Monday, October 31, 2011

NCAA Football Top 25 - Week 10

Week 9
1. LSU (8-0) Idle
2. Alabama (8-0) Idle
3. Stanford (8-0) W USC 56-48 3OT
4. Boise St. (7-0) Idle
5. Oklahoma St. (8-0) W Bay 59-24
6. Clemson (8-1) L GT 17-31
7. Oregon (7-1) W WSU 43-28
8. Kansas St. (7-1) L Okla 17-58
9. Oklahoma (7-1) W KSU 58-17
10. Michigan St. (6-2) L Neb 3-24
11. Arkansas (7-1) W Vandy 31-28
12. Wisconsin (6-2) L OSU 29-33
13. Nebraska (7-1) W MSU 24-3
14. South Carolina (7-1) W Tenn 14-3
15. Virginia Tech (8-1) W Duke 14-10
16. Michigan (7-1) W Pur 36-14
17. Texas A&M (5-3) L Mizz 31-38 OT
18. Houston (8-0) W Rice 73-34
19. Penn St. (8-1) W Ill 10-7
20. Georgia (6-2) W Fla 24-20
21. Texas Tech (5-3) L ISU 7-41
22. Cincinnati (6-1) Idle
23. Texas (5-2) W Kan 43-0
24. Arizona St. (6-2) W Col 48-14
25. West Virginia (6-2) W Rut 41-31
Baylor (4-3) L OKSU 24-59
TCU (6-2) W BYU 38-28
Southern Miss (7-1) W UTEP 31-13
Georgia Tech (6-2) W Clem 31-17
Syracuse (5-3) L Lou 10-27
Illinois (6-3) L PSU 7-10
Auburn (6-3) W Miss 41-23
Washington (6-2) W Arz 42-31
Iowa (5-3) L Minn 21-22
BYU (5-3) L TCU 28-38
 

Week 10

1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Stanford
4. Oklahoma St.
5. Boise St.
6. Oregon
7. Oklahoma
8. Arkansas
9. Nebraska
10. South Carolina
11. Clemson
12. Michigan
13. Virginia Tech
14. Kansas St.
15. Houston
16. Penn St.
17. Michigan St.
18. Georgia
19. Wisconsin
20. Cincinnati
21. Texas
22. Arizona St.
23. West Virginia
24. Georgia Tech
25. TCU
Southern Miss
Auburn
Washington
Texas A&M
Texas Tech
Ohio St.
Florida St.
Notre Dame
North Carolina
Illinois

Thursday, October 27, 2011

NFL - Week 8 Predictions

Ringer's Record
Last Week ATS: 6-7
Last Week SU: 9-4

Season ATS: 54-48-1 (53%)
Season SU: 72-31 (70%)

Arizona (+13.5) at Baltimore
Baltimore's offense was exposed in Monday night's shocking loss in Jacksonville. The defense was stout, but it didn't matter as their offensive ineptitude was enough to cost them 1st place in the AFC North. They head home to face an Arizona team that has lost their last 5 games. The Cardinals offseason acquisition of Kevin Kolb has not paid off yet. Kolb will struggle against a Ravens D that is sure to be angry. Look for the Ravens to bounce back in a big way.

Prediction - Baltimore 27 Arizona 13

Minnesota (+3.5) at Carolina
2 of the QBs taken in the 1st Round of the 2011 NFL Draft will square off in Charlotte on Sunday. Cam Newton has been electric for the Panthers, though their record is just 2-5. Christian Ponder took over for the Vikings last week and made enough plays to allow them to hang around with the undefeated Packers. Most of the spotlight will be on the QBs, but this game will come down to which team can control the ground game. Carolina has a 3-headed monster that includes Newton to offset AP.

Prediction - Carolina 27 Minnesota 22

Jacksonville (+9.5) at Houston
The Texans regained the top spot in the AFC South this week after they beat down the Titans in Tennessee. Jacksonville had an impressive win of their own. Despite not scoring a TD, the Jags defense completely shut down the Ravens to give them a 12-7 win. Going on the road after a short week is never easy. Especially not for a 2-5 team visiting a division leader. The Texans should maintain their AFC South lead with a win over Jacksonville.

Prediction - Houston 31 Jacksonville 10

Miami (+10.5) at NY Giants
The Miami Dolphins remain one of the top candidates for the services of Andrew Luck. They lost their 6th straight game to begin the season, as they blew a 15-0 4th Quarter lead to Denver last week. This week they travel to the Meadowlands to face the Giants. The G-Men hold 1st place in the wide open NFC East. They have had a tendency to lose games like this in the past - just ask the Seahawks a couple weeks ago. It won't happen this time.

Prediction - NY Giants 28 Miami 14

New Orleans (-15.5) at St. Louis
Did anybody see the Saints' performance on Sunday night? If you didn't you missed a 62-7 drubbing of the winless Indianapolis Colts. Luckily for Saints fans, they get to face another winless team this week. The Rams welcome the Saints to St. Louis and have the very tough task of slowing this offense. It's another matchup versus a porous defense for the Saints.. I don't think they will put up 62, but they should exploit the Rams for what they are - are bad team.

Prediction - New Orleans 34 St. Louis 14

Indianapolis (+9.5) at Tennessee
It is pretty bad when Tennessee lost by 34 points last week and they are coming into this game playing better football than the 0-7 Colts. Indy has looked completely lifeless without Peyton Manning. If they continue playing this way, Manning could be tutoring Andrew Luck next year. The Colts have been awful on both sides of the ball. This should be the perfect opportunity for Chris Johnson to break out of his season-long slump and lead the Titans to victory.

Prediction - Tennessee 28 Indianapolis 19

Washington (+6.5) vs. Buffalo in Toronto
Washington and Buffalo head north of the border to square off in Canada this week, in what is considered a "home" game for the Bills. Buffalo had a bye week to rest up and get healthy for this game. Washington can't say the same. The 'Skins lost 2 of their biggest playmakers in RB Tim Hightower and TE Chris Cooley to season-ending injuries. Buffalo will add insult to injury and hand Washington their 3rd straight loss.

Prediction - Buffalo 21 Washington 13

Detroit (-3.5) at Denver
As their alma maters prepare to renew their rivalry this weekend, Matthew Stafford and Tim Tebow also look to renew theirs. Their NFL team may not be division rivals, but Stafford and Tebow certainly know each other from their college days. There aren't too many QBs in the league that are getting more publicity than Stafford this year, but Tebow certainly is now. Stafford was one of very few opposing QBs that beat Tebow in college, he will get it done in their first NFL face off as well.

Prediction - Detroit 24 Denver 14

New England (-3.5) at Pittsburgh
It is not every week that you see the Pittsburgh Steelers as home-field underdogs. That tends to be the case when New England rolls into the Steel City though. Tom Brady and the Patriots are one team that has dominated the Steelers in recent years. They will need to win again in order to maintain the lead for the AFC's best record. If Pittsburgh were to overcome their poor play versus New England they would gain the inside track to the AFC's top spot. I expect for the AFC Playoffs to go through Foxborough.

Prediction - New England 26 Pittsburgh 21

Cleveland (+9.5) at San Francisco
How have the 49ers dealt with all of the media attention being on their coach? We will find out this week when they welcome the Browns into town. Despite winning their last 4 games, the focus in San Francisco has been on Jim Harbaugh's post game handshakes instead of how well this team has been playing. The 49ers are great at running the ball and great at stopping the run. That is a tough combination for Cleveland to deal with. Unless Colt McCoy can sling the ball effectively, the 49ers will move to 6-1.

Prediction - San Francisco 21 Cleveland 14

Cincinnati (-3.5) at Seattle
Who could have seen this type of start for the Cincinnati Bengals? Cincy has nearly matched the win total I predicted they would have all season, and only 6 games in. They travel to the Pacific Northwest to Seattle this week. The Seahawks are coming off of an ugly 6-3 loss in Cleveland, in which the offense looked dreadful. Look for Cincy to employ a similar strategy to Cleveland and win with rushing the ball and a solid D.

Prediction - Cincinnati 20 Seattle 16

Dallas (+3.5) at Philadelphia
The Cowboys and Eagles renew one of the most bitter rivalries in the NFL in Philly on Sunday night. Neither team has gotten off to the type of start that they would have liked. Each has the talent to be Super Bowl contenders, but each has underperformed immensely. The loser of this game will be a long way away from title contention. The winner will be in the thick of things in the NFC East. The Eagles have has a week to prepare, but something tells me that they won't be ready. I'm taking the Cowboys.

Prediction - Dallas 24 Philadelphia 20

San Diego (-3.5) at Kansas City
This has suddenly become a very important game in the AFC West race. A week ago it looked as if the Chargers were clear cut favorites to win the division, and that if anyone would challenge them it would be Oakland. Now here we are, and the Cheifs will be in a 3-way tie for 1st with a win. San Diego can't afford to be in a close battle in this division. They need to separate themselves while they can, and they will.

Prediction - San Diego 28 Kansas City 21

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

NCAA Football - Week 9 Predictions

Ringer's Record
Last Week ATS: 10-10
Last Week SU: 14-6

Season ATS: 88-61 (59%)
Season SU: 131-27 (83%)

3 Stanford (-7.5) at USC
Who made this spread? Hasn't anyone in Las Vegas watched the Cardinal this year? Stanford has covered the spread in all 7 of their games so far. Every game has had a spread of at least 18 points. Granted, USC is probably the best team they have faced to this point, but I expect Stanford to continue their run. They manhandled Washington last week and have themselves in BCS Title contention. USC has been much improved this year, but their defense won't be able to stop the balanced attack of Stanford.

Prediction - Stanford 42 USC 21

Baylor (+15.5) at 5 Oklahoma St.
The Pokes are legitimate national championship contenders. Many thought last week was a potential stumbling block at Missouri, but they took care of business with a 45-24 win. Now they face another dangerous team. RG3 and the Baylor Bears travel to Stillwater. Baylor was embarrassed in their lkast outing at Texas A&M, and they will be out to redeem themselves. They won't get a win, but they will keep it close as OK State remains undefeated.

Prediction - Oklahoma St. 41 Baylor 30

6 Clemson (-4.5) at Georgia Tech
A couple weeks ago this game looked like a potential ACC Championship preview. Now Tech has lost 2 straight and is in desperate need of a win. Clemson just keeps on rolling. The Tigers put up 59 on North Carolina last week, and find themselves in the top 5 of the BCS rankings. Tahj Boyd and Sammy Watkins will have another big game and hand the Yellow Jackets their third consecutive loss.

Prediction - Clemson 34 Georgia Tech 27

Washington St. (+35.5) at 7 Oregon
It is questionable whether Darron Thomas and LaMichael James will return from injury for the Ducks this week. Chip Kelly like sthe depth his squad has on offense though. Even without his two best playmakers, Oregon should have enough to defeat Washington State. They have won 20 straight games at Autzen Stadium and WSU has lost 3 in a row since ebginning the year 3-1. That streak should extend to 21 this week.

Prediction - Oregon 49 Washington St. 14

9 Oklahoma (-13.5) at 8 Kansas St.
Oklahoma saw their National Championship dreams dashed last week as they shockingly lost at home to Texas Tech. Who would have thought that coming into this game the undefeated team with BCS aspirations would be K-State? K-State rolled over in-state rival Kansas last week, but face a much tougher test this week. Something tells me that the Sooners will be angry and will take it out on the Wildcats. K-State's dream comes to an end this week much like Oklahoma's did last week.

Prediction - Oklahoma 41 Kansas St. 27

10 Michigan St. (+4.5) at 13 Nebraska
It doesn't get any easier for Michigan State. Two weeks ago they beat their bitter rival Michigan. Last week they beat everyone's favorite to win the Big Ten, as they used a Hail Mary on the game's last play to stun Wisconsin 37-31. Those games were in East Lansing though. They must travel to Lincoln this week. Nebraska is getting back on track and will benefit from Sparty's brutal stretch of the schedule. I like the Huskers to take control of the Legends Division.

Prediction - Nebraska 29 Michigan St. 21

11 Arkansas (-10.5) at Vanderbilt
The Razorbacks received a major scare versus Ole Miss last weekend but came away from Oxford with a 29-24 victory. Now they will face another pesky squad in Vanderbilt. Vandy beat Army a week ago to improve their record to 4-3. The Hogs need this win if they want a chance at making back-to-back BCS bowl appearances. The Commodores could use a win if they want to be bowl-eligible. I think Arkansas learns from last week's scare and wins this one more easily.

Prediction - Arkansas 38 Vanderbilt 17

12 Wisconsin (-7.5) at Ohio St.
Last year Wisconsin ruined the Buckeyes dreams of winning a national championship. Now, a week after the Badgers had their own national championship dreams ruined, the two teams meet again. Wisconsin lost a heartbreaker on a last second Hail Mary to Michigan State last week. They will surely want to bounce back with vengance. Ohio State has the defense to keep them in this game, but their offense has been hoorible. It's never easy to win in Columbus, but Wisconsin will get it done.

Prediction - Wisconsin 26 Ohio St. 17

14 South Carolina (-4.5) at Tennessee
This is a key game for South Carolina if they plan on making a return to Atlanta for the SEC Championship game. The Gamecocks had a week to prepare for the Vols, and it was much needed. Just a week after South Carolina kicked their starting QB off the team, their Heisman hopeful RB went down with a season ending injury. Tennessee is dealing with their own injury issues, primarily to their staring QB Tyler Bray. The Neyland Stadium crowd keeps it close but South Carolina remains in 1st in the SEC East.

Prediction - South Carolina 20 Tennessee 17

15 Virginia Tech (-14.5) at Duke
Virginia Tech is in the midst of another potential ACC title run. Despite some struggles throughout the season, the Hokies have a 7-1 record and are 3-1 in the ACC. They take on a scrappy Duke team this week that is looking to even their record up. VA Tech has won 10 consecutive games on the road and could break an ACC record with a win at Duke. Expect the Hokies to capture that record.

Prediction - Virginia Tech 35 Duke 20

Purdue (+13.5) at 16 Michigan
Don't look now, but Purdue is playing pretty good football. The Boilermakers followed up a close loss in Happy Valley with an impressive victory over a ranked Illinois squad. This week they face their third consecutive ranked opponent. Michigan welcomes Purdue into the Big House. Denard Robinson has had a week to get his team ready to bounce back from their first loss of the season. Michigan wants to avoid another collapse at the end of the season. They need this win. They will get it.

Prediction - Michigan 38 Purdue 20

Missouri (+11.5) at 17 Texas A&M
As conference realignment steals many of the headlines in College Football, these two teams have been at the forefront of it. Texas A&M has already confirmed they are bolting the Big 12 for the SEC. Now it appears that Missouri will be following them to that nation's top conference. Their last Big 12 battle has some implications. A&M is looking to leave the Big 12 as conference champions, while Missouri is just trying to make a bowl. Mizzou is better than their record would indicate, but they will drop to 3-5 this week.

Prediction - Texas A&M 34 Missouri 28

Rice (+27.5) at 18 Houston
Houston continues to roll past teams as they quietly remain undefeated. Case Keenum is is carrying the Cougars on his back and should be favored in every game for the rest of the season. If Houston runs the table, Keenum could find himself in New York for the Heisman ceremony. Last year, Houston lost to Rice but that was without Keenum. The Cougars QB won't let that happen this year. Houston will continue its roll.

Prediction - Houston 48 Rice 20

Illinois (+5.5) at 19 Penn St.
The Penn State Nittany Lions continue to win. Their 6th straight win last week left them as the only team in the Big 10 standing at 4-0. They will welcome Illinois to Happy Valley this week. The Fighting Illini began their season with 6 straight wins but have since lost their last 2. Both teams are definitely heading in opposite directions. It will be up to Illinois to stop Joe Paterno from becoming the all-time winningest coach in Division I college football history. I see the milestone being reached on Saturday.

Prediction - Penn St. 21 Illinois 19

20 Georgia (-2.5) vs. Florida at Jacksonville, FL
The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party takes place once again this Saturday when the Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gators renew their rivalry in Jacksonville. This is a very important game for both schools. Georgia needs a win to stay on top of the SEC East. Florida needs a win to avoid a 4th consecutive loss. The Gators have dominated this series in recent years, but the Dawgs will get the best of them this time.

Prediction - Georgia 27 Florida 20

Iowa St. (+15.5) at 21 Texas Tech
What a win it was for Tommy Tuberville and his Texas Tech program last weekend in Norman. The Red Raiders dominated #1 Oklahoma for most of the game before hanging on for a 41-38 win. The victory catapulted Texas Tech into the Top 25 for the first time this season. Iowa State was on the cusp of the poll earlier in the year, but have lost 4 straight. This is just another game in which 2 teams are heading in opposite directions. Texas Tech will stay in the polls for another week.

Prediction - Texas Tech 38 Iowa St. 17

Kansas (+28.5) at 23 Texas
Texas finds themselves back in the Top 25 despite losing their last 2 games. This week the perfect opponent comes into Austin to help them right their ship. The Kansas Jayhawks come to town as the clear worst team in the Big 12. Both teams have juggled QBs throughout the year. It has worked much better for Texas than it has for Kansas. I anticipate that being the Case (McCoy) on Saturday.

Prediction - Texas 41 Kansas 17

Colorado (+30.5) at 24 Arizona St.
Arizona State comes off a bye week facing Colorado at Sun Devil Stadium. ASU climbed back into the Top 25 despite not playing last week. They control their own destiny in the Pac-12 South thanks to the probation of USC. Colorado, meanwhile, is having a hard go of it in their first Pac-12 season. They have been giving up over 500 yards of offense and that trend should continue this week.

Prediction - Arizona St. 52 Colorado 21

25 West Virginia (-6.5) at Rutgers
Both of these teams looked like they would be one of the favorites to represent the Big East in the BCS. A week after bad losses for each, they are just fighting to stay above .500 in the conference. West Virginia has dominated Rutgers over the years. The Mountaineers defense will need to regroup this week as they were torched by Syracuse. Luckily for them, Rutgers doesn't have too much firepower.

Prediction - West Virginia 28 Rutgers 20

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

NCAA Football - Week 8 Bowl Projections

It was a wild weekend in the college football world. Oklahoma got beat at home by Texas Tech to lose their top ranking in the Ringer Poll, and Michigan St. stunned Wisconsin with a game-winning Hail Mary. Plenty more is sure to change in the coming weeks, but here is who could be playing in each bowl game if the season were to end today. (Rankings are based on current Ringer Poll)

December 17
New Mexico (Albuquerque, NM) - Eastern Michigan vs. Florida International
Famous Idaho Potato (Boise, ID) - Nevada vs. Northern Illinois
New Orleans (New Orleans, LA) - UTEP vs. Arkansas St.

December 20
Beef O'Brady's (St. Petersburg, FL) - South Florida vs. Tulsa

December 21
Poinsettia (San Diego, CA) - San Diego St. vs. Western Michigan

December 22
Maaco (Las Vegas, NV) - TCU vs. Purdue

December 24
Hawaii (Honolulu, HI) - Hawaii vs. SMU

December 26
Independence (Shreveport, LA) - Miami vs. Wyoming

December 27
Little Caesar's Pizza (Detroit, MI) - Ohio St. vs. Toledo
Belk (Charlotte, NC) - 25 West Virginia vs. Wake Forest

December 28
Military (Washington, DC) - North Carolina vs. Temple
Holiday (San Diego, CA) - 17 Texas A&M vs. 24 Arizona St.

December 29
Champs Sports (Orlando, FL) - Florida St. vs. Notre Dame
Alamo (San Antonio, TX) - 21 Texas Tech vs. Washington

December 30
Armed Forces (Dallas, TX) - BYU vs. East Carolina
Pinstripe (Bronx, NY) - Rutgers vs. Virginia
Music City (Nashville, TN) - NC State vs. Mississippi St.
Insight (Tempe, AZ) - 19 Penn St. vs. 23 Texas

December 31
Meineke Car Care (Houston, TX) - Illinois vs. Baylor
Sun (El Paso, TX) - Georgia Tech vs. Cal
Liberty (Memphis, TN) - 18 Houston vs. Vanderbilt
Kraft Fight Hunger (San Francisco, CA) - Bowling Green vs. UCLA
Chick-Fil-A (Atlanta, GA) - 15 Virginia Tech vs. Florida

January 2
Ticket City (Dallas, TX) - Iowa vs. Southern Miss
Capital One (Orlando, FL) - 11 Arkansas vs. 12 Wisconsin
Gator (Jacksonville, FL) - 16 Michigan vs. 20 Georgia
Outback (Tampa, FL) - 13 Nebraska vs. 14 South Carolina

January 6
Cotton (Arlington, TX) - 9 Oklahoma vs. Auburn

January 7
BBVA Compass (Birmingham, AL) - Syracuse vs. Ball St.

TBD
Godaddy.com (Mobile, AL) - Ohio vs. Louisiana-Lafayette

BCS Bowls

January 2
Rose (Pasadena, CA) - 3 Stanford vs. 10 Michigan St.

January 3
Sugar (New Orleans, LA) - 4 Boise St. vs. 8 Kansas St.

January 4
Orange (Miami, FL) - 6 Clemson vs. 22 Cincinnati

January 5
Fiesta (Glendale, AZ) - 5 Oklahoma St. vs. 7 Oregon

January 9
BCS National Championship (New Orleans, LA) - 1 LSU vs. 2 Alabama

NCAA Football Top 25 - Week 9

Week 8
1. Oklahoma (6-1) L TT 38-41
2. Alabama (8-0) W Tenn 37-6
3. LSU (8-0) W Aub 45-10
4. Boise St. (7-0) W AFA 37-26
5. Stanford (7-0) W Wash 65-21
6. Wisconsin (6-1) L MSU 37-31
7. Oklahoma St. (7-0) W Mizz 45-24
8. Oregon (6-1) W Col 45-2
9. Clemson (8-0) W UNC 59-38
10. Arkansas (6-1) W Miss 29-24
11. Nebraska (6-1) W Minn 41-14
12. West Virginia (5-2) L Syr 23-49
13. South Carolina (6-1) Idle
14. Kansas St. (7-0) W Kan 59-21
15. Michigan St. (6-1) W Wis 37-31
16. Virginia Tech (7-1) W BC 30-14
17. Michigan (6-1) Idle
18. Georgia Tech (6-2) L Mia 7-24
19. Texas A&M (5-2) W ISU 33-17
20. Illinois (6-2) L Pur 14-21
21. Auburn (5-3) L LSU 10-45
22. Houston (7-0) W Marsh 63-28
23. Penn St. (7-1) W NW 34-24
24. Washington (5-2) L Stan 21-65
25. Notre Dame (4-3) L USC 17-34
Georgia (5-2) Idle
Texas (4-2) Idle
Arizona St. (5-2) Idle
Cincinnati (6-1) W USF 37-34
Baylor (4-2) Idle
Rutgers (5-2) L Lou 14-16
SMU (5-2) L USM 3-27
TCU (5-2) W NM 69-0
Southern Miss (6-1) W SMU 27-3
Virginia (4-3) L NCSU 14-21
 

Week 9

1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Stanford
4. Boise St.
5. Oklahoma St.
6. Clemson
7. Oregon
8. Kansas St.
9. Oklahoma
10. Michigan St.
11. Arkansas
12. Wisconsin
13. Nebraska
14. South Carolina
15. Virginia Tech
16. Michigan
17. Texas A&M
18. Houston
19. Penn St.
20. Georgia
21. Texas Tech
22. Cincinnati
23. Texas
24. Arizona St.
25. West Virginia

Baylor
TCU
Southern Miss
Georgia Tech
Syracuse
Illinois
Auburn
Washington
Iowa
BYU

Saturday, October 22, 2011

NFL - Week 7 Predictions

Ringer's Record
Last Week ATS: 6-7
Last Week SU: 9-4

Season ATS: 48-41-1 (54%)
Season SU: 63-27 (70%)

Washington (+2.5) at Carolina
The John Beck era is beginning in Washington, despite the Redskins being in the thick of things in the NFC East with a 3-2 record. On the other side of the field, Carolina has been very pleased with their QB play eventhough they only have a 1-5 mark. The Panthers have made a habit of losing heartbreakers. I can see that happening again, but until John Beck can prove he can win I'll go with Carolina.

Prediction - Carolina 20 Washington 14

Seattle (+3.5) at Cleveland
The Seahawks will make the dreaded trip to the Eastern time zone for a 1 pm kickoff. They will be doing so with Charlie Whitehurst behind center. The Browns have been a mess offensively over the last two weeks. The team that can get on track offensively will win this game. Colt McCoy will be the one to find a groove and outduel Whitehurst.

Prediction - Cleveland 20 Seattle 14

Atlanta (+3.5) at Detroit
Detroit lost their first game of the season last week to San Francisco. Of course many of the headlines from that game went to Head Coach Jim Schwartz and his encounter with 49ers head man Jim Harbaugh. What will Schwartz do when he shakes Mike Smith's hand? I guess it depends on the outcome of the game. The Falcons need this game more than the Lions do. Give me the Falcons to hand Detroit their second straight loss.

Prediction - Atlanta 27 Detroit 22

Denver (+2.5) at Miami
All eyes will be on Tim Tebow as the Broncos head to South Florida to take on the Dolphins. Tebow and his former Florida teammates will be honored for their 2008 National Championship. Which makes Denver the pseudo home team. Tebow may not be the prototypical NFL QB, but the kid knows how to win. He will be able to prove that once again against a bad Miami squad.

Prediction - Denver 20 Miami 17

San Diego (-2.5) at NY Jets
The Chargers head to the East Coast looking for a 5-1 start to the season. San Diego comes off their bye week with searching of a 4th straight victory. We could have the second coming of Schwartz vs. Harbaugh this week in Turner vs. Ryan. Rex Ryan said that he would have a Super Bowl ring by now had he gotten the head job in San Diego back in 2007. Norv Turner fired back by saying that Ryan hasn't lived up to his Super Bowl promises in New York yet. Turner's squad gets one step closer to a ring this week.

Prediction - San Diego 26 NY Jets 20

Chicago (+1.5) vs. Tampa Bay in London
This will be the second time in 3 years that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers get the pleasure of traveling across the Atlantic Ocean to London. This time they will face off with the Chicago Bears. Tampa Bay comes in as the top team in the NFC South at 4-2. Chicago got some life back last week with a 39-10 drubbing of Minnesota. This is a pivotal game for each. I think Mike Martz and Jay Cutler are starting to click like they did last year and see the Bears staying on track.

Prediction - Chicago 24 Tampa Bay 21

Houston (+3.5) at Tennessee
This is a crucial game in the AFC South race. Jacksonville and Indianapolis look left for dead. That means that one of these two teams will in all likelihood be headed to the playoffs when the season is all over with. The winner of Sunday's matchup will be standing in 1st place. Houston has struggled in recent weeks and will continue to be without the services of Andre Johnson. That coupled with being on the road means that the Titans will win a close one and remain in 1st.

Prediction - Tennessee 24 Houston 21

Pittsburgh (-3.5) at Arizona
These two teams will meet in Arizona for the first time since Super Bowl XLIII. Two key contributors will be missing from this game. Santonio Holmes has since moved on to New York and Kurt Warner has since retired. Don't think that these teams don't know each other well still. Remember that most Arizona's coaching staff used to be in Pittsburgh. Neither of these teams have played the type of football they've wanted to this year. I think the Cards will keep it close and lose in the end.

Prediction - Pittsburgh 27 Arizona 24

Kansas City (+3.5) at Oakland
The Oakland Raiders made a big splash this week by acquiring Carson Palmer from the Bengals for 2 high draft picks over the next two years. Many wonder if the Raiders overpaid for Palmer's services. They believe they can be a legitimate playoff contenders this year, and the move was necessary once Jason Campbell went down with a broken collarbone. They get an injury-riddled Cheifs team at home this week. Palmer may not play, but it won't matter. Darren McFadden will run the Raiders to victory.

Prediction - Oakland 28 Kansas City 19

St. Louis (+9.5) at Dallas
What are the odds of this? As these two cities focus on a World Series matchup with each other, their football squads also face off. The Rams could possibly be without Sam Bradford's services - which would make it very unlikely that they get their first win of the year. Dallas has been up and down all season. If they want to be a playoff team this is a must win. The Cowboys will get it done.

Prediction - Dallas 31 St. Louis 13

Green Bay (+8.5) at Minnesota
The Packers are now the only undefeated team remaining in the NFL. The Brett Favre drama is over now, so their rivalry with the Vikings can be more about the play on the field. Minnesota will give rookie QB Christian Ponder his first career start against the Super Bowl champs. Green Bay's pass defense ranks near the league's bottom, but don;t expect Ponder to expose them. Green Bay wins this going away.

Prediction - Green Bay 28 Minnesota 14

Indianapolis (+14.5) at New Orleans
This will be the second of 2 recent Super Bowl rematches in Week 7. Two short years ago, the Saints won their first Super Bowl title by beating the Colts. This Saints team looks very similar to that one. This Colts team could not be more opposite. For starters, Curtis Painter will lead this team into the Superdome and not Peyton Manning. The Colts could be the NFL's worst team, but they do have fight. That fight will allow them to cover the spread but ultimately drop to 0-7.

Prediction - New Orleans 34 Indianapolis 21

Baltimore (-7.5) at Jacksonville
Baltimore's defense has not showed any signs of age catching up to them. They have been the most dominant D in the NFL this year, and get to take on a rookie QB on Monday night. The Ravens travel to Jacksonville to face Blaine Gabbert and the Jags. Jacksonville has lost 5 straight and it does not look good for them to end that streak against this Ravens D. Look for them continue being dominant on Monday.

Prediction - Baltimore 24 Jacksonville 14

Thursday, October 20, 2011

NCAA Football - Week 8 Predictions

Ringer's Record
Last Week ATS: 10-7
Last Week SU: 15-2

Season ATS: 78-51 (60%)
Season SU: 117-22 (84%)

Texas Tech (+28.5) at 1 Oklahoma
The initial BCS Standings were unveiled this week, and if the season ended today Oklahoma would be on the outside looking in as far as the National Championship goes. Luckily for the Sooners, LSU and Alabama, still have to play each other. That means that in all likelihood they control their own destiny. Oklahoma will still be looking for some style points. I expect them to put up huge numbers against Texas Tech and beat the Red Raiders handily.

Prediction - Oklahoma 52 Texas Tech 20

Tennessee (+27.5) at 2 Alabama
Tennessee can't catch a break. They have been cursed with a bad case with the injury bug, which includes losing their starting QB Tyler Bray. Now they get LSU and Alabama in consecutive weeks. Alabama's D has been nasty and now they are getting some offensive firepower to go with it. Trent Richardson has officially kicked off his Heisman campaign. The Tide will continue Tennessee's string of bad luck and hand them a devastating loss.

Prediction - Alabama 38 Tennessee 10

21 Auburn (+22.5) at 3 LSU
The Battle of Tigers takes place in Baton Rouge on Saturday. LSU comes into this one more than a 3 TD favorite. They will be without some key players though. Their Heisman candidate DB Tyrann Mathieu, and leading rusher Spencer Ware were both suspended for reportedly using synthetic marijuana. Meanwhile Auburn will try to break in a new QB as Barrett Trotter was benched and ultimately was not the replacement for Cam Newton. LSU wins this one, but by less than 3 TD.

Prediction - LSU 34 Auburn 17

Air Force (+31.5) at 4 Boise St.
Boise St. opened up their first season in the Mountain West with a 50-point drubbing of Colorado St. This week they host their first Mountain West game. They welcome one of the league's better teams in Air Force. Kellen Moore is just one win shy of tying Colt McCoy as the all-time winningest QB in college football history. He will accomplish that feat on Saturday, but Air Force's triple-option attack will do enough to cover the spread.

Prediction - Boise St. 42 Air Force 20

24 Washington (+20.5) at 5 Stanford
This could be one of the better games of the weekend. Washington has been much better than expected behind QB Keith Price and RB Chris Polk. The Huskies have reached the top 25 and will need a win at Stanford to remain there. This will be Stanford's first true test of the year. They are another team ranked lower than they feel they should be in the BCS. They haven;t lost versus the spread yet this year, and until they do I'm not picking against them.

Prediction - Stanford 45 Washington 21

6 Wisconsin (-8.5) at 15 Michigan St.
The Badgers role into East Lansing as an 8.5 point favorite. They are looking to avenge their only regular season loss from last season. Wisconsin has been steam rolling everyone in their way to this point in 2011. This is one of those classic battles of a high-powered offense versus a tough, stingy defense. They say that defense wins championships, but the times are changing. Offense will win out in this one.

Prediction - Wisconsin 35 Michigan St. 23

7 Oklahoma St. (-7.5) at Missouri
This is a game that Oklahoma St. should not take lightly. The Cowboys just received their highest BCS ranking ever at #4, and now they travel to Columbia to take on Mizzou. Missouri has underachieved to this point in the season at just 3-3, but don;t let their record full you. This is a very dangerous team. Ultimately, I think the Pokes have enough to get it done and remain unbeaten, but expect a dog fight in this one.

Prediction - Oklahoma St. 34 Missouri 28

8 Oregon (-32.5) at Colorado
Oregon has some major injury concerns. They are still without their Heisman-finalist RB LaMichael James, and last week starting QB Darron Thomas went down against Arizona St. That didn't seem to slow the Ducks though. This team has tremendous speed and talent all over their depth chart. They are expecting to have Thomas back this week, and Colorado is just bad. Even Ohio St. put up 37 on them. The Ducks will roll.

Prediction - Oregon 48 Colorado 10

North Carolina (+10.5) at 9 Clemson
The Clemson Tigers just continue to roll. They remained undefeated with a big time 2nd Half performance at Maryland last week. This week they welcome the Tar Heels into Death Valley. North Carolina dug themselves too big of a hole versus Miami last week and couldn't dig their way out. I expect that hole to get deeper this week. Clemson WR Sammy Watkins will continue to be electric and lead the Tigers to an 8-0 start.

Prediction - Clemson 31 North Carolina 19

10 Arkansas (-17.5) at Ole Miss
The Razorbacks head to Oxford to take their old coach, Houston Nutt. Arkansas has kept on ticking without Nutt, while their old coach finds his seat getting hotter and hotter at Ole Miss. Don't look for for that seat to cool off any time soon. Arkansas is a bona fide BCS bowl contender and will make easy work of the Rebels.

Prediction - Arkansas 40 Ole Miss 17

Minnesota (+25.5) at 11 Nebraska
Nebraska continues their inaugural tour through the Big Ten by welcoming a bad Minnesota squad to Lincoln. Nebraska still has high hopes of winning the conference title, and Saturday should be one of their easiest games on that journey. Taylor Martinez has been solid this year and Minnesota can't stop anyone. Look for Martinez and Rex Burkhead to have huge days on the ground and for the Huskers to pick up another Big Ten victory.

Prediction - Nebraska 42 Minnesota 13

12 West Virginia (-13.5) at Syracuse
I think most believe that West Virginia was the best team in the Big East last year, despite not representing the conference in the BCS. One of the main reasons why the Mountaineers didn't crash the BCS party, was because they lost a game to Syracuse that not many saw coming. The Orange rode the momentum of that game to a bowl bid. They meet again with WVU looking like the top team in the Big East and Syracuse looking for another bowl bid. WVU gets the better the 'Cuse this time around.

Prediction - West Virginia 34 Syracuse 17

14 Kansas St. (-12.5) at Kansas
Bill Snyder just keeps on doing it in the "Little Apple". He brought K-State on to the national scene in the 90s and early 2000s, after his retirement, the Wildcats fell off the national landscape. Then he returned - and so did K-State. They are the most unlikely of the remaining unbeatens. They head to Lawrence looking for their 6th win of the year versus in-state rival Kansas. They should get it fairly easy.

Prediction - Kansas St. 35 Kansas 20

Boston College (+21.5) at 16 Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech has bounced back nicely from the loss to Clemson. They have beaten solid teams in Miami and Wake Forest the last two weeks. The schedule eases up a bit as they welcome Boston College to Blacksburg. BC has been a mess this year. Frank Spaziani may not be around for much linger should this keep up. The Hokies will win their third straight.

Prediction - Virginia Tech 35 Boston College 10

18 Georgia Tech (+3.5) at Miami
Georgia Tech suffered their first loss of the season last week at Virginia. They stay on the road this week to play Miami. The Hurricanes have been and up and down team. They were even up and down within the same game against North Carolina last week but managed to hold on for a win. Al Golden's team will have its hands full trying slow the Yellow Jackets' option attack. I look for Miami to hit their stride and hand Tech their 2nd loss in a row.

Prediction - Miami 27 Georgia Tech 21

19 Texas A&M (-20.5) at Iowa St.
Texas A&M has bounced back from consecutive defeats to win their last two and get back on track. They will look for their third in a row against a struggling Iowa St. squad. The Cyclone started the year off 3-0 and have since lost three in a row. These two teams are traveling much different paths at the moment. They will stay on their current paths as A&M gets another W.

Prediction - Texas A&M 41 Iowa St. 13

20 Illinois (-5.5) at Purdue
Many thought that Illinois was vastly overrated despite their 6-0 start. They did a lot to prove their critics right last week as the wheels completely fell off in a 17-7 home loss to a struggling Ohio St. team. They will try to get back on track as they travel to Purdue. The Boilermakers lost a close one in Happy Valley last week and need a win to get back over .500. The Illini are the better team and should improve to 7-1.

Prediction - Illinois 27 Purdue 21

Marshall (+20.5) at 22 Houston
Case Keenum and the high-powered Houston offense will look to continue their recent success against C-USA foe Marshall. Houston remains undefeated, and Keenum could become a dark horse Heisman contender should they remain that way. The Cougars have a great shot to run the table, as Keenum has a great shot to break numerous NCAA records. They win again this week.

Prediction - Houston 41 Marshall 17

23 Penn St. (-4.5) at Northwestern
These two teams are very opposite, and actually does live up to the saying that you win with defense. Penn St. has one of the most anemic offenses I have ever seen a 6-1 team have. They have managed to win close ball games with an imposing defense though. Northwestern has a high-octane offense but plays little defense and has a 2-4 record to show for it. Maybe it's a hunch, but I'm going with offense again in an upset.

Prediction - Northwestern 27 Penn St. 20

USC (+9.5) at 25 Notre Dame
Old rivals reunite in a night game in South Bend. USC take their 5-1 record east to battle Notre Dame who has reeled off four straight wins. This rivalry has not been what it once was in recent years, but get one thing straight - this is still a big time rivalry. This could make or break the season for each team. Both teams are capable of scoring points. I like the Irish to win a close, high-scoring affair.

Prediction - Notre Dame 38 USC 33

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

2011 MLB Playoffs - World Series Predictions

The Fall Classic will get underway tomorrow night at Busch Stadium in Saint Louis. And by the way it makes a ton of sense to give the team with the worst record amongst playoff teams home field advantage for the World Series. Way to go National League! And way to go Major League Baseball for this asinine way to try to give the All-Star game meaning.

OK, now that I'm done with my rant we get into the Series itself. Texas makes a return trip to the World Series after losing to San Francisco in 5 games in 2010. They are the first team to make it back to the World Series the year after losing in it since the Atlanta Braves in 1992. They will face off with the Saint Louis Cardinals who are making their third World Series appearance since 2004, and their first since winning it all in 2006.

Many think that this series will be decided more by the bats and less by the pitching. The only starting pitcher on either staff that has ever been a bona fide ace is the Cardinals' Chris Carpenter. Other than a dominant outing in Game 5 of the NLDS, Carpenter has been average in the playoffs. Both teams have been hot with the bats though. Texas strikes fear in opposing pitchers from 1 through 9, and Saint Louis has a lineup consisting of the game's best hitter in Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday, Lance Berkman, and NLCS MVP Doug Freese.

Let's see how the 2011 World Series will play out.

World Series

Texas (-155) vs. St. Louis (+135)

Did not play in Regular Season

Texas Probable Lineup1. 2B Ian Kinsler
2. SS Elvin Andrus
3. CF Josh Hamilton
4. DH Michael Young
5. 3B Adrian Beltre
6. C Mike Napoli
7. RF Nelson Cruz
8. LF David Murphy
9. 1B Mitch Moreland

Texas Probable Rotation1. CJ Wilson
2. Colby Lewis
3. Derek Holland
4. Matt Harrison

St. Louis Probable Lineup1. SS Rafeal Furcal
2. CF Jon Jay
3. 1B Albert Pujols
4. RF Lance Berkman
5. LF Matt Holliday
6. C Yadier Molina
7. 3B Doug Freese
8. 2B Ryan Theriot
9. P Jamie Garcia

St. Louis Probable Rotation
1. Chris Carpenter
2. Jaime Garcia
3. Kyle Loshe
4. Edwin Jackson

Prediction - Texas over St. Louis 4-2

The Texas Rangers will bounce back this year and win their first ever World Series title. The Cardinals may have home field and a slight edge in the pitching matchups, but Texas will slug their way to a title. Their lineup is deadly, and their hitting will make Dallas the new "Title Town".

Monday, October 17, 2011

NCAA Football Top 25 - Week 8

Week 7

1. Oklahoma (7-0) W Kan 47-17
2. Alabama (7-0) W Miss 52-7
3. LSU (7-0) W Tenn 38-7
4. Boise St. (6-0) W CSU 63-13
5. Stanford (6-0) W WSU 44-14
6. Wisconsin (6-0) W Ind 59-7
7. Oklahoma St. (6-0) W Tex 38-26
8. Oregon (5-1) W ASU 41-27
9. Clemson (7-0) W Md 56-45
10. Michigan (6-1) L MSU 14-28
11. Arkansas (5-1) Idle
12. Georgia Tech (6-1) L UVA 21-24
13. Illinois (6-1) L OSU 7-17
14. Nebraska (5-1) Idle
15. West Virginia (5-1) Idle
16. South Carolina (6-1) W Miss St 14-12
17. Virginia Tech (6-1) W Wake 38-17
18. Texas (4-2) L OKSU 26-38
19. Arizona St. (5-2) L Ore 27-41
20. Kansas St. (6-0) W TT 41-34
21. Michigan St. (5-1) W Mich 28-14
22. Texas A&M (4-2) W Bay 55-28
23. Baylor (4-2) L TAM 28-55
24. Auburn (5-2) W Fla 17-6
25. Florida (4-3) L Aub 6-17
Houston (6-0) Idle
Penn St. (6-1) W Pur 23-18
South Florida (4-2) L UConn 10-16
North Carolina (5-2) L Mia 27-30
Washington (5-1) W Col 52-24
Notre Dame (4-2) Idle
Georgia (5-2) W Vandy 33-28
Cincinnati (5-1) W Lou 25-16
Wake Forest (4-2) L VT 17-38
Rutgers (5-1) W Navy 21-20
 

Week 8

1. Oklahoma
2. Alabama
3. LSU
4. Boise St.
5. Stanford
6. Wisconsin
7. Oklahoma St.
8. Oregon
9. Clemson
10. Arkansas
11. Nebraska
12. West Virginia
13. South Carolina
14. Kansas St.
15. Michigan St.
16. Virginia Tech
17. Michigan
18. Georgia Tech
19. Texas A&M
20. Illinois
21. Auburn
22. Houston
23. Penn St.
24. Washington
25. Notre Dame

Georgia
Texas
Arizona St.
Cincinnati
Baylor
Rutgers
SMU
TCU
Southern Miss
Virginia

Thursday, October 13, 2011

NFL Predictions - Week 6

Ringer's Record
Last Week ATS: 8-5
Last Week SU: 7-6

Season ATS: 42-34-1 (55%)
Season SU: 54-23 (70%)

Carolina (+4.5) at Atlanta
Boy am I glad that I picked up Cam Newton on my fantasy team. I had my doubts about Cam-Cam, but he has been a stud so far. Of course it has only translated to a 1-4 start for the Panthers, but this team is clearly getting better. Thanks to Newton and Steve Smith among others, Carolina has been able to hang with the big boys like Green Bay and New Orleans. I see much of the same this week. Atlanta needs a win badly. They are 2-3 and blew a 14-point lead to the Pack this week. I will take Atlanta in a close one.

Prediction - Atlanta 24 Carolina 20

Indianapolis (+7.5) at Cincinnati
Am I reading this spread right? If you would have told me in August that the Colts would be 0-5, the Bengals would be 3-2, and Cincy would be laying 7.5 in this matchup I would have thought you were completely insane. Well, I would have been wrong. Indy has been hapless without Peyton Manning. And Cincy's Andy Dalton has been a pleasant surprise early in his rookie year. I see no reason not to take the Bengals now.

Prediction - Cincinnati 24 Indianapolis 14

San Francisco (+5.5) at Detroit
To stick with the theme of surprises in this 2011 NFL season - who would have thought that San Francisco at Detroit would be the Game of the Week? The answer is nobody. But it is. The 49ers are the new runaway favorites to win the NFC West and the Lions are one of only two undefeated teams left in the NFL. I'm not sure that San Francisco can overcome a trip to the Eastern time zone accompanied by a newly revived Ford Field crowd. Another statement I can't believe I'm making - Detroit moves to 6-0.

Prediction - Detroit 30 San Francisco 23

St. Louis (+14.5) at Green Bay
In the most lopsided spread of the week, the 0-4 Rams travel to Green Bay to take on the 5-0 Packers. St. Louis had a bye week to prepare for the defending champs. It won't matter. Aaron Rodgers and his squad are clicking on all cylinders. The defense even came up big with a 2nd Half shutout at Atlanta last week. Green Bay keeps up with Detroit's pace and improves to 6-0 easily.

Prediction - Green Bay 31 St. Louis 10

Buffalo (+3.5) at NY Giants
Are the Bills for real? I've been hesitant to jump on the bandwagon, but I'm getting closer and closer every week. They head across the state to battle the Giants this week. The Giants had a perfect opportunity to seize control in the NFC East last week, but inexplicably lost at home to the Seahawks. Can they bounce back? I'm not sure. As Chris Berman says "nobody circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills".

Prediction - Buffalo 21 NY Giants 20

Jacksonville (+12.5) at Pittsburgh
Just when everyone is ready to bury the Steelers, they come out and bury the a good Tennessee team. Pittsburgh dominated both sides of the ball against the Titans and moved to 3-2 on the season despite playing mistake-prone football so far. This week they welcome the lowly Jags into Heinz Field. Their rookie QB, Blaine Gabbert, won;t stand a chance. Pittsburgh gets another easy win.

Prediction - Pittsburgh 27 Jacksonville 14

Philadelphia (-1.5) at Washington
This is another that has me thrown for a loop. Before the season began I picked Philly to go 12-4 and Washington to go 3-13. Heading into Week 6 the Eagles have already lost 4 and the Redskins have already won 3. I bought into the "Dream Team" hype, but as I watched them versus Buffalo last week I finally came to the realization that this is not a good football team. And Maybe Washington is.

Prediction - Washington 24 Philadelphia 21

Houston (+7.5) at Baltimore
A couple weeks ago I was very excited about this matchup. Now the Texans have been bitten by the injury bug and it will surely have an impact. Houston's best offensive (Andre Johnson) and defensive (Mario Williams) players will sit this one out. That clearly swings the advantage in the favor of Baltimore. This Ravens D has been dominant and without Johnson to worry about that will continue.

Prediction - Baltimore 27 Houston 17

Cleveland (+5.5) at Oakland
The Raiders won an emotional game in Houston last week, just a day after the passing of their long-time owner Al Davis. Now they return home, where the emotions will surely be flying high again. Cleveland comes in with a 2-2 record, but has not been very impressive. The former Arkansas Razorback that runs the ball better will carry his team to victory. Will that be Darren McFadden or Peyton Hillis. I suspect it will be McFadden.

Prediction - Oakland 27 Cleveland 17

Dallas (+7.5) at New England
Which Tony Romo are we going to get this week? It better be the Pro-Bowl caliber one if Dallas wants to win this game. Even if Romo plays well, can Rob Ryan's defense stop this juggernaut offense? He did last year when he was the D-Coordinator in Cleveland. Nobody makes adjustments as well as Brady and Belechick though. And Brady doesn't lose at home. New England will let Dallas hang around by win it in the end.

Prediction - New England 35 Dallas 28

New Orleans (-4.5) at Tampa Bay
How is it that a team that just won the Super Bowl 2 seasons ago, and has started the season 4-1, is flying under the radar? That is the case of the New Orleans Saints. Their lone loss was on opening night to Green Bay. They have been clicking ever since. They roll into Tampa to take on a Buc team that was embarrassed in San Francisco last week. The Saints are not the team you won;t to see coming off of a loss like that.

Prediction - New Orleans 28 Tampa Bay 23

Minnesota (+3.5) at Chicago
These two teams have been left in the dust by their NFC North rivals. They can both still salvage the season though. Chicago must protect Jay Cutler much better if they plan on going anywhere. Minnesota must remember that they have the world's best RB in their backfield for a complete 4 quarters. The Bears will also need to get their ground game going to help Cutler's case. I think they will get just enough from Matt Forte.

Predition - Chicago 22 Minnesota 17

Miami (+7.5) at NY Jets
Neither of these teams are where they want to be at this point in the season. Miami is winless and one of the front-runners to get Andrew Luck's services. The Jets are in the midst of a 3-game losing streak in which they've given up 30+ points in each. Something has to give in this rivalry game. I like the Jets defense to show up and hold the Dolphins down to break their skid.

Prediction - NY Jets 23 Miami 13

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

NCAA Football - Week 7 Predictions

Ringer's Record
Last Week ATS: 10-10
Last Week SU: 16-4

Season ATS: 68-47 (59%)
Season SU: 102-20 84%

1 Oklahoma (-34.5) at Kansas
Oklahoma went into Dallas and dominated the Red River Rivalry. The Sooners beat up on Texas to the tune of a 55-17 victory. They maintained their status in college football's version of "The Big 3" along with LSU and Alabama. This week they travel to Lawrence to take on a Kansas team that gave up 70 points to Oklahoma St. last week. Expect big numbers from the Sooners as well.

Prediction - Oklahoma 48 Kansas 10

2 Alabama (-25.5) at Ole Miss
The Crimson Tide continues to roll. They shut out Vandy last week, as the defense continued to look downright nasty. The SEC slate stays soft this week as they get Ole Miss. The Rebels had an extra week to prepare for 'Bama, but it won't matter. This defense will not give up many points and Trent Richardson will continue to increase his production.

Prediction - Alabama 42 Ole Miss 13

3 LSU (-15.5) at Tennessee
This appeared to be one of the games on LSU's schedule that could potentially give them some trouble. Going to Knoxville to take on a talented Vols' team. The task suddenly doesn't seem as tough. Tennessee lost starting QB Tyler Bray last week. And we all saw what LSU did to Florida's backup QB in a 41-11 drubbing. I expect to see much of the same this week.

Prediction - LSU 35 Tennessee 14

4 Boise St. (-32.5) at Colorado St.
Boise St. plays its first ever conference game in the Mountain West. Colorado St. welcomes the Broncos to Fort Collins. Boise continued their dominance of teams last week as they embarrassed Fresno St. 57-7. Kellen Moore is conducting another Heisman campaign, Doug Martin is finally starting to run the ball, and the defense looks as good as ever. Boise should treat the Mountain West a lot like they have the WAC over the years.

Prediction - Boise St. 48 Colorado St. 13

5 Stanford (-21.5) at Washington St.
Stanford is a 20+ point favorite every week, and every week they cover the spread. They did it again last week when they beat up on a lowly Colorado squad 48-7. This week they travel to Pullman to take on Washington St. as, you guessed it, a 20+ point favorite. I've ridden this Stanford team every week so far. I see no reason to jump off that train.

Prediction - Stanford 45 Washington St. 20

Indiana (+39.5) at 6 Wisconsin
Last year Wisconsin put up 83 points at Indiana. This year they get the Hoosiers in Madison, and have added a Heisman-caliber talent at QB in Russell Wilson. Could the Badgers top the century mark? It's doubtful, but they will score a lot. This team is rested and coming off an uplifting win over Nebraska. Indiana doesn't stand a chance.

Prediction - Wisconsin 55 Indiana 13

7 Oklahoma St. (-7.5) at 18 Texas
This is definitely a game that the Pokes would lose in year's past. Is this year's team different? We will see. This offense is as explosive as any in the country, with the duo of Brandon Weeden throwing to Justin Blackmon. They put up 70 points last week. Meanwhile Texas look to be a bit fraudulent as they were smoke by their rival, Oklahoma, 55-17. The Longhorns are improved over last year but I don;t think they are ready for the big time. Oklahoma St. finally is.

Prediction - Oklahoma St. 38 Texas 28

19 Arizona St. (+15.5) at 8 Oregon
Oregon's 2010 Heisman finalist, RB LaMichael James, went down with a dislocated elbow in a 43-15 victory over Cal. This will certainly have an affect on the Ducks. They have very talented RBs to fill the hole in Kenjon Barner and DeAnthony Thomas, but it won;t be the same. Especially because they face a tough Arizona St. squad with Vontaze Burfict at LB. Burfict will have an impact on this game and keep the Sun Devils in it. Oregon will win a close on though.

Prediction - Oregon 33 Arizona St. 27

9 Clemson (-7.5) at Maryland
Clemson is continuing to take care of business, and moved to 6-0 with a 22-point win over Boston College. This week they head to Maryland to take on the Terps. Unfortunately for Maryland, most of their headlines have been about their crazy uniforms from week-to-week instead of their play on the field. They hung with Georgia Tech but struggled offensively. Clemson won't struggle offensively and will walk away with a W.

Prediction - Clemson 31 Maryland 20

10 Michigan (+3.5) at 21 Michigan St.
Michigan St. finally got sick of being Michigan's "little brothers" as Mike Hart referred to them as a few years back. Since then, Sparty has reeled off 3 straight against the hated Wolverines. The two teams renew their rivalry in East Lansing on Saturday. Michigan is looking to prove that they are for real after a 6-0 start. Michigan St. wants to continue their reemergence following an early season loss at Notre Dame. I'll take Sparty to make it 4 in a row.

Prediction - Michigan St. 33 Michigan 30

12 Georgia Tech (-7.5) at Virginia
Georgia Tech is off to one of their finest starts in school history. Virginia is off to one of their better starts in recent years, albeit just 3-2. The two meet in Charlottesville this weekend. The Rambling Wreck has been lethal on offense. They have rushed over all of their opponents and sprinkled in the pass in some timely situations. Does Virginia have enough to stop them? I don't think so.

Prediction - Georgia Tech 30 Virginia 14

Ohio St. (+3.5) at 13 Illinois
Illinois is one of the most underrated teams in the country. They continue to fly under the radar and that is just fine with Ron Zook's team. The Fighting Illini appear to have a better nucleus than the team they went to the Rose Bowl in 2007. They welcome in the Buckeyes to Champagne this week. Ohio St. is in shambles. After an embarrassing offensive performance 2 weeks ago versus Michigan St., they blew a 27-6 lead last week to lose to Nebraska. I just don;t see the Buckeyes bouncing back in this one.

Prediction - Illinois 26 Ohio St. 20

16 South Carolina (-3.5) at Mississippi St.
South Carolina had enough of QB Stephen Garcia. A week after benching him in favor of Connor Shaw, he was released from the team. Shaw knows he has the reins 100% now. He looked nice in 54-3 romp of Kentucky last week. The test should be tougher this week. South Carolina heads to Strakville to take on an up and down Mississippi St. team. I see South Carolina winning a close battle here.

Prediction - South Carolina 27 Mississippi St. 24

17 Virginia Tech (-7.5) at Wake Forest
The Hokies are in Winson-Salem to take on Wake Forest who has started 3-0 in the ACC for st time in school history. In order to get back to a BCS bowl like they did in 2006, they will need to get past Virginia Tech who still will be heard from in the ACC race. Va Tech has not been overly impressive, but Frank Beamer' squad usually finds a way to win. Saturday will have a similar feeling.

Prediction - Virginia Tech 31 Wake Forest 24

20 Kansas St. (+3.5) at Texas Tech
K-State continues to get no love despite their 5-0 start. The Wildcats are the lowest ranked undefeated team that hails from a BCS conference. And after win over Miami, Baylor, and Missouri, they are still an underdog versus Texas Tech. Texas Tech feels a little under appreciated as well. The winner of this one should start to earn a little more respect.

Prediction - Kansas St. 30 Texas Tech 28

23 Baylor (+9.5) at 22 Texas A&M
Baylor and their Heisman hopeful RG3 storm into College Station looking for another Heisman-like performance. They will need it against A&M. The Aggies have been in 3 consecutive shootouts, going 1-2 in those games. This should be another shootout. As much as I love what RG3 is doing, I have to give A&M the advantage with the 12th Man behind them.

Prediction - Texas A&M 37 Baylor 35

25 Florida (-1.5) at 24 Auburn
I'm having a hard time understanding how Florida is the favorite here. Both of these teams were shellacked last week. Florida's coming in a 41-11 loss at LSU, while Auburn lost 38-14 at Arkansas. Auburn has a knack for winning close games, and that's exactly what this one should be. Look for Michael Dyer to establish the run and for Gus Malzahn's offense to outshine Charlie Weis's.

Prediction - Auburn 27 Florida 22

Monday, October 10, 2011

NCAA Football - Week 6 Bowl Projections

With the initial BCS rankings coming out next week I thought it would be appropriate to take a look at how the bowl season would shape up if the season were to end today. We are half way through and plenty is sure to change in the 2nd half of the year. Here is where your favorite team would likely be headed if the bowl games were to be set today. (Rankings are based on current Ringer Poll)

December 17
New Mexico (Albuquerque, NM) - Wyoming vs. Arkansas St.
Famous Idaho Potato (Boise, ID) - Western Michigan vs. Colorado St.
New Orleans (New Orleans, LA) - Louisiana-Lafayette vs. Ball St.

December 20
Beef O'Brady's (St. Petersburg, FL) - South Florida vs. Central Florida

December 21
Poinsettia (San Diego, CA) - San Diego St. vs. Northern Illinois

December 22
Maaco (Las Vegas, NV) - TCU vs. Washington St.

December 24
Hawaii (Honolulu, HI) - Hawaii vs. Toledo

December 26
Independence (Shreveport, LA) - Air Force vs. Duke

December 27
Little Caesar's Pizza (Detroit, MI) - Purdue vs. Temple
Belk (Charlotte, NC) - North Carolina vs. Cincinnati

December 28
Military (Washington, DC) - NC State vs. Pittsburgh
Holiday (San Diego, CA) - 19 Arizona St. vs. 20 Kansas St.

December 29
Champs Sports (Orlando, FL) - 17 Virginia Tech vs. Notre Dame
Alamo (San Antonio, TX) - 22 Texas A&M vs. Washington

December 30
Armed Forces (Dallas, TX) - Southern Miss vs. BYU
Pinstripe (Bronx, NY) - Iowa St. vs. Rutgers
Music City (Nashville, TN) - Virginia vs. Vanderbilt
Insight (Tempe, AZ) - 21 Michigan St. vs. 23 Baylor

December 31
Meineke Car Care (Houston, TX) - Texas Tech vs. Penn St.
Sun (El Paso, TX) - Wake Forest vs. Cal
Liberty (Memphis, TN) - Tennessee vs. Houston
Kraft Fight Hunger (San Francisco, CA) - UCLA vs. Ohio St.
Chick-Fil-A (Atlanta, GA) - 12 Georgia Tech vs. Georgia

January 2
Ticket City (Dallas, TX) - Iowa vs. SMU
Capital One (Orlando, FL) - 10 Michigan vs. 11 Arkansas
Gator (Jacksonville, FL) - 14 Nebraska vs. 25 Florida
Outback (Tampa, FL) - 13 Illinois vs. 16 South Carolina

January 6
Cotton (Arlington, TX) - 18 Texas vs. 24 Auburn

January 7
BBVA Compass (Birmingham, AL) - Syracuse vs. Mississippi St.

TBD
Godaddy.com (Mobile, AL) - Ohio vs. Florida International

BCS Bowls

January 2
Rose (Pasadena, CA) - 5 Stanford vs. 6 Wisconsin

January 3
Sugar (New Orleans, LA) - 3 LSU vs. 4 Boise St.

January 4
Orange (Miami, FL) - 9 Clemson vs. 15 West Virginia

January 5
Fiesta (Glendale, AZ) - 7 Oklahoma St. vs. 8 Oregon

January 9
BCS National Championship (New Orleans, LA) - 1 Oklahoma vs. 2 Alabama

NCAA Football Top 25 - Week 7

Week 6
1. Oklahoma (6-0)W Iowa 55-17
2. Alabama (6-0) W Vandy 34-0
3. LSU (6-0) W Fla 41-11
4. Boise St. (5-0) W FS 50-7
5. Stanford (5-0) W Col 48-7
6. Wisconsin (5-0) Idle
7. Oklahoma St. (5-0) W Kan 70-28
8. Oregon (4-1) W Cal 43-15
9. Clemson (6-0) W BC 36-14
10. Texas (4-1) L Okla 17-55
11. Michigan (6-0) W NW 42-24
12. Arkansas (5-1) W Aub 38-14
13. Georgia Tech (6-0) W Md 21-16
14. Illinois (6-0) W Ind 41-20
15. Nebraska (5-1) W OSU 34-27
16. West Virginia (5-1) W UConn 43-16
17. Auburn (4-2) L Ark 14-38
18. South Carolina (5-1) W Ky 54-3
19. Florida (4-2) L LSU 11-41
20. Virginia Tech (5-1) W Mia 38-35
21. Michigan St. (4-1) Idle
22. Arizona St. (5-1) W Utah 35-14
23. Kansas St. (5-0) W Mizz 24-17
24. Florida St. (2-3) L Wake 30-35
25. Texas A&M (3-2) W TT 45-40
Baylor (4-1) W ISU 49-26
Houston (6-0) W ECU 56-3
South Florida (4-1) Idle
Penn St. (5-1) W Iowa 13-3
North Carolina (5-1) W Lou 14-7
Washington (4-1) Idle
Texas Tech (4-1) L TAM 40-45
Notre Dame (4-2) W AFA 59-33
Tennessee (3-2) L UGA 12-20
Iowa (3-2) L PSU 3-13
 
Week 7
1. Oklahoma
2. Alabama
3. LSU
4. Boise St.
5. Stanford
6. Wisconsin
7. Oklahoma St.
8. Oregon
9. Clemson
10. Michigan
11. Arkansas
12. Georgia Tech
13. Illinois
14. Nebraska
15. West Virginia
16. South Carolina
17. Virginia Tech
18. Texas
19. Arizona St.
20. Kansas St.
21. Michigan St.
22. Texas A&M
23. Baylor
24. Auburn
25. Florida
Houston
Penn St.
South Florida
North Carolina
Washington
Notre Dame
Georgia
Cincinnati
Wake Forest
Rutgers

Saturday, October 8, 2011

2011-2012 NHL Predictions

The puck dropped on the 2011-2012 NHL season this week. Vancouver is the oddsmakers favorite, with a slew of others not far behind. Below is how I see the season shaking out with their odds of winning the Stanley Cup in parenthesis.

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division
1. Pittsburgh (9 to 1)
2. Philadelphia (12 to 1)
3. NY Rangers (25 to 1)
4. New Jersey (25 to 1)
5. NY Islanders (50 to 1)

Northeast Division
1. Boston (8 to 1)
2. Buffalo (12 to 1)
3. Montreal (25 to 1)
4. Toronto (40 to 1)
5. Ottawa (200 to 1)

Southeast Division
1. Washington (8 to 1)
2. Tampa Bay (18 to 1)
3. Carolina (40 to 1)
4. Florida (50 to 1)
5. Winnipeg (50 to 1)

Western Conference

Central Division
1. Detroit (12 to 1)
2. Chicago (10 to 1)
3. Nashville (40 to 1)
4. St. Louis (30 to 1)
5. Columbus (50 to 1)

Northwest Division
1. Vancouver (6 to 1)
2. Minnesota (60 to 1)
3. Calgary (40 to 1)
4. Edmonton (75 to 1)
5. Colorado (100 to 1)

Pacific Division
1. San Jose (10 to 1)
2. Los Angeles (10 to 1)
3. Anaheim (30 to 1)
4. Dallas (50 to 1)
5. Phoenix (40 to 1)

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
1 Washington over 8 Montreal
4 Philadelphia over 5 Tampa Bay
6 Buffalo over 3 Boston
2 Pittsburgh over 7 NY Rangers

Western Conference Quarterfinals
1 Vancouver over 8 Minnesota
4 Los Angeles over 5 Chicago
3 San Jose over 6 Anaheim
2 Detroit over 7 Nashville

Eastern Conference Semifinals
1 Washington over 6 Buffalo
2 Pittsburgh over 4 Philadelphia

Western Conference Semifinals
4 Los Angeles over 1 Vancouver
2 Detroit over 3 San Jose

Eastern Conference Finals
2 Pittsburgh over 1 Washington

Western Conference Finals
4 Los Angeles over 2 Detroit

Stanley Cup Finals
4 Los Angeles over 2 Pittsburgh

The LA Kings will win the Stanley Cup this season!

2011 MLB Playoffs - Championship Series Predictions

Both of the teams I picked to make the World Series went out in the Division Series. The Phillies were completely shut down by Chris Carpenter in Game 5 as they lost to the Cardinals 3-2. The Yankees were dreadful with runners on base against Detroit as they fell in 5 games.

The Championship Series' have a Midwestern feel to it. Detroit, Milwaukee, and St. Louis all represent that part of the country. Texas is the final team to round out the remaining particpants in the 2011 MLB Playoffs.

Minus St. Louis these cities have already experienced championship level play in other sports this year. Texas hails from the metro-Dallas area that saw the Mavericks take home their first NBA crown. Milwaukee fans got a Super Bowl title from their local team, the Green Bay Packers. And the Detroit fan base is in the middle of a pennant chase and their Lions are off to a 4-0 start.

Which one of these cities will continue to experience success? Here is a look at how I see the Championship Series' playing out.

ALCS

Texas (-135) vs. Detroit (+115)

Tigers won season series 6-3

Texas Probable Lineup
1. 2B Ian Kinsler
2. SS Elvin Andrus
3. CF Josh Hamilton
4. DH Michael Young
5. 3B Adrian Beltre
6. C Mike Napoli
7. RF Nelson Cruz
8. LF David Murphy
9. 1B Mitch Moreland

Texas Probable Rotation
1. CJ Wilson
2. Derek Holland
3. Colby Lewis
4. Matt Harrison

Detroit Probable Lineup
1. CF Austin Jackson
2. 3B Don Kelly
3. LF Delmon Young
4. 1B Miguel Cabrera
5. DH Victor Matrinez
6. RF Magglio Ordonez
7. C Alex Avila
8. SS Jhonny Peralta
9. 2B Ramon Santiago

Detroit Probable Rotation
1. Justin Verlander
2. Max Scherzer
3. Rick Porcello
4. Doug Fister

Prediction - Texas over Detroit 4-2

NLCS

Milwaukee (-125) vs. St. Louis (+110)

Season series tied 9-9

Milwaukee Probable Lineup
1. RF Corey Hart
2. CF Nyjer Morgan
3. LF Ryan Braun
4. 1B Prince Fielder
5. 2B Rickie Weeks
6. 3B Jerry Hairston
7. SS Yunieski Betancourt
8. C Jonathan Lucroy
9. P Zack Greinke

Milwaukee Probable Rotation
1. Zack Greinke
2. Shaun Marcum
3. Yovani Gallardo
4. Randy Wolf

St. Louis Probable Lineup
1. SS Rafeal Furcal
2. CF Jon Jay
3. 1B Albert Pujols
4. RF Lance Berkman
5. LF Matt Holliday
6. C Yadier Molina
7. 3B Doug Freese
8. 2B Ryan Theriot
9. P Jamie Garcia

St. Louis Probable Rotation
1. Jamie Garcia
2. Edwin Jackson
3. Chris Carpenter
4. Kyle Loshe

Prediction - St. Louis over Milwaukee 4-3

NFL - Week 5 Predictions

Ringer's Record
Last Week ATS: 7-9
Last Week SU: 10-6

Season ATS: 34-29-1 (54%)
Season SU: 47-17 (73%)

Philadelphia (-3.5) at Buffalo
Eventhough I find myself thinking that Philly will win this game, I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that they are favored in Buffalo. Sure Buffalo is coming off a bad loss, but Philly is coming off of 3 bad losses. I certainly don't think that these teams' records are indicative of the talent on their rosters. Look for the Eagles to get going in the right direction with a close win in Buffalo.

Prediction - Philadelphia 21 Buffalo 20

New Orleans (-6.5) at Carolina
The Saints have been proving that they are one of the NFL's best teams. They lost a tough one to Green Bay in Week 1 and have since rattled off 3 consecutive wins. Carolina has been competitive in every game this year, but only has 1 victory to show for it. It is obvious that Carolina is making progress, but it's also obvious that they arent' quite in the Saints' class yet.

Prediction - New Orleans 27 Carolina 20

Oakland (+6.5) at Houston
Both of these teams had a chance to make a statement last week. Houston did so, Oakland did not. Houston moved to 3-1 with a big win over the Steelers. Oakland got New England at home but couldn't pull off the upset. The Texans must take the field without Andre Johnson. This will have an affect, but I don't have enough faith in Oakland to trust they can win this one on the road.

Prediction - Houston 23 Oakland 20

Kansas City (+2.5) at Indianapolis
This will be Indianapolis' best chance for a win so far. The Chiefs got their first win last week against a winless Minnesota. The Colts look to do the same this week. Indy looked decent on Monday night in Tampa, but lost by a TD late. I would normally pick the team that had a full week to prepare when the teams are evenly matched; but I think the Colts will be motivated against a bad Chiefs team.

Prediction - Indianapolis 20 Kansas City 17

Cincinnati (+2.5) at Jacksonville
This will be Blaine Gabbert's third NFL start in his rookie season, and it will be the second time he squared off against another rookie QB. Gabbert lost to Cam Newton a couple weeks ago, and this week he gets Andy Dalton. Dalton has definitely been the more sound of the 2 in their short time in the league. Gabbert will be playing at home though. Both these teams will struggle this year, but I like the Jags at home.

Prediction - Jacksonville 20 Cincinnati 19

Arizona (+3.5) at Minnesota
Arizona and Minnesota both made some noise this offseason, by acquiring high-profile QBs formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles. Donovan McNabb went to Minnesota and ha started off 0-4 with the Vikings. Kevin Kolb went to Arizona and is not much better at 1-3. McNabb was forced out of Philly to make room for Kolb as the starter. A year later and neither reside in the City of Brotherly Love. This Sunday we'll find out which one is the better of the two.

Prediction - Minnesota 28 Arizona 21

Seattle (+9.5) at NY Giants
The Seahawks don't play well when they have to travel to the East Coast. That is where they will be on Sunday as they head to New York to take on the Giants. The Giants have been a pleasant surprise and have been playing some good football to get to 3-1. With the struggles of Philly and Dallas, they could be the favorite to win the NFC East. They should easily move to 4-1 this weekend.

Prediction - NY Giants 24 Seattle 13

Tennessee (+8.5) at Pittsburgh
How is an 8.5 point spread justified in this one? Tennessee has been one of the nice surprises of the season so far. They have won 3 straight which included a beat down of Baltimore. Pittsburgh has been exposed in the quarter of the season. The defense looks old, and the offensive line is one of the league's worst. Now they are without James Harrison and have a banged up Big Ben. I think the Steelers have enough grit to win this one at home, but it certainly won't be more than 8 points.

Prediction - Pittsburgh 23 Tennessee 20

Tampa Bay (+2.5) at San Francisco
One of these teams will move to 4-1 on the season after this game is completed. The winner of this could be well on their way to the playoffs. Especially if its San Francisco, who could take a commanding lead in the awful NFC West. Tampa Bay is on a short week and must travel across the country to the Pacific Coast. I think that those factors give the 49ers a slight advantage in this one.

Prediction - San Francisco 21 Tampa Bay 17

San Diego (-4.5) at Denver
Mile High has traditionally been a very difficult place to play in. Not this year though. The Broncos are not a good team, and it looks like the Tim Tebow era could be starting soon. Or will it be the Brady Quinn era? Either way, things do not look promising for Denver. I think this spread is way too close and San Diego will cover.

Prediction - San Diego 28 Denver 20

NY Jets (+9.5) at New England
This is another game that I was surprised to see the spread. The Jets have looked bad in each of their last two games, but this is the same team that beat New England twice which included a playoff victory in Foxborough. The Patriots are one of those teams that seek revenge. I think they will get it, but in a rivalry this intense I have a hard time seeing it be a double digit difference.

Prediction - New England 27 NY Jets 24

Green Bay (-6.5) at Atlanta
This is a rematch of last year's NFC Divisional round. The Packers ran away from that one 48-21 in the Georgia Dome. They return Sunday night seeking a 5-0 start. Atlanta has struggled a bit this year and are looking to get on track. They had a big Sunday night win at home in Week 2, I think the Falcons get another one here.

Prediction - Atlanta 31 Green Bay 28

Chicago (+6.5) at Detroit
Monday Night Football returns to Detroit. The Lions are off to an amazing 4-0 start. They have comeback from down 20 or more points in each of the last two weeks. This team feels invincible. The Bears come into Ford Field on Monday night looking to get above .500. The Bears have been up and down throughout the season. Look for Jay Cutler to be down on the ground a lot as Ndamokong Suh will dominate a porous Bears O-Line.

Prediction - Detroit 23 Chicago 14

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

NCAA Football - Week 6 Predictions

Ringer's Record
Last Week ATS: 11-7
Last Week SU: 13-5

Season ATS: 58-37 (61%)
Season SU: 86-16 (84%)

1 Oklahoma (-9.5) vs. 10 Texas at Dallas, TX
The Red River Rivalry is once again a Top 10 matchup. I'm not completely sold that Texas deserves this lofty of a ranking, but a 4-0 start mixed with a load of teams beginning the season ranked higher losing has gotten them here. Oklahoma has struggled against ranked teams this year, but has had too much talent in the end. I expect the same thing to happen here.

Prediction - Oklahoma 31 Texas 24

Vanderbilt (+28.5) at 2 Alabama
Vandy was a nice story when they started off 3-0. Now they are getting into the meat of their schedule. I wouldn't expect too many more wins for the Commodores. 1st Downs will be a rarity this week as they face a vicious Bama D. The Crimson Tide went to Gainesville and spanked the Gators. They should win this one with ease.

Prediction - Alabama 35 Vanderbilt 6

19 Florida (+13.5) at 3 LSU
The schedule doe snot lighten up for the Gators. Florida showed they aren't ready for a return to national prominence just yet after a 38-10 home loss to Alabama. Now they head to Baton Rouge to take on an equally potent LSU squad. To makes matters worse, Florida lost starting QB John Brantley. LSU will roll just like the Tide.

Prediction - LSU 31 Florida 15

4 Boise St. (-21.5) at Fresno St.
Believe it or not, this could be Boise's toughest test en route to an undefeated season. With that said, I fully anticipate the Broncos to have an unblemished record come December. Kellen Moore did not have his typical game against Nevada, but they finally got the running game going. Pat Hill always has his Fresno teams ready for the big boys, but they will fall well short in this one.

Prediction - Boise St. 45 Fresno St. 20

Colorado (+27.5) at 5 Stanford
Andrew Luck is clearly the favorite for the Heisman at this point in the season. Did you see the one-handed catch he made? The mean can do it all. Look for him to put up big numbers against this bad Colorado team. Stanford has covered the spread in every game this year. They will continue that streak in a blowout.

Prediction - Stanford 49 Colorado 14

Kansas (+33.5) at 7 Oklahoma St.
The Pokes return to action after a week off. They proved to be National title contenders with a comeback victory at Texas A&M. Title contenders win games like this easily. That should be the case here. Look for Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon to continue their joint Heisman campaign in a romp.

Prediction - Oklahoma St. 51 Kansas 13

Cal (+24.5) at 8 Oregon
Cal came awfully close to ending Oregon's perfect regular season last year. Despite a down year for the Golden Bears, they came within minutes of knocking off the Ducks. Jeff Tedford is a good coach and will have his team ready to play on Thursday night. The speed and talent for Oregon combined with the Autzen Stadium atmosphere will be too much for Cal to pull the upset this year.

Prediction - Oregon 38 Cal 21

Boston College (+21.5) at 9 Clemson
Has there been a team in the country more impressive than the Clemson Tigers? Clemson is notorious for having tremendous talent and underachieving. They have plenty of talent on the roster this year, but there were not the expectations of year's past. This team is playing loose and finally gets a week where they don;t play a ranked team. Boston College is bad and it will show this week.

Prediction - Clemson 37 Boston College 10

11 Michigan (-5.5) at Northwestern
Is Michigan for real? They sure looked like it in a 58-0 beatdown of Minnesota last week. Let's face it, Minnesota is woeful though. Dan Persa returned for Northwestern last week and had the offense playing well. His defense couldn't hold the lead against Illinois though and they lost 38-35. Michigan started 5-0 last year too. They ended 7-5. I think a similar ending could be in store.

Prediction - Northwestern 31 Michigan 28

17 Auburn (+10.5) at 12 Arkansas
Both of these teams have bounced back nicely from early-season losses. Auburn went on the road to beat a very talented South Carolina team. Arkansas came back from 18 down to defeat Texas A&M. It doesn't appear that either of these teams have what it takes to beat out Alabama or LSU in the SEC West. The winner of this could improve their bowl stock though. I'll take Arkansas close.

Prediction - Arkansas 34 Auburn 28

Maryland (+15.5) at 13 Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech has used a high-octane offense to vault themselves into the Top 15 in the nation. They host of Maryland team that looked dangerous before getting blown out at home by Temple. Any team facing Tech will have the difficult task of stopping Paul Johnson's triple-option attack. I don't see Maryland being that team.

Prediction - Georgia Tech 33 Maryland 17

14 Illinois (-16.5) at Indiana
Bloomington can be a difficult place to play - just ask Penn State. This will not be a cake walk for the Illini. Indiana will have a tough time scoring though. Illinois has a stout defense and the Hoosiers offense is less than stellar. Illinois will continue their hot start, but not without a fight from Indiana.

Prediction - Illinois 24 Indiana 14

Ohio St. (+10.5) at 15 Nebraska
Ohio State has looked really bad in their 2 losses this year. It doesn't get any better for the Buckeyes. They will only return 2 of "Tattoo 5" that were originally supposed to be back for this game. Now they head to Lincoln for the Huskers' first Big Ten home game. This crowd will be revved up, and Ohio State will not have the weapons to overcome that.

Prediction - Nebraska 27 Ohio St. 14

UConn (+20.5) at 16 West Virginia
UConn is the defending Big East champion. West Virginia was the preseason favorite to win the conference this year. You would guess that combination would make for a good game. Guess again. UConn has looked pedestrian during their 2-3 start. They have no chance against this high-powered WVU offense.

Prediction - West Virginia 35 UConn 14

Kentucky (+18.5) at 18 South Carolina
South Carolina lost their SEC opener to Auburn last week. Lucky for them they play in the SEC East which keeps them very much alive. Steve Spurrier has finally seen enough of Stephen Garcia and has turned the wheel over to Connor Shaw at QB. That means we will see a lot of Marcus Lattimore, and that will be enough to lead to an easy victory.

Prediction - South Carolina 34 Kentucky 14

Miami (+7.5) at 20 Virginia Tech
5 weeks into the season and I don't have a gage on how good either of these teams are. Miami has bad losses to Maryland and Kansas State. Virginia Tech looked terrible in a 23-3 home loss to Clemson last week. The truth is that the winner of this game still has a great chance in the ACC. I like V Tech to bounc3e back in a close one.

Prediction - Virginia Tech 26 Miami 21

22 Arizona St. (-3.5) at Utah
Arizona State appears to be an up and down team. They have only lose 1 game, but have been very inconsistent in their play from week to week. This week, they head to Utah as the Utes try to get on track in their inaugural Pac-12 season. The Utes play well at home and expect them to squeak this one out.

Prediction - Utah 28 Arizona St. 25

Missouri (-3.5) at 23 Kansas St.
It's not every week that you see an unranked team favored on the road against a ranked team. That is the case when Missouri heads to the Little Apple to take on Kansas State. I think that Missouri is the more talented team, but you can't discount what K-State has done in their last 2 victories over Miami and Baylor. I don't think they can survive for a third week in a row.

Prediction - Missouri 28 Kansas St. 21

24 Florida St. (-12.5) at Wake Forest
FSU looks to get back on track after 2 consecutive losses. Of course both losses were against teams that currently reside in the Top 10. Wake has been improved this year, but are far away from the Top 10. I think Florida State does get a groove back and wins in Winston-Salem.

Prediction - Florida St. 34 Wake Forest 17

25 Texas A&M (-6.5) at Texas Tech
Texas A&M has blown 2 leads of 17 points or more in consecutive weeks. This is a must-win for Aggies coach Mike Sherman. They travel to Lubbock to square off with undefeated Texas Tech. The Red Raiders have looked good against bad competition. This will be their stiffest test to date. Texas A&M bounces back with a nice road win.

Prediction - Texas A&M 38 Texas Tech 35

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

NCAA Football Top 25 - Week 6

Week 5
1. Oklahoma (5-0) W Ball St 62-6
2. Alabama (5-0) W Fla 38-10
3. LSU (5-0) W Ky 35-7
4. Boise St. (4-0) W Nev 30-10
5. Stanford (4-0) W UCLA 45-19
6. Oklahoma St. (4-0) Idle
7. Wisconsin (5-0) W Neb 48-17
8. Nebraska (4-1) L Wis 19-45
9. Oregon (3-1) Idle
10. South Carolina (4-1) L Aub 13-16
11. Virginia Tech (4-1) L Clem 3-23
12. Florida (4-1) L Bama 10-38
13. Texas A&M (2-2) L Ark 38-42
14. Texas (4-0) W ISU 37-14
15. Baylor (3-1) L KSU 35-36
16. South Florida (4-1) L Pitt 17-44
17. Clemson (5-0) W VT 23-3
18. Michigan (5-0) W Minn 58-0
19. Arkansas (4-1) W TAM 42-38
20. TCU (3-2) L SMU 33-40 OT
21. Illinois (5-0) W NW 38-35
22. West Virginia (4-1) W BGSU 55-10
23. Michigan St. (4-1) W OSU 10-7
24. Georgia Tech (5-0) W NCSU 45-35
25. Florida St. (2-2) Idle

Arizona St. (4-1) W Ore St 35-20
Auburn (4-1) W SC 16-13
Ohio St. (3-2) L MSU 7-10
Penn St. (4-1) W Ind 16-10
Houston (5-0) W UTEP 49-42
Kansas St. (4-0) W Bay 36-35
Iowa St. (3-1) L Tex 14-37
Mississippi St. (2-3) L UGA 10-24
Utah (2-2) L Wash 14-31
North Carolina (4-1) W ECU 35-20
 


Week 6
1. Oklahoma
2. Alabama
3. LSU
4. Boise St.
5. Stanford
6. Wisconsin
7. Oklahoma St.
8. Oregon
9. Clemson
10. Texas
11. Michigan
12. Arkansas
13. Georgia Tech
14. Illinois
15. Nebraska
16. West Virginia
17. Auburn
18. South Carolina
19. Florida
20. Virginia Tech
21. Michigan St.
22. Arizona St.
23. Kansas St.
24. Florida St.
25. Texas A&M

Baylor
Houston
South Florida
Penn St.
North Carolina
Washington
Texas Tech
Notre Dame
Tennessee
Iowa