Wednesday, September 30, 2009

The Week That Will Be (10.03.09)


Last Week: 2-3-1 ATS 2-4 SU
For the Year: 6-17-1 (.261) ($1270) ATS 13-11 (.542) SU


What we learned last week:

We learned why Jevan Snead couldn’t beat out Colt McCoy in 2006. Ugggggggly. A Hooters in Des Moines ugly. Snead is a good kid who looks like Davis Love III, but that didn’t help his NFL chances for a quarterback some were saying would be the top quarterback drafted out of anyone playing in college today…….

We learned that TCU can commit 11 penalties on the road in a tough venue and still come out ahead. Color me more impressed with that effort than anything Boise State has done this year……

We learned that if you send multiple extra rushers at Jacory Harris, he’ll panic a bit. Which is to be expected for a young quarterback, but we learned that we need to tap the brakes a bit on proclaiming Miami as “back” and give them the second best odds of getting to the national championship game like one online book did last week…….

We learned that just when you start to trust in Jeff Tedford and Cal, they’ll pull a game like that on you, and remind you there is a reason they haven’t been to the Rose Bowl in 51 years. Some teams can handle the pressure, and other teams, such as Mississippi and Cal, are more comfortable not having the bulls-eye on their back. Which is fine, as long as you don’t want to win any big games……

We learned that Mike Leach doesn’t like field goals, but he hates Twitter. Also, team captain OL Brandon Carter was suspended indefinitely after he was rumored to scream at coaches and trash the opposing locker room at Robertson Stadium. I like to go for it on 4th and Goal from inside the opponent’s five yard line, but in that situation, up 5 late in the game, you have to kick the field goal so that one play doesn’t beat you, it just ties you if they happen to get the two point conversion as well. And Leach restricted players from using Twitter, when he should be restricting opposing offenses from running up 600 yards of offense……

And finally, we learned that yes, it is possible for Trevor Walker to get playing time at the University of Texas. Congrats, Trevor.

Anyhow…

Life is short.

We hear that a lot, and pay heed to it every now and then, but sometimes it takes events of the past few days to remember it, understand it and cherish it.

On the way to tailgate set-up on Friday afternoon, one of those Friday afternoons where you feel privileged to live in Austin, Texas because there is a hint of Autumn in the air to add to the natural beauty of the place, my wife and I came upon a cavalcade of emergency vehicles blocking the street. We quickly diverted and went on our way, thinking that there was a gas leak or something of the sort and didn’t think much of it.

Well, as it turns out, 21 year old University of Texas senior Brianna Becker, was hit by car while jogging and died that afternoon, the night before she was to take the LSAT test.

Becker was clearing her head, preparing for a life altering exam, and in one moment it was all taken away from her. Just think if she had taken a call that delayed her for five minutes, or had decided to jog earlier. She’d still be alive today. Her family is permanently scarred, as is the driver of the vehicle that hit her and his family.

Then there is the case of USC running back Stefon Johnson.

Johnson, the all-time leading rusher in Los Angeles prep history, was the Trojans’ leading rusher in 2008, but entered 2009 as more of a situational back, one who got the ball in short yardage situations while star running back Joe McKnight and Allen Bradford handled the bulk of the carries. Johnson took the demotion in stride.

"At the end of the day, you want to be in the game when it's important to help your team and I think I did that," Johnson told the Los Angeles Times earlier this year. "You've got to make sure when you get your opportunities that you make the best of it."

Earlier this week, tragedy struck, ending Johnson’s season and nearly claiming his life.

Johnson was working out in the Trojans’ workout facility, preparing for the game this weekend against the California Golden Bears that might decide who wins the Pac-10 championship, when he dropped 215 lbs of weights on his throat while doing a bench press exercise. Johnson started bleeding from the nose and the mouth and was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent 7 hours of surgery to repair a crushed larynx, a crushed adam’s apple and torn muscles in the throat.

Johnson was listed in critical but stable condition following the surgery. He won’t play again this season, but doctors were just hopeful before the surgery that he would be able to talk again.

It can all change in an instant.

The Trojans, who used the Bill Withers classic Lean on Me as an inspirational song for the 2009 season (the great ESPN Gameday story can be seen here), will now have to lean on each other more than ever, not only to replace Johnson on the field, but to get over the personal tragedy of such a personal friend and teammate.

So, as I make a bad segue in how tragedies in real life equate to what happens on the field of play each Saturday in the fall…enjoy this year. Enjoy every moment of the tailgate. Enjoy watching Colt McCoy enter the Texas record books. Enjoy Dan Buckner’s development from high school star to forgotten on the depth chart to Colt McCoy’s safety valve on third down. Enjoy Tre Newton climbing from fourth on the depth chart to starter through hard work and dedication. Enjoy watching Jordan Shipley overcome personal setback year after year to blossom into an All-American candidate. Enjoy watching Sergio Kindle climb up the draft charts, and the Acho brothers, who do more good off the field than they ever could on the field, blossom into future stars.

Appreciate what we have here at the University of Texas. Appreciate the 10 win seasons. Appreciate Mack Brown and what he has brought to your university. It is fun to be cynical and point towards the conference championships he hasn’t won, but we have won plenty, and we have won doing it the right way, and we have done it with a coach that we can be proud about.

And most of all, enjoy the bye week. Spend time with your friends and family, share a laugh with them, share a tear with them, but just share something with them.

Because you never know when success in a season, success at a program, or frankly, your life could just go away.

As USC WR Damian Williams says in the Gameday story above, “Be in the moment. Make sure you squeeze every drop out of it.”

All of that was the furthest thing away from Stefon Johnson’s mind when he left the field following a 2006 game against Washington, a game in which he didn’t play at all, another in a line of disappointing contests in that season in which he did not play.  All of the sudden, Johnson felt a hand on his shoulder, and he looked up to see Washington coach Tyrone Willingham.

“It will work out for you – I know it,” Willingham said. “I believe in you.”

We can all hope that it works out for Johnson….again.

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow
Lean on me, when you're not strong…



FACEBOOK NEWS FEED
Tim Tebow took the quiz “What NFL Player Are You?” with the answer Merril Hoge.
Mike Leach has left Facebook.
Brandon Carter has joined the group “I Got Suspended From My Football Team So I Became a Rodeo Clown to Keep Wearing the Makeup.”
Robert Griffin is a bigger man than you are.
Mike Price is going to the Landing Strip to drown his sorrows. Drinks on UTEP!
Joe Paterno is considering retiring….from having to play Iowa.
LSU is hey don’t look at us, we don’t know how the hell we’re in the Top 5, either.
Lou Holtz even I think Bobby Bowden is senile and needs to retire.
Kevin Sumlin is packing his bags for Penn State.
Mack Brown can’t wait to see Them Crooked Vultures, Bon Iver and Black Joe Lewis at ACL.
On to the games...

Washington @ Notre Dame -12.5:

Washington is a good story this year with the return of Jake Locker, their win over USC and near win over LSU, but got taken to the woodshed last week by an okay but not great Stanford team.

I know we all hate to admit it, but this Notre Dame team is on the rise, is better than Stanford and should be able to handle Washington at home. But I do like the Huskies to get the back door cover.

Notre Dame 34 Washington 24
ATS – Washington
SU – Notre Dame

LSU @ Georgia -3:

Vegas doesn’t think LSU is a top five team, either, if they are basically a scratch against the 18th ranked team in the country. The Tigers needed a kickoff return for a touchdown and an interception returned for a touchdown in order to beat Mississippi State, who outrushed them 151-30 and outgained them 374-263 last week.

Georgia has won 3 in a row, and 6 out of 8 in this series, and won last year in Baton Rouge 52-38. LSU has the look of a four loss team to me, and number one comes this week in Athens.

Georgia 38 LSU 24
ATS – Georgia
SU – Georgia

Auburn @ Tennessee -2:

Gus Malzahn, er Gene Chizik has Auburn back on the right track, with an offense that ranks 3rd in the country behind a devastating running attack. The defense isn’t as good, giving up 30 to West Virginia and 30 to Ball State.

Tennessee’s defense is legit, but their offense has a combined 28 points against decent teams this year (UCLA and Florida), and Jonathan Crompton is downright scary under center, and I don’t mean scary in a good way.

So who wins in this clash of styles? Give me Auburn’s defense getting a couple of interceptions off of Crompton (they have 8 interceptions in four games), setting up a short field for Auburn’s offense. And Tennessee doesn’t have the firepower to keep up.

Auburn 27 Tennessee 20
ATS – Auburn
SU – Auburn

USC -5 @ California:

Both teams are reeling a bit, USC started off strong but then coasted to a lackluster win over Washington State last week, while California got LaGarrette Blounted in Eugene last week as Jahvid Best ran his way out of Heisman consideration with only 55 yards rushing.

What happens here? Your guess is as good as mine, but USC has won 5 straight in this series, actually wins a big game every now and then, and has a much better defense than Oregon. Give me the Trojans….but barely.

USC 24 California 21
ATS – California
SU – USC

Arkansas -1 v. Texas A&M:

This one could be the shoot-out that we thought Texas Tech/Houston was going to be. Arkansas enters the game with the 4th ranked passing attack and everyone short of Alabama has felt the pain when they have faced Ryan Mallet this year. Texas A&M, yes, Texas A&M, leads the country in total offense, but have yet to face much this year.

A&M needs this game more, they need a “landmark” win for Mike Sherman and crew, but I just think playing Georgia and Alabama have readied the Hogs for this one, while A&M has beaten up on nobodies for the most part.

Arkansas 44 Texas A&M 37
ATS – Arkansas
SU – Arkansas

Oklahoma -7.5 @ Miami:

Is he going to? Is he not going to? Nobody knows whether Landry Jones will shave his mustache this week, but you know that JR will wear his black hat and that Bob Stoops will wear his white visor and that Sam Bradford will be under center when they face Miami Saturday night.

The question is, will he be effective? AC joint sprains are not to be taken lightly, as it could take some time for Bradford to get the range of motion and arm strength back in order to be 100% effective.

Oklahoma’s defense is high flying, posting two straight shutouts of, ahem, Idaho State and the more respectable Tulsa, but they will be tested by Miami quarterback Jacory Harris, who has already seen two good defenses this year in Florida State and Virginia Tech. BYU was able to throw on Oklahoma, and I think Jacory Harris will be able to, as well.

We haven’t heard much about OU’s weak offensive line since that BYU game, but Miami has the athleticism to exploit it. If Landry Jones is the starter, a weak OL combined with inexperience in a hostile environment for the first time will be a recipe for disaster. Bradford still has the chance to be rusty, and going against a mad Miami team looking for national exposure isn’t where I would want to come back.

The Sooners are a very average road team over the last couple of years. This one will be no different.

Miami 24 Oklahoma 20
ATS – Miami
SU – Miami

Before we get to the RHDC…I have a favor to ask of my readers. In late October, a friend of the tailgate, Michael Drakes, will be going to United States Marines boot camp and then off to Iraq. Michael has adopted the Longhorns as a favorite team since moving to Austin from New Jersey , and really, really wants to go to Texas/OU Weekend in Dallas before he shipped off. He told me a couple of weeks ago he just wants to go to any game, but hell, we might as well send him off going to the best game that there is, right? I know times are tough, boy do I know times are tough, but if would be willing to donate anything at all, cash, fair coupons, whatever, to this cause we would be eternally grateful. We’re just looking to pay for his dinner at Campisi’s with us on Friday night, food and drinks at the fair and a game ticket. Mack Brown has already sent us a football signed by every member of the 2009 football team, an autographed photo and several other Longhorn memorabilia items. If you would like to donate to the cause, please email me at mattcraig@gmail.com. Thanks a bunch, God Bless America and Hook ‘Em!

Random Hot Dallas Chick

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For entertainment purposes only. Save your money for a marine doing good things in Iraq.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

The Week That Will Be (09.26.09)


Last Week: 1-5 ATS 2-4 SU
For the Year: 4-14 (.222) (
$1140) ATS 11-7 (.611) SU

What we learned last week: We learned that Miami is for real. They’re showing the athleticism they have been lacking in recent years, and could dominate the ACC this year as a result……..We learned that Florida is flappable. Tennessee has a good defense, but Florida looks to be lacking the playmaking ability that Percy Harvin provided in recent years. And, you might want to sit down for this one, but 8lb6ozLordBabyTebow can’t score 40 points by himself……We learned that while Georgia has absolutely zero interest in playing defense this year, their offense is much better than expected. Perhaps they should request a move to the Big 12…….We learned that yes, it is possible to throw six touchdowns while also carrying around a porn stache on your upper lip, something we haven’t known since the 1970’s. Congrats, Landry Jones……We learned that while the New York Giants are good enough to overcome not scoring touchdowns in the red zone, Nebraska is not. Four times they had the ball inside the Virginia Tech 25 yard line, and four times they kicked field goals…….And finally we learned that when you hold Texas Tech to negative rushing yards, it is a lot easier to beat them, and we learned that Taylor Potts wears contact lenses….and brings an extra pair on the road in case Kindle happens.

Anyhow…

This week we dive into the TWTWB Mailbag. As always, remember that these are not actual letters from actual readers.

Should we start reserving our hotels in Pasadena now?

BYU Fans
Provo, UT


Oops. Looks like this one was sent last week. Apparently BYU forgot that a win over Oklahoma doesn’t grant them automatic entry into the BCS party, they must in fact win the rest of their games as well. Thank God we don’t have to hear that drivel the rest of the year. Now if someone could take out Boise State…

Can I have my money back from you, too? Your picks are terrible this year.

Oregon Fan
Eugene, OR


Sorry, Oregon fan, I make it plainly clear at the bottom that these picks are for entertainment purposes only, and you shouldn’t be using these picks for actual bets. So unlike Chip Kelly, I can’t refund your money for a lackluster performance. This has been an awful year, however. College football is LaGarrette Blount’s fist to my picks’ Byron Hout’s chin. My picks are so bad, Joe Paterno is trying to schedule them for next season. My picks are so bad, Bookmaker.com is offering me $500 in free playing money. My picks are so bad, Lou Holtz is looking senile compared to them.

570 yards of total offense! WHOOOP! First in the country in total offense! WHOOP! Second in the country in sacks! WHOOP! Von Miller leads the country in sacks! WHOOP!

M. Sherman
College Station, TX


And you owe it all to a high school coach. Congrats, coach. Oh yeah, congrats on giving up 520 yards to Utah State last week, the same Utah State that finished 3-9 last season and in the 110s in total offense. Congrats.

I can throw a ball 8 yards. You betta watch out.

S. Bradford
Norman, OK


Sounds like you’re good enough to play in the Texas offense 2009.

Can we motion to get all trips to the states of Washington and Oregon nixed from future schedules?

P. Carroll
Los Angeles, CA


Seriously. Although I’m not really sure why so many were shocked last week. USC just isn’t that good this year, and it is all because of the quarterback position. Stack the line and dare the USC QBs to beat you, and they can’t. Now we all know why Carroll was so pissed when Marc Sanchez went pro this year…

Did you see that we had 105,000 fans last week?

J. Jones
Dallas, TX


Yeah, and 30,000 of those couldn’t see the field, but did have a nice view of the guy in front of them’s bald spot. Although to be honest, DKR Texas Memorial Stadium did draw more than 100,000 fans last week but just as many missed the game action because they refused to stand up and got a nice view of the person in front of them’s ass.

Hey, you! I’m still here!

M. Mustain
Los Angeles, CA


Do you guys hear something?

Show me the money!

M. Crabtree
Dallas, TX


Listen, Michael. I’m not usually the type to go off on rants like this. I understand that you have a very limited chance to earn money, blah blah blah, I get it. But go to work. Seriously, there are parts of the country where the unemployment rate is at 15%, and you’re trying to get more millions out of that rock? Go to work, produce, get your money in your next big contract, earn endorsements, hell buy a Chik-fil-a franchise, those things have to make big money. But you’re not going to get the big money next off-season, hell you’re more likely to fall into the second round. Sign the contract, go get to live life as a rich 22 year old in one of America’s greatest cities. You’re showing your Texas Tech education here.

Dammit! The Las Vegas Bowl again!

BYU Fan
Provo, UT


Ah, there we go. And you can probably find plenty of wives in Las Vegas.

Wah! They took too long calling their plays!

U. Meyer
Gainesville, FL


The Indianapolis Colts are on line 1, Mr. Meyer.

Have you seen my contacts?

T. Potts
Lubbock, TX


Yeah, I think they are around the 12 yard line. And button your chin strap, dammit.

Please be aware of heightened security after threats were uncovered against stadiums in this country.

Dept of Homeland Security
Washington, DC


I know, just last week some asshole tried to sneak in a remote control!

Kenny Chesney’s “This is Our Moment” has always been intended to used on opening weekend, very big games and the last day of the regular season. I am not aware of any backlash, I heard positives about the song. Thank you for your comments.

ESPN Spokesman
Bristol, CT


Yeah, but how many of those positives were from “K. Chesney, Nashville, TN”?

I resent this notion that I would risk further injury to Sam by playing him before he was ready.

B. Stoops
Norman, OK


Riiiiiiight, Bob. We all remember Adrian Peterson hopping out there like a pirate with a peg leg in 2005. I’m pretty sure you would have played Joe Theisman after Lawrence Taylor sacked him, Lee Harvey Oswald after Jack Ruby shot him and David Hassellhoff after a fifth of Jack if you thought it would give you a better chance to win and your back-up had a porn stache.

Hello? Anyone there? MOM?

M. Mustain
Los Angeles, CA


This damn apartment and its thin walls. I swear I hear something.

FACEBOOK NEWS FEED

The Flu is getting in your locker room and infecting all your players.

Colt McCoy and Your Six Year Old Kid have joined the group Pedialyte Works Wonders.
Bevo and Jordan Shipley are no longer in a relationship.

Tyrone Willingham wrote on Steve Sarkisian’s Wall: “How in the HELL did you do that?”

The Kansas Football Team wrote on The Kansas Basketball Team’s Wall: “Our coach can eat your coach!”

Lane Kiffin started a MAFIA WAR with Urban Meyer.

Mitch Mustain took the “Which Three Stooges Character Are You?” quiz with the result of “Curly Joe”.

On to the games...

Mississippi -4 @ South Carolina:

Mississippi was deemed a Top 10 team by the media and coaches in the pre-season, but so far they have looked rather pedestrian in wins over Memphis and Southeastern Louisiana. They’ll get their first true test of the year this week against a South Carolina defense that has been very solid, and a quarterback in Stephen Garcia that has been far better this year than previous years.

The Gamecocks won this one in Oxford last season, and I expect them to give the Rebels a tough one here….if not straight up win it.

Mississippi 27 South Carolina 24
ATS – South Carolina
SU – Mississippi

TCU @ Clemson -2.5:

Clemson has been woefully inadequate on offense this year, and they don’t figure to get healthy on a TCU team that leads the nation in sacks and gets after you defensively. The Horned Frogs also have a experienced quarterback in Andy Dalton who won’t be afraid to play in Death Valley.

Clemson running back CJ Spiller is battling a toe injury, without him at 100% I don’t think they have the offense to keep ahead of TCU.

TCU 24 Clemson 17
ATS – TCU
SU – TCU

Miami -2.5 @ Virginia Tech:

Miami has opened the year in impressive fashion, winning their first two games over ranked opponents. Virginia Tech’s defense is awful right now, ranking 77th in the country and allowing Nebraska to run for 200 yards on them last week while Alabama racked up nearly 600 on them in the season opener.

Miami looks like they have turned a corner on their road back to contention. That could all go down the toilet in this game, but they look fast, athletic and hungry. And Jacory Harris is about 10 times better than Tyrod Taylor.

Miami 28 Virginia Tech 16
ATS – Miami
SU – Miami

California -5.5 @ Oregon:

Oregon is going to have a tough time containing Jahvid Best. Autzen isn’t the home field advantage that it once was, both Purdue and Utah have gone in there in recent weeks and played well enough to win the ballgame.

Jeremiah Masoli is completing less than 50% of his passes, and I don’t see that offense having a breakout game against Cal.

California 38 Oregon 28
ATS – California
SU – California

Texas Tech @ Houston -1:

The Over/Under on this game is 73. Find a comfortable chair and enjoy this one.

Not to take anything away from a great story down there, but Houston is getting a lot of praise over their win over Oklahoma State, but the Cowboys haven’t been impressive in any game this year, so I’m not really sure how impressive that win was.

Texas Tech, meanwhile, impressed me last week. If they show up with the same intensity to play Houston that they did last week (this is Tech, so it is questionable), they’ll win here.

Texas Tech 45 Houston 34
ATS – Texas Tech
SU – Texas Tech

UTEP @ Texas -36:

I’m going to save you the analysis. Yes, UTEP returns QB Trevor Vittatoe who was very solid last year in a 42-13 loss to Texas, but he hasn’t helped much as UTEP is only ranked 103rd in the country in offense. UTEP ran for 145 yards last year against Texas, and you know Will Muschamp circled that number when looking at gametape from last year’s game when he watched it again.

So we know that Texas will win, and should win comfortably, but what would we like to see this week? I’d like to see Tre Newton get 100 yards. UTEP’s rushing defense is 106th in the country, if we can’t run on them, I’m weary of running on Oklahoma and the rest of the Big 12.

Next, I would like to see Colt McCoy spread it around more in the offense. In last year’s opener against Florida Atlantic, SEVEN different guys scored on offense, a trend that would continue throughout the year. So far this year, McCoy seems to be keying in on Jordan Shipley, and if he isn’t open we’ll go to Dan Buckner and an occasional pass to John Chiles. If this offense is going to go to the next level, defenses need to fear all of the weapons on the field, so I’d like to see Malcolm Williams and James Kirkendoll get more involved in the offense.

On defense? I’d like to see some turnovers. In the form of interceptions. We forced plenty of fumbles last week against Tech, but let’s start catching the ball on defense, too.

Texas 45 UTEP 14
ATS – UTEP
SU – Texas

Random Hot Dallas Chick

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For entertainment purposes only. Save your money for grape Pedialyte to ward off the Swine Flu.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Texas 34 Texas Tech 24



It wasn't always pretty, in fact some in the Longhorn nation are flat out disappointed, but a win is a win is a win, and plenty of teams would have been happy with a 10 point win on Saturday night, including USC.

But...Colt McCoy needs to be better.  I'm not sure we win that game in Lubbock.  But Colt knows that he has to be better...and he will be.

Of course, I know that my ATS record needs to be better, too, and that road back to glory begins on Wednesday, right here.

Two notes of interest from today's press conference:


  • LB Jared Norton will undergo shoulder surgery and is out for the year.  A very disappointing loss.  Norton will apply for a medical redshirt, and I can't imagine that he wouldn't get it.  The one silver lining is that the LB position was going to be an area of concern next season, and Norton's return will help steady that ship.
  • Tre Newton is now the starter at tailback.  While I'm not too concerned over who starts the game, rather I am concerned about who gets the majority of carries, it is a great story of personal achievement for a guy that was buried in the depth chart when camp started.  He's clearly our best runner at the moment, and does all the little things as well.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

The Week That Will Be (09.19.09)

Last Week: 2-4 ATS 4-2 SU
For the Year: 3-9 (.250) (-$690) ATS 7-5 (.583) SU



What we learned last week: We learned that while we tried to give them credit, Tennessee has a long ways to go before they are back among the nation’s elite. And that starts at the quarterback position. Jonathan Crompton: 93 yards passing, 3 interceptions? Cody Hawkins called, he wants his stat-line back…..We learned that Charlie Weis is probably one of those guys that doesn’t punt in football video games. A lead on the road, your opponent is down, and you let them back in the game by throwing the ball not once, but twice on their final drive, allowing Michigan to keep their time-outs? Are you kidding me? This one goes into the Rich Kotite Hall of Fame of Bad Coaching Decisions. That is a lot of bust……We learned that the national media loves to hear themselves talk. USC beat Ohio State on the road, yes, but that had little to do with Matt Barkley, who looked less that average for a majority of the night, and all to do with Joe McKnight. He’s not a miniature John Elway, not even close. Hell, he might not even be the best quarterback on the team, as Aaron Corp will likely get his shot to start this week after Barkley injured his shoulder Saturday night……We learned that we can forget the Sports Illustrated curse, what about the Oklahoma State curse, as in they can’t handle success? The only thing more disturbing about giving up 500 yards to an albeit good Houston Cougars offense is that you still have Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Texas Tech and others on the schedule……..We learned that Taylor Potts is another good one in a long series of Texas Tech quarterbacks after throwing for 456 yards and 7 touchdowns against Rice. And he easily beats Landry Jones for the best mustache in the Big 12 (see above)…….And finally, we learned that Justin Tucker is the ballsiest punter in the nation.

Anyhow…

“Revenge is for suckers.” – Paul Newman as Henry Gandorff, in The Sting.

You’ve seen it a million times by now. Harrell to Crabtree, one second left on the clock in Lubbock last fall, the Tech fans rushing the field before they even had a chance to kick the extra point, the workers at Jones AT&T Stadium taking down the goalposts before the extra point as well.

That would give Texas their one loss last year, and we all know what happened down the stretch as Oklahoma advanced to the Big 12 Championship game on a tiebreaker, leaving Texas on the outside once again.

One word permeates the landscape of Austin this week as these two teams prepare to meet again Saturday night in Austin. It comes up over and over from Texas fans.

Revenge.

And I am here to say it is all a load of crap. Revenge is overused in the sports world, and believe me, I have found out the hard way.

Revenge for what? Graham Harrell is in Saskatchewan trying to figure out Canadian Football League defenses, while Michael Crabtree is sitting on his rented couch, checking the time on the Rolex he still needs to pay for, waiting for the NFL Sunday Ticket to come on and see who he thinks which guys he thinks he should be making more money than this week. Tech coach Mike Leach is still there, but he was probably inebriated the whole second half and doesn’t remember it anyhow.

And what exactly do we get if we win this game on Saturday? Do we get a chance to go back to December and play Missouri for the Big 12 title and then Florida for the national title? No, we get UTEP next week, win or lose. Nothing wears me out more than seeing a commercial for the two Super Bowl teams meeting the next pre-season and hearing “Team A looks to avenge their Super Bowl loss to Team B, Thursday night on FOX!”

No, Team B is still the world champion. There is nothing that anyone can do about that.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I want to beat Tech by 50 points and send them back to the high plains realizing that they were a one hit wonder that will never have their “best season ever” again. I want Mike Leach to pay his own way for job interviews at other schools again, knowing that he’ll never win the South with Texas and Oklahoma in his way. I want Michael Crabtree to call Deion Sanders and tell everyone why he is worth more money than Matthew Stafford, and then tell Deion about how bad Tech got their ass beat last night and how he’s glad that he’s not there anymore. But that doesn’t have anything to do with last year and a need to exact revenge. It’s just plain dislike for Texas Tech.

Revenge should be left to William Wallace in Braveheart, or for Annie Le’s fiancé at Yale (I would tell the police that they’d better find the bastard before I do or they’re going to have two murders on their hands) or for Ted Kennedy having to share an apartment in the sky with DJ AM and his loud parties.

Because, like the great Henry Gandorff said in The Sting, revenge is for suckers. The only reason that we need to remember last year is because when you allow yourself to falter even once in this system, it allows for outside variables to control your destiny, which we found out the hard way last year.

Of course you don’t have to remind me that in the end, Gandorff wins, gets his revenge for his buddy and rides into the sunset. But it wasn’t the revenge that satisfied Gandorff. It was the winnings.

So the Longhorns need to take care of business on Saturday. And then they need to take care of business against UTEP. And Colorado. And Oklahoma.

Keep doing that, keep winning, and you’ll have something better than revenge. You’ll have redemption.

FACEBOOK NEWS FEED

Tate Forcier has joined the group Ann Arbor Chicks Dig Me.

Tressel-ball and Ohio State Fans are no longer in a relationship.

Ron Prince is smiling his ass off.

Texas College has given up its football program.

Dan Hawkins is thinking about putting my house on the market.

Kanye West wrote on Charlie Weis’s Wall: “I’m gonna let you finish, but the run is really the best play here.”

Oklahoma and Oklahoma State have denied the friend request from Courteney Cox in “Cougars”.

Texas wrote on Serena Williams’s Wall: “We needed you last year in Lubbock.”

The Week That Will Be and Good Picks Against the Spread are no longer in a relationship.

On to the games...

Georgia Tech @ Miami -4.5:

3/14. That’s what Georgia Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt was in last week’s win over Clemson. With two interceptions, so he almost completed more passes to the other team than his own.

But of course Georgia Tech is all about the running game, and last year they ran all over Miami to the tune of 472 yards, as Georgia Tech won that one 41-23 in a game they were leading by 31 going to the fourth quarter.

This one all depends on Jacory Harris, the Miami quarterback. If he’s really the next big thing in college football, then Miami can force Georgia Tech to get out of their game plan. If he struggles, then Georgia Tech likely controls the ball and the game.

I like Georgia Tech’s coaching staff, their running game ability and the fact that they have won four in a row in this series. I also see Miami as an inconsistent bunch who probably has been reading too many of their own headlines the last two weeks.

Georgia Tech 37 Miami 31
ATS – Georgia Tech
SU – Georgia Tech

Tennessee @ Florida -29.5:

Can Monte Kiffin slow down the Florida attack? Probably not. The Volunteers’ defense has been impressive so far this year, only allowing 134.5 yards a game, but Florida is a different animal than UCLA and Western Kentucky.

The Gators have owned this series, winning the last four and seven of the last ten. With Tennessee still learning, and injuries on their offensive line, this one could get ugly, and quick.

Florida 51 Tennessee 10
ATS – Florida
SU – Florida

Georgia @ Arkansas -1:

Arkansas is looking for their first win against Georgia since 1993, but will have to show some more offense to get it done on the road. Georgia’s offense is currently ranked 101st in the nation, which isn’t going to win you many ballgames.

You have to wonder how much Georgia has left in the tank after a tough game in Stillwater and an up and down game against South Carolina last week. Arkansas, meanwhile, was off last week and has been looking forward to this game since spring practice.

It’s dangerous picking against a Mark Richt team on the road in the SEC, but look for a fired up Arkansas team that will be better in its second year under Petrino.

Arkansas 31 Georgia 17
ATS – Arkansas
SU – Arkansas

Tulsa @ Oklahoma -17:

Oklahoma had a nice exhibition game last week to get Landry Jones some real live snaps, but this week they play a Tulsa team that is battle tested and will be amped up to play the big boys in the state.

It is rare that Tulsa has the better quarterback of the two teams, but Texas transfer GJ Kinne has completed 67% of his passes this year, throwing five touchdown passes and has yet to throw an interception in 55 attempts.

Unfortunately for Tulsa, they have beaten two of the weaker teams in the FBS, and due to a weird scheduling quirk, this is also their third road game of the year. Look for Oklahoma to struggle at times, but get the job done rather easily.

Oklahoma 37 Tulsa 14
ATS – Oklahoma
SU – Oklahoma

Nebraska @ Virginia Tech -4:

This is the year that many Nebraska fans are looking to return to the top of the Big 12 North, and so far they have looked the part, beating up on two sisters of the poor in Florida-Atlantic and Arkansas State.

They’ll face a veteran Virginia Tech squad that dominated the Cornhuskers in Lincoln last year, and I look for more of the same here. If Nebraska pulls off the upset here, watch out for them the rest of the way.

Virginia Tech 28 Nebraska 21
ATS – Virginia Tech
SU – Virginia Tech

Texas Tech @ Texas -17.5:

Colt McCoy hasn’t looked as sharp this year compared to last year, but if you look at the numbers, they are comparable.

2009: 51/76 (.671) 650 yards 5 TD 2 INT
2008: 44/58 (.758) 504 yards 7 TD 1 INT

McCoy will need to be his 2008 self to beat Texas Tech if this turns into a shoot-out. But of course, when playing Tech, you’re always more worried about what your defense is going to do.

And while Taylor Potts certainly looks the part of other Texas Tech quarterbacks, throwing for 7 touchdowns against Rice last week, there is a major difference in the offense this year for Tech.

They’re only averaging 46 yards per game on the ground for an average of 2.8 yards per carry.

Graham Harrell was adept at checking into running plays at the line of scrimmage, and Tech doesn’t have the explosive runner that they have had in recent years. If Tech goes against a Will Muschamp defense expecting to be one-dimensional, Taylor Potts might not survive the night.

Mike Leach has lost all four times his teams have played in Austin, allowing 59, 52, 43 and 42 points.

He’ll leave having lost all five tries.

Texas 52 Texas Tech 24
ATS – Texas
SU – Texas

Random Hot Dallas Chick

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For entertainment purposes only. Save your money for the Kanye West/Taylor Swift duet CD.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

College Football Random Thoughts

I'll have more on the UT game tomorrow, but just thought I'd give some thoughts on other games in college football today:

-- USC beat Ohio State because they remembered to give the ball to Joe McKnight.  Matt Barkley didn't win that game, McKnight did.  Hell Ohio State averaged 7.1 yards per pass, while USC only averaged 6.1 yards per pass, so the quarterback that we all thought couldn't get it done through the air (Pryor) out-performed Barkley...although neither quarterback threw a touchdown pass tonight.  Great win for USC, but that performance didn't do much to make me think they can make it through the Pac-10 unscathed, especially with a trip to Berkeley looming in October.

And Ohio State is not going to win a big game until Jim Tressel grows a pair.  Seriously.

-- Great win for Michigan today, Tate Forcier looks like a *bad pun alert* FORCE to be reckoned with...but Charlie Weiss cost Notre Dame that game.  Notre Dame got the ball with 3:07 left in the game at their own 16 yard line, with a three point lead.  Michigan had all three timeouts, but here is the drive: Rush for 13 yards....rush for no gain...timeout Michigan (2:29 left)....pass incomplete....pass incomplete...punt for 29 yards.  Michigan got the ball back with 2:13 left, at their own 42, with two timeouts left.  Did anyone have any doubt what was going to happen next?  Run the ball twice, make Michigan take the rest of their timeouts, and you are giving Michigan the ball at their own 42 yard line, but the difference is they don't have any timeouts, so the best they might do is a FG.  Horrible decisions there by Weiss.

-- Just when I give Oklahoma State some credit, they pull an Oklahoma State.  They give up 500 yards to Houston, and their offense for the second week in a row looks very unimpressive.  Goodbye to your dream season, Cowboys, but hey, it is good news to me because those Texas/Oklahoma State tickets will be cheaper.

-- I would have bet a lot of money on the Under for South Carolina/Georgia today.  Ooops.

Friday, September 11, 2009

On this day...

 
I felt that this was appropriate.  Hook 'em Roy, and go get them in Tampa on Sunday.
And God Bless America.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

The Week That Will Be (09.12.09)

Last Week: 1-5 ATS 3-3 SU
For the Year: 1-5 (.167) (-$450) ATS 3-3 (.500) SU

What we learned last week: We learned that my ATS record for last week was about as good as Jordan Jefferson at quarterback for LSU. You know how when hurricanes are really bad they retire their names? Well Jordan Jefferson is no more, he is now referred to as QB #1 for LSU….We learned that my ATS record for last week was about as good as state of Florida defenses. Florida is excused from this conversation, but all that speed on FSU and Miami was very apparent when they ran past the guy they were supposed to be covering and/or tackling. Jacory Harris is the real deal, however, and is easily the most exciting player in the ACC already….We learned that my ATS record for last week was about as good as Virginia Tech’s defense. You can use the Darren Evans excuse for your offense, but he didn’t play defense and there is no reason to give up 498 yards to a very average Alabama offense. And why does Virginia Tech use the wildcat formation all the time? Where is their real quarterback? What? Tyrod Taylor isn’t their wildcat quarterback? And this is a Top 10 team to start the year?.....We learned that my ATS record for last week was about as good as the Illinois rebuilding project. What? Illinois had the returning quarterback and NFL prospect receiver coming back? What the hell kind of world are we living in? Blaine Gabbert in all seriousness made me realize that the week between OU and Oklahoma State is no longer an off-week. Missouri is here to stay…..We learned that my ATS record for last week is about as good as Oklahoma’s offensive line, as about as good as Sam Bradford’s decision to come back to school, about as good as Bob Stoops in games away from Norman, about as good as Landry Jones’s mustache...I can go all night….And finally, we learned that my ATS record for last week is about as good as the Longhorns’ 4th quarter defensive effort. 60 MINUTES GENTLEMEN!

Anyhow…

This week we steal Bill Simmons’s shtick (hey when I get paid for these I’ll form my own shtick), and we’ll give you a national college football preview with help from the summer blockbuster The Hangover.

Listen, we f*#@ed up, we lost Doug. What? We’re getting married in *five* hours. Yeah…that’s not gonna happen.

Bob Stoops lost Sam Bradford, and he didn’t even get a night with Mike Tyson’s tiger, a hospital trip from Wayne Newton and didn’t even get to attend a wedding.

Sam Bradford and Jermaine Gresham came back to Oklahoma to win a national championship….yeah, that’s not gonna happen. OU’s defense is still formidable, and they still have enough playmakers on offense to win most of their games, but their season hinged on Bradford and Gresham staying healthy, and that didn’t last until the first punt hit the JerryTron. Bradford is supposedly going to be back in 2-4 weeks, but given the uncertainty surrounding the situation, you have to wonder if that is just wishful thinking for Stoops, and soon he’s going to have to call Tracy from the side of the road while roofies talk occurs behind him.

Would you please some pants on? I feel weird having to ask you twice.

Oklahoma State is used to losing their pants in the big games, but this year they’ve already surprised a few media scribes by winning a game they were favored in last week against Georgia. Sure, Georgia looked as if the whole offense had the swine flu, but it was still a quality win against a quality opponent, a step that Oklahoma State must take in order to go to the next level.

They’ll get plenty of chances in the Big 12 for those types of games this year, and we’ll see if they’ve really put their pants on yet.

And my wolf pack... it grew by one. So there... there were two of us in the wolf pack... I was alone first in the pack, and then Doug joined in later.

Tim 8 Pound 6 Ounce Lord Baby Tebow already has his Heisman, Sam Bradford can prop up his bad arm on his Heisman, and now it’s time for another to join the wolfpack….Colt McCoy. It tells you how good McCoy was last year when a 21/29 for 317 yard performance in the first game is looked upon as a step down from last season.

The Heisman Trophy is rarely given to one person twice, so McCoy has to be the favorite at this point, and if he repeats his 2008, it will be his, easily.

This isn’t the real Caesar’s Palace, is it? What do you mean? Did um, did Caesar live here? No. I didn’t think so.

In 30 years, when Florida is meandering to a 5-7 record at Tim 8 Pound 6 Ounces Lord Baby Tebow Field, youngsters across Gainesville will wonder if the great Tim Tebow actually played here, and strain to hear his cheesy halftime speeches stolen from the monologue of Dawson Freakin’ Leery in a bad high school football movie. They will then sigh heavily as a LSU receiver hauls in another TD pass in front of Touchdown Tebow hanging over the north end zone.

Tigers love pepper….they hate cinnamon.

Apparently Tigers hate quarterbacks and defense, too, if the last fourteen games from LSU mean anything. We’re finally realizing what Les Miles did to win the championship in 2007, he sold his soul to the football devil, and is now stuck with the likes of QB #1 for the rest of his coaching life. I’m guessing we’ll see him in Jacksonville, Kansas City or some other NFL port very soon.

Not you, fat Jesus

Mississippi might be the best challenger to Florida in the SEC, but does anyone really think that a Houston Nutt coached team will be in a BCS bowl, much less the national championship game?

Here's something I would like to remind you two of: our best friend Doug is probably face down in a ditch right now with a meth head butt-f*#$ing his corpse! That’s highly unlikely.

USC appeared to be dead in the water when the favorite to win the quarterback job Aaron Corp went down with an injury in summer practices and true freshman Matt Barkley was handed the job, but USC responded with a 56-3 win over San Jose State in the first week and are big favorites this week against Ohio State. San Jose State won’t be confused for 22 Tebows anytime soon, but in a weekend where some struggled, USC showed that a great offensive line and a very good defense will take you far in this sport.

How’s my hair? That’s good. It’s cool like Phil’s? It’s classic Phil.

Notre Dame is trying to get their swagger back, and looked convincing in a blowout of pretty decent Nevada last week. It will take a few more wins like that before sane people and not senile commentators that must hold naked pictures of the ESPN president like Lou Holtz think that Notre Dame is on their way back. But for once, the talk around South Bend is positive.

Not at the table, Carlos!

Please take away Kenny Chesney. Please. We can all realize that it was a horrible, horrible idea and just duck quickly into the night, right ESPN? I want to hear drum cadences and fight songs, not a poca-shelled fake cowboy who looks like he’s trying too hard to be on the new Melrose Place?

By the way man, where did you get that cop car from? We uh, stole it from those dumbass cops. Nice! High Five there!

Who is most likely to steal the national championship from the prohibitive favorites? Alabama looked mighty good against Virginia Tech, and if their offense plays like that all season, then they could very well win the SEC. Mississippi as we mentioned above could do it if they overcome their past. Penn State and Ohio State benefit from a weak Big Ten schedule and could find themselves in Pasadena. Oklahoma State and Cal are right there, as well.

If anything, we should get a reward. Yeah…a reward, or a trophy!

And of course the prohibitive favorites are Florida and Texas. Call me a homer, but it looks like the Longhorns’ year with their ridiculous weapons on offense and a defense that will lean heavily on senior leadership in the front seven and young talent in the secondary.

And, at the end of the year, we’ll all settle in a chair and check out the ridiculous pictures from our tailgate as the credits roll.



FACEBOOK NEWS FEED

Sam Bradford is no longer in a relationship with Jermaine Gresham.

LaGarrette Blount has joined the group Eugene Fight Club.

Byron Hout has joined the group I Got Knocked The F*#@ OUT on National TV.

Jim Tressell > Terrelle Pryor: Shut up and run the ball, TP.

Kenny Chesney has a bout of laryngitis.
America likes this.

Dan Hawkins I’ll coach my team like Little League Baseball and start my son every game if I want to!

Versus and DirecTv have joined the group F YOU TEXAS FANS.

On to the games...

UCLA @ Tennessee -7.5:

Last year UCLA beat a ranked Tennessee team at the Rose Bowl in a game that was the beginning of the end for Phil Fulmer. Yes, it was only Western Kentucky, but the Vols had a very encouraging 63-7 win to start their season last week, and look to carry that momentum here.

UCLA, meanwhile, had a mediocre 33-14 win over San Diego State. Look for Tennessee to continue their roll here.

Tennessee 37 UCLA 17
ATS – Tennessee
SU – Tennessee

Notre Dame -3.5 @ Michigan:

Notre Dame handled the spread offense of Nevada very well last week, but while Nevada is a very solid opponent, they don’t have the athletes that Michigan has.

This one is hard to pick because both teams were so bad last year but made strides in their first game this year. Jimmy Clausen has been very good in the last two games, but this week we’ll see if he can do it in a hostile atmosphere.

The underdog has won 8 of the last 10 meetings between these two, and I see that trend continuing.

Michigan 27 Notre Dame 24
ATS – Michigan
SU – Michigan

USC -7 @ Ohio State:
The Buckeyes had a rough start last week, struggling on defense while allowing Navy to run for 186 yards and frankly, out-coach them. Navy looked like the aggressor, the role that you would think Ohio State would play at home in Terrelle Pryor’s first year as unquestioned starter.

USC has had their problems at quarterback, but they still have the stable of running backs, an outstanding offensive line, and a defense patrolled by Taylor Mays. Look for USC to stack the line, dare Pryor to beat them through the air, and get enough on offense to open things up for Barkley.

USC 34 Ohio State 21
ATS – USC
SU – USC

Houston @ Oklahoma State -15.5:

This one can be tough if Oklahoma State rests on their laurels and is satisfied with the win over Georgia. Houston is a very dangerous team, one that can put a lot of points on the board very quickly.

But…Houston isn’t as good on the road. They lost to Rice and Marshall on the road late last season, and struggled to beat SMU in another. Look for OSU to get their offense going early and often.

Oklahoma State 48 Houston 28
ATS – Oklahoma State
SU – Oklahoma State

Rice @ Texas Tech -26.5:

Texas Tech didn’t look as sharp last week, but Rice lost by 20 to UAB. UAB will never be confused as the next Texas Tech.

Texas Tech 51 Rice 17
ATS – Texas Tech
SU – Texas Tech

Texas -33.5 @ Wyoming:

Wyoming gave up 322 passing yards to Weber State last week. Oh no.

Texas 63 Wyoming 14
ATS – Texas
SU – Texas

Random Hot Dallas Chick

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For entertainment purposes only. Save your money for oxygen tanks in Laramie.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Texas beats Louisiana Monroe 59-20



As I told friends after the game, it is the classic game where you can be plenty happy about what went right in the ballgame, but the coaches also have plenty of material to yell at and teach up.

Game 2 is Saturday at Wyoming, but we'll be back Wednesday to discuss that and more.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

The Week That Will Be (09.05.09)

Last Week: 0-0 ATS 0-0 SU
For the Year: -- (.) (-$) ATS - (.) SU


All the dreams, all the hopes for the national championship come down to this play…Young from the Shotgun….back to throw, Vince looks, under pressure, he’ll tuck it and RUN….Vince to the FIVE….Young….TOUCHDOWN TEXAS!! TOUCHDOWN VINCE YOUNG!! He’s done it again! Vince Young has given the Longhorns the lead with 19 seconds to play in the game.

The longest 19 seconds of my life.

It’s hard to believe that that fateful night was now three and a half years ago, but it was. But I still remember driving around that night, unable to sleep because I didn’t ever want that night to end, and thinking to myself, “There is no way that the next one could be as special. We can never have that moment again.”

I’m here to tell you, I was dead wrong that night.

I’m as hungry as ever to tell the nation that they were wrong about our Longhorns. Again.

I don’t have to remind you of the events of last year, beating Oklahoma in Dallas and thinking that destiny was ours, only to lose on a last second play in Lubbock and then have the dominoes fall to knock Texas out of the Big 12 Championship Game and then the National Championship game in Miami. And of course we all knew that Oklahoma was going to lose to Florida, which they did, and Texas fans were left to wonder, what if?

Well, fast forward 8 months and now the Longhorns have their shot at getting what they think was theirs. They can not only win their fifth national championship, but can show the nation that perhaps they had it wrong in 2008, as well.

And, just like in 2005, they are a prohibitive favorite to make it to the championship game. Heisman Trophy candidate Colt McCoy (his start against Louisiana Monroe will be his 40th as a Longhorn) is back to lead the offense, as are 4 of the 5 offensive linemen. Quan Cosby is gone, but there is more than enough talent at wide receiver to make up for it, with Jordan Shipley, James Kirkendoll, Brandon Collins, Malcolm Williams, Dan Buckner and QB turned WR John Chiles at Greg Davis’s disposal. The Longhorns will once again take the running back by committee approach this season, with Vondrell McGee, Cody Johnson, Fozzy Whitaker and Tre Newton all seeing significant playing time.

On defense, Texas must replace NFL first-round draft pick DE Brian Orakpo and third-round pick DT Roy Miller, but there is raw talent there to reload. Returning starters Sergio Kindle and Lamarr Houston will be asked to anchor a defensive line where Sam Acho, Alex Okafor, Eddie Jones and Kheeston Randall will also get significant playing time.

Jared Norton and Roddrick Muckelroy return at linebacker, looking to bolster a defense that at times was soft against the run last season.
But the most promise in the defense lies with the secondary, where a lot of guys had to learn on the job last season and hope to benefit from that experience this year. Aaron Williams could very well be the next great defensive back at the University, while Chykie Brown is more than capable of holding his own on the other side. Earl Thomas has been named by Coach Muschamp by name plenty of times this training camp (which if you know Muschamp is a high honor), and is said to have had the best camp of any player on that side of the ball.

But it won’t be easy. Although there are no Ohio States on the schedule this year, the Longhorns still must navigate a Big 12 schedule that tripped them up last year. Road games at Oklahoma State and Missouri could be tough, and although they get Texas Tech at home, they will be led by senior quarterback Taylor Potts.

And of course there is always Oklahoma. Which is in 45 days. Not that I’m counting.

In 2005, the Longhorns were told by a certain actor alumnus to “Get your goal, go on to Pasadena and live the dream.” The Longhorns adopted “Live The Dream” as a late season motto.

This year, it isn’t a dream. It is an expectation.

And I want Florida. And Tebow. Hell give him the Heisman again.

The season of redemption starts on Saturday at 6:00 PM.

Get your Horns up.

FACEBOOK STATUS MESSAGES

T Boone Pickens is rethinking that hundy thou he put on the Pokes in Vegas…
Pete Carroll is thinking hell, the Cardinals aren’t using Matt Leinart, can we have him back???
The Michigan Football Team wants their mommy.
Sam Bradford is wondering why that big guy I threw passes to is now snapping the ball to me.
Houston Nutt is wondering just how in the hell I’ll screw this up this time.
Tim Tebow has saved a baby from a burning building, walked an old lady across the street, performed heart surgery and hasn’t had sex. What’s for lunch?
Lou Holtz is going with Beano Cook to the nursing home and mumbling incoherent phrases, who is with me?

On to the games...

LSU -17.5 @ Washington:

Washington figures to be better this year with new coach Steve Sarkisian and QB Jake Locker back under center, but it is going to take some time, and LSU isn’t an opponent to get healthy against. LSU is looking to rebound from a disappointing year themselves, and will have no trouble with the Huskies in the great Northwest.

LSU 45 Washington 14
ATS – LSU
SU – LSU

Miami @ Florida State -6:

What was once a classic is now a game where both teams are trying to regain national respect. This one likely comes down to which quarterback can perform the best, Miami’s Jacory Harris or Florida State’s Christian Ponder? Ponder is the more seasoned choice, but like a lot of Miami/FSU games this decade, expect a low scoring, sleep inducing game.

Florida State 17 Miami 13
ATS – Miami
SU – Florida State

Virginia Tech v. Alabama -6.5:

Speaking of sleep inducing games, this one could also be a game where only amateur gamblers bet on the over. Bama will have the home crowd, but Tyrod Taylor is 13-2 as a starter and one of those games was a loss at FSU where he left the game in the first quarter. I see Alabama winning, but VT keeping it close.

Alabama 16 Virginia Tech 13
ATS – Virginia Tech
SU – Alabama

Missouri v. Illinois -6.5:

Nobody really knows that to think of Missouri right now. They lost Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin and Chase Coffman. Replacing Daniel is sophomore Blaine Gabbert, who has a nice pedigree, but is raw. Illinois returns QB Juice Williams and WR Arrelious Benn.
Illinois has yet to win a game in this series in St. Louis, but this will be the year.

Illinois 45 Missouri 27
ATS – Illinois
SU – Illinois

BYU v. Oklahoma -22.5:

I could see this game going two ways. I see OU blowing out BYU, or I see BYU outright winning. So which is more likely? Probably OU blowing them out.

Demarco Murray is out with his annual injury, but the Sooners have plenty of offensive weapons to exploit the weaknesses on BYU’s defense. Bobby usually has his teams ready to go in September, and I don’t see this one being any different.

Oklahoma 48 BYU 24
ATS – Oklahoma
SU – Oklahoma

Louisiana Monroe @ Texas -41:

This week you had the annual Mack Brown talking up the opening opponent speech, and Louisiana Monroe might even be improved this year from their 4-8 record of a year ago, but from all accounts, the Longhorns have been hitting on all cylinders all camp, and are ready to get the season underway.

They aren’t going to take this one lightly.

Texas 52 Louisiana Monroe 3
ATS – Texas
SU – Texas

Random Hot Dallas Chick

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