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!)

NCAA Week 8 Picks

On to Week 8 - the College season is halfway done! And FYI - every team that is 6-0 is already bowl eligible...of the undefeateds who stays that way? History says its got to thin out...

The weeks Picks - with a seeming emphasis on the ACC matchups:

North Carolina @ Clemson
UNC: none
Clemson: JL, JM, EVW, DL, JNL
RE - The baby blues of UNC make me forget they play football
DM - I will take the Tigers in Death Valley...face it thats a cool nickname for a stadium!
RM - One of these weeks, I'm going to pick according to who I like better. But this week, I think Clemson takes charge of the ACC. An ACC undefeated team?
GM - Clemson rolls big over the Heels

Kansas @ Kansas St.
Kansas: RE
Kansas St: JL, JM, EVW, DL, JNL
GM - In the Sunflower State Bowl - Wildcats over Jayhawks
RM - Joe, remember when Barry and I went with you to this game awhile back? I've never seen so much purple!!!
DM - I think maybe Kansas thinks they have a chance at Andrew Luck if they continue to play terribly.

Illinois @ Purdue
Illinois: DL, JL, GM, JNL
DM - The Illini took they first loss of the year last week (they hadn't played tough competition), but I don't see them losing to a bad Purdue team this week.
RE/EVW - Ed is convinced IL is the sleeper of the Big 10 this year. Just an FYI. I'm not on that bandwagon yet.
Purdue: JM
RM - I'm a sucker for punishment. Go black and gold! Boiler Up!

Central Michigan @ Ball St.
Central Michigan: JL, JM, EVW
Ball St.: DL, RE, JNL
GM - Ball St. over the Chips - let them fall where they may.
DM - I have to go with the Cardinals at home this week.
RM - Central isn't what they were, and the Cardinals are on the upswing under another good coaching hire!

Auburn @ LSU
Auburn: JNL
LSU: JL, JM, DL, EVW, GM
RE - Even though Auburn was cleared by the NCAA on the Cam Newton debacle, still not quite ready to get on the Auburn fan club.
DM - Too much defense for Auburn to handle.
RM - I so want to change this pick with the suspensions, but I can't...not with LSU at home. The Mad Hatter Les Miles will come up with something.

Air Force @ Boise St.
Air Force: none
Boise St.: JL, JM, DL, EVW, RE, JNL
GM - There sure will be a lot of blue on the Smurf Turf!
DM - Smurf Turf! That's it!
RM - Did you know when Boise St. joined the Mountain West, they had to agree to not wear all blue uniforms at home in conference games on the blue turf? Still - they are top 5 in the nation.

Georgia Tech @ Miami (FL)
GT: JL, RE, EVW, JNL
RM - Triple option gets back on track.
DL - Has the potential of being a great game but Tech wins on the road.
GM - Ramblin Wreck over a good Hurricane team.
Miami: JM
DM - I don't like to say it, but the Hurricanes will be too tough this week for the Yellow Jackets.

Maryland @ Florida St.
Maryland: JNL
RM - Just a hunch. Neither team is great, but I think Maryland is a quality team at their record...and FSU is still not ready for the next level.
FSU: JL, JM, EVW
GM - Seminoles take out the Terrapins (but they will have on great threads for the loss)
DL - Just because FSU is at home...I want to pick Maryland sooo bad but can't when I am trying to catch Gary  *Note - this is the first time a pick has been declared because of the standings in the league!!! Strategy time!
RE - I do hope Maryland brings back the uniforms from the first game - talk about a walking disaster / state nationalism collision.
DM - They haven't been as good as I'd thought they'd be, but I will take them at home over the Terps.

NC State @ Virginia
NC St.: JNL
Virginia: JM, JL, EVW, RE
DM - I don't know much about either team, so I will take the home team.
DL - This is going to be a good game. Virginia at home.
GM - Wow - UVA might be good and NC St looks bad.
RM - Had this game been a couple weeks ago, this pick may have been different. The Cavs seem to be getting it together.

Army @ Vanderbilt
Army: JL, JNL
RE - Happy birthday Rob!
DL - OK Rob, going with Army again...I might have just jinxed them...sorry!
RM - Alas, I hope Army wins. Then they would be the smart SEC and Big 10 (Northwestern) schools in the same year. After all, they are better academically!
Vandy: GM, EVW, JM
DM - The Commodores defense will be too tough for the Army offense in this one.

Tennessee @ Alabama
Tenn: none
Bama: JL, JM, RE, EVW, DL, GM, JNL
DM - The Crimson Tide will roll over the Vols.
RM - This game looks like it may be worth something in the near future, but not his year.

USC @ Notre Dame
USC: EVW, JL
DM - ND is bad...simple as that.
ND: JM, DL, RE, JNL
GM - I should pick USC but being a Hoosier I will go with ND - Go Irish!
RM - Irish are coming together. Indiana fall weather gets USC.

Wisconsin @ Michigan St.
Wisconsin: JM, JL, EVW, DL
RE - Bring on the Spartan beat down!
GM - What a great game - this will be fun to watch!
DM - I am hoping the Badgers continue to roll towards a possible National Title Game.
RM - Big 10's undefeated team? BCS mayhem if Clemson, Wisconsin, KState or one of the Oklahoma's, LSU or Alabama, Stanford, Houston, and Boise St. all go undefeated. It realistically could happen!
MSU: JNL

Washington @ Stanford
UW: JM
Stanford: EVW, RE, JL, JNL
RM - I actually want to pick UDub, but I think Luck knows this is a big game with exposure, so they'll step up! It will be close. Undefeated??
GM - Don't people on the left coast know these (Cardinals) are supposed to be birds and not trees Joe? Or is this just in the Midwest?
DM - The Andrew Luck show continues to win this week.
DL - This should be an easy one for Andrew Luck and the Cardinal.

Colorado St. @ UTEP
CSU: RE, JL, JM, DL, JNL
UTEP: EVW, GM
DM - The Miners will throw it all over the yard and out score the Rams.
RM - This is a game that has a lot of interest for me, based on where I lived in the Army (El Paso & Colorado Springs). It's also a future Mountain West/C-USA association rivalry! This game could go either way - I'll watch it if I can find it somewhere. Just think UTEP is a little more consistent, particularly in the Sun Bowl.

Week 5 NFL Picks

Todays games, on the authority of each of us who are "experts!"



Rachael Eggebeen (RE)
Ed Vander Woude (EVW)
Gary McFarren (GM)
Dennis Lowe (DL)
Dave Wasson (DW)
Rob McFarren (RM)
Dusty Miller (DM)
Joe McFarren (JM)
Joe Lacanlale (JL)

TEN @ PIT
Titans: JL, DL, EVW
DM - I can't believe how poorly the Steelers have looked or how good the Titans have looked.
RM - Is Big Ben playing? Even hurt, I think the Titans are just getting the passing/running balance down
Steelers: DW, RE, GM
JM - There is no way the Titans can keep this going.

SEA @NYG
Seahawks: none
Giants: JL, DL, EVW, RE, DW, GM
DM- The Seahawks are certainly in the "Luck Lotto"
JM - I guess I'll cheer for at least one Manning this year.
RM - Seahawks on the East Coast - when have they last won there?

CIN @ JAX
Bengals: JL, DL, EVW, RE, DW, GM
DM - I can't believe I'm picking the Bengals on the road, but the Jaguars have been pitiful.
RM - I'm liking how Dalton is looking in this offense. Well balanced, young and old.
Jaguars:
JM - Wow, the score may be 3-2

NO @ CAR
Saints: EVW, RE, DW, GM
JM - Sure Cam Newton is a beast, but New Orleans has too much talent.
DM - Carolina is much better than I thought they would be, but the Saints will be too much for them this week.
RM - Just watch - Colston is back.
Panthers: JL, DL

OAK @ HOU
Raiders: JL
DM - This should be a good game between two teams on the rise...I will take the Raiders since the Texans will be without Andre Johnson
RM - McFadden & Co. have extra motivation with the passing of owner Al Davis.
Texans: DL, EVW, RE, DW, GM
JM - OK, I'm a believer. Last week's win was a huge stepping stone for the Texans.

PHI @ BUF
Eagles: GM
JM - I would love to see Buffalo win here, but the bubble may have just popped.
RM - A pick I'd rather lose. Go Buffalo.
Bills: JL, DL, EVW, RE, DW, GM
DM - The Bills will bounce back after a loss in Cincy last week...still disappointed by the Eagles.

KC @ IND
Chiefs: RE, DW
Colts: JL, DL, EVW, GM
DM - If the Colts can't win this game, they may not win any game this year.
JM - Could Curtis Painter really be the starter for the rest of the year?
RM - Lots of injuries to both teams. Painter will get a little better this week, which is the difference.

AZ @ MIN
Cardinals: JL, DW, GM
JM - Minnesota is just bad. Why don't they just give the ball to Peterson?
Vikings: EVW, RE, DL
DM - The Vikings will break into the win column this week...the Cards don't seem to play well on the road.
RM - Why do I keep picking against who I want to win? Oh right, because they aren't going to.

TB @ SF
Bucs: DL, DW
49ers: JL, RE, EVW, GM
DM - The 49ers continue to impress...I am pulling for them to win the West. *nice rhyme
JM - Alex Smith seems to be gaining a bit of confidence
RM - I like Harbaugh, Patrick Willis, and the 49ers uni's. Enough for this one.

NYJ @ NE
Jets: EVW
Patriots: JL, DL, RE, DW, GM
JM - If this was in the Meadowlands, the Jets would probably have the upper hand. But they were really bad in Foxboro last year. Maybe it would help if I go out and take a dump on Tom Brady's doorstep?
DM - This will be a fun one to watch; the Pats' offense will be a little too much for the Jets' D
RM - Wes Welker may shatter the receptions mark this year.

SD @ DEN
Broncos: DL
Chargers: JL, EVW, RE, DW, GM
JM - All Chargers, all day long.
DM - I will take the Chargers on the road in Denver...although it will probably be much closer than I think.
RM - I hope I'm wrong. Go Broncos!

GB @ ATL
Packers: JL, DL, EVW, RE, DW, GM
JM - The Pack may not be playing perfect ball, but few teams out there display as much confidence as they do game in and game out.
DM - As much as I don't like it, the Packers continue to win this week.
Falcons:
RM - Simple. Falcons at home have more to prove. One of 2 games I want to watch!

CHI @ DET
Bears: DW
Lions: JL, EVW, RE, DL, GM
JM - After the toughness they showed last week, it's hard not to like the Lions this week.
DM - The Bears tough schedule continues this week. The Lions should handle the Bears with little problem.
RM - The other game I want to watch. Lions first MNF in Detroit in how long? Yeah, motivation.

Week 6 NCAA picks

Looks like everyone is starting to think the same way about these games! Really looks like there are only about 2 or 3 games which will be determining who does better than others! Here are this weeks picks:

Rachael Eggebeen (RE)
Ed Vander Woude (EVW)
Gary McFarren (GM)
Dennis Lowe (DL)
Rob McFarren (RM)
Dusty Miller (DM)
Joe McFarren (JM)
Joe Lacanlale (JL)

Boise St. @ Fresno St. 
Boise St. - RE, EVW, JL, GM
DM - The Broncos continue to win!
RM - I'm on the Boise St. Bronco Bus! Give them a chance at the BCS TITLE!!!
DL - Smurfs all the way!
JM - Simple. Blow out.
Fresno St. - none

Oklahoma @ Texas (neutral site)
Oklahoma - EVW, JL, GM
RE - Because the wind goes rushing down the plain and annoys the Longhorns.
JM - Could be one of the best Red River Rivalry games in a long time, though.
DL - Even though Texas is at home, I think OK is tougher
DM - This one should be a good challenge for the Sooners, but I think they have too much for the Longhorns
RM - Oklahoma looks poised right now for the big time. Their loss will be to OK St. later this year.
Texas - none

Florida St. @ Wake Forest
Florida St. - EVW, JL, GM
RE - Bobby Bowden's legacy lives on. Besides, Wake Forest has a football team?
JM - The Seminoles are needing a pick-me-up after the last two weeks of horrible play.
DL - Florida St. will win this one big.
DM - I think the Seminoles are the real deal.
RM - They reassert position to challenge Clemson for the ACC title, hopefully!
Wake Forest - none

Army @ Miami (OH)
Army - RE, EVW, JL
JM - Ok, if they lose this one then I may be done with them for the year.
GM - Army comes to the Midwest for the third time this fall and finally comes away with a win.
DM - I will take the Cadets on the road, unless Big Ben is back for Miami.
RM - They'll pull even to 3-3 to give the hope of a Bowl Game...
Miami - DL

Florida @ LSU
Florida - none (wow!)
LSU - EVW, JL, GM
DM - The Tigers at home will be too much for the Gators
DL - LSU's D is NFL caliber and nobody plays better than LSU at home.
*wow - NFL caliber?
RE - Tigaarsssss, Tigasrss
JM - It would be awesome if Florida wins, but that just isn't going to happen against this defense.
RM - Florida was simply posing as a contender. LSU has shown the National Title goes through them.

Missouri @ Kansas St.
Missouri - RE, EVW
RM - Snyder brought back the old K-State, including scheduling the softest non-conference schedule possible. They are a WEAK undefeated team because their only real win was last week. If they win against Mizzou, I'll give them credit.
KSU - JL
JM - I am absolutely loving this rise back to power.
DM - I didn't take the Wildcats at home last week and it bit me, so I will take them this week.
DL - Kansas State at home.
GM - Kansas St. over Mizzou because the Tigers don't know where they belong.

Miami (FL) @ Virginia Tech
Miami - JL
VT - EVW, GM
RE - Pick on moral reasons (Not a fan of Miami's flagrant violations)
DM - I have to take my team at home again this week even though they were embarrassed last week.
DL - This should be a good game of smash mouth football. Tech at home.
JM - Steamroller, baby!
RM - Beamer ball will get them to bounce back.

Arizona St. @ Utah
ASU - RE, EVW, JL, GM
JM - Utah looked awful last week
DM - I will take the Sun Devils on the road over the Utes
DL - Arizona State will continue winning ways
RM - Utah and Colorado are winless as newcomers so far. The welcoming motivation continues.
Utah - none

Air Force @ Notre Dame
AF - JL
DM - ND isn't very good and I don't see them winning two weeks in a row.
ND - RE, EVW, GM
DL - Why must I keep thinking about Notre Dame winning?
JM - The Irish might just be putting it back together, again.
RM - If only the Irish hadn't sold out on concessions for standards for football players under Coach Kelly (a stipulation of his signing)...Air Force is a great example of the way to have good academics and football team. If only ND had a coach like Calhoun. I pick the Fighting Irish cause I am a fan!

Iowa @ Penn St.
Iowa -
JM - I don't care if they are playing at home, the Nittany Lions could have the worst offense in the country.
Penn St. - EVW, JL, GM
DM - Happy Valley will be rocking for this one...I will take the home team.
DL - JoePa will win at home. I think both these teams are struggling this year even though their records are not showing it. I can only hope they start losing!
RE - JoePa all the way (unless they play WI)
RM - Like both of these coaches...but somehow think the crowd will get PSU the win.

Auburn @ Arkansas
Auburn - EVW, JL
GM - I keep picking against the Tigers but now I give in.
Arkansas -
RE - Roll Tide!
DL - MAN the SEC is tough. Only because Are-kansas is at home!!
DM - They squeaked one out for me last week, so I'll go with them at home again this week.
JM - Auburn will fall out of the Top 25 for the third time this year.
RM - I really really really really will be rooting for Auburn. Why did I pick this way? Yeah, their Defense.

Texas A&M @ Texas Tech
Texas A&M - RE, EVW, JL, GM
JM - This game could see a team break 100 points.
DM  - I will take the Aggies on the road over the Red Raiders.
DL - A&M to win on the road. They will snap their losing streak.
RM - Just don't see A&M giving up after the last two hard losses.
Texas Tech -none

Michigan @ Northwestern
Michigan - RE, EVW, JL
DM - I will take the much improved Wolverines, even though I think they are due for a letdown soon.
DL - I, a HUGE Michigan fan, said a couple of weeks ago that Michigan will start their downfall...Thank goodness I was wrong!! Go BLUE!!!
JM - Ohio State fans have to be hating this season more every week.
GM - NW lost to Army that lost to Ball St. and you know Brady Hoke saw that game = Go Blue!
RM - Yes, Persa is back for NW. No, that doesn't mean the defense is better.
Northwestern - none

Georgia @ Tennessee
Georgia - RE, JL
DL - I think Georgia is still a tough team. Their 2 losses were against 2 VERY good teams. UGA will win on the road.
RM - Let's go Georgia. The more they win - the more credence given to the Boise St. Broncos!!! Georgia to win the SEC East; just watch.
Tennessee - EVW
GM - Tenn. @ Rocky Top beats the Dogs
JM - Middle of the road SEC teams clash to decide absolutely nothing.
DM - I will take the Vols at home this week.

Ohio St. @ Nebraska
Ohio St. - none
Nebraska - EVW, JL
GM - Nebraska responds and destroys Ohio St.
DM - I think the Cornhuskers bounce back this week after a beating by the Badgers last week.
RE - After that awesome welcome to the Big Ten, I see revenge brewing.
DL - Even though the Cornhuskers lost last week, they will pull through and win against the Worthless Nuts at home.
JM - Ohio St. can't hang with anyone anymore and Nebraska has their Big Ten home opener. Huskers all the way.
RM - The Buckeyes are now in free-fall mode.

Week 4 NFL Picks

Same deal as NCAA - now posting the Week 4 NFL Picks:

DET @ DAL
Lions: Ed Vander Woude (EVW), Rachael Eggebeen (RE), Dave Wasson (DW), Joe Lacanlale (JL)
Gary McFarren (GM)-Detroit to show the Cowboys the right way to play football in Texas
Joe McFarren (JM)-Cause who doesn't want to be on this bandwagon?
Dusty Miller (DM)-I am enjoying seeing the Lions do well and I can't stand the Cowboys.
Rob McFarren (RM)-Did you see how confused the Cowboys offense looked last week? The Lions Offense is more explosive than the Redskins.
Cowboys:
Dennis Lowe (DL)-Dallas will give Detroit their first loss of the season

CAR @ CHI
Panthers: JL
DL-Cam Newton is HOT this year so far!! He will be able to pick the Bears defense apart!!
Bears: DW, RE, EVW
DM-I will pick my favorite team for the first time this year (which probably means they will disappoint me!)
GM-Bears stop Cam-olina
JM-Carolina is really a lot worse than they are playing.
RM-Newton looks good cause all they are doing is letting him throw...look how few rushing attempts they have, even with the backs they have. If that continues, Da Bears easily win!

BUF @ CIN
Bills: EVW, RE, JL
DW-I'm picking Buffalo to go 16-0 this season...
JM-Do they really have a legit shot at 4-0?!?!
DL-The Bills are going to remain undefeated and add another loss to the horrible Bengals.
GM-Buffalo stampedes the Bengals
DM-2 teams that are much better than anticipated, but I'll take the Bills to stay undefeated.
RM-Why do I hear OJ Simpson singing "Buffalo is going to the Su-per Bowl"?
Bengals: *unanimous for Buffalo

TEN @ CLE
Titans: EVW
DL-The Titans' Chris Johnson will run all over Cleveland. Yes the Browns have won 2 in a row but it was against teams that will struggle to win a game all year: the Colts and the Dolphins.
RM-In match ups like this, I should pick the home team. But is Hillis healthy enough (he lost 10 lbs due to Strep throat last week!)?
GM-Mr. Hasselbeck to lead the Titans
DM-I will take the Titans in this one, I think they have more offense than the Browns.
Browns: RE, DW, JL
JM-Because I really don't care...

MIN @ KC
Vikings: DW, EVW, JL
GM-Vikings get their first win over KC
DM-Glad I won't have to watch this one, yuck! I'm hoping the Vikings decide to not blow another lead this week.
DL-The Vikings will keep the Chiefs, or should I say the Chefs, in the loss column. The Chiefs have given up the most points and scored the fewest points so far this season.
Chiefs: RE
JM-They have to win one eventually.
RM-I'll take the home team. Something is not right with the Vikings...Just hand it off to Peterson!

WAS @ STL
Redskins: EVW, DW
DL-The Redskins will win this one in a tough battle.
GM-Washington to rebound over the Rams
DM-I have been impressed by how the Redskins have played so far and I think the Rams have been a huge disappointment.
RM-I regret this pick already, but I want to see how Grossman responds to the narrow loss last week.
Rams: RE, JL
JM-Sam Bradford finally breaks out in his sophmore year.

NO @ JAX
Saints: RE, DW, EVW, JL
DL-The Saints are tied with the Pats for the second most points scored this year behind the Bills. Jacksonville has given up the second most points this year just ahead of the Chiefs. So in other words, the Saints are going to win BIG this week.
JM-Too good of an offense against too poor of a defense.
DM-This one could be over early, the Saints should be able to score at will here.
RM-Colston back, Drew Brees will win. The real question is who will be the Saints fantasy play this week?
GM-NO will kill the Jags
Jaguars: *No one dares pick Jones-Drew and mates.

PIT @ HOU
Steelers: EVW, RE
RM-Tomlin is too good of a coach to let them lose 2 in a row. The line will do much better.
JM-I would love to pick Houston here, but Pittsburgh is bound to find their rhythm at some point.
Texans: DW, JL
GM-Texans defense is better than the Steelers - Houston wins 90-85.
DM-Before last Sunday night, I would have probably leaned toward the Steelers in this one, but they showed some pretty serious flaws against a horrible Colts team.
DL-This is the year for a change on tope of the AFC. Houston will win this week en route to #2 in the standings in the AFC behind the Bills at the end of the season. *Already a season prediction! Wow!

SF @ PHI:
49ers: EVW
 RM-Which team is tougher (not better, tougher)? 49ers, hands down. Plus, they stayed on the East Coast all week to practice rather than travel cross-country twice after last weeks win at Cincy.
Eagles: JL, DW, RE
JM-There is no way the Niners are goign to be able to win on the road here.
DL-This game will be a shootout with the Eagles pulling it out. Vick needs to suck it up and play!!
GM-Philly over the 45er's (they just don't have enough)
DM-Vick says he will play again this week. If so, he's enough to give them the edge at home over the 49ers.

NYG @ AZ
Giants: DW, EVW, RE, JL
RM-Living out here next to the stadium, I know this is a game that Whisenhut will have the Cards motivated and the crowd will be too (they have these "big" games every year - this is the first one)
DM-I should have picked them last week. The Cardinals could still win the NFC West at 7-9.
DL-The Giants will keep the ball rolling and pull this one out in the desert!!
Cardinals:
GM-Cardinals beat the Giants (I don't believe in them yet)
JM-Arizona (i.e. Larry Fitzgerald) will hit their stride against a team that seems to forget home good they are away from home.

ATL @ SEA
Falcons: DW, RE, EVW, JL
DL-Time for the Falcons to pull their heads out of their rumps and play like they are supposed to this year.
DM-Let's face it, Seattle is bad!
GM-Falcons get flying high over the waterlogged Seahawks
JM-Matt Ryan, are you going to show up?
RM-I am so, so tempted to pick the other way here, but don't want to lose ground on the season standings. Long travel for the Falcons.
Seahawks: *If it is rainy weather, we'll all regret not picking Seattle.

MIA @ SD
Dolphins:*Are there more dolphins in Miami or San Diego, anyway?
Chargers: DW, RE, EVW, JL
GM-SD beats the Dolphins in the Best-Place-To-Live Bowl.
DL-Miami looked good in week 1 but that was a fluke against a New England team that is not as tough as they have been in years past. The Chargers will win by a good margin this week.
JM-Phillip Rivers may just throw for 1,000 yards here.
RM-Mathews' recent emergence puts them over the top, even with Gates out.
DM-Miami on the road? I don't think so!

NE @ OAK
Patriots: DW, JL, RE
DM-I still can't believe the meltdown the Patriots had in Buffalo last week (although I was glad to see it!). I have a feeling they may take out some frustration on a much improved Raider team.
GM-Patriots get it straightened up against the Raiders.
JM-As much as I hate to say it, I am enjoying watching Tom Brady do pretty much whatever he wants on the field, and there is no way Oakland will change that.
RM-If NE had won at Buffalo, I'd take the Raiders. Think this is much more balanced than most think, but Beli-cheat won't lose 2 in a row-Brady even cut the model hair-do.
Raiders: EVW
DL-I believe the Pats will lose 2 straight for the first time in many, many seasons!! Changing of the guard will occur in the AFC.

DEN @ GB
Broncos: *Let's go Broncos!!
 Packers: JL, DW, EVW, RE
JM-Kyle Orton may throw for a lot of yards against a horrible secondary, but the Packers are just too good.
DL-The Packers will win again. They are looking good again this year and could go a long way. What do you think about a Packers/Bills Super Bowl in Indy?
GM-Packers tie up the Broncos
DM-The hated Packers should win easily again this week.
RM-Super Bowl re-match! Then it was Elway-Favre, now Orton-Rodgers. Yeah.

NYJ @ BAL
Jets: RE, JL
JM-Mark Sanchez is finally growing up.
Ravens: DW, EVW
GM-Ravens ground the Jets (I thought if you had great corners you couldn't lose! Too bad Rex Ryan)
DM-I will take the Ravens at home in what should be a very good game to watch.
DL-This will be a tough game to pick. I am taking the Ravens at home.
RM-Just take the home team. Plus, the Harbaugh's can coach!
 
IND @ TB
Colts: RE
JM-Could it finaly happen? I'm not talking about winning, but have enough quarterbacks injured that they really have to bring in Pat McAfee as the QB. Oh, yeah! That's what I'm betting on with this jumble of horrible QBs as the Colts' options.
Buccaneers: DW, EVW, JL
DL-The Colts may not win a game this year. Now that we see what happens with an average QB, it is now time to go for the #1 pick in next years draft!!
RM-While I will not be a partisan spectator and hope Painter gets some tempo to the offense (looked that way last week), not against this Bucs team that is relishing the national exposure for once!
GM-Bucs defeat the Colts (this will be a very low scoring game - Colts defense is good but they can't score!)
DM-The Colts should just bring back Jeff George for the rest of this season...he's just as good as Painter and just as old as Collins.

Week 5 NCAA Picks

OK - to try to cut down on the number of posts being made on the homepage, I'm going to try something different this week. I'm going to put all the picks in 1 post. This is because not everyone comments on every game, and so I'll include all comments by name for each game, as well as each pick. 


As always, you can click on the NCAA tab above to see the comparative picks and results from previous weeks.


Texas A&M @ Arkansas
TA&M: Ed Vander Woude (EVW), Rachael Eggebeen (RE), Joanna Lacanlale (JNL)
Joe Lacanalale(JL)-Aggies4Life 
Joe McFarren(JM)-Both teams are going to try and bounce back, but A&M should have won last week, while Arkansas got soundly beaten.
Dennis Lowe (DL)-A&M will get back on the horse this week and take out the Razorbacks.; 
Gary McFarren (GM)-Aggies over the Hogs
Rob McFarren (RM)-Time to show the SEC what they are adding - too much motivation in this game.
Arkansas: Dusty Miller (DM)-Pig Sooey wins at home.




Tulane @ Army
Tulane: EVW
DL-Hate to say it Rob, I will probably not pick Army again this year!! Sorry!!!
Army: RE, JNL
RM-I should be there for this game, its my classes 10-yr reunion...Joe Lac - you too! 
JL- Go Black Knights
GM-Army to bounce back to calm the Green Wave
JM-Back at home after being trounced by my big, bad Cardinals!
DM-Green Wave? What kind of mascot is that ?!?


Air Force @ Navy
Air Force: RE
JM-Air Force.  I will never cheer for Navy!
JL-Off we go into the Wild Blue Yonder
Navy: JNL, EVW
DM-The Midshipmen take the first step in trying to win the Commander In Chief trophy(I think that's what it's called.) *Yes, that is what it's called!
GM-I don't really know why!
DL-Navy should have beaten S.C. last week but did not. Navy will be a force this season.
RM-Should be a good game, wish they could both lose, as they will do to Army!



Nevada @ Boise St.
Nevada: *No one picked them to repeat their upset from last year
Boise St: RE, EVW, RM, GM, JNL
JL-Noisey St. Broncos
DL-Boise State is pushing for a National Championship this season...and it is also hard to go against the Broncos on the blue turf.
JM-No way will they forget last year's game and let Nevada pull the upset again.
DM-Broncos don't lose games on the "Smurf Turf"

Baylor @ Kansas St.Baylor: RE, EVW
DM-Too much speed for the Wildcats
RM-When Griffin III has more TDs than Incompletions, I'll ride that bandwagon!
GM-Baylor over the Purple Pride of Manhatten (this is because I don't like purple - LEO High School!!!)
JM-This is their breakout game.
Kansas St.: JNL, DL
JL-K-S-U Wildcats


Michigan St. @ Ohio St.
Michigan St: RM, EVW
JL-Sportin' Spartan
JM-Ohio St. can take their cheating to the house!
Ohio St: GM, JNL
RE-Watch the OSU quaterback!
DL-I think I just threw up a little in my mouth!! Can't believe that I had to even think about either team winning!!
DM-The Spartans just won't be able to hang on the road in the Big Ten against quality opponents.


Clemson @ Virginia Tech
Clemson: RE, JL
DL-Awesome game for the ACC. I am going out on a limb and saying that the Tigers are going to beat the Hogies.....errrr the Hokies!!
GM-Clemson to keep up the great start and beat the Hokies!
Virginia Tech: EVW, JNL
JM-Clemson totatlly played over their heads against Florida State last week.
DM-I have to go with my favorite college football team here. The Hokies are tough to beat in Blacksburg.
RM-This is 1 of the 2 must-see games with Neb-Wisc for most people (3 for me, cause I add ND-Purdue to the list). Should be a great game...the winner will be the favorite. I just think this is the year VT doesn't have a let-down game.


Texas @ Iowa St.
Texas: EVW, RE, JNL
JM-The climb back up continues.
DL-We will see what the Cyclones are all about but they have not played a tough schedule and they should have been beat by Iowa. Sorry Cyclones, the Longhorns are tough.
GM-Texas calms the Cyclones
DM-I will take the Longhorns on the road this week
RM-Just can't yet buy that Iowa St. is for real.
Iowa St.: JL



Washington @ Utah
Washington: JNL
DL-I am going with Washington in this one. They played tough against a very, very good Nebraska team. We will see the outcome on Saturday.
RM-U-dub program on the upswing. A PAC-12 put-down in order for the newly added Utes.
Utah: RE, EVW
DM-There could be a lot of points scored here; I'll go with the home team.
GM-The Utes are good, too bad Huskies
JM-Uh, coin flip amongst the "I couldn't care less" games.
JL-You-tah



North Carolina @ East Carolina
UNC: RE, EVW, JL, JNL
JM-Pirates, really?
DL-ACC is going to smoke C. USA in this game.
GM-North over East - Carolina that is
DM- I don't think the Pirates have Garrard or Chris Johnson back this week so I will take the Tar Heels
E. Carolina:
RM-I'll represent this tougher team than they look - another that has a conference to impress for realignment as they look into Big East, a win here goes a long way for that.

Marshall @ LouisvilleMarshall: JL, RE 
Louisville: JNL, DL, EVW, RM,
DM-The Cardinals will win in Papa John's stadium this week
GM-Louisville over the Herd (at least that's what I heard!)
JM-Should be close, but both aren't good


Alabama @ Florida
Alabama: RE, EVW, JL, GM, JNL
RM-Please, let this be so. Don't like Saban, but no Gator obnoxious fans for me.
JM-I don't care who they are playing...down with Florida!
DL-The Crimson Tide will lay the wood on the Gators
Florida:
DM-I will take the Gators in the Swamp, even though I think Alabama is favored here



Nebraska @ Wisconsin
Nebraska: JNL
GM-The toughest game of the day - Nebraska shows the Big 10 (12) what it's like, as they beat Wisconsin
DL-Time for the Big Ten Champs to flex their muscles early in the season and put the Badgers in the loss column on their own home turf.
JM-Smash-mouth football at it's best.  This is the game that will show Nebraska moving to the Big Ten was totally awesome.
JL-Big Red *At least this is the Big Red I think Joe was referring to with this pick!
Wisconsin: EVW
RE-when you say Wisconsin, you've said it all!
DM-In the first of what should be a long line of great conference battles between these two I will take the home team.
RM-Just can't see Wisconsin losing at home in their Big 10 opener, especially to the newcomer



Notre Dame @ Purdue
ND: EVW, GM, JNL
RM-Love watching this clash of Indiana gold helmets, but this year the Fighting Irish are definitely better, even though Purdue is improving. These 2, plus Army, are my trifecta of gold helmeted teams that are my favorite NCAA programs!
DM-This used to be a fun game to watch, not so much any more.
DL-Purdue is absolutely horrible!!
JM-Another battle of the gold helmets.  Although this one won't be much of a battle.  More like a Pee Wee championship game.
Purdue: RE
JL-Boil'em Makers



UCLA @ Stanford
UCLA: (It's unanimous for the Cardinal)
Stanford: RE, EVW, RM, JNL
JM-The blow out of the week.
JL-The Evergreen Trees
DL-Andrew Luck will be a Colt next season...I hope!!
GM-Stanford over UCLA because the know how to spell their entire school name while the guys from the south only use a few letters.
DM-The Cardinal shouldn't have too much trouble this week.

NFL Week 2 - Dennis Lowe

Dennis Lowe is up to defend his lead!

Kansas City v. Detroit

 

Seattle v. Pittsburgh

 

Oakland v. Buffalo

 

Green Bay v. Carolina

 

Baltimore v. Tennessee

 

Cleveland v. Indianapolis

 

Tampa Bay v. Minnesota

 

Arizona v. Washington

 

Chicago v. New Orleans

 

Jacksonville v. New York Jets

 

Dallas v. San Francisco

 

San Diego v. New England

 

Cincinnati v. Denver

 

Houston v. Miami

 

Philadelphia v. Atlanta

 

St. Louis v. New York Giants

NFL Week 2 - Rachael Eggebeen

Rachael's turn - I have to get all caught up!

Kansas City @ Detroit

Oakland @ Buffalo

Tampa Bay @ Minnesota

Chicago @ New Orleans

Baltimore @ Tennessee

Cleveland @ Indy - such a sad day for Indy when the Cleveland Browns have a chance.

Jacksonville @ NY Jets

Seattle @ Pittsburgh

Arizona @ Washington

Green Bay @ Carolina - Go Pack Go!

Dallas @ San Fran 

San Diego @ New England - Sorry Ed!

Houston @ Miami

Cincy @ Denver

Philly @ Atlanta

St. Louis @ NY Giants

NFL Week 2 - Ed Vander Woude

Now - Ed's NFL Picks for week 2.

Kansas City @ Detroit

Oakland @ Buffalo

Tampa Bay @ Minnesota

Chicago @ New Orleans

Baltimore @ Tennessee

Cleveland @ Indy

Jacksonville @ NY Jets

Seattle @ Pittsburgh

Arizona @ Washington

Green Bay @ Carolina

Dallas @ San Fran 

San Diego @ New England - taking a chance on my Chargers!

Houston @ Miami

Cincy @ Denver

Philly @ Atlanta

St. Louis @ NY Giants

Week 3 NCAA - Ed Vander Woude

Here are Ed's picks. I apologize for not getting them up here on time, I did get them on the 15th. I just had the end of my last quarter of classes so too much writing to do!

LSU vs. Miss. St  WV vs. Maryland  Buffalo vs. Ball State  Pittsburg vs. Iowa  Utah vs. BYU  Colorado State vs. Colorado  Michigan State vs. Notre Dame  Tennessee vs. Florida  Texas vs. UCLA  Virginia vs. North Carolina  Northwestern vs. Army  Ohio State vs. Miami (FL) UCF vs. FIU  Kent State vs. Kansas State  Oklahoma vs. Florida State

Week 3 NCAA - Dusty Miller

Dusty's looking to move forward in the rankings:

LSU vs. Miss. St - Too much D on the Tigers. WV vs. Maryland -  I will take the home team with the hideous uniforms! Buffalo vs. Ball State -  Going with the fightin' Cardinals this week, gotta take 'em sometime since it is my alma mater Pittsburg vs. Iowa - Should be a fun game to watch for some good hitting, I will go with the Big 10 here. Utah vs. BYU -  I am thinking this one will be a shootout...lots of offense. Colorado State vs. Colorado - I don't see the Rams knocking off the Buffaloes here. Michigan State vs. Notre Dame - This one probably won't be pretty to watch, two teams that just aren't very good. ND probably finds a way to lose this week again. Tennessee vs. Florida -  Gators in the Swamp, enough said. Texas vs. UCLA - It's just hard for me to take a PAC 10 team vs. a Big 12 team. Virginia vs. North Carolina - I will take the Tar Heels at home. Northwestern vs. Army -  Army just doesn't appear to be ready to win against a quality opponent yet. Ohio State vs. Miami (FL) - Only because I despise Ohio State more than I despise Miami. UCF vs. FIU -  I seriously didn't even know that FIU had a football team. Kent State vs. Kansas State - I don't see Kent being able to hang on the road. Oklahoma vs. Florida State -  FSU is back to being a serious national contender, but the Sooners are too strong here.

Week 3 NCAA - Rachael Eggebeen

Rachael is up - and she is also informing me that Ed's pick for tonights game is LSU. Ed will send the rest in tomorrow.

LSU vs. Miss. St 

WV vs. Maryland

Buffalo vs. Ball State 

Pittsburg vs. Iowa - Big Ten!  (perhaps a bounceback from losing to the Cyclones?)

Utah vs. BYU

Colorado State vs. Colorado

Michigan State vs. Notre Dame - Big Ten!

Tennessee vs. Florida - even if it means losing, I just can't pick Florida

Texas vs. UCLA

Virginia vs. North Carolina - I have to care?  I wish I could pick Santa Claus instead

Northwestern vs. Army - Big Ten trumps my respect for Rob.

Ohio State vs. Miami (FL)  - Big Ten!

UCF vs. FIU

Kent State vs. Kansas State

Oklahoma vs. Florida State - Bobby Bowden's spirit lives on

Week 3 NCAA - Joe McFarren

At Air Assault School and don't have a lot of time.

LSU vs. Miss. St 

WV vs. Maryland

Buffalo vs. Ball State 

Pittsburg vs. Iowa 

Utah vs. BYU

Colorado State vs. Colorado

Michigan State vs. Notre Dame 

Tennessee vs. Florida 

Texas vs. UCLA

Virginia vs. North Carolina

Northwestern vs. Army 

Ohio State vs. Miami (FL) 

UCF vs. FIU

Kent State vs. Kansas State

Oklahoma vs. Florida State