So Far So Good.....College Picks

I did pretty good last week going 7-3 against the spread and also went 6-4 with my over/under picks. Combine that with the week before and I am 12-8 against the spread.

Keep these picks in mind when you call your bookie or visit the casino.


[home teams in all caps]

STANFORD------30-----54.5------Washington St.

Stanford as a 30 point favorite?!?! Really? I know Wazzou is bad but that bad....I don't think so. Stanford will win but it WON'T be by 30. Take Wazzou and the points. Also take the under as I don't think these teams score 55 points.

MISSISSIPPI ST----3----38.5------Kentucky

Kentucky is good....when they are healthy and they aren't really all that healthy right now. Plus the game is in Starkville. Take Mississippi State to cover but take the under as these offenses are pretty bad.

OKLAHOMA-----22-------72------Nebraska

Oklahoma hasn't really helped me yet in these picks since I can't seem to nail them down. I can't imagine they stop Nebraska completely but will they win by 22? I am not convinced. Nebraska actually has a decent pass defense. Oklahoma will win but take Nebraska and the points. Oh and take the under too.

ILLINOIS------2.5-------49.5------Iowa

Illinois is a favorite which should raise flags no matter what. They are only 4-4 this season and haven't looked very good in weeks. Iowa might be looking ahead a little towards Penn State next weekend but I still like the Hawkeyes. Take Iowa to win outright and it will be higher scoring than you think...take the over.

BOSTON COLLEGE----4.5-----40.5----Clemson

Clemson doesn't seem to be playing with any sense of passion right now. And now they have to go on the road to play a good team. I don't think they can hang with BC. Take the Eagles to win and cover but take the under cause defense will rule this game.

ALABAMA-------23-------46------Arkansas State

This game should be an easy win for Bama. Arkansas St isn't bad but they can't hang with the Tide, can they? The only thing Bama should be scared of is LSU next weekend. And that is the main reason why I say this take Arkansas St and the points as well as the over. They will hang in against an over rated Bama team.

INDIANA------2.5------55.5------Central Michigan

Indiana got lucky last week against Northwestern when the Cats had some injury problems. CMU is a very good offense and the Hoosiers defense isn't very tough. Take the Chippewas to win outright and take the over.

MICHIGAN ST-----4.5-----47.5-----Wisconsin

Wisconsin finally showed up for a game last weekend and beat Illinois. But we already said that Illinois isn't very good which doesn't help Wiscy. Sparty on the other hand is solid and will win by a touchdown at home. Take State as they will cover but take the under in this one.

Florida--------5.5-------56--------Georgia

Neither team is really at home here since the game is in Jacksonville. First of all take the under. But just barely. I have the final score 34-21 so it will be close to the line. But who wins? Well Florida is playing good right now and that matters more than preseason hype. Take Florida to win AND cover.

Texas--------4-------75.5--------TEXAS TECH

The lone home underdog on my board this week. Can the Red Raiders pull off the upset? Yes they can....anyone can. But will they? Texas is playing great right now after winning 3 straight games (2 at home) against tough teams. But have they really been tested? Not sure. I think their confidence gets in the way and they struggle on the road. Take Tech to win outright. I am torn about the over under though. I will say take the under as this will probably be more defensive than you think.


There you have it. Now I understand you don't really trust me yet since I am only 12-8 after 2 weeks so its okay if you don't go out and bet this week but you can set your account up for next week. Cause when I go 10-0 this week you are going to be looking for my picks next week so you too can make some money!

He Did What?

I know this story broke last Sunday during the game but it has really caught wind now that we found out that Mr. Singletary pulled his pants down during halftime. I wasn't really going to talk about it but now that it has become such a hot topic and his speech has been repeated over and over I feel like, as the true fan that I am, I have to say something about all of this.

First of all, let me say that when Mike Nolan was hired I felt as though the Niners should have hired Singletary then. I thought we needed an intense, strong-willed, lets get down to business and hit someone in the mouth kind of individual. I didn't know anything about Mike Nolan and as much as he tried to portray that idea, it didn't work. He didn't do a good enough job and now he is gone.

Now, we have the right guy in Mike Singletary. He has the right attitude for this young team and will be able to get his message across quickly. Last Sunday was a very obvious attempt at doing this. Mind you, last Sunday was his FIRST game as the head coach. I know he was the defensive coordinator before this so he knew most of the players but again I repeat, this was his FIRST game as head coach. There were three publicized episodes of him trying to make his point. First was him throwing Vernon Davis off the field, the second was the rant he went on after the game and the third was brought out in the middle of the week when it was reported that he dropped his pants at halftime.

First lets start with the Vernon Davis thing. Vernon is a good player. But in this case, he made a stupid play when he hit that guy in the facemask and cost the team 15 yards. Its exactly what Singletary said it was. It was Davis making himself out to be more then the team. I think he should have been taking out and should have had to sit for awhile. I don't know if he should have been thrown out of the game but Mike's the coach and that was at that point his first opportunity to make his point. I liked it!

Second, the rant after the game. You have to understand this. He has been there all season and this was his fifth straight loss. He was frustrated. This wasn't just him coming into the press room for the first time after a bad loss and just going off. I don't blame him at all for this. What I do blame him for is bringing up the Davis thing again and making it a big deal again. You had already embarrassed the guy once and that was probably enough to make your point. There was no reason to do it again. If you need to talk about him or to him again, do it in the locker room behind closed doors. That will earn you much more respect.

Third, the dropping of the pants thing. I don't have any idea what to say about this. He said it was to illustrate that they were getting their butts kicked. What? Really? I am really interested in how the players took that. Whether they laughed or whether they were like, "Yea coach, you're right, let's go out and get em in the second half." To me it seems crazy! Again, I feel like this is something that should have been kept in house and I honestly don't know if it was even Singletary that told the media about it. If it wasn't that is a problem. That means the players are already uncomfortable in the situation and trying to make the coach look bad.

The greater point I would like to make is that being a Niners fan for as long as I have been, this whole thing makes me sad. The team is bad and has been for awhile. I have learned to deal with that. Every season I get all excited that they have really good young talent and being that they are in a bad division, I always hope they can win it and make the playoffs. After three weeks this year, I thought we had a shot.

Now we are 2-6, have lost 5 in a row and the best news to come out of the locker room is that our coach dropped his pants at halftime. Yea, its that bad!

College Football Misconceptions

Recently you have probably heard that the Big 12 and SEC are great and the rest of the conferences are much worse.

The ACC and Big East are generally considered to be the worst 2 BCS conferences in the land. Which leaves the Pac-10 and Big Ten in the middle.

Who gets to decide this?

Records decide this you say....then I ask you this...Why are the SEC and Big 12 considered so good?

Have they played the toughest out of conference schedule?

Or is it just because there are lots of good offenses and good records in the conference?

Cause if you look at the BCS conferences records against OTHER BCS conferences you would see that the ACC is the best conference!

Let's examine shall we.

The SEC has played 11 games against the other BCS schools (the least of any conference). In those games they are 5-6. Not terrible but the record of those teams the 5 wins came against.....17-20 with only 2 of the wins against teams with winning records (Miami and Louisville).

The Big 12 has played in 15 games against the other BCS schools (the 2nd most). In those games they are 7-8 (about as good as the SEC). The record of those teams.....19-34 (including multiple games against Washington St and one game against Washington). How many of those 7 wins came against teams with a winning record? 2 of them, against West Virginia and Cincinnati.

How about the Pac-10. They have played 13 games against other BCS schools. They are only 5-8 in those games. But at least the 5 wins came against teams that have gone a combined 24-18 and includes wins against 3 winning teams (Virginia, Ohio State, and Michigan St). And 2 of those came from USC which means the other 9 schools have won a whopping 1 game against BCS schools with a winning record!

The Big 10 has also played in 13 games. They are 6-7 in those games. The victories are against teams with a 17-26 record and include 3 winning teams (Oregon State, Notre Dame, and Duke).

Now let's look at the Big East, one of the "worst" BCS conferences. They have played 14 games against BCS foes and are 7-7 in those games. The wins have come against teams with 28-28 records and include 3 winning teams (Virginia, Iowa, and Kansas).

And that leaves the ACC. The ACC has played in the most games against BCS foes, with 16. In those games they are 10-6. Those 10 wins came against teams with a combined record of 41-37 and include 4 winning teams (UConn, Notre Dame, Nebraska, and California).


So based on that the ACC has played the toughest schedule. Even more numbers to support my claim are that the 6 losses the ACC has suffered have ALL come against winning teams (Florida, USC, Alabama, South Carolina, USF, and UConn).

Now does this mean that Florida State should be in the top 5? Not necessarily since their only win was against Colorado and they are 4-4. But it does mean that maybe the ACC isn't as bad as you thought.


But is the Big 12 as good as the rankings suggest with 4 Top 10 teams??

I think the answer is NO they aren't that good. Against winning teams from other BCS conferences the Big 12 is a whopping 2-8!! Texas's big win is against a 3-5 Arkansas team, Oklahoma State's big win is against 1-7 Wazzou, Oklahoma gives some respectability with a win over 5-2 Cincy but they also beat 0-7 Washington. And Texas Tech....HASN'T even played a team from another BCS conference!!

I am not saying the Big 12 isn't home to the best teams. All I am saying is you outta consider that they HAVEN'T really beaten anyone but themselves.

This happens every year. A couple teams have good seasons in a conference and then the conference looks better than it is. This year it is the Big 12's turn. Texas, OU, Okie St., Texas Tech, and Missouri are all having good seasons. But are their seasons better than teams from other conferences....NO!

It will be interesting to see what happens when Bowl season comes and we get to see the Big 12 against the other conferences. I don't think they will fair so well when they go up against good teams that have defenses!

(Insert choice expletive here) Philly Fans!

I would just like to say congratulations to the Tampa Bay rays......BOOOOO!!!!!

What? I can't hear you?

Philly fans are ridiculous. They can NEVER show another team respect even when they are due some. I can't stand Philly fans and I am an Eagles fan. You all think you are better than anyone else. Let me tell you something.....EVERYONE feels that way about you. And I DOUBT VERY MUCH that everyone else is wrong!

The Rays had a fantastic season and they deserve to be shown some respect instead of being BOOED BY IDIOTIC PHILLIE FANS!

I have one problem with fans in general and then one significant problem with Philly fans beyond their lack of respect for other teams.

First lets look at all fans.

If you are a fair-weather fan....stop cheering or talking up the team. And don't dare refer to them as your team. I live near Harrisburg, PA and I have never seen so many Phillie caps than I did the past few days.

Even last week or the one before no one was wearing their caps or anything. Now....its all you see.

And I work with a couple people that are legitimate Phillie fans. They follow the team all season and actually root for them even when the aren't any good. And I legitimately offered my congratulations to them this morning because it is a big day for Philly fans.

But I also work with and know some people that have only become fans in the past week but still claim that they also support the team the rest of the year. The same people who say bad things about baseball during the season and put down the team are all of a sudden fans when the team makes the World Series. It is disgusting.

I am a Penn State fan and as a fan had some bad years back about 5-6 years ago when the team went 7-17 over 2 seasons. But I still watched every game and wore my cap and jersey no matter who they lost to. I didn't wait until they were good again to return to being a fan. And because of my persistence in believing in the team the 2005 season (Orange Bowl win) and this season (hopeful National Championship team) are that much sweeter to me because I know I was there rooting when they were losing to MAC teams at home.

All I am saying is if you are fan be a fan at ALL times....not just when they are good. I am not saying you have to pay to see a bad team because sometimes it isn't worth it. Sometimes you have better and more important things to spend your money on than 2 tickets to see a really bad team. Fine. Don't go. But don't stop rooting or cheering for your team.

Now...on to Philly fans.

This kind of ties into my previous argument but more specific.

Stop expecting and acting like your teams are going to lose. I am tired of talking to a Philly sports fan who says to me "they will blow it, they always do."

WHAT?? Where is your belief that they can win?

And don't give me that crap about being realistic. The whole point of being a true fan is to not be realistic.

Realistically there is 1 champion in each sport each year and most of the teams are not capable of winning. But they still cheer for their team and hold out (sometimes a false) hope that their team can win something.

I know numerous Philly fans that always tell me the same thing. "They will choke" or "they always lose when it matters". Stop telling me that.

No matter what the record or what the past....start believing and having some faith that your team can pull out the win.

I understand that your teams have gotten close since 1983 (and up until now) but haven't won. That doesn't mean you shouldn't believe in your team.

Especially since you have had some good teams. You like to throw out there that prior to last night you hadn't won a championship since 1983. Okay......SO??

How many titles have you played for since then? How many times have you gotten to the conference championship games?

I am not certain the numbers but I would imagine well over 10 different times. That ain't too bad if you really think about it.

Considering what we talked about earlier that would put the Philly franchises as some of the best in their sports for the past 25 years even if they didn't win the title.


Yes you are passionate fans that will let a team know when you aren't satisfied with their performance. Fine. That is your right as a paying fan.

But stop acting like you are owed a championship because of the wait. You have had some really good teams in that city over the past 25 years but are too concerned with how they blew a lead or lost a game to realize it.

Verb's Thoughts:

I could give you a few expletive's to put in there. I wasn't as passionate about this until the booed the Rays last night!

Thats rediculous. Cheer for your team, feel bad for yourself, whatever, do whatever you want, but don't disrespect the opposing team that deserved all the respect in the world only because you feel like you are the only ones that deserve any credit!

After a 48 Hour Rain Delay....

Let's start this with a congratulations. Congratulations to the Philadelphia Phillies and the (true) Phillie fans that stuck by this team during the season and past seasons. Philly does have some of the most passionate fans....even if they are idiots (more on this later).

Now let's look at the QUESTIONABLE decisions by the Rays.

First and foremost is the pitching questions. Verb expressed his opinion yesterday on here about what they should do and the author of Vegas Watch shared his view through an email which created a minor debate.

Verb said put price in.....Vegas said leave Price out until after the pitcher's spot in the lineup.

I think EITHER of those would have been better than what the Rays ended up doing. Price was/is the best pitcher in the bullpen and he needed to be in. My opinion was that the bat was too important so you have someone else pitch the sixth and after you pinch hit for him you put Price in RIGHT AWAY!

There was no reason that Howell hit and then stayed in. It ended up costing them the game in my opinion. If you put Price in for the 7th I am not sure the Phillies score in those next few innings. But they didn't and I am certain that I know less than Joe Maddon.

The other thing I am hearing about this morning is Bartlett rounding third in the 6th and being tagged out at home. Watching it I thought Utley made a very good play and the third base coach misread the play. I am guessing that he was waving him home because he thought Utley was going to go to first with the ball. And by the time they saw that he wasn't it was too late. I don't mind that play as much as the pitching mistakes though.

Personally I think if Price comes in for the 7th that the Rays probably would have won the game.


I will have more later on this morning about this game and those (place expletive here) Philly fans.

Verb's Thoughts:

I think the play by Utley was amazing. He even faked out his own pitcher. Romero thought he was going to throw it to first thats why he almost stepped on Barlett's head. Bartlett was trying to make a play and I really don't blame him for that!

The pitching errors were huge. No matter whether you agreed with me or not, what they actually did was idiotic.

I know that Price only came up in September but I really thought that he had proven himself as the best pitcher in the pen. I felt that when the top of the Phillies lineup came up you needed your best pitcher in.

Like I said, I can see both arguements here but the one I can't understand is the one that actually happened.

Joe, I think you did an amazing job this season but last night you let me down big time!


More GMs Thoughts:

I really don't think Utley did anything special. I think he actually INTENDED to go to first base but realized he didn't have a play so he didn't throw it. And then he looked over and Bartlett wasn't stopping.

So don't go anointing Utley as a guy who made the most amazing play ever. All he did was actually NOT throw it to 1st because he DIDN'T have a play.

Here's What I Would Do

Game 5 will resume after 5 1/2 innings tonight and there is a lot of speculation about what the two managers are going to do with their pitching staffs and bench players being that the game is restarting so late in the game.

I don't think either pitcher that started the other night should pitch. That is asking those guys to do a lot and one rumor was that the Phillies put Brett Myers (Game 6 Starter) in. I don't think that is a good idea because what are you going to do if you get to Game 6 then?

I am going to tell you what I would do if I were Maddon and if I was Manuel.

First lets start from Maddon's viewpoint.

The game is in the bottom of the 5th inning when it starts again so they will be pitching first. Here is what I would do. David Price was a starting pitcher in minors and would be in the rotation except he came up too late in the season. I would put him in right away. I am sure he can give at least 2 or 3 good innings and right now I think he is the best pitcher in their pen. That leaves you with Howell and Balfour for the save by committee in the 9th.

I would worry about the bench players when I know who Manuel puts in but I would not sub anyone in right away.

Here's what I would do if I was Manuel.

From what I understand the pitcher's spot is due up first tonight. Well if Maddon puts Price in like I say then I would let So Taguchi or Chris Coste pinch hit. If he puts in a righty then I would let Matt Stairs pinch hit. After that you need to play the matchups.

I think pitching wise, Manuel has a much harder decision. He doesn't have a guy in the pen that could be dominant for a few innings. However, Manuel has the advantage in that he has 4 shutdown pitchers that could each throw an inning. Scott Eyre, JC Romero, Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge. They are all rested on top of that. So what would I do? I would put Madson in right away. Bottom of the 5th. I know this is way earlier then when he normally pitches but like Price, he came up through the minors as a starter. If he can give you two strong innings then you are in the 8th. If Romero or Eyre can get an out or two then Lidge can get a 4 out save and the trophy is yours.

I am not going to predict the outcome because this is the craziest thing that could have happened but that is what I think gives both managers the best chance to win. I can't wait to see what happens. Tune in at 8:37 to see if I think anything like the guys managing in the series.

Who Should Play for the National Title?

I am hearing an argument currently on the Herd about whether or not a 1 loss team should jump an undefeated Penn State team.

And while I am biased in this argument, I still say....

HELL NO!

If Alabama and Penn State are the only BCS conference teams undefeated at the end of the season than they SHOULD play in the title game.

If Texas and Penn State are the only two than they should play.

If Penn State is 1 of 2 undefeated teams than they SHOULD play in the title game.

Now as a Penn State fan I want to see them in the title game no matter what but I also love college football and watch more than just my Lions.

If Texas Tech beats Texas and runs the table and Alabama somehow makes it through the SEC than I am fine with a TT/Bama title game.

Or there is a Big 12 or SEC undefeated team left at the end of it all than they should ABSOLUTELY play for the title and PSU SHOULD be left out.

But a one loss team jumping an undefeated PSU team??? That just wouldn't be right, I don't care what the schedule strength is.

Some people think that a one loss Texas or a one loss Florida team should jump an undefeated Penn State team to get to the title game. And I don't think it makes any sense.

If 2 schools from BCS conferences are undefeated at the end of the year.....then they should play for the National Championship....NO MATTER WHAT THEIR STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE SAYS!

Verb's Thoughts:

I don't watch much college football but if a team with one loss does jump ahead of Penn St I will stop watching until the system is changed. I am not a fan but I do know that if Penn St makes it through the big ten undefeated and there is only one other 1 loss team they should make the game.

At that point they have done all they could to get to the game and if you take them out for Florida or Texas or USC then you have robbed these kids.

If neither Texas or Alabama lose then this is a mute point but it will be crime if Penn St doesn't make it as 1 or 2 undefeated teams.

Week 8 Roundup

Week 8 really didn't change my opinion about anything in the NFL. I still think Dallas is in trouble. I know they went into Tampa and won 13-9 but the next day they were questioning whether Brad Johnson should stay in a quarterback until Romo comes back. The other option is Brooks Bollinger. Yea, that's what I said. If they would've won and kept their mouths shut and moved onto New York next week I might feel better about them but no, way too much drama still and I am not confident this team will make it to the end of the season.

New York proved themselves big time by winning in Pittsburgh even though it was a struggle. A win is a win and that was a win against a top 5 team in the league.

I think the NFL should stop playing games in Europe. I am sure the Saints/Chargers game was good but I think it would have been good in America also. Who knows how that travel is going to affect these guys and both teams are still very much in it. I don't understand it because from what I understand, England didn't really get too excited about this. It's stupid and it's only getting worse.

San Francisco laid an egg against Seattle in Singletary dropped a bomb on the media. I am excited that Singletary took charge and threw Davis out and hopefully this gets the team going. They also changed quarterbacks. I think its too little too late but, I am glad Mad Mike is trying to leave his mark. I hope he keeps the job!

Last but not least, I do believe the Titans win over the Colts was a statement game. I know the Colts aren't the same as they were for the past few years but it was still a big hurdle this team get over. Peyton Manning is finding his way back and Harrison is a step slower but this is a team the Titans couldn't pass in the division and if the result was different there would've only been 2 games separating the teams. The Titans took care of business and they are by far the best team in that division now. Do I still have them as the best team in the league?

Top 10, here we go!

10. Buffalo Bills - They lost in Miami. I know the game was on the road but this is a team that they should have beaten if they are for real. I am not saying they aren't and can't win the division but that was a game they should've won.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - They lost 13-9 at home to Dallas. Dallas is the most talented team in the league so the loss is kind of understandable. This is still a good team and I think they will bounce back. If the offense could have punched one of the field goals in they win the game and are in the top 5.

8. Dallas Cowboys - That win puts them back in the top 10. I am not ready to say they have everything straightened out again because the DON'T but if Owens would shut up and Romo gets back to 100 % this team still is very good. Those are two HUGE ifs though.

7. Philadelphia Eagles - They beat Atlanta 27-14 and both teams scored a late touchdown. I watched this game and really never thought Philly could lose. Westbrook looked great and hopefully he can stay healthy all season. The defense is still good and I really think this team could be a contender come playoff time.

6. New England Patriots - This team won a close game against St. Louis. St. Louis is a better team then we thought. This is a good team even without Brady and now that Cassel has gotten rid of the "deer in headlights" feeling and that should make this team a contender in the weaker AFC.

5. Washington Redskins - This team won a close game against Detroit. Detroit is not a better team then we thought. How do I have them against New England then? This team has been more consistent and have played a tougher schedule. This team is solid and Jason Campbell still hasn't thrown an interception.

4. Carolina Panthers - The win against Arizona was a good win. They are 6-2 and are playing really good defense. Delhomme and Steve Smith are back doing what they do and DeAngelo Williams is playing really well.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers - I know they lost at home against the Giants but as you will see, I don't consider that a bad loss. They are still playing with their third string running back and Santonio Holmes was out because he was getting high. What an idiot! This team will get right back on track and should be fine.

2. New York Giants - Huge win in Pittsburgh! I don't know what else I need to say here. I think they are proving to be the best team in the NFC and I see them making a deep run again.

1. Tennessee Titans - How about Kerry Collins? The run game is great and the defense is even better then that. They got a huge win over the Colts and pretty much already have the division locked up.

The great teams are separating themselves and after that there are still lots of questions. We are going to start talking about the playoffs soon and its going to be awesome!

Confidence Pool Games to Pick for 11/1-2

Here are this weeks games to pick.

Everyone who reads this should make picks. Either email them to jumpingoffsides@aol.com or leave them in the comments.


College (due by noon Saturday):

Northwestern @ 17 Minnesota
West Virginia @ 25 UConn
Pittsburgh @ Notre Dame
15 Florida St @ Georgia Tech
24 Oregon @ California
Duke @ Wake Forest
8 Florida @ 6 Georgia
1 Texas @ 7 Texas Tech

tiebreaker - combined score of Texas/TT game


NFL (due by 1 pm Sunday):

NY Jets @ Buffalo
Baltimore @ Cleveland
Green Bay @ Tennessee
Arizona @ St. Louis
Houston @ Minnesota
Dallas @ NY Giants
New England @ Indianapolis
Pittsburgh @ Washington

tiebreaker - combined score of Pitt/Wash game


Make your picks....the more people that play the more points are possible.

What's The Problem?

If this would have been the image at 9 last night everyone would have been really pissed off.

But they tried to get the game in. And they almost did.

Should they have suspended the game when they did....ABSOLUTELY!

You can't decide a World Series or for that matter ANY playoff game in anything less than 9 innings. They are too important.

I guess the real debate is should Selig have told everyone what was going to happen prior to it happening.

But did it matter prior to when it happened?

I didn't watch the game so I don't know when it started to rain but I assume they thought they could get the game in. So why mention that if the game gets rained out than the play would be suspended....not called.

It seems like everyone wanted Selig to make some announcement prior to the game stating that IF it rains and we have to stop play after the 6th inning than we will suspend the game until the following day instead of just calling the game.

That seems to be of little importance at the beginning of the game.

Now the other argument is why even let the Rays bat in the top of the 6th. The Phillies were winning 2-1 after 5 and from what I saw in highlights....it was already pouring.

Did MLB allow the Rays to hit so they had a good argument to suspend the game? Or was it already decided?

I am sure it was already decided. MLB didn't just decide in the 5th inning to give the Rays another chance and if they don't score they are calling the game. That would be BAD FOR BUSINESS!

Should MLB have informed all parties, players, team personnel, fans, of their intent to suspend the game? I don't know if it matters.

I think everyone is making a big deal out of nothing. Either way the game will be finished and the CORRECT decision was made.

Later today, assuming the weather cooperates, this game will be finished and then the Rays will head for home, either for game 6 or winter break.

Verb's Thoughts:

GM, I totally agree. I am glad they started the game because no one knows how the whether is going to go. Yea, everyone assumed it was going to rain but no one was sure. If they wouldn't have started it and it didn't rain, Selig would look like a real idiot.

I am glad he didn't tell anyone because, like you said, if it didn't rain than you have made this huge announcement for nothing.

I thought the whole situation was handled the way it should have been and I am glad its suspended and will be finished.

I heard a lot of Philly fans saying they got screwed and the game should have been over. Here is my response to that. Of course you would. You're a Philly fan and you would take a championship anyway you could get it. Even if you didn't have to finish the final game to win it.

That's bologna and I am glad the game is going to be finished. I still think Philly is going to win but I am glad they are going to have to earn it!

Confidence Results

We had 5 participants for the College games and 6 for the NFL games this week.

Your winners are:

College - Verb
NFL - Karl

Results:

College:
Verb---------30
Wifey--------28
Muther------26
GM----------24
Karl---------8

NFL:
Karl---------27*
GM---------27
Verb--------23
Yosty-------21*
Muther-----21
Wifey-------11

*decided by tiebreaker


Join us this week for another round of picks. The more the merrier!

Two Big Games and the GMs Top 10

I hope you called your bookie and listened to my advice....because you would be VERY HAPPY right now!

Against the spread I went 7-3 and also went 6-4 with over/under.

I got 3 of the 4 big games right. I only missed the LSU/Georgia game.

I even told you to take the under in the Tex/Ok St game and guess what....I was right.


It was a good weekend for college football this week. There were lots of big games and a couple really good games.

The Texas vs Oklahoma St was very good. Colt McCoy is incredible. At one point he completed 18 straight passes to set a Big 12 record. But the Cowboys hung in there and actually had a chance to win the game at the end. Next up for Texas is a big road game in Lubbock against the Red Raiders of Texas Tech.

Penn St held off Ohio State in a game that was dominated by defense. Neither team could sustain any drives and the offense was lacking. Most of the offensive series would get to around midfield and then stall. Penn State won the turnover battle and won the game. PSU is now a heavy favorite to go undefeated and possibly play for a National Championship.

Other than those two games there wasn't anything really notable to talk about. So let's mention a couple things. Arizona almost got by USC but ended up falling short. Rutgers upset Pitt. Oklahoma and Kansas State combined for 83 points in the FIRST HALF of their game and then they scored a whopping.......10 points in the second half. Florida, Missouri, and Texas Tech embarrassed Kentucky, Colorado, and Kansas, respectively. And the ACC is STILL up for grabs.....no one seems to want the title.


And now.....The GMs Top Ten:

1. Texas (1) 8-0 - They continue to beat the teams in front of them. And they are good teams. Next up is an undefeated Texas Tech team on the road. This could be Texas's biggest test of the season considering it is on the road.
2. Alabama (2) 8-0 - They also continue winning. They took care of a below average Tennessee team on the road Saturday night. Might have been Alabama's best game since the Georgia game.
3. Penn State (3) 9-0 - It hadn't been done by a Penn State team since 1978. 30 years of losing in the Horseshoe. Until Saturday. A boring game overall but a win is a win. There three remaining games are all winnable and could lead to a National Championship for the 81 year old Joe Paterno.
4. Oklahoma (4) 7-1 - They looked like they might be in trouble against Kansas State for a while but ended up winning easily. There only loss is to Texas which isn't a bad loss.
5. Texas Tech (7) 8-0 - They dismantled a decent Kansas team IN KANSAS. This team can score with anyone but can they stop Colt? We will find out Saturday night.
6. Florida (6) 6-1 - No problem with Kentucky. Even with Georgia on the horizon. They seem to be running on all cylinders right now which could spell trouble for Georgia this Saturday in Jacksonville.
7. Georgia (9) 7-1 - A very good win Saturday against LSU. I really thought LSU would win at home but it was not to be for the Tigers. Now they get Florida in a game that SHOULD decide the SEC East.
8. Oklahoma St (5) 7-1 - Yes they lost but it was close and it was to the BEST team in college football this season. They held the high powered Texas offense to 28 points in Austin. They are better than people think.
9. USC (8) 6-1 - A good win at Arizona this weekend. But I think they needed to blow out the Cats in order to make people (especially me) a believer....and they didn't.
10. TCU (-) 8-1 - They destroyed a good BYU team a couple of weeks ago and then this weekend they dismantled Wyoming. They jump ahead of Utah and Boise St based on who they have played.

Almost there:

Utah (-) 8-0 - They just haven't played anyone that proves how good they are. They beat Oregon State and they beat Michigan but neither of those games really impress. They still get TCU and BYU so they still can prove themselves.
Boise St. (-) 7-0 - Like Utah they haven't played anyone. They beat Oregon and Hawaii but no one else, and Hawaii isn't that good. They don't really get anyone to prove themselves against either. They better destroy Fresno or they won't be a top 10 team.
Florida St. (-) 6-1 - This is the only team in the ACC that seems to want the division. They definitely have a chance to move up with their schedule.
Minnesota (-) 7-1 - They don't get to play Penn State or Michigan State and they lost to Ohio State which means they really need to win every game left to have an argument. And they better win them convincingly.

Gone:

Ohio State (10) - They lost at home to Penn State and just don't seem to be that good to me. I reluctantly had them in there last week and now they can't get back. A good team but not a top 10 team.

Gettin Loose...10/25

pIts time to start gettin loose for real. We are down to the last four races and Jimmie Johnson is really close to locking this thing up. Biffle and Burton are trying to tell you its still a competition but they will need JJ to "get loose" in a big way for that to happen. 3 titles in 3 years is impressive.

Elliot Sadler actually compared to the 48 team to the 49ers of the 80's, the Cowboys of the 90's and Michael Jordan's Bulls. Those teams were dynasties. This is a foreign idea in the NASCAR world because no one really ever thought this would happen. Everyone thought there were way too many good teams for a team to win 3 straight championships. I am one of those. I didn't think this could happen. Now, I know its not over but its darn close. Am I willing to call it a dynasty. Yes I am!

I don't care what sport it is, if you are the best at what you do for 3 straight years, you are a dynasty. JJ has it figured out and the best part is that this year, he didn't turn it on until the last third of the season. He made sure he got enough points to be fine going into the last few races before the chase and then he went for it. He knew that when the chase came he would be the best guy out there. It's amazing!

This brings me to the next point. If NASCAR doesn't do something, this could get very repetitive. Other then Jimmie's fans', I don't think many people like this kind of domination in this sport. They need to change the tracks they race on or something but I think if they don't do something they are going to lose a lot of casual fans.

It's Atlanta this week and Biffle and Burton need to do something to make this interesting or I may not be able to say its not over next week. Of course, qualifying was rained out again so starting positions and pit positions were assigned by points. This again, only gives Jimmie an advantage and its going to take a good effort to beat him again. Its a fast track and the Roush guys usually do well so we'll see what happens. Here is what I think.

Lock of the Week: Jimmie Johnson. I don't think I need to explain this. He is on fire and starting on the poll.

Sleeper of the Week: Am I allowed to pick any other driver other then Johnson. I guess not but Earnhardt Jr. is my sleeper this week. There are only a few guys that aren't sleepers right now and Jr isn't one them.

Picking Straight Up is One Thing...

Ok, picking the games in the NFL is supposed to be easy. I started out 14-2 and it has only gone bad since. You would think I would just quit picking entirely but, that's not me. That's not who I am. I am not a quitter. I am going to keep picking them straight up and ya know what else I am going to do, that's right, I am going to give you a pick 6 to take to your bookie. Ha ha, you may want to give me a week or two before you bet your house on what I tell you but I guarantee in a week or two I will get you out of your credit debt.

Here are my favorite 6 picks against the spread for week 8.

Dallas @ Tampa Bay (+2)

-Dallas is blowing up from the inside and now they are favorite on the road? No Way!

Atlanta @ Philadelphia (-9)

-Jim Johnson shuts down Matt Ryan and McNabb goes off.

Arizona @ Carolina (-4)

-Cross Country trip tires Cards out before game even starts. Carolina by 2 touchdowns.

Seattle (+5.5) @ San Francisco

-San Francisco wins by a field goal as time runs out. I am happy, the Niners win and my pick is correct.

Buffalo (-1) @ Miami

-I have Buffalo winning and it won't be by 1 point so that makes this one easy.

NY Giants (+3) @ Pittsburgh

-I think the Giants are going to win so if they are the underdogs I am ok with that!

Like I said, I don't bet usually unless I can control it or if its for small stakes. If you trust me take these to the bookie but in a few weeks I will be spot on.

PSU @ OSU

I think last weekend couldn't have gone much better for Penn State. My reasons follow. We will talk about each game and team in different sections...here you go.


Ohio State @ Michigan State

• OSU is now confident that they are good because of one game.
• Pryor still only completed 7 of 11 for just over 100 yards. And he didn't run great either.
• Michigan State is a RUNNING team. Their QB only completes like 50% of his passes. They AREN'T going to come from behind and OSU jumped on them early.
• And Michigan State was overrated.
• OSU won and Pryor was successful which means Boeckman probably won't play much.
  

Michigan @ Penn State

• Penn State had to face adversity in the first half and early second half. They hadn't until then.
• Now people think they are beatable.
• They showed themselves that they can do what they want when they want.

Overall I think the keys are that OSU looked better than previously thought and PSU looked worse than previously thought.

This works to PSUs advantage because now people WILL BE PICKING OSU! If everyone went into that game taking PSU than OSU would have had a chip on their shoulder but now....they have more support.

And since Pryor is still winning that means they won't be too tempted to play Todd Boeckman much. Boeckman scares me a lot more than Pryor as far as production is concerned.

Like I said....good for Penn State!

Call Your Bookie

Here are the college games you should be betting. And I am not shying away from the 4 big games this weekend. I will pick them plus 6.

Last week I went 5-5 and this week I am giving you the pick against the spread AND the over under. I won't factor the over/under into my record for picks though.

To the picks already!

(home teams in caps)

MIAMI 2.5 42 Wake Forest

Take Miami and the under. There is a chance that Wake WON'T score in this game and if they do I don't think they will get more than 10. Miami covers but only wins 27-10.

GA TECH 12 37 Virginia

This is curious considering the Yellow Jackets haven't really dominated anyone this season and UVA has proven that they can hang with the good teams. I think GT will win but they won't cover. Take Virginia and the points. And also take the over. GT 24 - 14

TCU 31 42 Wyoming

31!! And the o/u is only 42??? That basically means that Vegas doesn't think the Cowboys will score. I am not buying it. TCU will win this game but take Wyoming and the points. And also take the over. TCU 31 - 14

FLORIDA 25 48 Kentucky

Kentucky is NOT a bad team. But Florida is much better at home than the road (throwing out that Mississippi game of course) but 25 points? I am not convinced. The Gators win but don't cover. Take UK and the over. Florida 30 - 21

MISSOURI 22 63 Colorado

The Tigers lost last week and it wasn't really close. They also lost the week before against Okie State. That is two losses and now Vegas installs them as a 22 point favorite? Well I agree with this one. Take Missouri and the over! Missouri 56 - 21

TULSA 23.5 72 ucf

UCF is not a terrible team.....but Tulsa is amazing on offense. These numbers both seem high to me though. So I looked at everything and this is what I came up with. Take Tulsa to cover and take the OVER! Tulsa 52 - 24

NOW TO THE BIG GAMES:

KANSAS 1.5 66 Texas Tech

I couldn't believe that Kansas was favored in this game. I don't believe the Raiders are a top 5 team but I definitely don't think they are worse than Kansas. I am not convinced Kansas is a top 25 teams. Take Texas Tech to win outright and they will go over 66. Texas Tech 42 - 31

LSU 1.5 48 Georgia

I am a little less surprised that LSU is favored in this game than Kansas. But I was hoping to see UGa as the favorite here. Now they can go in with the us against the world mentality. It won't be enough...LSU will win and cover. But take the under cause the final will be 24-17 LSU.

TEXAS 12 70 Oklahoma State

I mistakingly thought Texas would lose last week. Do I believe that this week? No, Texas will win this game. But that isn't the question here. Will they cover? I don't think so. Take Texas to win but they WON'T cover. Take Okie St and the points. And also take the under (surprised?).
Texas 38 - 28

Penn State 2.5 46 OHIO STATE

If you thought for a MOMENT that I might take OSU here you are nuts. Penn State will win and will absolutely cover. And they will go OVER 46. Final score Penn State 34 - 17


There you have it. They will be in the sidebar to review....as well as a link to the article. Enjoy your winnings.....if you have the guts to call your bookie that is!

To Stay or To Go

You know it was going to become a question.

Should Colt McCoy go to the NFL after this season?

We touched on it a little bit during the podcast this week but I have some other opinions that I would like to share.

Currently it is being reported that McCoy intends to return to Texas for his senior season next season.

I was watching something on ESPN where they said that this is a mistake. That he should just look at Matt Leinart and understand that the same thing will happen to him. If he doesn't go to the NFL his draft stock will fall.

Right now some people are projecting him as a top 5 pick in the 2009 Draft. With his numbers you could hardly argue that. I mean the guy is completing over 80% of his passes! That is incredible.

But the question is.....Should he leave school early?

I say no and here is why.

Let's look for an instant at the Leinart comparison. If Matt had come out after his junior year then he would be the 49ers quarterback. Which with the talent surrounding him he would be getting comparisons to Tim Couch and David Carr. Not many quarterbacks could really have made that offense go the past couple years and Leinart surely isn't one of them.

But now Leinart is in Arizona and is poised to become the number one quarterback next year....on a good team. I like his chances.

The ESPN talking heads were more refering to money though. Because if he comes out this year he will make more money at the start of his career.

But let me ask you this.....who will (more than likely) make more over the course of their careers....Alex Smith or Matt Leinart?

I say Leinart.....by a lot.

If he comes out this year and ends up on a roster like (for arguments sake) the Lions, Chiefs, or 49ers, is that going to be good for him?

Now lets say he goes back to school and struggles a little bit and falls as much as a round in the NFL draft...now where does he end up?

Maybe the Titans, Bucs, Colts, or Panthers would pick him in the second round or late in the first round. Much like a guy like Aaron Rodgers. He would have a chance to LEARN the NFL game and develop with a team and take over when he is ready.

And really lets look at the offense he is running at Texas......is he ready to play in the NFL? HELL NO!!

Does he even know where to put his hands to take a snap under center? Cause I am not sure he has ever done it.

Yes he is an incredible talent and OF COURSE he will be successful in the NFL. But should he be a top 5 pick that is put in the game right away? No.....he isn't ready. And yes that is what happens to ALL top 5 quarterbacks. If he even falls to middle of the first round it would do him good.

So Colt, unless you need a ton of money RIGHT NOW than stay in school and get your degree. Even if you win the Heisman and the National Championship.....STAY IN SCHOOL!!

You will be better off in the long run if you are NOT a top 5 pick!

Episode 6

In the sixth installment of Jumping Offsides we talked about:

• An NFL recap
• The new 49ers coach
• Power Rankings
• A college football recap
• BCS standings debate
• Colt McCoy and Texas
• World Series preview
• World Series picks
• College football preview
• A look at PSU/OSU
• We made our confidence picks
  

Join us next week as we talk more football and possibly a world series recap as it could be over by then.

A Star is Born

Last night a star was born in major league baseball. If you live anywhere outside of Central to Eastern PA and south Jersey, you may not have know how good Cole Hamels really was. Lucky for me, I have had the opportunity to see every start he has ever had, If I had so chosen. Don't get me wrong, I haven't watched every game he has pitched but I have seen more then most so for me this is no surprise. I knew how good Hamels was before this post season and before last night.

He doesn't have staggering numbers so I can totally understand why it took a performance like last night for him to get really noticed. People are now recognizing him for the ace that he is. Last night he carried that team because other then Utley's homer in the first, they didn't hit. I know he gave up a homer to Crawford and a double to Iwamura but those were his only two bad pitches of the night. That's right, in seven strong innings he threw two bad pitches. I will take that from my ace any day of the year.

He did everything they asked him to. Give us seven strong so we can get Madson and Lidge in. Keep the ball down in the zone against these big swinging youngsters. Mix in the change and keep them off balance. It was a masterful performance by an emerging ace in the league. He won them game 1 on the road and taken home field and put in back in the Phillies favor.

Don't be surprised to see this guy twice more in this series and really don't be surprised if he wins them both. Here's to ya Cole! Atta boy! Great game!

NFL Power Rankings

Two weeks ago I thought the NFL had imploded. 5 of my top 6 teams lost and when I tried to put a list together for my power rankings, I had a terrible time. I had such a bad time that if you listen to podcast 5, we actually let lady luck kind of do a power rankings also. It seems thought that week 7 has gotten us back on track however. Most of the teams that I thought were going to win and should have won did and that made this week much easier.

The other thing that we learned in week 7 is that the Dallas Cowboys are not as good as we all thought. Listen, I know Romo is hurt and that is a huge loss but if you all remember, back in the preseason this team had so much talent that really no team in the league would really be able to compete with them. That to me sounds like even with Brad Johnson they still should have been fine. I guess this raises the question: Is Tony Romo that good and that important to this team? My answer for that is no, he isn't, they just aren't as good as everyone thought they were. I have a simple solution for Mr. Jones and the assistant head coach Mr. Phillips. RUN THE BALL! Stop trying to make Owens happy every week and run the ball. If you win Owens will be fine and Marion Barber gives you the best shot at that. Give Owens his five or six catches a game but make sure you give the ball to Barber 25 times a game. The defense needs to get better also. Losing Pacman should not make a difference. This is more evidence that they aren't that good. Losing Pacman has made this one of the worst secondaries in the league. Guess what then? They were one of the worst secondaries in the league but he got in a fight. Dallas isn't as good and they did a good job of fooling everyone including myself.

Onto the Power Rankings:

10. Chicago Bears - Just gave up 41 points and still won. Scored two special teams touchdowns and neither were by Devon Hester. Oh and don't sleep on Orton, that kid is playing well!

9. New England - Is the offense that good or is Denver's D that bad. Probably a little of both but if Cassel can be more consistent this team could still win that division.

8. Arizona Cardinals - This team is going to win their division and rightfully so. This team can score and will be getting Boldin back soon. Any running game would help a lot but this team is fine.

7. Washington Redskins - The loss to the Rams is beginning to look ok but last week's close game with Cleveland scares me. If they take care of business against Detroit this week they could be right back in the top 5.

6. Tampa Bay Bucs - Really good defense always scores major points with me. This team has that and a quarterback who loves to just manage games. The offense is good enough to make this team really good.

5. Buffalo Bills - This defense is really good to and I put them ahead of Tampa because I would take Edwards, Lynch and Evans against Garcia, Dunn, and ??? any day.

4. Carolina Panthers - I know Tampa just beat this team 27-3 but it was in Tampa and Carolina just beat New Orleans 30-7, which in my mind is very impressive.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers - Pounded the Bengals last week 38-10. I know, that doesn't say much but they are 5-1 and even with their third string running back and are just running it down teams throats. Big test this week at home against the Giants.

2. New York Giants - Never let San Francisco have a chance. Also 5-1 and as long as Eli doesn't try to force it to Plax too many times this offense is great! Brandon Jacobs is an animal. Big road game this week in Pittsburgh. ( I know I mentioned this game twice but that shows how big it is.)

1. Tennessee Titans - Only unbeaten team left. Need I say more? Some people are picking Indy this week. I am not. The train roles on. This defense is incredible.

I think the league is really shaking itself out and we now know who the real contenders are! I love the NFL and its going to be great from here on out!

The Fall Classic

Who would've thought? I wonder what the Rays odds were of making the World Series back during spring training were. Oh, and the Phillies, everyone thought they would be good, but World Series good. I am not so sure. Here we are though, this is who we have and I love it! The Rays might be the most feel good story of all-time in baseball and the Phillies might give Philadelphia what they have longed for, for many years. A Championship in something other then an arena sport.

If you are a baseball fan you knew that Tampa was going to be good soon! I expected it was going to be two years from now as long as they didn't trade all the young talent away. That young talent, Longoria, Upton, Garza, Shields, Price, and Navarro didn't give the front office a chance to ruin it. They got down to business and did it this year! And for the two guys that have been there the whole time, Crawford and Baldelli, what a feeling they must have right now! This is an amazing team with an amazing story. I really hope they finish it out and win the whole darn thing!

Then you have the Phils. This team can hit! They have the past two NL MVP's on the team and a player in Utley who could very well win one or two before he is done. Its hard not to root for a guy like Shane Victorino, who is one of those guys that will do anything to help the team win. Brett Myers is the comeback story of the year after being sent to the minors because he was pitching terrible and now he has been rock solid for them in the playoffs. The bullpen has been amazing the whole season with Lidge and Madson. Lidge has not blown a save the entire season and that includes the playoffs. They make it a 7 inning game which makes this team very hard to beat.

I am going to tell you who I think has the edge in all the important facets of the game in this series.

Hitting: I give this to the Phillies barely. This hit for more power but that may only be because of the park they play in. They have five or six guys that can hit it out regularly and the Rays in my opinion only have three.

Running: You have Rollins and Victorino on one side and Crawford and Upton on the other. I think those are the only real base stealing threats on each team so I give the edge here to Tampa barely.

Fielding: Tampa wins big here. They have speed in the outfield and Longoria is an amazing defensive third baseman. Utley is shaky at second but Iwamura isn't. If the series comes down to defense, the Rays will win.

Starting Pitching: I give this one to the Rays based solely on depth. Hamels and Myers are right there with Shields and Kazmir but after that the Rays are much better. Moyer and Blanton just don't do it for me and we all just saw how good Garza is.

Bullpen: Phils in a landslide. Not saying the Rays are bad with Balfour, Price, and Howell but the Phils are just lights out. Madson and Lidge and Eyre are really really good. If the Phils get a lead early its going to hard for the young kids to fight back.

Intangibles: I give this to the Rays because they are feeling no pressure right now. These kids just want to go out and play and have a good time. After almost losing to Boston but winning an amazing game seven, they now are going to realize how close they are. Tampa gets the edge here.

Coaching: This is my one and only push. These guys are both amazing at what they do. Maddon should win coach of the year in the AL and if the Cubs didn't have such a good season in the NL Manuel might have won it in the NL. Manuel is one of the best hitting coaches in the league and Maddon is an amazing strategizer. I can't pick a winner here.

Now, Who do I think will win the series?

I am going to say that the Rays win in 7. That's right, I am going to say that this series is going to go the distance and I think the Rays will win it 4-3 in game 7 to complete the most improbable story in baseball history!

Confidence Pool Games to Pick for 10/25-26

Here are this weeks games. The more people that join the more fun it will be.

Come on....leave a comment with your picks or email us!!

We are making it a little tougher this week for the college picks. We looked for tough games to pick amongst the big conferences but no highly ranked teams against unranked teams this week. Let's see if anyone can go 7-1 this week in the college picks.

College Games (deadline - noon Saturday):

Duke @ Vanderbilt
Wake Forest @ Miami
Boston College @ North Carolina
24 Minnesota @ Purdue
8 Texas Tech @ 23 Kansas
7 Georgia @ 12 LSU
6 Oklahoma State @ 1 Texas
3 Penn State @ 9 Ohio State

tiebreaker - combined score of Okie State/Texas


NFL (deadline - 1 pm Sunday):

Tampa Bay @ Dallas
Buffalo @ Miami
St. Louis @ New England
San Diego @ New Orleans (in London)
Atlanta @ Philadelphia
Arizona @ Carolina
NY Giants @ Pittsburgh
Indianapolis @ Tennessee

tiebreaker - combined score of Ariz/Carolina


Submit your picks this week and get on the leader board!

Confidence Pool Results for 10/18-19

This weeks winners......not me so who cares!

College - Yosty
NFL - Yosty

Yosty sweeps the results....unbelievable!

College:
Yosty--------31
Wifey--------29*
Karl---------29
Muther------25
Verb--------23
GM---------19

NFL:
Yosty-------23
GM---------19
Verb--------18
Wifey-------17
Karl--------10
Muther-----7

*won on tiebreaker.


A couple thoughts...Wifey actually went 7-1 in her college picks but lost an important one. Karl and Yosty went 6-2.

Yawn...

What a boring Sunday in the NFL.

And in my area....outside Harrisburg, PA....we had really bad games on tv. On CBS at 1 we got to watch Baltimore @ Miami. On Fox at 1 we got to see San Fran @ Giants. On CBS at 4 we got to see Cleveland @ Wash.

How can you not get excited about those games?!?! (sarcasm STRONGLY intended)

Typically I would get all the work done in the morning and then watch football all day. But not this week. I actually watched the pregame shows and THEN went out to do some yard work Sunday. That is how much I wanted to watch those games.

I usually get this way at about the midway point of the NFL season. The games just seem monotonous to me after a while and the races are still being organized.

I am not saying that I don't like to watch but it bores me more than usual.

Part of that is the excitement that comes with college football on Saturday's. There are so many games to watch all day that you are almost guaranteed a good game at some point. I can sit down at noon on Saturday and watch 2 or 3 games in HD. Than at 3:30 there are at least another 2 or 3 and sometimes more. Than you get the night games which there are usually 3 different games on.

That means I can watch 9 HD games at 3 different time slots...all on cable. I don't have to pay more to see them! You can surely find a decent game to watch at each time slot almost every week.

But the NFL....boring sometimes. Now to the networks defense this past weekend all the games were boring. Even the two that I wanted to see, New Orleans/Carolina and Indy/GB, were terrible games for tv. But I would still like the choice....and I won't pay for it.

Don't get me wrong...I love the NFL. I am an Eagles fan and would have watched them play anyone had they played but they were off and the games that were on were very unappealing.

But the NFL is great and I love the playoff races and the playoffs. From Thanksgiving through the Super Bowl there isn't anything I would rather watch, except maybe the occasional bowl game.

But right now.....weeks 7-11......really not exciting.

Official in LSU/South Carolina game

UNBELIEVABLE!!!

Have you seen this???

I didn't know about it until I heard about it on The Herd on ESPN radio. No one else seems to be talking about it.

How does Ed Hochuli end up receiving death threats and this guy isn't even talked about yet.

Check it out for yourself.

If it doesn't come up or work for you click here.



UNBELIEVABLE!!

No matter how many times I write it I still can't believe it.

He should be fired RIGHT NOW!!! No investigation...no hearing...no appeal. FIRED!! Do not pass Go do not collect ANY MONEY!!!!*

*except the money he obviously earned for doing it

There is no room for this ANYWHERE!

Verb's Thoughts:

Does LSU have any scholarships left?  This guy could be the best player on their defense.  I totally agree with the GM in that this guy needs to go.  Thats terrible and he shouldn't have even been near the kid, let alone line him up and shoulder block him.  

An update on the situation:  The SEC has decided that the official was in the right position and no disciplinary action will be taken.

I can't believe it either!!!

BCS Thoughts & Top 10

The first BCS standings were released this weekend. You can view them here. No real surprises but I definitely have some problems with it.

The top 3 are fine. Texas, Alabama, and Penn State are the consensus top 3 teams in the country so they should be 1,2, and 3. After that it is questionable.

I don't have a HUGE problem with Oklahoma at #4 although I think undefeated teams in the BCS conferences should be at the top. I think OU lost to a great Texas team and has beaten everyone else on their schedule.

My problem comes with USC. Here is a team that has only won 1 game against a decent opponent, Ohio State. Luckily for USC, Ohio State finally played like a top 10 team this weekend and won a game handily for the first time this season. But other than that who has USC beaten? A weak Virginia team, highly overrated teams in Oregon and Arizona St, and arguably the worst BCS conference team in Washington State.

But yet they are #5 in the BCS?!?! It just doesn't make any sense. They haven't played anyone and guess what.....they won't play anyone. And their one loss.....was to an average Oregon State team that got beat by Stanford.

Who should be there? There are a couple teams actually.

Oklahoma State is undefeated and just last week beat the 3rd ranked team in the country on the road! Georgia has lost 1 game....to the 2nd ranked team in the country.

I really think Okie State should be ahead of USC and maybe OU. And if you are going to have a one loss team ahead of an undefeated team it should be Georgia.

Texas Tech is close and can help their cause this Saturday at Kansas but I don't mind Georgia and USC ahead of them.

But this is the yearly problem with the BCS. It favors historically good programs like USC instead of looking at their schedule and results. Yes they have beaten up on teams. But they haven't played a GOOD team like Okie State has. And NO OHIO STATE is not a good team. They got lucky this past weekend. More on that later.


Now here is my top 10 list:

1. Texas (1) 7-0 - Impressive win against Missouri. If anything the just stretched their lead out even further over the rest of the country. McCoy is phenomenal this year and this is a very good team.
2. Alabama (2) 7-0 - A tough win against Mississippi that I think should have been larger. They have to go to Tennessee this weekend and better make a statement or questions will get larger.
3. Penn State (3) 8-0 - They got caught looking ahead during the first half against Michigan but responded a made a good statement in the second half.
4. Oklahoma (4) 6-1 - I thought it was an impressive win against Kansas. They can't play defense but they still won big. A good win after a tough loss.
5. Oklahoma State (7) 7-0 - After beating Missouri last week I though Baylor might give them a game but they didn't. I was impressed with Okie St's focus.
6. Florida (6) 5-1 - They have played a tougher schedule than Georgia and USC so they are ahead of them. They still have tough games and could move up more.
7. Texas Tech (8) 7-0 - They didn't really impress this past week but they are still undefeated. They have plenty of chances to prove themselves going forward.
8. USC (9) 5-1 - Destroyed Wazzou but that isn't that impressive. They are winning the games on their schedule which is really all you can do.
9. Georgia (10) 6-1 - Beat a good Vandy team but not dominating in that game. They still have chances to prove themselves but won't get much higher without help.
10. Ohio State (-) 7-1 - Finally make it back in the top 10 after a commanding performance against MSU. Big game this weekend against PSU.

Almost there:

Utah (-) 8-0 - The BYU loss actually hurt them since they still play them in November. They need help to get into top 10.
Boise St (-) 6-0 - They have beaten teams that USC beat but aren't quite there. If they keep winning and get help they could move up.
LSU (-) 5-1 - Barely hanging on to this spot. Big win at South Carolina. They get Georgia at home this week and could make it back into top 10 with win.


Gone from list:

BYU (5) 6-1 - They got absolutely handled at TCU. Not good. They only chance they have to save their season and ranking is by destroying Utah next month.

Gettin Loose...10/19

We are Gettin Loose once again but this week its in Virginia. Martinsville to be exact. Its the shortest track NASCAR runs on and that should make for some exciting racing. Jimmie Johnson is the defending champion of this race and this is where he started a streak of three straight victories last year. This was where he began his run at the title and no one could stop him once he got serious.

This year Johnson comes into the race with a 69 point lead of Jeff Burton. Greg Biffle is a close third only 17 behind Burton and Carl Edwards is fourth. Edwards needs to really pick up his game after a 29th and 33rd place finished the last two weeks. He has dug himself a big whole, but not one he can't get out of. The other two guys just need to run the way they are capable and just hope that the 48 team runs into some bad luck sooner or later.

This week qualifying was canceled and in the 4 weeks since I started "Gettin Loose" qualifying has been rained out twice. I understand weather is something we can't control but I am not sure I like the way NASCAR handles starting lineups when they don't qualify. The rule now is that driver and owner points are what decide who starts where. Now don't get me wrong, right now its making this chase even more dramatic every week due to all the chase drivers starting up front. This, I believe, has given Jimmie a major advantage. He gets to start on the pole and especially here is helps him get those five bonus points right away. I am not saying he wouldn't lead the race at some point anyway, but at a short track like this, starting on the pole is definitely an advantage. Do I have a solution to the issue? Nope, no I don't. Drawing out of a hat really doesn't do anything for me because then you are bringing luck into it way more then it should. You could change one of the practice sessions into a qualifying session. If the drivers knew that was the rule then they would understand. Or change the Nationwide qualifying session into the cup qualifying session and let them start by points position. Like I said, I don't know what the best solution is but I do believe it needs to change.

Getting back to this week at the Tum's quikpak 500. I think its going to be a very interesting and competitive race around like short track in Martinsville. This is the other major question mark for a lot of the drivers in the chase. They are all trying to keep their noses clean and make sure they get out of their with a solid finish. After this week, I really believe that we are going to figure out who the true contenders are for the title. It would not surprise if one or two more drivers really gave themselves a chance after today.

My lock of the week is Denny Hamlin. He won here in the spring and really never runs bad here. He will have a strong car and this is a track he really likes. He is looking for some momentum going into next year and I think he gets it here today.

My sleeper of the week is Jamie McMurray. He likes short tracks as well and lately he has been running good. He would also love to win just to build some momentum for next year. He has always had the talent now lets see if he can put it all together and get a win.

NFL Week 7

Its week 7 already and so far and all we have figured out so far is that Tennessee is good, and Detroit is bad. The rest is still very obviously up for grabs.

Tony Romo is back maybe from the broken pinkie injury that was supposed to keep him out 4 weeks. There were a lot of people, Brett Favre included, that called him out and made it seem like 4 weeks was way too many and that he shouldn't even really miss a start.

I actually disagree with everyone who is calling him out. Brett Favre is a freak in a sense of playing so many games in a row. I am sure he has dealt with something like this but every individual can deal with things in their own way. If Favre can play with an injury like that, that's incredible. We have seen Brett do some crazy things and that's what makes him great. I believe Romo is seriously feeling this injury and really doesn't want to play.

I think, right now Romo really isn't sure and that is no way to play in the NFL. Its not like the Cowboys were going to be playing some hard teams. This week is St. Louis. Maybe Romo is afraid of injuring it worse and that's why he doesn't want to play. Whatever the case may be, he obviously isn't confident or comfortable with it right now, so I really think it would be wise for him not to give into all of the criticism and take at least one week off.

My picking skills aren't as good as they once were but that isn't going to stop me from trying. Here we go again!

Tennessee @ Kansas City

San Diego @ Buffalo

Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati

Baltimore @ Miami

Dallas @ St. Louis

Minnesota @ Chicago

New Orleans @ Carolina

San Francisco @ NY Giants

Detroit @ Houston

NY Jets @ Oakland

Cleveland @ Washington

Indianapolis @ Green Bay

Seattle @ Tampa Bay

Denver @ New England

I picked half the visiting teams today. What am I thinking? After last week though, who really knows anything anymore. The one sure thing I would give you is that Tampa is going to blow out Seattle. Other then that, I am like Tony Romo, (no, I am not dating Jessica Simpson, although I wish) I am just not confident anymore.


GMs Thoughts:

Tennessee @ Kansas City

San Diego @ Buffalo

Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati

Baltimore @ Miami

Dallas @ St. Louis

Minnesota @ Chicago

New Orleans @ Carolina

San Francisco @ NY Giants

Detroit @ Houston

NY Jets @ Oakland

Cleveland @ Washington

Indianapolis @ Green Bay

Seattle @ Tampa Bay

Denver @ New England

There are my picks and with the exception of Carolina over NO, Verb and I have the exact same picks. But I think most people do.

Confidence Picks for 10/18-19

This weeks confidence picks. I am hoping to still get more people involved but right now I only have 4 sets of picks. Here they are....

College:

21 Wake Forest @ Maryland
Wifey---------Wake------7
Karl-----------Wake------6
Verb----------MD--------5
GM-----------MD--------8

23 Pittsburgh @ Navy
Wifey---------Pitt--------8
Karl-----------Pitt-------7
Verb----------Navy------2
GM-----------Pitt-------5

13 LSU @ South Carolina
Wifey----------LSU------4
Karl-----------LSU-------8
Verb----------S Car-------1
GM-----------S Car-------7

25 California @ Arizona
Wifey---------Ariz-------3
Karl----------Ariz-------5
Verb---------Cal--------7
GM-----------Cal--------4

22 Vanderbilt @ 10 Georgia
Wifey---------UGa-------6
Karl----------UGa-------4
Verb---------UGa--------8
GM----------UGa--------6

16 Kansas @ 4 Oklahoma
Wifey---------OU--------5
Karl----------OU---------3
Verb---------OU---------4
GM----------Kans--------1

12 Ohio State @ 20 Michigan State
Wifey---------OSU-------5
Karl----------OSU-------3
Verb---------MSU-------3
GM----------MSU-------3

11 Missouri @ 1 Texas
Wifey---------UT-------1
Karl----------Miss------1
Verb---------UT--------6
GM-----------Miss-----2

Tiebreaker (combined score of Miss/Tex game)
Wifey--------51
Karl---------56
Verb--------68
GM---------70


NFL:

San Diego @ Buffalo
Wifey----------SD------3
Karl-----------SD-------7
Verb----------Buff------3
GM-----------Buff------5

Minnesota @ Chicago
Wifey---------Minn-----2
Karl----------Chi-------4
Verb---------Chi-------7
GM----------Chi-------6

Baltimore @ Miami
Wifey---------Balt------1
Karl----------Mia-------6
Verb---------Mia-------5
GM----------Mia-------4

New Orleans @ Carolina
Wifey---------NO-------8
Karl----------NO--------3
Verb---------NO--------1
GM----------Car--------1

Indianapolis @ Green Bay
Wifey--------GB--------7
Karl----------Indy------2
Verb---------Indy------2
GM----------Indy------2

NY Jets @ Oakland
Wifey--------Jets------6
Karl---------Jets-------8
Verb---------Jets------6
GM----------Jets------8

Cleveland @ Washington
Wifey-------Wash------5
Karl--------Wash-------5
Verb--------Wash------8
GM---------Wash------7

Denver @ New England
Wifey--------NE-------4
Karl----------NE------1
Verb---------Den------4
GM----------Den------3

Tiebreaker (combined score of Indy/GB)
Wifey--------53
Karl---------34
Verb---------45
GM----------55


Next week YOU could make some picks. Just email them to us after we post the games on Tues/Wed. Or just leave a comment on the page somewhere.

NFL Power Rankings

So, Week 5 in the NFL made doing the Power Rankings this week really hard! Numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 all lost. Some understandably and some not so much! Last week just proved how much of a crap shoot the NFL really is every week. GM and I decided as a team that we would prove this theory. So, I decided to really think long and hard about the rankings this week and we also decided that we would throw some names in a hat and see what happened. We will give you both lists and I would love to have you guys vote on which one I used my brain on and which one was just picked right out of a hat. Here we go with the two lists. I am not going to give any reasons this week because I want to see how many people figure out which list is which.

10. Buffalo Bills

9. San Diego

8. Tampa Bay

7. Philadelphia

6. Dallas

5. Arizona

4. Pittsburgh

3. Washington

2. New York

1. Tennessee


OR


10. Arizona

9. Atlanta

8. Buffalo

7. Denver

6. NY Giants

5. Washington

4. Pittsburgh

3. Tampa Bay

2. Dallas

1. Tennessee

Tennessee was a consensus number 1 so on both lists they will be placed there. I really want to see how many of you get this right! Email us or feel free to just post a comment on here! Thanks!

College Football Week 8 Preview

I feel like I am not doing anything useful by just picking a few winners. So this week I am starting something new.

I am going to pick 10 games each week (I am open to suggestions for games from readers) and try to pick against the spread.

Now let me explain to you how much experience I have with the spread......none.

I barely even understand it enough to make the picks but I think I have it down so here are the games I will pick. (I got the lines from this site here)

22 Vanderbilt @ 10 Georgia (-14.5)
16 Kansas @ 4 Oklahoma (-20)
12 Ohio State (-3.5) @ 20 Michigan State
11 Missouri @ 1 Texas (-6)
17 Virgina Tech @ Boston College (-3)
Baylor @ 8 Oklahoma State (-17)
Mississippi @ 2 Alabama (-13)
Georgia Tech (-2.5) @ Clemson
Wisconsin @ Iowa (-3.5)
Miami (-3.5) @ Duke

Now lets pick em!

Vandy/UGa - While I don't see Vandy winning this game outright I really don't see the Bulldogs winning by 2 touchdowns. Every game Vandy has played has been close and Georgia can't put teams away. Plus you add in that Georgia gets LSU next week and you can see how this game should be close.
the pick~~~Vandy (+14.5)

KU/OU - Some people have said that OU will run wild on KU and just embarrass them. That KU isn't in the same class as OU and they can't compete. These are probably the 2 best pass defenses in the Big 12 which isn't really saying anything considering what OU allowed Texas to do last week. I think 20 is too many points though so I will take another underdog.
the pick~~~Kansas (+20)

OSU/MSU - I believe I have heard somewhere that being a home game gets you 3 points which means the odds makers really like OSU by almost a touchdown on a neutral field. This is tough to pick since Sparty hasn't really been tested yet. I am really not a Terrelle Pryor believer just yet and if he is taking all the snaps I don't like the Buckeyes. This is a big game for Sparty and OSU has to worry about PSU next week.
the pick~~~MSU (+3.5)

Missou/UT - The Big 12 is tough. But Missouri actually has a very manageable schedule after this game. While Texas gets Okie State and Texas Tech the next two weeks. So UT needs this game more than Missouri. Texas is coming off of a HUGE emotional win against OU while Missou is down after a tough loss to Okie State. So.....
the pick~~~Missouri (+6)

VT/BC - This game is very even. In fact BC is a 3 point favorite which is the result of them being at home so it is truly even. VT scares me though. Their offense just seems to be horrible and their defense isn't great but they still win games. And they have proven themselves where as BC hasn't really played anyone yet. But I have to take a favorite at some point...right? Maybe not.
the pick~~~Va Tech (+3)

BU/Okie St - Let's look at Okie State. They just upset a very good Missouri team, good for them. Next week they go to Austin to play the Longhorns. Seems like the perfect trap game to me. These two teams are probably the most balanced in the conference on offense. I do like Okie St to win this game. But it won't be easy.
the pick~~~Baylor (+17)

Miss/Bama - Alabama is coming off of a bye week and they have Nick Saban at head coach. So they should win easily right? I don't know. Obviously Vegas is a little concerned too since they are only 13 point favorites (considering OU plays a ranked KU team and is a 20 point favorite). It isn't really a trap game but Bama does get Tennessee next week which in name is a good team. Is Mississippi for real after beating Florida? I am not convinced.
the pick~~~Alabama (-13)

GT/Clem - Clemson has a new coach this week. Will the team rally behind him? I think firing a coach basically makes all their stats and past games useless until the team shows how they are going to play. The staff still intends to play Willie Korn at QB which was a big problem with most of the team and Coach Bowden. Clemson needs this game badly though.
the pick~~~Georgia Tech (-2.5)

Wisc/Iowa - Wiscy has lost 3 straight games including 2 at home. And now they go to play an Iowa team that got a big win last week against Indiana. Iowa has lost 3 games by a total of 9 points against 3 good teams in Pitt, Northwestern, and MSU. Wiscy got blown out of the water last week after playing OSU tough the week before. The road may be the best place for Wiscy right now.
the pick~~~Iowa (-3.5)

Miami/Duke - Neither of these teams seem to do anything well at all. Miami's run defense is the only thing that seems to be a positive for either team. This game is at Duke which should give the Devils hope. And they had a bye week to get over their 27-0 loss to GT. But I am not sure Duke has the athletes to use it to their advantage.
the pick~~~Miami (-3.5)


There you go. Call your bookie. I will be back next Thursday to see how I did and to pick more games.