bears took Indianapolis last year on the opening Sunday night game

New England Patriots -10 1/2 v. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo is in disarray, and none of it is TO's fault. Yet.

Oakland Raiders +9 v. San Diego Chargers
Something tells me that Shawne Merriman's Choke of Love isn't going to go away. The Chargers are better, but this is my flyer for the week.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Minnesota Vikings 3 1/2 at Cleveland Browns
Vikings have a lot of hype, and a powerful defensive line. Cleveland has a lot of quarterback controversy, and .... nope, that's all I got.

Previous Week's Record: N/A
Year to Date: N/A
Winnings (Losses): N/A

The Ole College Try

2009-09-11T21:16:00.010-04:00

Once again, I will doing a weekly wrap-up of the college football season, told from a couple of days distance simply to let some of the stories simmer a bit and to gain a bit of perspective. Generally this column will come out on Tuesday. Although you may have a different take on the past weekend, I can only truly comment on games that I have seen, and this is my perspective.

Heisman Watch (Since the World Wide Leader tells us its never too early)

Big 3 Edition

Favorite - Colt McCoy - Texas - 317 yards and 2 TDs in a laugher against Louisiana-Monroe. Of course, McCoy is aided by Tebow playing less than one half and Bradford's shoulder.

Quarterback Edition (other than the big 3)

Max Hall - Brigham Young - 329 yards and 2 touchdowns in Brigham Young's thrilling defeat of Oklahoma, including the game winning touchdown pass with 3:03 remaining.

Running Back Edition

Favorite - Jahvid Best - California - He has the best chance (pun intended) to usurp the big 3, and he started off successfully with 137 yards on only 10 carries in a old-fashioned whooping of Maryland.

Sleeper - Matt Asiata - Utah - Started Utah's potential undefeated campaign with 156 yards (albeit on 36 carries).

Rising - Nobody is rising after only one week.

Falling - Sam Bradford - Oklahoma - due to injury.

Statistical Favorite - Aaron Opelt - Toledo - 423 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 52-31 defeat at the hands of Purdue.

Miscellaneous Position - Jordan Shipley, WR - Texas - 180 receiving yards and 1 TD for Texas. Easily Colt McCoy's favorite target. (And did you hear, they are roommates?!)

Defensive Leader - Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith CB - UTEP - 18 tackles against Buffalo. 18!!! As a cornerback!!!

Player to Watch

Jacory Harris - QB - Miami - A little bit of a homer pick as the Canes are my favorite team. But, it was a helluva start to a very difficult starting schedule with 386 passing yards against Florida State. Even if the Canes are not yet championship material, they will certianly be entertaining.

My New Favorite Player

Byron Haut - Boise State - Boy can he take a punch! (Really this award goes to Jacory Harris). This leads me to ...

Goat of the Week (Player Edition)

LaGarette Blount - RB - Oregon If you even have to ask, but for posterity's sake, his after game punch of Haut, and his tantrums directed towardteammates and security were completely uncalled for. Not sure season-long suspension is the correct penalty though.

Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)

Jim Tressel - Ohio State - A field goal at that point makes the score 32-14, and the game is over. Why did you go for it? Navy almost made you pay!

Predicted BCS Championship Game Matchup
Texas v. Florida - With Florida's schedule, and Sam Bradford's injury, this is the most likely outcome at this point. Still waaaaayyyy too early to tell.

Rant(s) of the Week
Ok, so LaGarette Blount needed to be punished for his behavior, but his entire senior season? Why not suspend him for 4 games plus the bowl? OR the first 3 conference games plus the bowl? His entire senior season - that is just plain ludicrous!

Congratulations of the Week

Brigham Young - Even with the injuries to Bradford and Greshem, this was a huge win for Brigham Young, and could be a big step toward the BCS Championship game for the Cougars.

Under Performance of the Week

Ohio State - Way too close of a game for Ohio State if they want to be in the National Championship hunt.

Iowa - Yes, you get 2 blocked field goals, but the fact that you needed both of them to win against Northern Iowa is pathetic.

Trivia Question of the Week

Florida's Brandon James returned a kickoff against Charleston Southern for a touchdown. In what year was the last time previously that Florida had returned a kickoff for a touchdown.

Matchup(s) to Watch

3. Marshall v. Virginia Tech - Marshall has historically had an effective offense. Virginia Tech is coming off a week in which in gave up 498 yards.

2. Notre Dame v. Michigan - Not because everybody says this is supposed to be a big game, but because it will be interesting to see Michigan's two freshmen quarterbacks Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson in their first big college game. Perhaps Rich Rodriguez does know what he is doing.

1. USC v. Ohio State - Last year we had the Collision in the Colosseum, or as those of you who read this blog remember I correctly predicted USC's blowout by glossing the game "The Suckfest in South Central". Sorry to disappoint you Buckeye fans, but if you couldn't slow down Navy's running game, what do you think you are going to do to Joe McKnight, Stefan Johnson, et. al. Another blowout, which I am calling, "The Horseshit in the Horseshoe".

Opening Night Quick Hit

2009-09-10T11:55:00.004-04:00

Just for the record, I am selecting Tennesse +6 over Pittsburgh tonight for $100. For those followers of my usual weekly picks column, the full column will appear in an entry prior to the weekend beginning, but to preserve the authenticity of the selection of tonight's game, and to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, I am announcing the Thursday night selection, today.

Enjoy the NFL everybody.

And So It Begins

2009-09-05T15:30:00.005-04:00

As we are solidly in the middle of the first weekend of college football, I figure that there is no better time to unveil my pre-season All-American team. Although there are more than 11 offenseive and defensive players listed, the team is selected to account for the various offenses and defenses used around the country (trip receivers, spread, 3-4, 4-3, etc.). I chose to explain my picks in some instances, and not in others. Why? Because I am busy watching football. Now here are the Pepster Preseason All-Americans.

Offense

QB - Colt McCoy, Texas - Led his team in passing and rushing last year, and his completion percentage is off the charts.

RB - Jahvid Best, California; Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech; Jazquizz Rodgers, Oregon State - Best might be the best player in the country, averaging over 8 yards per carry last year.

WR - Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State; Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati; A.J. Green, Georgia - Gilyard is probably the best player nobody has ever heard of, and A.J. Green is the best sophomore receiver in the SEC, not Julio Jones.

TE - Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma; Aaron Hernandez, Florida - Gresham came back instead of being a sure-fire first round draft pick last year and Florida's offensive hopes depend a lot more on Hernandez than people realize.

T - Trent Williams, Oklahoma; Ciron Black, LSU - Both big and strong, and keys to their respective offenses. Black is a fourth year starter. Williams is the only returning starter on the line for Oklahoma.

G - Sergio Render, Virginia Tech; Rodney Hudson, Florida State- Render is a mountain. Tech will need him to jump start their running game.

C - Maurkice Pouncey, Florida - Florida deserves multiple offensive All-Americans, especially since I did not select Jesus at the quarterback position. And frankly, I can't tell the Pouncey brothers apart.

Defense

DE - George Selvie, South Florida; Jan Jorgensen, Brigham Young - Just watch Selvie play and you will see why. Jorgensen is the conference career sack leader, in a conference that does a lot of passing. My apologies to Greg Hardy and Sergio Kindle.

DT - Terrence Cody, Alabama; Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma - Not only are they immovable objects in the middle of the line, they make plays as well behind it.

OLB - Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri; Eric Norwood, South Carolina - Norwood is a beast, while Weatherspoon just makes tackles.

ILB - Brandon Spikes, Florida; Joe Pawelek, Baylor - You know I watch too much football when I place a Baylor player on my preseason All-American team. I think Spikes is the best player on the Gators, but somehow this will be misinterpreted as a dig at Tebow.

Keep an eye on Sean Spence, Miami.

CB - Trevard Lindley, Kentucky; Janoris Jenkins, Florida - Jenkins is a phenomenal athlete, and Lindley has garnered votes for All-American each of the past two years.

S - Taylor Mays, USC; Eric Berry, Tennessee - The easiest position to select on the team.

Special Teams

K - Shane Popham, Wake Forest - Not that I think is particularly that good, just wanted to see if anybody actually paid attention to whom I selected at kicker, and he seems to have kicked 1,000 field goals against FSU.

P - Zoltan Mesko, Michigan - Simply because of his name.

R - Brandon James, Florida - If he sees a hole, he's thinking touchdown.

Forgive me for any typographical errors, I didn't feel like proofreading with games on the television. Stay tuned for my weekly college football updates.

For the Rest of Our Lives

2009-08-05T16:10:00.018-04:00

I am a couple of weeks late on commenting on this subject, but despite the untimeliness, this post needs to be written.
A couple of weekends ago, the University of Florida's football Coach Urban Meyer and quarterback Tim Tebow appeared on ESPN SportsCenter's "Sunday Conversation", and a couple of very interesting stories were spotlighted. Of course, the Philippines missions and the competitiveness were once again foisted upon us by the World-Wide Leader. But that isn't what caught my attention. To me, the most interesting part was when Coach Meyer started to tell the story of Tebow's speech to the team at halftime of the BCS Championship game against Oklahoma. After returning to the locker room tied 7-7, Tebow took over in the locker room. That conversation is linked to the title of this post. Click on the title, we will wait.

OK. We are back! Now, that seems like a darn good halftime speech. However, if he had a great speech writer, he might have spiced it up a little, perhaps, something like this:

At the beginning of the game, Meyer said 60 minutes for the next 60 years of our lives. I say Fuck that. Fuck that. Let's go out there, play the next 30 minutes for the next 30 minutes, and leave it on the field. We have the opportunity to play like gods for the next half of football, but we can't be afraid to lose. There is no room for fear in this game. If we go out there and half-ass it because we are scared, all we're left with is an excuse. We're always gonna wonder. But if we go out there and give it absolutely everything ... that's heroic. Let's be heroes! Come on. Whaddya say boys?!

Now wouldn't that have been a rousing speech at halftime? Well, it was. At least for the Coyotes in Varsity Blues.

Tim Tebow basically plagiarized Jonathon Moxon (James Van Der Beek for our lady readers). Not basically - he did. Tebow said that the team had "30 minutes for the rest of their lives". Come on. Really? And this guy is supposed to be the greatest leader in the history of college football?! At least copy Coach D'Amato from Any Given Sunday. (Side note - both Varsity Blues and Any Given Sunday were released in 1999).

I guess kids today do receive their learning from Hollywood, or at least, those that are home-schooled.

And, since I mentioned the movie, I had to add this little ditty ...