Army - Navy 2011!!!!

So I cannot let this week go by without a reminder for everyone to tune in tomorrow for The Game. Also, I suppose it's a great time to understand things about West Point...which is where this blog gets its title from. A quote, "Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that, upon other fields, on other days, will bear the fruits of victory." - General Douglas MacArthur. This is one of my all-time favorite sports quotes, because I think it captures exactly why sport, football in particular, is such a loved part of our culture, but which also points to how it plays out for "real life."

As for all other matters:

GO ARMY! SINK NAVY!


GO ARMY! SINK NAVY!


GO ARMY! SINK NAVY!


GO ARMY! SINK NAVY!


GO ARMY! SINK NAVY!


GO ARMY! SINK NAVY!

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!)

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 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.