NFL Week 8 Predictions

!Upset
*Big Game
**Game of the Week


Indianapolis Colts (0-7) v.s. Tennessee Titans (3-3) (TEN -9, O/U 42)
     The Colts haven't done anything right this whole season. The Titans meanwhile have had a nice season, but last week took away some momentum. Luckily they are at home facing the lowly Colts, so the Titans should be able to get back on track.
Tennessee 24-10
Spread: Tennessee
O/U: Under

Marques Colston

New Orleans Saints (5-2) v.s. St. Louis Rams (0-6) (NO -14, O/U 47.5)
     The Saints should be able to do anything they want today offensively because the Rams can't stop the run and no one is able to slow down Drew Brees. If the Saints keep up the defense, it could be similar to their win last week against Indianapolis.
New Orleans 38-16
Spread: New Orleans
O/U: Over


Miami Dolphins (0-6) v.s. New York Giants (4-2) (NYG -10, O/U 42)
     The Dolphins are pathetic and the Giants are playing good football. I don't expect the Giants to fall into a trap like they did against Seattle because Eli Manning has actually been playing consistent football this year. I like the Giants at home easy.

Eli Manning

New York 30-10
Spread: New York
O/U: Under


Minnesota Vikings (1-6) v.s. Carolina Panthers (2-5) (CAR -4, O/U 47)
     The Vikings played very well against the Packers last week in Christian Ponders first start. We'll see how he fares on the road today against Carolina. Cam Newton and the Panthers will be able to score against the Vikings defense which will ultimately allow Carolina to get the victory.
Carolina 27-21
Spread: Carolina
O/U: Over


Arizona Cardinals (1-5) v.s. Baltimore Ravens (4-2) (BAL -13, O/U 43.5)
     The Ravens have been playing terrific defense while the offense disappears from time to time. There shouldn't be any disappearing today against a weak Arizona team, but I do think Arizona can hang around.

DeMeco Ryans

Baltimore 27-16
Spread: Arizona
O/U: Under



Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5) v.s. Houston Texans (4-3) (HOU -10, O/U 40)
     Houston's win last week saved their season. Even with their injury concerns, they are still a formidable team. With Jacksonville coming in, Houston possesses quality matchups all over the field. Jacksonville's defense keeps them in the game like they do any other game, but Houston rides momentum for a home victory.
Houston 23-14
Spread: Jacksonville
O/U: Under


*Washington Redskins (3-3) v.s. Buffalo Bills (4-2) (BUF -6, O/U 45.5)

George Wilson

     Washington is stumbling into Buffalo. It will be key for them to regain their defensive form that allowed them to start off so strong while they also need to get the offense moving. If Buffalo gets off to a good start, it should be smooth sailing.
Buffalo 27-20
Spread: Buffalo
O/U: Over


*Detroit Lions (5-2) v.s. Denver Broncos (2-4) (DET -3, O/U 41.5)
     A lot depends on Matthew Stafford's health in this matchup. Either way, I like the Lions defensive line to pummel Tim Tebow all day. We saw what happens when the pocket breaks down to Tebow, he turns his back, he throws arrant balls, but occasionally he will have a spectacular run. I don't see Tebow and the rest of the Broncos doing enough to defeat a Lions team desperate not to lose 3 straight.
Detroit 31-13
Spread: Detroit
O/U: Over


*New England Patriots (5-1) v.s. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) (NE -3, O/U 52.5)

Rob Gronkowski

     Boy do I love this matchup. This should be high scoring on paper, but when the Patriots played the Cowboys in what was supposed to be a high scoring game, it ended up being only 20-16. The Patriots are not immortal, the Cowboys proved that you can contain Tom Brady and hold the Patriots under 30 points. But the Patriots have had too much success recently against the Steelers for Ben Roethlisberger and co. to keep up with the scoring. The Patriots will prevail thanks to some big defensive plays.
New England 31-24
Spread: New England
O/U: Over


*Cleveland Browns (3-3) v.s. San Francisco 49ers (5-1) (SF -9, O/U 38.5)
     The Browns are anemic offensively. Even in the games they have won, they just don't score many points. San Francisco has a top notch defense which will control the entire game. The 49ers have no trouble in this one.
San Francisco 20-7
Spread: San Francisco
O/U: Under


Cincinnati Bengals (4-2) v.s. Seattle Seahawks (2-4) (CIN -1, O/U 37.5)
     The Bengals can move to 5-2 with a win while the Seahawks can pretty much kiss their playoff hopes goodbye with a loss today. I think Seattle, when they play good defense, is not a terrible team. We have seen that they can beat good teams like the Giants. I think Cincinnati, on the road today, will struggle to put up points against a charged up Seahawks team. Seattle wins in a tight one.

Sean Lee

Seattle 16-13!
Spread: Seattle
O/U: Under



**Dallas Cowboys (3-3) v.s. Philadelphia Eagles (2-4) (PHI -4, O/U 48.5)
     This game might turn around both teams seasons. The Cowboys have shown that they can play with anyone while the Eagles have shown that they are nowhere near as good as everyone thought they were. The key tonight is which quarterback protects the ball better, Tony Romo or Michael Vick. Given the fact that the Cowboys are capable of forcing Tom Brady into turning the ball over, I think Romo protects the ball, puts up some points en route to a huge victory over sinking Philadelphia.
Dallas 33-27!
Spread: Dallas
O/U: Dallas


*San Diego Chargers (4-2) v.s. Kansas City Chiefs (3-3) (SD -4, O/U 44.5)

Matt Cassel

     This is a tough game to predict. San Diego has been playing okay football this year while the Chiefs after a miserable start are getting their act together even without their two best players Jamaal Charles and Eric Berry. This is a big game for Phillip Rivers in particular. He hasn't been playing like he is hyped up to be. He needs to limit mistakes and actually put points up on the board. I don't see Rivers having a good day as the Chiefs confuse the Chargers offense most of the night to get the win in overtime.
Kansas City 24-21 OT!
Spread: Kansas City
O/U: Over


Last Week: 7-6
Season: 76-27
Last Week Against Spread: 6-7
Season: 61-42
Last Week Upsets: 1-1
Season: 7-6
Last Week Over/Under: 7-6
Season: 13-13
Last Week Big Games: 4-1
Season: 27-8
Last Week Big Games Against Spread: 3-2
Season: 24-11
Last Week Game of the Week: 0-1
Season: 5-2
Last Week Game of the Week Against Spread: 0-1
Season: 3-4

10 Most Unlikely Champions in MLB History

10 2004 Boston Red Sox

    
      The unlikely part of this 98 win team is that they were down 3-0 to a talented New York Yankees team. From there, they carried the momentum in a sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals.


9 2010 San Francisco Giants 



      The Giants weren't thought to be a contender at the beginning of the year. But their pitching proved that they could carry a team that had little offense. Without one really big bat in their lineup, the Giants upset the heavily favored Philadelphia Phillies and went on to beat the Texas Rangers in five games.


8 1916 Boston Red Sox 



      Like the 2010 San Francisco Giants, they were carried by a very good pitching staff. And like the Giants, they had a weak offense; third worst in the league. But they got it done in the end, defeating the Brooklyn Dodgers.

7 2000 New York Yankees 



      For a Yankees team that captured the championship, they were probably the worst. They slept walked through the entire season, winning only 87 games. 87 wins for a World Series champion is third worst of all time, but they defeated the New York Mets in five games.

6 1964 St. Louis Cardinals 



     The Cardinals were able to make the playoffs due to beating up on two expansion teams (New York and Houston) along with being the beneficiaries of one of the worst collapses in baseball history; Philadelphia blowing a 6 and a half game lead with 12 games to go.

5 1985 Kansas City Royals 



     The Royals benefited from being in the leagues worst division, only escaping by one game. From there, they upset a superior Toronto team and a very good St. Louis team. Besides George Brett, no one hit higher than .278.


4 2003 Florida Marlins



     The Marlins were an underrated wild card team. They first defeated the Chicago Cubs in one of the greatest postseason series of all time. They were down and out until Bartman and the Cubs choked at Wrigley Field. They got the pleasure of playing the heavily favored Yankees where Josh Beckett and the Marlins upset the Yankees in 6 games.


3 2011 St. Louis Cardinals 



     The Cardinals were written off before the season even started. Their best pitcher Adam Wainwright went down for the season with an elbow injury. In the regular season, the Cardinals jogged along, behind for most of the way. Then the Braves collapsed, the Cardinals surged and they found themselves in the playoffs. No one gave them a chance to defeat the league's best Phillies, but they did. They were the underdogs against an explosive Brewers team. They beat them. They were the underdogs against the Rangers and even when down to their last out and last strike twice in the same game, they came back and won. The 2011 Cardinals are a cinderella story for the ages.


2 2006 St. Louis Cardinals 



     This Cardinals team was an 83 win regular season team who benefited from a weak division. They somehow made it to the NLCS where they took on the heavily favored New York Mets, who were destined to go to the World Series. The Cardinals made spectacular plays to defeat the Mets in a classic seven game series. Then in the World Series, experts didn't give the Cardinals a chance, some taking the Tigers in three games. The Cardinals used that as motivation to go right through the Tigers in five games to conclude one of the most improbable runs in baseball history.

1 1987 Minnesota Twins



      The Twins were labeled as a very average team. They were a lousy road team who were simply a little bit better than the other teams in the AL West. They upset the Cardinals in seven games thanks to a dome field advantage. The Twins were nothing spectacular, making them the most unlikely champion in MLB History.

Pre-Free Agency Predictions for 2012 MLB Season

     We are coming off one of the best postseasons of all time. It was probably the best I have ever seen (I have been following baseball since 2003). I am still excited about baseball that I am writing this post about my predictions for where the top free agents will land along with my early predictions for the 2012 season.

Albert Pujols, 1B St. Louis
Landing Odds
St. Louis- 75%
Chicago- 25%
Prediction: St. Louis


Prince Fielder, 1B Milwaukee
Landing Odds
Chicago- 60%
LA Angels- 20%
Milwaukee- 10%
Washington- 5%
St. Louis- 5%
Prediction: Chicago


Jose Reyes, SS New York
Landing Odds
San Francisco- 50%
Washington- 30%
LA Angels- 10%
New York- 10%
Prediction: San Francisco


C.C. Sabathia, P New York
Prediction: New York


C.J. Wilson, P Texas
Prediction: Texas


Jonathan Papelbon, P Boston
Prediction: New York 


Aramis Ramirez, 3B Chicago
Prediction: Florida


David Ortiz, DH Boston
Prediction: New York


Carlos Beltran, OF San Francisco
Prediction: Philadelphia 


Roy Oswalt, P Philadelphia 
Prediction: Washington


American League
East
1 Tampa Bay Rays               95-67
     The Rays have the pitching in place. They will need some more offense and they will need to decide whether or not they will stick with B.J. Upton.
2 Boston Red Sox                 92-70
     The Red Sox have many questions they will have to answer, but the talent still remains. They have three of the best players in the American League and a solid pitching staff when healthy.
3 Toronto Blue Jays             90-72
     The Blue Jays are up and coming and I think Jose Bautista's bat can carry them into a potential playoff berth.
4 New York Yankees           89-73
     The Yankees lack of depth in the pitching staff will be the reason why they miss the playoffs. Unless of course they have a big free agent spending spree.
5 Baltimore Orioles              78-84
      The Orioles just don't have enough to compete in the AL East but it doesn't mean they won't take their strides.

Central 
1 Detroit Tigers                    86-76
     The Tigers have arguably the best pitcher and hitter in the American League, but they will need to fill some holes if they want to have similar success in 2012.
2 Kansas City Royals          78-84
     The Royals might be able to piece it together in 2012. They have the young guns, but will they have the pitching?
3 Minnesota Twins              76-86
     The Twins should be able to get healthy in 2012. They can't be as bad as they were this past year.
4 Cleveland Indians            72-90
     I still don't understand how the Indians had a surprise 2011, but they will come back to earth in 2012.
5 Chicago White Sox          71-91
      Year one in the post Ozzie era won't be a good one. The White Sox do not have an identity and do not have the talent.

West
1 Los Angeles Angels          94-68
     The Angels have the pitching already in place. They are a piece or two away from contending for the World Series.
2 Texas Rangers                  93-69
     The Rangers, if they can get everyone to return, are poised to be a dangerous team. Their season will come down to how well they recover from this disappointing World Series loss?
3 Oakland Athletics             84-78
     The A's were my sleeper team this year, but I think if they can get healthy, they could be a team that is over .500.
4 Seattle Mariners               71-91 
     Until the Mariners start scoring runs, they just won't be a good baseball team.

ALDS
Tampa Bay Rays v.s. Texas Rangers
      They'll meet for the third year in a row in the Division Series. This time, I think Tampa will avenge their postseason woes of late and defeat Texas, squashing Texas' hopes of going back to the World Series.
Tampa Bay in Four


Los Angeles Angels v.s. Detroit Tigers
      The Angels are a team that are built for the postseason. With Jered Weaver, Dan Haren and Ervin Santana, the trio will out-duel Justin Verlander and defeat the Angels. 
Los Angeles in Five


ALCS
Tampa Bay Rays v.s. Los Angeles Angels
     This matchup will come down to what offense gets the clutch hits. I think the Angels have the speed and the power to be a dangerous postseason team. I like the Angels to get back to the World Series.
Los Angeles in Six


National League
East
1 Philadelphia Phillies            99-63
     With or without Ryan Howard, the Phillies need to add one more big bat to their lineup. The pitching is there of course, but the bullpen must improve if the Phillies want to win a World Series.
2 Atlanta Braves                     93-69
     If the Braves didn't have an epic collapse, they could've easily went to the World Series this year. They have the starting pitching, the bullpen and the hitting. Throw in a good offseason addition or two and the Braves will be a playoff team in 2012.
3 Washington Nationals         87-75
      The Nationals are starting to put it together. If Strasburg is healthy and maybe if Harper can reach the pro level, the Nationals will have the youth and the talent to be over .500.
4 New York Mets                   78-84
     I understand that the Mets still do not have much pitching and will most likely lose Jose Reyes, but I expect bounce back seasons from Johan Santana and David Wright.
5 Miami Marlins                    77-85
     The Marlins will officially become the Miami Marlins and they will have plenty of hype because of their move to a new stadium. That being said, the Marlins are far away from contending.

Central
1 St. Louis Cardinals             91-71
      The Cardinals must sign Pujols of course. If they do, they will get back their real ace in Adam Wainwright and be contenders again.
2 Milwaukee Brewers            85-77
      Milwaukee still has the pitching with or without Fielder to win the NL Central, but it won't be easy after a disappointing finish this past season.
3 Cincinnati Reds                  83-79
      The Reds had a major drop off after winning the Central in 2011. They need to sure up their pitching and add another bat or two.
4 Chicago Cubs                      83-79
      You know that the Cubs are going to sign at least one marquee free agent. The Cubs still don't have enough pieces to make a ton of noise next year.
5 Pittsburgh Pirates               82-80
      Next year is the year the Pirates will finish over .500. I don't know how, but they will find a way to do it.
6 Houston Astros                   49-113
      The Astros are really bad and I can't see what they can do in free agency to improve this squad.

West
1 San Francisco Giants         88-74
      The Giants didn't have things go right like they did in 2010 last year. But they'll get back Buster Posey, the pitching will remain in tact and an addition or two in free agency could mean that the Giants return to the postseason.
2 Arizona Diamondbacks    85-77
      I fear that the Diamondbacks could be this years Cincinnati Reds. But the Diamondbacks have an underrated pitching staff along with one of the best players in the NL, so the let down won't be drastic.
3 Los Angeles Dodgers         84-78
      What the Dodgers need is a playoff berth to restore some hope in LA. They will need someone other than Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp to step up.
4 Colorado Rockies              77-85
      The Rockies need more quality pitching to stand up with their solid offense.
5 San Diego Padres              74-88
      The Padres could be a surprise if some of their young prospects can step into big roles.

NLDS
Philadelphia Phillies v.s. San Francisco Giants
      A rematch of the 2010 NLCS, the Giants pose problems for the Phillies. But I don't see a third consecutive disappointing finish from the Phillies, at least not in this round.
Philadelphia in Four


St. Louis Cardinals v.s. Atlanta Braves 
      The Cardinals could thank the Braves for pretty much handing them a playoff spot, but they won't be thanking them next year when the Braves squash the Cardinals hopes of repeating.
Atlanta in Three


NLCS
Philadelphia Phillies v.s. Atlanta Braves
      It's about time for the Phillies to go back to the World Series. But the Braves could be another spoiler because they have the pitching in place to match the Phillies. But after a while, the Phillies starters will wear down the Braves offense and head back to the World Series.
Philadelphia in Seven


World Series
Los Angeles Angels v.s. Philadelphia Phillies
      This is an unbelievable matchup that features great pitchers from both sides. It will come down to the bullpens where the Phillies have the edge due to the Angels youth. Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee win their first titles as the Phillies get past the Angels.
Philadelphia in Six 


Awards
AL MVP: Adrian Gonzalez, 1B Boston
NL MVP: Albert Pujols, 1B St. Louis
AL Cy Young: Dan Haren, P Los Angeles
NL Cy Young: Cliff Lee, P Philadelphia

College Football- Week 9 Predictions

22 Georgia v.s. Florida 

Georgia 32-17

Syracuse v.s. Louisville 

Louisville 17-14

15 Wisconsin v.s. Ohio State

Wisconsin 31-17

Baylor v.s. 3 Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State 48-37

5 Clemson v.s. Georgia Tech

Clemson 29-24

9 Oklahoma v.s. 8 Kansas State

Oklahoma 33-31

11 Michigan State v.s. 14 Nebraska

Michigan State 27-26

Game of the Week

6 Stanford v.s. 20 USC

     BCS madness began last week. It could get even crazier if BCS title contender Stanford goes down to up and coming USC. Andrew Luck hasn't been under any pressure at all this year, but on saturday night the pressure will be on him tonight. USC will need to bring pressure, but I don't know if they can because Stanford might have the best offensive line in the country. Their defense is also stellar, which is why I think Stanford survives a scare in USC with Andrew Luck boosting his heisman candidacy.

Stanford 34-24

Last Week: 5-1

Season: 35-23

Game of the Week: 5-3

MLB: Looking Back at My 2011 Preseason Predictions

     Let's take a look at how I did in my preseason predictions.

What teams were I most correct about?
Toronto Blue Jays
Prediction: 80-82
Actual Record: 81-81


Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Prediction: 87-75
Actual Record: 86-76


Philadelphia Phillies
Prediction: 104-58
Actual Record: 102-60


What teams were I completely wrong about?
Arizona Diamondbacks
Prediction: 70-92
Actual Record: 94-68


Oakland Athletics
Prediction: 91-71
Actual Record: 74-88


Chicago White Sox
Prediction: 92-70
Actual Record: 79-83


How were my playoff predictions?
Prediction-Actual
AL East
Boston Red Sox - New York Yankees
AL Central
Chicago White Sox - Detroit Tigers
AL West
Oakland Athletics - Texas Rangers
AL Wild Card
New York Yankees - Tampa Bay Rays


1/4 Correct
0/4 In Correct Places 


NL East
Philadelphia Phillies - Philadelphia Phillies
NL Central
Milwaukee Brewers - Milwaukee Brewers
NL West
San Francisco Giants - Arizona Diamondbacks
NL Wild Card
Atlanta Braves - St. Louis Cardinals


2/4 Correct
2/4 In Correct Places


3/8 Total Correct
2/8 Total In Correct Places 


ALCS/NLCS
Boston Red Sox over New York Yankees     Texas Rangers over Detroit Tigers
Philadelphia Phillies over Atlanta Braves      St. Louis Cardinals over Milwaukee Brewers


World Series
Boston Red Sox v.s. Philadelphia Phillies      Texas Rangers v.s. St. Louis Cardinals


     As you can see my predictions were way off. But it's always fun to see how everything plays out. 

World Series Game 7 Prediction

     It all comes down to this. What a series it has been, but there's gotta be a winner and a loser. I would really feel bad for the Rangers if they do in fact lose the series. They were so close in Game 6 but yet now it seems like they are so far away. You have to take Chris Carpenter over Matt Harrison in the pitching matchup and you have to give the Cardinals a slight edge since they are at home in a Game 7, I don't care what the statistics are. My heart is pulling for the Rangers, but I picked the Cardinals before the series and I'm picking them tonight to win in a close game.
Cardinals 6-3

NFL Week 7 Predictions

!Upset
*Big Game
**Game of the Week


Seattle Seahawks (2-3) v.s. Cleveland Browns (2-3) (CLE -3, O/U 41)
     Charlie Whitehurst gets the start for a Seattle team that has trouble scoring points. Cleveland is 2-3, but they have been the benefit of a weak schedule. This is another game Cleveland should win at home. I think the Browns score just enough points to get by the Seahawks.

Matthew Stafford

Cleveland 21-17
Spread: Cleveland
O/U: Under


*Atlanta Falcons (3-3) v.s. Detroit Lions (5-1) (DET -4, O/U 47.5)
     I knew the Lions would have a let down against San Francisco. They're a young team and young teams tend to do that. I think Detroit comes out pumped up but there are some things that are worrisome in this matchup for the Lions. They will not have Jahvid Best and on the other side, the Lions will have trouble stopping Michael Turner. The Falcons need to have a big day from Matt Ryan in order to win the game. I don't see Ryan doing quite enough as the Lions win a tight contest at home.
Detroit 24-21
Spread: Detroit
O/U: Under


*Houston Texans (3-3) v.s. Tennessee Titans (3-2) (TEN -3, O/U 44)
     This is a pivotal game for the AFC South which has now turned into a two horse race. I really feel bad for the Texans because it seems like every year they have something bad happen to them. This year they have had a few marquee injuries. No Andre Johnson today is troublesome, but I think Matt Schaub steps up and plays like the Pro Bowl quarterback he is. Houston's defense slows down Chris Johnson and get a big win in Tennessee.
Houston 24-17!

Tim Tebow

Spread: Houston
O/U: Under


*Denver Broncos (1-4) v.s. Miami Dolphins (0-6) (DEN -1, O/U 41.5)
     This is possibly one of the most talked about contests between two teams with a combined one win that you will ever see. Tim Tebow gets his first start. Luckily, I think all the pro-Tebow people will be staking their case because whether it was Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn or Tebow, the Broncos would win this game because they have a stronger team top to bottom than the Dolphins. Tebow will play well though.
Denver 27-20
Spread: Denver
O/U: Over


**San Diego Chargers (4-1) v.s. New York Jets (3-3) (NYJ -1, O/U 43.5)

Ryan Mathews

     This is easily the most intriguing game of the week. Some may say the Chargers 4-1 record is deceiving. I disagree because the Chargers are very balanced on offense and for the first time since LaDainian Tomlinson was in town, the Chargers may actually run the ball better than they throw it. San Diego also has a solid defense to go along with their potent offense. The Jets have 3 wins, all coming against pretty weak opponents with the exception of Dallas. In a close game, I'll take the Chargers because they protect the ball and force a few turnovers.
San Diego 28-20!
Spread: San Diego
O/U: Over


*Chicago Bears (3-3) v.s. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) (CHI -2, O/U 44) (in London)
      Jay Cutler looked very comfortable last week. What happens when Jay Cutler is comfortable? He throws the ball all over the place with success and the Bears score 39 points. The Buccaneers defense is better than the Vikings defense, but they did let Alex Smith and the 49ers put up 45 points on them. The Bears will run the ball and pass when they need to along with forcing Josh Freeman into some tough situations due to no running game without LeGarrette Blount. I like the Bears in a workmanlike victory.
Chicago 24-16
Spread: Chicago

Brian Orakpo

O/U: Under


Washington Redskins (3-2) v.s. Carolina Panthers (1-5) (CAR -3, O/U 43.5)
     Washington is 3-2, yet everyone is talking like they have Carolina's record. The 'Skins still play very good defense. It is just a matter of whether having John Beck at quarterback does the trick in Carolina today. I think Cam Newton struggles as the Redskins put up just enough points to win on a late field goal.
Washington 19-17!
Spread: Washington 
O/U: Under


Kansas City Chiefs (2-3) v.s. Oakland Raiders (4-2) (OAK -6, O/U 42)
     Regardless with who is at quarterback and today it will be Kyle Boller, the Raiders will control this game like they controlled last years season finale in Kansas City by running the football. The Raiders don't look quite as explosive as they have in weeks past, but they do enough to win the game fairly easily over division rival Kansas City.
Oakland 21-14

Adrian Wilson

Spread: Oakland
O/U: Under


Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) v.s. Arizona Cardinals (1-4) (PIT -4, O/U 44)
     We have a rematch of Super Bowl 43, so this game should be exciting right? Yes I believe it will be, but it won't be as high scoring as that Super Bowl. The Steelers are playing great defense, but they are letting teams hang around far too long into games. The Steelers also are not scoring a lot of points either. If Arizona's defense can step up along with Kevin Kolb finding Larry Fitzgerald a few times, I see Pittsburgh falling into the trap in the desert because they are looking ahead to New England next week.
Arizona 24-20!
Spread: Arizona
O/U: Under


St. Louis Rams (0-5) v.s. Dallas Cowboys (2-3) (DAL -14, O/U 44)
     No Sam Bradford today for the 0-5 Rams. If there is such a thing as a lock in the NFL, it is this game with the Cowboys needing the game at home. Dallas, easy.
Dallas 28-10
Spread: Dallas 
O/U: Under

Clay Matthews

*Green Bay Packers (6-0) v.s. Minnesota Vikings (1-5) (GB -11, O/U 47)
     If Chicago with all of its offensive line issues can light up the Minnesota secondary, what the hell will Aaron Rodgers and the Packers do today. I also see the Packers causing rookie Christian Ponder to have a rough day in his first start.
Green Bay 38-13
Spread: Green Bay
O/U: Over


New Orleans Saints (4-2) v.s. Indianapolis Colts (0-6) (NO -14, O/U 49)
     It sucks that everyone has to see Indianapolis on a prime time stage once again, but I guess it's just the way it is. New Orleans is coming off a loss at Tampa Bay and rest assured Drew Brees is looking to light it up tonight in the Dome. Another game that should be a lock on paper.
New Orleans 37-15

Terrell Suggs

Spread: New Orleans
O/U: Over


Baltimore Ravens (4-1) v.s. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5) (BAL -9, O/U 40)
     If Jacksonville wants to have any shot at the playoffs, they need to win on Monday. Jacksonville will need big performances out of Maurice Jones-Drew and rookie Blaine Gabbert as well as another stellar effort from their defense, one of the better ones in the league. Jacksonville will definitely keep this one close, but Baltimore is looking better and better each week. Baltimore pulls it out in a tight one.
Baltimore 23-19
Spread: Jacksonville
O/U: Over


Last Week: 12-1
Season: 69-21
Last Week Against Spread: 9-4
Season: 55-35
Last Week Upsets: 1-0
Season: 6-5
Last Week Over/Under: 6-7
Season: 6-7
Last Week Big Games: 4-1
Season: 23-7
Last Week Big Games Against Spread: 3-2
Season: 21-9
Last Week Game of the Week: 1-0
Season: 5-1
Last Week Game of the Week Against Spreads: 1-0
Season: 3-3

The 2011 College Football Season has Officially Started

     Ladies and gentleman, the season has started. I woke up this morning happy because Game 3 of the World Series was exciting even though it was a 16-7 final and I watched one of the greatest endings in football that I have ever seen with Michigan State upsetting Wisconsin. But what I love about college football is the BCS shakeup. It isn't really interesting if Oklahoma just plays Alabama or LSU in the National Championship game. What I mean by that is that if Oklahoma and Alabama breeze through their schedule (for the most part) we are left without exciting upsets and exciting finishes. But now, we have BCS madness.
     If you were told that Oklahoma would finish their regular season 11-1, you would automatically say that they would either lose at Florida State or at Oklahoma State. Well Florida State isn't who we thought they would be, so losing to Oklahoma State seemed likely. But Texas Tech is a middle of the pack Big 12 team. Last night was an absolute shocker. This now eliminates Landry Jones' Heisman candidacy because there are too many other great players on undefeated teams. This game also means that Oklahoma has a long road back. They need help certainly, but they also must beat Oklahoma State if they still want a shot at the national title or even a BCS game.
     Now what are the BCS implications for everyone else. Alabama and LSU will meet in a matchup of 1 versus 2 in Alabama. Let's say Alabama wins that game as of now, just because there at home and just for the sake of argument. That would leave Alabama as the no doubt number one and LSU will move down a slot or two with one loss. Now let's look at Oklahoma State. It would be typical of them to slip up at home against a Baylor or a Kansas State. I think it is likely that if Oklahoma State doesn't lose to Kansas State, they will lose to Oklahoma the last week of the season. That brings us to Stanford. The big game for the Cardinal is obviously home against Oregon later in the season. Not so fast my friend in the words of Lee Corso. Stanford travels to USC next week. Now I'm not saying USC will beat Stanford, but I wouldn't be surprised. And then there are the dark horses. Boise State looks like they will finish 12-0 and Clemson's schedule only gets easier. No one can truly make sense of what will happen, but I'll give it an attempt. Here are my predictions the rest of the way.

Alabama 12-0
LSU 11-1 (L @Alabama)
Oklahoma 10-2 (L vs Texas Tech, @Oklahoma State)
Oklahoma State 11-1 (L vs Kansas State)
Boise State 12-0
Wisconsin 11-1 (L vs Michigan State)
Clemson 11-1 (L @Georgia Tech)
Stanford 12-0 
Arkansas 10-2 (L @LSU)
Oregon 10-2 (L @Stanford)


Conference Title Games and Conference Champions
ACC
Clemson over Virginia Tech
Big 12
Oklahoma State
Big East
West Virginia
Big Ten
Wisconsin over Michigan State
Pac-12
Stanford over Arizona State
SEC
Alabama over Georgia


BCS Bowl Games


Rose Bowl
Wisconsin v.s. Oklahoma
Winner: Oklahoma 


Orange Bowl
Clemson v.s. West Virginia
Winner: Clemson


Sugar Bowl
LSU v.s. Boise State
Winner: LSU


Fiesta Bowl
Oklahoma State v.s. Houston
Winner: Oklahoma State


BCS National Championship
Alabama v.s. Stanford
Winner: Alabama

World Series Game 3 Prediction

     Texas's bats come alive in Game 3. They have the momentum in the series, they have a favorable pitching matchup and it is time for their offense to really make their mark on the World Series. I like Texas to out slug St. Louis in a high scoring game.
Texas 8-5

World Series Preview and Prediction

     It all comes down to this, the Rangers and the Cardinals in the World Series. Who could've predicted this World Series? It's one of the many great things about baseball, but back to the Series. This series features many big bats and stellar relievers, but it will come down to which team gets the most quality starts of their starters. I think the Cardinals have a slight edge in starting pitching, but not by much. I really don't know who to predict in this series, I have been wrong about pretty much all of my predictions so far in the 2011 playoffs. I'm going to take the Cardinals and here is why. They have been baseball's hottest team since September and they have already defeated the two best teams in baseball in my opinion in the first two rounds. The Cardinals know how to get it done and they will somehow manage to get by the Rangers in seven games. Warning however; this probably means that the Rangers will in fact win the World Series.
Cardinals in Seven



ALCS Prediction: 0-1 (0-3)
NLCS Prediction: 0-1 (1-2)
Total: 1-5 
ALCS Game by Game Prediction: 5-1 (8-7)
NLCS Game by Game Prediction: 2-4 (8-8)
Total: 16-15

College Football- Week 8 Predictions

North Carolina v.s. 7 Clemson
Clemson 31-27


22 Georgia Tech v.s. Miami 
Miami 27-17


4 Oklahoma State v.s. Missouri
Missouri 34-28


USC v.s. Notre Dame
USC 28-24


25 Washington v.s. 8 Stanford
Stanford 38-20


Game of the Week
6 Wisconsin v.s. 16 Michigan State
     Today in East Lansing, Wisconsin will run into the best defense they have seen this year. Plus, they are on the road. Wisconsin has looked unstoppable so far this season, but I think Michigan State has rebounded nicely after a disappointing loss at Notre Dame. Wisconsin has also been complaining about how they are ranked so low in the BCS rankings. Well it won't matter because Michigan State shakes things up and beats Wisconsin.
Michigan State 24-21


Last Week: 5-3
Season: 30-22
Game of the Week: 4-3