A week ago. I really thought there was order in this world. Texas had just lost to Kansas St and cost itself a chance at the National Championship. Sure, it was a tough break, but at least the Horns would handle Texas A&M at home and represent the South Division in Kansas City.
Well, order is officially been rendered non-existant in this world when Texas A&M can walk into DKR and beat Texas with or without Colt McCoy. It had been since 1999 that the Aggies had defeated Texas in Mack Brown's 2nd season. Of course, that game only included the terrible Bonfire Tragedy and an incident involving a College STation Days Inn where Major Applewhite and a bunch of other players were deathly ill. Cuyler and I were at that game and I vividly remember Chris Simms big starting debut in an environment I can honestly say I will never see again with all the emotions surrounding the tragedy. The Aggies were destined to win that day and the refs certainly didn't hurt either with some very questionable calls including a roughing the passer on Simms and muffed punt that cost the Horns dearly.
But this game was in Austin and given Dennis Franchione's track record against Texas, OU, and Nebraska, this was not supposed to happen but it did. And now the Horns have to re-evaluate where it's program is headed AV (After Vince) with birth a birth in either the Cotton, Gator, or Alamo bowl on the horizon. The talent will certainly be there under Mack Brown but a shakeup in the coaching staff is inevitable with Gene Chizik departing for Iowa St and Duane Akina rumored to be leaving. The only certainity this offseason besides another top recruiting class is Greg Davis will still be around. Love him or hate him Davis is going to be in Austin as long as Mack Brown is head coach. And I frankly can live with that because Davis is certainly no Jeff Bowden and will not be confused with offensive minds like Chris Peterson at Boise ST. or Jeff Tedford at Cal. He is somewhere in between but Mack needs to realize that a top Defensive Coordinator is a huge priority.
"The legend of Vince Young began a long time ago," said Titans receiver Brandon Jones, who caught the TD pass that tied the game.
Young agreed.
"It's a sneak peek of what's to happen not just me, but this team in general," Young said of a club that has won four of its last six in matching last year's victory total with five games left.
Is Tony Romo for real? The Cowboys have looked like a completely different team since Romo got under center. If the Cowboys can get passed the suddenly reeling Giants this week, they are all of sudden in the driver's seat in the NFC East and could make a deep run in the playoffs. Life is good in Cowboys land..
I went 2-0 on big plays (Scratched Idaho on Saturday mainly because I missed kickoff time) and 6-2 on medium plays. It had the makings of an unbelievable weekend. Instead, late plays on Rutgers, Wake, and Arizona St. all came up losers. My other early day adds ended up coming through so it was another positive week but I still felt like I should have done better. I guess that's not such a bad thing. In hindsight, Kansas and Cincinnati were great plays that I missed on.
Looking forward to the coming Thanksgiving weekend games so be on the lookout for that..
Meanwhile, here are some links that may or may not keep you interested.
Michael Richards Loses It I really don't know what to say here other than Richards actions are inexcusable...
In a pretty shocking result, Justin Morneau won the AL MVP beating out Derek Jeter 320 - 306 in total pts. I personally have now problem with MOrneau winning the award, but most people would agree that Johan Santana had just as much to do with the Twins success as Morneau.
In a market where FA money is being thrown around like it's Mark Cuban paying a luxury tax, the Rangers have been suprisingly dorman to this point. Jon Daniels did sign Frank Catalanotto back to help in the outfield and DH. Great signing by Daniels after having to let Derosa walk and sign with the Cubs. The Rangers still need a full time centerfielder, candidates include Kenny Lofton and Dave Roberts. Either guy would be fine with me.
The Rangers still also must address their starting rotation with Kevin Millwood and Robinson Tejada with the only guaranteed rotation spots at this point. Vicente Padilla has to be priority #1 for Daniels at this point. Adam Eaton has also expressed interest in coming back to Arlington next season.
I know most people have been bummed out the last week or so because Texas no longer has a shot at the national championship. It's been a hell of a run but it's time for people to snap out of it damnit, Texas can still can still win the conference and get to a BCS Bowl. Sure, it's not a national championship but Mack Brown and his bunch certainly have plenty to play for especially with games against A&M and hopefully the big 12 championship in wonderful Kansas City. Got to hand it to the big 12, they certainly know how to get people excited by playing a game in 20 degree weather. I'm sure Marcus will be there with his shirt off and his chest painted and the damn Borat mustache, but I'll passing on that one.
A UT/Boise bowl matchup would really be more interesting than most people think, but a UT/ND matchup would make anyone excited.
AJ Abrams (#3) A 5-10 sophomore Abrams is really the only player with significant minutes from last year's squad. Abrams hails from the Austin area (McNeil High school) and he can fill it up from the outside. While AJ is only 5-10, he is much more effective when playing off the ball, and luckly Barnes when out and got DJ Augustin to play the point.
DG Augustin (#14) Augustin is highly regarded point guard hailing from New Orleans and obviously his high school career was affected by Hurricane Katrina. Augustin ended up playing his senior year in Sugar Land at Fort Bend Hightower. Somewhere Cody Daniel and Chad Casey are smiling.. Augustin has a similar build to a stephon marbury but looks to pass before shoot unlike Marbury during his carerr. Which is very good on this squad, because the two best players on the next two guys.
Kevin Durant (#35) Durant was simply the 2nd best player in last year's unbelievably talented senior class behind Greg Oden. Oden has only drawn comparisons to Bill Russell and Shaquille O'neal so there's not much hype behind that guy. The best way to describe Durant at this point is the wingspan and ballhandling of a Kevin Garnett with a Tracy McGrady like shooting stroke. If you don't believe me, watch this guy play. He is that special.
I had the good fortune of seeing Kevin Durant play last spring in a game in South Dallas against South Oak Cliff and KU freshman Darrell Arthur. And I love Arthur, but Durant stole the show and his talent was apparent. Durant was something special that day and he has the ability to take Texas basketball to new heights even in only one season. His unselfishness is apparent in his upbringing , and I expect him to a good job of leading this young group it was is honestly the most open season imaginable outside of Florida.
Kevin Durant's Montrose Christian Team Defeats Vaunted Oak Hill Academy last season
Damion James The 6'9" James is no slouch himself and should be a good complimentary player for Durant this season anyways. James will probably be a first rounder but after his sophomore or junior season most likely. He only led 4A Nacogdoches High School to the playoffs 3 straight season averaging over 24 in all three seasons.
Texas can also rely on JD Lewis (Long Range shooter type who is a role player at best) and a pair of other Freshman, Justin Mason and Harrison Smith. Mason appears to be a guy who Barnes is going to rely on, not so sure about Smith.
Front Court
Matt Hill This Freshman from Lincoln, NE needs to put on the pounds because at this point he looks like he can be muscled down low. His Fro will remind people anywhere from Fletch to Sideshow Bob and anyone else in between. His Hair kicks ass, but he needs to hit the weights because we are going to need him later in the season.
Conor Atchley One of the other few holdovers from last year's team, Atchley is not going to strike fear in many teams. Hopefully he can provide decent minutes as a backup in case some of the other guys get in foul trouble.
Dexter Pittman This 315 pound Freshman needs to stay away from the Jester Cafeteria and Players Grill Cheeseburgers. From Rosenberg, Texas, he will most likely be phased in slowly and hopefully can provide a needed boost to team that is going to need frountcourt help in conference play. Lots of potential with this kid if he can keep his weight under control.
Craig Winder (the lone senior) who saw limited duty on last year's squad and should figure to have a veteran presence on this team.
Ian Mooney Last guy on the bench and a transfer from St. Louis University. If you remember Yair Harari from a few years back, you'll know this guy's likely role.
Gambling wise, the 2nd half of the season has been good to me and last week was my best year to date going 11-4 for the day.
I got to admit that I like this week's card as much as any all season so I need to be careful and have some discipline. Let's see how this turns out:
@Minnesota -2.5 over Iowa -- I don't care if this seems like a sucker line or not Minnesota has awoken from the dead after a murderous stretch against the big boys of the Big 10. Iowa was reeling and any last statement they were going to make would have been last week at home against Wisconsin. Iowa has owned this series, but Minnesota will get their revenge in a big way tomorrow morning in the battle for the Floyd of Roysdale trophy.
Big Play
@Vandy +8 over Tennessee -- Vandy has been pretty competitive in this series the last few years and I see no reason why this team can't keep it close against tired and beaten up Tennesee team. Expect Vandy to get it interesting.
Medium Play
@Navy -31.5 over Temple -- This is a huge number to lay if you are an option team, but I feel decent enough in this spot to push my luck. Temple may give up 700 yards rushing in this game..
Medium PLay
@Kentucky -20 over Louisiana Monroe- Very rarely are you talking about a Kentucky team blowing out anybody. Unless they decide to take the week off which is unlikely at this point in this season, the difference between a decent SEC team and a bad Sunbelt team will become apparent.
Medium PLay
Okie St. +6 over Texas Tech -- I've been really impressed with Oklahoma St.'s offense all season. Tech is always dangerous on that carpet in Lubbock but I'll take my chances getting a TD in this spot. Medium Play
@Rice +2.5 over East Carolina -- I really believe Rice has found something special this year and while I love Skip Holtz's squad at East Carolina, I'm going to say Rice wins a huge game for their program over the Pirates in Houston.
Medium PLay
Arizona +14 over Oregon
Arizona quietly has put together huge back to back wins. Oregon is struggling and will have a tough time running away from Arizona even at Autzen.
Big Play
Idaho +10.5 over Fresno St.
Yes, Fresno St. got a win last week... over New Mexico St. Idaho is better than New Mexico St. and I think Idaho keeps this one close.
Big Play
New Mexico +27 over BYU
Yes, BYU is good. But they aren't this good over New Mexico team that is at least c competitive in the Mountain West.
Medium Play
More to come tomorrow if I have time. Good luck to everyone this week!
What a good week it's been already with the Democrats taking over control of the House and Senate. About damn time. Although nothing will probably get done in the next two years, a little oversight of this Executive branch is not a bad thing.
Onto this week's plays:
Minnesota -2 over Michigan ST.
My big play last week (Indiana) ran into a buzzsaw that is Minnesota who woke up from the dead with a huge performance from QB Bryan Cupito and Minny churned out over 150 yards rushing. Michigan St. is just playing out its season under John L. Smith and I look for Minnesota to get a road win in this spot.
Medium Play
Navy -15 over E. Michigan
Eastern Michigan is one of the worst teams in the country and Navy is undefeated on the road this year. Navy has been feasting on lesser opponents this year and getting beat up by the big boys. Expect a thrashing in this one as long as Paul Johnson's boys stay focused.
Medium Play
Houston -3 over SMU
I will be in attendance at this one on SMU's homecoming. Won't matter much because the place will probably have 10K at most show up. Houston is just the superior team. While SMU needs a statement win to clinch a bowl spot, it's not going to happen here.
Big PLay
Oregon St. -2 over UCLA
The Beavers have really turned it on as of late, and UCLA is reeling. Take the Beavers in this spot.
Medium PLay
@Arkansas -6 over Tennessee
Arkansas has really been thumping people (See big Bet win last week against SC) and Fayateville should be rocking for this one. I just don't see Arkansas slipping up in this spot and I'll lay the points in the hope that Nutt can get his team a convincing victory at home.
Medium PLay
Alabama +19 over LSU
Sure, LSU is definitely the stronger team and is playing at home. These two teams are not as far apart as the spread indicates. Take the points and hope Bama can keep it somewhat close.
Small Play
@East Carolina -8 over Marshall
Both teams have been hot but I think East Carolina will create enough turnovers to run away from Marshall. Marshall's wins have come against some of the worst teams in college football.
Small PLay
Others:
@Maryland -3 over Miami (FL) -- Does having a teammate shot affect your play?
New Mexico St. +11 over Fresno St. -- Probably the worst game of the week but how is Fresno laying 11 against anyone.
Wisky -1.5 over Iowa -- Iowa has won last 4 but Wisky is simply the better team this year even with Stocco hurt.
@Gators -12.5 over South Carolina -- Urban Meyer ruins Spurrier's homecoming.
Cincy +18.5 over West Virginia -- Louisville hangover for West Virginia as Cincy keeps this one somewhat tight.
This week has been good. For the most part this season, I have stayed away from the weekday games despite the obvious trend favoring the home teams. This lack of action has cost me lots of profit over the course of the season. Not so this week. I bet on SMU at home Tuesday night, Boise agianst Fresno on Wednesday, and Louisville (or the Ville as I like to call them) against West Virginia last night. All 3 teams won and it feels nice to go into Saturday already on a winning note.
The card this week looks pretty tasty (still got 15 games I'm working through), but a few more road teams than I would like. That's okay because I have plenty of live dogs in the equation at this point. Here is what I got so far:
Indiana +6 over Minnesota
Indiana surprisingly has looked pretty impressive over the last few weeks including a pretty good thumping of Michigan St. this past Saturday. While I do like Indiana, this is more of a fade Minnesota play than anything else. The numbers do not look good for Minnesota on either side of the ball and their usually reliable running game has gone in the tank over the last month. While they have played some tough teams (Wisco, Michigan, Ohio St.), they also had a nailbiter against North Dakota St. I look for Indiana to play well enough to get a rare conference road win and easily stay within the 6 points. Medium Play
@Wyoming -14 over San Diego St.
Wyoming rained on my parade last weekend against TCU, but I think they bounce back at home this week against a pitiful Aztec squad. The Wyoming defense shuts SDSU down and they score enough points to cover the two touchdowns.
Small PLay
Washington +17 over Oregon
Washington has had some tough luck this season but have been competitive in almost all of their games. This should be your usual Pac-10 wild one, but I'll take my chances that Washington can keep this one close. Small PLay
@Wazzu -17 over Arizona
Washington St. has been a serious under the radar team this year, and they really have been playing well as of late. Same cannot be said for Mike Stoops bunch at ARizona. This doesn't seem like the best point in the season for Arizona to be making a long road trip to face a hot WAZZU team. I'll lay the number and hope Wazzu can continue forcing turnovers (#2 in the nation in takeaways) Medium Play
Arkansas -2 over South Carolina
South Carolina in a tough emotional spot coming off a close loss to Tennessee at home. Arkansas has quietly been cruising behind a punishing running game and a freshman QB (Mustain) not trying to make too many mistakes. I think Arkansas is the better team here and the homefield will not be enough to save South Carolina tomorrow night.
Big Play
Va Tech -2.5 over Miami
We all know the story of Miami this season, but Va Tech saved their season with a great win over Clemson last Thursday night. The tide has completely turned in this series and Va Tech now has the mental edge on the Hurricanes even in the Orange Bowl. I see no reason for that trend not to continue tomorrow night.
Medium PLay (Could be Big depending on how the day goes)
Others:
@Vandy +17 Virginia +12 Navy -12 Fla Atlantic +12 Hawaii -27 Tulsa -3.5 East Caolina -6
First off, let me say personally that I was not even going to be on the game tonight between Louisville and West Virginia. I think it's going to be a great game and certainly don't need money on this one to keep my attention. PLenty is already at stake tonight with both teams in the top 5.
With that said, 3 of my favorite cappers on the internet are all on Louisville BIG tonight. And since these guys all have a hell of a lot more impressive resume than me, I tend do listen when they are on a game big. And for all 3 guys to be on the same game big is very rare. For that reason and the fact I love betting Louisville at home means I am ready to pound Louisville tonight.
If West Virginia does somehow win this one tonight, at least I know I won't be the only taking a big loss. It will be a blood bath.
I know my College Football picks have been pretty terrible this year, and I don't hide from this fact. Some years are better than others, but this season is far from over and I plan to use my learning experiences from prior years to end on a high note. In other words, PLENTY of time left in the season to right this ship.
I started this week off on a good note picking up a small win on SMU last night -5 which looked shaky during much of the game. I'm going to ride another home favorite tonight in Boise St. at home against Fresno. I know Boise is laying a fairly large number (-22 down from -26 earlier in the week), but the gap between these two teams really is that large. After taking into consideration the quit factor on the part of Fresno (they have been terrible all year) and Boise's homefield edge on the blue turf, I think Boise makes a statement tonight in a revenge situation from last year's loss.
Medium sized play on Boise St. -22.
Tonight's game is just an appetizer for the titanic clash between Top 5 teams Louisville and West Virginia which might be one of the best Thursday matchups ever.
