tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56776347144297505762024-03-05T12:00:16.784-08:00The TrifectaThe Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961913212235939322noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677634714429750576.post-50339366493615421182012-01-07T08:57:00.000-08:002012-01-07T11:56:50.173-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMQ9nVPOR5ZXnW_gzpJu5Gftzb53nCnp1l0fhBawWbu5mi2jUe_UM5z-qZVYjXxaaM-HfcftbhWoAEznDTqAhM3n2gMwtN9AwtKwpLiBNo8ULmjnBpDIrf9USnNldZ2oXlh8PDQgx0k-r/s1600/Tebow+tackled.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMQ9nVPOR5ZXnW_gzpJu5Gftzb53nCnp1l0fhBawWbu5mi2jUe_UM5z-qZVYjXxaaM-HfcftbhWoAEznDTqAhM3n2gMwtN9AwtKwpLiBNo8ULmjnBpDIrf9USnNldZ2oXlh8PDQgx0k-r/s320/Tebow+tackled.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694981314730577058" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; font-size: 36pt; line-height: 55px; ">The Weekly Gambling Debacle</span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">NFL: 59-54-2 NCAA: 2-7-0 Last week: 4-2 Season total: 61-61-2<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">$ Wagered: 2330 $ Won: 1130.5 $ Lost: -1185.5 $Net: -55</span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;">A great weekend is finally upon us. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;">First, after a grueling 17 week season the NFL playoffs are finally upon us. And what a playoffs it is going to be. The NFC has two juggernauts (Pack and Saints), two predictables (Falcons and the consistently inconsistent Giants) and two unprovens (Lions and Niners). The AFC is wide open. We have three rookies (I gonna go ahead and count Tebow as a rookie for this purpose) starting playoff games, which the unpredictable is likely to unfold. Young starters, only one or less seasons under their belt, win or go home pressure, legitimate NFL playoff defenses, who knows how these young kids will react. Will they rise to the pressure? Will they crumble under it? No one really knows for sure. All we do know is each game is as compelling as the other three in this first week of the playoffs.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;">The second weekend your sports weekend will be great is the fact that (wait for it, wait for it) the Debacle is BACK! After a long, turkey-induced coma/break, the Debacle is back and ready to go for perfection... 11-0 ATS in the playoffs. That's what we're shooting for. I've never known anyone to do it. But I'm gonna give it my best shot. My season has been up and down, but still steadily improving. I am at exactly .500 now and went 4-2 with one upset outright win on the final regular season of the Debacle. So we are looking good heading into the win or go home portion of the NFL schedule. Four games on tap for the weekend and the first chance to go undefeated. As always home team in bold, lines courtesy of Las Vegas Hilton Sportsbook. And since it's the playoffs were throwing down $110 on every game. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;">Cincinnati (+4) over <b>Houston</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;">Sorry Texan fans, but I simply cannot trust a quarterback who has 5 starts under his belt and as of his Junior year at North Carolina wasn't even predicted to be an NFL prospect. He has filled in about as well as can be expected but the playoffs bring a magnifying glass to your shortcomings, especially at the QB position. Solid defense and a great zone running attack with Tate and Foster has kept the Texan in all games started by Yates. But simply stated, this is not the team that clinched a division titled relatively early in the season. They're on a three game losing streak with one of those defeats at the hands of the hapless Colts. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;">Cincy has been one of the surprise teams of this NFL season. With stellar season from rookies Andy Dalton and AJ Green the Bengals franchise has been revitalized. It seems like everything came together for the Bengals this season. Andre Smith cam back form season ending injury and has been a stud. That's three draft picks in two years that are bonefied legitimate NFL starters. Not bad for a franchise with a less than stellar draft record. This season they've been able to run the ball with Cedric Benson. They have legitimate talents on the receiving corp with Jermaine Gresham, Jerome Simpson and the aforementioned AJ Green. Their defense has been stellar. Their losses have all been to teams better than the Texans (even when they lost to the Texans a few weeks ago, who were a different team back then). </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;">I like the Bengals in this matchup. They have a better quarterback, better wide receivers (with Andre Johnson injured) and have a defense nearly as good as the Texans. Homefiled advantage should keep this close for the Texans but I'd rather count on Andy Dalton than TJ Yates in a tight playoff game. Even if the Texans squeak out a three point victory, your still winning. Take the four points and the better QB.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;">Detroit (+10.5) over <b>New Orleans </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;">I know they world thinks that</span><b style="line-height: 18px; "> </b><span style="line-height: 18px;">will crush the Lions. Here's a reason why it will be closer than the talking heads say it will be. The Lions, due to stupid and unnecessary penalties gave back over 200 yards in called back plays and defensive penalties. The way to beat the Saints is through a dominate pass rush, running the ball picking up third downs and staying on the field. The Lions will do none of that. And I'm not counting on a back door cover either. I like the game to stay close. I expect the Lions to rise to the occasion and take advantage of the weak back end of the Saint's secondary. That half point we got in last few days is huge. The Lions can lose by ten points and still cover. I know the Saints have covered every game at home this year. But ten and half to a motivated and viscous Lions team, I can't see them covering that.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>New York </b>(-3) over Atlanta</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;">I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna place my faith in the Giants. You know the team that once you start believing in loses four straight games. The team that once you start believing in loses at home to the Seahawks. The team that once you start believing in lost to the Redskins with the chance to lock up the NFC East. Yes, I am going to believe once again. Why? The Falcons haven't beaten a good team all year... and they are consistent about that. They beat up on bad teams, play average against average teams and lose to good teams. Period. The game is outdoors, in the cold, where the Falcons haven't fared well this season either. Eli has the stronger arm and should be able to move the ball more through the air. Possibly a shootout, but one that the Giants win through their consistently inconsistent play.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;">Pittsburgh (-8.5) over </span></span><b style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; line-height: 18px; ">Denver </b></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;">What can Tebow do to finish up this epic season? Well he's not gonna win. Sorry, I know that a lot of people have been jumping on the Broncos ban wagon for this particular matchup. Big Ben is severely hobbled with a high ankle sprain. Rashard Mendenhall is out for the postseason. Maurice Pouncey is limited at Center. This is the only thing that is keeping this game close is the injuries. Denver's pass rush has been lethargic as of late, Tebow has become fumble prone and their offense has been embarassing to watch for three weeks straight. Without the Big ben injury the Steelers would probably chuck around the fiel on the back of Rothlesberger's amazing play extending abilities. Now, the game is close, but not close enough for a Tebow comeback. This is by far the best defense that the Denver run game has faced. Without their ability to run, Pittsburgh could get up early. I like a low scoring affair with a comfortable Pittsburgh win. One that could get away from Denver if their running game is stalled early. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></p>kY_San Diegohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06111694264355545654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677634714429750576.post-70067700328452345702011-11-23T09:23:00.000-08:002011-11-23T09:26:32.276-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzplsDFCjFFruf-quog2Wn8T8tilTHTFR9yHE-oyyMjzwGsI80Qox5vx7ydqWv6DPhwzKYT1TX0V1EoYXVNYbUr3mRisOIaSVELjVqYVC602axDHTVgGM1QKfIQo1j47y7TtWg2dcc_bx/s1600/Rex+Grossman.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzplsDFCjFFruf-quog2Wn8T8tilTHTFR9yHE-oyyMjzwGsI80Qox5vx7ydqWv6DPhwzKYT1TX0V1EoYXVNYbUr3mRisOIaSVELjVqYVC602axDHTVgGM1QKfIQo1j47y7TtWg2dcc_bx/s320/Rex+Grossman.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678243842508776418" /></a><br /><div><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="font-size:36.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Weekly Gambling Debacle<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NFL: 55-52-2 NCAA: 2-7-0 Last week: 4-6-2 Season total: 57-59-2<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">$ Wagered: 2005 $ Won: 900.5 $ Lost: -1075.5 $Net: -175.5<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Happy Turkey day everyone! For the first time in my young (well not so young) memory we have three interesting and relevant games on Thanksgiving. That is truly something to be thankful for. A fun week of games with some surprisingly favorable lines; Great week of football, so let’s take some turkey and some wins! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NFL </span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(Lines as of Wednesday, November 23, 2011 per Las Vegas Hilton. Home Team in bold).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Detroit </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(+6.5) over Green Bay<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Green Bay is playing its third game in 11 days. That is a lot for anyone, even the defending world champs. The Lions offense went off in their last 9 possessions last week at home scoring 7 TDs after Matt Stafford’s opening 2 picks. The GB defense is surprisingly weak, especially against the pass. Combining this weakness with the emergence of Kevin Smith and a Lion’s ground offense should allow Detroit to put up some serious points and keep the game close. Whether or not they win, worst case scenario, they back door cover and lose by 3 or 4. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Dallas </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-7) over Miami<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">I would love for this line to drop down to -6.5 and give us that additional half point on the cover. Maybe just go out there and buy that half point (pretty good idea actually). Miami has won three in a row, but against horrible competition. The Cowboys are on fire, their O-line is legit and Tony Romo should shred Miami’s weak pass defense. 6.5 would be great, but I’ll still take the seven. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Baltimore </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-3) over San Francisco<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Ravens seem to play to up or down to their competition. They should be playing up to the second best team in the NFC. The battle of the Harbaughs should be a slugfest and close. The line came down from-5 to -3. Much easier to take now and Baltimore wins at home.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">St. Louis </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-3) over Arizona<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">My ridiculous picking of St. Louis continues. Hopefully the continued play of John “I wish I played as good as a” Skeleton will slot the Rams a victory.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NY Jets </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-8) over Buffalo<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Cincinnati </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-7) over Cleveland<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Browns are actually going to have to score points in order for them to stay within 7. They will not.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Houston (-3) over <b>Jacksonville<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">I actually think Matt Leinart will do well as the Houston QB. This is similar to the situation he had at USC. Two great running backs, best offensive line in every game, a game breaker on the outside and a top tier defense to rely on. Sounds like a recipe for success to me. And Leinart previously played for the quarterback destroying Ken Wisenhunt (please look at this man’s track record). This is not the scenario here.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Carolina (-3) over <b>Indianapolis<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">How is this line this close? I know everyone looks at the 49 points that Carolina gave up last week and puts this line at 3. (Cough, cough…) The Colts are not the Lions. Take Coverin’ Cam, only getting three on turf. Carolina might score 40.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Tennessee </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-3) over Tampa Bay<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Tampa Bay is not a good team and their weaknesses will be highlighted by the running attack and excellent tight end play of the Titans. I really like this bet. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Atlanta </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-9.5) over Minnesota<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Minnesota should have lost by 2 TDs last week against the Raiders at home. They pulled it close because of horrible decision making by the Raiders’ defense. Don’t look for this to happen this week. Atlanta big. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Washington (+3.5) over <b>Seattle<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">I’m taking Washington’s good defense and the return of Sexy Rexy and Santana Moss as signs of life in the nation’s capital. Taking Washington to win out right.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Philadelphia </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-4.5) over New England<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">This line is still off the table because of the Vick injury.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Denver (+6) over <b>San Diego<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Norv Turner is on his way out. The Broncos defense is looking stellar over the last four games. If you watched the Raiders beat the Chargers a few weeks ago you can see the game plan for Denver. Rush the weak O-line of San Diego and get tons of pressure on Phillip Rivers. Pound the running game and go over the top every once in a while. Tempted to take the Broncos outright here.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Pittsburgh (-10.5) over <b>Kansas City<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NY Giants (-7) over <b>New Orleans<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Giants are a great road dog and a terrible home favorite. Let’s see, oh yeah, there a road dog. Let’s go Eli. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Picks to place money on: </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(All money wagers are $55 to win $50 unless otherwise noted)</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">*Just to clarify based on some questions that I have been asked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">-Wagering= Games I am telling you to put money onto/am betting myself.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">-Near bets= Games that I was close to betting.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">-Kryptonite= Games I am terrified of and you could not force me to gamble on.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">*Betting a lot this week gotta make up some ground and I really like the lines were getting this week. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Wagering: </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""> Detroit, Cincinnati, Carolina, Tennessee, Denver and Washington (moneyline).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Near bets</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">: None.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Kryptonite: </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">None. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div>kY_San Diegohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06111694264355545654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677634714429750576.post-51271327558483249552011-11-18T09:03:00.000-08:002011-11-18T09:09:53.444-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEK84YvnnuOJoM-8qXw8L73CZXZKKgI8ODhKBZ227hk38syQ_9cXEij9KYTn6vxCwhO9UmqnSIyRL84lucJlVmNA_w2_GRVcQHaGpJhdIXTq-31o8rCjDvLCTVtnlC5W6T_sYC-_V2RcvD/s1600/Andy+Dalton.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEK84YvnnuOJoM-8qXw8L73CZXZKKgI8ODhKBZ227hk38syQ_9cXEij9KYTn6vxCwhO9UmqnSIyRL84lucJlVmNA_w2_GRVcQHaGpJhdIXTq-31o8rCjDvLCTVtnlC5W6T_sYC-_V2RcvD/s320/Andy+Dalton.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676383950355425042" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="font-size:36.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Weekly Gambling Debacle<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NFL: 51-46-0 NCAA: 2-7-0 Last week: 8-6-0 Season total: 53-53-0<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">$ Wagered: 1840 $ Won: 850.5 $ Lost: -1020.5 $Net: -170.5<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Two weeks ago I predicted that week 9 would be my best gambling week yet. And your damn right it was!! 8-6 is nothing to burn a house down about, but picking 3 of my 4 wagers correctly and getting the Bengals to win out-right netted me a nice +$125 week. Bold prediction… check. Last week was my bye week. Had a lot going on and didn’t want to think that my previous week’s momentum could carry me through a week without proper research. For this week we have the proper research and are liking some of the lines. Now let’s keep this momentum going and make some damn money! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NFL </span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(Lines as of Friday, November 18, 2011 per Las Vegas Hilton. Home Team in bold).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Atlanta </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-6) over Tennessee<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Atlanta has been playing great the last 4 weeks and was a few key breaks away from beating a very good New Orleans team last week. They get a Titans team coming off a surprisingly easy win against the Panthers. That win was a bit deceiving as the Panthers moved the ball and somehow committed a ridiculous amount of turnovers. The Titans’ win and Chris Johnson actually showing up last week has inflated this line a little bit. The Titans lack explosive playmakers (sans CJ 2000) and won’t be able to take advantage of the dome field advantage as much as the “built for turf” Falcons will. I see the Falcons winning by a touchdown. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Buffalo (+2) over <b>Miami<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Buffalo has been a bit exposed by the very good defenses of Dallas and New York. They don’t throw the ball downfield too much and they struggle when pressure gets to Fitzpatrick. The matchup against Miami should not bring any of these problems to fruition. Miami has the worst pass defense in the league and gets virtually no pressure on the QB. Freed Jackson should have a nice game. In a reactionary league, this line shows just how reactionary we truly are. Miami is a bad home team having lost over 80% of their home games in the last two years. They have perhaps the worst QB in the league and somehow are favored against a decent Buffalo team. I don’t get it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Cincinnati (-7) over<b> Baltimore</b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Ray Lewis is out for this week. The Red Rifle (that’s right the Fucking Red Rifle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) almost led the Bengals over the Steelers last week. I think the Ravens are not as good as everyone thinks they are. They’ve lost to the Seahawks and the Bengals. The Bengals will pound the rock and keep the game close.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Jacksonville (Pick) over<b> Cleveland<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">I refuse to address this game as anything more than a joke.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Oakland (-1) over <b>Minnesota</b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">In what equates to essentially a pick ‘em, I like what I’m seeing from the Raiders. They stuck to the game plan beautifully and beat the Chargers without their best player. Carson Palmer is figuring things out and has a real connection with up and coming receiver Denarius Moore. The Vikings were run out of the stadium last week versus the Packers. The Raiders aren’t the Packers in any sense but I don’t see the under-utilized Percy Harvin and the rest of the Vikings weak receiving core to take advantage of the beleaguered Raiders secondary. That same secondary, with only two true corners on the roster, somehow kept the Chargers to 17 points on the road. Adrian Peterson better have a great game if the Vikings want to keep this close. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Carolina (+7) over <b>Detroit<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Last week was a fluke. Coverin’ Cam covers. Period. 7 points seems like the perfect back door cover for the Panthers. Their porous defense should give the Lions plenty of opportunities to get ahead. Detroit’s weak secondary and the legs of Coverin’ Cam should allow the Panthers pull this close in the fourth quarter. Detroit could be up two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Coverin’ Cam scoring against a prevent defense with just a few minutes left, worst case scenario, would have the Panthers within 7. That means were pushing or winning and both of those, when you betting, are wins. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Tampa Bay (+14) over <b>Green Bay<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Statistically you always take two touchdowns. I could see Green Bay overlooking the lowly Bucs and allowing them to stick around as late as the 3<sup>rd</sup> quarter. Tampa Bay’s weakness is its run defense. Green Bay will air it out like it always does but damn 14 points is a lot.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Dallas (-7) over<b> Washington D.C.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Every time I lend them a little faith the Cowboys bite me in the ass. As you can see, apparently I haven’t learned.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Arizona (+9.5) over <b>San Francisco</b> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Cardinals have not been playing as bad as you might think considering they’re starting John Skeleton and have a horrible defense. The Niners are everyone’s darling, but they can’t show up every week and the Cards have covered the last three weeks ATS and have actually won their last two, one of them all the way across the country. Staying on the west coast should help with the travel fatigue.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">St. Louis</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""> (-3) over Seattle<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Chicago </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-3.5) over San Diego<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Bold Prediction #7: Chicago will play in the NFC title game.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NYG </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-4) over Philadelphia<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Get this bet while you still can. Mike Vick was just announced as most likely out this week. Jeremy Macklin, due to a plethora of injuries, is out as well. I know, I know, relying on Eli <i>at home, when he’s favored,</i> is a risky as hell proposition. But the Eagles are in disarray and the Giants are one of the most solid teams in the league. They are top ten in total defense and total offense. I like Eli to have a good game this week.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Kansas City (+15) over <b>New England</b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Always take 2+ touchdowns. I know it’s hard with Tyler Palko starting as a QB. Yes, he’s actually starting a primetime game. Needless to say, I don’t think this is what ESPN had in mind when they scheduled this game. The Chiefs backfield of Palko and Battle, not exactly comparable to the return of Matt Cassel to Foxsboro and the dynamic Jamall Charles running all over the place. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">*These last three games are great and interesting matchups to watch just not as interesting for wagering.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Picks to place money on: </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(All money wagers are $55 to win $50 unless otherwise noted)</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">*Just to clarify based on some questions that I have been asked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">-Wagering= Games I am telling you to put money onto/am betting myself.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">-Near bets= Games that I was close to betting.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">-Kryptonite= Games I am terrified of and you could not force me to gamble on.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Wagering: </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""> Cincinnati, Oakland and Carolina.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Near bets</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">: Chicago.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Kryptonite: </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">St. Louis, Tampa Bay. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>kY_San Diegohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06111694264355545654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677634714429750576.post-56433478029768048962011-11-04T11:13:00.000-07:002011-11-04T11:14:31.490-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim80Xxa5CdouaXnaRTIkakkgn_BbI5SnVJ8LHjMZZMSkJ6pnp9xg_sipQwb7p_PC8eDOxSSPy38TGSe4gP0BRQK9CXZe6DKsD0LhW6goTw-TCOHv6uv2YLlVVU-BMsEfldUzaNcnj8qaRd/s1600/Fred+Jackson.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim80Xxa5CdouaXnaRTIkakkgn_BbI5SnVJ8LHjMZZMSkJ6pnp9xg_sipQwb7p_PC8eDOxSSPy38TGSe4gP0BRQK9CXZe6DKsD0LhW6goTw-TCOHv6uv2YLlVVU-BMsEfldUzaNcnj8qaRd/s320/Fred+Jackson.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671205539809336322" /></a><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="font-size:36.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Weekly Gambling Debacle<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NFL: 43-40-0 NCAA: 2-7-0 Last week: 6-7-0 Season total: 45-47-0<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">$ Wagered: 1625 $ Won: 675.5 $ Lost: -970.5 $Net: -294.5<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">A great weekend for football; LSU vs. Alabama, a whole truckload of NFL matchups that we are super excited to see at the 3Trifecta. In honor of this great weekend of football I am going to keep this article short and sweet. We both don’t need fillers when we have such a great weekend of football. In honor of this great weekend and the fact that I love this week’s lines, <b>Bold prediction #6: This will be my best week of picking of the season. </b>I love the lines this week and am looking to make a killing so here we go:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NFL </span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(Lines as of Friday, November 4, 2011 per Las Vegas Hilton. Home Team in bold).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Atlanta (-7) over <b>Indianapolis <o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The colts haven’t kept a game close against a good team and despite what the media says Atlanta is still a good team.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Tampa Bay (+8) over <b>New</b> <b>Orleans<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">I am not sure how I’m doing it but I’m picking against the Saints. They are going to win still, but Tampa Bay is a good road team and should keep this one close against a division rival.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Houston </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(10.5) over Cleveland<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Browns are bad; Houston is on a roll and is getting Andre Johnson this week. The game kinda scares me as I can see it being a let-down after a couple of satisfying wins for the Texans.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Buffalo </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-2) over NY Jets<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NY teams tend to get a little too much money thrown their way and this is keeping this line surprisingly low. Buffalo is coming off shutting out Washington. The Jets have been terrible against good teams on the road (0-3) this year and should have lost to both the Chargers and Cowboys at home if their respective quarterbacks had not committed inexcusable and untimely turnovers in the 4<sup>th</sup> quarter.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Miami (+4) over <b>Kansas City</b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">KC comes off a big comeback win on Monday night, and plays a team that has covered the last 20 of 26 on the road ATS. Might be a let-down game for KC. Miami gets Daniel Thomas back and could be an upset winner in Arrowhead.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">San Francisco (-3) over <b>Washington D.C.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Am I missing something or isn’t San Fran a better team than Buffalo? Buffalo’s weak defense just shut out a hapless Redskins team that would be struggling if it was not injury plagued. The fact that they are only adds to this team’s problems.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Seattle (+11.5) over <b>Dallas<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Somehow Tavaris Jackson is playing surprisingly well in a no huddle offense. I know that isn’t saying much, but it should be just enough (that and Seattle’s surprisingly good defense) to keep this game in single digits.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Oakland </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-7) over Denver<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">I’ll take Palmer and the Raiders’ run offense over a Tebow led offense.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Cincinnati (-3) over <b>Tennessee</b> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Take Cincy to win outright. They have a good D and the Titans lack explosive playmakers on offense. Benson is back and Dalton should continue to put up solid numbers with his full arsenal of weapons back and playing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">St. Louis (+2.5) over <b>Arizona<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NY Giants (+9) over <b>New England<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Patriots are big favorites over a 5-2 team. Why is this? Bradshaw and Nicks are looking doubtful to play for the Giants, giving the Pats a definite edge. But the Giants have Eli playing good this season, a great pass rush and a former starter back up in Brandon Jacobs, ready and willing to step in and pound the rock for the men in blue. I see them keeping it close in Foxsboro.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">San Diego </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(+5.5) over Green Bay<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Pittsburgh </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(+3) over Baltimore<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Chicago (+7.5) over <b>Philadelphia<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">*These last three games are great and interesting matchups to watch just not as interesting for wagering.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Picks to place money on: </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(All money wagers are $55 to win $50 unless otherwise noted)</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">*Just to clarify based on some questions that I have been asked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">-Wagering= Games I am telling you to put money onto/am betting myself.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">-Near bets= Games that I was close to betting.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">-Kryptonite= Games I am terrified of and you could not force me to gamble on.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Wagering: </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Buffalo, Miami, San Francisco and Cincinnati on the moneyline ($50 to win $75).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Near bets</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">: Pittsburgh.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Kryptonite: </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NY Giants, St. Louis</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; line-height: 18px; "> </span></p>kY_San Diegohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06111694264355545654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677634714429750576.post-62454446787908154302011-10-28T12:09:00.000-07:002011-10-28T12:11:05.478-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLqHvRroS7PqpGceOwNo6KJ5cou1B5tc1COn6yufNf7IZ2kJWLiS7qJUkUJ-O6cNlqcS1LV-Ya1Lk7qD5S9ljbbkCIpUQKlv7MNdaStPMWJyK791p6U_gVJu4i2rtFfdMVDe8lFtkKK-h/s1600/Tony+romo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 219px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLqHvRroS7PqpGceOwNo6KJ5cou1B5tc1COn6yufNf7IZ2kJWLiS7qJUkUJ-O6cNlqcS1LV-Ya1Lk7qD5S9ljbbkCIpUQKlv7MNdaStPMWJyK791p6U_gVJu4i2rtFfdMVDe8lFtkKK-h/s320/Tony+romo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668622633816970258" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="font-size:36.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="font-size:36.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Weekly Gambling Debacle<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NFL: 37-33-0 NCAA: 2-7-0 Last week: 6-9-0 Season total: 39-39-0<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">$ Wagered: 1410 $ Won: 575.5 $ Lost: -855 $Net: -279.5<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">A shitty shitty week. Notre Dame’s terrible loss. The Raiders getting smashed. My picks going down the drain. I prefer to never speak of this past weekend again. My NCAA picks were 0-2, NFL 6-9; otherwise stated… horrendous. I have decided to no linger pick NCAA games until bowl season rolls around. Still over .500 for the season in the NFL and I hope we can continue to make that percentage increases weekly. So here we go: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NFL </span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(Lines as of Friday, October 28, 2011 per Las Vegas Hilton. Home Team in bold).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Indianapolis (+8.5) over <b>Tennessee <o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">I like the colts. Yes I know they were just bum rushed by the Saints on Monday night but Tennessee has lost a little luster after a good start. The movement of the line from +6.5 to +8.5 helps me with the selection.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Houston </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-9.5) over Jacksonville<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Jags hardly ever cover on the road. Houston is clicking a little bit more and Jacksonville still starts a rookie QB. Hard to pick a rookie QB on the road against a good team to keep it close. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Carolina </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-3.5) over Minnesota<b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Coverin’ Cam is back in action. Ponder looked good last week in his debut. The Packers D isn’t as good as people think so don’t get too enthused by his numbers. I love love love Coverin’ Cam and see the Panthers, in a shoot out, cover 3.5.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">New Orleans (-13.5) over <b>St. Louis<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">I refuse to bet against the Saints.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Baltimore </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-12.5) over Arizona<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">A very, very angry Baltimore team should be showing up on Sunday. Coupling that with the lack luster play of Kevin Kolb has demonstrated so far this season and the fact that this is a west coast team playing at 1pm on the east coast situation; I like the Ravens big. Very big.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NY Giants </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-10) over Miami<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">All this in fighting and the suck for luck campaign makes this a lock that even the Giants can’t somehow lose at home.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Buffalo </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-6) over Washington D.C.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Chris Cooley and Tim Hightower are out. The Redskins’ starting left tackle is injured. Santana Moss’ hand is broken and John Beck is starting. What does all this tell you? Washington might not score a single point despite playing a bad Buffalo defense.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Detroit (-3) over <b>Denver<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Tebow era started with a bang. But one thing that he cannot do is throw the ball down field. His limitations will limit his teams’ ability to exploit Detroit’s weak secondary. Teams from will force Tebow to throw the ball and Detroit’s surprisingly inefficient-against-the-run-defense uses this game to get right. This is a classic overreaction line with the two loses by Detroit and comeback win weighing disproportionately on the line. Detroit should get at least 3 more points. I love taking lines where the points are missing in my favor.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Pittsburgh </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(+3) over New England<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Possible playoff preview and the first time in forever that Pittsburgh is not favored at home. Mike Tomlin teams play amazing in big games (minus the season opener). If they get after Brady, which they will and force a few turnovers, I like their chances.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">San Francisco </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-8.5) over Cleveland<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Cincinnati (-3) over <b>Seattle<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Seattle comes back home after only scoring 3 points against the Cleveland Browns. The Cleveland Browns. I know Seattle has the greatest statistical advantage at home in the league, but not enough to keep this game close. Cincy wears down the Sea chickens on both sides of the ball and pulls away in the second half.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Dallas (+3.5) over <b>Philadelphia <o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">I have loved Dallas in every game this season and will continue to do so this week. I know it depends on which Philly team shows up. Both neither half of their Jekyll and Hide routine can stop the run. And last week miraculous performance on the ground by Demarco Murray should have Cowboy fans licking their lips. Philly could possibly win, but if they do win it won’t be by much. I actually like Dallas outright here.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Kansas City </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(+3.5) over San Diego<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">San Diego is making a lot of people nervous with their performance this year. They should be at 5-2 and in control of their division. Instead they have to worry about both the Raiders and Chiefs nipping at their heels. Norv Turner teams have not fared well against the spread on the road and are especially bad in big games. Take the home team getting 3.5. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Picks to place money on: </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(All money wagers are $55 to win $50 unless otherwise noted)</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">*Just to clarify based on some questions that I have been asked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">-Wagering= Games I am telling you to put money onto/am betting myself.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">-Near bets= Games that I was close to betting.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">-Kryptonite= Games I am terrified of and you could not force me to gamble on.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Wagering: </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Detroit, Buffalo, Baltimore and the Cowboys on the moneyline ($50 to win $75).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Near bets</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">: San Francisco.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Kryptonite: </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NY Giants, Tennessee. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""> <o:p></o:p></span></p>kY_San Diegohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06111694264355545654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677634714429750576.post-38575551378262374772011-10-22T13:07:00.000-07:002011-10-22T13:10:21.177-07:00The Rivalry Article (USC vs. Notre Dame)<div style="color: white;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.8109171066777914" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Why I Love USC and Hate Notre Dame”</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">By, Sonny Hassan</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Why I Hate USC and Love Notre Dame”</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">By, Kyle McCann</span></div><div style="color: white;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;">(A two-part article between bitter rivals)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIp4itQ2F6rywgJy2T7D_byAfVS3g2mq_vy08lwjyzhInTFe0Vdicd9MQLlfLWK74dhTBbWfiufei59hJeP9nYzWneD8OwyqMUjRKKIMvN9b-Crxq3KCruNDCgMwpiREkwmsoFVIS_HMxm/s1600/USC-Trojans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIp4itQ2F6rywgJy2T7D_byAfVS3g2mq_vy08lwjyzhInTFe0Vdicd9MQLlfLWK74dhTBbWfiufei59hJeP9nYzWneD8OwyqMUjRKKIMvN9b-Crxq3KCruNDCgMwpiREkwmsoFVIS_HMxm/s320/USC-Trojans.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Why I Love USC:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Tommy Trojan; what embodies the collegiate atmosphere better than our beloved Tommy Trojan?</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- East coast tradition, only on the west coast. Can you name a better west coast college campus?</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Song Girls, also known as our cheerleaders. Classy, sweaters, sexy.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Hardware; 11 National titles, 7 Heisman Trophies. I know you’re thinking about the Heisman Trophy Reggie Bush had to vacate, but come on, it counts.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Walking through campus on game day. Nothing beats marching through campus, banging the lightposts, walking through the rose garden, en masse, and finally meeting at the L.A. Colisseum. If you’ve never experienced it, do it, trust me. You get to drink!</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- School colors are the best in the nation; CARDINAL AND GOLD, BABY!</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Our football program churns out pros. We’ve turned out the most players in the NFL, 472, more than any other college. We’ve also turned out the most 1st round picks in the NFL, 74. Results, baby.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Our fight song. The most recognizable song in college sports. </span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Our band. The USC band is the most famous band in college sports. We’ve been in movies, played concerts with famous bands (Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones), and we also are the face of creativity and fun.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Although we aren’t placed academically high as other universities, we develop recognizable alumni that succeed in the real world, unlike other universities who don’t.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Will Ferrel, George Lucas, Neil Armstrong, Judd Appatow, Ron Howard...The list goes on and on.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Football alumni; OJ Simpson, Reggie Bush, Marcus Allen, Troy Polamalu, Anthony Munoz, Clay Matthews, Carson Palmer, Lynn Swan, Junior Seau...The list goes on and on.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- The best rivalries in college football, we actually play real conference opponents with real Division 1 talent. UCLA, Notre Dame, Arizona State, Stanford. All great rivalries.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Troy Polamalu’s hair</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- John Wayne</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- We consistently get top ranked recruits from all over the nation. Yes, we can go to Texas and take a 5-star recruit away from U of Texas.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- The chills that go up my back when I hear the start of our fight song on game day.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- 11 Pro Football Hall of Famers</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- We have so much talent in the NFL that we can actually comprise an All-USC team with current NFL starters and not only make a team, but a team that can compete for a Super Bowl.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- 3 Quarterbacks currently starting in the NFL, more than any other school.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- We’re so good, our back-ups start in the NFL...ahem Matt Cassel ahem...</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Most of all, I love USC because ever since I can remember, it has brought tradition and joy to our family. I remember being young and woken up by uncle (USC alumni), and dressing up for home games with my brothers. He made it a tradition to take us to at least one home game, and one away game every year. Sometimes we would go to Tommy’s Burger (an LA icon), then go straight to the Coliseum. Sometimes we would drive to San Francisco to see USC play Cal; we’d head to Fisherman’s Wharf and go to traditional spots that USC fans and alumni would meet at to take over for the game weekend. </span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">USC is more than a university, its a way of life. It is embodied in our Trojans Network, a network that is worldwide and always caring for one another. No other university can ever compete with the way we take care of our own. </span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Why I HATE Notre Dame</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Irrelevance. Notre Dame hasn’t been relevant in any college sport in years. It’s about time they get off their high horse and do something about it.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Notre Dame hasn’t won a national title since 1988. 23 YEARS AGO!!!</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Touchdown Jesus. For those of you who don’t know, Notre Dame fans/alumni have the audacity to think that Jesus came down, put all of the hate/hurt in the world aside, and decided to throw up a touchdown sign for Notre Dame football. If that’s not elitist, what is???</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Stupid, ugly, vomit like Green jerseys. Every time Notre Dame wears those against USC, we DISMANTLE them.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- False numbers. Yes, Notre Dame has numbers that are comparable to other great football universities, but the thing is, many of these numbers come from before you were born! Half of their championships, Heisman winners, and football greats were playing prior to The Beatles!!!</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- The dumbest fight song in college football. Its a mix of a church hymn and a child sing-a-long.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Condoleeza Rice</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Lou Holtz</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Lou Holtz’s heavy lisp</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- That stupid fighting leprechaun. </span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- The worst football turf in the history of college football. No football turf has injured more opponents than that nasty green grass at South Bend.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Did you know you can’t take a plane directly into South Bend? You have to fly into Chicago, then take a train there. Talk about being stuck in the past.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- The fact that they think they still have an actual rivalry with USC. Yea, they won last year because of a wide open dropped pass. But before that our record against them was heavily one-sided.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">My Predictions for this weekend:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Although Notre Dame does have better coaching, they do not compare with us talent wise on the gridiron. I predict a heavy dose of Matt Barkley, Robert Woods, and a steady running game to take a close win from Notre Dame. Barring crazy play calling from Lane Kiffen, we will win. 28-20, USC. FIGHT ON!!!</span><br />
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</div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Kyle McCann</span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">”Why I Hate USC and Love Notre Dame”</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOpffExmTKYFTu4uuSJEyVtgqu0cSmt6RIZZ57FhBzr1BrDSx7x10putXhH695OHf75iDFl-BUGzeR3wRlPFR_5pGEdmhnn4QTIeD3UBy1Y4_Oj1J9sjoMqD1w_0m4OAWj081pn1SgiK3/s1600/floyd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOpffExmTKYFTu4uuSJEyVtgqu0cSmt6RIZZ57FhBzr1BrDSx7x10putXhH695OHf75iDFl-BUGzeR3wRlPFR_5pGEdmhnn4QTIeD3UBy1Y4_Oj1J9sjoMqD1w_0m4OAWj081pn1SgiK3/s320/floyd.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Why I Love </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Notre Dame-</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">-The golden dome; it glimmers, it’s golden, it’s beautiful.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">-11 National championships, 7 Heisman trophies… hardware son.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">-The fact that we actually value education and graduating our players; Notre Dame is in the top 3 for graduation rates every year (usually only beaten out by the service academies). This often gets lost in the shuffle of all the standard college football talking points (W/L, conference realignment, coaching changes, players giving back the Heisman trophy because they took illegal benefits for their entire career1, you know the everyday stuff), but it is actually one of the reasons I love Notre Dame so much. Not only are we a legit football team, but we are a legit establishment both on and off the football field.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">-“Play a Champion today” sign and video of our team slapping it as they head out to the field.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Joe Montana.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Our independent status. Notre Dame does not belong to a conference; by choice. We have remained independent in football and this has allowed us to play a traditional schedule every year. - We don’t play any random cupcake teams that we don’t traditionally play.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- We don’t play the bottom teams of the WAC or Mountain West or SWAC or NCAA FBS teams.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- We don’t play teams that are half way across the country that we have no traditional ties to and are nothing outside of a cupcake-gimme win (teams like San Jose state, Minnesota, Virginia and Idaho, all teams SC has played in the last 4 years).</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- The fact that our fan base demands winning. We hire big name, successful coaches because we are always looking for success. Nothing else is acceptable.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Our Catholic tradition. As a cradle Catholic, I love the fact that Notre Dame embraces its.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- The Four Horsemen.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- I love the fact that we do not redshirt ANYONE.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">-We have standards, want to create great human beings and don’t short cut this in order to try and be a better football team. That is why we do not accept junior college transfers. They usually do not have high academic standards or carry baggage not needed at Notre Dame.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">-We travel. Our followers and fans travel all over the country in order to watch Notre Dame play. People are mad when we play in BCS bowls that we barely qualify. You want to know why that happens? Because we travel and fill up stadiums all across the country. Maybe your team should try and do this.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">-Tim Brown.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- The fact that we still play the service academies; in case you haven’t noticed tradition matters. </span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Our distinct, classic and one-of-a-kind jerseys. They are simply beautifully.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Lou Holtz.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- 49 College Football Hall of Fame inductees.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Playing the Alma Mater, “Notre Dame, Our Mother”, after every home game. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Win or loss</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- The Leprechaun! No one can claim a better mascot than a living, breathing, shortly-statured Irish man.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Knute Rockne, one of the best college football coaches of all time.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- 10 NFL HOF inductees.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- The green jerseys that we only break out for special occasions. Having those in you back pocket is simply amazing. It is insane what jerseys can do for you (just look at Oregon).</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Our amazing fight song, known nationwide the minute you hear it.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">-The classiness that our players, university and coaching staff conducts themselves with.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- The fact that we can go recruit anywhere and everywhere, with just the University of Notre Dame as a backdrop, and appeal to individuals across the nation.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">-The beautiful campus and how it gleams on national TV.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- T-O-U-C-H-D-O-W-N-J-E-S-U-S. ‘nuff said.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Most of all I love the synergistic effect that all these factors have in creating an amazing university to play watch and consume college football. We have great tradition, great fans and though we are hated by many, we are one of the greatest teams in the history of the sports.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We have been up and down for the past decade and never able to push over that final hurdle to a national championship. But our recruiting classes have finally been pulling in the freak athletes necessary to win in today’s game, our coaching is on the highest level that it has been since the Lou Holtz era and we will be back in the National Championship game before USC is and that’s a guarantee that gleams as bright as our golden domes.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Why I Hate </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">USC:</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I must qualify this section by first stating that: 1. I reside in Southern California and 2. My Grandpa is USC alumni. This makes both my grandpa, mom and uncle big SC fans. I also had a friend of mine, Drean Rucker who was rewarded a full ride scholarship to play linebacker before his untimely passing prior to the start of his freshman year. I say all this to say that I have respect for the University of Southern California. I have been to more SC games than Notre Dame games (due to obvious geographic restrictions) and I respect the school… but that doesn’t mean I can’t hate them. With all that said, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Why I hate </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">USC:</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- The arrogance.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">-The spoiled rich children who overwhelmingly (my Grandfather excluded) make up their alumni.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- The fact that the Coliseum is in one of the worse parts of L.A.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">-The fact that way too many kids who claim to be SC fans have only liked them since 2003.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Tommy Trojan, the guy is just a douche.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- The fact that the majority of their fan base cannot name one of their Heisman trophy winners outside of Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- The fact that their cheerleaders wear those ridiculous sweaters in an attempt to appear classy.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">-Their cheerleaders’ sweater (point cannot be emphasized enough). Cheerleaders do not, by definition, wear sweaters at a football game. This is sacrilegious. </span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- That there band wears sunglasses and is always randomly popping up on some stupid YouTube video.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">-The “Bush Push”.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- There recent string of pro QB busts (Matt Leinart, Matt Cassel, John David Booty, Marc Sanchez).</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- The ridiculous number of people in Southern California who claim to be SC “fans”. They wear brand new, like tags still on the jersey, new gear. They rooted for Pete Carroll’s teams starting in his second year. You know they year they went 11-2 and starting playing up the laid back, Hollywoodness of playing for USC. All the sudden I started seeing SC flags, Carson Palmer jerseys and people from Fresno to San Diego, from Los Angeles to Palm Springs claiming to be die hard USC “fans”. Where we these people when Paul Hackett was coaching? They were probably off rooting for a successful UCLA team. I strongly dislike Michigan, Michigan State and Navy. These are our other primary rivalries. I want to beat these teams every time we play. But I want to end USC’s season every time we play. I want a huge resounding victory that crushes any hope fo a decent season. Not because I hate their players more, but because their band wagon fans are </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">THE WORSE</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">. The worse. Period. They try and pretend like they have been fans for their entire life. However, right now, with USC’s struggles and the Reggie Bush scandal fallout, I would say their fan base that has lost 80% of its following. This did not, I repeat did not, happen to Notre Dame’s nationwide fan base, during the early to mid 2000’s when Notre Dame was having its worse stretch in decades.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Because their fans they refuse to admit that Notre Dame consistently has a more difficult strength of schedule than USC does.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- Because their fans continually act like (prior to this season) that the Pac-10 (now Pac-12) was a top two conference when they consistently lost to the SEC, Big 12 and Big 10.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Those are the main reasons why I cannot stand USC. Much like my love for Notre Dame, my hate for SC is culmination of things. It’s the arrogance of fans that are overwhelmingly band wagoners that drives my passion in this rivalry. I love the Irish and can’t stand SC. Let’s go this weekend Irish and beat SC! Go Irish!!</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">My Predictions for this </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Weekend:</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I still remember November 27 2010. The pass went up into the cool, drizzly Los Angeles sky. It was heading right to Ronald Johnson who, for lack of a better term, was freaking wide open. Not like he had a few steps on a corner. No. It was more like Notre Dame forgot he played for the Trojans or they didn’t have enough guys on the field open. That kind of open. But then something amazing happens. Ronald Johnson, USC’s best wideout, forgot to catch the ball. The best about this drop is that it made Notre Dame’s first win against USC in 8 years even sweeter. This drop, while unspeakable for many SC “fans”, isn’t unspeakable to me; I bring it up with SC fans all the time. Those band-wagon jumping, Hollywood loving, academically lacking fans who somehow seem to appear everywhere when SC is top on nowhere when there hovering around .500. I love bringing this drop/game up and in fact that’s why I did it right now. I believe it sets the mood for this weekend’s game, a game I couldn’t be more excited about.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Let’s compare this year to last year. Notre Dame is now starting a sophomore QB with 11 starts under his belt, instead of 3. Last year Notre Dame was down their starting tight end, a running back and a linebacker, all out with injuries. This year there are no major injuries to report. The run game and O-line are much improved and have dominated most games. Our defense, playing well last year, is even better this year with increased experience at almost every starting position and an influx of athletic youth on the defensive line. Outside of our lack luster special teams (which have consistently been a problem) Notre Dame is improved on all fronts.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There are areas where USC seems to be slightly better than the Irish. QB is one, with Matt Barkley likely being a first round draft pick this year (as compared to Notre Dame’s sophomore, Tommy Rees). Robert Woods is a monster, but Michael Floyd helps balance the talent out for both teams at the wide receiver position. Notre Dame’s special teams have been disappointing and USC has an advantage here. Outside of those two spots, QB and special teams, USC is outmatched across the board.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Injuries and defense are problems for the Trojans as well. Marc Tyler and Marquis Lee are going to try and play with painful separated shoulders. Torin Brown and Anthony Brown, 1st and 2nd string corners for USC are out. They rank 105th in the passing defense when half their first three opponents have horrendous pass offenses (108th, 85th and 71st in the NCAA). They have been shredded by ASU and Arizona they only two good offenses they have played this season. They gave up over 500 yards of offense to a 1-5 Arizona team. On top of this, SC will start at least half a dozen freshmen on a road game in South Bend, for the first night game in 20 years. Yikes.</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Needless to say I like Notre Dame’s chances. The matchups from this year to last year increasingly favor the Irish and the fact they we will be matching up against a team littered with individuals lacking in experience only makes me more excited for kickoff Saturday night. Notre Dame currently stands as a 9 point favorite. This seems about right to me. It might stay close early, but more than likely I see Notre Dame coming out like they did against Michigan and putting up a quick 14 points. USC will do a decent job of keeping it close, but 21-10 at halftime is not an unrealistic lead for the Irish to take. Notre Dame stretches the lead to 3 scores before the end of the third. Despite giving up a late touchdown, Notre Dame, with its experience and superior defense, take the victory 31-17 and look to start an undefeated streak against SC after beating them in the each of the two most recent seasons. </span></div>The Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961913212235939322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677634714429750576.post-54935090499387589392011-10-21T13:22:00.001-07:002011-10-21T13:23:33.601-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTQvHNny4Zk26T5mqilnolgd-hUrtizfNEMSm2jqsm0XbUOU9hRWG7w57rSd17_a4vp-JWMI9JNfqhuXdo3LfDqkEWSAIWET0GF07A6ORBwMjklnCUzgmgO3E7DsARP_xmclRCmR813bg/s1600/tebow.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTQvHNny4Zk26T5mqilnolgd-hUrtizfNEMSm2jqsm0XbUOU9hRWG7w57rSd17_a4vp-JWMI9JNfqhuXdo3LfDqkEWSAIWET0GF07A6ORBwMjklnCUzgmgO3E7DsARP_xmclRCmR813bg/s320/tebow.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666043638136391106" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="font-size:36.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="font-size:36.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Weekly Gambling Debacle<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NFL: 31-26-0<span> </span>NCAA: 2-5-0<span> </span>Last week: 9-4-0<span> </span>Season total: 33-30-0<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">$ Wagered: 1135<span> </span>$ Won: 475.5<span> </span><span> </span>$ Lost: -635<span> </span>$Net: -157.5<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">My picks have been good, choosing where to put money…not so good. If you’re reading this, maybe you should be choosing who to bet on. I don’t know. With a 9-4 week, we should have done much better. The momentum is definitely with us going forward though, 18-9 the last two weeks, and dominate a 70% in the NFL. We are finally over .500 after a lackluster start. Our focus is viscous and this week looks like another chance to take advantage of some favorable lines.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The NFL has been littered with easily sellable news stories. The Jim vs. Jim near fight was almost as entertaining as the Niners/Lions game (and that is saying a lot for a game of teams with a combined 1 loss). I am glad the NFL didn’t fine anybody after the brush up. No one threw a punch and the NFL should be harnessing coaches with passion/enthusiasm, not punishing them for letting that boil over and simultaneously giving me the best quote of the year, “Slap, grab handshake”. I loved the near fight, but not nearly as much as I loved that Andy Reid gut punch. If you don’t know what I am talking about here you go (focus in at 14 seconds): </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4UJKHfabIQ">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4UJKHfabIQ</a></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Nothing else seems to be working in pushing the Eagles to where they want to be; maybe a good ol’ coach sucka punch will motivate. My favorite part… the fact that no one responded to it. Not Asante Samuels, not Desean Jackson nor any of the assistant coaches standing adjacent to Reid. And maybe that’s how it should be… ignore your coach’s pain and just win baby. That is I feel right now. That big -157.5 number up there makes me sick. But were ignoring it. The last two weeks have been legit and more in line with how we expect our picks to go, now we plan to get the wagering on point. So here we go:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NFL </span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(Lines as of Friday, October 21, 2011 per Las Vegas Hilton. Home Team in bold).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Tampa Bay <span> </span></span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(+1) over Chicago<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Bears are 2-4 ATS this year. LaGarrett Blounte is out. Tampa’s run defense is the one liability that will keep them from dominating being favored by more. Chicago has no o-line, no significant wide receivers and will not be able to throw the ball at all against this Tampa D. Raheem Morris has done an excellent job of keeping his team focused through a season and a half and will not allow a let-down after a big win last week over the Saints. Combining all this with Josh Freeman’s ability to lead 4<sup>th</sup> quarter comebacks, I like Tampa getting one point in this one. <span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Carolina</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""> (-2.5) over Washington<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Coverin’ Cam leads his potent offense in a home matchup against the newly anointed QB of the Redskins, John Beck. For most games, if you pick the best QB you have a good chance of picking a winner. Without any real chance of capitalizing on Carolina’s horrendous defense, the Panthers should be able to cover three in this one. Coverin’ Cam (and his play-callers) will hopefully dial it back, rely on his run game a little more and keep the mistakes to a minimum.<span> </span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">San Diego<b> </b>(-1.5) over <b>NY Jets</b> <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Traveling across the country is always tough. That usually sets the line a little lower, especially for a west coast team travelling 3000 miles and playing at 10 am Eastern time slot. Even with all that against them, bettors have moved the line from +2.5 to -1.5. A great bet if you took the moneyline early in the week (and again highlights the <i>benefits</i> of putting money down early). I still like this line for the Chargers who I have winning with or without Antonio Gates. Ryan Matthews is emerging as running back worthy of the first round pick the Chargers spent on him and the Jets defense has looked old, at best, against good teams this year. San Diego Super Chargers!!!!! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Seattle (+3) over <b>Cleveland<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">At the beginning of the season I had a feeling the Browns might do what the Niners are doing and break out to a nice record. But with their only wins being against the beleaguered Colts and Dolphins, this feeling last lost its gusto. They were dominated by a Britt-less Titans and would have lost by 3 scores if Jason Campbell had not gone down last week. Seattle comes off a bye week with plenty of time to prepare. They might be the only team in the league would will play better with their backup QB in and that’s what they get this week with Tavaris Jackson out. Seattle proved they can show up on the road after doing it two weeks ago against the Giants. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Tennessee </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-3) over Houston<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">I said last week that Gray Kubiak would be at risk of losing his job if the Texans don’t start playing better and get back to leading their division in the first year they have avoided playing Peyton Manning. Without Andre Johnson and Mario Williams, it will be hard for them to get off against a tough, grinding Titans team. CJ 2000 has to get off sometime soon; this week is looking friendly for that prediction and fantasy owners. Gary Kubiak don’t buy any real estate in Houston anytime soon. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Denver (+1) over <b>Miami</b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">TTTTEEEEBBBOOOOOOWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Tim Tebow era will open in Miami, where they will be honoring one of Tebow’s national championship teams at halftime. With Miami’s lackluster talent/performance/quarterback/team/everything and the nearly home field advantage that Denver and Tebow will feel in Florida, I really like Denver in this matchup. Miami comes off a short week and a brutal performance by the offense on Monday. Denver is reenergized by the Tebow infusion and has had a bye week to adjust and get the Tebow playbook set. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Atlanta (+3.5) over <b>Detroit</b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">I especially liked this line when it opened at +6 for Atlanta on Monday. I’ll still take it at +3.5 today. Detroit has trouble running the ball and Atlanta is built for a dome taking away an advantage Detroit usually has at home.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Oakland </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-6) over Kansas City<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Carson Palmer is still a good QB. Everyone is pointing to his lackluster stats over his past two years in Cincy. His QB rating was still in the low 80s with eroding talent at all skills positions, a terrible o-line and a defense that couldn’t keep games close enough to allow the offense to utilize the run game. Palmer will lead this team to the playoffs and a cover over a bad Chiefs team. *If Carson doesn’t start, this line could be a hell of a lot more sketchy…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Arizona </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(+4) over Pittsburgh<b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Dallas (+13) over St. Louis<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">St. Louis is 0-5 and 0-5 ATS this season. Neither trend stops.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Bold prediction # 5: The Dallas Cowboys will be in first place in the NFC East by Thanksgiving weekend. </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Look at their schedule. St. Louis, at Philly, Seattle, Buffalo, at Washington and Miami all before Thanksgiving. That is at least 4 wins. And there is no reason they cannot win all 6. That would put them between 8 and 6 wins after Thanksgiving. I am leaning high. The Eagles have less wins, the Redskins are a mess and could easily lose their next 3 games and fall to 3-5 and the Giants have the hardest schedule in the history of mankind starting in November. The Giants might have 6 or 7 wins and if they play great and steal a win against the Patriots or at San Francisco they could match the Cowboys’ eight wins by Thanksgiving. After that it’s all downhill with 2 games against the Cowboys, at the Saints and at the Jets and home matchups against the Packers and Redskins. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Green Bay (-9) over <b>Minnesota<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Green Bay = Great team, Minnesota = Bad team.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Indianapolis (-14) over<b> New Orleans <o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Saints might score 50. But the news about Olin Kreutz and the huge 14 points is just a little too much for me to take. I still love you New Orleans.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Baltimore<b> </b>(-8) over <b>Jacksonville</b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><span> </span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Has given up just 5 touchdowns in the last 12 quarters. And those games were against Sam Bradford, Marc Sanchez and Matt Schaub, all of whom are better and more experienced QBs than Blaine Gabbert. Baltimore should be able to keep the Jags and Gabbery to less than 2 TDs. This means 21 points by Ray Rice and an offense that should have excellent field position all night will be enough to cover.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NCAA </span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(Lines as of Friday, October 7, 2011 per Las Vegas Hilton. Home Team in bold).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">West Virginia (-14) over <b>Syracuse<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">West Virginia can score the rock. Syracuse lost by 21 to a USC team that is nowhere near as talented as West Virginia. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Illinois<b> </b>(-4) over <b>Purdue<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Ron Zook’s team is getting some extra points because of the weak showing last weekend against Ohio State. But Purdue has no, repeat, no athletes on the par with those at the Ohio State and that is what gave Illinois so much trouble. The Fighting Illini have defeated Arizona State and Northwestern, both of whom are better teams than Purdue. The betting has moved this line down from -6 to -4; I would have taken it at -6. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">***Per my own rules I cannot put money down on my own team. In case you haven’t noticed or have been sleepily reading through my articles; I am a huge Notre Dame fan. Therefore I do not put money on the Fighting Irish. If there was ever a time I wanted to change this rule, it is this weekend. Notre Dame is getting 9 points against a young, injury-plagued and inexperienced USC team. It is the first night game in over 20 years at Notre Dame and the crown should be raucous. USC pass defense is atrocious and will be down one starter and one contributor due to injury. If I could I would take the points in a heartbeat.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Picks to place money on: </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(All money wagers are $55 to win $50 unless otherwise noted)</span><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">*Just to clarify based on some questions that I have been asked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">-Wagering= Games I am telling you to put money onto/am betting myself.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">-Near bets= Games that I was close to betting.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">-Kryptonite= Games I am terrified of and you could not force me to gamble on.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Wagering: </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">West Virginia and Illinois covering as favorites. Carolina, Denver, Baltimore and Green Bay.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Near bets</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">: None.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Kryptonite: </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">San Diego, Atlanta, Oakland. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>kY_San Diegohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06111694264355545654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677634714429750576.post-78431828815922017602011-10-18T14:17:00.000-07:002011-10-21T08:48:22.979-07:00New Normal, or Just Normal? by Conan Van Zimmerman<span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQi-wp9tCJyfkSiZibK-tyNkEUpQ6J8CTUwTkAQXWBylWFLvDwIhGMuZKNUS2sQBUByU0qm0TauY5t2Lzhu-S9Ek7qtkeT3wRG-obZjT5lq3MenPN-NWUKYV25qjHTZc6-Ozw7vPg5JGo/s1600/Conan+and+Jenn.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQi-wp9tCJyfkSiZibK-tyNkEUpQ6J8CTUwTkAQXWBylWFLvDwIhGMuZKNUS2sQBUByU0qm0TauY5t2Lzhu-S9Ek7qtkeT3wRG-obZjT5lq3MenPN-NWUKYV25qjHTZc6-Ozw7vPg5JGo/s320/Conan+and+Jenn.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665275120513631794" /></a><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="text-align:right"></p><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /><span id="internal-source-marker_0.20117306639440358" style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>Recently, the term “new normal,” coined by the bond fund PIMCO, has made its way into common household vernacular. And, thanks to a continuingly polarized and hostile political environment, as well as the fervent “debates” on the economy and government spending that the American people are endlessly subjected to via mainstream media, this term wreaks insecurity, instills fear in the ordinary citizen, and fuels political, and potentially fascist (and, yes, I am referring to the Tea Party here) factions. However, is this “new” environment really new at all? Or, was the previous economic environment (the post-WWII period between 1945-2008) artificially abnormal?</span><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="text-indent: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; "><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; " > The fact of the matter is, this new normal that many of us consider to be derogating the American way of life, is nothing new at all. The unrestrained growth and resulting fiscal security that created what we now know as the American way of life was the direct result of years of market advantages forged by the outcomes of the Second World War, sustained by the subsequent Cold War and the War on Terror. These advantages have blessed Americans with a higher quality of life than most of the world, but they are neither normal nor sustainable. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-indent: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; "><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; " >After WWII, to put it into pure market terms, we were the only shop in town. This created an artificial industrial environment that allowed for unrestrained growth and the expansion of the middle class. This environment is also responsible for the “American dream,” and, what most Americans have come to consider basic entitlements, chiefly, that of a decent retirement; a concept that has only been around for a couple of generations. The perceived threat to both by the new normal, combined with the romanticized memory of the American way of life during this period, has played a large roll in contemporary debates and has helped galvanize the far right in US politics. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-indent: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; "><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; " >Our whole economic establishment, however, was flawed from the get-go. Eventually, other industrialized nations caught-up, and we were found to be far less efficient than some of our counterparts. This led to rapid globalization (long held by conservatives as a destructive force, but in actuality, is the natural path of capitalism) and eventually, proved unstable. The strains in this dynamic were evident in the late 1990’s, but the full realization of the situation was delayed about a decade due to US involvement in the Middle East. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-indent: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; "><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; " >This past summer, economist Dr. David Laibson of Harvard co-authored a paper in which he argues that the fear associated with the new normal is overblown due to the nature of the subject itself, the economy. In it, he states that the economy will always revert back to its long-term growth trend; this is where Dr. Laibson and I agree. Where we disagree, however, is where the long-term growth trend lies. Dr. Laibson’s analysis focused solely on the longest period of relative economic stability (that of the post-WWII period) and, thus predicts a recovery in the economy within the next few years. It did not, however, take into consideration the historical factors that made such growth possible, nor did it account for long periods of erratic activity before the war. Given this, I believe that the actual long-term growth trend will be one of instability and, perhaps, minimal economic growth at best. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-indent: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">So, what might this “old normal” world look like for a 21</span><span style="font-size: 7.199999999999999pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; ">st</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "> century America? Globally, the US will hold much less sway over foreign affairs. We simply can’t afford to keep operating militarily in a Cold War capacity. This is going to mean a much smaller Navy and Army, and thus, a retraction of the military industrial complex. A redefinition of the “American dream,” may also be necessary. For many families, this will mean one less car in the driveway, or keeping the one they have twice as long, or, simply, not have a car at all. No doubt, many of us will never own homes. Whether or not this is a negative is up to each individual to decide. Just as the pre-WWII generations, people will need to be more flexible professionally. The days of working at one job for 25-30 years and then retiring are over. And, retirement as we know it will only be possible for the few. The term “semi-retired,” more accurately reflects what is in store for the rest of us. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="text-indent: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; "><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; " >Some have perceived this dynamic as a bad one for the US. That the once great US will be reduced a “second rate” nation. It doesn’t have to be so. From a security standpoint, a lighter global footprint could potentially increase our security. In terms of the market, a more diverse and flexible work force breeds innovation. Fewer cars mean greater “localism.” And, with regards to retirees, the thought of losing some of the most knowledgeable portions of our work force while they are still capable seems illogical. The fact of the matter is, Americans will have to change the way we look at the world; we will have to be more flexible; and, perhaps, learn to live with a little less than the we have in the past. </span></p></div><p></p>kY_San Diegohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06111694264355545654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677634714429750576.post-36626366731787420732011-10-14T13:01:00.000-07:002011-10-14T13:41:26.002-07:00The Weekly Gambling Debacle-Oct 14 by Kyle McCann<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXJXpSOHQFjvhmV5mmu_jjfDd9t7vNsBnnWr7m3VeDotaErtR6chW9Py4yOxlhRB-GgMnmjDzDb_JkloO1NVSe_3PkcH5deESeSYH7SzKTRjbr8G8JE_msAZupQVQYVJCzuWsLoyYaz8C/s1600/Cam+Newton.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 193px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXJXpSOHQFjvhmV5mmu_jjfDd9t7vNsBnnWr7m3VeDotaErtR6chW9Py4yOxlhRB-GgMnmjDzDb_JkloO1NVSe_3PkcH5deESeSYH7SzKTRjbr8G8JE_msAZupQVQYVJCzuWsLoyYaz8C/s320/Cam+Newton.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663440930755903762" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="font-size:36.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="font-size:36.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Weekly Gambling Debacle<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NFL: 22-21-0<span> </span>NCAA: 2-5-0<span> </span>Last week: 9-6-0<span> </span>Season total: 24-26-0<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">$ Wagered: 980<span> </span>$ Won: 425.5<span> </span><span> </span>$ Lost: -525<span> </span>$Net: -97.5<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">This has been a topsy-turvy week in sports, the looming NBA lockout, the beginning of MLB playoffs and the continuation of the football season both in the pros and college. Before we get into my picks for this week I want to address the NBA labor struggles.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">First of all, it’s ridiculous. How can you come off of the best NBA season of the last 20 years and not have a season? I’ll tell you how, stupid people on both sides of the bargaining table. The players are paid too much, attendance is down and the owners are stupid. They could downsize two teams, lower the midlevel exception and realize that an NBA franchise is like a piece irreplaceable artwork; magnificent and not necessarily designed to make you money. Dan Gilbert, the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers and one of the biggest pushers of a harder deal for the players once said that he could not put a price on an NBA franchise because of the value that it brought to his other businesses. What has changed<sup>1</sup> since then? Nothing. I don't understand how men that make so much money and have had so much business success could not understand anything about business. Let me tell a quick story to illustrate. During World War II, Coke shipped tons and tons of bottles of their product to the GIs stationed throughout Europe and the Pacific. They did this at an almost complete and utter financial loss. Why? To build a customer base. Last year the NBA rebuilt their customer base. They had their best season in years and the league is packed with legitimate stars from across the globe ready to provide eager fans with the product they have a renewed energy for. And the NBA is willing to let that evaporate away due to owners lacking creativity and carrying an over-exaggerated sense of self importance. Do you think Coke would have allowed GIs to come home and not be able to buy Coke? No. They didn't and that's a big reason why Coca-Cola is the largest soft drink supplier in the world today. Product momentum matters.</span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""> Outside of uncreative and over-bloatedowners, many of whom are tied into the financial scandals bringing down this country’s economy, making demands they know can’t be met. Oh and the NBA players’ union bringing almost as dysfunctional as Michael Jackson’s domestic situation. Are they really attempting to promote, “Let us Play!” as a legitimate media strategy when people like Mo Williams get paid 8 million dollars a year to play? I hope they pull back on this suicidal strategy.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Dysfunctionality like this might actually bring down a league that was at the pinnacle of a stratospheric launch that could have brought popularity (and revenue) surpassed only by that of the NFL. <span> </span><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Speaking of the NFL…not a ton of exciting picks this week but I’m hoping to keep upping my winning percentage. This week I have only picked the NFL and spared myself from another failure of a weekend of picking NCAA games. Notre Dame has a bye this week and I figured a little mental rest might do me some good too.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><span> </span></span><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NFL </span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(Lines as of Friday, October 14, 2011 per Las Vegas Hilton. Home Team in bold).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Green Bay </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-14) over St. Louis<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The bye week allows St. Louis to rest up and keep this closer early on. But the Ram’s o-line is just atrocious. I feel bad for Sam Bradford as he gets matched up against another team that comes after the QB. This game looks eerily similar to week 4 when Green Bay covered over Denver 49-23.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Jacksonville (+12) over <b>Pittsburgh<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Philly<b> </b>(-2) over <b>Washington</b> <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Philly cannot keep playing this bad. Even if their red zone offense is near the bottom of the league. 450 yards of offense and a loss is simply unacceptable. Vick needs help from his receivers and offensive line. They are killing him right now. Last week, 2 of his picks were off the hands of his receivers. Bounces like that don’t happen repeatedly. The Eagles will need to put pressure on Sexy Rexy and do a little better against the run<sup>2</sup>. The Dream team finally pulls one out.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Detroit </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-4) over San Fran<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Detroit is everyone’s dandy this season. San Fran looks surprisingly competent with Harbaugh at the helm<sup>3</sup>. San Fran is a great story but may be a bit overrated. The injuries to the Niners wide receivers will limit their ability to take care of Detroit’s main weakness; their secondary. Megatron scores late for a eight point win.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Carolina (+4) over <b>Atlanta<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Coverin’ Cam<sup>4</sup> airs it out and has the poise to back door cover almost every game. His Panthers’ team has the potential to cover every week and in fact this week… they just might win out right.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Cincinnati </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-7) over Indy <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Curtis Painter looked good last week against a weak Chiefs defense last week. I like his 0 picks and 4 TDs in 2 games but he is still under 50% completion percentage in those 2 starts. The Bengals’ D is not KC’s and Indy is missing Joseph Addai and a bad season keeps getting worse. Take the Bengals. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NY Giants </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-3.5) over Buffalo<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Buffalo’s lack of defense is going to continue to catch up to them. NY is one of those crazy teams that is consistency inconsistent (yes this makes sense, *<i>nodding his head convincingly</i>*) and they have been for the past few years. The battle of NY goes to the Giants as long as Eli plays a good game after a bad game like he usually does.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Baltimore </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-8.5) over Houston<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Gary Kubiak is officially on the hot seat...again, regardless of injuries.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Oakland </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-6.5) over Cleveland<b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">It seems trendy right now to pick the Browns to cover. I like the raiders though. With consistent QB play and two of the biggest, nastiest lines in the NFL the Raiders are a force to be dealt with. <b>Bold prediction #4: The Raiders will be 6-2 at the half way point of the season. </b>They play Cleveland, Kansas City and Denver at home in the next 3 weeks. Looks like a road to 6-2 to me.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Dallas (+6.5) <b>New England<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">This is not a bad matchup for Dallas (as good of a matchup as playing Tom Mother F-ing Brady can be). They pressure the QB, and throw the ball well; the two things NE is the weakest against. Both Miles Austin and Dez Bryant are healthy and ready. Dallas has been consistently underappreciated this season and uses a bye week to stay close and possibly pull out a late win in New England.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">New Orleans (-4.5) over <b>Tampa Bay<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">See last week’s post. Never bet against the Saints.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Chicago </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(+3) over Minnesota<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Don’t let last week fool you, the Vikes are a stinker of a team that is masquerading as a tough out because of Adrian Peterson factor. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NYJ </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-7) over Miami<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><span> </span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">I know Miami plays great on the road but that was when they were starting a competent quarterback. The backfield of Matt Moore, Reggie Bush and rookie Daniel Thomas might be the least talented in the NFL. Pair that with the Dolphins last ranked passing defense and I can’t imagine New York not covering 7 points. <span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Picks to place money on: </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(All money wagers are $55 to win $50 unless otherwise noted)</span><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">*Just to clarify based on some questions that I have been asked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">-Wagering= Games I am telling you to put money onto/am betting myself.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">-Near bets= Games that I was close to betting<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">-Kryptonite= Games I am terrified of and you could not force me to gamble on.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Wagering: </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Dallas, Detroit and moneyline on Carolina (Bet $50 to win +92.5).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Near bets</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">: NY Giants and NY Jets.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Kryptonite: </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Cincy, Oakland and Green Bay. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpLast"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";mso-bidi-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face""><span>1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Besides Gilbert being a terrible owner, not brining in legit talent and losing the greatest player the NFL has seen since Kobe Bryant. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";mso-bidi-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face""><span>2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">They really can’t do worse. . <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";mso-bidi-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face""><span>3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Has anyone else realized how terrible Mike Singeltary was as a coach? Harbaugh has less talent and his team looks great, tough and efficient. Sorry Mad Mike, coaching is just not for you.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";mso-bidi-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face""><span>4.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">My new nick name for him!! Let’s make this go nationwide!!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>kY_San Diegohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06111694264355545654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677634714429750576.post-36997029160764331842011-10-14T10:38:00.001-07:002011-10-14T10:38:15.500-07:00Your GOP Dream Team<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCfl-pwdg74/To8UZ9aCdYI/AAAAAAAAACY/OafUhsMQZ_s/s1600/Republican%2Bcandidates.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCfl-pwdg74/To8UZ9aCdYI/AAAAAAAAACY/OafUhsMQZ_s/s320/Republican%2Bcandidates.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660765692841063810" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 201px; " /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">I have been following the Republican Party candidates for 2011 Presidential nomination for a while now. It’s been an interesting race. We’ve seen the rise and fall of Michelle Bachman, the emergence of fringe candidates Herman Cain, Jon Huntsman and Rick Perry, and seasoned political veterans like Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney throw their hat in the ring.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">The group of possible nominees is eclectic and much more diverse than normal for the GOP and presents a myriad of options on all policy issues. We have Tea Party backed nominees, an African-American business man, two Mormons and a Texan. The closer I followed the campaign trail the more I became intrigued with this idea; it became increasingly apparent to me that using sports descriptions, more particularly football positions, to describe the roughly half a dozen serious candidates for the GOP nomination would be a great idea. Football positions have inherent characteristics and so do too the Republican nominees.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">Also tying in the NFL with the Republican field is the state of parity that both are currently found in. The NFL always strives for parity and this year it seems like there are almost no teams that are head and shoulders above the rest. Outside of the Green Bay Packers, I find it hard to argue that any team is the odds on favorite to win their division, let alone the Super Bowl. And with the ever-shifting opinions of national, state and local polls, the Republican Party is finding itself in much the same way; lacking a clear cut front runner.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">So in order to make this comparison more analogous I chose to focus on the offensive side of the ball. For the most part we tend to focus on the stats, characteristics and ranking of offensive players and this should make these comparisons easier to make. For each candidate I will place them at a position that fits their attributes and describe their best/worst case scenario in terms of current NFL players and their stats. I chose to only include starters in the possible worse/best case scenario because attempting to include anyone on the bench became much too daunting and much too involved with NFL rosters and not the candidates themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">I think most people will not argue with the offensive positions I have chose to categorize the candidates into, they are as follows: quarterback, offensive tackle, running back, center and tight end. It is obvious to anyone who watches football that each position carries an inherent level of importance to the success of an offense. For example the quarterback position is generally considered to be most important as no offense succeeds without a legitimate quarterback. But does a quarterback have to be the best player on the team for an offense to succeed, absolutely not. “Quarterback” types <i>are</i> more likely to have a bigger impact because they touch the ball every play and make a lot of game-altering decisions, but running backs, line man and tight ends too can make the biggest impact on the game and be the best players on their respective teams depending upon the personnel around them. The quarterback on this list has the best shot at the nomination because of his high notoriety and the fact that he is in every discussion regarding the 2012 race (aka he touches the ball every play) but by no means is he the only viable candidate. Much in the same way that a good quarterback does not automatically equate to a good offense, leading the polls right now does not equate to a presidential nomination.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 22pt; line-height: 33px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 22pt; line-height: 33px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">And Now Our GOP Offensive Personnel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 22pt; line-height: 33px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">-Quarterback: Mitt Romney<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><span></span>Best player scenario: <i>Tom Brady</i>. Much like his good-looking New England counterpart with sweet hair, Romney has a great shot at a Super bowl championship (Presidential nomination) this year. And much like the Patriots of the previous two years, Romney couldn’t get past the first game of the playoffs in the 2008 presidential race. This year he reignites the momentum from MVP years past, throws for 4800 passing yards, 42 TDs and 7 INTs and relies on his natural camera appeal, good looks, solid experience and surprising humor to lock himself and his team into a nomination.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><span></span>Worst player scenario: <span></span><i>Jay Cutler</i>. They both share a full head of hair and a strong chin. They could also be called backstabbers as Cutler enjoys throwing his teammates and coaches under the bus almost as much as Romney enjoys changing policy positions when it suits him. If Romney gets called out on this too much and can’t combat it with some surprising wins and strong offensive numbers he massively underachieves and is not a viable candidate as the playoffs approach. This seems eerily familiar as to what could happen to Cutler and the Bears this year. Worst case scenario, against a strong field (Read: NFC North) Romney puts up terrible numbers, 2900 passing yards, 18 TDs, 16 INTs and a 6-10 record.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">-Running Back: Rick Perry<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><span></span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">Best Player scenario: <i>Arian Foster 2010</i>. Much like his Texan counterpart, Rick Perry could burst onto the national scene, have a monster year and lead the league in rushing. He’s good-looking, appeals to the Conservative right base and Tea Party constituents. He can appeal in much the same way Arian Foster did to fantasy owners last year to the count of 1616 rushing yards, 604 rushing yards and 18 total TDs. If Perry uses a good offensive line (his Southern appeal and possible wins in early primaries) to his advantage, look for him to put up some big fantasy numbers on his way to the nomination.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><span></span>Worst case scenario: <i>Marshawn Lynch. </i>Everyone remembers Lynch’s epic, tackle-destroying run against the Saints in last year’s playoffs. What has he done after that? After that, through 3 games he has rushed for 117 yards and doesn’t look to be improving. This could be the fate for Perry if he is not careful moving forward. Much like Lynch, (Lynch’s career in Buffalo and Perry’s career in Texas) both had decent starts to their careers. Unless the only things that Perry wants to be remembered for are decent early career numbers and flash in the pan stints in their current endeavors (mirroring Lynch’s time in Buffalo and miraculous playoff effort game against the Saints), Perry should continue to push the issue against Romney and cater to his conservative base. Worst case scenario: 750 yards rushing, 100 yards receiving and 6 combined TDs and team Perry is out of playoff contention by week 10 due to<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Kyle%20%20McCann" datetime="2011-10-06T15:07"> </ins></span>a lack of talent and resolve.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">-</span><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">Wide Receiver: Michelle Bachmann<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><span></span>Best Player scenario: <i>Chad Ochocinco 2005-2007</i>. If there is one thing we have found out about Michelle Bachmann it is this<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Kyle%20%20McCann" datetime="2011-10-06T15:08">:</ins></span> she won’t shut up. And as long as she keeps talking she’s going to keep s<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Kyle%20%20McCann" datetime="2011-10-06T15:08">t</ins></span>aying controversial. Sound familiar? Wide receivers tend to be the divas of the NFL. They start the play away from the ball and need someone to get them the ball in the right place to be effective. Michelle Bachmann is a wide receiver. She need<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Kyle%20%20McCann" datetime="2011-10-06T15:08">s</ins></span> the Tea Party (her quarterback) to continue to play well and get her the ball at the right times in order for her to succeed. As long as that is happening, a lot of the crazy, ridiculous things that wide receivers say get overlooked. Much like Chad Johnson (Ochocinco), if Bachmann performs in the polls most of her ridiculous antics will get overlooked. Best case scenario stats: 97 receptions, 1432 receiving yards and 10 TDs. But much like the Chad Johnson led Bengals; I can’t see Bachmann getting out of the second round of the playoffs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><span></span>Worst Player scenario: <i>Steve Smith 2010</i>. When you don’t have support, life as a receiver is tough. When you don’t get the ball in right places, life as a receiver is tough. Ask Steve Smith last year. No offensive line, no running back and no QB to get him the ball. This could be Bachmann’s fate if she continues to say ridiculous things; things like Obama leads a “gangster” government and that our forefathers helped free slaves (when in fact they owned them). If her miss-worded quotes continue and the Tea Party is not able to get her the ball she’s likely to have a terrible showing as the season progresses. Worst case scenario stats: 40 receptions, 501 yards and 2 TDs.<span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">-<b>Wide Receiver: Newt Gingrich<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><span></span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">Best Case scenario: <i>Terrell Owens 2010</i>. Terrell Owens and Newt Gingrich seem to be a match made in heaven. Newt has had success in past as Speaker of the House and is looking to rekindle that political power once again. TO had great seasons in San Francisco and Philadelphia and is hoping to return this year after his ACL tear. Both have had chaotic personal lives and both have absolutely no shot of legitimately playing this season. I could see Gingrich with a respectable season much like TO quietly had in Cincinnati last year; 72 receptions, 983 yards and 9 TDs. But are either one of these guys actually relevant, no.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><span></span>Worst player scenario: <i>Roy Williams 2010</i>. Roy Williams had 37 receptions, 530 yards and 5 TDs on a Dallas team that despite losing Romo for the season still scored a lot of points in the second half of the season. That’s a terrible season for a supposed superstar. Could this be the trajectory Newt is most likely to follow? It seems possible. Republicans underwhelmed by his checkered political and personal history could choose to ignore Gingrich no matter how loud he yells and subject him to a statistical season much like Williams’ last year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">-</span><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">Center: Ron Paul<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><span></span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">Best case scenario: <i>Nick Mangold</i>. Well<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Kyle%20%20McCann" datetime="2011-10-06T15:12">,</ins></span> minus the long flowing locks, but everything else about being a center seems to perfectly describe Paul. He’s stout on his experience and his policies (run and pass blocking), is very intelligent (as center have to be because they often call the protection changes for the offensive line) and often over-looked. The center is one of the most important parts of a good offense and much like Ron Paul, is consistently overlooked. And in fact, according to Paul and his followers, the media is purposefully ignoring him despite his strong debate performances. I see Paul as Nick Mangold in the ground and pound year of 2010 and dominating opposing defensive tackles. Could the Jets win a championship that year… no, but they got surprisingly close.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><span></span>Worse case scenario: <i>John Sullivan, Max Unger</i>. You’re thinking to yourself…who? These are the starting centers for the Vikings and the Seahawks, both teams with horrible o-lines right now. Adrian Peterson hides some of Minnesota’s deficiencies but they are there. Much the same way many conservative voters may view Ron Paul’s isolationist, anti-military industrial complex mentality. If these policies don’t resonate with the conservative base, look for Ron Paul’s results to be similar to Seattle’s running game; nonexistent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">Offensive Tackle: Jon Huntsman<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><span></span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">Best case scenario: <i>Joe Thomas</i>. Widely regarded as one of the best 2-3 tackles in the game Joe Thomas has been a horse for Cleveland since his draft day. Much like Jon Huntsman, Thomas has produced every year. Huntsman as the governor of Utah and the ambassador to China has delivered steady results. He is middle enough to grab votes from independents and conservative leaning democrats fed up with Obama. But much like Joe Thomas, coming from a small market, on teams not paid attention to by the national media (Utah and his ambassador position); can Huntsman become relevant enough for the 2012 campaign?<span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><span></span>Worst case scenario: <i>J’marcus Webb</i>. The bane of Jay Cutler’s existence, Webb’s inability to keep pass rushers from violently planting Jay Cutler into the turf, has caused nothing but headaches in Chicago. Huntsman could be relegated to Webb<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Kyle%20%20McCann" datetime="2011-10-06T16:01">-</ins></span>like duty if he cannot win voters on a national stage and if his more centralized view points and Mormon faith prove hindrances in providing protection for a presidential candidacy. Huntsman must be aggressive, make a name for himself and dramatically defeat his counterparts in upcoming debates. Without good pass blocking and the ability to get the ball down the field, the sacks Huntsman lack of conservative/national appeal would allow his GOP presidential nomination drive to stall<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Kyle%20%20McCann" datetime="2011-10-06T16:01">.</ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">Tight End: Herman Cain<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><span></span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">Best Case scenario: <i>Vernon Davis</i>. You can see this right? An improving player. When he first started out you thought he was gonna be a bust, then he got the right coach (for Cain it was Tea Party support) and began to turn into a legitimate player. Sure his lack of any political experience hurts him, much in the same way playing with Alex Smith has hurt Davis, but he seems determined to overcome this. A month ago I would have said Cain’s ceiling was John Carlson/Anthony Fasano status (former golden domers who put up decent fantasy numbers). Now he can be a top tier candidate but can’t actually win. His extremist views on gays and Muslims keep him from capturing any middle votes and will most likely scare off most Republican Party candidates but hey he might still have a nice season. Best case scenario stats: 55 receptions, 900 yards and 6 TDs, very respectable numbers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><span></span>Worst case scenario: <i>Lance Kendricks</i>. He is the starting tight end for the 0-3 St. Louis Rams. He’s a rookie and has 8 receptions, 102 yards and a bunch of drops through 4 games on a winless team. This could Cain’s fate if people realize he has no experience and stands on a <i>seemingly</i> <i>disguised </i>racist and homophobic platform. I’m kinda hoping this is what happens and Cain gets about as much attention as the winless Rams have. Go Lance Kendricks. Worst case scenario stats: 22 catches, 344 yards, 1 TD.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">In our best case scenario the Republican Party would field a team with Tom Brady at QB, handing off to Arian Foster. Brady would be able to throw to TO, Chad Ochocinco and Vernon Davis and be protected by Nick Mangold and Joe Thomas. That’s a pretty legit team. And I think most people would be pretty stoked to have a fantasy team with those first 5 guys in their statistically best years.<span> </span>But, God-forbid for the conservatives in this country, that we have a bunch of worse case scenarios and the field is defeated by a weak Obama. A worst case scenario team would include Jay Cutler, Marshwyn Lynch, the 2010 versions of Steve Smith and Roy Williams and Lance Kendricks at skill positions. With Max Unger and J’Marcus Webb anchoring this team’s offensive line we can see how poorly this season could go for the Republican team. Jay Cutler is horrible without a strong o-line. Lynch provides no real assistance and the Republican receiving “threats” lack the skills to separate themselves and get open. If this happens the Right should be scared, very scared.<span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; "><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; ">This upcoming election should be a good one with what is a very polarized country. And that is what this personnel description has given us, polarity. We have best versus worse, Brady versus Cutler, Foster versus Lynch, Right versus Left and Republican versus Democrats. If you’re pulling for the Republican Party hope for Brady and pray to God you don’t nominate Cutler.</span></p>kY_San Diegohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06111694264355545654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677634714429750576.post-26232166859958936122011-10-08T18:24:00.000-07:002011-10-08T18:28:40.348-07:00The Weekly Gambling Debacle-October 8 by Kyle McCann<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4JOpidCYRNooGP2bbNqNMJPuhkmkDbRI0TMfd2Ggwf_YehQwcZlTDVo-JqmVB9q63KNkNFcgadL18QWhA9ITNrnQzozDuGF4I-ahqJhAkofHavHQjxpfXrEwzQ6pfsXNymWLnIadQfy5/s1600/RUN+DMc" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 273px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4JOpidCYRNooGP2bbNqNMJPuhkmkDbRI0TMfd2Ggwf_YehQwcZlTDVo-JqmVB9q63KNkNFcgadL18QWhA9ITNrnQzozDuGF4I-ahqJhAkofHavHQjxpfXrEwzQ6pfsXNymWLnIadQfy5/s320/RUN+DMc" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661298215265444082" /></a><br /> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>1643</o:Words> <o:characters>9370</o:Characters> <o:company>UC San Diego</o:Company> <o:lines>78</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>18</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>11507</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="line-height:115%; Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:36.0pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="line-height:115%; Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:36.0pt;">The Weekly Gambling Debacle<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">NFL: 14-16-0<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>NCAA: 1-4-0<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Last week: 10-9-0<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Season total: 15-20-0<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">$ Wagered: 655<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>$ Won: 275.5<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>$ Lost: -365<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>$Net: -87.5<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Had a much better run at it last week, 10-7 in the pros and 1-2 in the NCAA. If it weren’t for a terrible call in the Air Force-Navy game we could have been over .500 for the week in the NCAA as well. And I am still confused why Baylor didn’t cover against a lack luster Kansas State team. Either way, we are improving and have left plenty for more of it. Lost a little bit of money, but with this week’s overall improvements, the money is sure to follow.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">The theme for this week’s betting is to always act early and decisively. The lines, due to different circumstances in different games, have moved drastically since they were released on Monday. If I were a serious gambler<sup>1</sup> I would have laid a bunch of money on Monday. The wise guys have put a ton of money down and moved the lines into more precarious positions. The picks are based on these moved lines and, in fact, are now much more difficult to decipher easy winners from. But we are here to pick winners and that’s what I plan on doing! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">NFL </span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">(Lines as of Friday, October 7, 2011 per Las Vegas Hilton. Home Team in bold).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Indianapolis</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"> (-2.5) over Kansas City<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Two teams that have lost their best player and are feeling it. A game that not a lot of people are going to watch but may actually be a good bet. Indianapolis’ offense look slightly revived with Curtis Painter leading the team. Kansas City is a train wreck and I would be surprised if Charles Haley is around for Kansas City at the end of the year. KC only keeps games close in KC. This game is on turf in Indy; doesn’t look like the best match for KC and Indy should be able to cover by 3. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Minnesota</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"> (-2.5) over Arizona<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">It looks like Kevin Kolb isn’t going to save the Arizona Cardinals. They were a bad team before and getting a second tier QB isn’t going to change all that. A 1-3 start, with the only win coming against a rookie-led Panthers team doesn’t strike fear into the heart of bettors across the nation. Arizona on the road, a team that has lost at Washington and Seattle already scares me. Minneapolis finally gets it first win. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Philly<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>(-3) over <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Buffalo</b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Buffalo is a nice story. Philly is a train wreck and desperate. I always like desperate. If Philly decides to actually use its corners and play man-to-man instead of wasting three pro bowlers in the black hole of zone coverage they should start writing the ship. A team this fast, this talented and this desperate needs a win. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Oakland (+6) over <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Houston</b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">The Raiders’ ability to pound the ball should scare everyone in this league. They are a rough and angry team that prides themselves on pushing people around. This could be a bad matchup for the Texans. While they should be able to run the ball, losing Andre Johnson is a huge loss for their passing attack. The Raiders struggle in coverage and not having to play against Johnson allows them to focus more heavily on the run. Jason Campbell is the key to this game. If you watch the film Jason Campbell threw two horrendous picks<sup>2</sup>. Take those away and that New England game is much closer and Oakland might even cover. I might even think about the moneyline here…it’s tempting.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">New Orleans (-6.5) over <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Carolina <o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">I vowed last week to never bet against Nick Saban and Alabama. I am thinking about saying the same thing with Sean Payton and the Saints. Somehow, New Orleans always seems to be able to keep moving forward with wins against the spread. Last week I went into great detail about the schedules and how I believe New Orleans will be team with best record at the end of the season. New Orleans’ bend but not break defense and their opportunistic, turnover driven defense seems to be a perfect match for the high yardage, but high turnover offense of Cam Newton and the Panthers. New Orleans’ takes it by a touchdown.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Cincinnati (+2.5) over <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Jacksonville<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Cincinnati is 2-2 and plays Jacksonville, Indianapolis and Seattle. How crazy would it be if the rookie led Cincinnati Bengals were 5-2 and led the AFC South almost half way through the season?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The 8<sup>th</sup> week of the season’s matchup with the Tennessee Titans could be for first place in the AFC South. Cincy has covered the spread their first two games against the spread so far. It looks as though they may be missing Cedric Benson, but with Jacksonville starting a rookie QB who hasn’t looked that good so far I can see the Bengals taking the outright win here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Tennessee (+3) over <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Pittsburgh<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">This line opened at +8. +8. I am not exactly sure what the wise guys in Vegas were thinking, but that line was outrageous. Pittsburgh O-line leaks like a sieve; Big Ben is more banged up than is usual for him and Tennessee is actually a really good team. That first week loss to Jacksonville looks like an anomaly now. They have now won three straight without a dominate performance for CJ 2000. One of these games he has to step up. Big Ben has a sprained foot, Harrison has a broken orbital and won’t play. Sounds like a perfect recipe to take Tennessee. If you bet the moneyline at +8, you could be in for a nice pay day.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">NY Giants </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">(-9.5) over Seattle<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">The last time Seattle came across the country to play a highly favored team, the Steelers smashed them into the ground and sent them home with a 24-0 defeat. The NY Giants have won three straight overall and against the spread. With those last two coming on the road, I can’t see the Giants coming home and struggling with the disaster that is Tavaris Jackson quarterbacking<sup>3</sup>. NYG big. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Tampa Bay (+3) over <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">San Francisco <o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">When this line came out this week, at San Fran -1, I was having a really hard time picking a winner. So I went back and did a little digging on the Niners first 4 games this season. Week 1: Gimme win against Seattle at home. Week 2: lost in OT to Cowboys, who in all fairness would have won the game much more handedly had Romo not been injured for half the game. Week 3: Win on the road against a rookie QB. Week 4: Solid come from behind victory against the now 1-3 Eagles. They’re 3 wins come against teams with a combined 3-9 record. So let’s slow the roll on the Niners being “back”. Harbaugh has revitalized a team that needed a fresh start after the Mike Singletary experiment. This week, I see a young and still hungry TB team stealing a victory from the over-hyped Niners. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">What may help the Niners actually win the NFC West is the end of their schedule. Two weeks ago I talked about how St. Louis has the easiest final 8 games after being crushed by the daunting first half of their schedule. To finish the season the Niners go : Rams, @Cards, Steelers, @Seahawks and @Rams. If the Niners keep playing as well as they have on the road, this may be a very successful season for Jim Harbaugh. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Bold Predictions #3: San Francisco will finish the season over .500.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">NY Jets (+9) over <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New England<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">This rivalry looks like it may be a bit one-sided this season. New England has the #1 offense in the NFL. New York is looking old, their play calling is weak and they can’t get to the QB they way they have over the past two seasons. What’s a team that’s older, can’t run the ball and lacks defensive tenacity? It certainly shouldn’t be the Jets, but that’s exactly what they are. The only thing that keeps the game close is the passion Rex Ryan has for beating the New England Patriots. Jarod Mayo is out for an already horrendous New England defense. And like I said before; desperation is motivation. The Jets are desperate and I am not a big fan of any spreads over 7 points when NFL rivals are playing. There is too much passion and too many things can go wrong when players care this much. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">San Diego (-4) over <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Denver<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">I am not sure why people have been bringing this spread down from 5.5 to 4. I’ll take 1.5 points everyday and twice on Sunday. Guess what? The game is on Sunday. San Diego’s offense is not that far behind the GB offense that just hung 49 on the Broncos. Go Bolts! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Green Bay (-6) over <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Atlanta<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">In a rematch from last year’s playoffs I can’t see how things go different than last year. Green Bay creates terrible matchup problems for all teams’ secondary but especially the weak back four that Atlanta puts out every Sunday. Opponents are completing 68% of the passes for 275 yards/game. Aaron Rodgers has a field day. Matt Ryan will try to keep it close but fails to keep an overachieving Falcon team from being under.500. This line would have been a steal had you bet it on Monday as -3.5, but I’d still take it as -6.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Detroit </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">(-6) over Chicago<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Detroit is the favorite feel good story this year and looks like they are set to go 5-0. Jay Cutler vs. the Lions’ defensive line gives me nothing but a solid feeling with this pick. Detroit at home, versus the Bears’ o-line and riding a wave of momentum covers -6. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">NCAA </span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">(Lines as of Friday, October 7, 2011 per Las Vegas Hilton. Home Team in bold).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Oregon State </b>(+2) over Arizona<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Oregon State might be one of the worst teams in division I. They have lost to both Cal State Sacramento and UCLA at home. Arizona has played a brutal 4 game stretch; @Oklahoma State, Stanford, Oregon and @ Southern Cal. Even with the SEC teams considered I cannot find a more difficult stretch than this so far this season. Arizona is not a bad team; they have just been crushed by their schedule. They are still quarterbacked by Nick Foles, an NFL quality QB. Look for their offense to get on track in Corvallis. In spite of all this I still take Oregon State. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Nebraska </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">(-11) over Ohio State<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Ohio State’s season just keeps getting better<sup>4</sup>. They just lost a game at home where they only gave up 10 points. The Buckeyes have had three additional players suspended for this game and now have lost Verlon Reed for the year as well. Nebraska is going to be angry and looking to make a statement after getting thoroughly dominated in Wisconsin last week. Look for the Cornhuskers to roll on Saturday. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:16.0pt;">Picks to place money on: </span></b><span style="line-height:115%; Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">(All money wagers are $55 to win $50 unless otherwise noted)</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";">*Just to clarify based on some questions that I have been asked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">-Wagering= Games I am telling you to put money onto/am betting myself.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">-Near bets= Games that I was close to betting<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">-Kryptonite= Games I am terrified of and you could not force me to gamble on.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Wagering: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Nebraska and Oregon State covering as favorites. Oakland, New Orleans and San Diego covering their spreads. I am also putting $50 down to have Tennessee win outright ($50 to win $77.5) <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Near bets</span></i><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">: NY Giants and NY Jets.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Kryptonite: </span></i><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;">Tampa Bay, Philly, Arizona. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpLast"><span style="Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";mso-bidi-Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height:115%; Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;">Once I start making a little money, I will most likely become a serial gambler. Please check in with me at age 40.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";mso-bidi-Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height:115%; Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;">When I saw these picks again I was amazed. I have no reason to believe that Jason Campbell owes anyone money or owes Bill Belichick a favor but shit those were the most confusing picks I’ve ever seen. The pick in the end zone was thrown to no one. There was literally no one in the field of vision for Campbell; I am starting to believe that Campbell might secretly owe someone a lot of money. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";mso-bidi-Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height:115%; Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;">Tavaris Jackson quarterbacking is a literal and absolute disaster. The fact that he threw for over 300 yards last week was a bigger surprise than if Snooki was one day admitted to Harvard on an academic scholarship.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";mso-bidi-Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">4.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height:115%; Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:9.0pt;">Complete and object sarcasm here. Ohio State is horrendous. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="line-height:115%;Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="line-height:115%; Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="line-height:115%; Baskerville Old Face"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->kY_San Diegohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06111694264355545654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677634714429750576.post-52706136348553448832011-09-29T11:41:00.000-07:002011-09-30T16:30:59.262-07:00The Weekly Gambling Debacle-Sept 30 by Kyle McCann<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDq7SB6y-Gu8XDxsRo89ZoxHrGyulW9eoKDEYutj0Sbmj1k2pVXMKYt8SMgmRMKl9CLZmJ1fmkpIwTXfjj9MDYQTgv2WghahJL5NYgx3dmKX51NP-fa8MCMWCr_z9g47OBEtL-Ix5yoWu/s1600/calvin-johnson-catch.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 254px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDq7SB6y-Gu8XDxsRo89ZoxHrGyulW9eoKDEYutj0Sbmj1k2pVXMKYt8SMgmRMKl9CLZmJ1fmkpIwTXfjj9MDYQTgv2WghahJL5NYgx3dmKX51NP-fa8MCMWCr_z9g47OBEtL-Ix5yoWu/s320/calvin-johnson-catch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657854866724312850" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:36.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Weekly Gambling Debacle<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NFL: 5-9-0<span> </span>NCAA: 0-2-0<span> </span>Last week: 5-11-0<span> </span>Season total: 5-11-0<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">$ Wagered: 325<span> </span>$ Won: 127.5<span> </span><span> </span>$ Lost: -200<span> </span>$Net: -72.5<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">So last week was not the banner beginning we were hoping for. Lessons learned early in the year: never pick against Nick Saban (especially at home when they have by far the more talented team), never expect an NFC West team to show up on the road even when it’s against another NFC West team and Marc Sanchez only eats hot dogs when his team is winning and his nose isn’t broken<sup>1</sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; line-height: 18px; ">Looking forward to this week now but trying to stay optimistic is difficult. When the spreads came out this week I was less than enthused. Many of this week’s matchups were games where I felt it was hard to pick the winner, let alone against the spread. So I have spent a little extra time doing my research and attempting to overcome a weak 5-9 (5-11 w/ NCAA) start to the year. But a couple of stupid decisions cost us games this past week:</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: left;text-indent: -0.25in; "><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face""><span>1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">I changed my mind and chickened out of picking the Bills minutes before I published my picks. I will refer to my own rules (and not second-guess myself) for the remainder of the season. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;text-indent: -0.25in; "><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face""><span>2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><span> </span>Kenny Britt’s knee injury (besides crippling my fantasy football hopes) severely hampered the Titan’s offensive explosiveness and kept the game close versus Denver and assuring that they wouldn’t cover -7. <span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: left;text-indent: -0.25in; "><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face""><span>3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Falcons inexplicably deciding to throw the ball 47 times on the road against a team that plays cover 2 almost exclusively (Cover 2 prevents deep throws and begs teams to run the ball) and subsequently losing when favored by one.<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">But these are reasons and not excuses; reasons explain, excuses excuse. We are not here to make excuses, we’re here to make picks. With all that said, here we go:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NFL </span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(Lines as of Friday, September 30, 2011 per Las Vegas Hilton. Home Team in bold).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Detroit (+2) over <b>Dallas<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The line for this game has moved from +3 to +1 which there is a decent amount of juice behind the Lions. It’s not hard to see why. Dallas secondary is banged up and has no one to guard Megatron even when they’re healthy, the defense may get back Nick Fairley on an already stacked defensive line and Dallas is pretty much running plays drawn on Tony Romo’s due to the lack of cohesiveness the offense is suffering through right now. If Tony Romo’s ribs can withstand an Ndamukong Suh hit, their red zone offense (as witnessed by 6 field goals on Monday night) simply cannot put up enough offense until both Romo and Miles Austin are healthy and this street ball unit has had some more time together on the practice field. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; line-height: 18px; ">New Orleans (-7) over <b>Jacksonville</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">New Orleans may be a sneaky good pick to be the NFC 1 seed by the end of the season. Look at their next 7 games leading into their bye week. At Jacksonville, at Carolina, at Tampa Bay, vs. Indy, at St. Louis, vs. Tampa Bay and at Atlanta. Combined these teams are 7-14 and no one besides Tampa Bay plays a lick of defense. It’s entirely possible that they win all 7 of those games behind Brees, Payton and a defense (much like their championship team) that forces just enough turnovers to make a difference. Even if they go 5-2 in that stretch, possibly stumbling on the road division games, they will be 7-3 heading into a bye week with extra time to prep for a home game against an already depleted NY Giants secondary. That should take them to 8-3. The last five games are a little trickier with home matchups against the Lions, Atlanta and Carolina and road tests versus the Titans and Minnesota. But they finish with 4 of their final five games under a dome where New Orleans seems to have an advantage over everyone and with the final two of these games coming at home against an Atlanta team that may very well be out of the playoff picture already<sup>2</sup> and a Carolina team that has one of the worst defenses in the NFL is hard to see too many stumbling blocks along the way. <b>Bold prediction #2</b><sup>3</sup><b>: The New Orleans Saints will have the best record in the NFL. </b><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Philly </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-9) over San Fran</span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">No matter who plays QB. Philly cannot continue to play this bad, especially in the secondary. And how do you cure secondary ills: 4 quarter-long doses of Alex Smith.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">St. Louis</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""> (+2.5) over Washington</span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">St. Louis has the opposite of the New Orleans situation mentioned above. Good gosh, St. Louis couldn’t buy an easy opponent in the first half of the season. Eagles (with a healthy Vick), Giants, Ravens, Redskins (much better than expected), Packers, Cowboys, Saints and at the Cardinals. That is how St. Louis gets to open their 2011 season<sup>4</sup>. The best team in the league would have a tough time coming out of that 8 game stretch above .500, let alone a developing team that has been bashed by injuries. If the rams don’t win this week, it could be a real, real, real, real ugly start. Gotta happen this week, Washington coming off a short week and having to travel again to the middle of the country 2 weeks in a row. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Cleveland </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-1.5) over Tennessee</span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Cleveland should be able to beat the Britt-less Titans. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; line-height: 18px; ">Buffalo (-3) over <b>Cincinnati</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">I know a lot of people might see this as a trap game for the AFC’s only undefeated team. But playing a lack luster, rookie-quarterbacked, down their best player (Cedric Benson suspension) and key wide receiver (Jerome Simpson), Cincinnati Bengals team just doesn’t seem like much of a trap for me. If the Bills don’t get down early they win going away. If they come out in a coma like they have last 2 weeks they rally and in the fourth quarter do just enough to win by 6.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; line-height: 18px; ">Minnesota (-2) over <b>Kansas City</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">This is a terrible game to pick. If it wasn’t in KC I would like the Vikings even if they were getting -4. But alas it is not. Bummer. What’s more of a bummer. Adrian Peterson having only 58 rushes through 3 games (less than 20 per game) when he’s averaging 5.1 YPC and the Vikings have been nursing leads in all 3 of their games. I see the Vikings correcting this egregious play calling trend, pounding the rock and getting their first victory. I also have zero faith in any game where I must rely on Matt Cassel<sup>5</sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; line-height: 18px; ">Carolina (+6) over <b>Chicago</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Raiders and the Panthers are the only undefeated teams against the spread through 3 weeks. Let me repeat that. The Raiders and Panthers are undefeated against the spread this season. The kid Cam Newton, has been the biggest surprise of the 2011 season so far<sup>6</sup>. The Panthers’ rush defense may be the worst in the league. They currently sit at 25<sup>th</sup> but that number could be much worse if not for the rain soaked field slowing down MJD this past weekend (he still went for 122 yards). And those numbers are against Arizona, Green Bay and Jacksonville not three teams known for their amazing rushing prowess. This may be a chance for Chi-town to finally get a decent amount of rushes for Matt Forte. Chicago wins, but Cam keeps it close. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Houston </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-3.5) over Pittsburgh<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">This seems like the kind of game Houston usually loses. They come in playing well for a home matchup against a tough opponent and subsequently lay an egg. But the Steelers and Mike Tomlin, cannot be happy with their performances to date against Indy and Baltimore. With all that said, Pittsburgh’s whole offensive line seems to questionable for the game; what really should be questionable is their play this season. An improving secondary and relentless pash rush make the day difficult for Big Ben. Houston keeps looking like a playoff team.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Atlanta (-4.5) over <b>Seattle<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">I am pretty sure that somewhere when God was creating the universe he mandated that the Seachickens could not cover two weeks in a row with Pete Carroll as head coach. Isn’t that the 13<sup>th</sup> commandment or something.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NY Giants (-1) over <b>Arizona<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Eli please do not make me regret this. And NY please hit Kevin Kolb.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Miami (+7) over <b>San Diego<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Miami is one of those anomalous teams that plays better on the road than home. And the last time I checked the Chargers are still coached by Norv “My teams always massively underachieve and don’t cover early in the season” Turner. Combining these two factors with the emergence of Daniel Thomas, Miami has a very good chance of keeping this close. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Green Bay </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-12) over Denver<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Denver is just a bad team.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">New England (-5) over<b> Oakland </b><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">If Oakland (undefeated against the spread this season) can pound the rock (and the clock) they have a chance to keep it close. NE lack of third down defense makes it extremely hard to pick them to get the ball enough to make it a blow out. Tough pick, as this may be a let-down game for the Raiders after a big win over the NY Jets last week. The Patriots don’t lose back to back games and will most likely shred the Raiders’ weak secondary. Although I am very high on “the bully” Raiders; I cannot pick against Brady this week.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Baltimore </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-3.5) over NY Jets<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Baltimore is actually the better team this year and their ability to pound the Jets in the mouth help mitigate for the Jets relentless pass rush. Being at home definitely helps, and playing their old coach should give added motivation. This team is scary when focused and motivated. The Jets aren’t as bad as everyone is afraid they might be. But they need to show more results/dedication to the run game. Getting Mangold back helps, but reestablishing your run game in the NFL is hard, let alone against the Ravens. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Indianapolis (-10.5) over <b>Tampa Bay<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">After a much better showing last week, Indy may finally be doing something right and Kerry Painter (two headed QB monster) will continue to improve mainly because they cannot do much worse. TB beat their biggest division rival last week and may have blown a little too much mental energy in the process. TB still wins but not by more than ten.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><span> </span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NCAA </span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(Lines as of Friday, September 30, 2011 per Las Vegas Hilton. Home Team in bold).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Baylor (-3.5) over <b>Kansas State<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">With an emotional win last week against Miami Kansas State (3-0, 2-1 ATS) looks to be a better team than most anticipated. I am suspect of the Miami win as they had just come off a long-distance travel win in Columbus and showed obvious let down being down 14-3 at halftime and 21-10 with 3 minutes left in the third quarter. This win has closed the line against a legitimate Baylor team. Robert Griffin III is a next level talent and although the Baylor defense will give up some points, I see a similar scenario to Miami’s last week with a let-down game for Kansas State as they return to Manhattan following their big non-conference win. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Alabama (-4) over <b>Florida<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">This game came out with the Crimson Tide favored by 6. Betting has brought this line down substantially, to -4. I still think Alabama is the best team in the country. After this victory I see then bumping to number 2. Florida is on the rise there is no doubt but I don’t see them as that much better than Arkansas and Bama just handled and out-classed the Razorbacks. Charlie Weiss’ offense is making a significant difference in Gainesville but scheme simply cannot out do the ridiculous amount of talent Alabama stocks on their defense. I have learned my lesson from last week and refuse to underestimate Nick Saban again. Roll tide roll!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Navy </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-3.5) over Air Force<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Navy has looked very good this season. They kept it way too close for comfort against a South Carolina team and had a legitimate chance to shock the #10 Gamecocks. They look to build on this excellent two way performance this week as they take on rival Air Force. Air Force leads the nation in rushing, but Navy is familiar with the option look the Academy brings and did a decent job against the best rusher in the nation, Marcus Lattimore. I see Navy moving up and down the field and sends Air Force to another loss against the spread (0-3 so far this season).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Picks to place money on: </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(All money wagers are $55 to win $50 unless otherwise noted)</span><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">*Just to clarify based on some questions that I have been asked:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">-Wagering= Games I am telling you to put money onto/am betting myself.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">-Near bets= Games that I was close to betting<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">-Kryptonite= Games I am terrified of and you could not force me to gamble on.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Wagering: </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Baylor, Alabama and Navy all covering as favorites. Detroit, Buffalo and New Orleans to continue their roll and the Colts to cover the 10 points they’re being given.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Near bets</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">: NY Giants, Atlanta.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Kryptonite</span></i><sup><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">7</span></sup><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height: 115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">: </span></i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Baltimore (recurring theme), Cleveland and Minnesota picks scare the hell out of me.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: left;text-indent: -0.25in; "><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";mso-bidi-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face""><span>1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">I will continually take shots at former USC QBs, because it’s easy and that’s just what I like to do.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;text-indent: -0.25in; "><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";mso-bidi-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face""><span>2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Atlanta looks like they may have overshot the moon last year with 13 wins. Again, this is why you do not trade your entire draft for one player no matter how close you think you are to a championship.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;text-indent: -0.25in; "><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";mso-bidi-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face""><span>3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">I will continue to make one bold prediction a week, culminating in a review and <i>hopeful </i>celebration of the genius of these picks at the end of the season.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;text-indent: -0.25in; "><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";mso-bidi-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face""><span>4.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">If I had a stats department I would have them look into this: What is the worst combined W-L record through 8 games for two teams combined from the same state. There is no way possible that the Chiefs and Rams will not demolish this record no matter what it is. The state of Missouri has some bad mojo working for them. Traveling advisory: stay away from Missouri at all costs. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;text-indent: -0.25in; "><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";mso-bidi-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face""><span>5.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Easy shot at USC Qb, a must take.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: left;text-indent: -0.25in; "><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";mso-bidi-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face""><span>6.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:9.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Cam Newton looked lost in the pre-season. Lost. He barely beat out a confused and beaten Jimmy Clausen. And now, while he still makes rookie mistakes, his poise and decision making are far above what anyone expected. If they get better on defense and start to run the ball a little the Panther are going to continue to be a tough out every week. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p></div>kY_San Diegohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06111694264355545654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677634714429750576.post-89839467497636205272011-09-27T09:44:00.000-07:002011-09-27T09:50:14.612-07:00A Look at Michael Jordan Vs. Kobe Bryant: Part 1<div style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"A Look at Michael Jordan Vs. Kobe Bryant: Part 1"</span></div><div style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(A 3 Part Editorial)</span></div><div style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
By, Sonny Hassan</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: white; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-7bk5tAnr7hqRILfYw8ECFPKfgQsXsDiuuxdQIQKS-oOj7iUcJk5IaRV6L1xxPK5OFw-XfShsmIu0ldCHHKvldod5fs5kltj14j5VqWQefr0NNVWZWWe3dSBIIV3L1mQ572liU_4VREn/s1600/Kobe_Bryant_Michael_Jordan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-7bk5tAnr7hqRILfYw8ECFPKfgQsXsDiuuxdQIQKS-oOj7iUcJk5IaRV6L1xxPK5OFw-XfShsmIu0ldCHHKvldod5fs5kltj14j5VqWQefr0NNVWZWWe3dSBIIV3L1mQ572liU_4VREn/s1600/Kobe_Bryant_Michael_Jordan.jpg" /></a></div><div style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.10578948540396671" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> I love basketball. The subtle intricacies; an extra pass to a corner three point shooter from the post, an outlook pass to a perimeter guy running down the court, strong defensive rotation, they all bring me palpable joy. These little intricacies, although oblivious to the basketball layman, are what define basketball. They separate casual from competitive and a pick-up game from professional ball. In short, they help define greatness. These subtle intricacies, which separate basketball from any other sport, are what make this sport my absolute passion. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> As most of you know, the NBA is on hiatus because of greedy players fighting for extra money with wealthy owners who are even greedier. It goes without saying what is at stake that us as fans will miss next year; Blake Griffin’s actual 2nd year, an older Lakers team fighting for that last championship with Kobe as the lead, a repeat opportunity for an older Mavs team, redemption opportunities missed for a talented Heat team, and various younger teams that have a great chance at success. With all this being missed, there is a very thin silver lining that exists on NBA TV. You see, as I was flipping channels the other night, I noticed that NBA TV often marathons their forgotten show, “NBA Hardwood Classics.” This show airs prior NBA “Classic” games; ones that are always talked about in the pantheon of great games, ones that showcase individual classic talent (Magic’s baby hook in Boston Garden circa 1987), and games that are often forgotten because of the games that preceded or succeeded them. The show is a reminder to older audiences of the greatness from the past and serves as a teaching tool to younger audiences of the true greatness of the past basketball generations.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Anyways, as I was channel surfing, I came across Game 2 of the 1996 NBA Finals in which Michael Jordan’s Bulls played a youthful Seattle Supersonics team that was lead by a young Gary Payton. Some history about the series: </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Michael Jordan came back from retirement in 1995 wearing the number 45, only to lose to a Shaq lead Orlando Magic team in 6 games during the semi-finals. He switched back to his trademark number 23 the following year, promising to exact vengeance on the league. What people have to remember is that this same Chicago team got to the 1994 semi-finals without Michael Jordan, losing to the New York Knicks in 7 games. This Chicago team was supremely talented, adding Michael Jordan to it made them legendary. The 1995-1996 team is the infamous 72 win team, a league historical best.</span></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> This Game 2 against Seattle was important because the Bulls pumped up a 23 point lead in the 4th quarter, forcing Coach Phil Jackson to sit all of his starters (including MJ) in favor of the bench to close the game. Within minutes the bench squandered the lead and Coach Jackson was forced to replace the starters. Michael Jordan quickly proved to be the legendary closer and scored 15 of his teams final 18 points to close out Game 2. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This legendary performance is one not mentioned when Michael Jordan performances are thought about. They are not synonymous to Michael Jordan like, “The Flu Game,” or “The Move Game, or “The Shrug,” are, but this game is equally as important to the greatness of MJ and is not mentioned and is over-shadowed because of the vast array of other great moments in his career. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> This led me to a whole other argument all together. Kobe Vs. MJ. The sports universe, sports media, and sports fandom have short- term memories. “What have you done for me lately.” It is the same universe that proclaimed Pau Gasol to be better than Dirk Nowitzki, or that Dwight Howard is already a top-5 center of all time. I attest this to the modern sports media and technology. Sports fans are constantly bombarded with short clips, stats, and comparisons. They get highlight moments of great players, thus only being able to compare to other highlight moments of past players. They don’t truly get the whole picture; they miss the Game 2’s. This is why I believe the Kobe Vs. MJ argument is heavily skewed. I hear in basketball circles all too often that Kobe is better than MJ; hands down. Being a huge Laker fan, and a huge Kobe fan, I can’t honestly say with a straight face that Kobe is a better player than MJ was, let alone without argument. But who was better? This piece will take a close look at that.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Which is what lead me to write this piece, “A Look at Kobe Vs. MJ.” We’ll look into these two legends and their careers, their downfalls, and their impact on pop culture. We will not only compare what their stats are, we will look at comparing everything; their stats, their awards, their vices, their shoes, etc. Think of it as an all-encompassing look into the argument as opposed to a definitive one. The editorial is split into 3 parts; this introduction, the case for MJ, and the case for Kobe.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Without further ado, a look at the greatest two-guards to ever play the game, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. “A Look at MJ Vs. Kobe: Part 2”</span></span></div><div style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>The Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961913212235939322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677634714429750576.post-22290488044383063642011-09-24T14:16:00.001-07:002011-09-24T14:34:16.991-07:00The Weekly Gambling Debacle-Sept 23 by Kyle McCann<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJWXt5zsegAgh-sEbRp2x7cQ0bqaAfdz3S3WJfR3hT18cEy3xtNBNpeL7GQ2YjMTQF71_PZ3jRrEllalVM2qfBbuyZnecdJFhvRRSS3dy7PJehFf5scDI3p_iD5mRGOaLrTZBlkQEwM6S/s1600/marc+sanchez+vs+raider.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJWXt5zsegAgh-sEbRp2x7cQ0bqaAfdz3S3WJfR3hT18cEy3xtNBNpeL7GQ2YjMTQF71_PZ3jRrEllalVM2qfBbuyZnecdJFhvRRSS3dy7PJehFf5scDI3p_iD5mRGOaLrTZBlkQEwM6S/s320/marc+sanchez+vs+raider.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656041579683195106" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="font-size:36.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Weekly Gambling Debacle<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NFL: 0-0-0<span> </span>NCAA: 0-0-0<span> </span>Last week: 0-0-0<span> </span>Season total: 0-0-0<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">$ Wagered: 0<span> </span>$ Won:<span> </span>$ Lost:<span> </span>$Net:<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">So here we go. Week three of the NFL and the 4<sup>th</sup> game of most college football team’s season is upon us. From here on out I will be keeping track of my picks. For now, I see myself picking every NFL game and select college games I feel strongly about. Will I put money on every game?… no. The last section of this article will lay out where I am placing my bets and we will keep a running tally of these bets as well. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">For those of you not familiar with gambling consider this your baptism by fire. For those degenerates, addicts or just “social” gamblers<sup>1</sup>, consider this some assistance with your problem and please do not email me when you can’t pay the mortgage next month. Be a grown up and please read my previous article.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NFL </span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(Lines as of Wednesday, September 21, 2011 per Las Vegas Hilton. Home Team in bold).<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Cincinnati</span></b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""> (-2.5) over San Francisco<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">San Francisco hasn’t looked as bad as many thought, but then again neither have the Bengals. Andy Dalton, has thrown no INTs (and has been surprisingly efficient) and Cedric Benson will pound the rock. Winning by a field goal at home doesn’t seem very far-fetched. We must always consider the Alex Smith factor; how again is he a starting QB in the NFL? <span> </span>Do you think Harbaugh is mad they won the opening week and lowered their chances of winning the Andrew Luck sweepstakes? I do. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Patriots (-8.5) over <b>Buffalo</b> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">What does New England struggle with? Getting to the QB and getting teams off the field on 3<sup>rd</sup> down. Buffalo is great on 3<sup>rd</sup> down. What has Buffalo struggled against? The Raiders’ (2<sup>nd</sup> half not withstanding) relentless pass rush. New England has none of that. With all this said, I am terrified of this pick. Its either gonna be a back and forth shoot out or a NE blow out. Definitely the hardest game to pick this week (kryptonite pick, see below) but I don’<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Kyle%20%20McCann" datetime="2011-09-23T11:43">t</ins></span> think Buffalo is as good as everyone else does. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">New Orleans</span></b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""> (-4) over Texans<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">One of the toughest picks of the week. The Texans should be the cream of the crop in the AFC south but that doesn’t say much considering the division. Houston installed a new defensive system in the offseason<sup>2</sup> and has looked impressive against mediocre pass offenses (Indy minus Peyton and Miami = #1 ranked defense in the NFL) so far. But Sean Payton and Drew Brees should find the holes in this newly installed defense. Turf favors the speedier Saints. New Orleans’ horrendous back four could blow this pick if they don’t pressure Matt Schaub.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Eagles </span></b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-7) over NY Giants.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">This bet has been taken off the board in most places due to Vick uncertainty. Gonna skip this one.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Cleveland </span></b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-2.5) over Miami<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">I’m a buyer of Cleveland stock. Miami telling the world Reggie Bush would be a full time RB to start the season makes me think Tony Sporano really doesn’t want his job anymore. The slow switch to Daniel Thomas improves my belief in his decision<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Kyle%20%20McCann" datetime="2011-09-23T11:59">-</ins></span>making abilities but not much. Colt McCoy and his young group of receiver keep gelling and the Browns still rebounding from that week 1 Cincinnati loss beat a Miami team that actually plays better on the road than at home. Cleveland please keep riding the Peyton Hillis train.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Tennessee </span></b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-7) over Denver<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Tennessee a sneaky sleeper to win the AFC South (verteran QB, superstar WR and RB, solid O-line and defense) beat up on the injury prone Broncos, who may be missing Champ Bailey and Elvis Dumervil.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Detroit (-3.5) over <b>Minnesota<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Minnesota might be one of the worst 3 teams in the NFL. The only thing keeping them close to Detroit is home field advantage. But Detroit is built for a dome anyways and Donovan<sup>3</sup> McNabb has nothing left in the tank. Detroit big. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Carolina </span></b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-3.5) over Jacksonville<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">This line opened up at -2.5. It takes quite a bit to move a line a whole point for a team starting a rookie, unless your opponent has announced it’s starting a rookie with less game experience than your 2 game starter has. I’m taking the team with rookie QB who has thrown more than 6 passes in a regular season game<sup>4</sup>. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">San Diego </span></b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-14.5) over KC<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Chiefs have collapsed and should lose out to guarantee that they have a better QB prospect next year than Matt Cassel and Thigpen. And I will make no reference to the USC quarterbacks as underachievers in this section now (Pan to me grinning stupidly)… And the Chefs were shut out last year in San Diego 31-0, with Jamaal Charles, Eric Barry and Tony Moeaki all actually healthy and playing. Things are not looking good in KC. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Oakland </span></b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(+3.5) over NY Jets<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Unless the Jets start running the ball well (and with their pro bowl center Nick Mangold out don’t count on it), I think Oakland can pound the rock and duck and chuck their way to a tight outright win. If the Jets let Marc Sanchez throw it around a little bit and remove the baby gloves they continually treat him with for the first 3 quarters of every game, they may win this game going away. The likelihood of this happening is 20 to 1. Needless to say Oakland has a good chance of the home-opener upset here. (Side note: Don't forget Marc Sanchez eating a hot during a game two years ago. Apparently the Raiders are using this for motivation this week.)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Baltimore (-4) over <b>St. Louis<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Baltimore always seems to play better when they’re motivated properly. Losing to Tennessee after pounding the Steelers seems to be a proper mix of motivation against an underachieving Rams team. *<b>Bold prediction here: </b>Rams go 2-6 to start the year and still win the division. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Atlanta (+1) over <b>Tampa Bay<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Both these teams were overrated coming into the season. Tampa rode a cupcake schedule to 10 wins last year and Atlanta showed its deep defensive flaws when getting crushed by Aaron Rodgers during the divisional playoffs round last year. Tampa’s run defense looks iffy and Matty Ice is the better QB in this matchup (with Josh freeman losing the gap by the minute).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Arizona (+1.5) over <b>Seattle<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Seattle is horrible. I would take almost any team getting points against Seattle. The only thing keeping this close is Seattle’s best home field advantage in the league status and the whole division rivalry thing. Let me repeat Seattle is horrible and Robert Gallery isn’t starting on an already weak O-line. Arizona wins by 2 scores. <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Green Bay (-3.5) over <b>Chicago<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">I don’t care what the Bears did against the Falcons. They are much closer to the team that was dominated by New Orleans than the team that dominated Atlanta. Jay Cutler and his O-line versus the pass rush of GB. I’m taking the over on three turnovers for Cutler. Oh wait that line is +/- 5.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Pittsburgh (-10) over <b>Indianpolis</b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Colts have now been underdogs by 9, 1.5 and 10 with two of those games at home. The sad thing is in weeks 1 and 2 their opponents have easily covered each time winning by 27 and 8, respectively. I actually think this line should be about 4 points higher. Looks like the ghost of Peyton’s past has gifted us 4 additional points. Take it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Dallas </span></b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(-6.5)<b> </b>over Washington<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">With the Romo<sup>5</sup> situation in flux, most bets are off the board. If Romo plays with anything less than an amputated arm I’m taking Dallas to cover the 6.5 they were getting.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"">NCAA </span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(Lines as of Wednesday, September 21, 2011 per Las Vegas Hilton. Home Team in bold).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">San Diego State (+10.5) over <b>Michigan<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Michigan might be looking ahead to Big Ten play. There defense is still horrendous, after multiple transfers out of their defensive backfield in the offseason. San Diego State will have something to play for; beating the coach that just left their program last year. A good combination to keep the game close, at least close enough to cover as Michigan still wins a tight one at home.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Arkansas (+11) over <b>Alabama<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">The Hogs are a top-ten caliber team not yet tested. They’re loaded with talent and have played well in big games under Bobby Petrino. Bama’d D is sickening, with probably 10 players set for the NFL but Arkansas is not at a lack for athletes on either end of the ball. Much like last year, if they don’t cough up the ball a ton, this game stays close.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Picks to place money on: </span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">(All money wagers are $55 to win $50 unless otherwise noted)</span><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Wagering: </span></i><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Arkansas and SDSU to cover. Arizona, Carolina and Pittsburgh covering as favorites<sup>6</sup>. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Moneyline, <b>Oakland</b> over NY Jets ($50 to win $82.50). <span> </span>Total wagered: $325. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Near bets</span></i><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">: Notre Dame (-6) over <b>Pittsburgh, </b>Detroit over <b>Minneapolis</b>, <b>Cleveland </b>over Miami.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpLast"><i><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Kryptonite</span></i><sup><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">7</span></sup><i><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">: </span></i><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Baltimore vs. <b>St. Louis</b>, Atlanta vs. <b>Tampa Bay</b>, San Francisco vs. <b>Cincinnati</b>, NE vs. <b>Buffalo</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";mso-bidi-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face""><span>1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:8.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Eric McLean falls into this “category”.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";mso-bidi-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face""><span>2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:8.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Now in a 3-4, which has Mario Williams standing up. By far the biggest man to play a stand up linebacker in modern NFL history. If he can pull this off he, is hands down, one of the freakiest athletes in the history of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";mso-bidi-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face""><span>3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:8.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">AKA Done-ol<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Kyle%20%20McCann" datetime="2011-09-23T12:02">’</ins></span>-man McNabb.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";mso-bidi-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face""><span>4.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:8.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">I actually think Blaine Gabbert will be a legit QB. But his supporting cast leaves too much to be desired. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";mso-bidi-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face""><span>5.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:8.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">I don’t understand the fascination with hating Romo. His numbers in the fourth quarter are legit. He a top ten QB. Just because he has dated famous women and QBs “America’s team” are a pretty stupid reason to think he’s a bad QB.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";mso-bidi-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face""><span>6.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:8.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">*Bonus: now you will actually care about these three games.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";mso-bidi-font-family:"Baskerville Old Face""><span>7.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:8.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif"">Bet at your own peril.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Baskerville Old Face","serif""><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>kY_San Diegohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06111694264355545654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677634714429750576.post-63666267375805221912011-09-21T10:38:00.000-07:002011-09-21T10:56:48.459-07:00Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner; With 5 Rules to Live By (Or at Least Gamble By)<div dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.9214075862038618" style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;">"Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner; With 5 Rules to Live By (Or at Least Gamble By)"<br />
</div><div dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.9214075862038618" style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">By, Kyle McCann </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This Friday I will begin a new weekly column that will be dedicated solely to gambling and my reasons behind it</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">1</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">. If you’re not into gambling, I don’t know why. Everything is more fun when you gamble. Don’t care about the Nevada vs. UNLV game, put a 100 on the over and see if you’re not yelling at your television. Not interested in playing trivial pursuit at your in-laws house or Yahtzee with your coworkers, throw some money down and the tempers rise up. It’s inevitable, it’s natural, and it’s awesome; gambling. It’s kinda like drinking, socially frowned upon in the wrong situations but always making things more interesting for those willing to participate. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So this Friday I will begin a path following the college and professional football season and all the bets that are valuable </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">enough </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">to bet. I will pick every NFL games, select college games and let you know which ones are worthy of real money plays. So please follow along, feel free to comment and hope that Notre Dame covers for the rest of the season (see rule number 3 before making this play). To follow is a brief overview of how I believe everyone should gamble.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">My main premise when choosing picks is “</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Be anticipatory not reactionary</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">2</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">.” This applies to many facets of life (relationships, the stock market, fantasy football, and politics) but when it comes to sports betting (and gambling in general) it is one of the founding principles you should make all your bets on. Reacting is what the masses do, anticipating is what winners do. With the first of a season’s worth of weekly betting articles to come out at the end of the week, I wanted to review the concise list of betting principles I try to make all my wagers/picks with:</span></div><ol style="color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Be anticipatory not reactionary.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> I bet mainly on basketball and football, sports where people tend to overreact…to everything. Big wins, big losses, huge scoring outputs and bad offensive games. DON’T OVERREACT. For example, if you look at the over/under lines this week they will be the most overly inflated lines ever seen. And why not? Offenses have been blowing up scoreboards through the first two weeks. Calm down and relax. The masses well scream, want big scores and bet the over. Think, don’t react and you’ll be just fine.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Seek value. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">People are more likely to bet big games, high profile battles and games they will find on major networks. If you do your homework, take pride in your research and your craft then value can be found across the board and not just on Monday Night Football. </span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Don’t bet </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">your </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">team. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">It is hard enough to watch your team play. If you’re like me your mood (or as my wife just said, “I think this is much more subdued an explanation than you actually are”)</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">3</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, is up and down with the ebb and flow of your team’s play. Don’t make those 4 quarters harder on yourself. Pull back the cash (this gives you more weight for value bets), pick up a beer and enjoy your life determining 3 hours without both ruining your day and lightening your wallet. </span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Budget.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> By budgeting I don’t mean set aside $300 and don’t lose any more than that. That’s exactly what bookies and casinos want you to do</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">4</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">. That’s how they always take your hard earned cash money. They expect to keep betting until all your money is gone. With sports betting, things are a little bit easier to keep control of. Place you bets early before your lines shift too much and don’t too much after that. Budgeting is in fact one of the best things you can do for your betting experience. It allows you to make smart choices, to not overreach and to thoroughly enjoy the money you make in the process.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">DO NOT REGRET YOUR BETTING. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The worse thing that I hear, whether at a friend’s house, whining online or in a Vegas casino, is someone complaining about the big bet they just lost. Grow up. If your life is going to depend on the $40 you dropped on the USC game then perhaps it is time that you reevaluate your life; </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">in its entirety</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">. The old gambling adage says, “If you can’t afford to lose it don’t bet it.” And it’s hard to argue with this. Set aside a little money, do your research and make a bet(s) you feel solid about. </span></li>
</ol><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br style="color: white;" /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So that’s it. Check out the lines for this coming week and look for my first ever weekly gambling extravaganza beginning this Friday and every Friday to follow throughout the football season. </span></div><ol style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Outside of my degenerative need for it.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I know I know this could be catchier, but it still sounds good right.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yes my wife edits all my articles. Yes, she does not know much about sports, but damn she is smart and makes me look a lot smarter. </span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> And that’s why those bastards are way richer than you and me ever will be. By the way, if you want to see an example of all time greed by rich, casino owning assholes please Google FullTilt.com news. Quick summary here: Fulltilt.com has been seized by the FBI and the DOJ due to the siphoning out of player’s credits into executive accounts. As of March the company only had $60 million in its company bank accounts to cover $340 million in player credits. The company had taken over $400 million in player’s money over the past 4 years in order to pay executives and even some famous poker players who were on the company’s “board”. Basically this was a huge Ponzi scheme and should worry anyone who places bet or plays poker online. However, will this ever stop me from gambling online… in short HELL NO! </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></span></li>
</ol>The Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961913212235939322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677634714429750576.post-794294499311247112011-09-20T23:34:00.000-07:002011-09-20T23:34:21.507-07:00Sports Movies, We Miss You<div style="color: white;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.3496341974265321" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sports Movies, We Miss You</span>"<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div><div style="color: white;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">By, Michael Fortier</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> The great sports movie has truly become a lost art. What was once a great genre that was capable of entertaining the masses has now been reduced to the latest corny version of some inspired by a true story disaster. What happened to the classics such as </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rocky </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">and</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Bull Durham</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">. These films brought us into some of the intricate fascinations of the sports they were about while encompassing dynamic and interesting characters. They have been replaced with clichéd filled movies such as </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We Are Marshall</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Invincible</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Express</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Of course there is the occasional exception to the recent rule. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Fighter</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> was an entertaining movie about boxer Micky Ward and the relationship with his drug addict brother. The film was nominated for several Oscars in 2010 and lead to actor Christian Bale winning one for Best Supporting Actor. The film was character driven though which has been missing from most recent sports movies.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Its characters like Kevin Costner as Crash Davis in </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Bull Durham</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> or Charlie Sheen as “Wild Thing” Ricky Vaughn in </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Major League</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> delivering great lines of dialogue that fans remember. Most of us can recite many of those lines to each other now and still get a laugh.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> A great original script in which characters are developed and themes are expressed is what made the classic sports films so great. Instead now movie producers seem to be searching for some true story sports event to make a movie about. The problem of course is that this limits your creative ability. Take for instance the latest example which is Moneyball starring Brad Pitt as Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> In case you are not familiar with this story, Beane uses statistical analysis done by computers to assemble a baseball team on a small budget during the early 2000s. You would think this would be an inspiring true sports story in which we can all learn a valuable lesson but that’s not the case. What really happens is that the Oakland A’s reach the playoffs for a few years in a row. That’s it, nothing special. No World Series and no huge upset. Why is this movie even being made?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Sports and movies serve nearly them same purpose in our lives. They are dramatic escapes from our mundane realities. It is only natural that we combine the two. The real life drama that sports provides is why we all love it so much. Waiting to see that touchdown throw in the final seconds or the home run hit in the bottom of the ninth is what makes it so great. Who should be able to capture that drama and base a story around it better than Hollywood? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> But they have become obsessed with sequels and remakes. There is very little originality and creativity in most films being made now, not just in terms of sport movies. Hopefully there is a sports movie renaissance in the near future because the genre that is capable of entertaining the young and the old, men and women, is needed now more than ever.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>The Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961913212235939322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677634714429750576.post-17931181962953922922011-09-20T16:07:00.000-07:002011-09-20T16:07:23.877-07:00A Couple Degrees of Seperation<div dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.4773783312290084" style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">"A Couple Degrees of Separation"</span></div><div style="color: white;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">By: Julissa Hernandez</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> On September 7</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 7.2pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">th</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, we watched the Good Ol’ Party (GOP) go at it once again to vie for the Republican presidential nomination. While each of these candidates has their own cultivated specialty in the field of stupidity, one of the topics that was most interesting and laughable to a room filled with UCSB students, was the issue of state mandated vaccinations. The vaccine in question is the HPV shot and is supported by none other than our Good Ol’ Governor of Texas Rick Perry. The HPV vaccine is given to girls from the ages of 12-18 in order to help derail the harmful effects of Human Papillomavirus, a STI that can eventually lead to cervical cancer in woman. The Tea Party’s lovely Michelle Bachmann described the procedure as invasive and abusive to young girls. Well if you do not want your children to partake in the free public education system, then go right ahead and subject your 5 children and supposed 23 foster kids to the harms of HPV and every other government mandated vaccine, just because of a small prick to the arm. How about instead of assuming your angelic children are never going to have unprotected sex, you assume they will and you protect them. That is real parenting. Call me socialistic but giving the idiots of America the choice of opting out of potentially life saving vaccines all because of stubborn ideals, just adds to my reasons of wanting Obama around for a second term.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Another group of people who liked to rain on Obama’s parade were the Salahis, if you all remember this is the fame whoring couple that crashed the White House in November of 2009. In an attempt to regain their time in tabloids and blogs around the world Mr. Tareq Salahi reported his wife Michaele Salahi as missing and apparently kidnapped. But low and behold, he just comes to the realization that his wife has left him for another man and no not just any man but a rock star; one of THE rock stars, lead guitarist from Journey Neil Schon. Not only is Tareq Salahi branded as the “White House Crasher” but also now he just got dumped…for a rock star. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The producer of “Real Housewives”, for which we saw the intimate lives of the Salahis, Andy Cohen also participated in hosting the Miss Universe 2011 contest. Not only does this man produce some of the most ridiculous shows on TV but he decides to host an essential pig competition for the world fair. The most well bred woman was decided to be Miss Angola and the revered crown went to her. And while her win did shine some positivity to her country, it still should not distract from the country’s current economic state. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Despite the country’s booming economic gold mine in oil, most Angolans live well below the poverty line. Angola’s developmental indicators are “iffy” at best and are improving far too slowly since the end of the civil war in 2002, leaving the unanswered question as to how well the country will translate into a sustainable and stable economy. Angola’s perception of wealth and stability is far too distorted at this point by the immediate and seemingly good effects that the economy is reaping by the domination of oil and time will only tell the permanent effects of their booming new commodity. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Another group who was dominated by oil would be none other than the Bush Administration and despite all those who believe in all the conspiracy theories it has come to that time where we salute and remember September 11</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 7.2pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">th</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">. A time where even I must say President Bush, along with the rest of the country, showed great strength in the face of adversity. This ten-year anniversary shoes the resilience of this nation and how life simply moves on. So whether you are a Republican, Democrat, or a kooky Tea Partier, we can all come together in times such as September 11</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 7.2pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">th</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> to support and come together for a nation we all truly love. And regardless of your political allegiance just stay informed on the political campaign topics. It does not matter what side you’re on as long as you are educated on your position. Be involved and lets all contribute to keeping democracy as it was intended to be. </span></div>The Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961913212235939322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677634714429750576.post-79834783582098299632011-09-18T22:13:00.001-07:002011-09-19T14:12:23.029-07:00Where Has All the Baseball Gone?<div style="color: white;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.09526694143517334" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"Where has all the baseball gone?</span>"</div><div style="color: white;"></div><div style="color: white;"></div><div style="color: white;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white;">By, Kyle McCann<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Has anyone else noticed how ridiculously lost Major League Baseball seems to be right now? Is this really our favorite pastime</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 6.6pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">1</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">? I am 25, grew up playing baseball and love the game and all its illogical, subtle nuances. But seriously, it’s even hard for me to get into the division races as we approach the final 2 weeks of the season. Can you imagine not carrying about the last game and a half of the NFL season? Can you imagine checking out for the last 6 quarters of the NFL season? It’s ridiculous but that’s the games to games equivalent of what is happening here. There would be riots across the country if television coverage collapsed for the last game and a half of the NFL season. But why do we care so little about MLB’s 162 game season? That is something we will delve into a little bit later; for now let’s get caught up on where we stand right now. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As of September 19, 2011 here are the standings on each division:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">AL East:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Yankees up 4.5 games over Boston and 6.5 over Tampa Bay.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">AL Central:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Detroit up 12.5 over Cleveland and 14.5 over Chicago.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">AL West:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Texas up 4.5 over the Angels.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">AL Wild Card</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Boston up 2 over Tampa Bay and 4 over the Angels.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">NL East:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Philly up 12 over the Braves and have clinched the division.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">NL Central:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Milwaukee up 6.5 over St. Louis.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">NL West:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Arizona up 5 games over San Fransisco</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 6.6pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">2</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">NL Wild Card:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Atlanta up 3.5 over St. Louis and 4 over San Fran.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yup that’s right. Only two team has clinched themselves a playoff spot (Detroit and Philly) and that’s a Philly team that is absolutely stacked and would have been the equivalent of the 2011 Miami Heat not winning an NBA championship had they not made the playoffs</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 6.6pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">3 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">and a Detroit team with the most dominant pitcher in the world, Justin Verlander. The way no one seems to care about baseball right now you would think all 6 divisions would be locked up already. But nope, only one is. Yes The NL west and both Central divisions are almost sure fire things but even still, come on. We have the Red Sox in panic mode with Tampa (one of the best run small market franchises in the history of the world) somehow becoming a threat to what was supposed to be an amazing Boston team/season. Out west the Angels, against all conceivable odds continue to win and due to the fact that they finish up the season with 3 at home versus Texas anything could happen. We have the out of nowhere Diamondbacks, the Verlander led Tigers and everyone’s sleeper for a World title run Brewers. And we haven’t even talked about the wild card races yet.</span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> These are interesting, dynamic teams loaded with stars. So what is MLB’s problem here? It is at least threefold</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 6.6pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">4</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><ol style="color: white;"><li style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">162 Games. Yup the season is still that long. Remember how you silently drift off during the NBA season and then as the playoff standings actually start being important, you start to pay attention again. Yeah? Okay, no double that the sleepy time. That’s right the MLB season is just 2 short of being twice as long as the NBA’s. That’s insanity for the immediate gratification fan bases of the 21</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 6.6pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">st</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> century.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Game length. Over 4 hours for a Red Sox-Yankees game is entirely too long. No one has time for that anymore. In the 1950’s when no one had anything to do and time-killing was a purposeful act a slow, drawn out game made sense. Having 4-5 games a week that last upwards of 3 hours each is simply unmanageable for most people. We’re way way way too busy, too easily distracted. </span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Market your F**king players!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t believe how poorly marketed MLB is. For goodness sakes you have more players in your league that actually matter than any other sport. You have 5 starting pitchers, dynamic bullpen throwers and everyday guys who hit a round ball with a round bat harder and further than most generations have seen (awkward um cough, steroid era). Please, please change the way you do things. </span></li>
</ol><br style="color: white;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Ok, so this is a partial list of “what the hell” is wrong with baseball. Now what to do about it? First, speed up everything. Well not everything but that’s how it freaking feels. We need shorter (read faster) seasons. Here’s a possible scenario. </span><br style="color: white;" /><div dir="ltr" style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Take the 162 games and shorten it to 130</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 6.6pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">5</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">. Of those 140 have each team play 12 of their games overseas. I know it sounds crazy but let me map it out for you. Traditionally we have roughly 90 games played before the all star break. Let’s keep doing that. Out of the All Star break, you have each team play 3- 4 game series somewhere out of the country. Teams in the northern US and Toronto can go to Canada. Southern and Midwest teams Mexico, the Caribbean and South America, Western teams to Asia. When these games are completed, give them all 5 days off to recuperate and readjust to being back in the states. This will put us at roughly the 100</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 6.6pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">th</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> of our 130 game season. Wouldn’t the stretch run of baseball be much more interesting with 30 games to go, teams fully rested and not as tired because the season is roughly 20% shorter and they’ve just been given 5 days off? We could have a dramatic stretch run with well rested and happier players (fewer injuries, get to travel abroad for free). </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So your saying “wait wouldn’t the owners be upset about all that lost revenue?” And in theory maybe this sounds a little crazy to give up over 40 games (with the 12 being played out of country included). But have you seen a baseball stadium recently attendance, no matter what Selig says, is horribly overstated. I’ve watched a few Marlin games and I swear my high school graduating class could have filled more seats. Fewer games would mean higher attendance per game and the increased exposure from a global baseball would drive up the value of MLB franchises globally. Over time they would be able to pay the players less because they would be play in 25% less games and there is no way the owners don’t actually make more money in the long run; A. There will lower operating and overhead costs due to a shorter schedule and B. The increased popularity of their sport would raise revenue levels across the board.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">My second point relates to the length of baseball games. I am a traditionalist in most facets of sports. I enjoy Olympic sports, running games in football and Notre Dame’s jerseys. But for baseball games to last 4 hours + is, simply stated, no longer a viable model. They need replay, they need the umpires to speed up the game and they need to stress expanding the strike zone in order to facilitate this increase in efficiency. I think this is a much easier fix than MLB seems to think that it does. Bud Selig can you hear me: E-x-p-a-n-d t-h-e s-t-r-i-k-e-z-o-n-e. This will increases the like-ability of the game. You must remember the majority of people willing to spend money on your product (aka customers) like quick results (twitter, Sportscenter highlights, etc. etc.) and exciting sports (read football, basketball, UFC). An increased strike zone would simultaneously increase aggressiveness of batters, and that can’t be a bad thing for a sport that consistently lacks explosiveness. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">My last point takes object with the horrible marketing that the MLB claims to do for their product. I can’t believe how little we know about stars of teams from all markets. I’m not just talking about Hanley Ramirez in Florida or Justin Upton in Arizona. But the MLB markets teams and not players. Or at least they don’t market their players enough. We have amazing pitchers on amazing runs this year, Kershaw, Verlander, the entire Philly starting rotation and yet hardly hear about them. Jose Bautista, everyone batting 1-7 for the Yanks and Soxs, Miguel Cabrera are all stars having spectacular seasons and we simply are not being told about them enough by Major League Baseball. Moving games out of state would help with marketing as well (for pointers on international expansion see the NBA model over the last 10 years).</span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Please get out there and do a better job baseball. You still do have passionate fans and fan bases. But if you every want to be considered America’s pastime again you’re gonna have to do a better job. America is throwing the pitch. We’re bringing the heat</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 6.6pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">6</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">. Our new way of life has expanded the strike zone, now it’s up to you to be aggressive. </span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><ol style="color: white;"><li style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I would argue it no longer is.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">My personal favorite standing. Because they is no fan worse than band wagon, NorCal Giants fans blowing up their facebook page the one time the Giants do something. And BTW they were the worse team to ever win a World Series and you cannot convince me otherwise.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sorry too soon all three diehard Miami Heat fans.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Is that a word? I don’t care, I’m using it.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yes I am saying shorten the season by 30 games.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Oh yeah I went metaphorical here.</span></li>
</ol><br style="color: white;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br style="color: white;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>The Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961913212235939322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677634714429750576.post-84677609468167850982011-09-18T22:08:00.000-07:002011-09-18T22:09:55.856-07:00The Sad State of Sports Fans<div style="color: white;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.06080292284965416" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"The Sad State of Sports Fans</span>"<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span> </div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">By, Ryan Nootz</span></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><i><b><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></b></i></div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I’ve dedicated as much of my life to sports as the next fan has and I couldn’t be any more bewildered in the fact that a sports fan is considered a homicidal maniac and that’s devoid of loving your team. For as far back as I go in my sports memory, which dates more than three quarters of my life, sports fans have been: passionate; dedicated; and void of brutality, but this is not the case today. </span></div><div style="color: white;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Today we see a fan beaten into a coma for the jersey he wears, guns pulled over the team you’re cheering on and a taser being used inside a stadium.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This isn’t to say I’m oblivious to the fact that riots have always happened after championships, words and cocktails have led to shoves and punches, or on any given day a heated argument may result in never speaking again. I’ve listened for years to people talk until their blue in the face about how elite their team is compared to mine and for every fact and stat I have to counter them with it won’t change any opinions but that doesn’t mean the only solution to your methods is flattening your opponent with a bevy of arsenal weapons. </span></div><div style="color: white;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> It’s stupid, poignant and above all degrading to the level of integrity that is deserved for ones loyal support to a cause. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I don’t have all the solutions because I can very well tell you it isn’t easy to keep control of emotions when all the elements add up to that boiling point of explosion, I’ve felt it plenty in the love of sports. I do know that fans of any intelligence, background, race and alliance have to realize this will never change the results on the field and it definitely doesn’t result in success off the field. You make your team look malicious when you brandish a gun to the opponents, you sentence your city to a reputation unwanted and you, yourself are labeled a criminal which is nowhere to be found in the meaning of fan.</span></div>The Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13961913212235939322noreply@blogger.com0