RIP Beano Cook

As some are particularly aware, I don't really post much on college football. Much of that I wrote about back last year, which you can read here (a little dated with regards to BCS though). However, Beano Cook was a must-watch for anyone who followed the sport.

He died today at the age of 81. He will be remembered for his passion and knowledge of college football and being a colorful character on television. Whether it was him predicting that Ron Pawlus would win two Heisman Trophies and lead Notre Dame to two national championships, to his legendary blooper reel, he always made TV interesting. It's too bad you were taken from us during the season, as you wished in this video. RIP Beano.

Time to End the Big East

Today it looks like the final blow to the Big East Conference has been absorbed. Unless something screwy happens, West Virginia is leaving for the Big 12. Now you can blame John Marinatto (who is to blame for his horrid leadership), you can blame Mike Tranghese for defending the BCS years back, killing the Big East and making the Big 12 completely dependent on Texas. So it's about time to end the whole thing.


In this instance, I'm not writing about Rutgers, UConn and the football schools. I can careless what they do (though I do love it when Rutgers thinks they belong in the Big Ten; they have as much a chance as DePaul does). I've mentioned this before, but I'm a Seton Hall alum and have become increasingly concerned on what happens to them in this whole school shuffle. But it's not just Seton Hall, it's St. John's, it's Georgetown, it's Villanova; these great basketball programs that will be left behind because they don't play FBS football. What happens to them?


That's why it's time for the basketball schools to be proactive and former their own league. Now who goes into this league? Well, St. John's, Georgetown, Villanova will start the league, and you bring in Seton Hall and Providence because they spent all the years they did in the Big East. Throw in Marquette and DePaul since they are current Big East members. After them, look for all the great basketball schools without major football. Xavier and Butler are obvious ones to pluck. Temple is the interesting case because they're getting better in football. They might not just go into an non-football conference. I also figure Notre Dame doesn't participate in this league, and perhaps join somewhere else for its Olympic sports, but they would be welcome if football independence trumps their plans.


So that leaves us with nine members in a new Big East. Add in UMass, Dayton and Richmond and you have twelve. Twelve is a good number, enough to get multiple NCAA appearances. There, you won't have a round-robin, but with 16 or 18 games, there can be some semblance of rivalry. You can also split into two divisions (say SJU, SHU, GTown, Nova, UMass and Providence in one; Dayton, Xavier, Butler, DePaul, Marquette and Richmond in the other).


We know that the Big East as we know it is done. Louisville and Cincinnati probably follow West Virginia to the Big 12, Rutgers and UConn likely head to ACC and South Florida is the one who probably is forced back into Conference USA. Instead of waiting for this to happen, the basketball (Catholic) schools need to band together like they did once before. Form your own league, play basketball well and more importantly, keep the MSG for your conference tournament, which could be done with St. John's being involved. St. John's is the only college that truly matters in NYC, at least when they're good. If they are back, MSG will host this conference's tournament. It seems ideal for everyone involved.


Not to mention, it makes too much sense.

So Long College Football

I've had it. Conference realignment has ruined college football for me. And it's about to ruin college basketball, which I've always held more dear than football. Part of the reason is because I went to Seton Hall, a non-football playing Big East school. So already I don't belong to any college football team and thus, I never really root for anyone.


The inspiration to this rant: this tweet. This is still a sport that can't and won't decide it's national champion on the field, which makes it useless to follow the sport anyway. I know that conference champions mattered more before the Bowl Coalition/Bowl Alliance/BCS Era, but now with these superconferences, no longer is there anything close to a true round robin. Money and greed has ended the Nebraska-Oklahoma rivalry (which really ended when the Big 12 was formed).


Better reactionary articles can be seen here, here and here. All I'm here to say is because of Dan, Gregg and JP, I'm all but finished following college football with the same passion as the other sports I follow until either these schools stop sacrificing tradition for money or until they create a real playoff, which will naturally solve the first point.


Does this mean I won't watch college football anymore? Probably not. I'm sure I'm going to bet on college and will have to at least know who's good and who's not. However, I'm certainly finished thinking about college football outside of a game itself. To me, it's a better version of high school football. The only regret I have will probably be the way I evaluate potential pros. That's what the Combine and these All-Star games are for.

Why College Football Needs Boise State to Win Tonight

I know I'm writing this as the game between Boise State and Virginia Tech will be underway, but I had to write this after reading Ty Duffy's piece on The Big Lead and Gregg Doyel's column on CBSSports.com. Both share the view that Boise State winning this game would be bad for the sport. Boise State only has this game with Virginia Tech and the rest of the schedule is for the most part easy. Meanwhile, every BCS team will have tougher schedules with 3 or 4 top 25 teams to play, more than likely. And you know what, I agree with them, Boise wouldn't deserve to play for a national title appearance compared to teams like a Florida or Oklahoma.

That is why I fully support Boise going to the national title game.

Fact is, we need to force the sport to go into a playoff. The best argument to having a playoff would be a non-AQ team reaching the BCS Title game because they were ranked top 5, beat a good team (top-10 preferable) and coast with an easy schedule to an undefeated season, screwing over a one-loss Big 12 or SEC team. It would have to be a one-loss team because two undefeated teams in BCS conferences would jump ahead of Boise, no question in my mind.

If Boise wins and goes unbeaten, they reach the title game if no one else is unblemished. And if they win the BCS Title game? Then you will hear from the Alabama's and the Ohio State's that they shouldn't win because of their easy schedule and weak league competition. Once again, they're right. However, all I have to say is too bad. You wanted this system (I know the ACC and SEC would accept a plus-one game, but if they wanted the other conferences to join, they could) and now when it works against you, you're upset. The past has shown teams like Auburn get jobbed of a chance for a national title, but a USC would win and not get all the conference to be upset. This should get the big six conferences upset about Boise winning and perhaps it would motivate them to change the system. Anything to change the system is fine with me.

So, I want Boise to win tonight and screw over all the teams and schools and fans and media writers that screwed them over in the past. Fairness be damned, unless it leads to a playoff, the only fair way to decide a title.

Randomness While The Curse Of Walton Strikes Again

(Photo courtesy of www.cbc.ca)

-It continues for the Blazers as Greg Oden injured his knee Saturday night against the Rockets. Oden was a high draft pick, just like Bill Walton and Sam Bowie, and like them, continue to suffer through injuries. I don't have any record of saying that Kevin Durant was the better player, so you have to take my word. Oden was the safe pick that has been anything but safe, while Durant continues to improve in Oklahoma City. I feel bad for Portland fans, who are great and shouldn't be suffering like they do.

-I have to admit, Philly was the perfect place to end for Iverson. He gets to be welcomed with a conquering hero's return home and the Sixers have no dreams of being involved in free agency until 2012, so the team needs a reason to get people to show up, and that's AI.

-Some more NBA notes; congratulations Nets on you're first win and two of three now. Of course, their hurting their chances at John Wall with this new found winning ability. The Nuggets and Mavs seem to be the biggest challengers to the Lakers out West (I don't believe in the Suns staying power). The East has seen the Cavs float to the top, while the Hawks continue to remain among the contenders. Now only imagine if the Hawks had drafted Chris Paul and I should mention this every time I mention the Atlanta Hawks.

-I tweeted it before, now I link it here: Dan Wetzel's annual "Here's how you can do a College Playoff" is a tour de force. It touches on why the BCS sucks, who's involved with the sucking and how to replace it. Honestly, you can't say with fact that TCU and Cincinnati would be better than Texas and that Boise State is the worst of these unbeatens. Still, I was disgusted with the way Texas won that game, given the short field on a kickoff by Nebraska's second kicker, then almost the dumbest play in football history (yes, even dumber than Dan Orlovsky running out-of-bounds in his end zone) when Colt McCoy almost ran the clock out throwing the ball away before getting a reprieve (rightly) and winning the game on a field goal. Thus, the Longhorns get to go to Pasadena for the BCS title game. Let's hope this costs McCoy the Heisman.

-Speaking of the Heisman, the finalists are: Mark Ingram, Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy, Toby Gerhart and Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska's defensive tackle who had 4.5 sacks on Saturday. The fact Tebow is even going to New York says that too many voters did so before he spit the bit in Florida's loss to Alabama. I think McCoy should be written off because of the poor performance against Nebraska. My ballot would be 1. Suh 2. Ingram 3. Gerhart but I have a feeling McCoy will win because as I wrote at the start of the season, it's McCoy's turn to win, no matter who was better.

-Best thing about the weekend: Tim Tebow crying. Joins Sasha Vujacic and Adam Morrison as the greatest criers for all to mock. Now, I'm sure Tebow will be drafted, as a second round pick of the Lakers.

-I just can't quit you, Giants. Once again, I was ready to bury the 2009 N.Y. Giants, only they win a game that I don't expect them to and I'm reeled back in. If they beat the Eagles on Sunday, the Giants all of a sudden are in the drivers seat for the division as they get to finish with the Redskins, Panthers and the Vikings who likely will rest starters. Meanwhile, if you haven't read a calendar in a while, you know this is the month where Cowboys begin to fall apart. The NFC East will only win a playoff game if two teams play each other in the first round, since all three teams aren't as good as New Orleans, Minnesota, Arizona and Green Bay, even though the media always treats the division like it is. Once more thing, can people (ESPN and SNY) stop talking about Andy Reid as a great coach. A great coach wins big games. A great coach inspires confidence in not only your team, but you're fans. People like to think Philly fans are irrational, but they know Andy Reid does funny things as a coach. Why does only Bill Simmons and Michael Lombardi ever call him out on them?

-Final thoughts from Week 13: Saints with their miraculous win against the Redskins and the Vikings loss (nice to see the Brett Favre I know play Sunday) are in the drivers seat for home-field advantage and thus no longer need to be unbeaten to avoid a game in the Metrodome. The Colts got closer to their unbeaten season, derailing the Young-Johnson Express. The Bengals and Chargers continue to close in on a collision course for that second AFC seed, which should be decided in Week 15 when they play each other. The Pats and Steelers continue to struggle, who's chances of making the playoffs continue to drop.


Now I once again try to right the ship with my picks, as my NFL season has turned into my college season (so glad that's over). It starts tonight with the Steelers and the Browns in another dull NFL Network game. Let's hope this game is decided by halftime so we can all watch "Jersey Shore", but I don't think it will be. Still, the Browns stink and the Steelers always beat them. I know the Raiders beat the Steelers, but that should knock some sense into Pittsburgh, who don't have the easiest of schedules to close it out.

Pittsburgh (-9.5) over CLEVELAND

Babe of the Week and Week 13 Picks

(Thanks for The Big Lead and Stare Magazine for this photo)

Huge weekend of football as the biggest college football game of the season is later today. Thus, for Babe of the Week, it's time to pull out a big name and that name is Jenn Brown, a Florida alum who is destined to become the next Erin Andrews but still does only one piece every week on ESPN College Gameday. Since ESPN won't show you full love, you'll have to settle for the prestige of the Babe of the Week title and you can see more pictures here. This is also a big weekend for the NFL, where the playoff picture could start getting more clear.


Time to end the stripper part of this post and tease you, you want picks and here they are. Home team in CAPS.

KANSAS CITY (+5.5) over Denver- There is real history of the Broncos playing poor in Arrowhead in December. Also, I'm not sure if the Broncos win over the Giants is a good one.
PITTSBURGH (-14.5) over Oakland- I'm not sure whether Ben Roethlisberger or Dennis Dixon will start at QB. It won't matter either way; the Raiders are a cure to the Steelers injuries.
JACKSONVILLE (PK) over Houston- The two teams that frustrate me more than anyone, you really can go either way, thus the pick'em is warranted. I'm guessing the Jags best guy (MJD) outplays the Texans best (A. Johnson)
Tennessee (+6.5) over INDIANAPOLIS- We have colliding "Don't bet against" guys in Chris Johnson and Peyton Manning. Because Vince Young is close to that status, I like the Titans to end the Colts unbeaten dream.
Philadelphia (-5.5) over ATLANTA- I'm not taking Chris Redman against the Eagles, even though I know Philly isn't that good. It's a shame they are going to the playoffs.
CINCINNATI (-13) over Detroit- The Bengals need to send a message after a couple of weak efforts against the Raiders and Browns. Start Chad Ochocinco this week.
WASHINGTON (+9.5) over New Orleans- The Saints might win, but I don't think they dominate the Redskins, who've become an underdog cover in the past few weeks.
CAROLINA (-5.5) over Tampa Bay- For once, I'm not backing Jake Delhomme. Matt Moore will start after John Fox broke Jake's finger for an excuse to bench him after his fourth INT last week.
CHICAGO (-9.5) over St. Louis- I know, I know, you can't trust Jay Cutler. But the Bears if anything are a bully team and the Rams are the fat kid a bully loves to humiliate.
New England (-4.5) over MIAMI- This was my toughest pick since I was leaning on the Dolphins, but I can't give the Pats that small a spread. They bounce back.
San Diego (-13.5) over CLEVELAND- The Chargers should be appreciated for being a team that never plays down to their opponent. Bad teams they crush and I expect the same this week.
San Francisco (-1) over SEATTLE- Not a very good game, but the Niners have to win this, hope the Cards lose and next Monday they can play for the NFC West. It's still possible.
Dallas (-2.5) over GIANTS- I'd probably pick the Giants if they were the more desperate team, but the Cowboys need to prove they can win in December, especially Tony Romo.
Minnesota (-3) over ARIZONA- Not sure about Warner and an average home team make this a game the Vikings should win. Remember, the Cards turned Delhomme into an INT machine, so Favre better watch out.
GREEN BAY (-3) over Baltimore- The Packers have Lambeau Field, Monday night, an 11-day break from Thanksgiving and a playoff spot sitting in front of them. I think they win.

NFL Record: 90-85-2

Cincinnati (-2.5) over PITTSBURGH
Houston (-3) over EAST CAROLINA
Fresno State (+3) over ILLINOIS
Arizona (+7) over USC
Texas (-14) over Nebraska
Georgia Tech (PK) over Clemson
Alabama (+5.5) over Florida- Expect another classic like last year; remember that Florida isn't as good as they were with Percy Harvin in that offense.

College Record: 50-70-2

Babe of the Week and Week 11 Picks

Since Florida still has some big games to be featured (meaning Jenn Brown and Erin Andrews will be coming up), I figured I throw Florida State a bone and have Tiffany Fallon, former Playboy Playmate and cast member of The Apprentice as this weeks Babe of the Week. No time to explain my picks since I have to head to work shortly so here they are. Home teams in CAPS.

HOUSTON (+3.5) over Indianapolis
Cleveland (+13.5) over CINCINNATI
Washington (+9) over PHILADELPHIA
BUFFALO (+3) over Miami
ST. LOUIS (+3.5) over Seattle
ATLANTA (-12) over Tampa Bay
Carolina (+3) over JETS
Jacksonville (+3) over SAN FRANCISCO
SAN DIEGO (+13.5) over Kansas City
MINNESOTA (-11) over Chicago
TENNESSEE (-3) over Arizona
BALTIMORE (+3) over Pittsburgh
New England (+1.5) over NEW ORLEANS

NFL Record: 84-78-1

STANFORD (-10) over Notre Dame
LSU (-3.5) over Arkansas
USC (-13) over UCLA
ARIZONA STATE (+3) over Arizona
Oklahoma State (+7.5) over OKLAHOMA
BYU (-7.5) over Utah
Florida State (+24.5) over FLORIDA

College Record: 49-65-1

Babe of the Week and Week 11 Picks

We turn to the Big Game for this week's BOTW and at the same time, turn again to the iconic G4 network for the lovely Morgan Webb, host of X-Play. She was a graduate of Cal-Berkeley, who will look to ruin the Rose Bowl hopes for Stanford Saturday. This is only one piece of Rivalry Saturday and a Sunday in the NFL where you'll have teams make moves to set up for the playoffs, like the Dolphins did Thursday night and by the way, the next time I give points with Jake Delhomme against anyone other than Detroit, Cleveland, St. Louis and Tampa Bay, it will be because I'm gagged and tied up like Ving Rhames in Pulp Fiction. As always, home team in CAPS.

DETROIT (-3) over Cleveland- The "If You Gamble On This Game, You Have a Gambling Problem" Game of the year, until Cleveland-Oakland likely. At least the Lions have the one national game, unlike Cleveland's two.
JACKSONVILLE (-8.5) over Buffalo- At least the Dick Jauron Era is over for Bills. Unfortunately, the Mike Shanahan Era will never happen once Daniel Snyder gets a hold of him.
Pittsburgh (-10) over KANSAS CITY- It's going to be tough for the Steelers to play without Troy Polamalu. Not this week against the Chiefs, but in general.
Indianapolis (-1.5) over BALTIMORE- After the way the Colts won last week, I can't pick them to lose at all until they do. They don't cover every week, but taking the Ravens means the Ravens will win, I can't do that.
GIANTS (-7) over Falcons- It's time for the Giants to stop fooling around. They lost Pierce, not going to be devastating as long as the defense makes Matt Ryan uncomfortable. An early lead will get the Falcons out of it.
GREEN BAY (-6.5) over San Francisco- The Packers are rejuvenated after the win over Dallas and see the Niners and Lions in their way of getting to 7-4. Part I will be taken care off.
MINNESOTA (-10.5) over Seattle- Nothing much to say here, so I'll use this game to complain again on how Ireland was robbed against France Wednesday. I knew they wouldn't replay the match.
DALLAS (-11) over Washington- The Cowboys need to bounce back against the Redskins and I don't think the rivalry, at least in Cowboys Stadium, will matter Sunday.
TAMPA BAY (+11) over New Orleans- Okay Saints, I'm tired of you barely winning games. Show me you can cover double digits and I'll take you after the Pats game on Monday.
Arizona (-9.5) over ST. LOUIS- The Cardinals go back to their last home city against the awful Rams, as well as Kurt Warner. Expect a huge game from him and another Cards win.
NEW ENGLAND (-10.5) over Jets- Grab the Kleenex Rex Ryan because you'll be weeping after the upcoming massacre at the Razor Blade. Kudos to Rex for making fun of himself this week.
San Diego (-3) over DENVER- Hard spread to find because of the injury to Kyle Orton. Seems like he won't play so the Chargers will eat Chris Simms alive.
Cincinnati (-9.5) over OAKLAND- The best team to player after beating the Ravens and Steelers back-to-back, where you can half-ass a victory.
CHICAGO (+3) over Philadelphia- I must be a glutton of punishment for picking the Bears, but I don't trust the Eagles. Plus, Jay Cutler is due for a great game, right? Right?
HOUSTON (-4.5) over Tennessee- The dream for the Titans of finishing the season 10-0 will end as the Texans will take care of Vince Young and Chris Johnson. Andre Johnson will cancel out Chris Johnson.


NFL Record: 78-66-1

Ohio State (-11.5) over MICHIGAN- Probably the least important game in this rivalry in my life.
BOSTON COLLEGE (-3) over North Carolina
Oklahoma (-6.5) over TEXAS TECH
UConn (+6.5) over NOTRE DAME- The Irish win barely, and Weis would need to beat Stanford.
BYU (-9.5) over Air Force
Penn State (-3) over MICHIGAN STATE
LSU (+4.5) over MISSISSIPPI
STANFORD (-7) over California
GEORGIA (-9.5) over Kentucky
ARIZONA (+6) over Oregon

College Record: 44-60-1

Babe of the Week and Week 10 Picks

For this week's Babe of the Week, we travel to South Carolina for a former Gamecock cheerleader and Playboy Playmate Lauren Michelle Hill. It's more indicative that there isn't really a big game this week in college football; just a bunch of semi-important ones. Last week was the example of my picking season as I bounced back with a strong 9-4 effort in the NFL picks, while plummeting to an awful 1-9 in college picks. It's getting to the point where it's naturally smarter to go against me in college since I can't pick the right weeks when the good teams take off and the ones they show up. At least I'm picking NFL games at close to the best I've done in my life. Anyway, just a short description as I'm ready to make picks. Home team in CAPS
Jacksonville (+7) over JETS- Mark Sanchez isn't Matt Ryan or Dan Marino, so I wouldn't give seven points. Plus, it should be windy in the Meadowlands and Sanchez hasn't proven to throw in it.
Denver (-4) over WASHINGTON- The perfect team to play after dropping two in a row, an inferior offense which the Bronco defense to eat alive.
Cincinnati (+7) over PITTSBURGH- Everyone thinks the Steelers will just blowout the Bengals, but the Cincy defense is very good and Palmer is back to '05 level. This stays close.
TENNESSEE (-7) over Buffalo- The site of the Music City Miracle (aka the day the Bills franchise died) will see again that the V in Vince means victory.
MINNESOTA (-16.5)over Detroit- A week off for the Vikings is followed by another bye week ag ainst the Lions. Expect big numbers for Peterson, Favre, Rice, Harvin and defense.
New Orleans (-14) over ST. LOUIS- After three straight closer than expected games, the Saints get to enjoy a trip against the worst team in football.
Atlanta (-1.5) over CAROLINA- I still don't know if the Falcons are good or not but their losses have come against Dallas, New Orleans and New England. The Panthers aren't in that league.
MIAMI (-10) over Tampa Bay- Congrats to the Bucs for being the last team to win a game. Doesn't mean they can beat a better team in the Dolphins (who would be renamed Wildcats if this was the 1920s).
Kansas City (+2) over OAKLAND- Third week in a row for a game to be the "If You Bet This Game, You Have A Gambling Problem" game and there's plenty more down the stretch.
ARIZONA (-9) over Seattle- Big week from Warner, Seahawks playing away from Qwest Field against a team they lost to, the Cards have to win this game, right? Right?
SAN DIEGO (-1) over Philadelphia- Before the season, I thought the Eagles would miss the playoffs; a game like this goes a long way. Let's appreciate the fact that the majority of fans will know what to do more than either Andy Reid or Norv Turner.
Dallas (-3) over GREEN BAY- Last week turned out to be the week I leaped off the Packers bandwagon, Richard Kimble-style. I must admit, the Cowboys look good and if A-Rod can become clutch, Tony Romo I guess can too.
INDIANAPOLIS (-3) over New England- Game of the month, much less week. Most people think the Pats look better than the Colts, but that's because of the Titans (pre-VY) and the Bucs. They aren't back yet and the Colts will take this one at the Giant Gas Station (my nickname for Lucas Oil Stadium).
Baltimore (-10.5) over CLEVELAND- How do the Browns get a Monday night game, much less home? Ravens need to win to stay alive and that's all I want to say.

NFL Record: 70-55-1


MISSISSIPPI (-6) over Tennessee
Houston (-5.5) over CENTRAL FLORIDA
Miami (-3) over NORTH CAROLINA
SOUTH CAROLINA (+17.5) over Florida
Iowa (+16.5) over OHIO STATE
Stanford (+10.5) over USC
Auburn (+4) over GEORGIA
Utah (+20) over TCU
OKLAHOMA STATE (-4.5) over Texas Tech
PITTSBURGH (-6.5) over Notre Dame

College Record: 39-55-1

Babe of the Week and Week 9 Picks

In honor of the N.Y. Yankees World Series victory (and due to the fact that there isn't an alumnus from LSU or Alabama that belongs here), our Babe of the Week is the hottest of the Yanks long list of girlfriends/wives, Minka Kelly, Derek Jeter's main squeeze. Since I don't use this space to showcase a whole bunch of photos (unless I personally take them), here's a link that shows the Kate Hudson's and the Joanna Garcia's that date/married Yankees, plus other teams and sports. It's also the perfect opportunity to write my World Series review.


For the Phillies, this season will be remembered for one of the better title defenses in recent memory. Last year, Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge were the difference between them winning and losing; this year, both players had subpar years, yet still won the National League and took the Yankees six games. They were the first defending champ to return to the World Series since the 2001 Yankees, and despite suffering the same fate as the last dynasty team did, they have changed baseball in Philadelphia for the better. They will be back in contention in 2010 as they keep Cliff Lee and their vaunted 1-6 batting order and if they can get bounce back years from Hamels and/or Lidge, they will be the favorite to return to the World Series a third straight year. Kudos to the Phightins.


As for the Yankees, they won this World Series for five reasons. First, signing CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira, two players in their prime and among the best at their positions was a change from recent Yankee spending (bonus points for swinging the AL East when it seemed Tex was headed to Boston). Put it this way, the Yankees passed on Vlad Guerrero for Gary Sheffield in 2003 and Carlos Beltran for Randy Johnson in 2004; this team didn't make Derek Lowe and Manny Ramirez as their top two free agent choices (and if George Steinbrenner was still running things, I have to think the Yanks sign Manny, something that could have imploded the team). Second, none of their veteran players had extensive injury time. When you consider that A-Rod's hip injury in the first month was the longest injury to a major player, it's pretty remarkable; then add the fact that no player played like their age, even Matsui. Third, both the Twins and the Angels came into their series with the Yankees feeling like they needed to be both perfect and aggressive to beat them and turned out to be neither. The Twins had no chance, but blew every opportunity the Yanks gave them with boneheaded baserunning and a Joe Nathan meltdown. Meanwhile, the Angels committed errors (which they never do), couldn't hit consistently (which they usually do against New York) and had no pitching (at least no shutdown starter).


I'll use the last two for the actual series. The fourth reason was that the Phillies unfortunately were not much different than the Angels, except Cliff Lee was a legitimate starter who if he could of pitched Game 4, maybe we have a Game 7 and with Lee starting, who knows. Their bats never hit at the same time and while the Yanks didn't hit well statistically, they seemed to have at least one inning from Game 3 on that they did damage. Which brings us to number five, the turning points of this series. Pedro Martinez twice was left in too long as he should of never started the seventh in Game 2 (allowing the insurance run the Yanks needed to feel safe) and although Shane Victorino should have played Jeter's single into an out, Pedro should have never faced Matsui, the one man who was hitting him hard. Game 3 was Cole Hamels becoming a Section 8, giving up a 3-0 lead in a matter of two innings. If Hamels can get through the fifth still in front, perhaps the Phillies get some runs and change the outcome of the series. The last one was the Johnny Damon at bat against Lidge, who was dealing until Damon worked the count and got a hit. Then, in the overmanaging moment of the series, Charlie Manuel plays the shift against Tex and Damon steals two bases to get to third. We all know that Alex Rodriguez knocked the winning run in and we don't get to know if Phil Coke can keep that game tied in the bottom of the 9th.


The Yankees proved to be the best team in baseball, and earned this 27th World Championship, something I didn't think they were really close to last year (for the record, I believe the Yankees weren't overly concerned with making the playoffs a year ago, just so they could clear house). I should have known better, since the Yanks will spend their way to make a turnaround and because the Rays were destined to fall back after the high of 2008, opening the door for the Yanks and Sox to make the playoffs. Now, next season will be interesting because with the economy continuing to widen gaps between big-market and small-market, the Yankees will not only have it easier in the regular season to win, but I'd say a little more difficult since other big-market teams will gun for them.


Enough baseball, I'll write something about the hot stove soon, now let's do some football picks. Last week was a bloodbath and a reversal of fortune is needed. All of a sudden, a simple football season is turning upside down as teams I thought were among the best (Giants, Bears, Jets) have come down to earth. Fortunately, there still are a whole bunch of bad teams in this league and remember, whatever my Houston pick is, it means the other team will win, almost a lock (aside from the one push this season). As for college, I just haven't had any good weeks yet and I'll be happy when it's over (this has been a weak season anyway). Here are my picks; home team in CAPS.


Kansas City (+7) over JACKSONVILLE- Here's this weeks winner of "You Know You Have a Gambling Problem" Game. I think we have one for the rest of this year and another this week.
CINCINNATI (+3) over Baltimore- I don't think their Week 5 game was a fluke, the Bengals can run, they can pass and play defense despite the loss of Antwan Odom.
Houston (+9) over INDIANAPOLIS- This seems like the perfect week to play the Colts for the Texans, they are starting to gain steam for the playoffs and no Bob Sanders.
ATLANTA (-9) over Washington- After losses to the Cowboys and Saints, the perfect elixir is a visit from the Redskins, let's their defense puff its chest and their offense will too.
Green Bay (-10) over Tampa Bay- The Bucs have decided to wear their "creamsicle" uniforms this week, makes sense since the Bucs have been this bad since they wore them.
Arizona (+3) over CHICAGO- This is a week that I expect the Cardinals to lose, thus it makes sense to pick them here. They are the NFC version of the Texans.
Miami (+10.5) over NEW ENGLAND- The Pats should win, but a bye week and better competition than the Titans and Bucs will keep this closer than expected.
NEW ORLEANS (-13) over Carolina- Bad matchup for Jake, this is a ball-hawking, turnover-hungry defense, plus an offense that the Panthers must throw to keep up with.
SEATTLE (-10) over Detroit- Another game that show exactly how much you gamble, though I'm sure you know the Lions won't win a game in Qwest Field, too tough a home crowd.
SAN FRANCISCO (-4) over Tennessee- You have Vince Young on the road and a Niners team who should be encouraged and pissed off for losing by four up in Indy.
San Diego (+4.5) over GIANTS- Yes, I'm capable of picking against the Giants. This is a tough matchup for the G-Men; I expect Phil Rivers to throw five TD passes.
Dallas (+3) over PHILADELPHIA- Tony Romo gets his revenge at the Linc as he and Miles Austin combine for a couple of scores and the Dallas defense shuts down McNabb.
DENVER (+3) over Pittsburgh- I know the Broncos had trouble with the Ravens, but that was a flat performance against a desperate team after a bye. Plus, the home-field matters against the Steelers

NFL Record: 60-55-1


MICHIGAN (-6) over Purdue
South Carolina (+7) over ARKANSAS
Kansas (-2.5) over KANSAS STATE
STANFORD (+7) over Oregon
Florida State (+9) over CLEMSON
USC (-10) over ARIZONA STATE
CALIFORNIA (-7) over Oregon State
Oklahoma (-4.5) over NEBRASKA
PENN STATE (-5.5) over Ohio State
LSU (+7.5) over ALABAMA

College Record: 38-44-1

Babe of the Week and Week 8 Picks

This week's Babe of the Week is Sophia Bush, who attended USC for three years before landing her role on One Tree Hill and since this week's big game in college is USC-Oregon, she's a perfect BOTW. Here are my NFL and College picks for Halloween weekend. As always, home team in CAPS.

Denver (+3) over BALTIMORE- I know the Broncos are due to lose, I would feel more comfortable if the Broncos were favored, plus their defense is better than the Ravens.
CHICAGO (-13) over Cleveland- The Bears burned me last week, but I always pick against Eric Mangini, the Rich Kotite of the 00's. The Bears need this and will beat the Browns easily.
BUFFALO (+3.5) over Houston- All of a sudden, the Bills have played a little better. They still are pretty bad, but I don't think Houston travels well. Since it's the Texans, pick against me here.
INDIANAPOLIS (-13.5) over San Francisco- The Niners aren't bad like the Rams last week, but this is the Colts and Peyton Manning, keep taking them until they fail you.
Miami (+3.5) over JETS- The Dolphins ran all over the Jets two weeks ago and that game had Kris Jenkins playing nose tackle. Now without him, I think the Dolphins win again.
St. Louis (+4) over DETROIT- Let's put it this way, if you actually bet on this game in any way, you have a gambling problem. It's like betting on the Pro Bowl, just get some help.
DALLAS (-9.5) over Seattle- One thing we do know, the Cowboys are still a bully team and the Seahawks coming in to Dallas constitutes a game they tend to win.
Giants (-1) over PHILADELPHIA- The undercard to Game 4 of the World Series is a benefit to the Giants. No Brian Westbrook, weak O-line and the G-Men have won their last four in Philly and I could see a tough day for McNabb and the Eagles.
SAN DIEGO (-16.5) over Oakland- I thought about taking the Raiders, but if the Chargers blow them out, then I let you down. You should stay away because the Chargers do have Norv Turner and the Raiders are the Raiders.
Jacksonville (+3) over TENNESSEE- You can't take Vince Young in his first start in over a year and give points. Yes, I'm still mad at being fooled by the Titans.
ARIZONA (-10) over Carolina- If Jake Delhomme wasn't starting, I'd think about taking the Panthers. But Jake on the road against the team that ruined his life, well...
GREEN BAY (-3) over Minnesota- Everyone thinks Favre will return to Lambeau and play like the "great" QB that he is. I think student beats teacher as the Packers protect Rodgers better.
NEW ORLEANS (-11) over Atlanta- The Falcons are a good home team, unfortunately this is at the Superdome and when the Falcons give up points, they don't stop. The worst news, the Saints are the team who will score continuously.

NFL Record: 56-46-1

BOSTON COLLEGE (-6) over Central Michigan
AUBURN (+6.5) over Mississippi
Miami (-6.5) over WAKE FOREST
California (-6.5) over ARIZONA STATE
WISCONSIN (-7) over Purdue
Georgia (+14.5) over Florida (game in Jacksonville)
South Carolina (+6) over TENNESSEE
Kansas (+6.5) over TEXAS TECH
OKLAHOMA STATE (+9) over Texas
OREGON (+3) over USC

College Record: 34-38-1

Babe of the Week and Week 7 Picks

Welcome to Week 7 in the NFL and another week of college football. With this week's big college football game being between Mountain West foes TCU and BYU, it's best to have a TCU grad as the Babe of the Week. This is Kristin Holt Adams, former Dallas Cowboy cheerleader and currently is on the G4 network, just like last week's babe Olivia Munn was (sidebar; this is freaky that G4 of all networks have the best looking women in television). Anyway, here's the picks for Week 7 in the NFL and the eighth week of college football. Home team in CAPS:

KANSAS CITY (+5.5) over San Diego- The Chargers really aren't good, while the Chiefs don't seem like they will be satisfied with one win.
Indianapolis (-14) over ST. LOUIS- No chance for the Rams the way Peyton Manning is playing, let's move on.
Green Bay (-9) over CLEVELAND- I still don't know how the Packers will be against good teams, but they take care of business against bad ones.
PITTSBURGH (-6) over Minnesota- The Vikings are due for a bad game, especially on an awful field, plus the Steelers are due for a message sending game.
New England (-15) over Tampa Bay- The Pats will teach everyone in London a lesson on how to annihilate an opponent; Tom Brady fantasy owners rejoice (including me).
HOUSTON (-3) over San Francisco- I think the Niners will win, which means I must pick the opposite and take the Texans to win this game; I'm 0-6 picking Texans games this year.
OAKLAND (+6) over Jets- Every rational argument says the Jets need a win and the Raiders are satisfied, except when the Jets play in Oakland, common sense is thrown out.
CAROLINA (-7) over Buffalo- I hate going with Jake Delhomme here, so I'm going with DeAngelo Williams against that ghastly Bills run defense.
Chicago (Pick'em) over CINCINNATI- Antwan Odom's injury could be devastating for the Bengals defense; also I expect better games from Jay Cutler and Matt Forte.
MIAMI (+6.5) over New Orleans- The Dolphins are back and will control this game with the Wildcat, as the Saints have a letdown after last week's Giants win.
DALLAS (-4) over Atlanta- I'm loathe to pick the Cowboys, however, the bye week is a positive for a Wade Phillips team (such an oxymoron) and I'm not a believer in the Falcons yet.
GIANTS (-7) over Arizona- Everything in this game should say the Giants will lose (Cards passing game, weak Giants DB's) but the Cards just don't play well in the Northeast.
Philadelphia (-7) over WASHINGTON- It's around this time that Redskins fans want the Skins to lose, Eagles will want to avoid the troubles of their NFC East opponents and have to win.

NFL Record: 50-40

Georgia Tech (-5.5) over VIRGINIA
PITTSBURGH (-6.5) over South Florida
MIAMI-FL (-4.5) over Clemson
WASHINGTON (+10) over Oregon
Penn State (-4.5) over MICHIGAN
KANSAS (+8) over Oklahoma
MISSOURI (+13) over Texas
Iowa (+1.5) over MICHIGAN STATE
LSU (-7.5) over Auburn
BYU (+2.5) over Texas Christian (sorry Kristin)

College Record: 29-33-1

Randomness While I Apply For Umpire School

- It's official, I honestly believe I can do a better job being an umpire than the umps in baseball. I can never be an NHL ref since I can't skate and the NBA and NFL referees actually have a harder job than people think due to the speed of each game. Baseball umpires just stand there and can just wait until a play comes to them. Consider the following missed calls this postseason: The Brandon Inge ball hitting the jersey, the C.B. Bucknor performance at first base in Game 1 of the Red Sox-Angels series, Phil Cuzzi forgetting that the foul line is fair, and lastly the unforgettable performance as a crew Tuesday night (particularly Tim McClelland) that MLB would be in worse shape if not for CC Sabathia shutting down the Angels last night.


- While I'm giving benefit to the doubt to NFL referees, the best conference in college football, the SEC, all of a sudden have the worst group of officials in sports, even with the putrid baseball umpires effort. It's not just about the LSU/Georgia celebration penalties, but last weeks Arkansas/Florida game was almost fixed in the timing of the gift calls for Florida. First a weak pass interference call, then a simply wrong personal foul penalty ensured that almighty Tim Tebow would get to keep the Gators unbeaten. Good job by the SEC though for suspending those officials for the next few weeks, hopefully it sends a message, although a strong one would be firing them.


- This week has been full of weird stories. First the balloon boy mess that if we just realized the family was on WifeSwap and the kid's name is Falcon, we would of knew it was fake and no longer waste time on this (great work by the Huffington Post here). Next, talk about "What a moment", we have the Jim Nantz divorce proceedings where Nantz now is dating a 29-year old and the biggest issue of contention is the placement of a portrait of Nantz in a warehouse because the former Mrs. didn't want it hanging in the mansion. Finally, this story about Steve Phillips cheating on his wife with a 20-year old intern, who then goes Glenn Close on his wife, is funny on so many levels, 75 % of them because of the girl he chose. Based on that decision, I'm quite certain that Steve Phillips would have made the Scott Kazmir-Victor Zambrano trade, like his successor Jim Duquette did. Yesterday seemed like the start of a war with ESPN at Deadspin, as they have now been reporting outing all of ESPN's behind the scenes trysts (since it's not public, I won't name them on the site).


- I wanted to touch on the NY Rangers who lost the other night to end a seven game winning streak as it seemed like John Tortorella had Stephen Valiquette play in net to prove a point, that the last few wins were because of Henrik Lundqvist in net, not by their good play in those games. Hopefully, the players learned something, but a couple of shoutouts since I was at the game Monday night. The first goes to Jed Ortmeyer, the former Ranger and two-time Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award winner who returned to the Garden in a Sharks uniform and scored a goal and was making hits and flying all over the ice. My best memory of Ortmeyer was his first goal after a pulmonary embolism on a penalty shot against the Bruins, another game that I was there watching from the blue seats. The other shoutout goes to Michael Del Zotto, who despite the loss, scored another goal and is playing out of his mind. He's the best power play quarterback since Leetch and he's the next superstar in New York, mark my words.


- It's a good thing I didn't write a comprehensive NFL posts since Week 1 because it saved you from a bunch of "the Giants are great" columns and it saved me from the taunts of my readers who are at best non-Giants fans and at worst those who loathe the team (i.e. Eagles fans, Cowboys fans). I still like this team and I'm not going to overreact to the loss against the Saints, but for the Giants, the important thing to do is win the NFC East and the division is weaker this season. Washington's got this boulder of a situation with Jim Zorn and the Cowboys are in the third year under Wade Phillips who now you just can't even look at without thinking "This is my coach?" As for the Eagles, they are still good, but I always have the feeling they give away more regular season games than they should because the Donovan McNabb/Andy Reid tandem does cost them 2-4 games a year.


- So much for the Sanchise talk. It's not just that everyone's off the Mark Sanchez bandwagon, it's that Mark Sanchez was driving that bandwagon fine, then thought he could drive in oncoming traffic, then hit a guardrail and tumbled into a ditch. Now, I haven't declared this statement a failure, he's a rookie, he'll have bad games. However, it's time for me to officially tell Jets fans to settle down.


- After the Dez Bryant for Heisman campaign I ran ended like Rudy Giuliani's presidential bid, I have a new player that should be in front of every voters ballot, Mark Ingram of Alabama. First of all, the Crimson Tide are the best team in the nation right now, they have done better than Florida for much of this season and Ingram has been the main reason. The key stat is that he has 568 yards rushing against Virginia Tech, Mississippi and South Carolina. If the Tide end up finishing unbeaten, there's no better Heisman candidate, especially if Colt McCoy continues to play ordinary.


- Congratulations to the Philadelphia Phillies for repeating as National League champs. The Yankees should have joined them in the World Series, but they allowed the Angels to send this series back to New York. Here are four names I find responsible; Joe Girardi should have taken out A.J. Burnett to start the seventh inning and in a move that isn't being discussed, he should have pulled Phil Hughes after the game-tying single to Vladimir Guerrero for Phil Coke to face Kendry Morales and turn him right-handed (sidebar, how in the world do you pinch run A-Rod, there's no argument you can make that makes it a good move. At least it didn't bite the Yanks, it could have if the Yanks tie). Burnett deserves a lion's share of blame; he was terrible in the first inning and then couldn't handle the success of a Yankee comeback (second sidebar, that's it with the Burnett/Molina experiment, now it's Jorge Posada at catcher for good). I completely disregard the 2nd-6th innings because there's no pressure for A.J. and when the pressure is back, Burnett chokes. That's why you take him out, along with the long top of the 7th.


As far as Hughes, he angered me most of all. He had no command of his fastball when facing Torii Hunter and against Guerrero, he gets a 1-2 count with a curveball in the dirt. Then, Hughes shakes off Posada and throws a fastball that Hughes misses in the zone and Guerrero ties it. Now, come on Hughes YOU DON'T THROW A 1-2 FASTBALL TO GUERRERO!!!! You don't, make Guerrero chase a pitch outside or tail him inside. It's time for Girardi to move Dave Robertson into the setup role as Rivera's bridge because both Hughes and Chamberlain haven't been to put it lightly automatics; to put it blunt, they have been terrible. Finally, Nick Swisher, he may be a good clubhouse guy, but he's awful at the plate. He should of taken some pitches from Brian Fuentes, who was brutal in that ninth inning (third sidebar; Mike Scioscia was pulling a Girardi last night, first by taking out John Lackey, then by bringing in Jeppsen to face Cano in the seventh and by taking out Jered Weaver who was dealing for Fuentes, who is so nerve-wracking. Imagine Jim Leyland managing with Fuentes as his closer, he have to save a full pack of Marlboro Reds exclusively for his save attempts). Instead Swisher, swings at the first two pitches, somehow rallys back to 3-2 then a pop-up to lose it. The Yankees are lucky to have CC Sabathia ready for Game 7, which could kill them in the World Series if he has to pitch.


- Since this is coming out Friday afternoon, let's do some housekeeping. My NFL/College picks column will be out either later tonight or tomorrow morning. I will have an NBA preview, probably Monday, if not before the Tuesday openers. Finally, I will have a World Series preview on Wednesday.

Babe of the Week and Week 6 Picks

The past two weeks have seen me just write my picks without any pictures to begin. And that's when the light bulb came on and figured that someone hot should lead the page. It's probably the smartest move I've ever made on this blog and while it isn't stripperific like the guys do at Four Habs Fans, this won't disappoint. Also, the woman I pick each week will be an alum from one of the schools playing the "game of the week". This week, since Texas and USC will have another big game and we won't find one in Notre Dame, I decided to pick Oklahoma alum Olivia Munn from G4 and soon to be in Iron Man 2. Anyway, enjoy that while I give out my NFL and College picks for this week. (Home team listed in CAPS):

Kansas City (+6) over WASHINGTON- The Chiefs should have fired Wade last week, they will fire Jim Zorn this week.
CINCINNATI (-5) over Houston- Cincy should win, but since Houston wins when I pick against them, put everything on the Texans.
PITTSBURGH (-14) over Cleveland- I'd be more worried about a late cover if the Browns didn't win with a QB completing 2 passes last week.
MINNESOTA (-3) over Baltimore- Favre's still inside and Jared Allen is the early season MVP; yes, even ahead of Peyton (remember a defensive player will be my MVP)
JACKSONVILLE (-9.5) over St. Louis- I can't stand the Jags, but the Rams are absolutely awful.
Giants (+3) over NEW ORLEANS- I understand how tough the Saints offense can be, but I won't pick against the Giants on the road, especially when they are underdogs.
TAMPA BAY (+3) over Carolina- I don't think Josh Johnson is that terrible, perhaps already better than Jake Delhomme.
GREEN BAY (-13.5) over Detroit- The Packers must win this game and won't let the Lions be frisky, get ready to win this week Aaron Rodgers owners.
Philadelphia (-14) over OAKLAND- The Eagles would cover this line if it was 24 points; Raiders have quit.
Arizona (+3) over SEATTLE- I hate going against the Seahawks at home, but the Cards need this before the Giants next week and Seattle's still banged up.
JETS (-9.5) over Buffalo- If the Jets are for real, they have to destroy the Bills, especially after the Dolphin Debacle; expect to hear Dick Enberg to say "Edwards is down" a lot.
NEW ENGLAND (-9) over Tennessee- There's no way you pick against the Pats following a loss against a winless team. And no, the Titans aren't good, so the "experts" shouldn't say different.
Chicago (+3) over ATLANTA- I think the Falcons are a little overrated and the Bears can throw the ball against them.
Denver (+3.5) over SAN DIEGO- After only five games, I already trust Josh McDaniels more than I do Norv Turner. To be fair, Rex Ryan lost that status last Monday by eating timeouts.

NFL Record: 45-31


Texas (-3.5) over Oklahoma
WISCONSIN (-2.5) over Iowa
BOSTON COLLEGE (-2.5) over N.C. State
South Carolina (+18) over ALABAMA
PENN STATE (-17) over Minnesota
California (-3.5) over UCLA
NEBRASKA (-10.5) over Texas Tech
Missouri (+7) over OKLAHOMA STATE
Virginia Tech (-3.5) over GEORGIA TECH
NOTRE DAME (+10) over USC

College Record: 24-28-1

Week 5 Picks

Once again, I have to make my Week 5 picks in short order and as you can tell, I didn't give you any college picks. Not having college picks this week isn't a big deal and actually is smart because I just keep losing. Anyway, here are my picks this week (home team in CAPS):

Minnesota (-11) over ST. LOUIS- The Rams can't even score 11 points, might score zero against that Vikings defense.
Dallas (-7.5) over KANSAS CITY- Sorry Chiefs, but I can't back you until you win one, at least a cover.
Washington (+4.5) over CAROLINA- The Skins are bad, but you can't back Jake Delhomme and give points at the same time.
PHILLY (-15.5) over Tampa Bay- No overthinking, Eagles are much better than the Bucs.
GIANTS (-15.5) over Oakland- Even David Carr could cover this spread against the Raiders
BUFFALO (-6) over Cleveland- Isn't this a putrid set of games this weeekend?
Cincy (+8.5) over BALTIMORE- Best game of the week since Gus Johnson is announcing and the Bengals keep it close.
Pittsburgh (-11) over DETROIT- This game is sold out, we may as well call this a Steeler home game.
SAN FRAN (-2.5) over Atlanta- If it wasn't for the Greatest Hail Mary in history (since the almighty Brett Favre threw it), the Niners would be 4-0.
DENVER (-3) over New England- I love the Broncos defense and I think they can make Brady uncomfortable. The rest is ball control by the offense.
Houston (+5.5) over ARIZONA- Cards aren't that good at home, Texans a little better on the road.
SEATTLE (-1.5) over Jacksonville- Again, these games are awful this week.
Indy (-3.5) over TENNESSEE- Let's face it, the Titans aren't good and the Colts show up for primetime.
Jets (-2) over MIAMI- Almost picked the Fins, then I remember their one win is against Buffalo.

NFL Record: 37-25

College Record: 24-28-1

Week 4 and College Picks

Sorry this is short with no review and no picture but here are my picks for Week 4 in the NFL and for College as well as I finish my NHL Preview and yes I know I'm late, it's not a big deal, it's a long season. As always, home team is in CAPS:

Oakland (+8.5) over HOUSTON- Texans shouldn't be favored by more than 7, even home.
Tennessee (-3) over JACKSONVILLE- Titans need this and home means nothing for Jags.
Baltimore (+2) over NEW ENGLAND- Ravens play defense, something the Falcons don't.
Cincy (-6) over CLEVELAND- I know it seems like a trap, but the Browns just aren't good.
Giants (-9) over KANSAS CITY- Arrowhead doesn't scare me, both teams on opposite levels.
CHICAGO (-10) over Detroit- The Lions got their win, the Bears need a big one.
Tampa Bay (+7.5) over WASHINGTON- The Redskins should never get more than 4, even against the Bucs.
INDY (-10) over Seattle- Seneca Wallace on the road, Seneca Wallace on the road.
NEW ORLEANS (-7) over Jets- The Jets haven't seen an offense like the Saints yet.
Buffalo (-1) over MIAMI- Both are bad, but I believe in Edwards over Henne.
SAN FRAN (-9.5) over St. Louis- Bounce back for the Niners and they improve to 3-0 in division.
DENVER (+3) over Dallas- Cowboys haven't beaten a halfway decent team yet and the Broncos coincidently are one, plus the city is riding high into Rocktober.
PITTSBURGH (-6.5) over San Diego- Steelers need this and the Chargers can't be trusted.
Green Bay (+3.5) over MINNESOTA- Rodgers steps up and keeps this game close in the first Favre homecoming.

NFL Record: 29-19

Michigan (+4) over MICHIGAN STATE
Wisconsin (+2.5) over MINNESOTA
WAKE FOREST (-2.5) over N.C. State- Lock of the week
Penn State (-7) over ILLINOIS
GEORGIA (-3.5) over LSU
Washington (+11.5) over NOTRE DAME
UCLA (+5) over STANFORD
Arkansas (+2) over TEXAS A&M
Auburn (+2.5) over TENNESSEE
USC (-4) over CAL
MIAMI (+7) over Oklahoma

College Record: 16-25-1

Football Friday and Angel Stadium Review

Before my review of Week 2 and Week 3 picks, here's Angel Stadium in a nutshell. When someone says the design of the stadium is similar to Yankee Stadium, their right, though also is a little Dodger Stadium-like in design. I'm glad the crowd wasn't into doing the wave, and only had bouncing beach balls as the distraction. I couldn't stand that Rally Monkey, just annoyed me how they constantly showed it batter after batter. Yankee fans I would say was 25-35% of the crowd Wednesday afternoon; for some reason, I believe if this was the Red Sox, it would be 35-45%. Other than that, it's not really a memorable stadium, in neither good nor bad way. Now let's look back at Week 2:

- I think we are looking at last year's Ravens with this year's Jets. Rex Ryan has them playing defense just like he had Baltimore a year ago, while Mark Sanchez is just playing smart, safe football at QB. Huge win against the Patriots, who for once seem vulnerable (where have we heard that before). Darrelle Revis is proving to be maybe the best CB in football after shuting down Andre Johnson and Randy Moss in back-to-back weeks. All these tools have Mark Sanchez smiling like he's still dating LA girls at USC (though there's very little dropoff in NY, ask Joe Namath). On the other hand, Matt Stafford shouldn't be confused with Matty Ice; the Lions are still bad and it's nice to see a QB struggle in his rookie year again.

- The brothers Manning continue to show their greatness last weekend with dueling game-winning drives to steal games their teams should have lost. Peyton didn't even have the ball for more than 15 minutes, a point hammered home by ESPN afterwards. As for Eli, he bailed out the Giants who couldn't run the football or stop it on the ground. I loved hearing all the praise Eli received last week, the way Eli handles himself in a two-minute drill is just perfect. I knew when there was 3:40 left to go that it was too much time for him and he proved it. Which is more than I can say for his opponent.

- All of a sudden Jake Delhomme has company in the maligned QB group now that Cowboys fans and alumni at leaping off the Tony Romo bandwagon. Romo was absolutely awful against the Giants and was the reason the Cowboys lost in the opener in the House that Jerry built. Apparently, Jerry Jones had a lot to do with Cowboys Stadium since NBC saw it fit to show him every two minutes (as if the network name is Jones Broadcasting Company). JBC cameras even found Jerry with a no-so great moment for him, but maybe the greatest moment for all Cowboy-haters when he went digging for oil after Bruce Johnson's pick six.

- The Dolphins were also on the wrong side of the a game they should of won, but this because of some awful coaching by Tony Sparano. He went for an inside draw on 3rd and 6 with the game tied and Miami in field goal range, taking the three points, even though Peyton Manning is the other QB. Then, they run as poor a two minute drill as Eli runs one good, burning a timeout when they waste the full play clock. The other two bad coaching performances of last week include Norv Turner and Todd Haley. Haley was killed by Jason Whitlock, Mike Lombardi and briefly by Bill Simmons for his overreacting on the sidelines and his bad playcalling. As for Norv, I watch the end of the Ravens-Chargers game and I was appalled by the play selection on 4th and 2 against a team like the Ravens. I don't bail on my picks too early, but if I did, I would immediately switch the Chargers with the Ravens. Baltimore is the best team in football now that Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense is able to put up points and the defense is still there.

- I continue to be impressed by Drew Brees on a week-by-week basis as the Saints are primed to challenge the Pats scoring record and Brady's touchdown record. Their competition in the Falcons has done well to win their first two and Tony Gonzalez seems to have completed that offense, which has seen no sophomore slump by Matt Ryan.

- The rest of the unbeatens in the league include the Vikings, Niners and Broncos. For Minnesota and San Francisco, it's because of Adrian Peterson and Frank Gore, respectively. For Denver, it's because of Brandon Stokely and the Cleveland Browns, respectively. The Browns are awful and I will continue to drive home the point that Eric Mangini is this decade's Rich Kotite; I still can't believe the Browns hired him.

- Kudos to the Texans, Bengals, Cardinals, Bills and Raiders for winning bounce back games after varying degrees of tough Week 1 losses. Houston puts their bandwagon on track, Arizona looked like last year; Cincy allowed Chad Ochocinco do his Lambeau Leap, TO finally did something productive and the Raiders won in spite of JaMarcus Russell's putrid passing because Todd Haley is proving to be a bad coach and the new frontrunner of the first year coach that's fired (for the record, no Raider coach is ever on the board, you can predict crazy/senile)

- The opposite of kudos goes to the Titans, Packers and most especially the Redskins. Anytime your fanbase is angry after a win, you get a negative kudo from me.


Now let's make Week 3 picks, as well as college. I apologize for finishing this late and I'm only going to show my picks for the 3:30 and later games today (Home team in CAPS):

Tennessee (+2.5) over JETS- Let down week for the Jets (Titans); Titans (Oilers) need this one.
HOUSTON (-3.5) over Jacksonville- Jaguars are awful, Texans probably are good.
Kansas City (+7.5) over PHILLY - Can't trust Kevin Kolb yet, reverses if McNabb somehow plays.
BALTIMORE (-13.5) over Cleveland- Ravens haven't had a blowout win yet, it's this week.
Giants (-6.5) over TAMPA BAY- Even hurt, the Giants should easily beat the Bucs.
DETROIT (+6.5) over Washington- Never again give a touchdown with this Redskins team.
Green Bay (-6.5) over ST. LOUIS- The Packers are better than last week; the Rams aren't.
San Fran (+7) over MINNESOTA- Let's just say I think the real Brett Favre will show up.
Atlanta (+4.5) over NEW ENGLAND- The wrong week for the Pats to play the Falcons.
Chicago (-2,5) over SEATTLE- Last week could start good things for the Bears, Seahawks will struggle with Wallace at QB.
New Orleans (-6) over BUFFALO- Don't overreact to the Bills win over Tampa, do with Brees.
SAN DIEGO (-5.5) over Miami- Battle of bad coaches, Norv's team is better than Tony's.
Pittsburgh (-3.5) over CINCINNATI- I just can't pick against Big Ben, not against an inferior team.
Denver (-1.5) over OAKLAND- The fact the Raiders were favored to start this week was laughable.
Indy (+2.5) over ARIZONA- Cards looked too good against a bad team, tougher against Peyton.
DALLAS (-8.5) over Carolina- Romo shouldn't disappoint two weeks in a row, easily should win.

NFL Record: 18-14 (Bears were underdogs last week, not favorites)

California (-5.5) over OREGON
VA TECH (+3.5) over Miami
TCU (+2.5) over CLEMSON
Pittsburgh (Pick'em) over NC STATE
Notre Dame (-6.5) over PURDUE
PENN STATE (-9) over Iowa
HOUSTON (+1.5) over Texas Tech
Washington (+9) over STANFORD

College Record: 13-20-1

Football Friday

Before making my Week 2 picks, along with Saturday college football action, here's my review of last week in football, the best we saw in years. It seemed like in both college and the pros, there were great finishes galore. Consider the following:

- Wisconsin comes back to beat Fresno St in OT, while Central Michigan pulls off the amazing comeback to defeat Michigan St in East Lansing at the same time as North Carolina avoiding a mini-upset in Hartford by coming back against UConn

- Notre Dame coming closer to the end of the Charlie Weis era due to his own negligence. Obviously, we can point out the pass on 2nd down that forced the 3rd down pass, something that if you're going to do, do on 1st down, so that you can get yards on 2nd down. But remember the last play of the game, you need your receivers to go down on that 20 yard pass when there's no chance to score. Golden Tate was at the 45 and ran for the sideline, when if he goes down, they have another play. I blame that on coaching, and Weis should know better and prepare for situations like Bill Belichick does.

- Another one where coaching cost a game, Ohio St. and Jim Tressel. Everybody is one him for kicking a field goal on 4th and goal at the 1 and they should be (though not to the extent of firing him; if Bob Stoops can avoid real trouble for bad game coaching, so can Tressel). Fact is, Pete Carroll ran the ball from the same spot in a hostile crowd and scored, and Tressel should of done the same in a friendly crowd. Plus, you players are more enthused when they go for it, as proved by the Steelers last year despite never converting.

-Kudos to Matt Barkley and Tate Forcier for stepping in as true freshman and showing the poise of fifth-year seniors. Once Tebow, McCoy and Bradford leave school, these two will be the QB's we will follow for the next few years.

- Whatever the opposite of kudos is goes to Tennessee who show why more people will give the four touchdowns pick them to get beat against Florida. Losing at home to UCLA, a middle Pac-10 team, the equivalent of a 11th or 12th place SEC team, means the Lane Kiffin is on that rousing start that we all expected.

- Hopefully my Dez Bryant for Heisman half-drive isn't hurt by Oklahoma State's loss to Houston last week. At least he will have his chances against Texas and Oklahoma to show why voters should only think QB for the award.

- The great call in NFL history occured in the Broncos-Bengals game, which I know you saw and won't really get into. But I've heard about the fact, particularly from Bill Simmons that Brandon Stokley used the Madden waste time before scoring move was brilliant. Of course, maybe he doesn't score if the Bengals have deep safety help.

- As a guy who's always never liked Jake Delhomme, thinking he was vastly overrated and based his career from one game and having Steve Smith as a receiver, I'm finally being vindicated as Jake has already murdered the Panthers season. Meanwhile, the Eagles once again have an injured Donovan McNabb and sign Jeff Garcia as the insurance option. Garcia really should be in Carolina, unless McNabb is really hurt. If he can play through his rib, then A.J. Feeley would be better in Philly because he can spot start this week and wouldn't take the spot that Michael Vick takes. I must assume the Eagles have Vick as a WR/QB or RB/QB in order for him to be able to play next week.

- Tough losses for the Bills and Raiders on Monday night. While Oakland can take satisfaction in playing close to the Chargers, the Bills have another Monday night stomach punch for their fans. I will say this about the Raiders, they still should of beat the Chargers because they outplayed them and if their linebackers don't give up the first down to Darren Sproles, they win. If Tom Cable doesn't call timeout with :21 left, the Chargers probably force overtime. As for the Bills, first you blow an 11-point lead of the Patriots, then Terrell Owens already starts with Trent Edwards and so begins a long season in Western New York.

As for the picks, here they are (Home Team in CAPS, should of included that before):

KANSAS CITY (-3) over Oakland -Raiders won't repeat last week and Chiefs need this.
TENNESSEE (-7) over Houston- Both need this, Titans win and get late score.
New England (-4) over JETS- I was leaning Jets, not with Rhodes embarrass comment.
GREEN BAY (-9.5) over Cincy- The Bengals can't recover from that loss against a better team.
DETROIT (+10.5) over Minnesota- Lions played them tough last year, Favre doesn't change it.
New Orleans (-1) over PHILLY- Can't go against Brees with possible Kevin Kolb sighting.
ATLANTA (-6) over Carolina- See above with Jake, but Panthers D isn't that good either.
WASHINGTON (-10) over St. Louis- Sorry Spags, need to prove you can compete.
JACKSONVILLE (-3) over Arizona- Can't go with the West team playing 1pm in the East.
SAN FRAN (-1.5) over Seattle- Niners continue their renaissance season.
BUFFALO (-5) over Tampa Bay- I'd pick against them, but the Bucs are just as bad.
DENVER (-3) over Cleveland- Browns are still bad, Broncos win in the Belichick Paranoia Bowl.
Baltimore (+3) over SAN DIEGO- Flacco is legit and the Chargers worry me this week.
CHICAGO (-3) over Pittsburgh- If the Bears lose, their two back of GB and Minn.
New York (+3) over DALLAS- Giants are better and ruin the Cowboys Stadium debut.
Indianapois (+3.5) over MIAMI- Dolphins are showing to have the year-after syndrome.

NFL Record: 8-8

NORTH CAROLINA (-7.5) over East Carolina
Boston College (+7) over CLEMSON
California (-14) over MINNESOTA
Utah (+5) over OREGON
FLORIDA (-30) over Tennessee
IOWA (-4) over Arizona
VIRGINIA TECH (-5.5) over Nebraska
Cincinnati (-1) over OREGON STATE
BYU (-8) over Florida St.
Georgia (+2) over ARKANSAS
TEXAS (-17.5) over Texas Tech

College Record: 9-14

9/11 and This Week's Football Picks

Before I do my weekly picks, allow me to write about 9/11. I still remember it like it was yesterday, I was in high school and heard rumblings about something happening to the World Trade Center. It wasn't until I left when I realized the horror of what happened. While I was fortunate not to lose any family in the tragedy, one of my father's friends who was a cop was lost trying to do all he can to save lives. If you live in New York and you get a chance, look for the beam of light and take the time to remember anyone you may have lost.

Here are my picks:

Miami (+4) over Atlanta

Baltimore (-13) over Kansas City

Philadelphia (-2.5) over Carolina

Denver (+4) over Cincinnati

Minnesota (-4) over Cleveland

Houston (-4.5) over Jets

Indy (-7) over Jacksonville

New Orleans (-13) over Detroit (not picking the Lions in the opener like last year)

Dallas (-5.5) over Tampa Bay

San Francisco (+6.5) over Arizona

Giants (-6.5) over Washington

Seattle (-7.5) over St. Louis

Chicago (+3.5) over Green Bay

New England (-10.5) over Buffalo

San Diego (-9.5) over Oakland

NFL Record: 0-1

College:

North Carolina (-4.5) over UConn

Mississippi St (+14) over Auburn (Upset special)

Wake Forest (-3) over Stanford

South Carolina (+7) over Georgia

Tennessee (-10) over UCLA

BYU (-18) over Tulane

Notre Dame (-3) over Michigan

TCU (-11) over Virginia

Wisconsin (-8.5) over Fresno St.

USC (-7) over Ohio St

College Record: 5-8