When Texas Tech beat Texas this weekend it lead me to take a quick look into Tech’s schedule, which I found to be soft up until this point. That ultimately led me to do a quick analysis of the entire Big 12 schedule to see the strength of their opponents. The results, which can be found in one of my earlier posts, showed that the Big 12 as a conference didn’t schedule many tough games and that the great records of the highest ranked teams (i.e. Texas Tech and Texas) came at the expense of beating up on lesser competition.
After some further thought, I decided it would be nice to have the same analysis of another conference. That has led to my research below for the SEC. I chose the SEC because it seems as if a consensus of the “experts” have listed the SEC and Big 12 as the strongest conferences in the country this year. Read into this data however you want, but one thing remains clear, WE NEED A PLAYOFF.
SEC Records Against Top 25 Teams At The Time:
Florida 2-0
Alabama 2-0
Mississippi 1-2
Mississippi St. 1-2
Auburn 0-2
LSU 1-2
Arkansas 2-3
Tennessee 0-4
Kentucky 0-2
South Carolina 0-2
Georgia 2-2
Vanderbilt 2-1
Summary: Just like the Big 12, the top teams in the SEC (Florida and Alabama) have good records against ranked opponents, and that all teams have played at least 2 ranked teams.
SEC Records Against Top 25 Teams At The Time – Non SEC Games:
Florida 0-0
Alabama 1-0 (Win over Clemson)
Mississippi 0-1 (Loss to Wake Forest)
Mississippi St. 0-0
Auburn 0-0
LSU 0-0
Arkansas 1-1 (Win over Tulsa, Loss to Texas)
Tennessee 0-0
Kentucky 0-0
South Carolina 0-0
Georgia 0-0
Vanderbilt 0-0
Summary: This proves that for the most part the SEC is just as bad, if not worse than the Big 12, at scheduling tough non-conference competition. A total of only 4 games, and 2 wins, against teams in the Top 25 for the entire conference is evidence that the SEC builds its records against weak competition. The only wins for the entire conference against ranked opponents are Clemson (which is not even close to being ranked anymore) and Tulsa (from the Conference USA). So just like the Big 12, the best win of anybody outside of the conference is over a non-BCS conference Team (the best win for the Big 12 has been over TCU).
SEC Records Against BCS Conference Teams:
Florida 1-0 (Win over Miami, Fl)
Alabama 1-0 (Win over Clemson)
Mississippi 0-1 (Loss to Wake Forest)
Mississippi St. 0-1 (Loss to Georgia Tech)
Auburn 0-1 (Loss to West Virginia)
LSU 0-0
Arkansas 0-1 (Loss to Texas)
Tennessee 0-1 (Loss to UCLA)
Kentucky 1-0 (Win over Louisville)
South Carolina 1-0 (Win over North Carolina St.)
Georgia 1-0 (Win over Arizona State)
Vanderbilt 0-1 (Loss to Duke)
Summary: While this shows that all teams, except LSU, play one game against a BCS conference team, there isn’t a whole lot of exposure to the other BCS conferences. The overall record against BCS conference teams is 5-6, and that includes a loss to Duke.
Conclusion:
I guess I was a little quick to make a judgment on the scheduling of the Big 12. The SEC is just as bad. I am also going to assume that I would find the same results if I did this for the rest of the BCS conferences. It just shows you the state of college football today, where one loss could mean you’ve blown your shot at the National Championship. The only real way to solve this would be for the NCAA to come to its senses and settle this argument on the field with a playoff. Now with what I was hoping would be insightful analysis proven totally irrelevant, I guess now I can go back to rooting for chaos in the BCS.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Analysis of the SEC Records
In response to multiple requests, a similar analysis of the SEC records is forthcoming.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Is the Big 12 Conference Overrated?
With the big win by Texas Tech over Texas this past weekend there has been a lot of talk about the “brutal” schedule Texas has faced, the “challenging” schedule Tech is facing in the near future, and how strong the Big 12 has been this year. Some experts have even claimed that the Big 12 is the best conference in the country. While the best conference argument is saved for another day, and another column (note: I think it’s the SEC this year) all this talk got me thinking and led to the following analysis of the aforementioned “brutal” and “challenging” schedules.
It is true that Texas faced 4 opponents ranked in the top 15 in a row and that Tech will be facing those same teams, but it must be noted that all of those ranked teams were from the Big 12. What my analysis below shows is that just about the only ranked teams that anybody from the Big 12 plays are in the Big 12. So the better Big 12 teams build great records, and corresponding rankings, by beating up on lesser teams. This vicious cycle makes wins later in the year against each other look more impressive than they really should be. Just because Missouri beats up on Southeast Missouri State and Buffalo inflating its record and ranking up to Number 11, should not really mean that Texas has beaten a legit Top 15 team.
The following is a quick breakdown of some stats regarding the Big 12 schedule. But I should preface this with the fact that I only did this for the Big 12, and it is possible that the results would be similar for other major conferences.
Big 12 Records Against Top 25 Teams At The Time:
Texas 3-1
Texas Tech 2-0
Oklahoma 2-1
Oklahoma State 1-1
Missouri 1-2
Colorado 1-3
Kansas 0-3
Iowa State 0-2
Nebraska 0-3
Baylor 0-4
Texas A&M 0-2
Kansas State 0-2
Summary: That the top teams in the Big 12 have good records against ranked opponent, and that all teams have played at least 2 ranked teams.
Big 12 Records Against Top 25 Teams At The Time – Non Big 12 Games:
Texas 0-0
Texas Tech 0-0
Oklahoma 1-0 (Win of TCU)
Oklahoma State 0-0
Missouri 1-0 (Win over Illinois)
Colorado 1-0 (Win over West Virginia)
Kansas 0-1 (Loss to S. Florida)
Iowa State 0-0
Nebraska 0-0
Baylor 0-1 (Loss to Wake Forest)
Texas A&M 0-0
Kansas State 0-0
Summary: This proves that for the most part the Big 12 doesn’t even schedule, let alone play, tough non-conference competition. A total of only 5 games, and 3 wins, against teams in the Top 25 for the entire conference is concrete evidence that the Big 12’s records are built on playing weaker teams. The best win of anybody outside the conference is over a TCU team from the Mountain West, a non-BCS conference.
Big 12 Records Against BCS Conference Teams:
Texas 1-0 (Win over Arkansas)
Texas Tech 0-0
Oklahoma 2-0 (Wins over Cincinnati and Washington)
Oklahoma State 1-0 (Win over Washington State)
Missouri 1-0 (Win over Illinois)
Colorado 1-1 (Win over West Virginia, Loss to Florida St.)
Kansas 0-1 (Loss to S. Florida)
Iowa State 0-1 (Loss to Iowa)
Nebraska 0-1 (Loss to Virginia Tech)
Baylor 1-2 (Win over Washington St., Loss to Wake Forest and UConn)
Texas A&M 0-1
Kansas State 0-1 (Loss to Louisville)
Summary: While this shows that all teams, except Texas Tech, play one game against a BCS conference team, there isn’t a whole lot of exposure to the other BCS conferences (with the exception of Baylor). Also, the little exposure there was this year includes two games against Washington, and one against Washington State, arguably some of the worst teams in the history of the BCS. The overall record against BCS conference teams is 7-8, and the team that is supposed to be the number 2 or 3 team in the county didn’t even schedule a game against another BCS conference.
Conclusion:
Although Texas Tech did have a nice win over Texas last weekend, I wouldn’t read all that much into it considering the obvious rank inflation of the top Big 12 teams that this research shows. Texas was a paper number 1, just as Oklahoma before it, all based upon the weak scheduling of the Big 12. If Texas Tech runs the table it will be impressive and they will have rightfully earned their place in the BCS championship, but if Tech gets beat in the upcoming weeks and there is not an undefeated team in the Big 12, my plea is that the Big 12 goes unrepresented in the BCS championship game and that if USC remains with one loss they play the winner of the SEC, as both teams will have rightfully deserved. Of course that is forgetting about Penn State, but I’ll save my thoughts on that for when the time is right.
It is true that Texas faced 4 opponents ranked in the top 15 in a row and that Tech will be facing those same teams, but it must be noted that all of those ranked teams were from the Big 12. What my analysis below shows is that just about the only ranked teams that anybody from the Big 12 plays are in the Big 12. So the better Big 12 teams build great records, and corresponding rankings, by beating up on lesser teams. This vicious cycle makes wins later in the year against each other look more impressive than they really should be. Just because Missouri beats up on Southeast Missouri State and Buffalo inflating its record and ranking up to Number 11, should not really mean that Texas has beaten a legit Top 15 team.
The following is a quick breakdown of some stats regarding the Big 12 schedule. But I should preface this with the fact that I only did this for the Big 12, and it is possible that the results would be similar for other major conferences.
Big 12 Records Against Top 25 Teams At The Time:
Texas 3-1
Texas Tech 2-0
Oklahoma 2-1
Oklahoma State 1-1
Missouri 1-2
Colorado 1-3
Kansas 0-3
Iowa State 0-2
Nebraska 0-3
Baylor 0-4
Texas A&M 0-2
Kansas State 0-2
Summary: That the top teams in the Big 12 have good records against ranked opponent, and that all teams have played at least 2 ranked teams.
Big 12 Records Against Top 25 Teams At The Time – Non Big 12 Games:
Texas 0-0
Texas Tech 0-0
Oklahoma 1-0 (Win of TCU)
Oklahoma State 0-0
Missouri 1-0 (Win over Illinois)
Colorado 1-0 (Win over West Virginia)
Kansas 0-1 (Loss to S. Florida)
Iowa State 0-0
Nebraska 0-0
Baylor 0-1 (Loss to Wake Forest)
Texas A&M 0-0
Kansas State 0-0
Summary: This proves that for the most part the Big 12 doesn’t even schedule, let alone play, tough non-conference competition. A total of only 5 games, and 3 wins, against teams in the Top 25 for the entire conference is concrete evidence that the Big 12’s records are built on playing weaker teams. The best win of anybody outside the conference is over a TCU team from the Mountain West, a non-BCS conference.
Big 12 Records Against BCS Conference Teams:
Texas 1-0 (Win over Arkansas)
Texas Tech 0-0
Oklahoma 2-0 (Wins over Cincinnati and Washington)
Oklahoma State 1-0 (Win over Washington State)
Missouri 1-0 (Win over Illinois)
Colorado 1-1 (Win over West Virginia, Loss to Florida St.)
Kansas 0-1 (Loss to S. Florida)
Iowa State 0-1 (Loss to Iowa)
Nebraska 0-1 (Loss to Virginia Tech)
Baylor 1-2 (Win over Washington St., Loss to Wake Forest and UConn)
Texas A&M 0-1
Kansas State 0-1 (Loss to Louisville)
Summary: While this shows that all teams, except Texas Tech, play one game against a BCS conference team, there isn’t a whole lot of exposure to the other BCS conferences (with the exception of Baylor). Also, the little exposure there was this year includes two games against Washington, and one against Washington State, arguably some of the worst teams in the history of the BCS. The overall record against BCS conference teams is 7-8, and the team that is supposed to be the number 2 or 3 team in the county didn’t even schedule a game against another BCS conference.
Conclusion:
Although Texas Tech did have a nice win over Texas last weekend, I wouldn’t read all that much into it considering the obvious rank inflation of the top Big 12 teams that this research shows. Texas was a paper number 1, just as Oklahoma before it, all based upon the weak scheduling of the Big 12. If Texas Tech runs the table it will be impressive and they will have rightfully earned their place in the BCS championship, but if Tech gets beat in the upcoming weeks and there is not an undefeated team in the Big 12, my plea is that the Big 12 goes unrepresented in the BCS championship game and that if USC remains with one loss they play the winner of the SEC, as both teams will have rightfully deserved. Of course that is forgetting about Penn State, but I’ll save my thoughts on that for when the time is right.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Free NFL Picks - Week 9
Time for my week 9 NFL picks. For entertainment purposes only, play with caution. Let's get to the picks:
My Game Of The Week:
Dallas @ NY Giants (-7.5) -- Who would have thought the number would be this big a month ago. This should've been a matchup of the best teams in the NFC, but now we're starring at a 7.5 spread. Seems high, but the Giants pass rush will cause Brad Johnson trouble which equals turnovers. This game could get out of hand.
PICK: Giants -7.5
The Rest Of The Games:
Pittsburgh @ Washington (-1.5) -- The Steelers played well enough last week to knock off the Giants, who knows what would have happened with a healthy longsnapper. I like the Steelers with points.
PICK: Pittsburgh +1.5
New England @ Indianapolis (-5.5) -- We've been accustomed to this being one of the best games of the year, and a playoff preview, but the Colts are fighting for their playoff life this year. I like the Colts to win, but 5.5 is too much to give the Patriots, even without Brady.
PICK: New England +5.5
Philadelphia @ Seattle (+6.5) -- The Eagles are going to take the lead from the Phillies this week.
PICK: Philadelphia -6.
Atlanta @ Oakland (+2.5) -- Battle of the young QB's, but this one will come down to which defense can make more plays.
PICK: Atlanta -2.5
Green Bay @ Tennessee(-5.5) -- Aaron Rodgers should be happy that he signed that contract extension before facing the Titans' defense. Titans continue to roll at home.
PICK: Tennessee -5.5
Miami @ Denver (-3.5) -- This should be a high scoring affair.
PICK: Denver -3.5
Arizona @ St. Louis (+2.5) -- The Cardinals aren't the same team on the road, but the Rams are pretty bad. Still, Arizona is the pick.
PICK: Arizona -2.5
Houston @ Minnesota (-4.5) --
PICK: Minnesota -4.5
Baltimore @ Cleveland (-1.5) --This is a different Browns team the last few weeks. Is it possible they're better without Winslow. Yes.
PICK: Cleveland -1.5
Tampa Bay @ Kansas City (+7.5) --
PICK: Tampa Bay -7.5
Jacksonville @ Cincinnati (+7.5) -- The Bengals are going to win one of these weeks, just not against the Jaguars. It won't be close.
PICK: Jacksonville -7.5
NY Jets @ Buffalo (-5.5) --If I was going to make a "lock" pick of the week, this would be it. Farve can't beat the Bills in Buffalo, even if the weather won't be an issue.
PICK: Buffalo -5.5
Detroit @ Chicago (-12.5) -- Last time around in Detroit this was a blowout. Chicago will win again, but not by 13.
PICK: Detroit +12.5
My Game Of The Week:
Dallas @ NY Giants (-7.5) -- Who would have thought the number would be this big a month ago. This should've been a matchup of the best teams in the NFC, but now we're starring at a 7.5 spread. Seems high, but the Giants pass rush will cause Brad Johnson trouble which equals turnovers. This game could get out of hand.
PICK: Giants -7.5
The Rest Of The Games:
Pittsburgh @ Washington (-1.5) -- The Steelers played well enough last week to knock off the Giants, who knows what would have happened with a healthy longsnapper. I like the Steelers with points.
PICK: Pittsburgh +1.5
New England @ Indianapolis (-5.5) -- We've been accustomed to this being one of the best games of the year, and a playoff preview, but the Colts are fighting for their playoff life this year. I like the Colts to win, but 5.5 is too much to give the Patriots, even without Brady.
PICK: New England +5.5
Philadelphia @ Seattle (+6.5) -- The Eagles are going to take the lead from the Phillies this week.
PICK: Philadelphia -6.
Atlanta @ Oakland (+2.5) -- Battle of the young QB's, but this one will come down to which defense can make more plays.
PICK: Atlanta -2.5
Green Bay @ Tennessee(-5.5) -- Aaron Rodgers should be happy that he signed that contract extension before facing the Titans' defense. Titans continue to roll at home.
PICK: Tennessee -5.5
Miami @ Denver (-3.5) -- This should be a high scoring affair.
PICK: Denver -3.5
Arizona @ St. Louis (+2.5) -- The Cardinals aren't the same team on the road, but the Rams are pretty bad. Still, Arizona is the pick.
PICK: Arizona -2.5
Houston @ Minnesota (-4.5) --
PICK: Minnesota -4.5
Baltimore @ Cleveland (-1.5) --This is a different Browns team the last few weeks. Is it possible they're better without Winslow. Yes.
PICK: Cleveland -1.5
Tampa Bay @ Kansas City (+7.5) --
PICK: Tampa Bay -7.5
Jacksonville @ Cincinnati (+7.5) -- The Bengals are going to win one of these weeks, just not against the Jaguars. It won't be close.
PICK: Jacksonville -7.5
NY Jets @ Buffalo (-5.5) --If I was going to make a "lock" pick of the week, this would be it. Farve can't beat the Bills in Buffalo, even if the weather won't be an issue.
PICK: Buffalo -5.5
Detroit @ Chicago (-12.5) -- Last time around in Detroit this was a blowout. Chicago will win again, but not by 13.
PICK: Detroit +12.5
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Free Picks - College Football Week 10
This week doesn't provide the quantity of great matchups of weeks past, but we still have some classics. I'll get started with the big ones and like always these picks are for entertainment purposes only, so be careful how you play with them. Here we go:
Game of the Week:
Texas @ Texas Tech +3 -- Texas Tech has been good, real good. But it seems like they're always good until this time of year. Is this year different? One word: NO.
PICK: Texas -3
Game of the Week II:
Florida v. Georgia +6.5 -- Florida is still steaming from the way this matchup played out last year. I wouldn't be surprised if Coach Meyer played the video of the Bulldogs celebrating on a continuous loop all off season. Georgia was overrated at the beginning of the season, and they're overrated now.
PICK: Florida -6.5
The Others:
Wisconsin @ Michigan State -5.5 --The Spartans finally beat up their big brother (Michigan), and now they have their sights set on sharing the Big Ten championship. First they'll have to get by the struggling Badgers. No let down this week.
PICK: MSU -5.5
Oregon @ Cal -3
PICK: Cal -3
Clemson @ Boston College -3.5 -- The first weekend of November is going to be a little colder in Boston than South Carolina. Advantage BC.
PICK: BC -3.5
Pittsburgh @ Notre Dame -4.5
PICK: Notre Dame -4.5
Central Michigan @ Indiana -2 -- I can't believe how close the MAC and the Big Ten are this year. Two weeks in a row I'm making a Central Michigan pick. And two weeks in row I'm picking the Chips.
PICK: CMU +2
Game of the Week:
Texas @ Texas Tech +3 -- Texas Tech has been good, real good. But it seems like they're always good until this time of year. Is this year different? One word: NO.
PICK: Texas -3
Game of the Week II:
Florida v. Georgia +6.5 -- Florida is still steaming from the way this matchup played out last year. I wouldn't be surprised if Coach Meyer played the video of the Bulldogs celebrating on a continuous loop all off season. Georgia was overrated at the beginning of the season, and they're overrated now.
PICK: Florida -6.5
The Others:
Wisconsin @ Michigan State -5.5 --The Spartans finally beat up their big brother (Michigan), and now they have their sights set on sharing the Big Ten championship. First they'll have to get by the struggling Badgers. No let down this week.
PICK: MSU -5.5
Oregon @ Cal -3
PICK: Cal -3
Clemson @ Boston College -3.5 -- The first weekend of November is going to be a little colder in Boston than South Carolina. Advantage BC.
PICK: BC -3.5
Pittsburgh @ Notre Dame -4.5
PICK: Notre Dame -4.5
Central Michigan @ Indiana -2 -- I can't believe how close the MAC and the Big Ten are this year. Two weeks in a row I'm making a Central Michigan pick. And two weeks in row I'm picking the Chips.
PICK: CMU +2
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Free NFL Picks - Week 8
Time for my week 8 NFL picks. It's been a good year so far, so come back often. Like always, for entertainment purposes only, be careful. Let's get to the picks:
My Game Of The Week:
NY Giants @ Pittsburgh (-2.5) -- One of the best games of the year so far pitting the 5-1 Giants vs. the 5-1 Steelers at Heinz field in Pittsburgh. A lot has been made of which is the better quarterback from the 2004 for draft, Ben Roethlisberger or Eli Manning. Both are off to great careers, with each hosting the Lombardi trophy for their respective teams. Despite Eli and Ben's success, this game is going to come down to defense. In a game like this, in which points will be hard to come by, I'll take the 2.5 points that come along with the Giants.
PICK: Giants +2.5
The Rest Of The Games:
San Diego @ New Orleans (+2.5) -- They're in London for this Saints home game, and not for a soccer match, it's just an old fashion American football game between two teams that are fighting for their playoff lives. Considering that both teams are dealing with the travel, and neither one really plays well on the road, this is a difficult pick. I'm just going with the team that I believe is better, the Chargers. Grab a pint and enjoy.
PICK: San Diego -2.5
Oakland @ Baltimore (-6.5) -- The Raiders don't play well on the East Coast, and they are coming off a big win. Both factors point to a Ravens blowout. Oh yeah, Ray Lewis and company can play and will probably give the Raiders young quarterback some trouble.
PICK: Baltimore -6.5
Arizona @ Carolina (-4.5) I'll keep with the theme of underdogs traveling to the Eastern time Zone failing to cover. Arizona just is a different team on the road.
PICK: Carolina -6.5
Tampa Bay @ Dallas (-3.5) -- Too much turmoil in big D.
PICK: Tampa Bay +3.5
Washington @ Detroit (+7.5) -- For the first time ever a Lions game at Ford Field won't be sold out. The Lions fans should be happy because a blackout means they won't be tempted to watch another pathetic outing.
PICK: Washington -7.5
Buffalo @ Miami (+1.5) -- Buffalo is good, and good in Miami (3 out of the last 4). Make it 4 out of last 5.
PICK: Buffalo -1.5
St. Louis @ New England (-6.5) -- Haslett's magic ends this week when the Patriots remind the Rams that they aren't any good.
PICK: New England -6.5
Kansas City @ NY Jets (-12.5) --Too big of a number, the Jets just aren't that good.
PICK: Kansas City +12.5
Atlanta @ Philadelphia (-8.5) --The Falcons will put up a fight but come up a little short.
PICK: Atlanta +8.5
Cleveland @ Jacksonville (-6.5) -- The Browns picked a good game to suspend Kellen Winslow because they were getting beat with or without him.
PICK: Jacksonville -6.5
Seattle @ San Francisco (-4.5) -- The new coach theory works here. I think the 49ers will rally around Mike Singletary.
PICK: San Francisco -4.5
Indianapolis @ Tennessee (-3.5) -- Another great matchup, but the Titans playing in front of the home crowd remain undefeated.
PICK: Tennessee -3.5
Cincinnati @ Houston (-9.5) -- I have a rule, never pick a team to cover following a victory over Lions because the number is always inflated. This number is inflated, even against the lowly Bengals.
PICK: Cincinnati +9.5
My Game Of The Week:
NY Giants @ Pittsburgh (-2.5) -- One of the best games of the year so far pitting the 5-1 Giants vs. the 5-1 Steelers at Heinz field in Pittsburgh. A lot has been made of which is the better quarterback from the 2004 for draft, Ben Roethlisberger or Eli Manning. Both are off to great careers, with each hosting the Lombardi trophy for their respective teams. Despite Eli and Ben's success, this game is going to come down to defense. In a game like this, in which points will be hard to come by, I'll take the 2.5 points that come along with the Giants.
PICK: Giants +2.5
The Rest Of The Games:
San Diego @ New Orleans (+2.5) -- They're in London for this Saints home game, and not for a soccer match, it's just an old fashion American football game between two teams that are fighting for their playoff lives. Considering that both teams are dealing with the travel, and neither one really plays well on the road, this is a difficult pick. I'm just going with the team that I believe is better, the Chargers. Grab a pint and enjoy.
PICK: San Diego -2.5
Oakland @ Baltimore (-6.5) -- The Raiders don't play well on the East Coast, and they are coming off a big win. Both factors point to a Ravens blowout. Oh yeah, Ray Lewis and company can play and will probably give the Raiders young quarterback some trouble.
PICK: Baltimore -6.5
Arizona @ Carolina (-4.5) I'll keep with the theme of underdogs traveling to the Eastern time Zone failing to cover. Arizona just is a different team on the road.
PICK: Carolina -6.5
Tampa Bay @ Dallas (-3.5) -- Too much turmoil in big D.
PICK: Tampa Bay +3.5
Washington @ Detroit (+7.5) -- For the first time ever a Lions game at Ford Field won't be sold out. The Lions fans should be happy because a blackout means they won't be tempted to watch another pathetic outing.
PICK: Washington -7.5
Buffalo @ Miami (+1.5) -- Buffalo is good, and good in Miami (3 out of the last 4). Make it 4 out of last 5.
PICK: Buffalo -1.5
St. Louis @ New England (-6.5) -- Haslett's magic ends this week when the Patriots remind the Rams that they aren't any good.
PICK: New England -6.5
Kansas City @ NY Jets (-12.5) --Too big of a number, the Jets just aren't that good.
PICK: Kansas City +12.5
Atlanta @ Philadelphia (-8.5) --The Falcons will put up a fight but come up a little short.
PICK: Atlanta +8.5
Cleveland @ Jacksonville (-6.5) -- The Browns picked a good game to suspend Kellen Winslow because they were getting beat with or without him.
PICK: Jacksonville -6.5
Seattle @ San Francisco (-4.5) -- The new coach theory works here. I think the 49ers will rally around Mike Singletary.
PICK: San Francisco -4.5
Indianapolis @ Tennessee (-3.5) -- Another great matchup, but the Titans playing in front of the home crowd remain undefeated.
PICK: Tennessee -3.5
Cincinnati @ Houston (-9.5) -- I have a rule, never pick a team to cover following a victory over Lions because the number is always inflated. This number is inflated, even against the lowly Bengals.
PICK: Cincinnati +9.5
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Free College Picks - Week 9
It's Wednesday, so that means it's time for my weekly college football picks. Like always these picks are for entertainment purposes only, so be careful how you play with them. Here we go:
My game of the week - De Facto Big Ten Championship:
Penn State @ Ohio State +2.5 -- It's tough to pick against an Ohio State underdog, at home, under the lights, but this isn't the same ol' Ohio State and it definitely isn't the same ol' Penn State. I think that OSU's walloping of Michigan State was misleading, in that they can handle a one dimensional team such as MSU, but will have difficulty with what JoPa will be bringing.
PICK: Penn St. -2.5
The Others:
USC @ Arizona +16.5 -- Now that USC got its one loss out of the way, they appear unstoppable. Add Arizona to the list of Pac 10 foes that USC will steamroll on its path to the BCS championship.
PICK: USC -16.5
Alabama @ Tennessee +6.5 -- I can't say much about this matchup other than I'm going to continue with the theme of picking road favorites to cover. That strategy has to bite me in the ass, right? Oh, well.
PICK: Alabama -6.5
Wake Forest @ Miami -3 -- This young Miami teams seem to have started to get on the right track. The freshman quarterback looked impressive, albeit against Duke. It's time for me to take a home favorite.
PICK: Miami - 3
Northwestern @ Indiana +8 -- I don't know what it is, but I like something about this Northwestern team. They are handling their business against teams they should beat, and this week should be no different against a weak Indiana team. Oh look, another home dog.
PICK: Northwestern -8
NC State @ Maryland -10.5 -- Now I'm just looking for home favorites to cover.
PICK: Maryland -10.5
Obscure Pick Of The Week:
Central Michigan @ Toledo +4 --Just because Toledo beat Michigan doesn't mean they are any good. That result was more of a statement as to how pathetic Michigan has been this year. Central Michigan is solid, and coming off a big win over Western Michigan. Four points should be an easy cover.
PICK: Central Michigan -4
My game of the week - De Facto Big Ten Championship:
Penn State @ Ohio State +2.5 -- It's tough to pick against an Ohio State underdog, at home, under the lights, but this isn't the same ol' Ohio State and it definitely isn't the same ol' Penn State. I think that OSU's walloping of Michigan State was misleading, in that they can handle a one dimensional team such as MSU, but will have difficulty with what JoPa will be bringing.
PICK: Penn St. -2.5
The Others:
USC @ Arizona +16.5 -- Now that USC got its one loss out of the way, they appear unstoppable. Add Arizona to the list of Pac 10 foes that USC will steamroll on its path to the BCS championship.
PICK: USC -16.5
Alabama @ Tennessee +6.5 -- I can't say much about this matchup other than I'm going to continue with the theme of picking road favorites to cover. That strategy has to bite me in the ass, right? Oh, well.
PICK: Alabama -6.5
Wake Forest @ Miami -3 -- This young Miami teams seem to have started to get on the right track. The freshman quarterback looked impressive, albeit against Duke. It's time for me to take a home favorite.
PICK: Miami - 3
Northwestern @ Indiana +8 -- I don't know what it is, but I like something about this Northwestern team. They are handling their business against teams they should beat, and this week should be no different against a weak Indiana team. Oh look, another home dog.
PICK: Northwestern -8
NC State @ Maryland -10.5 -- Now I'm just looking for home favorites to cover.
PICK: Maryland -10.5
Obscure Pick Of The Week:
Central Michigan @ Toledo +4 --Just because Toledo beat Michigan doesn't mean they are any good. That result was more of a statement as to how pathetic Michigan has been this year. Central Michigan is solid, and coming off a big win over Western Michigan. Four points should be an easy cover.
PICK: Central Michigan -4
World Series: Tampa Bay v. Philly
I can't believe that I'm sitting here in October watching the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series. It appears this might turn into a great match up, or at least better than the last couple of years. Many of the so-called experts are picking that the series will go seven games, but I'm pretty sure none of those same experts had the Rays finishing in the top four in the American League East.
I have been going back and forth on my pick, and even though I've waited until the 3rd inning of game one with the Rays down 2-0, I'm still going to go out on a limb and pick the Rays in seven. I have my reasons, some of those being the Rays' starting pitching, never betting against Evan Longoria, and the fact that neither the Rockies or Tigers in the last two years showed up after a long layoff, like the Phillies this year (that last reason is proving wrong with the Phillies early lead). I'm not trying to knock the Phillies, but the Rays have been so amazing all year, defying everybody at every stage, its hard for me to believe they aren't going to finish this dream season.
Here's to a great series to finish up what has been a pretty crazy season.
I have been going back and forth on my pick, and even though I've waited until the 3rd inning of game one with the Rays down 2-0, I'm still going to go out on a limb and pick the Rays in seven. I have my reasons, some of those being the Rays' starting pitching, never betting against Evan Longoria, and the fact that neither the Rockies or Tigers in the last two years showed up after a long layoff, like the Phillies this year (that last reason is proving wrong with the Phillies early lead). I'm not trying to knock the Phillies, but the Rays have been so amazing all year, defying everybody at every stage, its hard for me to believe they aren't going to finish this dream season.
Here's to a great series to finish up what has been a pretty crazy season.
The Brett Favre Soap Opera
In the latest installment of the the daytime drama otherwise know as the NFL career of Brett Farve, Mr. Favre has admitted that he did talk to Detroit Lions former president Matt Millen, just not about a gameplan for the Lions upcoming game against the Packers as originally reported by FoxSports.com's Jay Glazer last Sunday. While Jay Glazer has repeated stated that he stands behind his story 1000% (yes one-thousand) as stated on the Jim Rome show. Farve has denied the story twice, once today at a news conference and once via text message to Peter King.
Will we ever really know what Farve and Millen talked about? Was it hunting? Millen's impending doom as president? How Farve would look with a mustache? We may never find out the truth, but does it really matter? Whatever they were talking about, Farve did not break any league rules, so no punishment is due. Maybe Farve was just trying to help his buddy Millen keep his job by making the game closer that it should have been, because we all know the Lions couldn't beat anybody this side of the Bengals, even if they were tipped off to every single play.
Stay tuned for the next episode of the the Brett Farve soap opera, because it's only a matter of time he'll give us something new to talk about and it probably won't be his quarterback play for the Jets.
Will we ever really know what Farve and Millen talked about? Was it hunting? Millen's impending doom as president? How Farve would look with a mustache? We may never find out the truth, but does it really matter? Whatever they were talking about, Farve did not break any league rules, so no punishment is due. Maybe Farve was just trying to help his buddy Millen keep his job by making the game closer that it should have been, because we all know the Lions couldn't beat anybody this side of the Bengals, even if they were tipped off to every single play.
Stay tuned for the next episode of the the Brett Farve soap opera, because it's only a matter of time he'll give us something new to talk about and it probably won't be his quarterback play for the Jets.
Referee Tackle: South Carolina v. LSU
It seems like every time I turn on ESPN this week there has been a reference to the YouTube sensation in which a referee (Wilbur Hackett, Jr.) tackled the South Carolina quarterback in a game against LSU. If you haven't seen it, check out the following link:
http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3654145
While the play is entertaining, I don't understand the crazy publicity this play is getting. The quarterback was going down, he wasn't going to score, or even get a first down. Nonetheless, I would like to know what was going through the referee's mind. Was he having a flashback to his glory days, or was this just an attempt to protect himself gone wrong? It appears to me that he was trying to run past the play and then at the last second he decided he needed to throw a forearm shiver. Whatever the motivation, the SEC decided that Wilbur was in the right position and raised his arm to protect his body, thus no penatly for his actions. Nice play Wilbur, but next time get a little more bend in those knees.
http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3654145
While the play is entertaining, I don't understand the crazy publicity this play is getting. The quarterback was going down, he wasn't going to score, or even get a first down. Nonetheless, I would like to know what was going through the referee's mind. Was he having a flashback to his glory days, or was this just an attempt to protect himself gone wrong? It appears to me that he was trying to run past the play and then at the last second he decided he needed to throw a forearm shiver. Whatever the motivation, the SEC decided that Wilbur was in the right position and raised his arm to protect his body, thus no penatly for his actions. Nice play Wilbur, but next time get a little more bend in those knees.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
What's Kimbo To Do?
I guess it's official, EliteXC has filed for bankruptcy. While this was the first MMA league to cross over to the mainstream (i.e. CBS), the failure is not really surprising considering the brand was built around one man, Kimbo Slice. While Kimbo is popular, he just doesn't have the skills of the top MMA fighters, which was made obvious on October 4th against Seth Petruzelli. Despite his inferiority, I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of Kimbo. It may not be in the UFC, but I'd bet it won't be long before Kimbo appears back in the spotlight (is YouTube considered in the spotlight?).
Pay Per View: Mike Tyson v. Kimbo. I'm not trying to start any rumors, it's just a suggestion.
Pay Per View: Mike Tyson v. Kimbo. I'm not trying to start any rumors, it's just a suggestion.
Kobe To Europe?
There has been a lot of speculation lately about a NBA superstar signing a contract with a European team, in particular Kobe Bryant to Olympiacos of Greece. While this may all be speculation or some interested agent's wild rumor mongering, it does seem as if it is just a matter of time before a NBA superstar jumps the pond for some absurd amount of money, and how could you blame them. I have heard the detractors claim that someone like LeBron or Kobe would not want to play for an inferior league, but it has become bigger than the game. This is about transcending sport, making yourself a global icon, and possibly changing the game forever. But I'm not foolish, it is also about the money, which comes right along with becoming a global icon. While it may not be as soon as all of the recent speculation has suggested, it is only a matter of time before a big NBA name heads to Europe, and sorry to say Knicks fans its not going to be Stephon Marbury.
Welcome to SportsClusterBleep
Welcome to SportsClusterBleep. It is a great time of year. We are on the eve of the World Series, college football is getting heated with a seemingly continuous stream of blockbuster games weekend after weekend, pro football with its intensifying division battles for coveted playoff positions, the pending pro basketball season, and the early excitement of the NHL. This wonderful time of the year got me motivated to start this blog, mainly to give me a forum to write about everything sports. If you are reading this it means that I have surpassed my goal of having at least one person have the opportunity to share my thoughts.
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