Have to say that January was a bit of a struggle but I survived it and looking forward to heating up February with some solid hoop picks.
Tonight I like
NBA Top Pick
Memphis +1.5 vs Orlando- Danger for the Magic in this one. They are facing a quickly improving Memphis squad. I like the Grizzlies to get the SU win in this but the points are a lay up.
College
5 Star Play
Texas A&M +1 vs Texas- This is a nice easy line for the Aggies to cover. Texas is coming off a nice performance at home vs Mizzoo and will be running into a buzz saw on the road. The Longhorns slow it up and play tough defense will catch up to them as the Aggies will be able to push the pace and shoot a nice percentage which will force UT out of their comfort zone.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
NBA and College Hoops Jan 27
Going with all favorites tonight...look out.
NBA Top Pick
Miami -3 vs Knicks- Sure the Heat are a bit depleted but LeBron will be top form in Madison Square Garden on national TV. Look for a big night from the King in front of a hostil crowd.
College
Top Pick
Gonzaga -3 vs St Mary's- I think St Mary's will ultimately prove to be the league champion but tonight the Zags will be be the top dog on their formidable home court.
Lean
Illinois -4 vs Indiana - Taking a bit of flyer on this one. Illinois is so much more talented than the Hoosiers and I think this will be the beginning of a nice streak for the Illini.
NBA Top Pick
Miami -3 vs Knicks- Sure the Heat are a bit depleted but LeBron will be top form in Madison Square Garden on national TV. Look for a big night from the King in front of a hostil crowd.
College
Top Pick
Gonzaga -3 vs St Mary's- I think St Mary's will ultimately prove to be the league champion but tonight the Zags will be be the top dog on their formidable home court.
Lean
Illinois -4 vs Indiana - Taking a bit of flyer on this one. Illinois is so much more talented than the Hoosiers and I think this will be the beginning of a nice streak for the Illini.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
College Hoops Jan 25
College Top Pick
Georgia -2.5 vs Florida- A role reversal here for the Dawgs from last week. A week ago they were streaking and snuck in the top 25 just to lose to on the road. This week Florida has gotten hot but will be in trouble in tough road enviroment.
Georgia -2.5 vs Florida- A role reversal here for the Dawgs from last week. A week ago they were streaking and snuck in the top 25 just to lose to on the road. This week Florida has gotten hot but will be in trouble in tough road enviroment.
Monday, January 24, 2011
NBA Hoops Jan 24
Back after a few days of being tied up.
NBA Lean
Spurs/Warriors over 211- I look for the Warriors to play their usual soft defense and have the Spurs be happy to oblige and run up and down. Should be a fun game to watch especially if you have the over.
NBA Lean
Spurs/Warriors over 211- I look for the Warriors to play their usual soft defense and have the Spurs be happy to oblige and run up and down. Should be a fun game to watch especially if you have the over.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
NBA and College Hoops Jan 18
There are 3 games that I like tonight.
Starting in college
Top Pick
Nebraska -4 vs Colorado- This pick is based strictly on the line. Colorado beat a very good Missouri team at home, went on the road and handled K State and are on the road and are a 4 point to Nebraska. Must be something that Vegas knows that I don't. I will the lay points and find out.
Lean
DePaul +18.5 vs Marquette- DePaul is still light years away from competing in the Big East at an elite level but Marquette is not a team that DePaul is scared like Uconn, Pitt, Syracuse, etc. Look for the demons to lose but by 10-14 as opposed to 20+
NBA Lean
Bulls/Charlotte under 183.5- 4th game in 5 nights for the bulls add that to the fact these teams played a very physical game and I don't believe we are in for a lot of scoring as it is a war of attrition and the first team to 88 points wins.
Starting in college
Top Pick
Nebraska -4 vs Colorado- This pick is based strictly on the line. Colorado beat a very good Missouri team at home, went on the road and handled K State and are on the road and are a 4 point to Nebraska. Must be something that Vegas knows that I don't. I will the lay points and find out.
Lean
DePaul +18.5 vs Marquette- DePaul is still light years away from competing in the Big East at an elite level but Marquette is not a team that DePaul is scared like Uconn, Pitt, Syracuse, etc. Look for the demons to lose but by 10-14 as opposed to 20+
NBA Lean
Bulls/Charlotte under 183.5- 4th game in 5 nights for the bulls add that to the fact these teams played a very physical game and I don't believe we are in for a lot of scoring as it is a war of attrition and the first team to 88 points wins.
Monday, January 17, 2011
NBA & College Hoops Jan 17
NBA
Two games on my list today in the NBA
Leans
NY -6 vs Phoenix- Nice spot for Amare to have a big game against his former team.
Atlanta -9.5 vs Sacramento- the Hawks played poorly the other night and will bounce back. Sacramento has been terrible on the road and should offer little resistance.
Lean
College
Uconn -2 vs Villanova- Will be a nip and tuck game, but the home team, Uconn, will get it done.
Two games on my list today in the NBA
Leans
NY -6 vs Phoenix- Nice spot for Amare to have a big game against his former team.
Atlanta -9.5 vs Sacramento- the Hawks played poorly the other night and will bounce back. Sacramento has been terrible on the road and should offer little resistance.
Lean
College
Uconn -2 vs Villanova- Will be a nip and tuck game, but the home team, Uconn, will get it done.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
College Basketball Jan 16
2 more 5 Star plays today
St Johns -3.5 vs Notre Dame- St John's had a poor game out at home last time out. Look for a much better effort vs ND.
W. Virginia -3 vs Purdue- Not sure what Purdue was thinking in scheduling this one. Purdue is the better team but playing a non conference game once the conference games on the road will be tough and W virginia will step up their game and get the big win here.
St Johns -3.5 vs Notre Dame- St John's had a poor game out at home last time out. Look for a much better effort vs ND.
W. Virginia -3 vs Purdue- Not sure what Purdue was thinking in scheduling this one. Purdue is the better team but playing a non conference game once the conference games on the road will be tough and W virginia will step up their game and get the big win here.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Jan 15 Part 2
2 for 2 so far.
5 Star Play
S. Miss -3 vs C. Florida- the announcers will call it an upset but I call it a lay up.
Top Picks
Ole Miss -4 vs Georgia- Georgia's road woes will continue here.
New Mexico +1 vs San Diego St- Tough spot for the Aztecs. Everyone is gonna lose sometime and tonight will be there first loss.
5 Star Play
S. Miss -3 vs C. Florida- the announcers will call it an upset but I call it a lay up.
Top Picks
Ole Miss -4 vs Georgia- Georgia's road woes will continue here.
New Mexico +1 vs San Diego St- Tough spot for the Aztecs. Everyone is gonna lose sometime and tonight will be there first loss.
College Basketball Jan 15 Part 1
Couple of early games.
Top Pick
Duquesne -1 vs Temple - Tough road spot for the owls. The Dukes should pull out a close home win.
Lean
Northwestern +8.5 vs Michigan St.- NU is playing well all of a sudden and has the confidence of beating the Spartans in East Lansing last season. Michigan St has not hit their stride yet.
Top Pick
Duquesne -1 vs Temple - Tough road spot for the owls. The Dukes should pull out a close home win.
Lean
Northwestern +8.5 vs Michigan St.- NU is playing well all of a sudden and has the confidence of beating the Spartans in East Lansing last season. Michigan St has not hit their stride yet.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
NBA and College Picks- Jan 13
It's Thursday night so that means time to play some NBA
Top Pick
Oklahoma City +1.5 vs Orlando
Lean
Denver -1 vs Miami
NCAA
Top Pick
Minnesota +3 or +130 ML vs Purdue- Either one will work. I am on the money line.
Top Pick
Oklahoma City +1.5 vs Orlando
Lean
Denver -1 vs Miami
NCAA
Top Pick
Minnesota +3 or +130 ML vs Purdue- Either one will work. I am on the money line.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
College Basketball Jan 12
Top Pick
Vanderbilt -8.5 vs Georgia- Say hello to Georgia in the top 25 this week and say goodbye to Georgia in the top 25 as Vandy handles them easily at home.
Vanderbilt -8.5 vs Georgia- Say hello to Georgia in the top 25 this week and say goodbye to Georgia in the top 25 as Vandy handles them easily at home.
Monday, January 10, 2011
BCS National Championship Game Picks
Looking forward to a great game tonight! Looking at the line, the public is definitely on Oregon as the line has moved and the under is falling. I might end up taking a side for the game but really I think it is a tossup. Of course I have thougthts on how the game will play out and found some props that I think have a nice chance of happening.
Oregon Scores First -110 - both teams have been slow starters but I think it will take Auburn's defense a while to get a rhythym and Oregon will draw first blood
First Score not a TD +300- I think this is a nice value. I think with the long layoff and the nerves, the first couple of series will end on a dropped pass or a mistake and the first score will be a field goal.
Auburn First Score not a TD +300- similar to above, I don't see Auburn marching it right down and scoring. I think they will take a while to heat up and will hit a field goal or two first.
First Score an Ore FG +584- well going along with the above thinking....
TD not scored by offense +135- A decent value here considering the caliber of athletes on the field. A pick six, kickoff return or fumble return seem pretty possible with these teams.
D Thomas Throws a Pass 2nd Quarter +110- I think the 2nd quarter will be action packed. I like this one a lot.
L. James TD's over 1.5 +115 yes, he will score at least 2x
First player to score a TD J. Maehl +850 and Philip Lutzenkirchen +2700 either one of these would be nice.
Highest Scoring Quarter 2nd quarter +215
Total points scored in the game - 78-84 +800
Hey its the last college game of the year. Been a great season. Let's get LUCKY!!!!!!!
Oregon Scores First -110 - both teams have been slow starters but I think it will take Auburn's defense a while to get a rhythym and Oregon will draw first blood
First Score not a TD +300- I think this is a nice value. I think with the long layoff and the nerves, the first couple of series will end on a dropped pass or a mistake and the first score will be a field goal.
Auburn First Score not a TD +300- similar to above, I don't see Auburn marching it right down and scoring. I think they will take a while to heat up and will hit a field goal or two first.
First Score an Ore FG +584- well going along with the above thinking....
TD not scored by offense +135- A decent value here considering the caliber of athletes on the field. A pick six, kickoff return or fumble return seem pretty possible with these teams.
D Thomas Throws a Pass 2nd Quarter +110- I think the 2nd quarter will be action packed. I like this one a lot.
L. James TD's over 1.5 +115 yes, he will score at least 2x
First player to score a TD J. Maehl +850 and Philip Lutzenkirchen +2700 either one of these would be nice.
Highest Scoring Quarter 2nd quarter +215
Total points scored in the game - 78-84 +800
Hey its the last college game of the year. Been a great season. Let's get LUCKY!!!!!!!
Jan 10 College Basketball Pick
OK- time to get it going in college hoops.
Top Pick
Marquette -3.5 vs ND
Top Pick
Marquette -3.5 vs ND
Sunday, January 9, 2011
NFC Wildcard Pick
Usually I leave the pro picks to other people but I really like a side in today's game.
Eagles/Packers over 46.5
I anticipate a shoot out in this one. No need to recap how good both team's QB's are. I think it will fly over as the Packers do through the air and Andy Reid shows everyone why he is an offensive innovator and has some surprises in store for the Pack defense and puts up a bunch of points as well.
Eagles/Packers over 46.5
I anticipate a shoot out in this one. No need to recap how good both team's QB's are. I think it will fly over as the Packers do through the air and Andy Reid shows everyone why he is an offensive innovator and has some surprises in store for the Pack defense and puts up a bunch of points as well.
Jan 9 College Basketball Picks
2 Games to take a look at today.
Top Picks
Dayton -2 vs UMass- Its never to early to start to identify the best mid major teams that could make some noise in the Tourney. One way to figure out who the threats are to see who can win conference road games. UMass is not a great team so far this year and Dayton has gotten off to a nice start. Still, it is not a given that you will go on the road and beat an inferior team. I think that Dayton has the goods here and will start to establish themselves as a team to keep an eye on.
Wichita St - 5 vs Missouri St- This is a nice early season battle between two good teams. The edge here goes to Wichita St since they are at home. Also these teams play at different tempos. Wichita would love a high scoring game while Missouri St wants to keep it low scoring. I think that will benefit the Shockers as it will put a lot of pressure for Missouri St to shoot a high percentage. I don't see that happening and see Wichita pulling away as the game progresses.
Top Picks
Dayton -2 vs UMass- Its never to early to start to identify the best mid major teams that could make some noise in the Tourney. One way to figure out who the threats are to see who can win conference road games. UMass is not a great team so far this year and Dayton has gotten off to a nice start. Still, it is not a given that you will go on the road and beat an inferior team. I think that Dayton has the goods here and will start to establish themselves as a team to keep an eye on.
Wichita St - 5 vs Missouri St- This is a nice early season battle between two good teams. The edge here goes to Wichita St since they are at home. Also these teams play at different tempos. Wichita would love a high scoring game while Missouri St wants to keep it low scoring. I think that will benefit the Shockers as it will put a lot of pressure for Missouri St to shoot a high percentage. I don't see that happening and see Wichita pulling away as the game progresses.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Jan 8 College Basketball Picks
A couple of picks for the early games.
Leans:
Colorado +4 vs Missouri - Missouri has had some close games on the road and CU has played very well at home. I like the Buffaloes to prepared and play well in this one.
Arkansas +1 vs Tennessee - Look for UT to come back to earth after their big effort vs Memphis.
Leans:
Colorado +4 vs Missouri - Missouri has had some close games on the road and CU has played very well at home. I like the Buffaloes to prepared and play well in this one.
Arkansas +1 vs Tennessee - Look for UT to come back to earth after their big effort vs Memphis.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Jan 6th Football and Hoops
Couple of leans:
Go Daddy Bowl
Miami, oh +2.5 vs Middle Tenn St- Most of us hard core college fans remember how well MTSU played last year in their bowl. I think this line reflects that and alot of people will be looking for a repeat performance. I think Miami is the better team here and the points are a bargain
College Hoops
NU/ILL under 143.5- I think this will be a battle of wills to control the pace. I have not seen Ill do well in a half court game and NU will do their best to slow it down.
NBA
Oklahoma City -3 vs Dallas-OKC is streaking and gets the road win and cover here.
Go Daddy Bowl
Miami, oh +2.5 vs Middle Tenn St- Most of us hard core college fans remember how well MTSU played last year in their bowl. I think this line reflects that and alot of people will be looking for a repeat performance. I think Miami is the better team here and the points are a bargain
College Hoops
NU/ILL under 143.5- I think this will be a battle of wills to control the pace. I have not seen Ill do well in a half court game and NU will do their best to slow it down.
NBA
Oklahoma City -3 vs Dallas-OKC is streaking and gets the road win and cover here.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The Sugar Bowl, Some Hoops and Jim Harbaugh
No pick for me in tonight's game. I am really not sure how good either team and if Ohio St is good enough to break the Big 10's losing streak against the SEC. I don't think Arkansas is a great team either but then again I thought the SEC was down a bit and they are not.
I am going to try to concentrate on hoops going forward. Tonight I have my eyes on the knicks/spurs and in college some of the Missouri Valley Conference games.
Finally, kudos to Jim Harbaugh and Stanford. I lost on the total but was quite impressed that Harbaugh was able to get Stanford to that high of a level. Not only does Michigan need to find a way to get Harbaugh but so does the Big 10. I was never a fan of Michigan but I do say that the Big 10 needs someone to step up and play at a high level besides Ohio St and I think the team that has the best chance to do that would be a Harbaugh led Michigan team.
As for Rich Rod, I thought he would do well but really he never took the time to understand what Michigan was all about and never got the buy in he needed. It is time for him to go.
I am going to try to concentrate on hoops going forward. Tonight I have my eyes on the knicks/spurs and in college some of the Missouri Valley Conference games.
Finally, kudos to Jim Harbaugh and Stanford. I lost on the total but was quite impressed that Harbaugh was able to get Stanford to that high of a level. Not only does Michigan need to find a way to get Harbaugh but so does the Big 10. I was never a fan of Michigan but I do say that the Big 10 needs someone to step up and play at a high level besides Ohio St and I think the team that has the best chance to do that would be a Harbaugh led Michigan team.
As for Rich Rod, I thought he would do well but really he never took the time to understand what Michigan was all about and never got the buy in he needed. It is time for him to go.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Orange Bowl Pick
Top Play
Stanford/Va Tech over 58 (now 59)
Both teams have respectable defenses but the offenses will determine the winner. Two great college QB's going tonight in Luck and Taylor and both will have success in their own ways.
Luck of course is a prototypical passer with a solid o line and good skill players around him. Definitely not an offense like this in the ACC and the Stanford will be sharp and able to rip off big pass plays and occasional runs when they need to keep the Hokies honest.
On the other side, Stanford's defense is brutish but not built to stop speed offenses. They will have prepared mightily but over the last few weeks will not be able to replicate the Va Tech offense. Look for a lot of big plays out of the passing game for them once they have gotten the option working.
I would be on the look out for the 2nd half over as well as both teams will have pulled off the gloves by then and will be in full attack mode.
Don't know who will win but the over will be a breeze.
Stanford/Va Tech over 58 (now 59)
Both teams have respectable defenses but the offenses will determine the winner. Two great college QB's going tonight in Luck and Taylor and both will have success in their own ways.
Luck of course is a prototypical passer with a solid o line and good skill players around him. Definitely not an offense like this in the ACC and the Stanford will be sharp and able to rip off big pass plays and occasional runs when they need to keep the Hokies honest.
On the other side, Stanford's defense is brutish but not built to stop speed offenses. They will have prepared mightily but over the last few weeks will not be able to replicate the Va Tech offense. Look for a lot of big plays out of the passing game for them once they have gotten the option working.
I would be on the look out for the 2nd half over as well as both teams will have pulled off the gloves by then and will be in full attack mode.
Don't know who will win but the over will be a breeze.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Rose Bowl Pick
5 Star Play
TCU -3 vs Wisconsin
The Horned Frogs have been a top team all year by all accounts but it seemed as soon as they qualified for this bowl game they started getting questioned as whether they belonged based mainly on playing in the Mountain West. Meanwhile Wisconsin got many accolades as they finished the year strong against the bottom of the big ten teams.
The matchup here is pretty simple from the pundits: Wisconsin's offensive brawn vs TCU's defensive speed. However, the mismatch that most seem to be overlooking is the TCU offense against the Wisconsin defense. Wiscy has had some nice defensive efforts mainly against Ohio St but that was at home. They have not been tested against a team that can really run the spread offense well. TCU by the way is one of the best offensive teams in the country and will be able to run their offense effectively.
I think this will be a pretty tight game for the first half but TCU will be able to keep scoring while Wisconsin's offense will get bogged down as TCU is able to slow down the run game and force the pass.
TCU -3 vs Wisconsin
The Horned Frogs have been a top team all year by all accounts but it seemed as soon as they qualified for this bowl game they started getting questioned as whether they belonged based mainly on playing in the Mountain West. Meanwhile Wisconsin got many accolades as they finished the year strong against the bottom of the big ten teams.
The matchup here is pretty simple from the pundits: Wisconsin's offensive brawn vs TCU's defensive speed. However, the mismatch that most seem to be overlooking is the TCU offense against the Wisconsin defense. Wiscy has had some nice defensive efforts mainly against Ohio St but that was at home. They have not been tested against a team that can really run the spread offense well. TCU by the way is one of the best offensive teams in the country and will be able to run their offense effectively.
I think this will be a pretty tight game for the first half but TCU will be able to keep scoring while Wisconsin's offense will get bogged down as TCU is able to slow down the run game and force the pass.
Capital One Bowl Pick
Top Pick
Michigan St +8
Michigan St Team Total over 21.5 points
I am sticking with my theory that MSU will be playing with a chip on their shoulder after getting the short end of the BCS stick.
Sure talent wise, Bama appears stronger but so far the SEC has not stepped up and been the dominant conference that we expected. I think the talent gap is not as big as everyone says and the MSU players want this game more than the Tide players.
I think that will show up early and the Spartans will hold on for the cover.
Michigan St +8
Michigan St Team Total over 21.5 points
I am sticking with my theory that MSU will be playing with a chip on their shoulder after getting the short end of the BCS stick.
Sure talent wise, Bama appears stronger but so far the SEC has not stepped up and been the dominant conference that we expected. I think the talent gap is not as big as everyone says and the MSU players want this game more than the Tide players.
I think that will show up early and the Spartans will hold on for the cover.
Gator Bowl Pick
5 Star Play
Michigan Total Team points over 14 first Half
Top Play
Michigan/Miss St over 60.5 for the game.
Expect this to be a wild one. Think back to September to when Denard Robinson was on fire and was the leading candidate. He was running the Rich Rod offense to perfection. I believe that Michigan will return to that form in this game and they will come out on fire.
I also think that Miss St will hold their own offensively as well. They will be ready to attack the Michigan defense and will put up a lot of points as well.
Michigan Total Team points over 14 first Half
Top Play
Michigan/Miss St over 60.5 for the game.
Expect this to be a wild one. Think back to September to when Denard Robinson was on fire and was the leading candidate. He was running the Rich Rod offense to perfection. I believe that Michigan will return to that form in this game and they will come out on fire.
I also think that Miss St will hold their own offensively as well. They will be ready to attack the Michigan defense and will put up a lot of points as well.
Dallas Ticket City Bowl
Not a lot here in my opinion but I do like one side.
Lean
First half under 30.5
The last thing NU can afford to do is to get into a shootout with their back up qb's having to carry the load. I think the NU defense will be stout for at least a half.
Lean
First half under 30.5
The last thing NU can afford to do is to get into a shootout with their back up qb's having to carry the load. I think the NU defense will be stout for at least a half.
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