Underrated Television Actresses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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