Sorry fans

It's been a whirlwind few weeks of work. Tomorrow, NCAA 2nd round soccer match between Butler and Michigan State. Monday, I've got the pleasure of calling the NCAA Cross Country championships, which you can watch on NCAA.com. Couple that with other jobs, and blogging just hasn't been a priority. But, I am dedicated to the picks.

This week, we are gearing up to the big matchups over Thanksgiving, not to mention conference championship games in the subsequent weekends. Will there be a BCS party crasher? I say yes, because Auburn will fall to either Alabama or their own spotlight of the did-you-pay-your-QB saga. Get some online shopping done today and watch some football...

#16 Virginia Tech @ #24 Miami (+2) - I like the home team with points here: Canes 27, VA Tech 21

#13 Arkansas @ #21 Mississippi State (+3.5) - At some point, the karma of being the Cam Newton whistleblower will haunt an okay SEC team: Hogs 35, Starkville 24

#9 Ohio State @ #20 Iowa (+3) - Another home dog I like. Why? Because Iowa has ruined a perfectly good season, so they might as well ruin another team's. Hawkeyes 20, Buckeyes 10

#8 Nebraska @ #19 Texas A&M (+3) - The Huskers still don't know how they lost to Texas. Corn 36, Aggies 24

Last week: You can tell the distractions are getting to Cover Two. 2-1 on winners; 1-2 on Vegas (and a perfect push on the first bball game prediction)

Season: 39-14 and 32-22; looks like a FAKE profit will be turned though!

Off go the Crimson Glasses

So much for my claim that Alabama deserved a shot in the national championship. And, despite the defensive prowess, I still will never pick LSU in a top 25 matchup. Fortunately, after a so-so week (3-2 picking winners, 2-3 against the number; season: 37-13, 31-20) of predictions, I've been eye-deep in more soccer (you know you want to watch it) and the start of the college basketball season... which, by the way, shouldn't have polls until the first week or two of games are played. Lots to still learn.

Unfortunately, thanks to that crazy schedule, we need to fly through this week's picks of relatively lame games...

#23 South Carolina @ #22 Florida -6.5

I really have no idea on this game. The Gamecocks have been the ultimate good SEC team this year. Capable of pulling off really good victories, but then victimized by other good SEC teams. Spurrier can clinch the division AND beat his former team in their own place. According to all of the "experts," the Gators were supposed to keep getting better as the season went along, because of their youth. Yeah, and they said the same thing about Texas. Advantage: Swamp

Florida 31, South Carolina 24

#24 Kansas State @ #17 Missouri -13.5

Almost a two-touchdown spread! You know why? Because of Baylor last week at Oklahoma State. Pretender Big 12 school goes to play a more proven Big 12 school. The number is big, but the butt whopping will be bigger...

Missouri 45, Kansas State 24

#19 Mississippi State @ #12 Alabama -13

Make no mistake... Alabama WILL beat Auburn in the final week of the regular season. So, TCU will make the national championship game. But, does that mean the Tide really care about Mississippi State? What have we learned from this blog, last week's results and this week's news? Two things:

1. Pretender teams whose schedules are back-loaded get abused on the road by better teams.
2. Mississippi State didn't pay $200,000 for the services of Cam Newton. They should have.

Alabama 34, Mississippi State 17

And, to close, in honor of the start of the college basketball season (and as the advocate of the Horizon League), I would strongly consider Detroit (+9) at New Mexico tonight. The Titans could surprise some good teams out of the box.

Rush to Judgement

It's one of those weeks (and months) where the candle is being lit on both ends. If you are a big fan of women's soccer, boy do I have the weekend for you.

But, it's meant that the analysis of college football just isn't as thorough as I would like this week. So, despite the continued success (4-0 on winners; 2-2 versus Vegas last week), we have to rush to judge this week's slate of contests...

#18 Arkansas @ #19 South Carolina -4.5

I've gone against South Carolina too many times this year. They can run. They can catch. The only wildcard? Consistency. I like them at home against Arkansas.

Gamecocks 31, Arkansas 24

#21 Baylor @ #17 Oklahoma State -9

Big number. But, despite beating up on a terrible Texas team, Baylor is a beneficiary of good circumstances this season. Spotlight. Road game. No contest.

Oklahoma State 45, Baylor 28

#15 Arizona @ #13 Stanford -8

I don't see Stanford losing this game, mainly because I still view Arizona as a pretender. But, I think this is a good Pac-10 battle (meaning, 8 points is too steep of a spread)

Stanford 34, Arizona 28

#6 Alabama @ #10 LSU +6.5

The Tide are now the best option, 1-loss team with the outside hope of a BCS Championship Game appearance. That's a big deal. For the amazingly-large-number week in a row, Bama gets another team off a bye week, and on the road (See: South Carolina game). BUT, the Tide roll in off their own bye. Oh, and did I mention they might be motivated. AND, they get the #1 team in the country at home to close the season.

Alabama 24, LSU 17

#3 TCU @ #5 Utah +5

I am not at all surprised to see the Utes getting points at home. TCU's defense has been stellar this season. I haven't watched enough of Utah to have any rational, credible, logical reason for stating this: I think TCU has a team more than capable of completely handling Utah.

Frogs 28, Utah 22.5

Season: 34-11; 29-17 (I don't know how, but this is a really good weekend of games that seems to have gone overlooked. Sneak away from your plans and catch some afternoon games)

Did I say Rangers in 6?

I thought I was walking the party line by taking the easy 'Rangers in 6' line the other day. Just goes to show that you need to stick to your guns when picking sports outcomes. And my guns (the last two weeks especially) have been college football games. Vegas didn't see it coming last week, but we took those top-25 matchups and rocked the spread. 3-1 (no thanks to Okie State's stellar defense) against the number and a road-scared 2-2 picking winners.

But, this week is when it gets interesting because the whole BCS Rankings could (cue the Fresh Prince) get flipped, turned upside down. The top 5 ranked BCS teams playing this weekend all go on the road this weekend, and while I am not too concerned about some (relax Auburn and TCU fans), this whole thing is setting up to be a jumbled, garbled mess of scary come Halloween night. And, I have reached that point with the BCS (is there an echo on this blog?)... Blow it up.

Now, to my tease from earlier this week: Lou Holtz said something I really agree with on Mike & Mike a few days ago. That, in itself, is a bit of an amazement. The coach is in the same league as Lee Corso, and should get their own network sitcom, played by William Shatner, because the sh!$ they say is hilarious. ESPN knows this, which is why actual, researched, level-headed analysts flank them on every show. (And, to be fair to Corso, he doesn't have NCAA violations following him from every coaching job like a lost puppy)

Anyways, Holtz made the remark that the simple fix to the national championship dilemma is simple. Play all of the games the way they are right now, with BCS bowls, etc. Just play all of the big ones on New Year's Day, like the old-school way. Then, run the polls again, take your top 2, and play 'em together one week later to get your champion. Of course, changes would be tweaked. You'd have BCS #1 playing #4 or something in one New Year's Day game. (We've got time to figure it all out, people) But, the BCS still makes money, you and I get an and-1 game and less fussing over who got left out.

Back to this season... We are setting ourselves up to have at least one of the following scenarios play out:

1. At a minimum, a very good one loss team gets hosed (Alabama, Michigan State, Oregon, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Missouri, Auburn, Stanford and TCU/Utah fit this bill, potentially)
2. Somehow, a Boise State - TCU undefeated showdown happens again, with the power conferences left out of a title shot
3. An undefeated Boise State or TCU doesn't get a chance... AGAIN

I am still convinced that a rested Crimson Tide team is, hands-down, better than anybody in the country. Almost as convinced that what Oregon does on offense is illegal in some capacity. But, will the polls punish teams who get punished the most in scheduling? If not, we punish a mid-major program that can't control it's situation. I am Switzerland and side with both. For now, we just enjoy the games and see how it all plays out... Oh, for the record, I think scenario #1 up there is coming, and coming fast, starting this weekend...

#8 Utah @ Air Force +7

This is a perfect example of the difference between the mid-major conferences and the power conferences. Air Force is a good Mountain West team. Their option offense will create some confusion and some problems. But, Utah will win. In fact, Utah will cover. It won't be easy early, but 60 minutes is more than enough time for a team like Utah to pull out the game. Air Force is the 4th best team in the MWC. If this was the SEC, the exact same comparison would be Alabama (2nd best team, in record) going to South Carolina (4th best team). We know how that turned out. Advantage, corrupt system.

Utah 38, Air Force 24 - With the TCU date looming the following week

#2 Oregon and USC +7

Wow! Getting a touchdown at home. I hope the house for Reggie Bush's parents was crib-tastic! Oregon is a facsimile of themselves away from home, and this game is on grass, not recycled tire grass. But, the Trojans just aren't striking the fear into anybody right now. I like their offense, and it's hard to pick against a Monte Kiffin defense, but USC is not built to guard the spread. Their dominant teams recently always got shocked by a team like Oregon. And those two deep safeties and linebackers just can't cover the Ducks' speed. This is really a tough one, because Oregon has to lose one game this season. It is going to happen. Is it in the Coliseum? I'm hedging...

Oregon 42, USC 38

#5 Michigan State @ #18 Iowa -6.5

I neither have anything creative or factual to back this up, except for the fact that, in this wild season of college football, the Spartans have to lose this game. They aren't good enough to be an undefeated Big Ten team, and Iowa is better than a 2-loss team. Oh, and the Hawkeyes are pissed about last weekend.

Iowa 27, Michigan State 20

#6 Missouri @ #14 Nebraska -7.5

I feel even more strongly about this one than the Michigan State loss. For every reason that I KNEW the Tigers would beat Oklahoma last weekend, they will get destroyed in Lincoln. I still don't know how the Huskers got beat at home by Texas, but this team is on a mission, and the black shirts likely got scolded for the 40-spot they gave up against Okie State. The spread says it all. Even Vegas knows this will get ugly for a top-10 team.

Nebraska 38, Missouri 14

And, come early next week, we will sort it all out. Season: 30-11 picking winners; 27-15 against Vegas (Don't bet; just have fun)

Transition Week

Football in full swing. Baseball to tip off a championship. The NBA to throw out the first games. Alright, so maybe I am bit cluttered in the sports brain. But this week is the total transition. With the World Series kicking off (there I go again) tonight, we will soon be hunkered down inside, longing for a bowl of chili and the winter sports that have swept to the top of the ratings.

We'll wait until Friday to really talk about college football and the intrigue that is the NFL... Here's a side bet: Which gets better ratings: The London drama of the 49ers and Broncos this weekend, or any World Series game? I'll go a step further... Does an ABC sitcom do better than Game 1 tonight? I think it's entirely possible, which is sad.

So, who wins? Pitching dominates in the postseason, and the Lincecum-Lee dual will be compelling enough to watch two, maybe 3 games. The Rangers have seemingly been the only team to make it past 162 and hit over the month of October. Don't discount that. Beyond Lincecum (and Lee), who do you like to shut down a game on the mound? Yep, me either. So, let's go with the team that can mash it better. Outside of game 1 and game 4, I think the series lacks real drama... Rangers in 6

I want to go on the record and side with two people I normally don't: Random talk-show emailer and Lou Holtz. First, to the random emailer of "Mike & Mike" a few weeks ago who suggested that all baseball playoff games be on weeknights, away from football. I am all for it. Why? Because the World Series didn't make a dent in the sports landscape in the 24 hours leading up to it. What did? Lebradeosh making their debut and the ankle/shoulder of Favre/Romo. The World frickin Series.

(As for Lou Holtz and his momentary genius, we will get to it on Friday)

Oh, and a quick analysis of the ballyhooed Miami heat debut: Are we sure that wasn't the Cleveland Cavs playing the Celtics. LeBron got his 30, controlled the ball and rendered another guard and big man to being a lesser percentage of their actual ability. Well, except for Bosh. His contract will be an anchor around that franchise by the middle of next season. Amare, Boozer or even Shaq would have been better values.

I'd write more, but I need to post this so my Rangers prediction looks legit...

If I blame the computers...

How can I blame a computer for ruining college football, when everything that makes this forum possible is done thanks to the magic little box. Okay, it's not really the computer's fault, but how much do the trustees, or bosses, or whatever the greedy folks behind the BCS are called LOVE the NFL this week? If it weren't for the pussification of professional football (that's harsh; I actually agree with everything the league is doing, yet reserve the right to judge in a couple weeks when punishments become regular), the big story all week would have been the joke of the BCS standings.

[That, and baseball, which has been REALLY good to watch. Pre-World Series blog coming after it's decided this weekend]

I have paid a TON of attention to college games this season. I've got a good feel for the teams. I've even watched three complete games played by Oklahoma. And I will admit: I actually had to check to see that they were undefeated when the BCS standings came out and they were on top. I thought to myself, 'surely this team lost a game,' and, 'wait, didn't Cincinnati beat them?'

But, it's Friday, it's nice out and I don't want to go on a rant about the BCS when so many well-qualified writers did an eloquent job this week. What I do want to talk about is my comeback in picks. After providing a much-needed lesson a week ago, Cover Two nailed the picks, going 5-0 against the number and 4-1 picking winners (including two upsets; should've had the stones to pick Texas). I'm going to go ahead and give myself a quick 1 victory against Vegas for an impromptu blog advice last night: Mrs. Half of Cover Two and I went to a little party of R-rated pumpkin carving and upon arrival found some gentlemen inquiring about the betting lines of Oregon-UCLA. I wasn't happy with the spread, but the over/under of 61 seemed like a no-brainer. I risked the fine reputation of this blog and endorsed the move (again, kids, no gambling here; well, except for the fact that I was aiding in somebody who was gambling; but, that doesn't mean I support it), and Oregon almost covered the over by themselves.

So, on the season now... 28-9 picking winners and 24-14 against Vegas

This week... When you are on a roll, there is no need to justify your picks. You just do it!

#16 Nebraska, 24 @ #14 Oklahoma State (+6), 31

#13 Wisconsin, 14 @ #15 Iowa (-6.5), 17 - BOB

#6 LSU, 24 @ #4 Auburn (-6), 31

#1 Oklahoma, 35 @ #11 Missouri (+3), 38

Yes, I like home teams. Especially when all of the road teams coming in are puckering a little bit...

Loyalty... in the short term

Everybody loves the new guy. What have you done for me lately? That's how we really value the person who walks in the door vying for our attention or, in some cases, a job. Take, for instance, what just happened with my Chicago Cubs. While Mike Quade did everything in his coaching powers (paying his dues, having the second-best win % over the last 30 something games, making nice with the players), there was something in me that never thought he would actually get the job.

Make no mistake, I don't dislike the hire and hope he performs at the same level; at this point, I'd take the corpse of Casey Stengel if it meant postseason success. But, wasn't that job destined for Ryne Sandberg? A Hall of Famer who, unlike most enshrined, put away any ego and rode the bus in the minor leagues, for four years. Not only that, but he WON. A lot. He could have demanded the managerial job before Sweet Lou Piniella got it, but wanted to prove he could manage a team. What did he do not get the job? Nothing, really.

I don't know if it makes it right or wrong. But, I feel for a guy who spent a significant portion of his life giving everything for the franchise he loves, proving his worth, only to be denied by a man (with great minor league credentials too), who happened to get enough of a shot to woo his employers. What if Sandberg gets called up from Iowa to manage the rest of the season, as a trial?

By all accounts, the players love 'Q,' and that is enough for me, but how tough will it be to see a man who bleeds Cub blue, denied his dream job, and out managing for the Blue Jays or another franchise? I know exactly what Ryno is going through, and I hope he lands the next-best job (in his mind) and ends up in a better place.

You See Kids...

This is why betting on sports is used solely for entertainment purposes and better prediction competition. Last weekend's college results proved that even the most assured individual will lose, and lose big, when taking on the mighty glitz of odds makers in Vegas. So, instead of what did we learn, let's hand out the 'Shame Ons' for this week...

(To officially recap - Cover Two went 1-3 picking winners and 3-4 against spreads and other bets; Season totals are now 24-8 and 18-14 respectively)

Shame on me for not growing a pair and picking South Carolina. As our one loyal follower pointed out, I did everything but actually go with my gut and pick the Gamecocks. Why? Because, as much as my Butler-built heart wants to see Boise State or TCU win the whole thing, the best team in the SEC deserves a title shot, given how talented that conference is.

Shame on Florida for scoring 29 against LSU's vaunted defense, but being unable to stop a team that has looked more disoriented than a Joaquin Phoenix con-job on offense. AT HOME

Shame on most of the country for believing Michigan was back and could play with anybody. I didn't write it, but I thought that Michigan State (+4.5) was easy money last week. If I actually knew how to pull it off, I would have sold the points, given some and made a fortune. Again, if I actually did that (which I don't - and neither should you [wink])

Shame on me for not paying attention to what I felt about Michigan and allowing me to think Indiana actually had a team that could compete

Shame on Arizona and Stanford for watering down the Pac-10's elite and making life more difficult for Oregon

Shame on the BCS system for giving us a system whereby Boise State, TCU and Utah had to humiliate and decimate Toledo, Wyoming and Iowa State just to earn style points. (By the way, the whole "we need a playoff" argument has been cute and fun for the past few years. But, I feel an epic storm brewing at the end of this season)

Shame on Penn State for tricking their fans into thinking there would be hope this season. 33-13 at home to the Zooker and Illinois?!?!

Okay, enough shame. This week is a new week! And, with only two matchups between top 25 teams, we can focus on some storylines and games of note, like...

Texas @ #5 Nebraska -10

Where the hell did Taylor Martinez come from?! He is Denard Robinson with his shoelaces tied. And the same age! There are guys playing high school football in Nebraska that are older than Taylor Martinez (I don't have exact proof of that, but odds tell me it's true). And, I know the Huskers have amazing history, but no freshman has ever started under center for them to open a season until him. And, what have we established about Texas this year? They are too young, but will be good. My only concern right now is how has Nebraska been tested this season. The defining moments are the road slaughters of Washington and Kansas State, but how about that home sleeper against FCS South Dakota State? Good team, with disciplined, albeit inferior, talent and Martinez struggled, mightily. The Longhorns and Huskers have experienced complete role reversal. Nothing to lose for Texas; everything to lose for Nebraska. I don't think they can go undefeated, but I don't think Texas has enough to take them down this weekend. 10 points is too much to give in what I expect to be a sloppy, defensive game. BOB

Nebraska 21, Texas 16

#10 South Carolina @ Kentucky +5

Apologies to all Gamecock fans for not recognizing the obvious: that your team could get a bye week, play the #1 team at home and get super-human performances from your QB (I think Garcia reached his peak in that game; retire) and NFL-bound RB and WR. [How about this stat: Alabama will play 5 teams coming off bye weeks this season] Kentucky played Florida tough, Auburn tougher and now have home-field in this clash. I didn't trust South Carolina at the beginning of the season, or even enough last week. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me...

Kentucky 31, South Carolina 30

#15 Iowa @ Michigan +3.5

I have reached a point in this blog entry where I realize that I may have totally screwed up the first two picks. My palms are sweating a little bit, and I am seriously questioning if my zero-credibility in writing this blog could actually turn to negative credibility (it's like dividing by zero) if I put an 0-fer up on the scoreboard this week. Michigan was outed last week at home. Sparty may be a top 2 team in the Big Ten. Iowa, meanwhile, took last week off (bonus), watched their home win over Penn State mean absolutely nothing (deduction) and saw Arizona get punked at home by Oregon State (deduction). Does Iowa still have one of, if not the, best front 7's in college football? If they do, Denard Robinson isn't a problem. Sparty proved that. This entire football season has been chaotic and unpredictable (I'm not even going to touch the NFL madness), but something has to work out the way it should. Given the home-field advantage, Vegas is essentially calling this game a push. I don't see it that way...

Iowa 20, Michigan 13

#1 Ohio State @ #18 Wisconsin +4

The Buckeyes remaining schedule has become remarkably easier thanks to the humbling of Wolverines and Nittany Lions. That leaves Wisconsin and Iowa (both road tests) as the only hurdles. [Iowa really messed up losing at Arizona. They could play for a title with OSU and Wiscy at home this season.] I just have faith in Ohio State losing one game before the end of the season. I think it is only fair when there are better number-one stories out there. But, does it start here, or do they become 2009 Penn State and lose at Iowa in a few weeks? Can the Badgers run effectively at home. I think this game is close, so I really like getting points at home, and I'll go ahead and take the home team...

Wisconsin 24, Ohio State 23

#12 Arkansas @ #7 Auburn -3.5

Well, it's official, we are going 0-for-4 with those first picks. Nothing feels right this week. Must be the moon cycling through. So, in order to spare Hogs and Tiger fans the curse of my picking the winner in this game, I will pull the double curse. I am obviously cursing whoever is the winner, but having had two nice conversations with Terry Bowden before, he informed me of the (how shall I put it) "delicate" relationship coaches have with the administration and trustees of the school. It burned Bowden and it burned Tubberville. So, I think the program is mildly cursed for how it forced out coaches. So, if Auburn is already cursed, and whoever I pick to win is cursed, if I pick Auburn to win, the curses cancel out and they WILL win. But, if I pick Arkansas, they will play to an eight-overtime tie due to lightning and exhaustion and knee replacements. Ah, who am I kidding. I like Auburn at home almost every time, and they will continue to sneak out wins until getting massacred in Tuscaloosa the day after Thanksgiving.

Auburn 38, Arkansas 27

Next season, I am picking golf winners...

The Closer

No, this is not the NBA playoffs and you are not viewing another commercial for a Kyra Sedgwick drama. It is amazing to think about how much football blinds us to the number of sporting events still taking place. As easy as it was to get sucked into Taylor Martinez going roadrunner on Kansas State last night, it was easier to forget that hockey started (yawn, wake me for the playoffs, when the action is faster) and that baseball was racing towards a champion. Although, without replay, are we sure the champion will be justified?

The Yankees have Mariano Rivera, who is actually less intimidating now that he is acting in Taco Bell commercials. He's about the only closer this postseason whose team wants him pitching. The other teams simply start their closers. Halladay, Lee, Lincecum. You get to see them in the 9th, and the 1st! [If you didn't see Halladay's no-no on Wednesday night, you did yourself a disservice. It was truly filthy stuff. It was Billy Madison dodge-ball dominant.] In an era where more and more players are bigger and better, having an elite stud makes all of the difference. I've noticed that more and more this college football season. The elite programs aren't dominating like 20-30 years ago because you can't own ALL of the talent. But, you can own a handful of elite players. Which is why Michigan escapes at Indiana. Oregon outruns Stanford. Etc. Etc. Can we apply this theory to this weekend...

#17 Michigan State @ #18 Michigan -4.5

I'll say that both teams were impressive last weekend. Sparty was better overall than Wisconsin, while the Wolverines survived an assault on the road by Indiana. Will we have a week when Denard Robinson is stopped by anybody not named Denard's Hamstring? Okay, let's play the elite athlete game with this one... Michigan: Robinson; Michigan State: Greg Jones. Well, that's a tie, so we give it to the home team, right? I'm not. There may be only two guaranteed playing-on-Sunday guys on the field, but the Spartans have plenty of talent on both sides, while Rich-Rod's defense is looking like Syracuse the last few years. I like the road dog in this one...

Michigan State 31, Michigan 28

#23 Florida State @ #13 Miami -6

Remember when this game used to kick off the season? Remember when a national championship was on the line? Remember when Bobby Bowden found a way to mainline vodka into a European import's leg just to avoid the exclamation "wide right!"? Are we getting back to that game? I don't think this primetime matchup will come close to giving us what happened in Eugene last weekend. Miami looked solid on the road a Pitt a few weeks ago, but then Jacory Harris keeps throwing it to the other team. On the other side, Christian Ponder is still my guy, but he broke my heart when I picked them to cover at Oklahoma in a Week 2 bloodbath. Stat, Miami went 2-1 on a difficult road trip, and return home with real BCS dreams. The 'Noles have been suspect on the road, and no, winning at Virginia doesn't do it for me. Sorry, Christian. (Too many elite athletes to count, but raw)

Miami 27, Florida State 17

#12 LSU @ #14 Florida -6.5

Go back to last week's predictions and read what I wrote about Penn State. I feel the exact same way about LSU, with a number of differences: 1) They don't even trust their QB 2) While they haven't lost, I consider last week a 'L' to the Vols 3) Karma is always watching. The Tigers being ranked this high is an injustice to ranking systems worldwide. Florida is still trying to figure everything out after stepping up to the NFL last week and getting beat. This games reeks of two ships passing in the night. Florida, on their way to being the team nobody wants to play in November and LSU, the team everybody wonders how they were ranked come November. (In four year, this Gator team will outnumber LSU 3-to-1 in terms of players in the league)

Florida 27, LSU 10

#1 Alabama @ #19 South Carolina +7.5

This is the game I marked on my schedule as being the one that nips the Tide. Coming off the brutal back-to-back of Arkansas and Florida, what more can they take. But, remember, this is an NFL team. They get paid (joking, "I love you, Nick Saban") to win games like these. I will see your Marcus Lattimore and raise you the Mark Ingram/Trent Richardson power duo. (That's a 2-1 victory at one position in eliteness!) I went against Spurrier once this season and got burned. Now, he's got a full week of preparation for this game. But, Auburn ran all over this defense two weeks ago, and they couldn't offer the same dual threat that Bama can. (I am only saying all of this because I easily could write it the other way, but I need something to give my pick conviction) I am going to hedge and go with the BOB here:

Bama 28, South Carolina 24

Last week - You see, this is why we always include the disclaimer that Cover Two does not participate in or support gambling on sports. Rather, it is used to make picking the games even more interesting! Because for every guarantee (Penn State is woeful against good teams on the road), you get Oregon erasing 25 points (including the spread) they spotted Stanford in that game. Cover Two was 4-1 picking winners and 3-2 against the spread. (If you are a degenerate gambler and didn't take Oklahoma last week, just give it up)

Season - 23-5 on winners and 15-11 against Vegas this season

You know what... For somebody only picking games matching top 25 teams, I am happy with the overall mark, but that Vegas number needs a little pep. So, let's roll the dice: I also like Indiana getting 22.5 at Ohio State, Georgia Tech giving 10 at home against Virginia and the Purdue/Northwestern OVER (49.5) - There, I'll be .500 or below next week, and we will all learn a valuable lesson.

Quick Hitters

The Ryder Cup spilling into Monday made it seem like an extension of the weekend, so let's look at a few of the tidbits we learned...

Nothing personal, but I don't like Europeans

Okay, that's a little harsh, but the Ryder Cup will make any red-blooded American hate the entire Euro-spending continent. The US had a real chance at it this morning in singles. Rickie Fowler's final burst was something to behold. Tiger was vintage. And Hunter Mahan was given the keys to the opening chapter, juicy middle and closing remarks of his Hall of Fame induction speech. Unfortunately, he hit every shot on #17 fat. No knock on him, because I don't know if I could make contact with a putter at that moment. The Europeans survived and the only reason I can't stand them winning was how unbelievably dorky and sad they looked trying to fist pump and get the crowd going. Ross Fisher looked like Pee Wee Herman doing his worst Chubby Checker impersonation. It's only fitting that he got beat by Jeff Overton, a proud Hoosier who red-necked his way into America's heart with his own dorky 'Boom Baby' celebration. Somewhere, Bobby 'Slick' Leonard is consulting a trademark attorney.

Give me the Lefty!

While we are on the Ryder Cup, I have to bring up something multiple people (here you go, Kyle and Kevin) brought to my attention. In that format, why not allow a "pinch golfer?" Could you imagine that added twist on captains. Instead of worrying about the osmosis of the rainsuits, Corey Pavin could have brought an extra two players (say, Anthony Kim and Lucas Glover). When Hunter Mahan hadn't made a birdie through 14 holes, Pavin calls a timeout, walkie-talkies to the driving range and brings in a sub. As a golf purist, I know how stupid that sounds, but think about it... You'd love that drama. And, no doubt, Colin Montgomerie would have subbed out Padraig Harrington 46 times over the weekend.

Alabama-Oregon Anybody?

Of course, it is WAY too early to forecast any games, but can we just go ahead and pencil this in for the second week of January? Give me any potential matchup that makes more sense than this. Bama is an NFL team disguised as an SEC juggernaut. Oregon is a team of 1980's steroidiffic Olympic sprinters dressed in pads and bold color schemes. No offense to Ohio State (been there, done that against the SEC's best... twice) or Boise (unfairly forgotten), but this has to be the game. Why it won't happen? Alabama has likely played the toughest schedule of any top 25 team, but if you removed those games and just analyzed the remainder of the schedule, you could still possibly say that. Brutal. Oregon? Eventually, they will have to stop somebody.

The NFL Makes NO Sense

Look at the weekly results and try to explain the season to me. The Bears chuck it all over the yard against Dallas and Green Bay (no slouches there) and then can't even find a way to dump it off against the Giants. The Rams looked dominant, even if it was against the Seahawks. Mark it down... 12-4 will be the #1 seeds in the playoffs. Parity is 2010.

There were cars racing this weekend

Yeah, NASCAR got a tighter race and IndyCar crowed a champion. No, seriously, this was taking place while you were watching football.

I'm sure I am missing something monumental, but I am too busy moving all of my 401(k) money out of international stocks. Damn Europeans!

Conference Play

After the riveting action of the Big Ten - MAC showdown last weekend, the schedule-makers couldn't get a good game to fans fast enough. All last weekend did for football fans in the Midwest was pad the coaching records of a few, instill phony confidence for some, and guarantee that the Minnesota-Purdue loser will go 0-for the Big Ten. So, how did we fare last week, while watching four games simultaneously and ignoring an available pontoon boat on the dock? Pretty darn well. Everything but Boise proving that they could cover 18 points came true: The Irish looked weak; Alabama looked like winners; Auburn looked good at home.

In total, 5-0 picking winners and 3-1 against the spread. That brings Cover Two to 19-4 picking winners and 12-9 against Vegas on the season. (If only we supported actual wagering - we don't) No wonder I walked around happy all week.

I've been lost in the grey and rain of the UK (my apologies below to Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton - stones!) for the past 24 hours to really know what to expect tomorrow in college football. So, let's dive into the meaty games with reckless abandon...

#22 Penn State @ #17 Iowa -7

How in the world is Penn State still ranked?! Look, I know their only loss was on the road to the High and Almighty team in the land, but loss isn't the word I would use in that game. Massacre, humbling, eye-opener are all appropriate terms. The Nittany Lions can't pass (QB needs to age much more betterer quicklierly - is that fast enough?), which means Royster is seeing 8-9 guys every time he touches the ball. Don't worry, you're only facing one of the best front 7's in all of football... ON THE ROAD. Iowa, meanwhile, can't escape the early mistakes in that road loss to Arizona. It will be 30 minutes of football they can't have back. If Temple can take an early lead on Penn State in Happy Valley, I think Iowa can pitch a first half shutout and cruise control to victory...

Iowa 24, Penn State 10

#11 Wisconsin @ #24 Michigan State +2

Now we're talking!!! There is nothing really sexy about this game except the top 25 matchup, yet I think it will be worth watching more than any big game all weekend. It'll be cold(er) and loud in East Lansing. And, I bet we get at least 6-8 one-on-one collisions between John Clay (grizzly bear) and Greg Jones during the game, which is well worth the price of admission. That's 500 pounds of granite going to work. [Side note: Both of these guys are 6'1" tall and weigh around 1/8 of a ton. You know what is considered obese at that height? 227 pounds. Sure, proper calculations take body mass into account, but c'mon!] Back to the game, Wisconsin has only looked human once this year, when they escaped at home against the speed and spread of Arizona State. Sparty can sling it, but this is Big Ten football, and nobody does Big Ten football like the Badgers. Statement game for them...

Badgers 27, Michigan State 23

#21 Texas vs. #9 Oklahoma -3.5

Did most of the country miss the UCLA-Texas debacle? Were we all too busy watching Ryan Mallett play catch with the Alabama secondary? Because something happened to pull the skirt up on the Longhorns and reveal something they didn't want discovered. I was hoping for a Mack Brown press conference where he channeled Rick Pitino and said, "Folks, Colt McCoy is not coming through that door. Earl Thomas is not coming through that door. Sergio Kindle is not coming through that door." But, you know who could come through that door? Anybody from the Bruins' backfield. Sweet Jeebus, that was a crazy thing to see. And now, the Red River Rivalry might as well take a year off and be named the Pink Puddle Pasting. Yes, Oklahoma has escaped in every game played this year except the dismantling of Florida State. Yes, they are young too. Yes, the 'Horns have owned them of late. But... Did you see Texas last weekend?!

Oklahoma 38, Texas 24

#7 Florida @ #1 Alabama -8

It is going to be really hard to convince my wife that date night is going to involve her, me, gators, elephants, Verne Lundquist, ducks, smart people and the Kirk Herbstreit-Brent Musberger super duo. I thought Bama were the champs before the season started, after the Penn State waxing, before the comeback in Hog country, especially after that game and still today. But, it is hard to fathom their current schedule (@ South Carolina next weekend). If they are 6-0 10 days from now, shine the trophy and get Saban to smile. I love how some experts say that Florida found their offense last week against Kentucky. Read the last two words of the previous sentence and do a little thinking. The Gators have everything they normally do, except execution and a star. Plenty of 5-stars, but nobody who has really decided to shine. I think this is a VERY interesting game if they played in the Swamp, but my kinfolk-in-law know what this game means.

Bama 30, Florida 20

#9 Stanford @ #4 Oregon -7

Did I say that Michigan State versus Wisconsin would end up being the best game of the weekend?! My apologies. I think I just wanted to diminish this game in my mind as much as possible since half of my day-job staff is out there on business and scored tickets. (Note: I could have been there with them, but elected to give up my spot in favor of my member-guest tomorrow morning, where temps will be hovering in the low 40's with rain - I am so obsessed with golf that I still feel like I am getting the better deal) When has either of these teams looked bad so far this year? Answer: they haven't. I don't think Oregon can stop Stanford from scoring when they want (despite the Nike home crowd). Stanford pushed Notre Dame around last week, but Oregon probably has the best speed of any team in the country at the offensive skill positions. Sort of like a tree in the woods... If a player is too fast for a big linebacker to catch him, can he crush his skull in? (Brain cramp?) The spread tells you everything the experts know... It will be high scoring, anybody could win, but the home team usually does. I love the Stanford-Harbaugh story, but they needed Oregon at home this year to live the dream... (I am actually predicting a push, but want to have some fake action)

Ducks 38, Tree 31.5 [That means I am hedging with Stanford to cover]

Now, I need to find a good way to make those games above appear romantic. Thinking.......

Midnight Madness

I was flipping through the channels tonight at 10:00 Eastern and the Golf Channel was ready to roll out with their Live from the Ryder Cup coverage. A part of me was tempted to pretend I was in college and pull an all-nighter, only do it without the aid of caffeine, loads of booze and some peppy music with a beat. I would do this and still go into the office in the morning. Why? The Ryder Cup is worth it.

The Europeans are the favorite and they should be, but is there a team of Americans you could ever want to root for more? I thought the Kentucky hillbillie group of Perry, JB and adopted redneck Boo Weekley was enough NASCAR in 2008 to make rooting for the Americans worth it. But now? We've got Dustin Johnson and Bubba Watson! Grip it and rip it, international beat-down style! My heart says the US will win on foreign soil for the first time since 1993. My brain says 'No.'

Cue Michael Buffer, please!

Here's what I am watching for...

Tiger Woods - I think this is the perfect place for Tiger to regain some swagger. Failure can't be placed entirely on his shoulders. Plus, the ability to blow up on a hole is easily sheltered in match play. I think he comes out and just steamrolls people.

Mickelson & Johnson - They got paired together to open it all tomorrow. Two guys who just swing, wait for it to come out of orbit and pull off a miracle. In a best ball format tomorrow, they will either be eating breakfast before I wake up, or they will ham-and-egg to an eagle on every hole. Either way, it is the perfect appetizer to the week.

Rory McIlroy - He said something about wanting to play Tiger and got all of the international press he, or his captain, never would have wanted. How does he respond? If this was in America, he'd fold faster than Bernard Langer over a four-footer. But, does he use the home country advantage to gain an edge?

The Molinari Brothers - They are not going out in the best ball, which is smart. Who better to play alternate shot together than two brothers? This could be Ballesteros-Olazabal 2.0 for the European team. Someday, smart people will write chapters in books about this pairing.

Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton - They are the anchor leg tomorrow, and both are rookies. I read about this online right as the Golf Channel was airing replays of the 2004 disaster at Oakland Hills, where Hal Sutton out-thought himself with the disastrous Lefty-Tiger pairing. If Watson and Overton don't top it off the first tee, Corey Pavin will be breathing easier. But, if they go down 6&5 (which is what I fear will happen), we might be clamoring for Paul Azinger before lunch tomorrow.

C'mon boys! Keep it close and give me something to yell at come Sunday morning!

A reprieve

As somebody who never felt comfortable jumping on the Tiger Woods bandwagon, even when he was rocking tournaments easier than Perkins waitresses (too easy), I am officially giving Sir Eldrick a reprieve from his public humiliation and gleeful fall from superstardom. Yes, I am a Tiger Woods fan this week. Why? Because he's an American damnit.

Friday marks the start of the greatest sporting event that doesn't start with Super or end with Madness. The Ryder Cup has turned downright spiteful over the past two decades because Europe started competing. And, now, outside of soccer, it is an international competition where the United States of America is a realistic underdog. If you didn't cheer out loud in 2008 at Valhalla, you weren't watching it. Sure, it's golf (and I am a little obsessed with the sport), but the most unintelligible fans can enjoy it.

And then, Rory McIlroy had to go ahead and do it last month and today. Nothing against Rory, but you don't flex that type of blind arrogance unless you are #1 the best or #2 an obnoxious American. Read Tiger's three-word, two-answer, response to Rory's callout. Pure, awesome, American-infused badassness (add that word to the dictionary). I've spent months silently admiring the fall off the mountain for Tiger, but I read those words today, smiled, got blinded by a flash of red, white and blue, and secretly prayed that the Ryder Cup comes down to a singles match between Woods and McIlroy.

If only my life could be that sweet this weekend!

Mancation

This weekend, a few of us have escaped to a house on a lake to do what every man does when given a gorgeous weekend on the water... Watch football. It could be sunny, 85 and packed with loose-moraled women and their will still be an ass groove on the couch for 8 hours tomorrow. Unfortunately, this week has all of the makings of a total letdown. Why? Remember the stacked weekend of college games two weeks ago? All we got out of that was Michigan-Notre Dame. Everything else... Lame. And then last weekend, with nothing to really keep our attention, we get thrillers.

So, in honor of the masculine overload of the weekend, we are going to make sure all of the games are close by picking them that way, because there is still no science to understanding who is good this year...

#16 Stanford at Notre Dame +4.5
The luck of the Irish is apparently just an expression. Although, I guess there is no luck when your special teams is woefully unprepared for a fake FG attempt; or your secondary is too slow to rundown the Michigan QB. Stanford is unbelievably impressive so far, and is there a hotter stock in coaching than Jim Harbaugh? This week will be a very easy theme for this week: Best QB wins. In this case, Andrew Luck is infinitely better. Not for the long run, maybe, but at this stage, absolutely.
Stanford 42, Notre Dame 35

West Virginia at LSU -10
Ten points?!?! Vegas knows something that I just don't. LSU will win and play good defense, but they are as shaky at QB as the NFC West. But, what is our rule? Best QB wins. Okay, I guess there are some exceptions. But, I think this game is a BOB; The Tigers are just too shaky under center to cover the 10.
LSU 27, West Virginia 20

#12 South Carolina at #17 Auburn -3
I doubted Team Spurrier two weeks ago and it backfired, mainly because I did not respect the Cocks defense enough. And, honestly, don't we always underestimate the Cocks defense? But, on the road in the middle of nowhere Alabama? The Tigers were the darling, black sheep pick in the SEC this year, and the War Eagle will be loud. Normally, I would say Garcia has a slight edge at the QB position, posing quite the dilemma at this stage. However, the ire of Spurrier is hard to fight, and Newton will shine at home.
Auburn 17, South Carolina 13

#24 Oregon State at #3 Boise State -18
If I was a doubter of the Cocks, I was a hater on Boise State so far this season. I am so sorry, Broncos. While Jaquez Rogers poses a problem, does anybody remember what the Broncos did to Va Tech's running game? Or how they went on the road last week to Wyoming and opened a mile-high can? And, back to our quaterback argument: Kellen Moore wins that battle without a fight. Everybody I am sharing a cottage with this weekend is betting (hypthetically) the Beavers. 18 is a lot. Not this time, Broncos, because I am finally a believer...
Boise State 41, Oregon State 20

#1 Alabama at #10 Arkansas +7
Where is Keith Jackson when I need him, because this is the granddaddy of them all. I am more excited for this than the entire week 2 schedule. I am now convinced that there are good teams this season, some great teams (most in the top 10), a couple of championship teams (OSU, Boise, Oregon) and then there is Alabama. A different league of team. They have the Heisman Trophy winner, who is honestly not as good as his backup. They have the best total package of wide receiver. They have gazelle speed on defense. And now the QB argument... Do you take Ryan Mallett and his arm and pro potential, or do you take Greg McElroy, who hasn't lost a game since he hit his Peter Brady stage. I take winners. And I take Alabama. Every time, every place. Now, the spread? I'm actually not going to pick this game against the spread (I'll push it)...
Alabama 27, Arkansas 20

So much for picking them close. If this weekend progresses the way I expect it to, a 50-point blowout should still be entertaining.

A Partial Recap

It wasn't a good week for Cover Two for a couple of shocking reasons...

1) Never one to get our content in on time (damn these real-world jobs), the theme for BTSG last week was exactly what Simmons wrote on ESPN.com. This has led us to three possible conclusions: We are either brilliant writers, there isn't a lot of different stuff to write about, or none of us (including the big timers) are that original to begin with. Ah well. So, in our efforts to not plagiarize, BTSG took a week off and will pick back up later this week.

2) Never, EVER, trust the Big Ten in college football. Ohio State will be good and the rest of the league will tease you more than a Lindsay Lohan sobriety night out.

Did we learn anything from football this past week? I think so...

- Alabama has the best running back in the country, only we don't know which one of them it is

- Boise State is going to do everything they can to beat the living crap out of teams so nobody forgets they exist

- Michigan State will give you a heart attack with their play calling. (I know, I know, too soon, but it's actually the truth, right?)

- Mascot fights are funny, even when they cross over the line and become inappropriate.

- Favorite stat of the weekend... Oregon has scored more points in their first three games (189) than minutes played (180)

- Brett Favre is old and tired but has plenty of time to wake up from his nap

- The Colts and Jets are FINE

- Randy Moss would make the Pro Bowl even if he lost the use of his left arm in a freak ninja sword fighting accident

- Having lost both of my starting RBs (Ryan Grant and Reggie Bush) in back-to-back weeks, be very afraid New England and Indy. All I have left on my sorry team is Wes Welker and Peyton Manning. Both will be donezo by week 5.

How We Fared...

Week 3 College: 3-1 picking winners (thank you, Iowa) ; 1-3 against the spread (including the guarantee on the Indiana cover); Yikes, this is why we don't support gambling.

Season: 14-4 on winners; 9-8 versus Vegas

BTSG: On hiatus (Simmons wins Week 2 by default)

Look at this weekend's college football lineup if you didn't already have plans. You will have them after you do.

College Football Week 3

I am going to get this entry out of the way for three reasons:

1) It is an abysmal weekend of college matchups. Last weekend was good on paper and failed to live up to the hype. Next weekend also has some juice.

2) BTSG is forthcoming

3) Let's spend some time talking about this week's big story, shall we? No, not women dressed like Mexican street workers in NFL locker rooms. Reggie Bush giving back the Heisman Trophy.

I just don't get it. I am all for the policing of the sports to avoid rampant cheating, because lord only knows how some coaches (see Calipari, John) just flaunt it almost publicly get away with it all. No program should have a leg up on another because of some rich boosters! Oh wait, the NCAA doesn't hold schools accountable for building bigger, better and glitzier facilities. They can't prevent some from getting better shoe deals. So, money does influence a recruit. (This opinion, and entry as a whole, will wind up being littered with hypocrisy. Just take a Tylenol now before the headache starts)

USC should be punished for not knowing what was going on. Done. They got in trouble and deserve it. Let's not make this too complicated.

But, should Reggie Bush give back the Heisman? Didn't he win it for being the best college football player in America one season? Has that fact changed because his parents got a free mortgage? His amateurism is void, but his position on the field as an athlete was unchanged. Is this a moral punishment?

If the trophy was taken away (excuse me, given back) as a symbol of Reggie's failure as a representation of the award, then I would like to publicly ask that the following also be returned under this new mentality...

The 1968 Heisman Trophy

This was mentioned a few billion times this week, but if what Reggie did was enough to tarnish the Heisman, how about the Juice and his fondness for filleting people?!

Almost Every Baseball MVP Award since 1988

While we're on it, how about asking for the individual awards back from people who actually enhanced their on-field performance. Do yourself a favor... Go read the complete list and count how many you would let keep the award. It's a staggeringly low number.

The 1999 Academy Award for Best Actor

The Y2K Virus scare must have had everybody distracted that year because Roberto Benigni won the award for a non-English-speaking movie where he rides around on a bicycle smiling. Tom Hanks would've gotten the trifecta that year and juggled on stage. Then, people would have really smiled. (And Edward Norton, who rolled through roles back then like a robot, in American History X). I want justice.

Okay, enough of this game. There are too many others to think about and I don't want to ruin my weekend. Here are your college games of note:

#3 Boise State @ Wyoming +23.5

This is the start of the "Look at the size of that bullseye" on the back of the Broncos. That Virginia Tech embarrassment last weekend doesn't help with the naysayers. Plus, you go on the road to a high-altitude city where this game will be the last memorable event in Laramie until the tundra defrosts next March. Unfortunately, the Cowboys just aren't good anymore in the Mountain West. However, I spent 4 long days in Laramie in the middle of winter and know how hard it can be to get motivated. I think the home team rides enough momentum to cover [remember, Cover Two does not support betting on sports; just making the picks more interesting], as they did a good job containing Texas a week ago from big points. Yep, it's a B.O.B., even though there is no money line on Boise, because, well, they will win.

Boise State 31 - Wyoming 10

#9 Iowa @ #24 Arizona -1

This is not a must-win, but more of a must-show-up game for both. Iowa needs it to be considered a title threat. Zona needs it to prove they are in the big time. Lots of factors in play here against the Hawkeyes (late game in a west coast time zone, road dog, hot weather). I think the Big Ten is 3-5 teams legit at the top this year, so Iowa can't fail me yet...

Iowa 24 - Arizona 20

#10 Florida @ Tennessee -14

This game used to be compelling. Tennessee did everything right and watched Oregon hand them a tie game at halftime last week, and then got demolished. I don't think Florida lets up enough (even as a young team) to do that. Gators come alive this week with that youth...

Florida 38 - Tennessee 21

Arizona State @ #13 Wisconsin -13

In case you didn't notice, it's Pac 10/Big 10 Challenge week. No challenge here. If Iowa could face trouble going somewhere warm, I think the Sun Devils fare far worse going into a loud and physical environment (it won't be cold, but it'll be a LOT cooler than Tempe)

Wisconsin 31 - Arizona State 17

[Riding the Big Ten will hurt me this week, I can feel it]

If you need easy money, Indiana is only giving 13 points on the road at Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers are atrocious. I saw Indiana in person to open the college football season. They may not stop anybody all year, but they can score enough to cover two touchdowns, even on the road.

Save your energy on Saturday, NFL Sunday should be better.

This Week's Recap

I am feeling a bit hungover from the weekend, especially when ESPN throws two MNF games at you to ice the cake. What did we learn from this weekend?

- If it looks like a catch, acts like a catch and LOOKS like a catch, it is NOT a catch. Note to Calvin Johnson: Next time you catch a game-winning TD, make sure you take the ball with you to bed that night. Never let it leave your sight.

- If the Colts offense mated with the Jets defense, you'd have a team that would go 38-0 and win 3 Super Bowls over the next 2 seasons. Yes, 3 Super Bowls. But, as they are right now, they are 0-1 teams with two cities in panic.

- Your defending college national champions are still REALLY good. Start engraving now, unless Ohio State learns how to cover on kicks.

- Boise State went from Week 1 darling to just another team that's as good as James Madison.

- Outside of the top 2 teams in the country, we still know nothing

- Back in the NFL, remember how the 49ers and Chargers were going to waltz to division titles? What, I didn't ever say that? Yeah, I didn't. Because there is no waltzing in the NFL, unless you are the Lions waltzing back to the top 10 in the draft.

- Dr. James Andrews is no longer a unique person, he is simply a figure of speech. Give him a dictionary entry. Reports speak of him like a regular procedure. Like getting Tommy John surgery, all injured athletes will forever be said to be "getting James Andrewsed" when they need to get their injured chicken wings examined.

How Cover Two fared over the long football weekend...

Week 2 College: 5-1 picking winners; 5-2 against the spread (including taking the under in the Mich-ND game; made it by a half point!)

Season: 11-3 picking winners; 8-5 against Vegas

Beat the Sports Guy: 9-7 (The Sports Guy was 7-7; different spreads utilized led to two pushes)

Time to stretch; next weekend is almost here.

College Football Week 2

If you bothered to pull yourself away from the Dave Matthews Band "dead mic" concert last night, and folded under the boredom of Brett Favre in preseason form, you probably caught a nice little battle (with a superior crowd to the Superdome) in the SEC. Auburn escaped Mississippi State by 3 last night, proving to me that compelling college football can hang with any gridiron game any weekend.

Don't get me wrong, I'm more excited for Sunday's professional games than Tiger is for his first post-divorce Vegas trip. But, it is hard to escape the reality of tomorrow: the slate of big-time college games is about as impressive as it could get. In fact, thanks to recent television history, I will argue that tomorrow offers more compelling games than New Years Day has in almost a decade. So, let's discuss the action, shall we?

DISCLAIMER: Look, you're going to get this every week from Murray and me. He coaches college kids. I broadcast (and am paid by) college sporting events. We do not support betting on sports. It is way too easy to just pick winners, so throwing the spread in there makes it juicy. Plus, there are plenty of nice, family-loving, kitten-saving gamblers out there who could use some free advice.

Michigan @ Notre Dame -3.5

How many Bud Bowls were there? The right answer is "not enough," but let's be honest, it was getting flat towards the end. (Sorry, that was too easy) As a kid, for some reason, Bud Bowl was the sideshow to the Super Bowl I couldn't wait for. Looking back on it, I now realize I only liked it because of the hype and the title. That is what Michigan and Notre Dame has become. Every year, it is billed as the "Rebirth of Two Storied Programs." One team loses and sucks for the rest of the season. The other team wins, and.... sucks for the rest of the season. Now, they both have gimmicky offensive coaches and a frisky fan base. The Wolverines are one bad step away from getting Pearled by the NCAA. Notre Dame couldn't score more than 23 against Purdue. This is a dead even matchup and will honestly come down to turnovers. 60% chance of rain tomorrow benefits the better running team.

I'll take Michigan to cover AND WIN a sloppy game 21-17. Oh, and the over/under is 52.5. I think that's a really easy play.

#7 Oregon @ Tennessee +12

Imagine if MTV hosted a singing/performance Battle Royale between Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears tomorrow. No contest, right? Christina wins with a first round TKO. It seems like such a simple answer. What about 9 years ago? Britney was coming off a billion #1 hits, the Pepsi deal and was just about to breakup with Justin Timberlake (the start of the downfall), all while Christina was slutting it up in "Dirrrty." That same year, Tennessee was #2 in the country, three years removed from a national championship and one bad game away from another one. That same year, remember Joey Harrington? Yeah, he was good in college. But, I remember the Phillip Fulmer teams. Now, put those two teams on paper in 2010 and all you want is to form the T, throw on some orange and talk about the Volunteers. But, then you realize they dumped the best man in their life (Fulmer), got mixed up with some shady business (Kiffin) and don't know how to date the right guy (Dooley), so much so that they need lessons on how to properly shower. Sure, Oregon disappeared for a year (they lost to Indiana for God's sake), but they have always produced and now look like the better program in hindsight, and one can argue (gasp) better in the last decade.

It's a lot of points, but after the New Mexico slaughter last week, I like Oregon to put a home whopping on Tennessee 45-21

#22 Georgia @ #24 South Carolina -3

A few weeks ago, I was shopping at a bargain store and I found a name-brand pair of slacks for a really good price. Perfect size, nice style, perfect fit. Everything you would want. The first time I went to the restroom, I discovered the the fly is about 25% shorter than any I had ever experienced. Now, this presents a number of problems most (especially women) wouldn't understand. It was laborious just to get myself out of the pants in time to hit the head. And putting it back? Let's just say it I should have brought a crowbar and some Sham Wows to clean up afterwards. What a disappointment after everything aesthetically had worked out so well. The Gamecocks are that pair of pants. Everything about them, including the Ol' Ball Coach are the perfect designer on the outside. Then, you put them to work and something just doesn't work and never lives up to your expectation. If AJ Green hadn't have sold his jersey for some easy cash, I think it is easy to take UGA in this matchup.

Georgia by 1, 21-20

#17 Florida State @ #10 Oklahoma -7

I really like Christian Ponder, the QB for the 'Noles. In the games I saw last year, he was what I envisioned FSU missing for so many years since they were a relevant power. Surprisingly athletic, with a nice arm. Oklahoma gave up enough yards in the air against Utah State last weekend to qualify for that uber-elite frequent flyer club in a George Clooney movie, complete with a platinum membership card for the Utah State offensive coordinator. I think this could be a good ol fashioned shootout and so does Vegas. In the end, I think Oklahoma takes advantage of the home crowd, but I want so badly for FSU to win this game because I think they should, I'll give them the cover.

Oklahoma wins on a last-second scoring drive 38-35

#18 Penn State @ #1 Alabama -12

I really don't have a lot to say here. I think Bama is superior in almost every category. It's a good test for them, but motivation is at an all-time high. The crowd will be crazier than a 3-year-old unleashed on a bag of Pixie Stix. They haven't played since 1990, but most remember those meetings like they were yesterday. I don't care about the number. I don't care about Mr. Heisman being out for another week. Tide rolls.

Bama 31 - Penn State 10

#12 Miami @ #2 Ohio State -8.5

A lot has happened since the last time these two teams met. Maurice Clarrett has lived life from the Keith Richards school of body treatment. I owe Craig Krenzel $5 for a golf match debt. And the Hurricanes owe most of South Beach at least 5 years of good football to makeup for the garbage fire the past few seasons. Anybody who watched the 30-for-30 documentary about The U in the 1980s knowns what Miami hasn't been the past few seasons. While the two teams aren't the same in terms of scheme, the are eerily similar. Athletic, mobile, dual-threat QB with some decent weapons around him. On the other side, a notorious D (one fast, one physical) to try and slow the other down. Last weekend proved to me one thing (likely misguided): I firmly believe that Ohio State and Alabama will meet for the national championship. And they should, because I don't think Boise State is all the way there and neither is anybody else. In order for that to happen...

Buckeyes win 27-17

What do I feel good about this week? Almost nothing. That's why we don't support betting, remember? I do feel good about this though: amazing football will be on TV almost non-stop starting at Noon tomorrow. Enjoy!

BTSG -- Week 1

If you are familiar with Bill Simmons (ESPN's 'The Sports Guy"), you know that every year he picks every NFL game against the spread, and tracks his record. Each column in which he does this is posted between 2-3 pm on Friday (not that I ever get bored at work or anything).

Last season, I decided to take him on (unbeknownst to him), and picked every NFL game against the spread, in an effort to beat his overall record by season's end. That lasted through Week 8, when I got tied up with a few other things, and didn’t have time to continue. I have refocused and rededicated myself to see it all the way trough for this season.
One man. One goal. Beat The Sports Guy.

DISCLAIMER: As a coach, I feel a responsibility to include the fact that I do not - under any circumstances - condone gambling or betting on games. This is being done strictly for (my own) entertainment purposes. That having been said....


BTSG – Week One
Making picks in the opening week of the regular season is almost impossible. No one really knows what to expect, or how teams will match up with each other. Will a team’s rookie tight end who caught two TD passes in the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Seahawks really contribute in the regular season? How will the players that held out all preseason play? Will the Raiders ever be able to pick up the pieces after the departure of JaMarcus Russell? No one really knows. Week One of the NFL season is like being in an NCAA Tournament pool where the winner is some clueless chick who picked the winners because of their pretty colors.

Because of that, instead of diving into this week’s matchups like usual, I have opted to compare each NFL team to a celebrity, followed by my picks at the end. Enjoy!

Arizona Cardinals – Lady Gaga; Are they a running team? Are they a passing team? Deciding on Arizona’s offensive identity is like guessing Lady Gaga’s gender. You could make a case either way.

Atlanta Falcons – Ron Artest; Artest just won an NBA championship, but all I will remember him for is attacking the wrong fan in the palace. Same thing with the Falcons. Sure they have a good, young QB and a solid fantasy running back. All that ever enters my mind about the Falcons is Jamal Anderson doing the dirty bird dance, and Hugh Millen as their QB in Tecmo Super Bowl.
(By the way, am I the only one who noticed he went after the wrong guy? The guy he went after was just standing there enjoying the NBA brawl, when Ron-Ron stormed after him. I love watching his facial expression change when he realizes Ron-Ron is coming at him. You can almost see the exact moment he craps himself.)

Baltimore Ravens – Dennis Rodman (circa 2001); They’ve won a championship, and they’re known for defense. That doesn’t change the fact that some things about them just don’t make sense. The QB is from Delaware. The RB is from Rutgers. Their biggest star is a murderer (allegedly) who is also a momma’s boy. It’s just weird.

Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Bucs, Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers – Jonas Brothers; A few things about these teams might be catchy. Every once in a while, they might win a game or two. But no one is really going to take them seriously, because you know deep down, they know they’re a fraud.

Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs – Jeff Foxworthy; Each of these teams has a large, loyal fan base. And unless you are a part of that fan base, you just find these teams – and all those who cheer for them – annoying. Also, I think it would be completely possible (maybe even probable) that a Chief fan could win a ‘We have a better QB starting Week One than you do’ argument than a fan from Chicago or Pittsburgh. Unreal.

Cincy Bengals – Snooki; Whether she is tit-high trying to break up a fight between Jwoww and Angelina, or eating a whole pickle, there is just something entertaining about Snooki. Same thing with the Bengals this year. With Ochocinco, TO, and Pacman, I will make it a point to watch every Bengals game that I can.

Dallas Cowboys – Paris Hilton; Lots of money. Big, warm houses. Far, far too many issues to ignore. I can also get behind a theory that Wade Philips is like the NFL version of the Paris Hilton sex tape. You know you’d watch it, but you know for damn sure you wouldn’t enjoy one second of it. Just ask Jerry Jones.

Denver Broncos – Jessica Simpson; For about two years, the Broncos were the hottest thing going in the NFL. Now, they are just beat up, ragged, and have completely let themselves go. The only thing that would make this comparison more appropriate would be in the Broncos could somehow get screwed by the Cowboys.

Detroit Lions – Britney Spears; How many times has B. Spears completely screwed up her life in the past five years? Exactly. About the same number of times the Lions have drafted a WR with their first draft pick. You’d think they would learn, but they just never do. You know you have fallen from grace as a starlet when your body guard files a lawsuit against you for sexual harassment. Just like when you have a coach that gets arrested for going through a Wendy’s drive thru buck naked. It just doesn’t get much more embarrassing than that.
(Also, I LOVE Spears’ reaction when the bodyguard walks in on her naked, per her request. Spears has him get her two bottles of 7-Up. It’s too ridiculous to make up. It must be true.)

Green Bay Packers – Betty White; Storied franchise that has been through it all. The ups. The downs. Everything. And now, despite the long odds as this point in age, they are making a serious comeback and are a legit A-list team for winning the Super Bowl.

Houston Texans – Keanu Reeves; Just good enough to be on people’s radar, but never quite good enough to be considered an elite entity in their profession. Mostly, you have to rely on special effects (big plays) and supporting cast (opponent turnovers) to be successful.

Indianapolis Colts – Oprah; Some love them. Some hate them. But you know they are going to win 12 games and get into the playoffs at the very least. Same with Oprah. You may not like her, but you know for sure she is going to be successful, and she already has billions more banked than you do.

Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins – Kate Goslyn; Looks good on the surface, than you look at the team roster, and realize you have gotten way more than you bargained for, and not in a ‘what a great deal’ way. Like, if you told your buddy you were going to ask out the Jaguars or the Dolphins, he would surely give you the nod of encouragement, especially when he considered Maurice Jones-Drew and Ronnie Brown. Then, when you drop them off after the first date, you couldn’t help but notice the fact that David Garrard and Chad Henne are their QBs. You tell your buddy why they are never getting a call back. He understands.

Minnesota Vikings – Hugh Hefner; Really old, and way past his prime. Still, he gets it done, and no one can deny that.

New England Patriots – Tom Cruise; The Pats have had some legendary performances in the past, but there are times when everyone has to stop and question whether or not they are dealing with reality. Like, do they really think they can let go everyone on their roster with any NFL experience and still be successful? That is the NFL’s version of Scientology.

New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Saint Louis Rams – Baldwin brothers; I will watch them play, but I will never become emotionally invested in a game just because they are playing.

New York Jets - Kanye West; Despite the fact that what Rex Ryan is talking about makes sense, it is just annoying that he is ALWAYS trying to get in the spotlight. Still, at the end of the day, you have to give props to the product they put on the field.
(And if you never do anything else I ever suggest, please, for the love of GOD, watch Mike Myers’ reaction while Kanye West talks after Hurricane Katrina

New Orleans Saints – Jennifer Aniston; After Hurricane Angelina blew through town and swept away her dude on her way to adopting all of Somalia, and most portions of Sierra Leone, you can’t help but find yourself rooting for Aniston.

Oakland Raiders – Michael Jackson; The team hasn’t showed signs of life in recent memory, yet people still wear their jerseys and reminisce about days gone by.

Philadelphia Eagles – Kevin from ‘The Office’; Honestly, who trades their starting quarterback to a division rival? It’s just stupid.

San Diego Chargers – Dwight Schrute; Completely convinced they are the best around, but can never, ever get the job done when it counts. Nonetheless, it is always entertaining when their inevitable collapse takes place.

San Francisco 49ers – Will Smith; Sure, some of the better days are behind them, but there is still reason to believe they can be contenders in the future. Also kind of funny how the 49ers coined the West Coast Offense, and are now the type of team to pound the rock and play smash mouth football. Kind of like how a certain someone started out as a rapper and TV star, and has now evolved into a mega movie star. Hmmm..... Damn, am I like 27-for-27 with these comparisons or what?

Washington Redskins – Entire cast of “Saved By The Bell: The College Years”; Is Dan Snyder serious about what he has done with this roster? Has he figured out a way to save the roster from this season and import it into Madden 2004 or something? Clinton Portis, Donovan McNabb, Willie Parker, Larry Johnson, Joey Galloway, London Fletcher, Phillip Buchanon? Seriously, this has to be the odds-on-favorite to win the 2004 Super Bowl.

(My pick in CAPS)
VIKINGS (+6.5) at Saints
DOLPHINS (+3.5) at Bills
LIONS (+6.5) at Bears
Raiders at TITANS (-6.5)
BENGALS (+5.5) at Patriots
BRONCOS (+2.5) at Jaguars
Panthers at GIANTS (-7.5)
FALCONS (-2.5) at Steelers
BROWNS (+2.5) at Bucs
COLTS (-3.5) at Texans
49ERS (-2.5) at Seahawks
PACKERS (-1.5) at Eagles
CARDINALS (-3.5) at Rams
Cowboys at REDSKINS (+3.5)
RAVENS (+3.5) at Jets
CHARGERS (-5.5) at Chiefs

The Joy of Hard Knocks

How many minutes of preseason NFL football did you watch this year? How many hours of Hard Knocks did you watch? If you answered more for the former, you need to check your man card. There is more testosterone and football in one episode than any non-week-3 preseason game. (And, if you don't have HBO, just get it. They win more Emmys with less shows than the network you are watching)

So, to help celebrate tonight's final episode, here is a compilation of lessons learned from this season. [Note: As I alluded to in a earlier post, I am aware that the good people at Awful Announcing already covered this, beating me to the topic, but I had the notes going for the entire season, so I had to see it to fruition]

NFL Films has more power than the CIA

The good people that brought us the memorable slow-motion videos of the frozen tundra and the mic'd sounds of Hank Stram somehow continue to stay current and classy. Of course, the New York Jets made this season perfect for the show, running their mouths like a Muhammad Ali-Deion Sanders lovechild. And somehow, Steve Sabol gets all access. Everything from Rex Ryan's lunch table to the car phone conversations of the GM. I feel like I know the Jets franchise more than my grandparents. Makes you think there is still journalism alive if it comes in the form of all-access. This show will continue to be good until teams like the Jets, Ravens and Bengals aren't available anymore. Do you ever see the Patriots or Colts on this show? Yep, didn't think so.

I Want Revis $$$

I honestly didn't think the guy would get signed. As much as the Jets endeared themselves to me in all of this, I wanted Revis to hold out for the entire year. I get it... with no guaranteed contracts, holdouts make sense. But with three years left on your contract?!? Stones. I wrote my original note that I would take his previous salary. But, now that he got his, he better intercept 15 balls this year, knock Randy Moss out of commission and become Mark Sanchez's #1 target. (How awesome was Rex Ryan going Postal on Revis' agents in the final episode. Go get 'em big guy! - And then I am made nauseous by how they welcome him back in the final seconds and let him break down practice)

Speaking of Mark Sanchez

He went from my fantasy sleeper to "Give me Matt Leinart" all while watching the show. Sanchez is the small-town guy who was class President, football Captain, Valedictorian and Prom King all rolled into one bright-eyed college freshman. He joined a Fraternity, won an on-campus election and found a nice girl because his bravado carried him through the early days. Then, he realized that everybody else did the same thing and he got a little panicky. Sanchez hasn't struggled yet, but did anything in any episode lead you to believe he won't have a nasty sophomore slump. The good news? He's got a helluva RB corps. Oh, and I drafted Dustin Keller in my fantasy league. Why? Because a scared QB needs to dump it off... often.

Antonio Cromartie Needs a Vasectomy

This is verbatim from my iPhone notes taken when watching episode 2. Then, it was verbatim from the aforementioned AA article. To honor who had it first, all I will say is this: When you have more than a half dozen kids under the age of three, and it takes some serious brain scratching to remember their names, you better be the second-coming of Darrelle Revis. Or get paid like him.

How Hard is it to be an NFL Owner?

Daniel Snyder overpays for free agents. Al Davis is in love with speed. Jerry Jones needed a big screen large enough to promote his chiseled face. How many owners treat their franchise worse than a three-year-old with his first set of Lincoln Logs? Or others that sit back, cut the fat and watch the money roll in. And then we were introduced to Woody Johnson. I'll invest in his company any day. Lets his employees do the work, gives advice when needed, is present and involved to a point. And then, when a situation warrants his attention (Revis), he plays ball. He capped off his Hard Knocks performance by saying, "We're in New York. You can't hustle us." Smart, savvy and sophisticated.

Steve Weatherford is My Hero

I almost cried when the show teased that he might not get his spot back as the team's punter. Because his gag was priceless. He bought everybody on the team a Shake Weight. High comedy ensued. Someday, when I am living on a pile of blog-earned money, I will be able to buy hundreds of gimmicky crap things as a gag and the world with erupt in laughter. Thank you, Steve Weatherford.

Danny Woodhead Needs More Preseason

Nothing like a 5'9" white guy to bring some drama and Rudy to Hard Knocks. They made him look like Mark Wahlberg in Invincible, only smarter. Of course I wanted him to make the team. Everybody loves the underdog story. His versatility on a team handcuffed by a 53-man roster won him a spot, and highlights just how difficult building a complete team in the NFL can be. Do we expect him to torment first-team defenses in the league? And, in watching the show alone, you can't tell me that Chauncey Washington is a worse NFL running back than Danny Woodhead. Oh well... it's an easier call from my La-Z-Boy.

My Son Will Get Punished by Mike Westhoff

I love how the first interaction with the Jets Special Teams Coach was to tell the story of his bone cancer and subsequent life unable to walk. Humanized him and really made for an incredible story. And then he turned into Sgt. Hartman from Full Metal Jacket. He was what every American should envision when they think of a hard-ass football coach. My son is yet to be born and I know that I will use DVR'd video of Westhoff to scare him straight. It will be better than timeout or the silent treatment. (Last second edit: Vintage Westhoff in the closing episode. His profanity laced rant on backup linebackers had me in tears)

Signup Liev Schreiber to Voiceover My Life

Honestly, I don't know why Sabretooth bothers acting. Sure, he is fine at doing it, but the man gargles with silk water. If only he would have narrated episodes of The Hills maybe I would have stuck the final seasons out with my wife. Maybe the Jets aren't interesting. Maybe 24-7 doesn't get me amped up for boxing fights. Maybe I just need to have a daily conversation with Liev. Now, watch out for Jon Hamm. He's coming for your job!

I Want to Fail Joe McKnight's Conditioning Test

Highlight 20 seconds of the season: A slow-motion shot of rookie Joe McKnight running on the field. Ripped, fast and RIPPED. Over the top of that image of masculine jealousy is Liev calmly stating that the rookie failed his conditioning test. Seriously?!? McKnight could break my ankles standing up from a chair. This isn't Albert Haynesworth, showing up with a beef, both in attitude and rolls around his stomach. If McKnight isn't in condition, I don't want to know what I am. No amount of P90X could make me look like that. The NFL player pedestal just got higher from my average-man level.

And when it is all said and done, there are your 2010 J.E.T.S Jets, Jets, Jets. Do they win the Super Bowl? (I don't think so - not enough O) Does Darrelle Revis blowout a hamstring in the first few games? (Wouldn't that be just?) Does Antonio Cromartie father a baker's dozen by the end of the year? Stay tuned for Hard Knocked Up, later this season.

Week 1 College Recap

Well wasn't that a nice shot in the arm. Tell me you didn't walk into work today with a little extra pep in your step, fresh off the start of the college football season, culminating in the ultimate icing-on-the-cake game last night. So, to summarize...

- TCU looked good on both sides of the ball and deserves their top 4 ranking

- Alabama is your champion until somebody beats them, or tops Julio Jones' catch

- Tim Tebow became a bigger legend with how Florida performed without him

- Turner Gill is already on the Hot Seat

- Either New Mexico is getting rid of their football program, or Oregon will win a national championship.

- Ditto for Houston Nutt, although everybody should remember this warning: Never, NEVER EVER, play a non-conference game against a school from Florida. I don't care if they are Division 5-AAAA. Don't do it.

- I was actually impressed with Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin, giving me more reason to think the Big Ten will be a top 3 football conference this year, and (gasp) make a good run at a national title

- While I didn't think Boise State could handle the ranking, they showed good resolve after choking away that game last night. However, as good as the game was, did either team make you think, "Wow, they could win the whole thing?" I just don't. Va Tech was wishy-washy in the passing game (and they are now 0-1) and Boise State was unable to maintain pressure (on both sides) against athleticism for 4 quarters. We won't be able to test that theory until January in the BCS Title Game.

On to the (fake) money and predictions... Cover Two went 6-2 in picking winners and 3-3 against the spread (counting the USC-Hawaii OVER) - And how about Vegas?!? Three previewed games last week went to a push. Crazy smart!

Breathe deeply, hydrate and prepare for this coming weekend. Besides the NFL, how about Miami-OSU, Bama-Penn State, Florida State-Oklahoma, Oregon-Tennessee, Georgia-South Carolina?!?! I am speechless, for now...

College Football Week 1

While my wittier and more inspired partner summons his actual expertise about college football to draft his own preview, I am launching my own weekly feature where we will examine the week of university gridiron games and make some picks sure to go wrong. Don't forget, Murray will be picking all NFL games against the spread in his attempt to dominate the Sports Guys predictions, so why not have some fun with some college lines?

(Required PCC Disclaimer: This blog does not support betting on sports, even though I may feel that smart betting is an easy way to make money, until you blow it all in the online sportsbook casino because you are a degenerate gambler with no money to actually gamble with)

So, without further ado, your week 1 games of interest:

Towson @ Indiana -28.5

I know, I know. "Why the hell should I care about this game?" Because I am going to it in order to get as early of a college football fix as possible. Indiana picked a bad year to be mediocre again. They will breeze through the non-conference and then run into the buzz saw that will be the Big Ten. Indiana fans have hope thanks to good skill positions on offense, stability in recruiting and a new football facility. In the end, it's Indiana football. If they really want to be taken seriously this season, this is a game where you need to put a Spurrier-Grossman-esque non-conference beatdown on some fools. I'm talkin 78-0 "wow, my team is good, but I was embarrassed to cheer at some points" beatdown. This is where Vegas is brilliant - no idea about what the spread might be, but throwing that half point on top of a 4 touchdown cover really makes you scratch your head. This game might provide me with my first Bet On Both (from this point forward known as the BOB rule): There is no way Indiana loses and no way they cover. I am not as confident in the latter, but it might rain tonight and IU is running last year's scout defense on the field to start the season, including two converted offensive players back in the secondary.

Indiana wins 41-14 giving up a garbage TD late to ruin the cover. It's a BOB; barely

Marshall @ #2 Ohio State -28

Either Marshall is a lot better than Towson (that was sarcastic) or Ohio State is less impressive than Indiana (now, I am just screwing with you). While the world tunes into tOSU and the Vest's debut on the Big Ten Network, the parents of the crew calling the Indiana-Towson tussle will give the BTN their only viewers in the JV match. Does Ohio State play like a team people to pick to win a national championship (Will Ferrell in Talladega Nights) and leave an impression , or do they go through the motions (Will Ferrell in Semi-Pro) banking on their track record to carry the performance? The Herd got annihilated in Blacksburg in a similar game last year and welcome a new coach (Doc Holliday, former assistant at Florida, not played by Val Kilmer), who, replaced five-year coach Mark Snyder, former D-Coordinator for The Vest at Ohio State. Oh snap! Exact some revenge, Tressell!

Ohio State wins 35-3

So. Miss @ South Carolina -14

I really would love to have this be my opening TV game. SEC school. The Ol' Ball Coach. Goosebumb Introduction. Then, after a few plays, I'd lose interest. Cocks will win because they should. It will be sloppy.

South Carolina wins 27-13 (No bet ramifications here)

#15 Pittsburgh @ Utah -3

Make a mental note. This game is on Versus. You know, that TV station that has IndyCar racing, hunting, hockey and bull riding. The station that still hasn't crept its way into my rotation when bored and flipping. This might be the best game of the weekend. Pitt is ranked and GETTING points on the road. Why? The Utes have won 18-straight at home, have one last year in the MWC before joining the big boys on the west coast and, well, they are good. This is what is so hard about forecasting college football. We don't know anything. I don't care about practice reports or fat, dweebs blogging about inside information. Until they play the games, you just don't know. I've got a gut feeling about Dave Wannstedt and the Panthers this season. They were playing tough and inspired at the end of last season. Perfect to go into a tough environment. I definitely take the points in this situation, and I'll go for the all-out victory.

Pittsburgh 20, Utah 17

#14 USC @ Hawaii

No spread posted on this game because I only have it in here for one reason. The over/under is 54. You're telling me that this opening game with two teams that have exploded offensively over the past decade are only going to manage 27 a piece? Yeah, it's a big number, but I like offense out of the gate for both teams.

Don't care about the score, just do it a lot!

#24 Oregon State @ #6 TCU -13.5

Holy Action, Batman, that's a lot of points! TCU was a fun story last year. A little too fun. They lost some playmakers on defense and, as I talked about in my season preview about Boise State, it is hard for the little guy to live up to expectations when the bullseye is finally there. Now, to open the season at home with a big game is different. Oh, and Oregon State was 1-4 last year against ranked opponents AND got violated by another Mountain West soon-to-be traitor, BYU, in a bowl game.

TCU wins AND COVERS 31-17

(Wow, there are a ton of good games this weekend. Cancel the tee time and contract recalled-egg disease)

Purdue @ Notre Dame -11

Why this game? It's got local relevance, but in reality, this would be like sitting down on the couch to watch a Rocky marathon only to realize that you've missed the first four movies, when the franchise was relevant, good and entertaining. Such is this matchup. At least both schools upgraded coaches, allegedly. While I am hoping for a total train wreck, I am putting all of my stock in Dayne Crist to propel the Irish to a big victory. Why? Because he has the sexy QB name that Robert Marve was denied at birth. You would have had better luck with Boring McDull.

Irish win but don't cover in a close one. Let's just say 7-6 with 200 penalty yards and 8 turnovers

#21 LSU vs. #18 North Carolina +6

This is a spread where Vegas and I are on the same page. LSU is off a mini slide recently, but you know they'll be well coached, fast and athletic. UNC players are more recognizable at illegal Miami parties than Tony Montana. Can Butch Davis really bring his team into this game, through the muck, and get a signature win to start the season? Yep, I don't think so either. It's a bloodbath defensively, which makes the 6 points hard to gamble with, so...

LSU 17 - UNC 13

#3 Boise State vs. #10 Virginia Tech +2

There is really only one way to predict or bet this game. You have to ask yourself this question: Do you trust Boise State to be as good as people say they are? It really is a simple question. I remember how they looked last year in the Fiesta Bowl. Faced a good (not great) opponent and won a battle. Solid, solid team effort. I just don't have the faith coming in to this season. I'll take Beamer Ball on a neutral field.

VA Tech 22 - Boise 18 (Why the score? Who cares.)

FINAL DISCLAIMER - Again, I don't bet on sports (unless you count a friendly fantasy football, or if I had disposable income), but if I did: I really only consider NONE. Man, Vegas is good at this. Bet the OSU cover and the USC over if you have to. I expect to eat a ton of crow on Tuesday morning for all of this, including my distrust of Boise State.

I hate the first week of the season. We are all idiots...

- Will