NCAA Football - Week 10 Predictions

Ringer's Record
Last Week ATS: 11-9
Last Week SU: 18-2

Season ATS: 86-85
Season SU: 148-23

W are now down to the Elite 8 of undefeateds in college football. Missouri and Texas Tech fell from the ranks of the unbeaten last week. Leaving Alabama, Oregon, Florida State, Ohio State, Baylor, Miami, Fresno State, and Northern Illinois as the only teams left without a loss. We are guaranteed to be down at least one more this week as Florida State plays in their second Top 10 battle in three weeks, as they host bitter rival Miami. While I didn't go undefeated with my picks last week, I do finally have a winning record against the spread on the year. Here is how I expect Week 10 to play out. (Rankings based on Ringer Poll)

*Indicates home team

*3 Florida State over 7 Miami 38-24
Mia +21.5

4 Ohio State over *Purdue 41-17
Pur +33.5

8 Clemson over *Virginia 33-17
UVA +17.5

10 Auburn over *Arkansas 30-20
Aub -7.5

*11 Texas A&M over UTEP 48-20
UTEP +46.5

*12 South Carolina over Mississippi State 33-21
SC -11.5

*13 Missouri over Tennessee 30-24
Tenn +10.5

*15 Texas Tech over 19 Oklahoma State 33-30
TT -2.5

*18 Fresno State over Nevada 42-21
FS -20.5

*20 UCLA over Colorado 41-21
Col +28.5

*25 Michigan State over 21 Michigan 27-24
Mich +5.5

22 Northern Illinois over UMass 38-14
NIU -23.5

23 Wisconsin over *Iowa 30-22
Iowa +9.5

*24 Notre Dame over Navy 31-17
Navy +15.5

NFL Power Rankings

Week 9
1. Kansas City (8-0)
2. Seattle (7-1)
3. Denver (7-1)
4. New Orleans (6-1)
5. Indianapolis (5-2)
6. San Francisco (6-2)
7. Cincinnati (6-2)
8. Green Bay (5-2)
9. New England (6-2)
10. Detroit (5-3)
11. Chicago (4-3)
12. San Diego (4-3)
13. Carolina (4-3)
14. Dallas (4-4)
15. Baltimore (3-4)
16. Miami (3-4)
17. Tennessee (3-4)
18. Arizona (4-4)
19. NY Jets (4-4)
20. Washington (2-5)
21. Atlanta (2-5)
22. St. Louis (3-5)
23. Philadelphia (3-5)
24. Cleveland (3-5)
25. Oakland (3-4)
26. Pittsburgh (2-5)
27. Buffalo (3-5)
28. NY Giants (2-6)
29. Houston (2-5)
30. Minnesota (1-6)
31. Tampa Bay (0-7)
32. Jacksonville (0-8)

2013-2014 NBA Predictions

NBA Hoops are back! The season tips off tomorrow night with my picks to win each conference both in action. In a highly anticipated matchup LeBron and the Heat take on the Bulls in Derrick Rose's return to the court. Out west it's the battle of LA, and the Lakers aren't the team to beat. The NBA season is a grind that won't conclude until June, but when it's all said and done I see LeBron furthering his legacy with a 3rd consecutive title. Then, let another summer of LeBron begin. Here is how I expect the 2013-2014 NBA season to unfold. (Playoff teams are listed in bold and italics)

Eastern Conference

Atlantic 
New York 55-27
Brooklyn 54-28
Boston 34-48
Toronto 29-53
Philadelphia 24-58

Southeast
Miami 66-16
Washington 45-37
Atlanta 33-49
Orlando 25-57
Charlotte 21-61

Central
Indiana 51-31
Chicago 50-32
Cleveland 43-39
Detroit 41-41
Milwaukee 29-53

Western Conference

Southwest
San Antonio 56-26
Memphis 51-31
Houston 50-32
Dallas 41-41
New Orleans 27-55

Northwest
Oklahoma City 54-28
Denver 45-37
Minnesota 43-39
Portland 34-48
Utah 28-54

Pacific
LA Clippers 60-22
Golden State 52-30
LA Lakers 38-44
Sacramento 31-51
Phoenix 20-62

East Quarters
(1) Miami over (8) Detroit
(5) Chicago over (4) Indiana
(3) Brooklyn over (6) Washington
(2) New York over (7) Cleveland

West Quarters
(1) LA Clippers over (8) Minnesota
(4) Golden State over (5) Memphis
(3) Oklahoma City over (6) Houston
(2) San Antonio over (7) Denver

East Semis
(1) Miami over (5) Chicago
(3) Brooklyn over (2) New York

West Semis
(1) LA Clippers over (4) Golden State
(2) San Antonio over (3) Oklahoma City

East Finals
(1) Miami over (3) Brooklyn

West Finals
(1) LA Clippers over (2) San Antonio

NBA Finals
(1) Miami over (1) LA Clippers

Finals MVP - LeBron James
NBA MVP - LeBron James
Defensive POY - Dwight Howard
Rookie of the Year - Ben McLemore
Coach of the Year - Doc Rivers
6th Man of the Year - Jamal Crawford

NCAA Football Ringer Poll

10/28/13

1. Alabama (8-0)
2. Oregon (8-0)
3. Florida State (7-0)
4. Ohio State (8-0)
5. Baylor (7-0)
6. Stanford (7-1)
7. Miami (7-0)
8. Clemson (7-1)
9. LSU (7-2)
10. Auburn (7-1)
11. Texas A&M (6-2)
12. South Carolina (6-2)
13. Missouri (7-1)
14. Oklahoma (7-1)
15. Texas Tech (7-1)
16. UCF (6-1)
17. Louisville (7-1)
18. Fresno State (7-0)
19. Oklahoma State (6-1)
20. UCLA (5-2)
21. Michigan (6-1)
22. Northern Illinois (8-0)
23. Wisconsin (5-2)
24. Notre Dame (6-2)
25. Michigan State (7-1)

Up Next
Arizona State (5-2)
Texas (5-2)
Georgia (4-3)
Florida (4-3)
Ole Miss (5-3)
Ball State (8-1)
BYU (6-2)
Houston (6-1)
Virginia Tech (6-2)
Washington (5-3)

NFL - Week 8 Predictions

Ringer's Record
Last Week ATS: 7-8
Last Week SU: 9-6

Season ATS: 50-57
Season SU: 67-40

We head into the unofficial midway point of the NFL season, without a ton of surprises so far. Sure not many people saw Kansas City being 7-0, or the Giants being 1-6, but most other teams are in the neighborhood we thought they would be in. This is about when you can really start separating the pretenders from contenders. Who will make a move? I hope I do ATS. Here is how I expect Week 8 to unfold.

*Indicates home team

Carolina over *Tampa Bay 27-21
Car -5.5 

San Francisco over *Jacksonville 30-12
SF -16.5

Dallas over *Detroit 22-21
Dall +3.5

NY Giants over *Philadelphia 19-17
NYG +5.5

*Kansas City over Cleveland 24-16
KC -7.5

*New Orleans over Buffalo 31-19
NO -11.5

*New England over Miami 28-19
NE -6.5

*Cincinnati over NY Jets 26-17
Cin -6.5

Pittsburgh over *Oakland 24-15
Pit -2.5

*Denver over Washington 37-28
Wash +13.5

Atlanta over *Arizona 29-24
Atl +2.5

Green Bay over *Minnesota 26-20
Minn +9.5

Seattle over *St. Louis 30-14
Sea -11.5

NCAA Football - Week 9 Predictions

Ringer's Record
Last Week ATS: 12-8
Last Week SU: 13-7

Season ATS: 75-76
Season SU: 130-21

The initial BCS standings were unveiled Sunday night, and boy were there some shakeups. Exactly half of last week's Top 10 lost, meaning some unlikely teams found their way into the Top 10 this week. Missouri, Miami, Baylor, and Texas Tech have all gone from off the radar to suddenly in the mix for a national championship. The biggest surprise of all may have came when Florida State propelled itself into 2nd with the most impressive win of the year so far at Clemson. Here is how I expect Week 9 to play out. (Rankings based on Ringer Poll)

*Indicates home team

*1 Alabama over Tennessee 35-16
Tenn +28

*2 Oregon over 11 UCLA 38-24
UCLA +23

*3 Florida State over NC State 44-21
NCSU +32.5

*4 Ohio State over Penn State 34-19
OSU -14.5

5 Baylor over *Kansas 40-23
Kan +35

6 Stanford over *Oregon State 30-24
Stan -4

15 South Carolina over *7 Missouri 30-27
SC +3

*8 Miami over Wake Forest 35-19
Wake +23.5

*20 Oklahoma over 9 Texas Tech 28-24
TT +7

10 Clemson over *Maryland 33-20
Md +14.5

*12 LSU over Furman 54-10
Fur +49.5

*13 Auburn over Florida Atlantic 37-16
FAU +24.5

*14 Texas A&M over Vanderbilt 35-24
Vandy +17.5

*16 UCF over UConn 30-16
UConn +23.5

17 Louisville over *South Florida 35-13
Lou -20.5

18 Fresno State over *San Diego State 35-25
FS -9

19 Oklahoma State over *Iowa State 34-20
OKSU -13.5

21 Nebraska over *Minnesota 30-23
Minn +11.5

*23 Northern Illinois over Eastern Michigan 44-20
EMU +31.5

*24 Virginia Tech over Duke 28-17
Duke +13.5

NFL Power Rankings

Week 8
1. Kansas City (7-0)
2. Seattle (6-1)
3. Denver (6-1)
4. New Orleans (5-2)
5. Indianapolis (5-2)
6. San Francisco (5-2)
7. Cincinnati (5-2)
8. Green Bay (4-2)
9. New England (5-2)
10. Dallas (4-3)
11. Detroit (4-3)
12. Chicago (4-3)
13. San Diego (4-3)
14. Carolina (3-3)
15. NY Jets (4-3)
16. Miami (3-3)
17. Baltimore (3-4)
18. Atlanta (2-4)
19. Tennessee (3-4)
20. Washington (2-4)
21. Pittsburgh (2-4)
22. Philadelphia (3-4)
23. St. Louis (3-4)
24. Arizona (3-4)
25. Cleveland (3-4)
26. Buffalo (3-4)
27. Houston (2-5)
28. Oakland (2-4)
29. NY Giants (1-6)
30. Minnesota (1-5)
31. Tampa Bay (0-6)
32. Jacksonville (0-7)

MLB Playoffs - World Series Prediction

Ringer's Record
LCS: 1-1
Playoffs: 5-3

I haven't been quite as accurate with my picks in the 2013 MLB Playoffs as I was in 2012 when I picked every single series correctly. I still have a winning record though, and the team I picked to win it all at the All-Star Break has advanced to the Fall Classic. Of course I picked the Angels to win the World Series back in March, but had to adjust that pick when it became evident that the Angels wouldn't make the postseason. The Cardinals became my mid season pick, and he they are. Who will walk away world champions? We will find out beginning Wednesday. I see no reason to run away from my pick in July.

World Series

Boston (97-65) vs. St. Louis (97-65)

Teams did not play in the regular season


Boston Probable Lineup
1. Jacoby Ellsbury  CF
2. Shane Victorino  RF
3. Dustin Pedroia  2B
4. David Ortiz  DH
5. Mike Napoli  1B
6. Jarrod Saltalamacchia  C
7. Daniel Nava  LF
8. Stephen Drew  SS
9. Xander Bogaerts  3B

Boston Probable Rotation
1. Jon Lester
2. John Lackey
3. Clay Buchholz
4. Jake Peavy

St. Louis Probable Lineup
1. Matt Carpenter  2B
2. Carlos Beltran  RF
3. Matt Holliday  LF
4. Yadier Molina  C
5. David Freese  3B
6. Allen Craig  DH
7. Matt Adams  1B
8. Jon Jay  CF
9. Pete Kozma  SS

St. Louis Probable Rotation
1. Adam Wainwright
2. Michael Wacha
3. Joe Kelly
4. Lance Lynn

Prediction - St. Louis over Boston 4-2

Two of the best baseball towns in all of America are vying for a World Series title. If St. Louis wins it all, it will be their second world title in three years, keeping St. Louis and San Francisco as the only teams to win the World Series since 2010. If Boston wins it all it will be their third world title in ten years, including the win over St. Louis in 2004. When it is all said and done the Cardinals will get revenge from that loss nearly a decade ago and bring home another World Series championship to St. Louis.

NCAA Football Ringer Poll

10/21/13

1. Alabama (7-0)
2. Oregon (7-0)
3. Florida State (6-0)
4. Ohio State (7-0)
5. Baylor (6-0)
6. Stanford (6-1)
7. Missouri (7-0)
8. Miami (6-0)
9. Texas Tech (7-0)
10. Clemson (6-1)
11. UCLA (5-1)
12. LSU (6-2)
13. Auburn (6-1)
14. Texas A&M (5-2)
15. South Carolina (5-2)
16. UCF (5-1)
17. Louisville (6-1)
18. Fresno State (6-0)
19. Oklahoma State (5-1)
20. Oklahoma (6-1)
21. Nebraska (5-1)
22. Michigan (6-1)
23. Northern Illinois (7-0)
24. Virginia Tech (6-1)
25. Wisconsin (5-2)

Up Next
Notre Dame (5-2)
Michigan State (6-1)
Arizona State (5-2)
Oregon State (6-1)
Georgia (4-3)
Texas (4-2)
Florida (4-3)
Ole Miss (4-3)
Ball State (7-1)
BYU (5-2)

NFL - Week 7 Predictions

Ringer's Record
Last Week ATS: 6-9
Last Week SU: 10-5

Season ATS: 43-49
Season SU: 58-34

It's been a wild year so far. Not many of my predictions have been wrong, but one thing I've been right about is the Denver Broncos. They were my preseason pick to win the Super Bowl, and they haven't disappointed to this point. Denver is one of two remaining undefeated teams. The other one is their division rival, Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs may very well go to 7-0 this week, but all eyes will be on the Broncos. Peyton Manning returns to Indianapolis this week in what should be an emotionally charged football game. Here is how I expect Week 8 to play out.

*Indicates home team

Seattle over *Arizona 26-16
Sea -6.5

New England over *NY Jets 24-16
NE -4.5

San Diego over *Jacksonville 27-17
SD -8

Cincinnati over *Detroit 26-24
Cin +3

*Miami over Buffalo 27-20
Buff +8

Chicago over Washington 27-22
Chi +1

Dallas over *Philadelphia 26-24
Dall +2.5

*Carolina over St. Louis 25-21
StL +6.5

*Atlanta over Tampa Bay 28-21
Atl -6.5

San Francisco over *Tennessee 23-16
SF -5

*Kansas City over Houston 24-20
Hou +6.5

*Green Bay over Cleveland 27-19
Cle +10

Baltimore over *Pittsburgh 20-17
Bal +1.5

Denver over *Indianapolis 28-18
Den -7

*NY Giants over Minnesota 25-22
Minn +3.5

NCAA Football - Week 8 Predictions

Ringer's Record
Last Week ATS: 6-11
Last Week SU: 13-4

Season ATS: 63-68
Season SU: 117-14

There were a few upsets last week for the first time this season. The timing couldn't have been better. The initial BCS Standings will be revealed this Sunday. It will be interesting to see what this weekend has in store. We know one thing is for sure, there will definitely be at least one ACC team near the top of the standings. Clemson and Florida State are both projected to be the top 5. The two teams square off Saturday night which ensures the winner will be very much alive in the national championship race. Here is how I expect Week 8 to play out. (Rankings based on Ringer Poll)

*Indicates home team

*1 Alabama over Arkansas 38-12
Ark +28.5

*2 Oregon over Washington State 43-17
WSU +39.5

*3 Ohio State over Iowa 35-20
Iowa +17

*4 Clemson over 5 Florida State 30-28
Clem +3

*6 Louisville over UCF 33-21
UCF +12.5

*7 Texas A&M over Auburn 38-23
TAM -13

8 LSU over *Ole Miss 30-23
Miss +9

*13 Stanford over 9 UCLA 31-27
UCLA +6

10 South Carolina over *Tennessee 33-21
SC -7.5

11 Miami over *North Carolina 37-27
Mia -9.5

*12 Baylor over Iowa State 41-24
ISU +33.5

22 Florida over *14 Missouri 26-23
Fla -2.5

15 Texas Tech over *West Virginia 31-23
TT -6

16 Georgia over *Vanderbilt 31-27
Vandy +8

*17 Fresno State over UNLV 45-23
UNLV +26

*18 Oklahoma State over TCU 29-21
OKSU -7.5

19 Oklahoma over *Kansas 35-16
Kan +23.5

*21 Michigan over Indiana 38-23
Mich -8

*23 Notre Dame over USC 27-22
ND -3.5

24 Northern Illinois over *Central Michigan 38-20
NIU -16.5

NFL Power Rankings

Week 7
1. Denver (6-0)
2. Kansas City (6-0)
3. Seattle (5-1)
4. New England (5-1)
5. New Orleans (5-1)
6. Indianapolis (4-2)
7. San Francisco (4-2)
8. Cincinnati (4-2)
9. Green Bay (3-2)
10. Chicago (4-2)
11. Detroit (4-2)
12. Miami (3-2)
13. Baltimore (3-3)
14. Dallas (3-3)
15. Tennessee (3-3)
16. San Diego (3-3)
17. Philadelphia (3-3)
18. St. Louis (3-3)
19. Arizona (3-3)
20. Carolina (2-3)
21. NY Jets (3-3)
22. Cleveland (3-3)
23. Atlanta (1-4)
24. Washington (1-4)
25. Houston (2-4)
26. Minnesota (1-4)
27. Pittsburgh (1-4)
28. Buffalo (2-4)
29. Oakland (2-4)
30. NY Giants (0-6)
31. Tampa Bay (0-5)
32. Jacksonville (0-6)

NCAA Football - Ringer Poll

10/14/13

1. Alabama (6-0)
2. Oregon (6-0)
3. Ohio State (6-0)
4. Clemson (6-0)
5. Florida State (5-0)
6. Louisville (6-0)
7. Texas A&M (5-1)
8. LSU (6-1)
9. UCLA (5-0)
10. South Carolina (5-1)
11. Miami (5-0)
12. Baylor (5-0)
13. Stanford (5-1)
14. Missouri (6-0)
15. Texas Tech (6-0)
16. Georgia (4-2)
17. Fresno State (5-0)
18. Oklahoma State (4-1)
19. Oklahoma (5-1)
20. Nebraska (5-1)
21. Michigan (5-1)
22. Florida (4-2)
23. Notre Dame (4-2)
24. Northern Illinois (6-0)
25. Virginia Tech (6-1)

Next Up
Michigan State (5-1)
Washington (4-2)
Arizona State (4-2)
Wisconsin (4-2)
Northwestern (4-2)
UCF (4-1)
Auburn (5-1)
Oregon State (5-1)
Texas (4-2)
Utah (4-2)

2013 MLB Playoffs - Championship Series Predictions

Ringer's Record
Division Series: 3-1
Playoffs: 4-2

My Division Series picks were fairly accurate, minus my pick to go against the Vegas favorite LA Dodgers. The Dodgers disposed of the Braves in 4, setting up an NLCS ,tach up with the Cardinals. St. Louis defeated the darling Pittsburgh Pirates in a thrilling 5-game series. In the American League it was Boston and Detroit marching on to face each other. The Red Sox have been on top of the AL for much of the season, but it's the Tigers who have been deemed the best team by many in the media. The NLCS gets started tomorrow and the ALCS will begin this weekend. Here is a look at who I expect to move on to the World Series.

ALCS

Detroit (93-69) vs. Boston (97-65)

Tigers won season series 4-3

Detroit Season Stats
BA - .283
RPG - 4.91
ERA - 3.61

Boston Season Stats
BA - .277
RPG - 5.27
ERA - 3.79

The Detroit Tigers had to fight off two elimination games with the pesky Oakland A's in order to get back to their second consecutive ALCS. They will meet the mighty Boston Red Sox this time around. Boston's bounce back year was continued by disposing of the Rays in four.  Boston lead the AL in runs scored this year and Detroit was right behind them. But as we all know, the postseason is about pitching. The Tigers can throw an unfair rotation at you. That is why I like the Tigers to get back to the World Series.

Prediction - Detroit over Boston 4-2


NLCS

LA Dodgers (92-70) vs. St. Louis (97-65)

Dodgers won season series 4-3

LA Dodgers Season Stats
BA - .264
RPG - 4.00
ERA - 3.25

St. Louis Season Stats 
BA - .269
RPG - 4.83
ERA - 3.42

St. Louis has played in its share of win or go home games in recent years. Their ability to win those types of games has lead the Cards to their third straight NLCS. They will meet up with the LA Dodgers. The Dodgers have had a phenomenal turnaround to their season. Their season continues in the NLCS, but that is where it will end. The Cardinals have too much depth and experience to bail now.

Prediction - St. Louis over LA Dodgers 4-1

NFL - Week 6 Predictions

Ringer's Record
Last Week ATS: 5-9
Last Week SU: 10-4

Season ATS: 37-40
Season SU: 48-29

There are three games on the NFL slate this week that feature teams with winning records squaring off. The headliner is the undefeated Saints traveling to New England to take on the Patriots. The others are Tennessee at Seattle and yes, the Cleveland Browns hosting Detroit. For the record that is true. The Browns and Lions are playing a mutually meaningful game. Here is how I expect Week 6 to unfold.

*Indicates home team

*Chicago over NY Giants 28-20
Chi -7.5

*Kansas City over Oakland 28-13
KC -8

Philadelphia over *Tampa Bay 24-21
Phil -2

*Baltimore over Green Bay 30-27
Bal +3

Detroit over *Cleveland 21-20
Cle +3.5

*Minnesota over Carolina 24-21
Minn -2.5

*Houston over St. Louis 24-15
Hou -7.5

*NY Jets over Pittsburgh 26-24
Pit +2.5

Cincinnati over *Buffalo 23-14
Cin -7

*Seattle over Tennessee 28-13
Sea -13.5

*Denver over Jacksonville 41-14
Den -26.5

*San Francisco over Arizona 27-16
SF -10.5

*New England over New Orleans 28-20
NE -1.5

*Dallas over Washington 28-26
Wash +6.5

Indianapolis over *San Diego 30-24
Ind -2.5

NCAA Football - Week 7 Predictions

Ringer's Record
Last Week ATS: 14-8
Last Week SU: 21-1

Season ATS: 57-57
Season SU: 104-10

It is hard to believe that after this week's games most of the teams in the country will be half way done with their season. Let the final year of BCS Chaos begin. Thre are still 15 teams with an unblemished record, with 11 of them in action this week. My picks say that Missouri will be the only undefeated team to go down this week, leaving us with plenty of chances to justify blowing up the BCS at the end of the season. Here is how I expect Week 7 to play out. (Rankings based on Ringer Poll)

*Indicates home team
**Indicates neutral site

1 Alabama over *Kentucky 40-14
Ky +28.5

2 Oregon over *20 Washington 38-27
Wash +14.5

*4 Clemson over Boston College 41-14
Clem -25.5

5 Stanford over *Utah 40-21
Stan -9.5

*7 Louisville over Rutgers 35-19
Rut +18.5

*8 Georgia over Missouri 42-25
UGA -9.5

9 Texas A&M over *Ole Miss 42-28
TAM -6.5

*10 LSU over 17 Florida 32-28
Fla +7.5

**11 Oklahoma over Texas 35-26
Tex +14.5

*12 UCLA over Cal 42-23
Cal +25.5

13 South Carolina over *Arkansas 33-20
SC -6.5

15 Michigan over *Penn State 31-23
Mich -3.5

16 Baylor over *Kansas State 42-33
KSU +17.5

*18 Texas Tech over Iowa State 38-21
TT -13.5

*Wisconsin over 19 Nortthwestern 30-27
NW +10.5

23 Nebraska over *Purdue 41-24
Neb -14.5

*25 Nothern Illinois over Akron 45-23
Akr +23.5

NFL Power Rankings

Week 6
1. Denver (5-0)
2. New Orleans (5-0)
3. Kansas City (5-0)
4. Indianapolis (4-1)
5. Seattle (4-1)
6. San Francisco (3-2)
7. Cincinnati (3-2)
8. New England (4-1)
9. Green Bay (2-2)
10. Chicago (3-2)
11. Baltimore (3-2)
12. Miami (3-2)
13. Detroit (3-2)
14. Tennessee (3-2)
15. Dallas (2-3)
16. NY Jets (3-2)
17. Arizona (3-2)
18. Cleveland (3-2)
19. Atlanta (1-4)
20. Washington (1-3)
21. Houston (2-3)
22. Philadelphia (2-3)
23. St. Louis (2-3)
24. San Diego (2-3)
25. Minnesota (1-3)
26. Buffalo (2-3)
27. Carolina (1-3)
28. Oakland (2-3)
29. Pittsburgh (0-4)
30. NY Giants (0-5)
31. Tampa Bay (0-4)
32. Jacksonville (0-5)

NCAA Football - Ringer Poll

10/7/13

1. Alabama (5-0)
2. Oregon (5-0)
3. Ohio State (6-0)
4. Clemson (5-0)
5. Stanford (5-0)
6. Florida State (5-0)
7. Louisville (5-0)
8. Georgia (4-1)
9. Texas A&M (4-1)
10. LSU (5-1)
11. Oklahoma (5-0)
12. UCLA (4-0)
13. South Carolina (4-1)
14. Miami (5-0)
15. Michigan (5-0)
16. Baylor (4-0)
17. Florida (4-1)
18. Texas Tech (5-0)
19. Northwestern (4-1)
20. Washington (4-1)
21. Fresno State (5-0)
22. Oklahoma State (4-1)
23. Nebraska (4-1)
24. Notre Dame (4-2)
25. Northern Illinois (5-0)

Next Up
Michigan State (4-1)
Virginia Tech (5-1)
Missouri (5-0)
Arizona State (3-2)
Wisconsin (3-2)
UCF (4-1)
Auburn (4-1)
Rutgers (4-1)
Ole Miss (3-2)
Oregon State (4-1)

2013 MLB Playoffs - Division Series Predictions

The Wild Card game continued to serve its purpose, as it provided some intense baseball if not dramatic. In the end, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Tampa Bay Rays survived their winner take all games and advanced to the Division Series. When the season began, I picked the LA Angels to win the World Series. Well, the Angels finished below .500 and therefore didn't even qualify for the playoffs. Hopefully my picks are better in the postseason. Here is how I expect the Division Series to play out.

ALDS

Tampa Bay (91-71) vs. Boston (97-65)

Red Sox won season series 12-7

Tampa Bay Season Stats
BA - .257
RPG - 4.32
ERA - 3.74

Boston Season Stats
BA - .277
RPG - 5.27
ERA - 3.79

The Tampa Bay Rays have already staved off two elimination games to get to this point. They beat Texas just to get into the Wild Card, then disposed of my Cleveland Indians to advance to the ALDS. They will meet their AL East rival, Boston Red Sox. Boston had a huge bounce back year after 2012's embarrassment. The Red Sox did it with their bats all season. These two teams have won in completely different ways this year. I like Boston to keep winning.

Prediction - Boston over Tampa Bay 3-2


Detroit (93-69) vs. Oakland (96-66)

A's won season series 4-3

Detroit Season Stats
BA - .283
RPG - 4.91
ERA - 3.61

Oakland Season Stats
BA - .254
RPG - 4.73
ERA - 3.56

The A's proved to have staying power as they surpassed 90 wins again in 2013. I wasn't sure that Oakland could get back into the postseason, but they did it with relative ease. They will face off with detroit in the ALDS for the second consecutive year. The Tigers once again possess the AL's best pitcher and hitter. The only difference from last year is that Maz Scherzer was the league's best pitcher, not Justin Verlander. I've tossed and turned about this pick, but I'm going with the Tigers.

Prediction - Detroit over Oakland 3-2

NLDS

St. Louis (97-65) vs. Pittsburgh (94-68)

Pirates won season series 10-9

St. Louis Season Stats
BA - .269
RPG - 4.83
ERA - 3.42

Pittsburgh Season Stats
BA - .245
RPG - 3.91
ERA - 3.26

The Pirates are back in the postseason for the first time since 1992. They intend to make it worth everyone's wait. The Cardinals are well acquainted with playoff baseball. The Cardinals have won two World Series since 2006. These teams battled throughout the entire season, with the Cardinals eventually winning the NL Central and therefore earning home field for this series. The Pirates won the season series though. I made an adjustment at the All-Star break and said I thought the Cards would win another World Series. I don;t know how I feel about that now, but I do think they end the Pirates dream season.

Prediction - St. Louis over Pittsburgh 3-1


Atlanta (96-66) vs. LA Dodgers (92-70)

Braves won season series 5-2
Atlanta Season Stats
BA - .249
RPG - 4.25
ERA - 3.18

LA Dodgers Season Stats
BA - .264
RPG - 4.00
ERA - 3.25

Atlanta was my preseason pick to represent the NL in the World Series. They played like it for much of the year. The Braves pitching staff was outstanding and they always seem to get some timely hitting. The Dodgers were dead in the water when summer began. But then they went on a run never seen before that completely turned their season around. LA sputtered down the stretch though. Can they find their summer swagger? I don't think they will against this pitching staff.

Prediction - Atlanta over LA Dodgers 3-1

NFL - Week 5 Predictions

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

Season ATS: 32-31
Season SU: 38-25

It is rare that you have five teams reach the 4-0 mark in a season, but that is what we have in 2013. Denver, Seattle, New Orleans, New England, and Kansas City all remain undefeated. All of them have the chance to move to 5-0 this weekend. I on the other hand, am just barely floating over .500 ATS. Can I make a move this week? Here is how I expect Week 5 to unfold.

*Indicates home team

*Cleveland over Buffalo 20-17
Buff +4.5

Kansas City over *Tennessee 21-19
Tenn +3.5

Baltimore over *Miami 22-21
Bal +3.5

*St. Louis over Jacksonville 26-14
StL -11.5

New England over *Cincinnati 24-17
NE -1.5

Seattle over *Indianapolis 27-24
Sea -2.5

*Green Bay over Detroit 30-28
Det +7.5

New Orleans over *Chicago 31-24
NO -1.5

Philadelphia over *NY Giants 26-24
Phil +2.5

*Arizona over Carolina 20-17
Arz +2.5

Denver over *Dallas 35-19
Den -9.5

*San Francisco over Houston 23-20
Hou +6.5

San Diego over *Oakland 26-14
SD -5.5

*Atlanta over NY Jets 27-17
Atl -9.5

NCAA Football - Week 6 Predictions

Ringer's Record
Last Week ATS: 8-7
Last Week SU: 14-1

Season ATS: 43-49
Season SU: 83-9

Nerds rule is the theme for this week's slate of college football games. The two marquee matchups involve schools that are more well know for their academics than their athletics. #5 Stanford hosts #17 Washington, while #16 and Northwestern hosts #3 Ohio State in a battle of Big Ten unbeatens. Can Stanford and Northwestern's football teams give their school's a repuatation for football? Wins this weekend would go a long way. Here is how I expect Week 6 to play out. (Rankings based on Ringer Poll)

*Indicates home team

*1 Alabama over Georgia State 49-3
GSU +55.5

2 Oregon over *Colorado 51-27
Col +38.5

3 Ohio State over *16 Northwestern 35-24
OSU -5.5

4 Clemson over *Syracuse 42-24
Clem -13.5

*5 Stanford over over 17 Washington 35-20
Stan -7.5

6 Louisville over *Temple 44-17
Temp +34

*7 Florida State over Maryland 34-17
FSU -15.5

8 Georgia over *Tennessee 41-21
UGA -10.5

10 LSU over *Mississippi State 38-23
LSU -9.5

*11 Oklahoma over TCU 31-20
Okla -10.5

12 UCLA over *Utah 41-26
UCLA -5.5

*13 South Carolina over Kentucky 38-20
Ky +21

*14 Miami over Georgia Tech 31-23
Mia -5

*15 Michigan over Minnesota 38-20
Minn +18.5

*18 Florida over Arkansas 31-12
Fla -10.5

*19 Baylor over West Virginia 38-21
WVU +28.5

20 Texas Tech over *Kansas 33-20
Kan +17.5

21 Fresno State over *Idaho 42-20
Ida +26

Notre Dame over 22 Arizona State 28-25
ND +5.5

*23 Oklahoma State over Kansas State 30-23
KSU +14

*24 Nebraska over Illinois 38-21
Neb -9.5

25 Ole Miss over *Auburn 28-26
Aub +2.5

NFL Power Rankings

Week 5
1. Denver (4-0)
2. Seattle (4-0)
3. New England (4-0)
4. New Orleans (4-0)
5. Kansas City (4-0)
6. Chicago (3-1)
7. Indianapolis (3-1)
8. San Francisco (2-2)
9. Miami (3-1)
10. Cincinnati (2-2)
11. Green Bay (1-2)
12. Detroit (3-1)
13. Tennessee (3-1)
14. Baltimore (2-2)
15. Atlanta (1-3)
16. Houston (2-2)
17. San Diego (2-2)
18. Dallas (2-2)
19. Carolina (1-2)
20. Washington (1-3)
21. Arizona (2-2)
22. NY Jets (2-2)
23. Buffalo (2-2)
24. Cleveland (2-2)
25. St. Louis (1-3)
26. Philadelphia (1-3)
27. Minnesota (1-3)
28. Pittsburgh (0-4)
29. NY Giants (0-4)
30. Tampa Bay (0-4)
31. Oakland (1-3)
32. Jacksonville (0-4)