Week 8

Wow. That was just flat out terrible last week. Ya know when a coach goes into a big game, and his team is completely destroyed, and after the game in the interview he tells the media how he it was all his fault and he didn't prepare his team well enough, and that it's "on the coaching staff". Well, I'm not going to take that approach. I'm just going to act like Mack Brown after the fifth consecutive loss to Oklahoma and stare off into space as though I am searching for the right things to say. I got wiped smooth out last week. Those picks were trash, and I am going to be the first person to admit it. So this week, I am going to throw in some bonus picks, mainly because there are so many great college football games out there. Hopefully things will get better.



2007 Record so far: 19-27-1 ATS, 25-23 SU



I'm embarrassed!!!!!



COLLEGE


Thursday Night Special
Virginia Tech (-3) vs. Boston College



I gotta be honest I don't know much about Boston College, except for what I have heard about them. What I know is that they have a beast of a defensive line, and that makes their defense really good. I know that their quarterback is solid, and doesn't turn the ball over much. I think that they have so much going right for them this year. They have an incredibly easy schedule and a chance to run the table and end up in the BCS Championship Game. I also know that VaTech struggles offensively as proven when they traveled to Baton Rouge earlier. When it is a game where you have one team that struggles offensively, and one team that dominates with their defense, you go with the defense. Boston College is the right move here. BC 23 VaTech 14 WINNER



Oregon (-3) vs. USC



This game is at Autzen and USC has proven to struggle on the road a bit since Bush, Leinart and Palmer have all moved on. I think Oregon is one of the top teams in the country. They have already beaten Michigan at home, and while that doesn't seem like much, it was against a big named team on their soil. I think Oregon comes out with a lot to prove, and steps up defensively and creates a few turnovers to swing this one their way. Oregon at home is a good play. Oregon 35 USC 31 WINNER



Ohio State (-4) at Penn State



JoPa as a home dog? I love it. I think Ohio State is overrated. I think they lose this one and at least one more. No one has been able to hang on to that number 1 spot all year, so what makes you think they will this time? Penn State is a good team, and they will get a huge boost playing at home against the number one team in the nation. I love Penn State here with the outright winner. Penn State 23 Ohio State 17 LOSER



Arizona State (-3) vs. California



California has been a huge disappointment since getting to number two. I think this is where they let out a little bit of their anger. That with the fact that Arizona State is a little overrated right now. They haven't played anyone yet this year, while Cal has had its share of tough games. Cal might get out in front and run away with this one. Cal is another outright winner.

California 34 Arizona State 21 LOSER



NFL

Cleveland (-3) at St. Louis

I have picked them for three weeks straight. I still think that St. Louis is going to win a game this year, and I guess what better week to pick them than when they are at home with Bulger and Steven Jackson back. Take St. Louis in this one. St. Louis 31 Cleveland 30 LOSER

Chicago (-5) vs. Detroit

Chicago surprised me last week by going on the road and beating Philly. These guys are an enigma this year. They have a lot to play for, but their defense is getting torched and I hate a team that can't stop another teams run defense. This is a total toss-up game, so I think the best bet here is to take the points. Detroit plus the points is a decent play. Chicago 24 Detroit 21 WINNER

Indianapolis (-7) at Carolina

This is a very intriguing game to me. I love games like this because, you can usually depend on the team that is going into a big game the next week will have a little case of looking ahead. Will the Colts look ahead to the following week were they, as coach Dungy says, get to play "that other team". Do the Colts get caught in that trap? If Delhomme were playing and he was healthy, or maybe even if Vinny were playing I would like Carolina. But not with David Carr. He is a bust. Gimme the Colts, but I'm a little shaky on this one. Indianapolis 21 Carolina 13 WINNER

NY Giants (-9.5) vs. Miami at Wembley Stadium, London

My first question here is, why do we send our worst team overseas to try and gain fans of the NFL? Why not send a better match up. I realize this game was set at the first of the year, but didn't you have a slight hint that Miami wouldn't be good? I like to think that the NFL would like this game to be a good one, so take Miami and all those points. NY Giants 14 Miami 7 WINNER

Tennessee (-9) vs. Oakland

I really thought that Tennessee was a good team in this league. I do have a lot of man love for Vince Young, but I still think Tennessee is good. Oakland was playing well for a bit, but they have been down the last two weeks. I am a bit surprised that Tennessee is favored by this much. When its high, go higher. Gimme VY and the Titans. Tennessee 28 Oakland 10 LOSER

Philadelphia (-1) at Minnesota

Minnesota has no QB, so I guess that is why Philly gets the edge. I can see defenses starting to get really amped up to shut down a rookie running back that is shredding defenses. Philly will play mad and shut down Peterson, and pull this one out late. Philadelphia 17 Minnesota 14 WINNER

Pittsburgh (-3) at Cincinnati

Pittsburgh is good, they just haven't really proved it yet on the road. They lost at Denver and Arizona, so it scares me a bit that they are going to Cincinnati. I still think they are the better team, and it seems like Cincinnati is just waiting to implode. Give me Pittsburgh here. Pittsburgh 27 Cincinnati 21 WINNER

NY Jets (-3) vs. Buffalo

Well Buffalo got em the first time they played, but I think it is different in this one. Mangini is sticking with Pennington, and Pennington has shown in the past that he rewards the loyalty. They might be coming around a bit, as they nearly won at Cincinnati last week. Say it with me people J-E-T-S........Jets, Jets, Jets!!!!! NY Jets 13 Buffalo 6 LOSER

San Diego (-10) vs. Houston (location TBD)

San Diego is really coming on strong. Houston started out hot and really gave Tennessee a battle last week, but that loss might have taken the wind out of their sails for good. San Diego in a blowout. San Diego 28 Houston 3 WINNER

Tampa Bay (-4) vs Jacksonville

Some would say that Jacksonville will play mad after getting embarrassed by the Colts on Monday night, and others might tell ya that Indy exposed some great weaknesses. Jacksonville has a way of bouncing back every week and staying in the hunt. I think their coach, Jack Del Rio instills that in them. Take Jacksonville here in a close one. Jacksonville 21 Tampa Bay 16 WINNER

New Orleans (-3) at San Francisco

The Saints are finding their stride finally and they aren't out of it as far as their conference goes. Look for them to finish really strong and not lose many games from here on out. New Orleans will make Alex Smith wish he didn't come back this week. New Orleans 31 San Francisco 24 WINNER

New England (-16.5) vs. Washington

I think this spread motivates the Redskins a little. It's not like the Skins are a slouch. They are 4-2 and playing good ball. I don't think that New England will get caught looking ahead, I just don't think they win this game by that much. Take Washington and a stupid amount of points. New England 30 Washington 17 LOSER

Denver (-3) vs. Green Bay

A Monday Night game in Denver, and they are still playing baseball? What a weird deal this is. Has anyone noticed how Favre has struggled in night games lately? His last decent game on national television was the one the night after his dad died. I don't know why that is, it may be because he tries to make too much happen now. I like Denver here. Denver 24 Green Bay 13 LOSER

Hopefully I can bounce back and have a decent week. Enjoy and remember that these are only suggestions, don't treat me as though I am some sort of a guru. I'm just an average everyday fan.

10-7 ATS,11-6 SU

Not bad, but we are trying to get to that eleven win mark. Maybe next week.