NCAA Week 13 Picks

The NCAA season is nearly done! Wow how fast its moving, at least we have a month-long Bowl Game season!!! Week 13 picks:

NCAA Week 12 Picks

Oops - sorry to not get this up for the mid-week games this week (some good ones). Here are the picks for Saturday!

NCAA Week 11 Picks

Wow - what a Thursday night to get us off to a wild start. I'm actually surprised more people didn't pick Stanford in that upset over Oregon. They have ruled them the last few years. Here's the rest of the Week 11 games:

NCAA Week 10 Picks

Posting these a bit early as I'll be out of town to attend the Army-Air Force game and spend an early Thanksgiving with the in-laws! Here are the picks:

NCAA Week 9 Picks

Here are our week 9 picks. Boise State got pounded last night, although they tried to come back against BYU.

NCAA Week 8 Picks

Sorry to have not posted this online for a few weeks...got kinda busy!

Here are our Week 8 picks:

NCAA Week 5 Picks

Overall competition is staying close.

Game of the Week: #21 Ole Miss @ #1 Alabama

Other really good match-ups: #6 LSU @ #9 Georgia, #23 Wisconsin @ #4 Ohio State, #14 Oklahoma @ #22 Notre Dame

Not Game of the Week: Temple (0-3) @ Idaho (0-3)
(someone gets a win!)

The picks are in:

NCAA Week 4 Picks

Here they are - week 4 picks.

Game of the Week: #23 Arizona State @ #5 Stanford
(by default - it was the only match-up of ranked teams).

NCAA - Week 3 Picks

On to week 3 and the settling into the rhythm of weekly games.

Our Game of the Week is what else but #1 Alabama @ #6 Texas A&M.

Rivalry games include:
#7 Louisville @ Kentucky
Iowa @ Iowa State
Marshall @ Ohio

Here are the rest of our picks:

NCAA - Week 2 Picks

After the strong start in week 1 by most of us, here are the games for week 2.

The Game of the Week is Notre Dame @ Michigan. It is a rivalry, soon to be suspended after this meeting, and so takes its place as the match-up of the strongest teams at this point with 1-0 records.

An additional Rivalry game in Week 2 is Florida at Miami (FL).

Our picks:

2013 NCAA - Week 1 Picks

We're back and ready to go this year. The group is expanded and should be more competitive than ever!

Each week will feature around 17 games, and is done straight-up (no spreads here). Who wins? Also, we don't take the easy way out, picking a top 10 team playing a cupcake from the FCS as a match-up. Equally spread out, including people's favorite teams, and keying in on the best match-ups and rivalries.

A new feature this year will be to highlight rivalry games as well as a Game of the Week.

Game of the Week
No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs @ No. 8 Clemson Tigers (Saturday)

Rivalry Games
Utah State @ Utah (Thursday)
Colorado v. Colorado State [in Denver] (Sunday)

Week 1 Games Full Screen View of Picks

NCAA season about to begin & Facebook Group

This year we've added a Facebook group as a way to connect, pick, track, and trash talk throughout the season. Find me on Facebook if you want to be added.

Right now we are at 16 players for the season and still growing. Arizona, California, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, and Oklahoma are represented states so far.  Let's keep that growing too!

Week 1 picks to come soon (tomorrow).

Here is a quick preview - there are a couple of Rivalry games already happening:

Colorado v. Colorado State (in Denver) and Utah State v. Utah.

And, as always:

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.

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 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.

NCAA Picks - Week 7

So with Army having the week off I decided to make this the Sun Belt Conference week. Really, just trying to mix up some games occasionally so we don't always pick between the same BCS teams. But still are weighted that way!

Michigan @ Michigan St.
Michigan: JL
DL - I don't think this will be the case but I will not go against Michigan!!!
DM - I will go with Brady Hoke's Wolverine's on the road this week.
JM - No way the Spartans can stop Robinson from running all over them.
RM - Hoke has the team focused in a way that has been lacking under the last few "self-serving" coaches.
MSU: RE, EVW
GM - Mich State has more balance than the Big Blue


Baylor @ Texas A&M
Baylor: EVW
RM - I'm taking offense this year over defense. The only 3 exceptions to this rule are LSU, Alabama,  and Boise St. Seriously.
A&M: GM, RE, JL
JM - Tough one. I wouldn't be surprised to see another meltdown by the Aggies, though.
DM - I will take the Aggies at home, although Griffin III will probably impress once again this week.
DL - Texas A&M at home in this game.


Toledo @ Bowling Green
Toledo: EVW, GM
JM - Toledo is the class of the MAC this year.
DL - Bowling Green does not stand a chance!!
RM - Toledo would be making more noise if they could have pulled out one of their tough non-conference games...
BGU: RE, JL
DM - I will take the Falcons at home over the Rockets.


Purdue @ Penn St.
Purdue:
RM - Yeah, this is a fan pick! Boiler up! 
Penn St.: GM, EVW, JL
RE - Joe Pa all the way!
DL - Joe Pa will keep winning at home.
DM - Purdue is pretty bad and I don't see them winning on the road in Happy Valley.
JM - They surprised me last week and they should keep it going in Happy Valley again this week.

Louisiana St. @ Tennessee
LSU: JL, GM, EVW, RE
DL - Anyone else agree that LSU may have an NFL caliber defense especially after the beatdown they put on Florida? 
RM - In response to DL: Not quite - Patrick Peterson was their top CB last year and he's struggling on the Cardinals Defense right now (as experienced each Sunday by us in AZ)...but LSU DEFINITELY has the top Defense in NCAA at this point. 
JM - I will be shocked if Tennessee scores more than once.
DM - I am sold on LSU as a legitimate National Championship team. Their defense is very impressive and will shut down the Vols.
Tennessee: none


Oklahoma St. @ Texas
Oklahoma St.: GM, EVW, RE, JL
DM - I will take the Cowboys on the Road. I think they have too much offense and we will see if the Longhorns can rebound from the beating they took last week.
DL - Texas will lose 2 games in a row...even at home and be shutout by the OK teams.
JM - Texas just isn't what they used to be and their offense is awful.
Texas: none


Ohio St. @ Illinois
OSU: RE
DL - I think the Worthless Nuts will pull off a HUGE upset against the Fighting Illini on their turf.
GM - Ohio State takes out an overrated Illini
DM - I was impressed by the Buckeyes last week and I think they will be too good for the Illini
Illinois: EVW, JL
JM - I think every Big Ten team is loving the beat downs they get to give Ohio State every week this year.
RM - They'll stay unbeaten in whichever division of the Big Ten they are in - Leaders? Legends? 


Colorado @ Washington
Colorado: RE, JL
JM - This is a complete coin flip as I don't think either team is any good.
Washington: GM, EVW
DM - I like the Huskies to win at home this week.
DL - Washington should win this game by a lot.
RM - I like U-Dub's coach. Another than prepares his team to play sound.


Western Kentucky @ Florida Atlantic
WKU: DL, EVW
JM - Only because they're riding the high from last week's win, not because they are any good.
RE - The bright spot in the state of Kentucky, football wise?
FAU: JL
RM - Seriously, this is just because FAU is christening a brand-new stadium this week. Coincidence?
GM - Fla Atlantic because the Hilltopper will be too close to the ocean to focus on football.
DM - I will take the home team in this game that very few people care about.


Virginia Tech @ Wake Forest
VT: GM
JM - VT is the class of the ACC, again.
DL - I don't think the Demon Deacons can pull off 2 upsets in a row...we will see though.
WF: EVW, RE, JL
DM - Unfortunately, I have to pick against the Hokies...they just aren't good right now and I don't see them winning on the road.
RM - I think this will be a fun one to watch, actually. Two schools that play well, edge to WF because of some recent VT struggles.


Kansas St. @ Texas Tech
KSU: EVW, JL
GM - Go Purple!
JM - Go Bill Snyder!
RM - I said last week that KSU had to prove it to me. Well they did. Where's my purple shirt?
TTU: RE
DM - I will take the Red Raiders to win at home over the Wildcats this week.
DL - Kansas State took a huge shot to the chin last week and I don't see them rebounding this quick especially on the road. Tech on the home field.


Florida @ Auburn
Florida:
DL - Florida will crawl back from their beating by LSU.
Auburn: JL, RE, EVW
RM - War Eagle! On a side note, I had Alligator for the first time a couple of weeks ago at an awesome cajun restaurant. It was good! 
GM - Auburn over Florida because they are on their fourth string QB - and Auburn is at home where the War Eagle flys!
JM - The Gators can bite it!
DM - I like the Tigers at home over the young Gators.


Louisiana-Monroe @ Troy
LMU: JL
Troy: GM, RE, EVW
DM - I have no clue about this game, but I will take the Trojans at home.
RM - Simple rule: Home team wins. 
DL - Troy will pass their way to a win on the homefield.
JM - Um, do I really have to pick one?


Utah St. @ Fresno St.
USU: RE, JL
DL - Fresno St. may not be able to walk after getting their butt kicked so bad last week by the Smurf's!!
Fresno St.: GM, EVW
RM - Fresno St. is better than they looked to Boise St. because the Broncos are just that good. Go Broncos!!!
JM - Sounds good to me.
DM - I like the Bulldogs at home...should be a lot of points here.


Arizona St. @ Oregon:
ASU: JL
Oregon: EVW
GM - I really want AZ St. to win but I don't think they can at Oregon
DL - I think this will be a VERY good game. I am taking Oregon on the home field...and they have some pretty snappy uniforms.
DM - James will probably miss this game, but I still think they Ducks are too fast for the Sun Devils here.
RM - Quack Quack! Hopefully there is some rain - that would guarantee the flying V (as in victory) formation.
RE - 100% chance of goofy uniforms for Oregon

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 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.

Apologies for not posting; Week 4 NCAA Picks Wrap-Up

Hey everyone - I know, I know - I was unable to stay on top of things this past week. I had to help run and execute a Student Retreat and do a New Student Orientation Friday and Saturday last week for Fuller Seminary Southwest. Then, Amanda picked me up and we stayed up in North Central Arizona, having dinner in Prescott, and going to a wine club event at Page Springs Cellars in the Verde Valley. Lots of fun, nice and relaxing, and some good quality time with the wife. So that's my excuse on why everyone didn't get posted this week.


So here is how I'll make it up to you! I'm going to post the results, and include comments on each game wrapped up into one email! Not every comment will be there, but the ones that were significantly good or bad!!!


Without further ado: NCAA Week 4


Toledo @ Syracuse - Syracuse won (wait - did they? The Refs got a call wrong and now Toledo wants the result overturned...)


Notre Dame @ Pittsburgh - Dennis Lowe: "Hey Notre Dame...If you can pull off another one...that is what you call a winning streak!! Don't think they will do it!!"


Army @ Ball State - Dusty Miller: "Ball St. - This is the game the McFarren family has been waiting for!! I will take the fighting Cardinals at home over the Black Knights"; Gary McFarren: "Ball State will not be good hosts to the Cadets"


Arkansas @ Alabama - Joe Lacanlale: "Roll Tide"


Oklahoma St. @ Texas A&M - Rob McFarren: "Close game, but the edge will be Ok. St.'s passing game."


Florida St. @ Clemson - Dusty Miller: "It won't be easy in death valley, but I think the Seminoles are the real deal this year."


Kansas St. @ Miami (FL) - shout out to the lady Wildcat fans Joanna Lacanlale and Rachael Eggebeen (I know - UofA Wildcats, but still!) for nailing this pick!


Nebraska @ Wyoming - Dennis Lowe: "Nebraska should walk right through the Big Ten this year in their first year. They are out only hope for a National Championship I think. Even though Michigan is playing tough now...the real test is starting now!! I think San Diego State will march into the Big House and show their old coach what's up...I can't believe I just said that!!"


Missouri @ Oklahoma - Joanna Lacanlale: "A tough choice, but I gotta go for Mizzou, Oklahoma is too much of a powerhouse for my liking."


LSU @ West Virginia - A comment on this one - LSU deserves to move to #1 with the start they have had to the season. No one has played more "big games" so far than them. And it pains me to say that about the purple and yellow Tigers...but right now, I'd love to see them vs. Oklahoma St. or Boise St. for the title. (yeah - I say Oklahoma St. will be Oklahoma later this year)


Tulsa @ Boise St. - Rachael Eggebeen, Dusty Miller, Dennis Lowe all took the Blue Field in commenting for Bronco victory.


North Carolina @ Georgia Tech - Joe Lacanlale: "Tardy-Heels"; Dusty Miller: "The option will be too tough for the Tar Heels to defend in this one...hopefully the referees don't get faked out by the QB and blow the play dead(right, Rob?)!"


California @ Washington - Dennis Lowe: "U Dub will hand the Golden Bears their first loss of the season."


Oregon @ Arizona - Joe Lacanlale: "Quack-quack"; Gary McFarren: "Oregon over the Not-So-Wildcats"; Rachael Eggebeen: "can't pick against the Wildcats on principle.  Reality: Oregon will run all over us."


USC @ Arizona St. - Joanna Lacanlale: "I would prefer if both teams  could lose, but that is not possible... choosing the lesser of two evils"; Rob McFarren: "I'll eat it on this one. Thought ASU would buckle - instead, they looked great. Maybe its the new uni's!"


Week 4 Standings: (Overall found here)

Gary McFarren 12-3

Rob McFarren 11-4

Dusty Miller 10-5
Rachael Eggebeen 10-5

Ed Vander Woude 10-5

Joanna Lacanlale 10-5

Dennis Lowe 10-5

Joe Lacanlale 8-7

Joe McFarren (Did not pick)