Picks of the Week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.