Ok, time to step it up a bit.
5 Star Play
Ga Tech -1.5 vs Utah
It's pretty easy to overlook both of these teams as they ended up middle of the pack. However, Ga Tech was one of the hotter teams earlier in the year but they got dinged up and hit a pretty hard schedule in the ACC. I expect with the time off they will be able to get back to their form and will have the option attack ready to go.
Utah never was able to get over the hump this year and competed pretty well in a lot of games but was not able to close. They are finishing up rebuilding and will be a much better team next year.
Look for a competitive game where the Yellow Jackets keep the pressure on throughout the game and pull away in the 2nd half and the victory and cover. GA Tech's offense will be back to early season form and their defense will handle an average Utah offense.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Texas Bowl
All things being equal, A&M should crush Northwestern but with the change in coaching at A&M, the players are probably not focused on this game but rather thinking about fitting in with the new coach for next year.
However, not sure how big of a factor that will be as the game marches on so I am going with a first half side.
Top Pick
NU +6.5 First half and NU total team points over 14.5 first half.
However, not sure how big of a factor that will be as the game marches on so I am going with a first half side.
Top Pick
NU +6.5 First half and NU total team points over 14.5 first half.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Insight Bowl and NBA
Insight Bowl
Lean- Iowa +13.5 vs Oklahoma
Taking a bit of a leap of faith that Iowa's HC Ferentz can work his bowl magic again. Although the talent differential greatly favors Oklahoma, I think the motivation will be on the Hawkeyes side. Look for a quick start from Iowa and then for them to hang on and cover the 13.5.
NBA
Lean
Chicago -1.5 vs Clippers
Although the bulls are on a back to back and on the road, I like them to handle the Clippers who are still figuring things out and will struggle against the bulls who are getting their chemistry together much quicker.
Lean- Iowa +13.5 vs Oklahoma
Taking a bit of a leap of faith that Iowa's HC Ferentz can work his bowl magic again. Although the talent differential greatly favors Oklahoma, I think the motivation will be on the Hawkeyes side. Look for a quick start from Iowa and then for them to hang on and cover the 13.5.
NBA
Lean
Chicago -1.5 vs Clippers
Although the bulls are on a back to back and on the road, I like them to handle the Clippers who are still figuring things out and will struggle against the bulls who are getting their chemistry together much quicker.
Pinstripe & Music City Bowls
Pinstripe Bowl Side
Top Pick- Rutgers +1 vs Iowa St
Music City Bowl
Top Picks Miss St/Wake under 48.5 and Miss St -7
Armed Forces Bowl- No official pick on this one. I lean towards BYU but barely. Staying away.
Rutgers- Been a couple of quiet years for Rutgers since their splash on to the national scene under HC Schiano and don't think that the Rutgers faithful and Schiano have not noticed this. The Rutgers team will be highly motivated to put on a good show in NYC and to kick start their recruiting effort going into an uncertain Big East future.
Looking at the talent on both teams, they are probably pretty even although it is hard to distinguish between the two. Iowa St had their signature win against OK St but that was more on OK st playing horribly than Iowa St playing well. Rutgers had a few nice wins in the Big East but that does not mean much as we know.
I think the intangible goes to Rutgers playing in front of a pro Rutgers crowd and the need for Schiano to come out with a big effort to get momentum going back in his favor as the deciding factor in a win for the Scarlet Knights.
Miss St- The Bulldogs had pretty high expectations for this season but fell short- mainly due to playing in the ultra rugged SEC West and having to play very stiff competition. HC Mullens showed last year that he could get his team prepared to play at a high level in the bowl game and I do think that he will have his team ready to go again.
Wake had some nice moments this year but they are a young team and does not have the same talent as the Bulldogs. This will show itself when Wake has the ball- look for the Deacons to struggle mightily against a Bulldogs defense that will handle them with superior speed and strength.
I don't expect the Bulldogs to light up the scoreboard but they will do enough to cover the 7.
Top Pick- Rutgers +1 vs Iowa St
Music City Bowl
Top Picks Miss St/Wake under 48.5 and Miss St -7
Armed Forces Bowl- No official pick on this one. I lean towards BYU but barely. Staying away.
Rutgers- Been a couple of quiet years for Rutgers since their splash on to the national scene under HC Schiano and don't think that the Rutgers faithful and Schiano have not noticed this. The Rutgers team will be highly motivated to put on a good show in NYC and to kick start their recruiting effort going into an uncertain Big East future.
Looking at the talent on both teams, they are probably pretty even although it is hard to distinguish between the two. Iowa St had their signature win against OK St but that was more on OK st playing horribly than Iowa St playing well. Rutgers had a few nice wins in the Big East but that does not mean much as we know.
I think the intangible goes to Rutgers playing in front of a pro Rutgers crowd and the need for Schiano to come out with a big effort to get momentum going back in his favor as the deciding factor in a win for the Scarlet Knights.
Miss St- The Bulldogs had pretty high expectations for this season but fell short- mainly due to playing in the ultra rugged SEC West and having to play very stiff competition. HC Mullens showed last year that he could get his team prepared to play at a high level in the bowl game and I do think that he will have his team ready to go again.
Wake had some nice moments this year but they are a young team and does not have the same talent as the Bulldogs. This will show itself when Wake has the ball- look for the Deacons to struggle mightily against a Bulldogs defense that will handle them with superior speed and strength.
I don't expect the Bulldogs to light up the scoreboard but they will do enough to cover the 7.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Champs Sports & Alamo Bowl Picks
2 good games on the docket today.
Champs Sports Bowl
Top Pick ND/Fla St under 46.5 and Lean ND +3.5
Alamo Bowl
Lean Baylor -10 vs Washington
Champs- This might be the best of the non BCS bowl games as both teams are hungry for some redemption after not meeting expectations during the season and both coaches are feeling the pressure as well. Although both head coaches are offensive minded I do like the under in this one. Neither team's offense is quite "there" yet and have some pretty obvious weaknesses. Fla St has not been able to run the ball well and ND has not gotten the QB play they need to run Kelly's offense the way he has designed it.
With that in mind, I do look for both coaches to try to minimize turnovers and not put their defenses in bad spots. The game should heat up during the 2nd half but I think the first half especially will be played at a conservative pace and the game will go under.
For the winner, I think it will come down to who makes the critical mistake in the 4th quarter. That can go either way and this game will likely come down to a field goal attempt and with FSU's history on field goals I do like the Irish to cover the spread and pull out a squeaker somewhere around 19-17.
Alamo Bowl- I should love the Baylor Bears here, they have the Heisman winner, a great offense and are playing a Washington team that was not very good during the season and never really stepped up in a down year for the PAC 12. However, Baylor's coach has been kinda brutal in bowl games and I am not sure that I trust him to have his squad ready to blow out a lesser team.
Baylor should win this game by 3 TD's or more but something tells me that UW will have a chance to get a back door cover in this one so I am treading lightly.
Champs Sports Bowl
Top Pick ND/Fla St under 46.5 and Lean ND +3.5
Alamo Bowl
Lean Baylor -10 vs Washington
Champs- This might be the best of the non BCS bowl games as both teams are hungry for some redemption after not meeting expectations during the season and both coaches are feeling the pressure as well. Although both head coaches are offensive minded I do like the under in this one. Neither team's offense is quite "there" yet and have some pretty obvious weaknesses. Fla St has not been able to run the ball well and ND has not gotten the QB play they need to run Kelly's offense the way he has designed it.
With that in mind, I do look for both coaches to try to minimize turnovers and not put their defenses in bad spots. The game should heat up during the 2nd half but I think the first half especially will be played at a conservative pace and the game will go under.
For the winner, I think it will come down to who makes the critical mistake in the 4th quarter. That can go either way and this game will likely come down to a field goal attempt and with FSU's history on field goals I do like the Irish to cover the spread and pull out a squeaker somewhere around 19-17.
Alamo Bowl- I should love the Baylor Bears here, they have the Heisman winner, a great offense and are playing a Washington team that was not very good during the season and never really stepped up in a down year for the PAC 12. However, Baylor's coach has been kinda brutal in bowl games and I am not sure that I trust him to have his squad ready to blow out a lesser team.
Baylor should win this game by 3 TD's or more but something tells me that UW will have a chance to get a back door cover in this one so I am treading lightly.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Military Bowl and Holiday Bowl Picks
Top Pick:
Air Force +3 vs Toledo
Lean:
Texas -3.5 vs California
Air Force- High total in this one (71) and I think there will be a lot of big plays but the advantage in my opinion goes to AF and their ability to control the ball and put the pressure on Toledo. Another big factor that I cited in my bowl preview is Toledo playing without their former head coach. He was big driving force in Toledo's resurgence and I think the team will not be as well prepared as they will need to be.
For Air Force, it will be very important that they control the tempo and do not get behind early. I expect AF's option attack to be very sharp with the extra prep time and for the Falcon's to keep their suspect defense off the field. When the defense is on the field, they will likely take some chances and see if the can keep Toledo off balance.
This should be a white knuckler but look for AF to take care of business early and then in crunch time.
Texas- Disappointing season for both of these teams and both coaches are feeling the pressure and a win would ease some of the anxiety. When it comes down to it, Texas has the edge in talent and will be able to stop a weak Cal offense and scratch out enough points to get the win and cover.
Air Force +3 vs Toledo
Lean:
Texas -3.5 vs California
Air Force- High total in this one (71) and I think there will be a lot of big plays but the advantage in my opinion goes to AF and their ability to control the ball and put the pressure on Toledo. Another big factor that I cited in my bowl preview is Toledo playing without their former head coach. He was big driving force in Toledo's resurgence and I think the team will not be as well prepared as they will need to be.
For Air Force, it will be very important that they control the tempo and do not get behind early. I expect AF's option attack to be very sharp with the extra prep time and for the Falcon's to keep their suspect defense off the field. When the defense is on the field, they will likely take some chances and see if the can keep Toledo off balance.
This should be a white knuckler but look for AF to take care of business early and then in crunch time.
Texas- Disappointing season for both of these teams and both coaches are feeling the pressure and a win would ease some of the anxiety. When it comes down to it, Texas has the edge in talent and will be able to stop a weak Cal offense and scratch out enough points to get the win and cover.
NBA 12/27
Couple of NBA leans:
Atlanta -4.5 vs Nets
Utah +5.5 vs Lakers
Nets had their first game and have an immediate back to back while Atlanta has their first game and should be fresher in this and will pull away
Lakers are playing their 3rd game in a row while it is the opener for Utah. Lakers will be happy to get a 1 point win in this and I won't be surprised if the Jazz get the straight up win.
Atlanta -4.5 vs Nets
Utah +5.5 vs Lakers
Nets had their first game and have an immediate back to back while Atlanta has their first game and should be fresher in this and will pull away
Lakers are playing their 3rd game in a row while it is the opener for Utah. Lakers will be happy to get a 1 point win in this and I won't be surprised if the Jazz get the straight up win.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Bowl Games 12/26-12/27
Belk Bowl
Top Pick
Louisville Pk over NC St
Unofficial Picks
Independence Bowl
Missouri/NC St over 53.5
Little Ceasars Bowl
Western Michigan +3 vs Purdue
Louisville- The Cardinals overcame a slow start and were quite a force in the Big East the 2nd half of the season. They have bought into their head coach Charlie Strong's philosophy and have mad the transition from offensive oriented team to a very good defensive team with a solid offense.
NC State had a lackluster season and never got the type of play from their qb position once Russell Wilson left the program. They had a signature victory over Clemson but I saw that game as more of a Clemson let down than an NC State win. They do have some talent on their team but it has not seem to come together yet.
This should be a pretty entertaining game to watch and I like L'ville to have the intangible edge of continuing their strong second half of the season with a win in this one.
Missouri/NC- Not too sure what you can count on with either the Tigers or Tarheels in this one. There is probably not a lot at stake for either team and they can play without a lot of pressure- may translate to points...maybe.
Western Michigan- They have a bit of a home field advantage which gives them a slight edge.
Top Pick
Louisville Pk over NC St
Unofficial Picks
Independence Bowl
Missouri/NC St over 53.5
Little Ceasars Bowl
Western Michigan +3 vs Purdue
Louisville- The Cardinals overcame a slow start and were quite a force in the Big East the 2nd half of the season. They have bought into their head coach Charlie Strong's philosophy and have mad the transition from offensive oriented team to a very good defensive team with a solid offense.
NC State had a lackluster season and never got the type of play from their qb position once Russell Wilson left the program. They had a signature victory over Clemson but I saw that game as more of a Clemson let down than an NC State win. They do have some talent on their team but it has not seem to come together yet.
This should be a pretty entertaining game to watch and I like L'ville to have the intangible edge of continuing their strong second half of the season with a win in this one.
Missouri/NC- Not too sure what you can count on with either the Tigers or Tarheels in this one. There is probably not a lot at stake for either team and they can play without a lot of pressure- may translate to points...maybe.
Western Michigan- They have a bit of a home field advantage which gives them a slight edge.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Hawaii Bowl and NBA Picks
Hawaii Bowl
Top Pick:
Nevada/Southern Miss over 63
This is part historical play as much as it is about the current teams. It seems that looking at the history of the hawaii bowl games over the years and under various names that these bowl games inveritably go over the total. Blame it on the beautiful scenery or maybe sunburn but it does not seem like teams ever bring a strong defensive effort.
Looking at S. Miss, they used to be known as a defensive team with the motto "of playing anyone anywhere" and relying on their defese to kepp them in games. In recent years they have morphed into an offensive minded team and I look for them to have another big offensive game.
Nevada has always been an offensive minded team and they have improved ther offense over the season and they will score as well.
Take the over in this one.
NBA
Two NBA games to get the season started-
Top Pick
Chicago -4 vs LA Lakers
Lean
Dallas +4 vs Miami
Chicago- Tale of two offseasons, both teams came off disappointing losses however the Bulls have spent the offseason getting better for this season while the Lakers are scrambling to figure out how to rebuild their team for another dynasty run. The difference will be apparent in this game as the bulls will dominate and the Lakers will turn up the heat on how to acquire Dwight Howard.
Dallas- Picking up where we left off last year, this will be a close one coming down to the last possession, Heat may win but won't cover the 4.
Top Pick:
Nevada/Southern Miss over 63
This is part historical play as much as it is about the current teams. It seems that looking at the history of the hawaii bowl games over the years and under various names that these bowl games inveritably go over the total. Blame it on the beautiful scenery or maybe sunburn but it does not seem like teams ever bring a strong defensive effort.
Looking at S. Miss, they used to be known as a defensive team with the motto "of playing anyone anywhere" and relying on their defese to kepp them in games. In recent years they have morphed into an offensive minded team and I look for them to have another big offensive game.
Nevada has always been an offensive minded team and they have improved ther offense over the season and they will score as well.
Take the over in this one.
NBA
Two NBA games to get the season started-
Top Pick
Chicago -4 vs LA Lakers
Lean
Dallas +4 vs Miami
Chicago- Tale of two offseasons, both teams came off disappointing losses however the Bulls have spent the offseason getting better for this season while the Lakers are scrambling to figure out how to rebuild their team for another dynasty run. The difference will be apparent in this game as the bulls will dominate and the Lakers will turn up the heat on how to acquire Dwight Howard.
Dallas- Picking up where we left off last year, this will be a close one coming down to the last possession, Heat may win but won't cover the 4.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Bowl Picks 12/20- 12/22
3 more bowls on tap including two big ones for me.
5 Star Picks:
Boise St -14 vs Arizona St (Las Vegas Bowl)
TCU - 10.5 vs La Tech (Poinsettia Bowl)
Unofficial Pick
FIU -4.5 vs Marshall (Beef O'Brady Bowl)
Writeups:
Boise St and TCU- If you saw my bowl preview post then you saw my premise for picking these two teams. Both teams had very good seasons but got the short end of the bowl selection stick. However, don't expect either team to feel sorry for itself. Both teams will put forward a solid effort.
Boise is taking on an Arizona St that underachieved and is transitioning to a new coach. The Sun Devils had some solid wins earlier in the season but did not improve as the season went on. The players will be focusing on next year as opposed to getting ready to take on Boise.
Boise on the other hand will be focused on sending their record setting qb out on a high note. Boise's coach always has his team prepared and I don't expect anything less than a virtuoso performance from the Broncos.
TCU is taking on a respectable LA Tech team that should be pretty excited to play in a bowl game however they will be outclassed in this one on both sides of the ball. Also, TCU's head coach is not one to not prepare his team for any opponent and has a solid bowl record. Looking at TCU's record this season, you can see that when TCU played lesser teams, they were not afraid to run up the score. Look for a repeat in this one.
FIU- Don't know too much about the Panthers but they have a stud player in TI Hilton. I think FIU has an edge in talent and look for that to be the difference.
5 Star Picks:
Boise St -14 vs Arizona St (Las Vegas Bowl)
TCU - 10.5 vs La Tech (Poinsettia Bowl)
Unofficial Pick
FIU -4.5 vs Marshall (Beef O'Brady Bowl)
Writeups:
Boise St and TCU- If you saw my bowl preview post then you saw my premise for picking these two teams. Both teams had very good seasons but got the short end of the bowl selection stick. However, don't expect either team to feel sorry for itself. Both teams will put forward a solid effort.
Boise is taking on an Arizona St that underachieved and is transitioning to a new coach. The Sun Devils had some solid wins earlier in the season but did not improve as the season went on. The players will be focusing on next year as opposed to getting ready to take on Boise.
Boise on the other hand will be focused on sending their record setting qb out on a high note. Boise's coach always has his team prepared and I don't expect anything less than a virtuoso performance from the Broncos.
TCU is taking on a respectable LA Tech team that should be pretty excited to play in a bowl game however they will be outclassed in this one on both sides of the ball. Also, TCU's head coach is not one to not prepare his team for any opponent and has a solid bowl record. Looking at TCU's record this season, you can see that when TCU played lesser teams, they were not afraid to run up the score. Look for a repeat in this one.
FIU- Don't know too much about the Panthers but they have a stud player in TI Hilton. I think FIU has an edge in talent and look for that to be the difference.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Bowl Picks 12/17
Three bowls kick off today and here are picks for each game.
New Orleans Bowl
Top Pick- Louisiana Lafayette +4 vs San Diego St
Idaho Potato Bowl
Lean- Utah St/Ohio over 61
New Mexico Bowl
No official pick on this but I would take Wyoming.
Writeups:
Louisiana Lafayette- Not going to say that I spent a lot of time studying the Ragin Cajuns but they have the intangibles on their side. It's there first bowl game in a long time, they are playing in their home state and they are playing a team that probably is not that excited to be there.
I watched quite a few SDST games this year and although they have a lot of talent especially on offense, they had a lot of lethargic efforts and have not nearly as good as last year.
The key in this one will be for the Cajuns to get off to a good start and get the crowd into. As long as they don't get down early, they should be able to build momentum and get the straight up win.
Utah St/Ohio- Both team's head coaches are offensive minded and will have their offenses ready to go. Their defenses are respectable and will make some plays but this will end up being a shoot out and will go over 61.
Wyoming- Both teams will be excited for this one and it is truly neutral site for these teams. I tend to like the points when there does not seem to be a clear edge for either team.
New Orleans Bowl
Top Pick- Louisiana Lafayette +4 vs San Diego St
Idaho Potato Bowl
Lean- Utah St/Ohio over 61
New Mexico Bowl
No official pick on this but I would take Wyoming.
Writeups:
Louisiana Lafayette- Not going to say that I spent a lot of time studying the Ragin Cajuns but they have the intangibles on their side. It's there first bowl game in a long time, they are playing in their home state and they are playing a team that probably is not that excited to be there.
I watched quite a few SDST games this year and although they have a lot of talent especially on offense, they had a lot of lethargic efforts and have not nearly as good as last year.
The key in this one will be for the Cajuns to get off to a good start and get the crowd into. As long as they don't get down early, they should be able to build momentum and get the straight up win.
Utah St/Ohio- Both team's head coaches are offensive minded and will have their offenses ready to go. Their defenses are respectable and will make some plays but this will end up being a shoot out and will go over 61.
Wyoming- Both teams will be excited for this one and it is truly neutral site for these teams. I tend to like the points when there does not seem to be a clear edge for either team.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Swicat's Bowl Games Preview
When looking at the bowl match ups, there of course is the analysis of offense vs defense and vice versa, coaches, etc but over my time of watching bowl games, I have been able to find winning sides by finding favorable match ups that fall into my customized categories.
The categories are:
Looking at the PO'd teams.
Both come the Mountain West
Boise St -14 vs Arizona St. - I am not a big boise st supporter but this team should be in BCS bowl game...no doubt. It is pretty criminal that they are not and they will tatoo ASU all night in this one.
TCU -10.5 vs Louisiana Tech- The Horned frogs had another solid season and beat Boise St, won the Mountain West and end up playing La Tech? They will show no mercy against La Tech and build momentum for their move to the Big 12.
Homefield Advantage:
UL Lafayette +5 vs SDST- this game also fits the first timers. ULL will be fired up up playing in New Orleans and add to that that the HC for SD ST is not a great bowl coach and this looks like a big time money line play on ULL.
Vanderbilt -2.5 vs Cincinnati- Vandy did what they needed to do to get to a bowl and are rewarded with a game in Memphis. Look for a spirited effort from the long suffering Commodores in their home state.
Rutgers -1.5 vs Iowa St- It was not a great year for Rutgers but they will be in their element in NYC. HC Schiano has done pretty well in bowl games and this should be a win for the Scarlet Knights.
Coach has left:
Air Force +3 vs Toledo- The Rockets will be in a bit of fog with their head coach leaving. It is tough enough getting ready for Air Force under regular circumstances and Toledo without their coach will be in trouble in this one.
First Timers:
Baylor -9 vs Washington- Yes, I know that Baylor was in a bowl last year but they have huge momentum with RG3 winning the Heisman. This is new territory for Baylor and they will take full advantage. Also Washington has struggled this year and does not have the same chemistry that they had last year.
Bowl Coaches:
Iowa +14 vs Oklahoma- Iowa always seems to be ready one way or another for their bowl games. Oklahoma has not been great in their majority of bowl games under Stoops.
Wisconsin +6 vs Oregon- Chip Kelly has made quite a name for himself but he has not gotten over the bowl game win hump. I think 6 is too much for the Ducks to cover and I look for the line to increase so don't be in a big rush to lock in the Badgers who will be a lock.
Michigan -2.5 vs Va Tech- Get on the Brady Hoke bandwagon. Less than a field goal is a gift. The Wolverines will be ready in this one. BIG.
The Let Down Teams:
SMU +4.5 vs Pitt- SMU has momentum in their favor while Pitt is building for the future and I don't see them bringing all they can to Birmingham.
I will have a side for pretty much each game as they get closer but get the above games on the radar now!
The categories are:
- The PO'd teams- teams that should be playing in a much better bowl game than they are in and have an edge for it.
- The first timers- Either first time for a coach or a time that has not been to a bowl in a game for a while so they are pulling out all the stops.
- Really good bowl coaches or really bad one- Some coaches are masters at getting their teams ready while others just don't do that well.
- The coach has left teams- This cuts both ways. Some teams rise up after their coach has accepted another job others teams fold without their leader.
- Homefield Advantage- Bowl teams that have a game on "neutral" field but are really in their backyard.
- The let down teams- Teams that just are not interested in being there.
Looking at the PO'd teams.
Both come the Mountain West
Boise St -14 vs Arizona St. - I am not a big boise st supporter but this team should be in BCS bowl game...no doubt. It is pretty criminal that they are not and they will tatoo ASU all night in this one.
TCU -10.5 vs Louisiana Tech- The Horned frogs had another solid season and beat Boise St, won the Mountain West and end up playing La Tech? They will show no mercy against La Tech and build momentum for their move to the Big 12.
Homefield Advantage:
UL Lafayette +5 vs SDST- this game also fits the first timers. ULL will be fired up up playing in New Orleans and add to that that the HC for SD ST is not a great bowl coach and this looks like a big time money line play on ULL.
Vanderbilt -2.5 vs Cincinnati- Vandy did what they needed to do to get to a bowl and are rewarded with a game in Memphis. Look for a spirited effort from the long suffering Commodores in their home state.
Rutgers -1.5 vs Iowa St- It was not a great year for Rutgers but they will be in their element in NYC. HC Schiano has done pretty well in bowl games and this should be a win for the Scarlet Knights.
Coach has left:
Air Force +3 vs Toledo- The Rockets will be in a bit of fog with their head coach leaving. It is tough enough getting ready for Air Force under regular circumstances and Toledo without their coach will be in trouble in this one.
First Timers:
Baylor -9 vs Washington- Yes, I know that Baylor was in a bowl last year but they have huge momentum with RG3 winning the Heisman. This is new territory for Baylor and they will take full advantage. Also Washington has struggled this year and does not have the same chemistry that they had last year.
Bowl Coaches:
Iowa +14 vs Oklahoma- Iowa always seems to be ready one way or another for their bowl games. Oklahoma has not been great in their majority of bowl games under Stoops.
Wisconsin +6 vs Oregon- Chip Kelly has made quite a name for himself but he has not gotten over the bowl game win hump. I think 6 is too much for the Ducks to cover and I look for the line to increase so don't be in a big rush to lock in the Badgers who will be a lock.
Michigan -2.5 vs Va Tech- Get on the Brady Hoke bandwagon. Less than a field goal is a gift. The Wolverines will be ready in this one. BIG.
The Let Down Teams:
SMU +4.5 vs Pitt- SMU has momentum in their favor while Pitt is building for the future and I don't see them bringing all they can to Birmingham.
I will have a side for pretty much each game as they get closer but get the above games on the radar now!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
College Basketball 12/4
Illinois got it done yesterday and using the same logic I have a 5 star college basketball side.
5 Star Pick
Northwestern -2.5 vs Baylor
If you look at the top 25 NCAA basketball rankings, Baylor is in the top 10 and undefeated. They are on the road against the Northwestern Wildcats who are undefeated as well but nowhere to be found in the rankings.
One might think that Baylor would be a big favorite but at least favored. However Baylor is the underdog in this one and the Wildcats are the favorite. So if you believe the pollsters are right then you can take Baylor but I am going with the Vegas oddsmakers and taking the Wildcats.
At home, the Wildcats have had good success against good teams. They are able to control the tempo and for whatever reason consistently keep teams off balance. I like this to hold true again and for the Wildcats to frustrate Baylor in a so called "upset".
Some other picks:
Leans:
Wichita St -2 vs UNLV
Same thinking as above however Wichita St has not stepped up this year so I am not quite as confident but do think they will get it done.
Creighton -8 vs Nebraska
Nice opportunity for the small school to beat up their in state rival in front of a rabid home crowd.
5 Star Pick
Northwestern -2.5 vs Baylor
If you look at the top 25 NCAA basketball rankings, Baylor is in the top 10 and undefeated. They are on the road against the Northwestern Wildcats who are undefeated as well but nowhere to be found in the rankings.
One might think that Baylor would be a big favorite but at least favored. However Baylor is the underdog in this one and the Wildcats are the favorite. So if you believe the pollsters are right then you can take Baylor but I am going with the Vegas oddsmakers and taking the Wildcats.
At home, the Wildcats have had good success against good teams. They are able to control the tempo and for whatever reason consistently keep teams off balance. I like this to hold true again and for the Wildcats to frustrate Baylor in a so called "upset".
Some other picks:
Leans:
Wichita St -2 vs UNLV
Same thinking as above however Wichita St has not stepped up this year so I am not quite as confident but do think they will get it done.
Creighton -8 vs Nebraska
Nice opportunity for the small school to beat up their in state rival in front of a rabid home crowd.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Big 10 and ACC Championship Picks
Going with 2 Leans in these games:
Va Tech -7 vs Clemson
Michigan St +10 (-120) vs Wisconsin
Va. Tech- This team has been solid and sometimes spectacular but this pick is more of a go against Clemson. The tigers seem to have pretty much run out of gas and have gotten handled pretty easily their last 2 games. Maybe the Tigers can get it going but I the right side is the Hokies.
Mich St- I am buying into the no respect angle. First time around I picked Wisconsin and think they will win the game but by less than 10. Look for another last second finish.
Va Tech -7 vs Clemson
Michigan St +10 (-120) vs Wisconsin
Va. Tech- This team has been solid and sometimes spectacular but this pick is more of a go against Clemson. The tigers seem to have pretty much run out of gas and have gotten handled pretty easily their last 2 games. Maybe the Tigers can get it going but I the right side is the Hokies.
Mich St- I am buying into the no respect angle. First time around I picked Wisconsin and think they will win the game but by less than 10. Look for another last second finish.
LSU Vs Georgia Side
Last week the LSU offense and special teams came alive in a big way against Arkansas.
This week I live the over 46 as a top pick in this game.
Georgia will be bringing out all the stops and will play a high risk high reward game. LSU will be up to the challenge and will do what they need to score as well.
I might lay the 13.5 as well for LSU but the over will get there.
Basketball Side
Lean
Illinois -3 vs Gonzaga- The Illini have shown promise far this year and are at home. Gonzaga has played well so far and are ranked #18 while Illinois is unranked. The pollsters think Gonzaga is the better team while Vegas thinks Illini is the better team. I agree with Vegas on this one.
This week I live the over 46 as a top pick in this game.
Georgia will be bringing out all the stops and will play a high risk high reward game. LSU will be up to the challenge and will do what they need to score as well.
I might lay the 13.5 as well for LSU but the over will get there.
Basketball Side
Lean
Illinois -3 vs Gonzaga- The Illini have shown promise far this year and are at home. Gonzaga has played well so far and are ranked #18 while Illinois is unranked. The pollsters think Gonzaga is the better team while Vegas thinks Illini is the better team. I agree with Vegas on this one.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)