NCAA Picks - Week 12

As the season winds down...the Championship picture gets more and more cloudy. My vote is that the Championship game is NOT a rematch of LSU with either Bama or the Ducks. I guess that means I'd still like to see the Cowboys or Sooners (whichever wins that game). I think Bama v. Oregon is a perfect game though! Boise St. should get to play Stanford, too!

Anyway - just a note on this week - Joe McFarren simply did HOME TEAM Wins this week. I bet he gets a better score than many of us.

Here are the picks!

Nebraska @ Michigan
Neb: JL, RE, EVW
Mich: GM, JM
DL - Wishful thinking. GO BLUE!!!!
DM - I like the Wolverines to win in the Big House.
RM - I feel like this is one of those games picked by a formula. This week, its the Wolverines.

Wisconsin @ IllinoisWisc: RE, EVW, GM, JL
DL - When Illinois started playing quality teams, they have proven to be horrible!
DM - I am still a little surprised the Badgers are not undefeated. I think they will handle the Illini on the road this week.
RM - I like Wisconsin...they've blown a couple this year, but I think they and Michigan St. end up being in the inaugural Big Ten title game.
Ill: JM

Iowa @ Purdue
Iowa: EVW, JL
DL - Don't think the Boilers can pull 2 upsets in a row.
DM - I just don't want to pick the Boilers.
Pur: JM, GM, RE
RM - Purdue has actually improved a lot this year. They'll continue their rise back to the top of the Big Ten!

Army @ Temple
Army: JL, RE, DL
DM - I'm just trying to get back in Rob's good graces.
Temp: GM, EVW, JM
RM - Army has sucked against the MAC this year. BEAT NAVY!

Clemson @ NC State
Clem: JL, GM, RE, EVW
DM - Bad uniforms, but pretty good team.
RM - Why, if it isn't one of the handful of "top teams - i.e. SEC, Oklahoma, maybe Ohio St. on a good year" do we quit hearing of the team after 1 loss??? Clemson is quality!
NCSt: JM, DL

SMU @ Houston
SMU: RE
Hou: EVW, GM, JL, DL, JM
DM - The Cougars could possibly score 70 each week. I just don't see SMU being able to hang with them.
RM - I'll pull for Case Keenum...

Texas Tech @ Missouri
TT: none
Mizzou: EVW, RE, JL, DL, GM, JM
DM - An embarrassing performance last week by the Red Raiders led to a serious beating by Ok St. I don't think they'll be able to rebound on the road against the Tigers.
RM - Home team wins battle of inconsistencies.

LSU @ Mississippi
LSU: GM, JL, RE, EVW, DL
DM - The Tigers should continue to roll toward the National Title game.
RM - Of all the teams in the SEC, LSU is the one that has looked the most consistent and doesn't schedule a pansy.
Ole Miss: JM
**This would be pandemonium for the BCS! I'll (Rob) will pull for this upset even though I didn't pick it!

Vanderbilt @ Tennessee
Vandy: RE, EVW, GM, JL
Tenn: JM, DL
DM - I like the Vols at home over the much-improved Commodores
RM - Home team in this rivalry. It should be a good game!

Colorado @ UCLA
CU: none
UCLA: DL, JL, RE, EVW, JM, GM
DM - Colorado just isn't very good and I don't see them winning on the road.
RM - I want to pull for the Buffs, but its not going to happen.

Oklahoma @ Baylor
OU: GM, RE, EVW, DL, JL
DM - Baylor seems to be getting worse as the year goes on. The Sooners roll this week.
Bay: JM
RM - Calling this as an upset because it's at home for the Bears.

Kansas St. @ Texas
KSt: JL, GM, EVW, RE, DL
RM - KState's offense will be the difference. A play will be made when it needs to be done.
Tex: JM
DM - The Longhorns have been impressive this year and the Wildcats haven't really been able to beat quality opponents

Arizona @ Arizona St.
UofA:
RE - Gotta go with my alma mater!
ASU: EVW, GM, GM, JL, DL
DM - I like the Sun Devils to take out the Wildcats, who haven't seemed to figure out who they are this year.
RM - ASU has pulled a nice late-season collapse, but they will be motivated for this one and it won't be close.

California @ Stanford
Cal: none
Stan: RE, EVW, GM, JM, JL, DL
DM - I like the Cardinal to rebound after a pretty bad beating last week.
RM - Stanford is good. Don't like how everyone completely jumped off the Luck/National Champion Contender wagon after that loss...where was that for Bama? That was a better game than LSU-Bama.

NFL Week 10 Picks

At least this league is staying close!!!

Here are our picks for Week 10 - with some trap games on the schedule for sure! Only Joe McFarren called the Oakland win over San Diego Thursday - but he used a coin flip to decide!

Arizona @ Philadelphia
AZ: none
PHI: RE, EVW, GM, JM, JL, DL, DW
DM - I will take the Eagles, even though they have been very inconsistent.
RM - The Cardinals don't win on the road, especially East Coast, and without Kevin Kolb playing in his return to Philly? Yeah, its not even close.

Tennessee @ Carolina
TEN: DW, DL, GM, JM
CAR: RE, EVW, JL
DM - Cam Newton has continued to be impressive all year; I think he leads the Panthers to a win this week.
RM - Toss up. I actually think it's high scoring (upper 20's for both teams), and one of the 2 RBs for Carolina makes the play to seal it.

Houston @ Tampa Bay
HOU: EVW, JM, JL, GM, DW, DL
DM - I keep waiting for the Texans to collapse and they continue to run the ball over their opponents.
RM - I love the running game of the Texans. It's the "anti-spread" offense...maybe thats why its successful. Less people doing it, so it works better!
TB: RE

Washington @ Miami
WAS: DW, GM
RM - Does it really help to keep flipping QBs so none have any confidence? Is John Beck really an answer?
MIA: JL, RE, EVW, JM, DL
DM - Yuck! The real winners here are the people who don't have to watch this game!

Jacksonville @ Indianapolis
JAX: JL, JM, DL, GM, EVW
DM - Same as the WAS @ MIA game...puke!
RM - I will continue to pull for the Colts, but I just can't pick them anymore.
IND: DW, RE

Denver @ Kansas City
DEN: DW
DM - I liked the way the Broncos played last week and the Chiefs don't win if I pick them anyway.
KC: JL, GM, JM, RE, EVW, DL
RM - Chiefs, even though not that good, will get this done at home. Also, on Madden 12 Ultimate Team, Arrowhead Stadium and the Chiefs home uni's are what my team has so gotta pull for that! (yeah, my team sucks)

Buffalo @ Dallas
BUF: DW, EVW, JM, JL
DM - I can't stand the Cowboys!
RM - Super Bowl rematch! Everyone make sure you know where your helmet is (Thurman Thomas!)
DAL: DL, RE, GM

Detroit @ Chicago
DET: JL, DW, RE, EVW, GM
CHI: DL, JM
DM - I am probably jinxing them by picking them, but they played surprisingly well last week and they need this win against the Lions to help their chances of getting a Wild Card spot.
RM - Chicago always gets overlooked, but Lovie Smith has them playing to the level of their competition every week (this is a compliment when they play good teams like this week!)

New Orleans @ Atlanta
NO: GM, JM, JL, DL, DW, RE, EVW
DM - The Saints have too much offense for the Falcons I think.
RM - I almost picked the other way, but think Brees needs a big game.
ATL: none (fascinating)

St. Louis @ Cleveland
STL: JL, DL, EVW
RM - Bradford is back, so their offense is getting back on track with him and Jackson.
CLE: RE, JM, GM, DW
DM - Again, a game I am glad I won't have to watch.

Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati
PIT: DW, DL, EVW, GM
DM - The Bengals have played well this year but their remaining schedule will show us how good they are; this week is the first test of that.
CIN: JL, RE, JM
RM - Yeah, I'll take the home team with the good defense over the away team with the good defense.

Baltimore @ Seattle
BAL: DL, EVW, RE, GM, DW, JL
DM - The Ravens have also been inconsistent, but the Seahawks are bad!
RM - This could be a trap for Baltimore, but if they can't win this one, then they aren't going anywhere in the playoffs.
SEA: JM

New York Giants @ San Francisco
NYG: JL, DW, JM
SF: EVW, GM, DL, RE
DM - I like the way the 49ers have played this year and I see them winning again this week at home against the up and down Giants.
RM - Cross-country travel after emotional win = loss to a good team.

New England @ New York Jets
NE: DL, JL, GM, RE, DW
DM - I am not really sure if the Patriots are as bad as they have played, but it's hard for me to believe they are this bad right now.
RM - Brady shows the media (if they'd listen) that the Jets don't really have a good defense.
NYJ: JM, EVW

Minnesota @ Green Bay
MIN: none
GB: RE, EVW, DW, GM, JM, JL, DL
DM - The Packers unfortunately continue to roll...the Vikings stink!
RM - Is the weather bad at Lambeau yet???

NCAA Week 11 Picks

The first game happened last night:

Virginia Tech beat Georgia Tech. 

Only one person called that - and of course that was Dad (Gary) the overall leader! Now the rest of us have to play catch-up on the remainder of the week's games:

Oh - also; Joe McFarren has given over completely to a coin flip to determine winners. This week, Joe Lacanlale has done the same...hopefully neither of them win the week!

Here are picks:

Oklahoma St. @ Texas Tech

OK St: JM, JL, RE, EVW, GM

DL - Tech is so inconsistent that I don't think they can pull off another upset over a team from Oklahoma

RM - Cowboys will make it through to their showdown with OU.

TT:

DM - I will take the Red Raiders to upset the Cowboys and end the hopes of a National Championship for them.

Florida @ S. Carolina

Fla: JM

SC: JL, RE, EVW, GM, DL

DM - I like the Gamecocks to win at home over the Gators and the "old ball coach" to win over his former team.

RM - Am I supposed to be impressed with this game as being somehow tougher than one out of another league? Count me among those who think the SEC is overrated (top to bottom).

Nebraska @ Penn St.

Neb: JM, GM, 

DL - Although it is hard to win in Happy Valley, there has been too much "beef" in the media for Penn St. to win against a great Nebraska team.

DM - What a mess at Penn St....I hope the school and program are able to recover sooner than later, but I don't see how they can win this week with all of the distractions.

RM - I really have a hard time picking this way with all the emotion that is going to be in this game...but if things get tough, I think they fold down the stretch to the Cornhuskers. 

PSU: JL, RE, EVW

W. Virginia @ Cincinnati

WVU: JL, RE, GM

Cincy: EVW, JM

DL - Bearcats at home this week. This should be an interesting game.

DM - It's a sad, sad day when Cincinnati is a yearly contender to make it to a BCS bowl game...embarrassing.

RM - I can remember going to the Army @ Cincinnati game my Firstie Year at West Point. Cincy has been a quality program for awhile, and with WVU suing the league (after suing a coach who did they same thing to them that they are doing to the league - remember Rich Rodriguez?) they need to be humbled. I guess loyalty only goes so far as it is in one's own self-interest, whether a coach, school, or conference.

Kent St. @ Akron (The Half Marathon bowl - the distance between these 2 campuses is 13.3 miles)

Kent St.: JM, GM, EVW

DM - The Zips are simply terrible this year.

RM - I agree with Dusty. Akron is the bottom of the league, while Kent St. is mediocre.

Akron: JL, RE, 

DL - No clue on this one. I will take the home team.

Louisiana-Lafayette @ Arkansas St. (Sun Belt Conf. leaders)

ULL: JM, RE, GM

DL - Not really sure on this one either but I think I remember picking against Louisiana-Lafayette earlier and getting a loss on the board because of it!!!

Ark St.: EVW, JL

DM - I know nothing about these 2 teams, so I will just take the home team here.

RM - When two teams are equal, take the home team (which is why I lost in the LSU @ Bama game last week too).

Texas Christian @ Boise St.

TCU: JL

Boise St.: JM, RE, EVW

GM - Boise makes a statement!

DL - Smurf Turf is hard to play on if you are the visiting team, although I think Boise St. would have won if they were playing at TCU also.

DM - Wow, how can I pick against the Horned Frogs?...2 words, Smurf Turf!

RM - I did mention I ride the Boise St. for National Championship game Bus right? This better give them a bump! (Same with Georgia winning out)

Texas A&M @ Kansas St.

A&M: RE

KState: JL, JM, GM, EVW

DL - Kansas St. will bounce back after last week's loss.

DM - I will take the Wildcats at home, although I think this one will be close.

RM - Last week's OK St-KState game was the most entertaining of the week, way better than LSU-Alabama. I'm not joking.

Auburn @ Georgia

Auburn: JL, RE

GA: JM, GM, EVW

DL - They played pretty well last week even with no running backs that were able to play because of suspension.

DM - This should be a good game; I will take the home team.

RM - Most years, I would easily pull for Auburn (my favorite SEC team!). Yet, this year, it's Georgia because that helps Boise St.!!!

Miami (FL) @ Florida St.

Miami: JM

FSU: JL, GM, RE, EVW

DL - Florida St. because they are at home and I do not like the U.

DM - I am pretty sure the Seminoles just do the opposite of my pick each week, so I will just take them at home and hope they don't choke.

RM - Is this really the battle for the best team in Florida?? Yes, I love the day that all Florida teams are mediocre. (That goes for Texas too!)

Rutgers v. Army (in Yankee Stadium)

Rutgers: JM, GM, EVW

DM - Sorry Rob, I'm going to take the Scarlet Knights over the Black Knights here.

RM - Alas, after that collapse at Air Force...the only game I have to pick Army in is against Navy. This one should have a lot of respect being the first meeting since the catastrophic injury to Rutger's Eric LeGrand.

Army: JL, RE

DL - I can't believe Army has fallen to a new low by playing in Yankee Stadium! 

**Note: Army did play (and lose BIG) to Notre Dame last year in Yankee Stadium, which was a return to some old traditions that they used to do many many moons (or decades) ago.

Alabama @ Mississippi St.

Bama: JM, RE, EVW, DL

DM - I think they will rebound from a tough loss to LSU last week.

GM - Alabama in a BIG way; I wouldn't want to be Miss St.

Miss St.: JL

RM - I didn't like how their players were still talking about being the best team in the nation after last week's loss. I say the football gods bring them some humility this week. 

Oregon @ Stanford

OR: JM, RE

RM - I actually like both these teams, but Oregon has been overlooked since their Week 1 loss. They make the statement that the Pac-12 is still theirs.

Stanford: JL, EVW

DL - Just because they are at home. This should be a great game!!

GM - Stanford makes a HUGE statement.

DM - This one should be fun to watch. I will take the Cardinal and Andrew Luck to win at home.

Central Florida @ S. Mississippi

UCF: JL, JM

Southern Miss: RE, EVW, GM 

DL - Southern Miss will come one step closer to wrapping up the Conference USA East. It is great to see a Conference USA team in the Top 25. Houston and Southern Miss are both quality teams. 

DM - I will take the Golden Eagles at home.

RM - Southern Miss regularly seems to produce quality, over-looked, teams. They deserve their time in the Top 25.

Week 9 NFL Picks

Here are todays NFL Picks!

Miami @ Kansas City
MIA: none
KC: GM, JL, DW, DL, JM, EVW
RE - I'm giving up on Miami.
DM - The Dolphins take another step toward Andrew Luck
RM - KC's looking more like last year than the team that started this year.

Atlanta @ Indianapolis
ATL: JL, DW, DL, JM, EVW, RE
DM - The Colts also continue to fight for Andrew Luck.
GM - 55-7; the Colts are horrible!!!!
RM - It's sad, really. But what Colts corners are going to shut down Roddy, Julio, and Gonzo?
IND: none

Tampa Bay @ New Orleans
TB: none
NO: JL, DW, DL, JM, EVW, RE
GM - NO gets back to normal.
DM - After an embarrassing loss to the Rams last week, I think the Saints will rebound this week.
RM - Drew Brees at home after a mediocre game = win.

New York Jets @ Buffalo
NYJ: none
BUF: JL, DW, DL, JM, EVW, RE
DM - The Bills have been very tough at home and I think they will hold off the Jets this week.
GM - Buffalo to win the NY battle in the great North.
RM - I'll root for the Bills the rest of the way - just like when they went to 4 straight Super Bowls!

Seattle @ Dallas
SEA: EVW
DAL: GM, JL, DW, DL, JM, RE
DM - I don't like to do it, but I have to pick the Cowgirls this week over the lowly Seahawks.
RM - This one is because my fantasy team needs Romo to rebound.

Cleveland @ Houston
CLE: RE
HOU: GM, JL, DW, DL, JM, EVW
DM - I like the Texans to run all over the Browns.
RM - Texans need to win to show they aren't the Texans of old that play to competition.

San Francisco @ Washington
SF: JL, DW, DL, JM, EVW
GM - SF beats the fading Pinkskins (it's what happens to red things that fade!)
DM - This is a tough one to pick, but I think Harbaugh has given the 49ers a whole new attitude.
RM - I like Harbaugh as a coach - got them playing tough!
WAS: RE

Cincinnati @ Tennessee
CIN: GM, JL, DW, DL, EVW, RE
DM - The Titans are heading in the wrong direction and the Bengals are on the rise.
RM - Toughest game to pick this week...I'll lean toward record.
TEN: JM

Denver @ Oakland
DEN: RE
OAK: GM, JL, DW, DL, JM, EVW
DM - The Broncos do have Tebow, but they don't have a line to protect him and I don't see them being able to stop the Raiders running game either.
RM - Broncos have a shot if Palmer still isn't in the groove with McFadden out. But he'll be better.

New York Giants @ New England
NYG:
NE: GM, JL, DW, DL, JM, EVW, RE
DM - The Patriots should rebound from being beaten badly at Pittsburgh and the Giants seem to be afraid of success.
RM - Come on Wes Welker, shake off that injury!

St. Louis @ Arizona
STL: JL, DW, EVW, RE, JM
AZ: GM, DL
DM - I will take the Cardinals at home in this one, but I'm glad I won't have to watch it.
RM - I'll be a homer this week. Go Cardinals.

Green Bay @ San Diego
GB: JL, DW, DL, JM, EVW, RE
DM - Unfortunately, I have to pick the Packers again this week. They are just too good right now to pick against them.
GM - GB to win this week but SI curse will get them next week
SD: EVW
RM - SD Give GB their first loss, because of their loss to KC last week.

Baltimore @ Pittsburgh
BAL: JM, EVW
PIT: GM, JL, DW, DL, JM, RE
DM - I will go with the home team and might I add that they looked very good last week and the Ravens struggled.
RM - I'll buy that Pitt has come a long way from the Week 1 beatdown.

Chicago @ Philadelphia
CHI: DW, EVW, RE
PHI: GM, JL, DL, JM
DM - I have to pick against my team this week, especially after seeing the Eagles dismantle the Cowgirls last week.
RM - The Eagles have turned a corner, for now. They still won't win the NFC East.

Week 10 NCAA Picks

First up - I apologize for not getting the picks posted for Week 9 - had a busy last week and a bit of work and traveling...

Anyway - things are at crunch time on the season standings. Will anyone catch Gary McFarren? Dusty, Dennis, and Ed look like they have a s solid shot - but do we have enough variance in the games this week to see who wins???

So - this weeks picks: (each 2/3 letter code are initials of the person picking!)

Michigan @ Iowa
Mich: JL, JM, DL, GM, RE, EVW
DM - I think Brady Hoke has the Wolverines on their way back.
Iowa:
RM - Iowa is well coached by Ferentz - they will be ready for this one.

Kansas @ Iowa St.
KU: none
ISU: JL, JM, DL, GM, RE, EVW
DM - The Jayhawks are already looking forward to basketball season.
RM - The Cyclones look to be a program on the rise.

North Carolina @ North Carolina State
UNC: JM, GM, RE, EVW
DM - I like the Tar Heels to take down the Wolfpack.
RM - Carolina Blue all day over white and red.
NC State: JL, DL

Texas Christian @ Wyoming
TCU: JL, DL, GM, RE, EVW
DM - Horned Frogs...enough said.
RM - This is actually a good game between two good teams - I am picking TCU just so when Boise St. beats them it matters more!
Wyoming: JM

Texas A&M @ Oklahoma
A&M: none
OK: JL, JM, DL, GM, RE, EVW
DM - The Sooners are playing with a chip on their shoulder after potentially blowing their chance at the National Title a couple of weeks ago.
RM - They had their letdown game. Their next loss will be OK State.

Army @ Air Force (I declared all who picked Air Force are my mortal enemies this week)
Army: JL, DM
RE - Just for Rob :)
JM - GO ARMY!
RM - Army! Army! Go Black, Go Black Knights! Beat Air Force!!! Gunner missile plane...Fire!
Air Force:
DL - Just because Air Force is at home and sorry Rob - I still need to keep up with your Dad!
EVW - Fully embracing being mortal enemies this week with Rob and his wife as he also chose San Diego over the Packers.
DM - Just because I haven't had a mortal enemy in quite some time! :)

Washington St. @ California
Wazzu: JM
Cal: JL, GM, DL, RE, EVW
DM - I will take the Bears at home.
RM - Home team wins...two underwhelming teams this year.

Utah @ Arizona
Utah: JL
GM - Utes to get going again
DM - Arizona doesn't seem to know whether they are coming or going.
UA: DL, JM, EVW
RE - Homecoming fervor as 12th man!
RM - I'll take the continuation of improvement after firing Stoops.

Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh
Cincy: JL, DL, EVW
GM - Bearcats to beat Pitt (Not Bengals over the Steelers!)
DM - Pitt lost to Notre Dame; I don't think I can pick them to ever win.
RM - Cincy will continue to lead the Big East.  Their only loss was an early one to Tennessee.
Pitt: JM, RE

South Carolina @ Arkansas
SC: none (interesting no one picked this way!)
Ark: JL, JM, DL, GM, RE, EVW
DM - I will take the Hogs at home over the Cocks.
RM - If you didn't see College Gameday this morning Brian Wilson of the San Francisco Giants was pretty hilarious...He was so deadpan picking South Carolina he had Corso and Herbstreit dying laughing!

Arizona St. @ Univ. of California Los Angeles
ASU: JL, JM, DL, GM, RE, EVW
DM - I like the Sun Devils in this one to throw all over the yard.
RM - Yeah, I think ASU doesn't slip up and they win the Pac-12 South.
UCLA: none

Louisiana State @ Alabama
LSU: JL, EVW
RE - The Tide will be stopped by some Tigaaarrsss...
GM - This will be a fun game
Bama: JM, DL
DM - Should be a great game; I just think that Alabama has a little more talent on offense, both defenses are great!
RM - Roll Tide! Home team in this one, but I do think LSU wins the SEC.

Kansas St. @ Oklahoma St.
KState: none (I'm sure just because Joanna didn't get her picks in!)
Ok State: JL, JM, DL, RE, EVW
GM - OK State brings down the purple pride.
DM - KSU had fun beating up on lesser opponents, but last week Oklahoma beat them down and this week in Stillwater won't be any more fun for them.
RM - Oklahoma St. is going to run the table and be undefeated in the Big 12.

Notre Dame @ Wake Forest
ND: GM, RE, EVW
RM - I'll stick with the Golden Domers.
WF: JL, JM, DL
DM - How did this game get scheduled anyway?

Oregon @ Washington
OR: JL, JM, DL, GM, EVW
RE - With a 100% chance that Oregon will sport some goofy uniforms!
DM - I just hope they wear their bright yellow jerseys!
RM - The ducks loss to LSU is looking less bad with each beatdown the Tigers have put on other teams. We'll really know after today's games how Oregon stacks up w/ Bama and other National Title Contenders.
WA: none (even at home!)