Week 9 Musings.

I greatly apologize but it appears I had difficulty when trying to post the week 8 musings, as well as the weekday musings for week 9. I don't think anybody really gives two shits, since they sucked it to the tune of 3-7 last week. The weekday musing this week was BC +3 which won, albeit very luckily.

Here is week 9, hopefully a bounceback.

Well, it appears as if we're off to a bad start this week. I'm not even bothering to wait for the end of this BC/VT abortion since I'll be waiting until 2012 for Matt Ryan to show that he has testicles. Heisman Trophy candidate? If that's the case, and this frightened of the dark, terrified of all things marroon and orange candy ass pussified queer is what our country comes up with as the top heisman candidate, we might as well just yank our pants down and surrender to France right now. Just stop with going to work, don't worry about watching the market, just shut down the country and march into the gas chamber. If BC is the #2 team in the country, let's just all kill ourselves right now. I am offended by this performance. I'm also still waiting for the Rockies to score another run. Hey assholes!!! One probably isn't going to be enough, ok???

OK. Wow. We won that one. Holy Shit. I guess it's ok to be a blubbering mass of vomit for 57 minutes if you're planning on being a combination Chuck Norris, Clint Eastwood and John Wayne all at once for the last 3.

While we're at it, can I ask a question about the without a doubt severely mentally retarded Les Miles? If you're playing blackjack, and you have 18, and the dealer has 17, do you hit? If the answer is yes, and you get a 3, do you have gigantic horse balls, or are you just a moron? Right, you're a moron. That LSU/Auburn game last weekend just reinforces my opinion that if football coaches didn't have programs to ruin, they would all be homeless. First of all, someone has to ask Tommy Tuberville why, with a minute left, up 1, with two timeouts, and LSU within chip shot field goal range, do you not call timeout on 2nd and 3rd down to save yourself some clock to do something in case LSU does what any partially sane person would do and kick the winning field goal? Perhaps he knew Miles would get confused and throw into the endzone for the winning touchdown with 1 second left? I'm guessing not, and nobody has been able to provide even a halfway plausible reason as to why he didn't do this. It was like battle of the network morons, with Miles out-moroning Tuberville, but through only dumb luck, he ended up pulling that three out of his rectum. There was so much stupidity flying at me from multiple directions that my head almost exploded. I don't think I can watch any more LSU games, seriously. Oh yeah, and that dickface refuses to cover too, just like every other piece of garbage faggot team I entrusted my hard earned money to last week. Can you tell I'm getting frustrated? Hey Ralph Freidgen! Thanks for getting pantsed by that lovable Neaderthal Al Groh in the last minute on your home field. Hey Bill Callahan! Get into the fetal position and wait for the mob scene to skewer your ass and display your rotting carcass to all who enter Lincoln.Shame on me for expecting your team to actually show a pulse this week. Hey Mike Gundy! Thanks for sucking it up and stopping the two point conversion with 2 minutes left that kept us from covering, you assface! Hey Ty Willingham, thanks for lying down and letting Oregon shit on your fans in your home stadium. Next time maybe they'll score 100! Hey Dan Hawkins, Paul Johnson, Les Miles, etc!! Go F yourselves!!!


On to this week:

2. Pitt +10 @ Louisville: This is obviously a huge risk, since I'll be putting my money in the hands of our old pal Wanny, but I think Louisville's shortcomings on defense match up well with Pitt. Pitt's offense has slowly been coming around this year, and I have definitely been impressed with their true freshman running back LeSean McCoy. He has been able to gouge out rushing yards against everyone on Pitt's schedule, most notably last week against Cincinnati. The Panthers carved out 260 yards on the ground against the Bearcats, and that is a definite accomplishment, since Cincy came into the game with a top 10 rush defense. Louisville, for whatever reason, has not been able to stop anyone at all on the ground at home. Utah came in 2 weeks ago and ran it down their throats for 260+, and they didn't even know they had a running game. Pitt's QB Pat Bostick is also a true freshman, but he has steadily improved as the season has gone on. Defensively, Pitt will obviously have their work cut out for them with Brohm and company, but they have been pretty stout on the year, allowing only 313 yards per game overall.

3. @Wisconsin -8 1/2 v Indiana: I think you can make a case for Indiana here, but I think the Hoosiers find themselves in a tough spot. In order to keep pace in this game, they are going to have to do 2 things: Move the ball on the overrated Wisconsin D pretty much on every drive, and figure out a way to stop the badger running game. At home, Indiana has hung tough(for them) defensively, allowing less than 400 yards. However, on the road, the Hoosiers haven't had any luck stopping anyone, giving up more than 450 yards on the road. Their offensive production falls off on the road as well. I do not like their chances of stopping Wisconsin in Camp Randall.Hell, even if they do, Wisconsin still seems to win going away in that hellhole. Wisconsin struggles against aggressive, physical defenses that will punch PJ Hill in the mouth. IU's D is the absolute antithesis of that.

4. @Tulane -1 1/2 v Mepis: First of all, Memphis is coming off a road victory, albeit one by the skin of their teeth against Rice. It's rather unlikely that they can figure out a way to do it twice in a row, especially going up against Matt Forte and Tulane's muscular running game. Memphis has given up more than 5 yards per carry on the season, and Tulane has been running it down people's throats over the past 3 weeks. In those games, all on the road, Tulane has outgained their opponents by 125 yards per game and averaged 6 yards per carry. Now they come home to face a team struggling to stop the run. Memphis has been able to chuck it pretty well this year, but Tulane hung tough at home defensively with LSU, playing aggressively enough to even record a safety on Matt Flynn in the end zone in that one. I think the huge advantage in the running game for Tulane will be the difference in this one, and It's possible that Bob Toledo has his offense rolling along now that he's had a chance to get used to his team.

5. Ohio St -3 1/2 @Penn St: This will be the third consecutive year that Penn St has played a huge showdown game on a Saturday night at home. 2 years ago, they knocked off Ohio St in a great game. Last year, Michigan came in and spoiled the party. The difference in those two games for Penn St was the QB play. In 2005, they had Michael Robinson, a QB athletic enough to to offset the speed that Ohio St had on defense, and a guy with a fair amount of gumption and intestinal fortitude. Last year, they had Anthony Morelli, who proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was completely incapable of leading the team to a big win. This year, it's Morelli again, this time against what is probably the best defense in the country. I have absolutely no confidence in this guy to lead in any meaningful way. When things are going well, and the running game is working, he's ok, but when the chips are down, he has shown no ability to get anything accomplished. Wet nap. There is no doubt that in order to win this one, he will have to make several plays inthe passing game. It won't happen. Ohio St has their hands full as well, since Penn St is stout on D, especially at home, but they have what I consider to be the most underrated offense in the country. If you look at their overall numbers, they are just as impressive as last year's if not moreso.

6. @Oregon St -13 1/2 v Stanford: Somehow, Jim Harbaugh has been able to get his team to compete in what has become a very strong league. They beat Arizona last week, which comes on the heels of that game that never actually happened. They've been able to hang, and even win despite getting outgained soundly every week. They can't run the ball, can't really throw it, can't stop the run, and get carved up in the passing game, as a 300+ passing game against by TCU at home would attest. This week, however, I think it will all catch up with them. Oregon St has an extremely good defense, especially at home. Much of the public has jumped on Stanford this week, looking at the spread and expecting the same result as the past couple of weeks, but Oregon St, with their improving passing game, solid running game and good defense is a bad matchup, esoecially since they've had a week off to digest the Cal victory.

7. Ball St +14 @ Illinois: Obviously, I hope I'm wrong about this one, since I'd like to see the Illini get back on track with a nice blowout win on homecoming, but shit, the Illini haven't won on homecoming since about 1983 or something, and many times it's been against patsies that you would think anyone could beat. Ball St is in some danger here, because they haven't been able to stop the run all season, and we know that the Illini can run it, but you would think that Western Illinois would have had a hard time too. And they did, but it only led to 21 points for the Illini. The fact remains that they cannot throw the ball with any effectiveness regularly. Here and there, yeah. In this game, they are going to have to put up 42 points to cover in my opinion, because Ball St is going to score on them. Illinois has struggled more than they should against the pass this year, playing a lazy cover two that has led to tons of 3rd and long conversions by the opponent. Even Iowa, with a passing game inferior to even the most sickly Pop Warner attacks was able to convert several key third downs. Illinois ranks 99th against the pass nationally, and Ball St ranks 11th in passing offense. The Illini are going to have to either score a lot more than they have lately, or stop the pass a lot better to cover this one. They should be on upset alert, because in my opinion, this is an entierly losable game for them if they aren't careful, and chances are they might just throw their helmets out there coming off the Michigan game.

8. USC +3 @Oregon: This is a game that should probably be laid off, but I can't help grabbing the opportunity to take points with USC. It's the first time it's been an option since 2003, so that tells you something right there. I have a feeling that USC will respond very well to being an underdog, probably having a little chuckle to themselves as they take the field. Obviously, Oregon's offense is fantastic, and they've admirably kept the pressure on despite losing some key guys on offense to injury. At the same time, USC has struggled on offense, but they've done so in ho-hum types of games. In this one, I can't imagine that they don't give Oregon their best effort. Defensively, this one is no contest. USC's D is miles ahead of Oregon's, and I think they will have just as much success, if not more against oregon's D than Oregon will have against them. I'll take the much better defense and the points every time, especially with USC. I just can't pass it up.

9. @Arkansas St +4 1/2 v Troy: Troy is the new darling of the SunBelt, if there is such a thing, as they are unbeaten in conference play after navigating through a brutal non conference schedule, highlighted by a thrashing of Oklahoma St early in the season,. Arkansas St, has also represented themselves well, winning a couple home games over bigger conference opponents. They also have teed it up with the big boys, having hung tough on the road with Tennessee and Texas. The Indians however have fallen out of favor due to some bad road performances in conference. In their only home game in conference however, they completely assaulted La La, piling up 600+ yards and stopping the run game that torched Troy the week before for 300+ yards on the ground. Troy, despite a successful campaign, has had all kinds of trouble stopping the run, and Arky St averages more than 5 per carry at home, while at the same time passing it effectively. As good as Arky St has been at home, gobbling up the 4 1/2 looks like a no brainer, especially since Troy hasn't been overly impressive defensively on the road.

10. @Arizona St -3 V Cal: Cal, despite their press clipings, really hasn't been that good this year. Arizona St, despite their lack of press clippings, really has. At home, Arizona St has outgained their opponents by more than 180 yards, while Cal has been outgained on the road by 80. Nate Longshore is hobbled, and Arizona st has playd a very aggressive brand of ball, so he'll likely have to make use of his other faculties to survive. Defensively, cal has been less than stout, so Arizona St's attack should be able to operate comfortably. The Sun Devils have quietly piled up an impressive resume, and this will be a good chance to let people know they are for real. I think Dennis Erickson has a profound effect as a coach. They'll probably get beat later on by Oregon or USC, or maybe both, but I don't think this Cal team, with a banged up Qb is the answer to beat them this week.

Others...... I think the OBC and his boys bounce back after the debacle at home last week with Vandy. They are getting 3 at UT, and they match up well with Tennessee's falccid defense.. Their running game has been quiet lately, but it remains entirely capable of running the ball down Tennessee's throats. At the same time, SC's defense has been good all year. Spurrier has dominated Fulmer, I'll take points with him in this spot when I can get them......I also have a feeling that Purdue follows up their domination of Iowa with a clunker and lets Northwestern move the ball at will. the spread is 13, so they'll have to figure out a way to stop the Cats, and not many people have been able to do that lately.....Eastern Michigan always seems to get up for Western Michigan and they're getting 5 1/2 at home against them this week. They have installed a new QB who looked good last week against NW, I think they can hang with a very disappointing Western Michigan squad.....UTEP gets Houston at home and is getting 3. The Cougs are solid offensively, but not on defense. Asking them to step it up against a good UTEP squad on the road might be a tad much....I have a feeling that UCLA comes off that win over Cal and clunks up in Pullman. They are laying 6, and WAZZOU, despite all kinds of trouble on the road, has put together some nice offensive performances at home. Alex Brink is effective, so UCLA will probably have to gather some points with their backup QB to cover......Wake's favored again against North carolina. (-5 1/2). I'll go with an improving UNC squad. Wake got lucky last week because Kupo Kookookaoloa Enhada Keepiapo got hurt in the first half when they were tied with navy, then the backup coughed it up an 3 straight possessions....I alsohave a hunch that NC St bites Virginia in the ass as a 4 point home dog. Virginia is now 7-1 for crying out loud. They are waaaaayyy overdue for a loss. I also like Kent to put up a lot of points on Central michigan and cover as a 3 point home dog. I have a feeling that A&M knocks off kansas too, despite a lot of evidence to the contrary.

That's it for this week. Lets see if we can return to competence.

week 8 weekday musing

This one is tardy, but here's is what we had for the Thursday night game. Scroll down for the Saturday plays.... Not sure yet if we'll have anything Friday night, but I'm going to be on one for Thursday for sure. Decent bounceback last week for the numbered musings, but I had a tough week overall...played too many games. Full complement will come at some point on Friday. 1. @Rutgers +3 v South Florida: This line is at 2 1/2 in some spots, 3 in others. I just got it at 3 (-113) at matchbook. Coming into this season, we all kind of knew that South Florida had a shot at making some BCS noise, especially if they could figure out a way to get past Auburn in week 2. Well, since Auburn was pretty much in disarray at that point, they went in there and won, despite not even playing all that well. They are, were and always will be a terrible matchup for West Virginia, and they proved why a couple Fridays ago. Now they are coming off a fantastic effort against a not bad UCF squad in which they pulled a pissed off Droopy act on the Knights. Afterwards, they were rewarded with a #2 AP ranking. They have no choice but to look in the mirror and burst with pride and satisfaction. Meanwhile, Rutgers remembers what happened to them in the exact same situation last year. THEY were the media darling ranked too high for their own good, and got squashed by Cincinnati, then got shut out of the BCS, to end up in a 3rd tier bowl not even on national TV. They are also coming off two home losses in a row, and are certainly lathered up to make amends and not be embarrassed on their home field for a 3rd consecutive time. South Florida, on the other hand, is looking at their schedule and has to realize that this is by far the toughest remaining test they have. The remainder of their challenge games are at home, so they could be nervous, knowing that this is the place where they can blow their season. In my opinion, the motivational/situational edge goes to Rutgers. On the field, I tend to lean toward Rutgers as well. The strength of USF this year has been an opportunistic offense combined with a very good defense. They have been good against the run, much like they were last year. However, there is one game that sticks out on their docket from last year in rushing yards allowed, and that's the Rutgers game. Ray Rice went for 202 yards on 35 carries. The Bulls couldn't get a stop as long as Rice was involved. Remember that this was in Tampa, where nobody runs on USF. I think the chances are very good that Rice has his way again, and this will be by far the most explosive pass offense USF has faced, light years ahead of Florida Atlantic and QB Rusty Smith, who dropped 257 yard and a 3td/1int performance on them in their most recent road game. On the flip side, Matt Groethe has the ptential to put up a 125 yard passing effort for sure. I expect the Bulls to struggle offensively on the road, much like they did last year against Louisville(8 points), Cincy(6 points) and Kansas(7 points). We need to remember that this remains a pedestrian offensive squad against solid teams, as they haven't topped 325 yards against anyone of note since Grothe has gotten there. Overall, I think the Scarlet Knights have the situational, emotional and matchup advantages all in their favor. If USF pulls this one out, I will without question doff my cap to them, because it will take a hurculean effort from the players as well as the coaches.

Week 8 Musings

It looks like there might be a few kids at Rutgers who might be skirting their obligations of attending class in the morning. Despite the best efforts of Tim Brown, the bone-headed punt returner who set up South Florida TWICE in primo field position with his ham-fisted buffoonery, the Scarlet Knights started off the musings in a positive fashion. Hopefully, we can build on the 7-4 effort from last week. For the year, we're at 45-33 for a 57.6% clip. The goal is 60%, so we have some work to do. Can I say something? Is anyone else having as hard a time as I am trying to watch Monday Night Football these days? I've concluded that listening to that booth(despite the presence of the acceptably pleasant Ron Jaworski) is the most excruciating, nails-on-the-chalkboard 3 hours I've consisitently spent in my lifetime. We owe this condition to Tony Kornholer, er Kornheiser. His role in the booth apparently is to bring up the"underlying story", i.e., whatever player "stinks", or whoever the fans of whatever team want to string up. If that doesn't work, he breaks out his amatuer stand up act. In any game, we're destined to hear about whatever topic has already been beaten to 45 deaths. For example, in a Bears game, we're going to have him bring up how Rex Grossman sucks, and how there could be a huge uproar in Chicago after he throws a pick, and we have to dissect "what that means" or a bunch of crap like that. In this Monday's shitfest between the Falcons and the Vagiants, we have to hear about the "pressure" Eli Manning is under, and if he can live up to the standard set by Peyton, blah blah blah blah puke. Last note for ESPN. If I'm watching the football game, please don't feel compelled to provide me with additional peripheral entertainment. I just want to watch the fucking game, ok? I don't need some yahoo from whatever ABC show you need to promote, so you don't have to dig up the chump who plays the plumber with the 2 day old stubble on Desperate Housewives, to force an inane, mind-numbingly awkward back and forth on me. I don't give a shit that he grew up a huge Steeler fan in Harrisburg PA, or wherever. ESPN has pretty much taken the most elementary form of entertainment, a football game, and made it unwatchable. I literally had to mute the game. Then, after that became a pain in the ass, I just pulled a David Puddy and stared at the wall. All you had to do was just televise the game. About the only "enhancement" I need is the first down line. That's it. Just shut the hell up. Ok, on to week 8. 2. @Indiana +7 v Penn St: This is a classic sandwich game for Penn St, and I don't think they're good enough on the road to overcome a lackluster effort against a legit Indiana squad. The Nittanies are coming off a pasting of Wisconsin, which isn't as good of a win as it seems because Illinois physically mauled the Badgers the week before, making a bad situation (back to back roadies) much worse. They have Ohio St coming to Happy Valley next week, and they just noticed that Michigan St absolutely violated Indiana last week. Despite the mauling, Indiana is pretty good on offense, and they've played pretty well at home. One other factor is that believe it or not, IU leads the nation in sacks, which is not good news for the motionless Anthony Morelli. I can see a stiff, uninspired effort from Penn State here, and if that happens, Indiana can certainly win outright. 3. Michigan St +19 @Ohio St: Here's another look ahead culprit. The Buckeyes are coming off a 48-3 pasting of Akron, but they actually were quite fortunate to have such a blowout, as Akron only was outgained by a few yards at halftime, but found themselves down 35-0, thanks to some special teams scores. Offensively, Michigan St can definitely run it, and the passing game is competent as well. Head Coach Mark Dantonio is a former OSU DC, so they might have a game plan that makes sense, something they haven't had provided to them under John L Smith. 19 is a lot of points for a decent team with a capable coach. Teams in the top 5 haven't had good luck with these types of games lately, either. 4. @Navy +3 v Wake Forest: The "fade Wake as a favorite" rule applies here for sure, but I also think you can make a case for Navy even if Wake didn't constantly shit the bed in this scenario. There's no doubt that they'll be able to run on Wake, and Wake's offense is the kind of offense that Navy can match up with. The misdirection stuff works on the coked up/undisciplined/forget to keep contain types in college football. Well, that just about covers everyone. Except maybe the service academies. It's actually a pretty good matchup for Navy. 5. @Oklahoma St -2 1/2 v Kansas St: K St is getting nice consideration with this spread here because they worked Texas in their last road game. This spot might be a tough one for them, though. Oklahoma St is a very good offensive squad, and they have a balanced attack, capapble of passing or especially running the ball. Plus they have a coach who can scream really loud. K St is more of a ball control offense, not really explosive at all. In addition, Oklahoma St has been successful in stopping the run, and should match up well with a team that uses more of a grind it out method. 6. @Nebraska -1 1/2 v Texas A&M: This is dangerous, since Nebraska's players may have thrown in the towel after getting their asses handed to them last week, but I have a feeling they have a nice performance in them. Many times, you'll see teams have a nice bounce back performance the week after getting embarrassed on their home field in front of their fellow students and fans. I think A&M gets Nebraska's best effort, and that will come against a defense that doesn't apply any pressure, which will make things easier for Sam Keller.A&M also will have to ratchet it up for their second straight road game, a tough situation for sure. 7. @Washington +13 v Oregon: This is without a doubt the most likely game on Oregon's schedule for a lacluster effort. They are off a dominating performance against new village idiot Bill Doba and WAZZOU, and they have USC and Arizona St back to back after this one. Oregon's offense is perhaps top 5 in the country, but they will have to play well defensively to cover 13. I think the Dawgs can hold their own on their home field, and after the precision that the Ducks showed last week, they are due for something less than a 100% effort. 8. @Maryland -4 v Virginia: Stupid Virginia. If they cover last week, we're 8-3. Too bad their kicker missed a 35 yard FG in the last minute...stupid jerk. Anyway, Al Groh has major problems on the road, so a reasonable number for a decent team should be good enough.. Maryland has played well defensively, and Virginia can't get out of it's own way without their starting RB Peerman, who it appears will be a game time decision.. As long as Jordan Steffy remains concussed, the Fridge will have to use that Napolean Dynamite look alike in this game. He's decent, a far cry from Steffy. 9. Iowa +7 @ Purdue: Purdue is in dangerous territory right now. They got off to a 5-0 start thanks to a creampuff/doughboy schedule, and after a 2 week nightmare of Ohio St followed by Michigan, Purdue fans have received a cold reminder of their lot in life. They better not get too chippy about having to go to all these 3rd tier bowls and start asking for Joe Tiller to hit the road, because if they do, they'll soon be fighting it out with Minnesota for Big Ten doormat status. Don't forget where this program was before Tiller, people. Yeah, he's not been great lately, but you're Purdue...you didn't make a bowl when Jim Everett and Rod Woodson were there. Enjoy the fact that you sort of matter now, and realize how quickly you'll be back to 2-10 again if you get too greedy. You know, like Minnesota. Anyway, Purdue's 2007 edition has proven that they are the Yoda Hollings of college football. Fearsome bully to the weak, but if David Bibbs shows up and slaps him around, he slunks back into whatever shack he rolled out of that morning. Notre Dame outgained these guys, and even held their offense in check for most of the second half. Purdue's defense isn't as bad as it's been, but it's not very good either, so Iowa might have some success moing the ball, especially on the ground after gaining some confidence last week against Illinois. 7 is way too much for Purdue to lay right now, especially against a team that can show some gumption. 10. @LSU -10 v Auburn: I went back and forth on this, because I'm tired of swaeting out these sizable favorites, but I think people are asking too much of Auburn to hang with LSU this week.(+10) They have done an admirable job lately, but playing two tough, physical road games in a row (9-7 win at Arkansas last week) might be too much to ask. This remains an offensively limited team with a banged up defense. They should be commended for their performances lately, but I think they'll get beaten soundly by LSU. Others: I've been impressed with Kansas..you really can't argue with their numbers. However, they have to lose at some point, right? Colorado is getting 3 1/2 at home, which is an overreaction to last week's games. Colorado actually played a much closer game with K St than the score indicates. I really think Kansas is due for a cbit of a clunker, and Colorado is definitely capable of beating them......I'll be on Bama as well in a pick em game with Tennessee.. These teams are evenly matched, but I think the defensive edge goes to Bama, and UT has played well enough in the last couple weeks to get the public behind them.... I think ND might be a good play getting 17 at home. USC has shown no indication that they can score with any regularity, and with the QB change, at least ND has a kid that can complete something other than a sideways pass under center...could be a close game. Stanford travels to arizona getting 12 1/2, but I have a feeling it won't be enough. Arizona has taken well to their new spread offense, and Stanford is giving up huge chunks of yardage in the passing game. people are still giving Stanford props in the line based on that game that couldn't have actually happened a couple weeks ago. .....I'll be taking a flier on San Diego St as a home dog as well. They've been getting better, and they face a New Mexico team coming off a satisfying road win at Wyoming. I like the Lobos, but 9 points might be a bit much... Finally, a MAC game. Toledo has been terrible this year, but their offense is finally coming around. The play at home laying only 1 to an offensively challanged Ohio team that has had trouble stopping people on the road. If they can't defend the home turf, Tom Amstutz might drown his sorrows in a bathtub filled with sausage gravy.....I also have a feeling that Texas Tech(+3 1/2) might benefit from a bit of a letdown from Missouri after the Tigers game with Oklahoma. I really don't see much chance for either team to stop the other, but I think Tech's defense is better. This would be a great one to watch, but I have a feeling that tech wins this one outright...That's it for this week. Good Luck and Go Illini!. That's it for this week. Good Luck and Go Illini!

Week 7 Musings

First of all, I apologize that I didn't get a weekday musings out to everyone for the Thursday game with Wake and Florida State. The normal protocol would indicate taking Wake as a dog in that one, especially on a Thursday night, but I completely forgot to get something out after being on the road earlier in the week. Hopefully, everyone caught that Wake was a dog there. Sorry 'bout that.

I'm not sure if anyone caught the Wednesday night game between Pitt and Navy, but good ole Wanny did us proud again. First of all, Pitt has a freshman running back named LeSean McCoy who is a slashing type runner(kind of like me). He's good. Navy, assignment based and scrappy as they are(read:small and slow) had no answer for him. In the second OT, Navy kicks a FG. Pitt, in it's subsequent possession, drives to a first and goal at the 6. On 1st down, Mc Coy rambles to the 1. 2nd and goal from the one: Pass.(incomplete) Third and goal from the one: Pass.(incomplete). Now it's fourth down. Wanny decides to go for it, a baffling move, since another OT might have caused Navy to collectively drop dead right there. However, the best part was the play call. Give the ball to McCoy, and nobody questions it. But what does Wanny do? He throws a fade with a freshman QB to a shit receiver who can't jump or catch. THIS IS NAVY WE"RE TALKING ABOUT DUMBASS!!!!!!!!!! RUN IT DOWN THEIR THROATS!! With the game on the line, and while facing a defense that had practically collapsed, Wanny put all his eggs in the basket of what is almost an entirely random event, a fade pattern in the endzone. Gotta love Wanny and his patchy mustache.

Another thing: USC lost as a 41 point favorite. They're ranked 10th, and I am still waiting for all the guffawing and smart aleck media columns pointing fun at Pete Carrol. I hate Lloyd Carr 10 times more than the next guy, but why is it that Michigan loses to Appy St, drops completely out of the top 25 never to be heard from again and gets destroyed for it for 5 solid weeks, but now, USC loses at home to Stanford, as a 41 point favorite no less(and confirmed as the largest dog in gambling history to ever win outright), they come in at #10 in the polls and we hear nary a peep? Have I just missed the internet articles by Johnny Amatuer Comedian? Is Lloyd Carr that unlikeable? Wait, don't answer that.

Conditions didn't improve for the musings this week, as we went 4-7-1 on the numbered offerings. There were some bad beats, but there's no sense in going through them all. 38-29 for the year, but it has not been pretty over the last 4 weeks. The also rans had a couple winners, but shit. To say that we're due for a good week is the understatement of the century. On to this week's games.

1. (FRIDAY) @San Jose St +17 1/2 v Hawaii: I locked this one in at 19 earlier this week, but I notice that the line has dropped. Last year, San Jose St, after years of playing the Washington Generals to everyone else's Globetrotters, put together a nice year and ended up in a bowl. During the season they hung with some tough teams, beat some others, and won their bowl game against a solid New Mexico squad on the Lobos home field. They were good because they had a QB, Adam Tafralis who threw effectively(21-7 ratio)and a good defense that didn't get embarrassed by anyone. Most of their guys were back, including Tafralis, so things looked good for this year. However, they came out and opened with a pathetic performance against Arizona St, and then looked helpless in their next two games against K St and Stanford. A tough schedule, yes, but they were just bludgeoned in the process, with Tafralis posting some helpless looking numbers. However, in the past 3 weeks, SJSU has won 3 in a row, and Tafralis has his YPA up over 8 with a 10/6 ratio. Hawaii, as we all know, has a pinball machine for an offense, but things just haven't been right for them this year. Due to an abysmal schedule, they are still on track for an undefeated year, but they had to scratch and claw to get past some horrid teams. They haven't played anywhere near the caliber of teams SJSU has played. Colt Brennan has been hurt the past few weeks, and hasn't had the rhythm he has shown in the past. They almost lost to La Tech earlier this year, and I think SJSU, with a good QB and a solid coach in Dick Tomey, is much better than La Tech. It's an ESPN gme, so everyone will be jacked..I think SJSU will give the 'Bows a very good game, and with what has happened so far in college football this year, it wouldn't surprise me at all if they won this one outright.

2. Rutgers -17 1/2 @Syracuse: Back to the well with the Scarlet Knights here. If this game was played 3 weeks ago, Rutgers would be a 28 point favorite. Syracuse has played a tough schedule but still has not played a game in which they were outgained by less than 130 yards. Offensively, we know what they are capable of(other than that aberration against Louisville), having been held to 202 yards last week by WV, and only 300 the week before that in a loss against MAC weakling Miami(OH). Now they face Rutgers, a team coming off two losses in a row, and possessors of an explosive passing game(10+ yards per pass play)and a solid runnning game with Ray Rice. The Orange, frankly, has not been able to stop anyone this year in either facet. To be honest, if Rutgers doesn't lay waste to these guys, Greg Sciano can go F himself for the rest of the year as far as I'm concerned.

3. @Texas Tech -9 1/2 v Texas A&M: Yikes. This line went up another point overnight. I'm still on board, though. In the two times coach Fran has gone to Lubbock Mike Leach has dropped 59 and 56 points on his considerable melon. This year, A&M can't stop a soul through the air, evidenced by the 10.6 YPA they gave up to Kyle Wright a few weeks ago. Tech is as good as ever in the passing game, and they have been under the radar, unranked with a 5-1 record, so they are probably looking to lay a beatdown on someone. A&M's offense hasn't really hit on all cylinders this year. They were the first team in more than 4 years to fail to score 30 on Oklahoma State in a Cowboy road game, and they looked pathetic against Miami(not a total indictment). If they want to stay in this one, they'll have to put up 40 at least, and I don't see that happening. Unless of course, coach Fran suddenly figures out how to stop a passing game, or Mike Leach decides to switch to the veer. One other note: A&M's remaining schedule is the following: @TT, @Nebraska, Kansas, @Oklahoma, @Missouri, Texas. Can you say "Coach Fran farewell tour?"

4. Missouri +12 @Oklahoma: I always hesitate with Gary Pinkel at the helm for Mizzou, and surprisingly undefeated teams in cases like this rarely deliver the goods, but 12 points is a bit much in my estimation. First of all, you won't have the requisite shivering QB wilting like a lily in this one. Chase Daniel is the real deal. He's tough, he'll run if he has to, and he has put up solid performances against good teams in the past. Oklahoma, despite a blistering start, has struggled in the secondary. A hobbled Colt McCoy carved them up for 12.46 YPA last week. To compare, in his previous 4 games, Mc Coy has YPAs of 6.75, 5.12, 5.51 and 6.28. The only other team on OU's slate who has thrown it with any precision is Tulsa, and Paul Smith lit them up as well(10.96 per atempt). I think Daniel will have some success. The perceived problem for Mizzou has been the defense, which has given up some big numbers this year. However, in every game they have played, they have been up big by early in the third quarter. They held Rahshard Mendenhall to 33 yards on 11 carries. They gave up jack crap to Nebraska until the Huskers begged for mercy like a playground wimp. I think their defense is better than people give them credit for, and I think they have a better than average shot in this one.

5. Oregon St +14 @Cal: This is a bit of a hunch play, but I think the Beavs can make this a game, despite their struggles. I like Cal. I think Jeff Tedford is just dreamy as a head coach, I really do. But there is no well in hell this team is the second best team in the country. They aren't anywhere near as good as they have been in any one of the last 4 years as a matter of fact. They are coming off a bye, and find themselves in this position, and probably can't help but feel the urge to roll their helmets out there and call it a day. However, Nate Longshore is hurting...there is some uncertainty if he will play. Even if he does, Oregon St has a solid defense. They have completely stuffed everyone who has tried to run on them(1.9 ypc). They've struggled in pass defense, but Cal's game this year has been the running game, and will be this week for sure if Longshore can't go. The Beavs have outgained opponents by more than 100 per this year, but sit at 3-3 due to their astounding ability to throw interceptions. Their QB Sean Canfield has been the culprit, but his numbers have improved over the past two weeks. Mike Riley is a good coach, and the Beavs can run it with yvenson Bernard. If they avoid turnovers, they will almost certainly hold their own in this one.

6. @MIchigan St -3 1/2 v Indiana: This game kind of reminds me of IU's game last year at Minnesota. They had a couple nice efforts in a row, then went up to Minnesota expecting to win. The spread indicated correctly that the Hoosiers were misguided in their confidence, but the betting public was wholeheartedly agreeing with the Hoosiers, running the line down 2 points in the process. Well, Minny dropped 63 on the Loosiers, and the betting public stood with mouths agape. Now, we revisit the scene of the crime, this time with Michigan St as the perpetrator. MSU comes off a sickly performance against CJ Bacher and his pals which led to a lot of joyous eyebrow burrowing by Pat Fitzgerald. Indiana has spent the past two weeks playing keep away from the sissies of the Big Ten. The line on this one has gone from 5 1/2 to 3 1/2, but with good reason, right? Indiana is going to go to East Lansing off two good performances in a row and win again, right? They're going to have no problem stopping Javon Ringer and his 6.7 ypc average and Brian Hoyer and his 11/3 ratio right? Indiana's offense, with all 3 of their running backs listed as questionable is going to move it up and down the field on a well coached MSU defense that uncharacteristically just got blistered and embarrassed on their home field? I don't think so. I see a reversal of fortunes for both of these teams. I doubt seriously that Indiana will be 6-1, (3-1). 5-2, (2-2) seems a lot more likely doesn't it?

7. @Miami -2 1/2 v Goergia Tech: I'm not sure what the fascination is with Georgia Tech, but they keep getting saddled with extremely cumbersome spreads(for them) on the road. I'm more than happy to oblige, as both Virginia and Maryland were getting points at home against Ga tech and won outright. Now they travel to Miami, where they won as a 14 point dog two years ago. Miami has dropped 2 in a row to these guys lately, so they definitely have their attention. Tech continues to struggle with their passing game, and is likely to do so again against a Miami team that plays well when motivated at home. Kyle Wright also has shown an ability to be competent at home. Miami is coming off a total clunker against North Carolina, but they roared back after getting down big early. I think they'll take care of business this week and get the win.

8. @ Virginia -3 V UCONN. UCONN is undefeated, but they play in the SICA East, so they haven't really been tested. Well, actually they have, by Temple, so take that for what it's worth. Virginia almost always plays well at home, and they will likely be lashered up at the chance to knock off an undefeated team. I think UCONN goes quietly in this one.

9. @Michigan -5 v Purdue: Looking at stats, this would generally be a nice spot for Purdue. Michigan has not really gotten going offensively, and they have struggled against spread offenses. However, Purdue's numbers are skewed because they haven't faced anyone that can play defense, other than Ohio St, who completely stifled them last week. Purdue's problems in the Big House are legendary, with something like a 20 game losing streak up there, dating back to the 50's, and the glory days of Paddy McDivitt, Wilbur Stubbs and Jackrabbit DuCharme. Defensively, Purdue is having trouble getting stops, and Michigan is due for a breakout game. Manningham and Henne have been quiet lately, and Purdue won't have an answer for Hart. Purdue is actually ranked, while Michigan is not, providing some juice for the Wolverines.

10. Colorado +5 @Kansas St: Statistically, these two team match up almost even, but I think we have a case of teams going in opposite directions. Colorado started the season with Colorado St, Arizona St and Florida St, the last two sporting defenses who were really on a roll. The Buffs struggled in those games, but got back on track soon after. Any team that can statistically sodimize Oklahoma, which they did two weeks ago, has got my attention. Off that win, they handled a potential trap game at Baylor beautifully, getting up early and coasting to a win. K St is in a letdown spot, and they might be caught with their pants down because they handled Colorado rather easily in Boulder last year. However, this Colorado team is much better than they were last year, and the coaching advantage is solidly in the Buffs favor. I'll take the points here.

11. Baylor +27 @Kansas: Talk about a letdown spot. Kansas thundered through their laughable non-con schedule before teeing it up in their rivalry game to start off the conference slate last week. The college football media was skeptical, but Kansas proved themselves with a nice effort at K St, getting a tough victory. Now, the media is off their back, and they have ben annointed as the real deal. It will be absolutely impossible to expect anything but a lackluster effort from Kansas this week. They have played very well every single week this year, and the chip might have fallen off their shoulders. In the past, Kansas has stuggled hugely against good passing attacks, and Baylor has had a couple games where Guy Morriss has tossed it around a bit. They piled up 400+ in garbage time last week against Colorado..thy can certainly do that this week if they find themselves behind early. Maybe Kansas is good enough to roll their helmets out there and win by 30, but in this season of upsets and overall mayhem, I doubt it.

Others: I didn't want to jinx them, and the line has climbed to over 4, but there isn't any reason why the illini shouldn't wipe the floor with the new weak sister of the B10, Iowa. This Iowa offense is awful. They absolutely can't throw, and frankly, with 8 in the box, they can't run either. Illinois weakness is giving up yards in the passing game. They won't have to worry about that this week. I see single digits on the board for Iowa, and Illinois running game is starting to look like one of those that will pile up yards against whoever they play. Should be a 24-7 type game for the Illini......If Kentucky's RB Rafael Little wasn't banged up, I'd be on Kentucky for sure, but asking a team less than 100% to hang with LSU is not fair. Having said that, this is the letdown of all letdowns, as LSU is coming off that epic game with Florida, and has Auburn on deck. But the game is on national TV, so they won't look past it. I do think Kentucky will play a lot better than people think on defense, and should be able to do some minor things on offense. I'll be taking a flier with the 9 1/2 on the home dog.....I'll also be on Sly Croom, believe it or not getting 7 at home against Tennessee.. At home, they have shown the ability to punch people in the mouth at times on defense, and they have a good running game which matches up well with a UT defense that has given up more than 5 a pop this year. Possible letdown spot for UT as well....Toledo is getting 4 1/2 at Buffalo. Listen, I know Buffalo is better, and Toledo has looked bad this year, but I just cannot expect the MAC pecking order to do a complete about face in this game. A similar scenario played out last week with Ball St and CMU,and I fell fot it. Not this week....Duke is catching 14 at home against Va Tech. We know Va Tech has a good defense, but Duke has been figuring out ways to score this year, while Va Tech has not. At all. On offense at least. They rank 112th in total offense. They'll likely fare better against the Dukies, but they lost their best defensive player (Vince Hall) last week in their misleading win at Clemson. They might be looking at a letdown at Duke. If they don't get some non-offensive scores, they'll be in a dogfight.....Arizona comes off a beating at the hands of Oregon St and goes into Troy to face USC, fresh off the game that actually probably never happened. The prevailing wisdom would be that they will be going into a lion's den, but I really don't see it that way. I see USC as a team without their starting QB who just lost to Stanford. Arizona is getting 21...I'll bite....Two other hunches: I think Iowa St will surprise people and turn in a good performance at home against Texas getting 16 1/2, and I have a feeling UCF will give USF all they can handle getting 11 1/2. UCF has a great running back in Kevin Smith, and they caught absolutely no breaks last week in their game against East Carolina.

Best of luck to everyone. Hopefully we see a nice turnaround this week.

Week 6 College Football Mushigs

Until further notice, we will now call this collection of incoherent gibberish "the mushings", since any nitwit with half a brain could manage to go 3-6-1 in a given college football weekend. The overall record for the musings is now 34-23,(59%) but we can only ride the good fortune of week 1 for so long. Admittedly, last week was filled with all kinds of surprises, and really, few people could have predicted that Oklahoma would lose to Colorado or Auburn would nip Florida, but just about everything I thought might happen didn't, and in a lot of cases, it wasn't even close. There were, of course, some bad breaks, but we got lucky in other cases, so I won't get into it. Just an awful week. The only bright spot was that Carissa and I were in Hawaii. So as my Blackberry was reporting the brutal carnage, at least we were looking at some pretty scenery. There's nothing we can do but press on. One last note, though. What in the world is Ralph Freidgen doing when he is recruiting quarterbacks? First of all, he already has a homosexual as his starter in the flimsy, limp-wristed Jordan Steffy. Did anyone get a look at his backup who came in and subsequently led them to victory over Rutgers? I forget the kid's name, but he looked like a cross between a black albino Napolean Dynamite and the kid in your 3rd grade class with the booger collection. How they won that game is yet another mystery from last week.

Wow...the Cubs really stepped it up the last couple of nights. After watching them flail away against the immortal Doug Davis tonight, I have a tip for 7/9ths of their lineup. There is something in baseball called a curveball. Not every pitch remains on the same arc throughout it's approach to the hitting zone. Sometimes, the pitcher throws the ball and makes it "curve", in other words, it doesn't go exactly straight, and might even end up in an area where you cannot hit the ball hard, if at all. Keep an eye out for this in subsequent games, or game.

Did anyone catch the South Carolina/Kentucky game tonight? Chris Smelley? What are the chances that this kid becomes a legitimately good quarterback? Regardless, I loved the exchange between Doug Flutie and Craig James in the game. Smelley made a decent move to avoid the rush and completed a third down pass. During the replay James says, "Now look here, check out how he avoids the blitzer here...that play was all Smelley." Then Flutie says, "Oh yeah, he came out smelling like a rose there!" Alright, let's see what we can do this week.

1. @Ball State -12 1/2 v Central Michigan: This is being billed somewhat as a showdown between contenders in the MAC. That's great, but if CMU is considered a contender, the MAC might want to move down to 1-AA and schedule some taffy pulls with Gardner Webb, Calvin College and the like. They have yet to stop anyone on defense, ranking 115th in total D, and they draw Ball St, the 13th best offense in all of Division 1. In addition,. CMU's offense has regressed under their new coach, ranking in the bottom third in the nation in total offense after ranking much higher last year at this time. They clearly miss Brian Kelly. I think the chances are very good that Ball St racks up 50 unless they completely sleepwalk through this one. CMU is the defending MAC champ, though, so I would be surprised if we saw a letdown.

2. Tulane +6 1/2 @Army. OK, here's another example of misguided slobbering all over a service academy. Army got outgained by 130+ at home last week by Temple. They won and covered due to some lucky breaks, but this team is way way way overdue for a clunker as they have covered 3 in a row. I also don't like their chances of covering 2 in a row as a fairly significanmt favorite. Tulane played LSU to a virtual standstill for a half last week. Now we all know LSU was in look ahead mode with Florida on deck, but Tulane doesn't have to know that. Let's go ahead and let them believe that they're almost as good as LSU..woulda coulda shoulda....you know, if that stupid ref hadn't called that holding penalty on Jimmy, or if Bobby wouldn't have slipped on the turf or whatever on that one play, we would have beat them!!!! Whatever. They should have some confidence, and their RB Matt Forte will easily be the best player on the field.

3. Georgia +1 1/2(and falling) @Tennessee: Over the past few years, Mark Richt has been hailed as a bit of an X's and O's savant, on top of being a handsome man with a rapist's wit and a solid plan for the future. I've always failed to buy in to all that, but let me tell you, next to that buffoon Phil Fulmer, Richt is James Bond. UT is 2-8 straight up in their last 10 home games against ranked teams, and they are 3-7 ATS in those games. Conversely, Richt is 6-2 straight up against ranked opponents on the road since he's been at Georgia. Impressive. UT is 15-28 ovr the past 7 years as a favorite at home. Tennessee has also gotten unmercifully gashed in the runnning game so far this year, and Georgia can run it. I think the wrong team is favored here.

4. @North Carolina +6 1/2 v Miami: All week this game has stuck at 6 1/2 despite the world being on Miami. Since the Canes re-inserted Kyle Wright at QB, life has been good, starting with the Thusday night thrashing of Texas A&M. Now they go on the road for the first time since their Oklahoma debacle. North Carolina is coming off 4 consecutive losses, but have not made complete asses of themselves in the process, other than their game with South Florida a couple of weeks ago. Last week, they actually outgained Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, and are making some progress on the offensive side. With Butch Davis playing his first game against his old team, I think the Heels will be sky high, and will probably give their best effort. They have some talent, and Miami tends to go into an offensive hole in games like this. I'd love to have more than a TD, but the books are not budging. With the amount of action on Miami, that might be a good sign.

5. Oklahoma -12 V Texas: The Red River Shootout. I'm not sure what has happened to Texas this year, but they've not found any kind of rhythm at all on offense, and over the past couple of years, they have not been all that dominant on defense. Kansas St got a bunch of turnovers and special teams gifts in their game last week, but they pretty much beat Texas up in the process, including QB Colt MC Coy, whose ability is finally being called into question. Mack Brown has never been hailed as a genius..this year it might be catching up with him. Prior to their game with Colorado, I was sold on Oklahoma. They looked like a team with few weaknesses. Their QB was playing almost perfect, they had a bunch of playmakers in the passing game and some gritty running backs, and their D was stout. Then that game happened, and I didn't know what to think. At this point, I think Oklahoma rights the ship and pounds Texas this week. In this coaching matchup, give Bob Stoops the better talent, and Texas has itself a big burnt orange problem. Oklahoma will be motivated coming off their performance last week as well as two consecutive DD losses to the Horns. They'll be looking to make a statement, and I don't think Texas has the momentum or confidence right now to do anything about it.

6. @LSU -7 V Florida: At first, I thought this might be a good opportunity to go with Florida, coming off their loss last week, but I think this is a terrible matchup for them. First off, it's a night game in Baton Rouge. Second, LSU has given up absolutely nothing to anybody all year on D. 1 TD allowed, 10 INTs, mutant 300 pound olympic sprinters on the D line, linebackers that eat rusty nails for breakfast and a secondary that slices off opposing receivers' heads with their razor sharp claws.Unless Les Miles is a moron,(oh no) they'll probably employ the same kind of defense that Auburn did last week, that being avoiding the blitz to keep Tebow in the pocket, then either run him down with their cocaine fueled speed when he runs or cover up the short passes. Their D line can priovide the pressure. I also think that this is the week that the Florida defense's youth is exposed. I don't expect the gators to be in this one late.

7. @Duke +7 1/2 v Wake Forest: We all know the drill with Wake when they're favored. I'm a little hesitant taking Duke here, since they suck it in short dog roles, but they have really played pretty well this year. Their QB Thaddeus Lewis is having a nice year against solid competition,(11/5 ratio, 8.33 yards per attempt) and they ran it effectively against Miami in the Orange Bowl last week. They almost won at Navy, beat Northwestern on the road and hung very tough with Virginia at Virginia.On the flip side, Wake has really dtruggled on offense, with Riley Skinner not exhibiting the same magic he did last year. They are a different team when favored for some reason. I'll go with the trend here, since Duke actually looks like they match up pretty well with them anyway.

8. @Rutgers -4 v Cincinnati: If this game was played 3 weeks ago, Rutgers would be a 2 TD favorite. Their game last week was almost as hard to fathom as the Oklahoma game was. You have to give Brian Kelly credit. Since his arrival, Cincy has been pounding everyone, but the only decent defense they have faced was Oregon St early this year. In that game, they were absolutely stuffed, but still managed to win in a laugher thanks to Oregon St's astounding penchant for turnovers. Their offense is likely to really struggle against a fired up Rutgers squad who has probably had their feelings hurt since Cincy has replaced them as Big East media darling. On the flipside, Rutgers is explosive on offense with the three fast receivers, and Cincy is a bit slow in the secondary. Cincy can certainly stop the run, but they'll be severely tested by Ray Rice. In short, I think Rutgers is way more likely to have a good day on offense than Cincinnati is. I don't think Cincy will be able to run, and that will set up Ben Mauk for several failures. Dustin Grutza is probably a better matchup at QB for Cincy in this one...we might see him out of necessity in the second half.

9. @Wyoming -3 v TCU: There might be some surprise to see TCU getting points in this situation, but not if you've seen Wyoming play defense at home. TCU comes in with a very suspect offense that needs to run the ball to have any chance of being successful, especially with the scattershot Marcus Jackson under center. Defensively, TCU is good, but they've shown chinks in the armor when they go on the road, and Wyoming has been able to move the ball against good defenses at home. As long as the Cowboys don't turn it over a bunch of times, they should be ion good shape.

10. @Maryland +3 v Georgia Tech: Ga Tech's strength is their running game..they have proven that they are in big trouble if they have to throw the ball. Maryland has struggled some in the run stopping department early this year, but appears to have righted the ship by holding Ray Rice in check this past week. As we know, teams generally look a little better at home and a little worser on the road, so you can expect Ga Tech's generally solid D to give up some yards to the Maryland ground game with Ball and Latimore. In addition, Maryland has the best receiver on the field in Darius Heyward-Bey. Home dogs in the second division of the ACC have been money lately. I think the Fridge gets it done here.

11. Minnesota +14 @Indiana: This is a VERY risky play, since Minnesota is 5-15 as a road dog over the last few years, but it's a new coaching staff, so I'll take my chances. By the way, how's this new regime working out for you Minnesota? Being in those crappy, second tier bowls sure sucked ass didn't it? Anyway, Indiana is in a supreme letdown spot after handing Iowa their lunch. Hopefully, for their sake, they don't think they are in a position where they can just roll their helmets out there because a loss to Minnesota would be quite embarrassing. The fact remains, however, that Indiana is not all that good on defense when their focused, so if they aren't focused, Minnesota IS capable of laying some points on tham. Luckily for Indiana, Minnesota is supremely bad on defense, so Kellen Lewis should enjoy himself. I do think that Minny has a decent game in them.. they've shown the ability to move the ball both on the ground and through the air. They might put together a good effort this week. 14 is a lot for Indiana in a conference game. Let's not get ahead of ourselves.

12. Vanderbilt +7 1/2 @ Auburn: Vandy has been somewhat under the radar this year..their offense hasn't gotten clicking yet, but I think they might have some success this week against an Auburn squad that can't help but be a little happy with themselves after their performance last week. They also lost their best defensive player by far, Quentin Groves, so they remain banged up on defense. We know about Auburn's offense, and Vandy's D has been stout this year, with a 3/10 TD/INT ratio to boot against an offense that has ben very mistake prone. It's a good spot for Vandy, I just wish I was getting DD in this one. I like going against favorites in these 12:30 no TV games, though.

Others....I like Arizona getting the 3 1/2 at Oregon St. OSU has trouble with spread offenses, and Arizona has looked good running it the last couple weeks. OSU is also without their best offensive player in Sammie Stroughter, and their QBs continue to invent new ways to turn it over.....UAB is getting 18 from Mississippi St. I don't care how bad UAB is on defense, MIss St can't throw the ball. In order to cover that number, they probably would have to hold UAB to 7 or less, and UAB has shown enough on offense to at least punch in a couple of scores.....Purdue really pissed me off last week. they were up 23-0 at half and then got dominated in the second half by Notre Dame. They also got run all over the field by Minnesota a week before that. Now Ohio St comes to town. Their offense has actually performed very similarly statistically to last year's Buckeye squad. I don't think they'll have any issues moving it on Purdue this week, and their defense will be by far the best one that the Boilers have faced. I'll be on Ohio St minus the 7......So far this year Kansas has played Florida International. Thornton Community College, Illiana Christian and Holy Ghost, and Holy Ghost's QB had the chicken pox. They've thundered their way through that schedule, but we still don't really know how good they are. I have an inkling that they are pretty good, though, as the margin of victory has been astounding. Kansas St is giving them 3..I have a feeling that KU stuffs K St off their Texas win and stays unbeaten.....I don't like jinxing the Illini but I think it shapes up nicely for them this week. They are rightly favored, despite the incredulity of the gambling community. "How can a #5 team be a dog to an unranked team who was 2-10 last year?" they cry. Because this might be the worst #5 team ever assembled. Don't forget that Wiscy needed a madcap busted play QB scramble for a TD in the final minute against UNLV, and also were in a tussle throughout their game with the Shitadel. Michigan St ran it for almost 8 yards a pop last week. The Illini have the #5 rushing offense in the country, so Mendenhall and co should be licking their chops. Hope I didn't just jinx them. I've got 3 units on the UW money line as a hedge though......Lastly, both Nebraska and Missouri can't stop a soul, but I think Nebraska's defense is a tad better than Missouri's. Missouri is laying 7 which is a bunch, especially when you have a defense that gave up 500+ to Ole Miss earlier this year. 7 will be a lot to cover unless they figure out a way to stop someone. That's it for now. Hopefully we have a good bounce back week.