Holy Crap! In case you haven’t seen or heard, Nebraska Fan is loaded and likes to travel places. Nebraska-Wisconsin tickets are going for as high as $1,500 in the Varsity Club level seating….That’s nuts, even to a ticket broker like myself. Makes me wonder what the Nebraska - Michigan premium might bring if these two are both still in the running come November?
Creampuff lineups are over…Not that the B1G can handle their cream puffs…SEC play begins in rabid fashion…And the MMQ can start looking at historical rivalries, revenge games and the little bits of edge that all the other bettors overlook…
Michigan (-19.5) vs. Minnesota
To say that I wanted to take Minnesota when I saw this spread come out is an understatement of IMMENSE proportions. Than, I looked at stats and results. Minnesota isn’t that good this year… I decided to wait and see what the move would be before betting. I’m glad I waited from the open (-20.5) and its moved a point. That’s enough for the bettor in me.
Take Michigan and lay the 19.5 for $40
Alabama @ Gatorland (+3.5)
Alabama surprised me against another rival SEC team last week. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice – NEVER!
Take Alabama and lay the 3.5 for $70
Stanford @ UCLA(20.5)
This one opened at an even 21 and they must need somebody on the other side as the bookies have thrown a half point teaser out there…I’ll be happy to fade Mr. Lucky and the three TD’s that he’ll probably throw against these clowns in the 1st quarter.
Take Stanford and lay the 20.5 for $80
MSU (+3) @ OSU
So, which Sparty team is going to show up? The one that plays like dog doo-doo on the road in hostile environs or the one that shellacs teams at home? Methinkgs it might be closer than anyone suspects…
PASS
Nebraska @ Wiscy (-10.5)
Here’s something that EVERY B1G fan knows: Wisconsin cannot be relied upon to cover big spreads in Big Games. This ought to be a great battle and I like the 10.5 that Nebraska is getting.
Take Nebraska and 10.5 for $30
EMU (-8) @ Akron
The Eagles have been very good to me this year. I like English, I think they are on the verge of doing some great things and I don’t think Akron has a very impressive resume to date.
Take the Eagles and lay the 8 for $60.
LMU (-28.5) @ Kentucky
I hate this game and I hate this spread. LMU and Kentucky just don’t seem to agree with each other. While Kentucky really, really, sucks, I can’t get over the fact that LMU’s defense and kick return team were responsible for 14 of last week’s 44 points against WVU.
PASS……..As much as I’d like to bet it…Dammit…
Parlay?
PARLAY!
3 team: 6 to 1
4 Team: 10 to 1
Three Team EMU – Stanford – Alabama: $30
Four Team: EMU – Stanford – Alabama – Michigan: $20
Starting BANK: $1,152
TOTAL WAGERED: $310
NEW BANK: $852
Enjoying the Ride…MMQ
The MMQ
Friday, September 30, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Aztecs Are Not As Frightening as Expected…
But the Michigan offense and defense can each be extremely frustrating and shoot themselves in the foot. I watched most of the game on Saturday from the confines of my own home and I noticed several things, in no particular order:
The defense is playing better, except when it isn’t.
Denard is passing poorly, except when he isn’t.
The control the clock running game is non-existent, except when it busts a big one.
What does all that mean? It means that there’s going to be some pretty interesting Big 10 games in the near future that we are going to have a hard time playing and staying in with respect to ball control and keeping our foot on the neck of teams where we get a score advantage. My guess Michigan’s game plan is going to look a lot like this: Try to “establish” that dominance early, get behind, turn Denard and the Blitz loose on defense, get back in the game and win it late. Not exactly the stuff great teams are made of, but I don’t think it’ll be the utter collapse that we saw the last two years after going 5-0.
Kill is back in the hospital with another seizure. Minnesota will be up, but they’re beatable. And Hoke will have them ready for the Big 10 opener and the oldest Trophy Game that there is. I think Michigan pulls out a squeaker in Ann Arbor. But the FMQ will take the 20 that Minnesota is getting when he bets...
What’ll happen in the remaining 7 games after the Gophers is anyone’s guess, but there’s very little chance we lose them all. Of course, there’s very little chance we win them all, too. But I think there’s a very good chance we win 5 of them. I just can’t tell you right now which 5 it’ll be. I’m not even sure Vegas knows how to handicap this team.
On a side note, Denard continues to amaze, find spaces, and out run everybody on the field. If only he could find receivers with a little more regularity…And what I thought was an anomaly has actually continued to prove itself each week – Turnovers by the Defense are starting to make me think that they’re a better coached group of kids in the fundamentals of the game.
The Rest of the Mess
DOMERS (JEEZ I HATE THESE GUYS!) @ Pitt: Pitt had the Domers RIGHT where they wanted them and then let them get away with one. Domers are going to lose a couple more games, even though as Urban kept stating, they have better athletes then the other guys. What exactly was he trying to say? He said it a half dozen times…Is that a slam on Kelly?
Sparty - Central: Couldn’t find this blow out on the tube…Must have been on ESPN-U that Comcast doesn’t give me…
FSU @ Clemson: Clemson is going to have to be reckoned with. Watkins is a player and the QB knows how to throw it in his general direction, which is what you do with a good receiver. Look for the Orange Tigers to make some ACC noise this year…
Arkansas @ Satan’s Warriors: Bama is better than I thought and their defense is scary good. Not only are they big, but they’re quick. Satan is doing it right, as far as getting a defense together first. I just hate Satan for all the other cheating he does…that’s all.
Okie State vs. Texas AM (SEC): Texas AM let Okie State have this game. No other way to say it. Even after Okie State tried to hand it back to Texas AM ( on a botched TD that turned into a Safety) Texas AM handed it right back!
LMU vs. West F!#@%& Virginia: Well, here’s proof that southern hillbilly hicks are better than northern hillbilly hicks. I’m not sure what this game accomplished for either team, but LMU came out on top and looked much better in the process than WVU… Oh, and LMU is your new number 1 in the coaches poll...So there's that.
Toledo vs. Syracuse: ACC bound Syracuse is apparently cheating at football….Well, not cheating, but the referees blew an extra point call that clearly missed the uprights…Sad, isn’t? Are you telling me you can’t find 2 guys out of your referee group that can look up and tell whether or not the ball went through? Really?
By the way: The Vote is IN!!!!
What you the fans thought were the Best Games in the Big House were:
1. Domers 2011
2. OSU – 1997
3. OSU – 1969
4. Sparty – 2004
5. Domers – 1991 Desmond Catch, for those that can’t remember…
Everything else really doesn’t matter does it? Granted, we might change the criteria around and get a different result, but based on what we used for voting, those are results I can live with.
Idle Thoughts From Saturday
-Hmmm…We need to stop trying to put a square peg in a round hole. Denard is simply Denard. Let him be Denard.
-The Aztecs shot themselves in the foot early and couldn’t recover.
-Michigan will need a lot of teams to do that this year.
-Because Michigan is going to misfire a couple into their own foot sooner or later.
-Minnesota will not make these mental mistakes.
-And it’s for the Jug…
-Which is now home in Ann Arbor, where it belongs.
-I’ve always liked playing for the Jug.
-It is the oldest trophy in College Football, ya’ know….
-So, Conference Re-alignment is dead for the time being.
-Until the SEC farts and grabs someone for number 14.
-Only Market SEC isn’t in that they’d like to get in: Missouri or New York. Geography points to Missouri. No New York schools make sense.
-You can forget Clemson, West F@$#&*@ Virginia and Va Tech.
-Same reason as always: Money. Too much to buy out of ACC and SEC has those markets covered.
-And Texas continues holds everyone else hostage in the Big 12.
-It cracks me up to see people speculate on “Who might want to join the Big 12” when schools can’t get out of that conference fast enough.
-Even if Texas starts playing nice, how long can you trust them?
-Boeheim interview cracked me up, too…
-He more or less threw Big East under the truck. "This isn't the same Big East that Syracuse formed."
-And there was more than a “little” slam on the conference members that were “Independent” in Football. Stating that the Big East could be a great conference if, again, everyone played by the same rules.
-Gee, I wonder who he was refering to there?
-Which more or less proves my point: Where ever there’s a Domer, there’s someone that’s pissed off!
-Penn State isn’t that good this year…And of course, Michigan doesn’t play them…
-Satan’s Warriors look downright scary.
-We have to play them next year?
-Michigan better get a WHOLE LOT BETTER.
-I hope they lose some guys to the NFL…Bama, that is.
-Any thoughts about going to Dallas? It might be a Big Game…
-LMU looks very, very good.
-Of course, it was against West FUC@#%(&%#@ Virginia….
The Hot Seat
You guys never cease to amaze! Emma stone eeked out a victory last week putting all four weekly mascots into the finals! ITS un-precedented, I tell you! We’ve never had the first four weekly mascots make the finals. Someone from a prior week always squeezed out a newer nominee.
Let’s see if this week’s mascot can pull it off. This was sent in by a loyal and observant follower of the MMQ and I was surprised when he titled the E-mail “GILF”. Which stands for “Grandmother I’d Like to F*ck” Yes, Al Davis has made the bold move of having a Grandma be an Oakland Raider Cheerleader. So, we had Alexa Flutie in the 1st week and now we have someone that’s old enough to be her mother in the 4th week, both Cheerleaders in the NFL, Suzie Sanchez! She’s 37 and still got it! (Suzie's the one on the right in the next photo!)
Who says I'm not getting enough older women in the Hot Seat Mascot Race?
Hot Seat Rank
1. LOCKSLEY – New Mexico – FIRED! The year’s first victim to make the GONE LIST…
2. Kelly, Brian – Didn’t do much for his status by squeezing past Pitt. He’ll have some cupcakes coming that will help him move down the list…
3. Houston Nutt – Lost the Hot Seat Bowl, he’s gotta’ be number 3
4. Richy Richt – They will win SEC games..
5. Neuheisel - He’s still got a job?
FMQ Betting Results:
Well, 3 out of 5 ain’t bad…But I really thought the Chips would have played Saparty tougher….That game could have put us in the green vs. just running in neutral.
Michigan -8 vs. SDSU
Take Michigan and lay the 10 for $50
WIN: Bank $95
Alabama at Arkansas (+11)
Take Arkansas and the 11 for $50
What on earth was I thinking? LOSE.
EMU at PSU
Take EMU and the 29 for $60
Thank you for that last minute Field Goal in the 4th quarter!
WIN! Bank $124
Domers at Pitt (+6).
Take Pitt and the 6 for $30
I should have bet more here…This game looked better to me than $30 worth
WIN! Bank $57
Central at MSU (-24)
I’ll take the Chips and the 24 for $40
Ugh….Lose..
Parlay:
Three Picks I like the most (2 are MAC, can you believe it?) are Eastern Michigan, Central, and Arkansas for $30.
And just because I HATE the Arkansas pick, how about the season’s first Instant Re-Pay Parlay where we take EMU, Central and Bama for $30?
DAMN YOU CENTRAL!!!!! Lose…..
Starting BANK: $886
Total Win: $266
NEW BANK: $1,152
Enjoying the Ride…MMQ
The defense is playing better, except when it isn’t.
Denard is passing poorly, except when he isn’t.
The control the clock running game is non-existent, except when it busts a big one.
What does all that mean? It means that there’s going to be some pretty interesting Big 10 games in the near future that we are going to have a hard time playing and staying in with respect to ball control and keeping our foot on the neck of teams where we get a score advantage. My guess Michigan’s game plan is going to look a lot like this: Try to “establish” that dominance early, get behind, turn Denard and the Blitz loose on defense, get back in the game and win it late. Not exactly the stuff great teams are made of, but I don’t think it’ll be the utter collapse that we saw the last two years after going 5-0.
Kill is back in the hospital with another seizure. Minnesota will be up, but they’re beatable. And Hoke will have them ready for the Big 10 opener and the oldest Trophy Game that there is. I think Michigan pulls out a squeaker in Ann Arbor. But the FMQ will take the 20 that Minnesota is getting when he bets...
What’ll happen in the remaining 7 games after the Gophers is anyone’s guess, but there’s very little chance we lose them all. Of course, there’s very little chance we win them all, too. But I think there’s a very good chance we win 5 of them. I just can’t tell you right now which 5 it’ll be. I’m not even sure Vegas knows how to handicap this team.
On a side note, Denard continues to amaze, find spaces, and out run everybody on the field. If only he could find receivers with a little more regularity…And what I thought was an anomaly has actually continued to prove itself each week – Turnovers by the Defense are starting to make me think that they’re a better coached group of kids in the fundamentals of the game.
The Rest of the Mess
DOMERS (JEEZ I HATE THESE GUYS!) @ Pitt: Pitt had the Domers RIGHT where they wanted them and then let them get away with one. Domers are going to lose a couple more games, even though as Urban kept stating, they have better athletes then the other guys. What exactly was he trying to say? He said it a half dozen times…Is that a slam on Kelly?
Sparty - Central: Couldn’t find this blow out on the tube…Must have been on ESPN-U that Comcast doesn’t give me…
FSU @ Clemson: Clemson is going to have to be reckoned with. Watkins is a player and the QB knows how to throw it in his general direction, which is what you do with a good receiver. Look for the Orange Tigers to make some ACC noise this year…
Arkansas @ Satan’s Warriors: Bama is better than I thought and their defense is scary good. Not only are they big, but they’re quick. Satan is doing it right, as far as getting a defense together first. I just hate Satan for all the other cheating he does…that’s all.
Okie State vs. Texas AM (SEC): Texas AM let Okie State have this game. No other way to say it. Even after Okie State tried to hand it back to Texas AM ( on a botched TD that turned into a Safety) Texas AM handed it right back!
LMU vs. West F!#@%& Virginia: Well, here’s proof that southern hillbilly hicks are better than northern hillbilly hicks. I’m not sure what this game accomplished for either team, but LMU came out on top and looked much better in the process than WVU… Oh, and LMU is your new number 1 in the coaches poll...So there's that.
Toledo vs. Syracuse: ACC bound Syracuse is apparently cheating at football….Well, not cheating, but the referees blew an extra point call that clearly missed the uprights…Sad, isn’t? Are you telling me you can’t find 2 guys out of your referee group that can look up and tell whether or not the ball went through? Really?
By the way: The Vote is IN!!!!
What you the fans thought were the Best Games in the Big House were:
1. Domers 2011
2. OSU – 1997
3. OSU – 1969
4. Sparty – 2004
5. Domers – 1991 Desmond Catch, for those that can’t remember…
Everything else really doesn’t matter does it? Granted, we might change the criteria around and get a different result, but based on what we used for voting, those are results I can live with.
Idle Thoughts From Saturday
-Hmmm…We need to stop trying to put a square peg in a round hole. Denard is simply Denard. Let him be Denard.
-The Aztecs shot themselves in the foot early and couldn’t recover.
-Michigan will need a lot of teams to do that this year.
-Because Michigan is going to misfire a couple into their own foot sooner or later.
-Minnesota will not make these mental mistakes.
-And it’s for the Jug…
-Which is now home in Ann Arbor, where it belongs.
-I’ve always liked playing for the Jug.
-It is the oldest trophy in College Football, ya’ know….
-So, Conference Re-alignment is dead for the time being.
-Until the SEC farts and grabs someone for number 14.
-Only Market SEC isn’t in that they’d like to get in: Missouri or New York. Geography points to Missouri. No New York schools make sense.
-You can forget Clemson, West F@$#&*@ Virginia and Va Tech.
-Same reason as always: Money. Too much to buy out of ACC and SEC has those markets covered.
-And Texas continues holds everyone else hostage in the Big 12.
-It cracks me up to see people speculate on “Who might want to join the Big 12” when schools can’t get out of that conference fast enough.
-Even if Texas starts playing nice, how long can you trust them?
-Boeheim interview cracked me up, too…
-He more or less threw Big East under the truck. "This isn't the same Big East that Syracuse formed."
-And there was more than a “little” slam on the conference members that were “Independent” in Football. Stating that the Big East could be a great conference if, again, everyone played by the same rules.
-Gee, I wonder who he was refering to there?
-Which more or less proves my point: Where ever there’s a Domer, there’s someone that’s pissed off!
-Penn State isn’t that good this year…And of course, Michigan doesn’t play them…
-Satan’s Warriors look downright scary.
-We have to play them next year?
-Michigan better get a WHOLE LOT BETTER.
-I hope they lose some guys to the NFL…Bama, that is.
-Any thoughts about going to Dallas? It might be a Big Game…
-LMU looks very, very good.
-Of course, it was against West FUC@#%(&%#@ Virginia….
The Hot Seat
You guys never cease to amaze! Emma stone eeked out a victory last week putting all four weekly mascots into the finals! ITS un-precedented, I tell you! We’ve never had the first four weekly mascots make the finals. Someone from a prior week always squeezed out a newer nominee.
Let’s see if this week’s mascot can pull it off. This was sent in by a loyal and observant follower of the MMQ and I was surprised when he titled the E-mail “GILF”. Which stands for “Grandmother I’d Like to F*ck” Yes, Al Davis has made the bold move of having a Grandma be an Oakland Raider Cheerleader. So, we had Alexa Flutie in the 1st week and now we have someone that’s old enough to be her mother in the 4th week, both Cheerleaders in the NFL, Suzie Sanchez! She’s 37 and still got it! (Suzie's the one on the right in the next photo!)
Who says I'm not getting enough older women in the Hot Seat Mascot Race?
Hot Seat Rank
1. LOCKSLEY – New Mexico – FIRED! The year’s first victim to make the GONE LIST…
2. Kelly, Brian – Didn’t do much for his status by squeezing past Pitt. He’ll have some cupcakes coming that will help him move down the list…
3. Houston Nutt – Lost the Hot Seat Bowl, he’s gotta’ be number 3
4. Richy Richt – They will win SEC games..
5. Neuheisel - He’s still got a job?
FMQ Betting Results:
Well, 3 out of 5 ain’t bad…But I really thought the Chips would have played Saparty tougher….That game could have put us in the green vs. just running in neutral.
Michigan -8 vs. SDSU
Take Michigan and lay the 10 for $50
WIN: Bank $95
Alabama at Arkansas (+11)
Take Arkansas and the 11 for $50
What on earth was I thinking? LOSE.
EMU at PSU
Take EMU and the 29 for $60
Thank you for that last minute Field Goal in the 4th quarter!
WIN! Bank $124
Domers at Pitt (+6).
Take Pitt and the 6 for $30
I should have bet more here…This game looked better to me than $30 worth
WIN! Bank $57
Central at MSU (-24)
I’ll take the Chips and the 24 for $40
Ugh….Lose..
Parlay:
Three Picks I like the most (2 are MAC, can you believe it?) are Eastern Michigan, Central, and Arkansas for $30.
And just because I HATE the Arkansas pick, how about the season’s first Instant Re-Pay Parlay where we take EMU, Central and Bama for $30?
DAMN YOU CENTRAL!!!!! Lose…..
Starting BANK: $886
Total Win: $266
NEW BANK: $1,152
Enjoying the Ride…MMQ
Friday, September 23, 2011
FMQ - There’s Not a Lot I Like This Week….
…which usually means that Wiscy doesn’t have a bettable spread, Stanford is on a bye week, and Nebraska - Wyoming are also off the board…sheesh. What’s a gambler to do? Bet the close calls? If that’s the case, so be it. We just might not wager as much as usual….
Michigan (-10) vs. SDSU
This spread looked attractive to me (initially) based on what I saw in the 2nd half of the Michigan – EMU game. I guess I wasn’t the only one based on the fact that it’s creeped up to 10. I liked the 8 but didn’t “jump on it.” I’m not sure the move is enough to entice me to take the Aztecs.
Take Michigan and lay the 10 for $50
Alabama at Arkansas (+11)
This one, I jumped on. I don’t think Arkansas will screw it up this year seeing as how Mallet isn’t on the sidelines. But I really don’t like this pick…Really…
Take Arkansas and the 11 for $50
EMU (+29) at PSU
EMU didn’t look that bad and PSU looked awful against Temple. In a rainy game, EMU can keep it close against the Lions
Take EMU and the 29 for $60
Domers at Pitt (+6)
Pitt had Iowa crushed and let them back in the game. I don’t think they do that again at home. Yes, it’s a first year Pitt head coach, but everyone brings their A-game for the Domers.
Take Pitt and the 6 for $30
Central at MSU (-24)
Wow. Poor Sparty gets spanked by the Domers and then has to lay 24 on the Chippewas?
I’ll take the Chips and the 24 for $40
5 Games and only $230 wagered. That’s a lot less than I like to leverage myself. But the picks just aren’t “speaking” to me this week.
But that doesn’t mean we won’t try a Parlay seeing as how it paid off last week!
Parlay:
3 team: 6 to 1
Three Picks I like the most (2 are MAC, can you believe it?) are Eastern Michigan, Central, and Arkansas for $30.
And just because I HATE the Arkansas pick, how about the season’s first Instant Re-Pay Parlay where we take EMU, Central and Bama for $30?
Starting BANK: $1,176
TOTAL WAGERED: $290
NEW BANK: $886
Enjoying the Ride…MMQ
Michigan (-10) vs. SDSU
This spread looked attractive to me (initially) based on what I saw in the 2nd half of the Michigan – EMU game. I guess I wasn’t the only one based on the fact that it’s creeped up to 10. I liked the 8 but didn’t “jump on it.” I’m not sure the move is enough to entice me to take the Aztecs.
Take Michigan and lay the 10 for $50
Alabama at Arkansas (+11)
This one, I jumped on. I don’t think Arkansas will screw it up this year seeing as how Mallet isn’t on the sidelines. But I really don’t like this pick…Really…
Take Arkansas and the 11 for $50
EMU (+29) at PSU
EMU didn’t look that bad and PSU looked awful against Temple. In a rainy game, EMU can keep it close against the Lions
Take EMU and the 29 for $60
Domers at Pitt (+6)
Pitt had Iowa crushed and let them back in the game. I don’t think they do that again at home. Yes, it’s a first year Pitt head coach, but everyone brings their A-game for the Domers.
Take Pitt and the 6 for $30
Central at MSU (-24)
Wow. Poor Sparty gets spanked by the Domers and then has to lay 24 on the Chippewas?
I’ll take the Chips and the 24 for $40
5 Games and only $230 wagered. That’s a lot less than I like to leverage myself. But the picks just aren’t “speaking” to me this week.
But that doesn’t mean we won’t try a Parlay seeing as how it paid off last week!
Parlay:
3 team: 6 to 1
Three Picks I like the most (2 are MAC, can you believe it?) are Eastern Michigan, Central, and Arkansas for $30.
And just because I HATE the Arkansas pick, how about the season’s first Instant Re-Pay Parlay where we take EMU, Central and Bama for $30?
Starting BANK: $1,176
TOTAL WAGERED: $290
NEW BANK: $886
Enjoying the Ride…MMQ
Monday, September 19, 2011
Conference Re-Alignment...The Have's and Have Not's
As you know, I’m a big follower of the under currents that are happening in conference re-alignment and what it would mean for the “good of the game.” And by that I mean, will college football ever get around to crowning a true National Champion much in the way that every other collegiate sport at any level does it? Season play followed by a tournament that settles everything on the field? Matt Hinton (Dr. Saturday) wrote a nice blog entry that got me to thinking and trying to come up with positives of the eventuality of Super Conferences and re-alignment.
I know that the 1997 National Championship team (that won 3 of the 4) MNC (mythical national championship) trophies would have beaten an undeserving but capable Nebraska team. That’s the selfish side of me talking. Had Tom Osborne not announced his retirement, Michigan would’ve swept the board on the votes. But, would it have made it any better knowing that the “vote” is what Michigan was hanging its hat on and not a straight up victory? Probably not. I would have liked for that team to play the game. We’ll never know who would’ve won thanks to the archaic way that College Football has evolved.
Handshake agreements and, “Hey, wouldn’t it be a great idea to have some sort of football game on New Year’s Day” from the early turn of the century have endured and grown into greedy beasts that need to be fed annually. The Fiesta Bowl exposed a great deal of the corruption and greed involved in “non-profit” bowl game business dealings, including but not limited to parties, trips, $300,000 annual salaries, and expenses paid for by the television revenue generated for a 60 minute football game. Do you think that TPTB are going to throw some of that expense money at the president’s of the affiliated universities in order to get them to say, “Oh, a play-off would be WAY too disruptive…You bet universities prefer the bowl system.” And I certainly have a hard time believing the bowls are really all about the “Good of the Game” at this point.
And while the traditionalist inside of me has always loved the fact that the Granddaddy of them all features a B1G 10 and PAC 10 (12, 14 – pick a number) member, I’m starting to see that it’s simply not the same game or structure that existed 30 or 40 years ago. And in that respect, maybe it’s time for the Super Conferences and a 4 team play-off, even though a big part of me is screaming that this might not be the best thing for the game. But why?
The regional charm that prevailed over the Big 8, Big 10, and ACC in the 1950’s through the 1970’s went away when ESPN started televising additional games and then all the games. In the late 80’s, you could go to a sportsbook or sports bar and see just about every game being played at the newly defined “Division 1A” level. 10 years prior, Michigan wasn’t on TV every week. You often had to catch the game on the radio or go see it live. But the US is a smaller place now. Regional isn’t just neighboring states; it’s bigger and better.
IS that change for the better? I want to believe it is. Will conference re-alignment be a change for the better? Well, I’d like to believe that it’s being done for the good of the game and not for a bunch of money grubbing bastards that have absolutely no feel for tradition. And some understanding of what it means to be a student athlete. The B1G 10 managed to protect the Michigan-OSU rivalry, even though they’re in different divisions. Can it do the same if it expands to 16 with 4 team “pods” that play a round robin every 12 years? Will the rivalries and trophy games mean as much? Will it all boil down to winning all your games in order to make the 4 team play-off? Will the “regular” season lose its charm ala College Hoops? Sitting here and looking forward, I want to say no. The sport and the actual games are just too compelling. I want to see them all.
Where ever this sport ends up, I know that it will always be enjoyable to watch. I’ll still get the sensation that to this day gets me excited thinking about it and anticipating a game each week. That anticipation and the “less is more” ideal that college football presents is what has helped it endure and make it become the must see TV sensation on Saturday that it is. Would last week’s Michigan –Notre Dame game lost any of its luster if it was a conference game? I don’t think so…
Yes, there will be a loss of smaller universities that haven’t been able to keep up with the Jones’. Do I feel for them? Absolutely. Do I think that is a problem for the Universities that have built this game into the tradition that it is? Certainly not. The little guys are only getting an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the current landscape because that’s what the Big Guys invested into, envisioned and built for over 100 years of playing football. Fielding H. Yost envisioned 150,000 FANS at the Big House when he dug the first shovel full of dirt at the corner of Stadium and Main. Where were the little guys then? Boise State? Kansas State? BAYLOR? Traditions? Really? Sorry, if you had traditions and prestige, you wouldn’t be whining so loud at this point in time. You’d be sitting up at the top, not worrying about what AQS conference you’re going to end up in. Are there non-deserving schools in that 64 team mix because of their alignment? Maybe. You could argue it however you want, but I’m really not here to debate that. Traditions and conferences were built for just this type of scenario. Protection and survival. Shared risk and shared reward.
Making and re-aligning the teams into super conferences with 64 teams that get a shot at the title shouldn’t deter from the enjoyment of the sport. And if you’re lucky enough to survive your 16 team Super Bracket, you’ve got a shot at all the marbles. If it means the end of another 60 or so Division 1 FBS programs that can’t compete financially or on the field for the national title (or for whatever stupid reason choose to be independent), well, as Judge Smails explained so succinctly to Danny in Caddyshack,
“The world needs ditch diggers, too.”
I think it’s the right thing to do.
I know that the 1997 National Championship team (that won 3 of the 4) MNC (mythical national championship) trophies would have beaten an undeserving but capable Nebraska team. That’s the selfish side of me talking. Had Tom Osborne not announced his retirement, Michigan would’ve swept the board on the votes. But, would it have made it any better knowing that the “vote” is what Michigan was hanging its hat on and not a straight up victory? Probably not. I would have liked for that team to play the game. We’ll never know who would’ve won thanks to the archaic way that College Football has evolved.
Handshake agreements and, “Hey, wouldn’t it be a great idea to have some sort of football game on New Year’s Day” from the early turn of the century have endured and grown into greedy beasts that need to be fed annually. The Fiesta Bowl exposed a great deal of the corruption and greed involved in “non-profit” bowl game business dealings, including but not limited to parties, trips, $300,000 annual salaries, and expenses paid for by the television revenue generated for a 60 minute football game. Do you think that TPTB are going to throw some of that expense money at the president’s of the affiliated universities in order to get them to say, “Oh, a play-off would be WAY too disruptive…You bet universities prefer the bowl system.” And I certainly have a hard time believing the bowls are really all about the “Good of the Game” at this point.
And while the traditionalist inside of me has always loved the fact that the Granddaddy of them all features a B1G 10 and PAC 10 (12, 14 – pick a number) member, I’m starting to see that it’s simply not the same game or structure that existed 30 or 40 years ago. And in that respect, maybe it’s time for the Super Conferences and a 4 team play-off, even though a big part of me is screaming that this might not be the best thing for the game. But why?
The regional charm that prevailed over the Big 8, Big 10, and ACC in the 1950’s through the 1970’s went away when ESPN started televising additional games and then all the games. In the late 80’s, you could go to a sportsbook or sports bar and see just about every game being played at the newly defined “Division 1A” level. 10 years prior, Michigan wasn’t on TV every week. You often had to catch the game on the radio or go see it live. But the US is a smaller place now. Regional isn’t just neighboring states; it’s bigger and better.
IS that change for the better? I want to believe it is. Will conference re-alignment be a change for the better? Well, I’d like to believe that it’s being done for the good of the game and not for a bunch of money grubbing bastards that have absolutely no feel for tradition. And some understanding of what it means to be a student athlete. The B1G 10 managed to protect the Michigan-OSU rivalry, even though they’re in different divisions. Can it do the same if it expands to 16 with 4 team “pods” that play a round robin every 12 years? Will the rivalries and trophy games mean as much? Will it all boil down to winning all your games in order to make the 4 team play-off? Will the “regular” season lose its charm ala College Hoops? Sitting here and looking forward, I want to say no. The sport and the actual games are just too compelling. I want to see them all.
Where ever this sport ends up, I know that it will always be enjoyable to watch. I’ll still get the sensation that to this day gets me excited thinking about it and anticipating a game each week. That anticipation and the “less is more” ideal that college football presents is what has helped it endure and make it become the must see TV sensation on Saturday that it is. Would last week’s Michigan –Notre Dame game lost any of its luster if it was a conference game? I don’t think so…
Yes, there will be a loss of smaller universities that haven’t been able to keep up with the Jones’. Do I feel for them? Absolutely. Do I think that is a problem for the Universities that have built this game into the tradition that it is? Certainly not. The little guys are only getting an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the current landscape because that’s what the Big Guys invested into, envisioned and built for over 100 years of playing football. Fielding H. Yost envisioned 150,000 FANS at the Big House when he dug the first shovel full of dirt at the corner of Stadium and Main. Where were the little guys then? Boise State? Kansas State? BAYLOR? Traditions? Really? Sorry, if you had traditions and prestige, you wouldn’t be whining so loud at this point in time. You’d be sitting up at the top, not worrying about what AQS conference you’re going to end up in. Are there non-deserving schools in that 64 team mix because of their alignment? Maybe. You could argue it however you want, but I’m really not here to debate that. Traditions and conferences were built for just this type of scenario. Protection and survival. Shared risk and shared reward.
Making and re-aligning the teams into super conferences with 64 teams that get a shot at the title shouldn’t deter from the enjoyment of the sport. And if you’re lucky enough to survive your 16 team Super Bracket, you’ve got a shot at all the marbles. If it means the end of another 60 or so Division 1 FBS programs that can’t compete financially or on the field for the national title (or for whatever stupid reason choose to be independent), well, as Judge Smails explained so succinctly to Danny in Caddyshack,
“The world needs ditch diggers, too.”
I think it’s the right thing to do.
Finaly - A Yawn....But Everything Else Is Happening FAST!
Well, my heart has started beating correctly again and the adrenaline seems to have left the system, but wow, what a come down after last week. And sometimes, a cupcake after a big meal is all you want (or need.)
It seems like a long time, but Michigan finally had a game where it didn’t seem like it was entirely on the line and their backs were against the wall. Okay, Western in retrospect was kind of a yawner, but I’ll still take the position that Western was 4 plays - 2 defensive, 2 offensive that were the difference makers and without those, it’s a 3 point game. Yes, I expected Michigan to come out flt. I expected them to come out and try to run the ball. And I expected Eastern to stop the run and force DeRob to pass. So, all my expectations were met. And the results more or less supported those expectations.
I will say that the defense rose to the occasion on the first drive and stopped EMU on a 4th and 1 and that was impressive. However, again as expected, I figured EMU to attack the defense “right in the middle” figure out if we had fixed our D-Line and linebacker problem (we haven’t) and also try to run us wide to the side. Not a bad game plan, it’s just that EMU didn’t have the horses to pull it off for an entire game.
So, what do we really know about this 3-0 Michigan team? They will more than likely lose a game or two this year. But I suspect, as I stated in the pre-season spectacular, that the teams we lose to will be totally unexpected. I’m just happy they’re 3-0 as it’s a pretty good feeling.
The Rest of the Mess
SPARTY – DOMERS (JEEZ I HATE THESE GUYS!) - Too many caps? I mean, it is Sparty-Domer. As expected, the Domers came out in a fragile state and right when it looked like they were on the verge of utter collapse, well, Sparty would do something stupid and let them right back into the game. 1st quarter: Rees throws the INT and Sparty does not capitalize. In fact, they turn it right back over to the Domers. 2nd quarter: Sparty continues to shoot themselves in the foot and they try trickery instead of just trying to take what the Domer defense was giving. I will admit, The Stallion attempted to stick with the run (when he shouldn’t have) and pass when he should have been running. I counted at least 3 3rd and longs where a QB draw or delayed RB draw would have probably gone for huge yards and got first downs. Not tom mention the idiotic fake Figgie right before the half. I really don’t know who dreamed that one up, but it was poorly planned, executed, timed, insert modifier here. This is a take the points in the first half game, kids. Dantonio was a boob. The 2nd half started to look like the ole Domers would do something stupid to help Sparty back into the game with the fumbled punt in the 4th quarter, but then Sparty loaded and cocked the gun again and BLAMMO! Interception at the goal line returned inside Sparty’s own 10 yard line. Cousins will be scarred for life…..
Sparty doesn’t scare me as much this year. They’re beatable. They will improve and it will be a clash in East Lansing, but they’re beatable.
GATORLAND – Cremesicles: I really thought the Cremesicles were a better team and they might have kept this one closer had they not lost their top receiver early in the game. Gatorland looks for real (again) and may be back in the hunt for the SEC East. If it’s still the SEC East when everything settles from Conference re-alignment. More on that in a minute.
NCAA Probation Bowl: tOhio looked bad. Really bad. I don’t think they will win 8 this year. That’s how bad the MMQ thinks they looked. Miami didn’t look like world beaters either, but they certainly didn’t stink it up like Ohio. Fecal had better get the train back on track in order to win some Big 10 games or he might not make the entire season.
Pitt (ACC) vs. Iowa (B1G): I figured I would start putting the conference affiliation next the to team in order to get everyone used to the new world and how it will look in the next couple of years. Pitt had this game in hand and Iowa came back (scarily) frankly to win it. Granted, it didn’t create the heart palpitations that Michigan –Domers caused a week ago, but still, it was exciting to watch.
FSU (ACC or SEC) vs. Okie Laters (???????): The FMQ stayed away from this game as I desperately wanted to take FSU, the points and the fact that they were at home in a revenge match-up all into account. However, the ole brain started itching which is a signal that I’m about to make a big mistake. What, doesn’t your brain itch from time to time? Anyway, Super Stooper had his troops ready and the laters just made a strong argument in primetime as to why half of the BCS title game should include them. I’m not convince they deserve it over Stanford yet, but I get the argument.
Mr. Lucky (Pac 24 pod 3?) vs. Arizona (Pac 24 pod 6?) : Yawn. I believe Mr. Lucky will continue to pummel teams until the other guys figure out a way to stop him.
Did I watch all those games? Yep. Bits and pieces of them.
Idle Thoughts From Saturday
-Michigan looked a little flat, but not alarmingly so. Yes, flat is flat and it always looks bad. But if you were coming down for three days after that Domer game, how long do you think it took them?
-EMU and English have something going here. They will surprise some MAC teams this year.
-Huh…No Devon Gardner. I figured we would have seen him in the 4th.
-Of course, DeRob is still learning this offense, too.
-Look for Devon in the San Diego State Game (Tickets still available!)
-Sparty looks bad.
-Domers look bade.
-Sparty looks worse.
-Domers were fortunate to have The Stallion nervous. If he plays straight forward, Sparty might’ve won that game.
-WHAT? Bottom line reporting that Syracuse and Pitt to leave the B-East and join the ACC?
-Uh, folks, for the uninformed, that’s kind of like, on a much smaller scale, Michigan and OSU leaving the B1G for some other conference.
-I know, it’s an exaggeration, but seriously: Syracuse was a founding member (1979) of the B -East and Pitt was right behind them in 1982.
-So, the question becomes, “Why?”
-Simple. Cash and security. The B-East has always been Basketball first. And both the ‘Cuse and Pitt are AAU schools, going into a strong AAU conference (the ACC).
-That’s worth repeating. AAU affiliation is a big deal, sports fans.
-Meaning Deans and Chancellor’s are still calling the shots and academics are still driving the bus.
-Where does it all end?
-Apparently, with the Big 12 dissolving and Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Okie State in the Pac 16 - 20 - 24....Whatever.
-Where does that leave Mizzou, Kansas, K-State, I-State, and Baylor?
-In some sort of B-Eeast bastardized West division?
-And what about the LHN? Will the Pac (insert number here) collapse to Texas pressure and let an outsider dictate and run the show?
-My guess is Deloss Dodds and Bill Powers start to see the error of the LHN and they try to let it die a quiet death.
-I don’t think Larry Scott has the cache to pull that off with Stanford.
-They’ll resist.
-And ESPN will be pissed about losing the LHN.
-Which, IS ESPN wagging the Dog a little here?
-What’s the NCAA’s oversight on THAT?
-There is no way the independents wag the dog at this point. Not when all roads to a national title go through a conference championship.
-Rumor is BYU, Texas and Domers will establish “Independent” Championship Game for qualification into the BCS title game…
-Really? I’m not buying it.
-I know, lots of idle thoughts about conference re-alignment, but its here to stay.
-Separate post coming on that thought, too.
The Hot Seat
Well, for the last two weeks, we have introduced new Hot Seat Macots and they have made it into the finals. Flutie and Tipton will be finalists in the Annual Hot Seat Mascot of the year! Tipton was a tight victory, but Flutie was sitting pretty with a ticket already punched.
I’m kinda thinking I have the order right, from less hot to hot, but this one might not be seen as going to hotter from last week. I first noticed her in “Superbad” and “The House Bunny” (Okay, I watch a lot of bad movies) but when she really caught my eye was in "Zombieland". Haven’t seen it? Believe me, if you like culty, campy comedies, Zombieland is worth the 2 hours. Woody H is classic and the cameo by Bill Murray is worth the wait. But Emma is worthy of nomination in the MMQ’s eyes!
Hot Seat Rank
1. Kelly, Brian – I re-arranged these as Kelly’s seat is probably still hotter. Losing to Michigan doesn’t bode well for your career at the Domers.
2. Richy Richt – They will win SEC games.
3. Neuheisel - This weekend did not help Rick’s cause….
4. Zooky
5. Paul Wulff - almost have to take him off the list!
6. Bob Toledo
7. Tedford
FMQ Betting Results:
It seems like a long time, but Michigan finally had a game where it didn’t seem like it was entirely on the line and their backs were against the wall. Okay, Western in retrospect was kind of a yawner, but I’ll still take the position that Western was 4 plays - 2 defensive, 2 offensive that were the difference makers and without those, it’s a 3 point game. Yes, I expected Michigan to come out flt. I expected them to come out and try to run the ball. And I expected Eastern to stop the run and force DeRob to pass. So, all my expectations were met. And the results more or less supported those expectations.
I will say that the defense rose to the occasion on the first drive and stopped EMU on a 4th and 1 and that was impressive. However, again as expected, I figured EMU to attack the defense “right in the middle” figure out if we had fixed our D-Line and linebacker problem (we haven’t) and also try to run us wide to the side. Not a bad game plan, it’s just that EMU didn’t have the horses to pull it off for an entire game.
So, what do we really know about this 3-0 Michigan team? They will more than likely lose a game or two this year. But I suspect, as I stated in the pre-season spectacular, that the teams we lose to will be totally unexpected. I’m just happy they’re 3-0 as it’s a pretty good feeling.
The Rest of the Mess
SPARTY – DOMERS (JEEZ I HATE THESE GUYS!) - Too many caps? I mean, it is Sparty-Domer. As expected, the Domers came out in a fragile state and right when it looked like they were on the verge of utter collapse, well, Sparty would do something stupid and let them right back into the game. 1st quarter: Rees throws the INT and Sparty does not capitalize. In fact, they turn it right back over to the Domers. 2nd quarter: Sparty continues to shoot themselves in the foot and they try trickery instead of just trying to take what the Domer defense was giving. I will admit, The Stallion attempted to stick with the run (when he shouldn’t have) and pass when he should have been running. I counted at least 3 3rd and longs where a QB draw or delayed RB draw would have probably gone for huge yards and got first downs. Not tom mention the idiotic fake Figgie right before the half. I really don’t know who dreamed that one up, but it was poorly planned, executed, timed, insert modifier here. This is a take the points in the first half game, kids. Dantonio was a boob. The 2nd half started to look like the ole Domers would do something stupid to help Sparty back into the game with the fumbled punt in the 4th quarter, but then Sparty loaded and cocked the gun again and BLAMMO! Interception at the goal line returned inside Sparty’s own 10 yard line. Cousins will be scarred for life…..
Sparty doesn’t scare me as much this year. They’re beatable. They will improve and it will be a clash in East Lansing, but they’re beatable.
GATORLAND – Cremesicles: I really thought the Cremesicles were a better team and they might have kept this one closer had they not lost their top receiver early in the game. Gatorland looks for real (again) and may be back in the hunt for the SEC East. If it’s still the SEC East when everything settles from Conference re-alignment. More on that in a minute.
NCAA Probation Bowl: tOhio looked bad. Really bad. I don’t think they will win 8 this year. That’s how bad the MMQ thinks they looked. Miami didn’t look like world beaters either, but they certainly didn’t stink it up like Ohio. Fecal had better get the train back on track in order to win some Big 10 games or he might not make the entire season.
Pitt (ACC) vs. Iowa (B1G): I figured I would start putting the conference affiliation next the to team in order to get everyone used to the new world and how it will look in the next couple of years. Pitt had this game in hand and Iowa came back (scarily) frankly to win it. Granted, it didn’t create the heart palpitations that Michigan –Domers caused a week ago, but still, it was exciting to watch.
FSU (ACC or SEC) vs. Okie Laters (???????): The FMQ stayed away from this game as I desperately wanted to take FSU, the points and the fact that they were at home in a revenge match-up all into account. However, the ole brain started itching which is a signal that I’m about to make a big mistake. What, doesn’t your brain itch from time to time? Anyway, Super Stooper had his troops ready and the laters just made a strong argument in primetime as to why half of the BCS title game should include them. I’m not convince they deserve it over Stanford yet, but I get the argument.
Mr. Lucky (Pac 24 pod 3?) vs. Arizona (Pac 24 pod 6?) : Yawn. I believe Mr. Lucky will continue to pummel teams until the other guys figure out a way to stop him.
Did I watch all those games? Yep. Bits and pieces of them.
Idle Thoughts From Saturday
-Michigan looked a little flat, but not alarmingly so. Yes, flat is flat and it always looks bad. But if you were coming down for three days after that Domer game, how long do you think it took them?
-EMU and English have something going here. They will surprise some MAC teams this year.
-Huh…No Devon Gardner. I figured we would have seen him in the 4th.
-Of course, DeRob is still learning this offense, too.
-Look for Devon in the San Diego State Game (Tickets still available!)
-Sparty looks bad.
-Domers look bade.
-Sparty looks worse.
-Domers were fortunate to have The Stallion nervous. If he plays straight forward, Sparty might’ve won that game.
-WHAT? Bottom line reporting that Syracuse and Pitt to leave the B-East and join the ACC?
-Uh, folks, for the uninformed, that’s kind of like, on a much smaller scale, Michigan and OSU leaving the B1G for some other conference.
-I know, it’s an exaggeration, but seriously: Syracuse was a founding member (1979) of the B -East and Pitt was right behind them in 1982.
-So, the question becomes, “Why?”
-Simple. Cash and security. The B-East has always been Basketball first. And both the ‘Cuse and Pitt are AAU schools, going into a strong AAU conference (the ACC).
-That’s worth repeating. AAU affiliation is a big deal, sports fans.
-Meaning Deans and Chancellor’s are still calling the shots and academics are still driving the bus.
-Where does it all end?
-Apparently, with the Big 12 dissolving and Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Okie State in the Pac 16 - 20 - 24....Whatever.
-Where does that leave Mizzou, Kansas, K-State, I-State, and Baylor?
-In some sort of B-Eeast bastardized West division?
-And what about the LHN? Will the Pac (insert number here) collapse to Texas pressure and let an outsider dictate and run the show?
-My guess is Deloss Dodds and Bill Powers start to see the error of the LHN and they try to let it die a quiet death.
-I don’t think Larry Scott has the cache to pull that off with Stanford.
-They’ll resist.
-And ESPN will be pissed about losing the LHN.
-Which, IS ESPN wagging the Dog a little here?
-What’s the NCAA’s oversight on THAT?
-There is no way the independents wag the dog at this point. Not when all roads to a national title go through a conference championship.
-Rumor is BYU, Texas and Domers will establish “Independent” Championship Game for qualification into the BCS title game…
-Really? I’m not buying it.
-I know, lots of idle thoughts about conference re-alignment, but its here to stay.
-Separate post coming on that thought, too.
The Hot Seat
Well, for the last two weeks, we have introduced new Hot Seat Macots and they have made it into the finals. Flutie and Tipton will be finalists in the Annual Hot Seat Mascot of the year! Tipton was a tight victory, but Flutie was sitting pretty with a ticket already punched.
I’m kinda thinking I have the order right, from less hot to hot, but this one might not be seen as going to hotter from last week. I first noticed her in “Superbad” and “The House Bunny” (Okay, I watch a lot of bad movies) but when she really caught my eye was in "Zombieland". Haven’t seen it? Believe me, if you like culty, campy comedies, Zombieland is worth the 2 hours. Woody H is classic and the cameo by Bill Murray is worth the wait. But Emma is worthy of nomination in the MMQ’s eyes!
Hot Seat Rank
1. Kelly, Brian – I re-arranged these as Kelly’s seat is probably still hotter. Losing to Michigan doesn’t bode well for your career at the Domers.
2. Richy Richt – They will win SEC games.
3. Neuheisel - This weekend did not help Rick’s cause….
4. Zooky
5. Paul Wulff - almost have to take him off the list!
6. Bob Toledo
7. Tedford
FMQ Betting Results:
Hey, hey, hey! Talk about getting something right for a change! I’m elated that everyone finally got on the same page as the MMQ and did what they were supposed to do! It was a great week….
Michigan -30.5 vs. EMU
Take Eastern and the 30.5 for $80
31-3, which means a 28 point delta! WIN! Bank $152
Stanford (-10) at Arizona
Take Stanford and lay the -10 for $60
This was like taking candy from a Baby! WIN! Bank $114
Wisconsin vs. NIU(+17)
Take Wisconsin and lay 17 for $40
See the Stanford Comments! WIN! Bank $76
Sparty @ Domers (-5.5)
Take Sparty and the 5.5 for $30
You know, Sparty kills me, they really do….LOSE
Texas @ UCLA (+3.5)
Take Texas and lay the 3.5 for $30
The Mack Attack is BACK! And UCLA really sucks. WIN: Bank $57
Those are the 5 games I REALLY liked. However, there’s a bunch of other games that I’d love to have action on, so just for giggles, let’s spread a little over those, shall we?
Tennessee (+10) @ Florida
Take the Cremesicles and the 10 points for $10
LOSE….Last time I bet Tennessee…Swear.
ASU @ Illini (PICK)
Take ASU on the road for $10
Really? I mean, maybe Illinois isn’t that bad….LOSE.
Minnesota (-3.5) vs. Miami (OH)
Take Minnesota and lay the 3.5 for $10.
29-23….THAT’S What I’m talking about! WIN: Bank $19
Parlay:
3 team: 6 to 1
Three Picks I like (only one parlay) are Eastern Michigan, Stanford, and Wisconsin for $20.
I love it when a Plan comes together! WIN! Bank $120
Starting BANK: $638
TOTAL WIN: $538
NEW BANK: $1,176
Next week ought to be fun! Be sure to tune in Friday for the picks!
Enjoying the Ride....MMQ
Michigan -30.5 vs. EMU
Take Eastern and the 30.5 for $80
31-3, which means a 28 point delta! WIN! Bank $152
Stanford (-10) at Arizona
Take Stanford and lay the -10 for $60
This was like taking candy from a Baby! WIN! Bank $114
Wisconsin vs. NIU(+17)
Take Wisconsin and lay 17 for $40
See the Stanford Comments! WIN! Bank $76
Sparty @ Domers (-5.5)
Take Sparty and the 5.5 for $30
You know, Sparty kills me, they really do….LOSE
Texas @ UCLA (+3.5)
Take Texas and lay the 3.5 for $30
The Mack Attack is BACK! And UCLA really sucks. WIN: Bank $57
Those are the 5 games I REALLY liked. However, there’s a bunch of other games that I’d love to have action on, so just for giggles, let’s spread a little over those, shall we?
Tennessee (+10) @ Florida
Take the Cremesicles and the 10 points for $10
LOSE….Last time I bet Tennessee…Swear.
ASU @ Illini (PICK)
Take ASU on the road for $10
Really? I mean, maybe Illinois isn’t that bad….LOSE.
Minnesota (-3.5) vs. Miami (OH)
Take Minnesota and lay the 3.5 for $10.
29-23….THAT’S What I’m talking about! WIN: Bank $19
Parlay:
3 team: 6 to 1
Three Picks I like (only one parlay) are Eastern Michigan, Stanford, and Wisconsin for $20.
I love it when a Plan comes together! WIN! Bank $120
Starting BANK: $638
TOTAL WIN: $538
NEW BANK: $1,176
Next week ought to be fun! Be sure to tune in Friday for the picks!
Enjoying the Ride....MMQ
Friday, September 16, 2011
FMQ - Back On Track
Well, at least we didn’t have any weather related issues last week! Just a lot of Domer tears and gnashing of teeth….Hee-hee…
I know I bash the Domers (JEEZ I HATE THESE GUYS!) a lot, but you know what? They’ve earned it. All of them. As long as they continue to refer to us as scUM, well, they’re going to go right on being Domers…
Anyway, I like this week as it’s the third week, we’ve seen some teams play, and stats are starting to become important. The only problem is the bookmakers see that too and can maybe do a better job of handicapping the games. But they don’t always take into account emotion!
But here at the FMQ, we look at all those rivalries, histories and other what not that may or may not make a difference. That’s our edge!
And on to the picks!
Michigan -30.5 vs. EMU
This HAS to be the pick on the board. Eastern isn’t THAT bad and Michigan just came off the most emotional win in recent history (or at least since last year’s Domer game. Okay, maybe Illinois). I’ll take Eastern and PRAY that Devon Gardner isn’t as good as Denard when it comes to chucking it up and getting lucky.
Take Eastern and the 30.5 for $80
Stanford (-10) at Arizona
I don’t know why Vegas can’t see what I’m seeing when it comes to Stanford, but until they let me down, I’m sticking with Mr. Lucky.
Take Stanford and lay the -10 for $60
Wisconsin vs. NIU(+17)
I’m not sure exactly where this spread came from. Wisconsin looking ahead to Nebraska, maybe? But that’s TWO WEEKS away? And the Cheeseheads had a week off, so Bielema is going to want to run his horses…I have to lay big points AGAIN…Jeez, I hate doing that…
Take Wisconsin and lay 17 for $40
Sparty @ Domers (-5.5)
Another Game I know better than to bet on. When I first saw this, I actually thought the Domers were getting points, which I thought was a steal. But when I saw that the Domers were giving 5.5 at home, something just snapped. I mean, SPARTY isn’t that bad, right? They can move the ball. And The DOMERS backs are clearly against the wall. Michigan’s Defense “was not a test…”. Sparty owns that field. The Domers have to be “done” emotionally and close to being down and out…especially if the fans get on them early. I’m struggling, really with which side of this one to bet. My brain says take the points…
Take Sparty and the 5.5 for $30
Texas @ UCLA (+3.5)
Wow. Texas only a 3.5 favorite against a team that hasn’t been able to find it’s ass with both hands recently. What has happened to Texas? I want to bet more here, but I’m nervous…
Take Texas and lay the 3.5 for $30
Those are the 5 games I REALLY liked. However, there’s a bunch of other games that I’d love to have action on, so just for giggles, let’s spread a little over those, shall we?
Tennessee (+10) @ Florida
THIS PICK HAS BURNED ME BEFORE. Which is why I should NOT touch it here. But, I just don’t think Tennessee is going to be that bad this year and they haven’t come CLOSE to Florida for 6 years. This might be the upset year? Maybe?
Take the Cremesicles and the 10 points for $10
ASU @ Illini (PICK)
Wow, a pick-em game. ASU is one of those teams that should be great, but can’t get out of it’s own way. And the Illini are somehow still coached by Zooky the Magnifecent. If you can figure that out, you’re way brighter than me….
Take ASU on the road for $10
Minnesota (-3.5) vs. Miami (OH)
Minnesota, even without Coach Kill, sidelined due to a seizure, should win this easily. But whenever I think that, it usually bites me in the butt.
Take Minnesota and lay the 3.5 for $10.
Parlay:
3 team: 6 to 1
Three Picks I like (only one parlay) are Eastern Michigan, Stanford, and Wisconsin for $20.
Starting BANK: $928
TOTAL WAGERED: $290
NEW BANK: $638
Enjoying the Ride....MMQ
I know I bash the Domers (JEEZ I HATE THESE GUYS!) a lot, but you know what? They’ve earned it. All of them. As long as they continue to refer to us as scUM, well, they’re going to go right on being Domers…
Anyway, I like this week as it’s the third week, we’ve seen some teams play, and stats are starting to become important. The only problem is the bookmakers see that too and can maybe do a better job of handicapping the games. But they don’t always take into account emotion!
But here at the FMQ, we look at all those rivalries, histories and other what not that may or may not make a difference. That’s our edge!
And on to the picks!
Michigan -30.5 vs. EMU
This HAS to be the pick on the board. Eastern isn’t THAT bad and Michigan just came off the most emotional win in recent history (or at least since last year’s Domer game. Okay, maybe Illinois). I’ll take Eastern and PRAY that Devon Gardner isn’t as good as Denard when it comes to chucking it up and getting lucky.
Take Eastern and the 30.5 for $80
Stanford (-10) at Arizona
I don’t know why Vegas can’t see what I’m seeing when it comes to Stanford, but until they let me down, I’m sticking with Mr. Lucky.
Take Stanford and lay the -10 for $60
Wisconsin vs. NIU(+17)
I’m not sure exactly where this spread came from. Wisconsin looking ahead to Nebraska, maybe? But that’s TWO WEEKS away? And the Cheeseheads had a week off, so Bielema is going to want to run his horses…I have to lay big points AGAIN…Jeez, I hate doing that…
Take Wisconsin and lay 17 for $40
Sparty @ Domers (-5.5)
Another Game I know better than to bet on. When I first saw this, I actually thought the Domers were getting points, which I thought was a steal. But when I saw that the Domers were giving 5.5 at home, something just snapped. I mean, SPARTY isn’t that bad, right? They can move the ball. And The DOMERS backs are clearly against the wall. Michigan’s Defense “was not a test…”. Sparty owns that field. The Domers have to be “done” emotionally and close to being down and out…especially if the fans get on them early. I’m struggling, really with which side of this one to bet. My brain says take the points…
Take Sparty and the 5.5 for $30
Texas @ UCLA (+3.5)
Wow. Texas only a 3.5 favorite against a team that hasn’t been able to find it’s ass with both hands recently. What has happened to Texas? I want to bet more here, but I’m nervous…
Take Texas and lay the 3.5 for $30
Those are the 5 games I REALLY liked. However, there’s a bunch of other games that I’d love to have action on, so just for giggles, let’s spread a little over those, shall we?
Tennessee (+10) @ Florida
THIS PICK HAS BURNED ME BEFORE. Which is why I should NOT touch it here. But, I just don’t think Tennessee is going to be that bad this year and they haven’t come CLOSE to Florida for 6 years. This might be the upset year? Maybe?
Take the Cremesicles and the 10 points for $10
ASU @ Illini (PICK)
Wow, a pick-em game. ASU is one of those teams that should be great, but can’t get out of it’s own way. And the Illini are somehow still coached by Zooky the Magnifecent. If you can figure that out, you’re way brighter than me….
Take ASU on the road for $10
Minnesota (-3.5) vs. Miami (OH)
Minnesota, even without Coach Kill, sidelined due to a seizure, should win this easily. But whenever I think that, it usually bites me in the butt.
Take Minnesota and lay the 3.5 for $10.
Parlay:
3 team: 6 to 1
Three Picks I like (only one parlay) are Eastern Michigan, Stanford, and Wisconsin for $20.
Starting BANK: $928
TOTAL WAGERED: $290
NEW BANK: $638
Enjoying the Ride....MMQ
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Domers - A 2nd Look & BIG HOUSE Big Games
As always, the Big Game generates a lot of e-mail and fan interest, not to mention hits on the Ole’ MMQ blog. I do thank each and every one of you for reading this drivel, if for no other reason than to make me think this is all in some weird and twisted way worthwhile.
HOWEVA’, there have been several issues – questions – challenges raised as a result of the Game on Saturday and subsequent post. So, in no particular order, let’s run ‘em down, so to speak:
1. The reason the final TD on the kick-off didn’t count: The kicking team CANNOT advance a kick-off. They can only recover. So, Michigan did recover the squib at the end and what appeared to be an advance to the goal line and subsequent spike of the ball in the endzone was simply Michigan’s ball at the 20 or where ever it was scooped up. Enough with the final score “Should have been 41 (2) to 31” already. We beat the Domers and the spread, the MMQ is happy.
2. If they awarded the Heisman based on performances against the Domers (JEEZ I HATE THESE GUYS!), DeRob wins the thing hands down. No question.
3. I think everyone knows that this isn’t that great of a team (Michigan) and that is what is going to make this an interesting season. For anyone that sent me an e-mail stating that fact, I have a simple response for you. “Duh.” I know they aren’t that good. I can read box scores, too. You’re probably the same group that complains when you’re doing the horizontal bop that it doesn’t last long enough…sheesh. Check the latest MMQ tagline: Enjoying the Ride…
4. Do any of you know how to comment on the blog? The MMQ is going to stop responding to E-mail. It’s too much. Use the blog, that’s why it’s there. (okay, now I’m venting. I apologize. But seriously, create an account. It takes 2 minutes, tops.)
5. “This was the greatest game in Michigan Histroy.” I had more than one e-mail asking me how I could state that? And I know for those of you that weren’t there and watched it on the tube, it had to really suck for the first 3 quarters, and I kind of get where you’re coming from. But I’m telling you that the last quarter in that stadium was the wildest emotional ride I believe I have ever been on, at least in recent memory. However, in complete and total fairness that I like to think we exercise here at the MMQ, we’re going to do something about the “Greatest Game Ever Moniker”, in a minute.
6. Sparty is either in really deep doo-doo or they are going to crush an emasculated Domer team. Either way, I know that Michigan as created another interesting matchup between those two teams that I will enjoy watching, because either way, (as Jeff says) SOMEONE I HATE IS GOING TO LOSE!
7. Is Brian Kelly a good coach or isn’t he? Hell, you can ask the same question about Hoke at this point and I’ll give you the same exact answer: Give the guy 3 years and I’ll let you know. Do I think Kelly is going to get fired for losing twice to Michigan? It’s not a good sign, based on the recent events (last 10 years of Notre Dame coaching changes). Do I think he’s there for at least another year? Yep. But its going to be GREAT to poke fun at this guy…. Dammit!
8. Do I really believe the Domers are cursed? Well…..yeah. And I’d be lying if I said otherwise. Does anyone believe that the Domers SHOULDN’T have won that game? I know it was hard for me to believe that Michigan had a chance with 0:30 left. But, everyone knows how it ended….I don’t believe you can state that you run a clean program and have all the issues surrounding it that the Domers do and still believe as a fan base that you’re somehow superior to everyone else in College football. Everyone’s a little dirty. Accept it, deal with it, and move on. Has the game changed? You bet. Change with it or you will be cursed.
9. Is Crist the better QB for the Domers? I don’t know. There’s a guy I work with that thinks Crist is calmer and more collected and simply had “first game jitters” against USF and Kelly is a boob for yanking him so quickly. He also believes that USF was a far superior team to Michigan and that Crist would’ve beat Michigan. Hmmm…..Interesting and thoughtful take.
10. Isn’t it fun when you’re still smiling on Tuesday????
Okay, I may have been caught up in the moment proclaiming Saturday as the Greatest Game in the Big House Ever. I was basing that on the emotions involved, the crowd, and the fact that it was midnight and I was wide awake, basking in the celebration. I certainly don’t believe it was the greatest “played” game I’ve ever seen there. In fact, if I had to label it, it was the “BEST Worst Game” I have ever seen in that stadium. Does that make sense? It should if you’ve been reading me for awhile.
So, what we need is objective and subjective criteria to measure the games that have been played in the Big House. Those criteria, laid out here by the MMQ, can vary and I will certainly take outside advice and opinion on this matter:
Objective:
1. The Opponent. It has to be big. Anyone that has a nickname that my Grandma can tell me qualifies. OSU, Domers, PSU, MSU, etc. She knows those are Buckeyes, Fighting Irish, Nittany Lions, and Sparty. If she can tell me the nickname of the team we’re playing, than it’s Big Game worthy.
2. Stakes. The game has to mean something. If it’s just a run of the mill Big 10 team, well, it might be a Big Game, but technically (And this is OLD MMQ talking), Michigan believes we should kick your ass. Please take note: Cheeseheads, Northwestern, Iowa, Purdue, and Illinois. And we had to have won the game for it to qualify. No moral losses here.
3. Build-Up. It can’t be a Big Game unless people are looking forward to it for at least two weeks. The reason Michigan-OSU in 2006 was so huge was because both Michigan and OSU were undefeated and weren’t playing anyone for 3 weeks before they met. That was a Big Game, just not in the Big House.
4. Score: It should be close and the eventual victor should be in question all the way to the end of the game. No big stakes, big build-up, big opponent blowouts need apply.
Subjective:
5. Does the MMQ’s arm hair stand on end when the team takes the field? (This one is a little subjective, I know. But still, FOR ME, it tells me that it’s a Big Game!)
6. How much do we (I) hate the opponent? Subjective again, but never the less a worthy measuring stick. And it’s certainly personal. I simply don’t hate Sparty as much as I hate the Domers-Suckeyes. Can’t explain it. I think it has to do with Bo. He hated the Domers and OSU and I think it rubbed off a little….Sparty, well, as we all now know, you’re just supposed to beat your Little Brother.
7. What’s the general consensus? How do we get that? Well, we have a
POLL!
For the next week or so, I’ll run a poll on the side bar with 10 games that I think are worthy of the “Best Games in the Big House EVER!” and we can vote. How’s that for democracy in action? The games I’m considering right now (I’ve already explained the first 5. Notice I didn’t say “Top 5”:
1. Domers 2011
2. Sparty 2004
3. OSU 1997
4. PSU 2002
5. Domers 2009
6. OSU 1985 – Harbaugh to Kolesar for a 77 yard TD in the 4th Quarter, which made the score 27-17. Michigan went on to beat Nebraska in Fiesta bowl and finish 2nd in the national rankings overall. Iowa, who Michigan lost to that year (12-10) went on to the Rose Bowl.
7. OSU 1969 – Unfortunately, revisionist history is the issue here. I was 4 when this game was played and therefore, cannot subjectively vote on it. However, knowing what I know, yeah, it HAD to be a Big Game. But was it the Best Ever in the Big House? That’s why we’re voting!
8. FSU 1986 – Won 20-18. Was the start to an undefeated season right up to Minnesota that year and a disaster in the Big House…
9. OSU 1995 – Tshimanga Biakabatuka ran for 315 yards against the number 2 team in the land. Stakes weren’t huge as OSU had Rose Bowl berth anyway, but we screwed up their national title hopes.
10. Domers 1991 – Desmond Howard and the catch…Yeah, it was tight and it was a big play. And it was the Domers.
11. Iowa 1997 – I know, I know. This VIOLATES ONE OF MY OWN RULES! But it was the biggest comeback in Michigan History. Down 24-0 at halftime, Griese, Woodson and company come out and score 28 unanswered. I remember leaving and feeling relieved, because the build-up wasn’t there pre-game. That much I remember. But the 2nd half was everything you’d want.
So, unless someone wants to chime in with one I forgot, let’s leave it at those 11. Vote on the side bar. I’ll leave it up there for a week. Vote for up to 5 games and that will become the official rank of the Greatest Big House Games Ever!
Never let it be said that I won’t engage in a good debate!
Enjoying the Ride…MMQ
HOWEVA’, there have been several issues – questions – challenges raised as a result of the Game on Saturday and subsequent post. So, in no particular order, let’s run ‘em down, so to speak:
1. The reason the final TD on the kick-off didn’t count: The kicking team CANNOT advance a kick-off. They can only recover. So, Michigan did recover the squib at the end and what appeared to be an advance to the goal line and subsequent spike of the ball in the endzone was simply Michigan’s ball at the 20 or where ever it was scooped up. Enough with the final score “Should have been 41 (2) to 31” already. We beat the Domers and the spread, the MMQ is happy.
2. If they awarded the Heisman based on performances against the Domers (JEEZ I HATE THESE GUYS!), DeRob wins the thing hands down. No question.
3. I think everyone knows that this isn’t that great of a team (Michigan) and that is what is going to make this an interesting season. For anyone that sent me an e-mail stating that fact, I have a simple response for you. “Duh.” I know they aren’t that good. I can read box scores, too. You’re probably the same group that complains when you’re doing the horizontal bop that it doesn’t last long enough…sheesh. Check the latest MMQ tagline: Enjoying the Ride…
4. Do any of you know how to comment on the blog? The MMQ is going to stop responding to E-mail. It’s too much. Use the blog, that’s why it’s there. (okay, now I’m venting. I apologize. But seriously, create an account. It takes 2 minutes, tops.)
5. “This was the greatest game in Michigan Histroy.” I had more than one e-mail asking me how I could state that? And I know for those of you that weren’t there and watched it on the tube, it had to really suck for the first 3 quarters, and I kind of get where you’re coming from. But I’m telling you that the last quarter in that stadium was the wildest emotional ride I believe I have ever been on, at least in recent memory. However, in complete and total fairness that I like to think we exercise here at the MMQ, we’re going to do something about the “Greatest Game Ever Moniker”, in a minute.
6. Sparty is either in really deep doo-doo or they are going to crush an emasculated Domer team. Either way, I know that Michigan as created another interesting matchup between those two teams that I will enjoy watching, because either way, (as Jeff says) SOMEONE I HATE IS GOING TO LOSE!
7. Is Brian Kelly a good coach or isn’t he? Hell, you can ask the same question about Hoke at this point and I’ll give you the same exact answer: Give the guy 3 years and I’ll let you know. Do I think Kelly is going to get fired for losing twice to Michigan? It’s not a good sign, based on the recent events (last 10 years of Notre Dame coaching changes). Do I think he’s there for at least another year? Yep. But its going to be GREAT to poke fun at this guy…. Dammit!
8. Do I really believe the Domers are cursed? Well…..yeah. And I’d be lying if I said otherwise. Does anyone believe that the Domers SHOULDN’T have won that game? I know it was hard for me to believe that Michigan had a chance with 0:30 left. But, everyone knows how it ended….I don’t believe you can state that you run a clean program and have all the issues surrounding it that the Domers do and still believe as a fan base that you’re somehow superior to everyone else in College football. Everyone’s a little dirty. Accept it, deal with it, and move on. Has the game changed? You bet. Change with it or you will be cursed.
9. Is Crist the better QB for the Domers? I don’t know. There’s a guy I work with that thinks Crist is calmer and more collected and simply had “first game jitters” against USF and Kelly is a boob for yanking him so quickly. He also believes that USF was a far superior team to Michigan and that Crist would’ve beat Michigan. Hmmm…..Interesting and thoughtful take.
10. Isn’t it fun when you’re still smiling on Tuesday????
Okay, I may have been caught up in the moment proclaiming Saturday as the Greatest Game in the Big House Ever. I was basing that on the emotions involved, the crowd, and the fact that it was midnight and I was wide awake, basking in the celebration. I certainly don’t believe it was the greatest “played” game I’ve ever seen there. In fact, if I had to label it, it was the “BEST Worst Game” I have ever seen in that stadium. Does that make sense? It should if you’ve been reading me for awhile.
So, what we need is objective and subjective criteria to measure the games that have been played in the Big House. Those criteria, laid out here by the MMQ, can vary and I will certainly take outside advice and opinion on this matter:
Objective:
1. The Opponent. It has to be big. Anyone that has a nickname that my Grandma can tell me qualifies. OSU, Domers, PSU, MSU, etc. She knows those are Buckeyes, Fighting Irish, Nittany Lions, and Sparty. If she can tell me the nickname of the team we’re playing, than it’s Big Game worthy.
2. Stakes. The game has to mean something. If it’s just a run of the mill Big 10 team, well, it might be a Big Game, but technically (And this is OLD MMQ talking), Michigan believes we should kick your ass. Please take note: Cheeseheads, Northwestern, Iowa, Purdue, and Illinois. And we had to have won the game for it to qualify. No moral losses here.
3. Build-Up. It can’t be a Big Game unless people are looking forward to it for at least two weeks. The reason Michigan-OSU in 2006 was so huge was because both Michigan and OSU were undefeated and weren’t playing anyone for 3 weeks before they met. That was a Big Game, just not in the Big House.
4. Score: It should be close and the eventual victor should be in question all the way to the end of the game. No big stakes, big build-up, big opponent blowouts need apply.
Subjective:
5. Does the MMQ’s arm hair stand on end when the team takes the field? (This one is a little subjective, I know. But still, FOR ME, it tells me that it’s a Big Game!)
6. How much do we (I) hate the opponent? Subjective again, but never the less a worthy measuring stick. And it’s certainly personal. I simply don’t hate Sparty as much as I hate the Domers-Suckeyes. Can’t explain it. I think it has to do with Bo. He hated the Domers and OSU and I think it rubbed off a little….Sparty, well, as we all now know, you’re just supposed to beat your Little Brother.
7. What’s the general consensus? How do we get that? Well, we have a
POLL!
For the next week or so, I’ll run a poll on the side bar with 10 games that I think are worthy of the “Best Games in the Big House EVER!” and we can vote. How’s that for democracy in action? The games I’m considering right now (I’ve already explained the first 5. Notice I didn’t say “Top 5”:
1. Domers 2011
2. Sparty 2004
3. OSU 1997
4. PSU 2002
5. Domers 2009
6. OSU 1985 – Harbaugh to Kolesar for a 77 yard TD in the 4th Quarter, which made the score 27-17. Michigan went on to beat Nebraska in Fiesta bowl and finish 2nd in the national rankings overall. Iowa, who Michigan lost to that year (12-10) went on to the Rose Bowl.
7. OSU 1969 – Unfortunately, revisionist history is the issue here. I was 4 when this game was played and therefore, cannot subjectively vote on it. However, knowing what I know, yeah, it HAD to be a Big Game. But was it the Best Ever in the Big House? That’s why we’re voting!
8. FSU 1986 – Won 20-18. Was the start to an undefeated season right up to Minnesota that year and a disaster in the Big House…
9. OSU 1995 – Tshimanga Biakabatuka ran for 315 yards against the number 2 team in the land. Stakes weren’t huge as OSU had Rose Bowl berth anyway, but we screwed up their national title hopes.
10. Domers 1991 – Desmond Howard and the catch…Yeah, it was tight and it was a big play. And it was the Domers.
11. Iowa 1997 – I know, I know. This VIOLATES ONE OF MY OWN RULES! But it was the biggest comeback in Michigan History. Down 24-0 at halftime, Griese, Woodson and company come out and score 28 unanswered. I remember leaving and feeling relieved, because the build-up wasn’t there pre-game. That much I remember. But the 2nd half was everything you’d want.
So, unless someone wants to chime in with one I forgot, let’s leave it at those 11. Vote on the side bar. I’ll leave it up there for a week. Vote for up to 5 games and that will become the official rank of the Greatest Big House Games Ever!
Never let it be said that I won’t engage in a good debate!
Enjoying the Ride…MMQ
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