Kitty Kat Sky is Falling?

In honor of 50 years of James Bond Films and the latest movie “Skyfall” opening today…

My Name is Q….FMQ. I’ll have a beer…Labatt Blue….Not shaken, not stirred.

I remember the days when Northwestern coming to town was not only better than a bye week (you got a free victory for taking the field), but it usually meant that you had to sneak in a lot more booze and beer (back when you could do that sort of thing) and usually meant a half time run to Schneider’s Party Store at the corner of Stadium and Main…

My….how times change.

Michigan opened as an 11 point favorite Monday and I’ve seen the line up and down from there – half point either direction. So, what gives? My guess is it has to do with Devin or DeRob….Or DeRob or Devin. How about this: What about both?

First, there is no QB controversy in Ann Arbor. That’s dumb thinking. But I do foresee a “dual threat” package that Al Borges could start using just to screw with people. That wouldn’t surprise me at all.

Final 4 Undefeated Update: Since we introduced this in the FMQ, I hate to not mention it while it lasts. What are the odds for all the undefeated teams to stay undefeated? Here you go:

From ESPN’s Chris Fallica:

…has once again calculated the chances of Alabama, Oregon, Notre Dame and Kansas State to enter the bowl season with unbeaten records.

The results:

Alabama -- 67.4 percent.

Notre Dame -- 66.8 percent (Fallica's algorithms must not have seen the Irish play Pitt on Saturday).

Kansas State -- 55.0 percent (Is that with or without Collin Klein?).

Oregon -- 30.0 percent (Wait? What? Thirty percent? Not higher? No, the formula is nervous about the Ducks' regular-season-ending game at Oregon State.)

And the chance of all four teams entering the bowls unbeaten is now 7.4 percent, up from 2.9 percent a week ago.

One other little thing: I’ve seen a couple of Bowl Projections from different sources that have the Domers in the Grand Daddy of them all due to the fact that Quack Attack will be in the Title Game. Meaning: Domers could have a chance to go 4-0 against the B1G…Ugh….I don’t want to see that….I’m not even sure I want the re-match. But, if Michigan makes the Rose, I will take it.
One Little Lane Kiffin Thing: If you haven’t heard, a student manager got himself canned at USC for letting the air out of the game balls after the officials had inspected them before the game. Lane Kiffin “claims” he knew nothing about this. In case you don’t know: When your team is on offense, your team uses its own ball. There’s 12 game balls (6 on each sideline) and the refs inspect them pre-game. But they usually aren’t checked post game. Releasing about 0.5 psi makes the balls easier to throw and a lot easier for the running backs to hold onto. But, I’ve got news for EVERYONE: EVERY team does this! I won’t say how I know, I just know and let’s leave it at that. Usually, the task of “taking care of the balls” which includes discreetly de-pressurizing is always assigned to a manager with an air needle and you do what’s necessary for the team. Behind the bench out of site of everyone. (Apparently the USC dumbass did it in front of the Oregon bench) But everybody knows what’s going on. I have a better idea here: Just reduce the specification or up the tolerance on what the air in the ball should be for the NCAA!!!! Then, nobody is cheating.

One more little Texas Thing: Mack Brown, in case you haven’t heard, is “angry” at opposing fans for doing the “Horns Down” thing when Texas is playing them. Says it is very disrespectful…. Mack, Mack, Mack….That’s kind of like Brian Kelly saying he doesn’t like the term “Domers” or Dantonio saying he doesn’t like the term “Losers”…er…”SOS”.

Never, EVER call out anyone for doing or saying anything that’s “BAD” about your program…That’s like an invitation.

And, it’s kind of funny, because your FMQ has been to Texas and seen the beaches in Gavelston and South Padre. I always thought “Horn’s Down!” is the view you get of a Texas coed’s bikini lines when she’s on her knees giving you…well, you know (I mean, I can’t go there!!) Come on! This IS a family column! Maybe there’s a Texas coed that can help Ole Mack understand that “Horn’s Down!” isn’t necessarily a bad thing!

This Week’s Picks:

Wish I would have posted this last night as I had a feeling about those Hokies at home against FSU…Oh well, opportunities can easily be made up. Going WAY off the page here as we are in the final weeks….I believe we have enough history and data to support some additional picks. Yes, I’m going a little heavy, but I think there’s a lot of value in some of these games…. Let’s hope I’m right!

Domers @ BC (+18.5): Man, based on the past years, this game is always close…But can the Boston Catholics keep it that close? I don’t think they can as they are the worst in defense in the ACC and their offense isn’t much better. Another stat is they are the best road team ATS this year (something like a 25+ pt average). Therefore,
Take the Domers and lay the 18.5 for $40

Wiscy (-6.5) @ Indiana: I KNOW this is for the Leaders Division race…But Indiana only getting 6.5? Seems a little light…This pick makes me nervous as I don’t think Indiana is that good, but their stats on offense are awesome. Still….I don’t like either side of this pick to make it one way or the other. PASS

Duckies (-27.5) @ CAL: Tedford’s swan song? Cal has been an on/off team this year and I don’t think there’s any “on” left in them….The Quack Attack is formidable and will not be denied…
Take the Ducks and lay the 27.5 for $75

Georgia (-14) @ Auburn: Really? I mean….Jeez….I guess I’m a Dawg fan here. Big Dawg fan…Don’t see how it will even stay this close…
Take the Dawgs and lay the 14 for $75

Texas A&M (+14) @ Bama: I think I like A&M here getting all those points. Aggies have NOTHING to lose…Bama coming off emotional win. This is quickly becoming the pick du jour (upset wise) and I feel like there’s something going on here…But I will go with the consensus and at least take the points.
Take A&M and the 14 for $50

NWU (-11) @ MICHIGAN: And this SEEMS REALLY HEAVY for a team that almost beat Nebraska and seems to play Michigan tough every year. But who will be the QB? Either way, I feel like Michigan has gotten the offense back on track and the Kitty Kats are defensively weak and I look for separation early in this game….
Take Michigan and lay the 11 for $60

PARLAY!

Let’s do a parlay this week, although we haven’t had much luck with them…..

Michigan-Ducks-Domers for $20

Starting Bank:    $941.50
TOTAL BET:     $320
BANK:               $621.50

Great Big Gobs of Greasy Slimy Gopher Guts!

Sorry..Couldn’t resist the Caddyshack re-set in today’s title entry. Bill Murray has forever doomed the Gophers to a punchline in the B1G until they can somehow find a way to win on a regular basis.





Michigan played a great game in a must win situation which is really all you need to say about Saturday. But, (there’s always a “But” with the MMQ isn’t there?) there was SO MUCH more that happened Saturday in Minnesota that needs to be discussed.

First, Devin had a great game. Cinderella Story?



Not so much…..Yes. He is a good QB. We KNEW that two years ago. So, for everyone that was surprised that he came out and did what he did…Well, I’m not sure what you were watching when he played that position before. According to the reports, Devin did what he was asked and what he wanted to do when he moved to wide receiver. He was helping the team and he was going to see more playing time. Plain and simple.

Bellomy (and I will stand by this statement until everyone beats it out of me) played as well as he possibly could have against the Husker Defense. If Devin had gone in against the Huskers, I’m not sure anything changes….But, the MMQ will admit that the question certainly crossed my mind and it’s unfortunate that we will never know the answer to the question: What could or would have happened if Devin played the 2nd half in Lincoln?

And unfortunately, that Husker defeat is starting to loom larger and larger due to the fact that Michigan is running out of teams that legitimately have a shot at beating Nebraska which would put them back in the driver’s seat of the B1G Legends division. (Thanks for NOTHING Sparty…More on that in a minute).

As for the Gophers? Well, you really don’t want to beat up on a team and a coach like this (I like Kill, I really do), you just feel like you owed it to them….



And this will be the last time I reference a movie this much in any post! Maybe….But ya gotta' love Caddyshack!

BCS Mess

Oh…What could have BEEN! Two teams in the top 5 looked like they were going DOWN on Saturday. In fact, it was kind of sad when Pitt missed that field goal in the 2nd OT and gave the Domers new hope. What was REALLY sad was the drive at the end of the game that let the Domers score and then convert the 2 point conversion. They say a champion is tested at some point late in the season by someone they didn’t see coming. Michigan had Ball State in 1997. Was this the Domer wake-up call? The Hatter outcoached and stupid called himself into the LSU loss….The Tigers had that game. So, where does that leave the BCS standings? Now with the “points” for each of the top 5:

1. Satan’s Warriors (0.996): No surprise here. Until they are beat, they’re in the Championship.
2. K-State (0.932): Okie State tried, but K-State proved who the “real Men” were on the field Staurday.
3. DUCKS(0.917): Got the Power Win they needed against USC. And the covered and they beat the Spread! Look out for the Ducks. This is the team on a mission this year….
4. DOMERS (0.905): Water eventually seeks its own level. While Pitt provided the challenge, I believe there is now some doubt in Domer land as to how good this team really is.
5. Georgia (0.817): Just in case they win out, the pollsters want to keep these guys up there…
6. GATORLAND: Told you….Gatorland can only be a spoiler…
7. LSU: Two losses and they only drop to 7? Is this an SEC conspiracy I smell?
8. USC…Same here….The Ole Ball Coach is paying somebody?
9. Louisville: Enjoy It. Charlie Strong will be coaching in the SEC next Season…
10. Florida State: Needs LOTS OF HELP

The Rest of the Mess – Or “THANKS FOR NUTHIN’” TEAMS!


Sparty vs. Huskers: When Nebraska got the ball back near the end of the game, I honestly believed that the MSU “D” was going to rise to the occasion. Unfortunately, they fell flat. Was it a result of bad calls? Could be…But there was still an opportunity there to shut the Huskers down. However, I will say that if I WAS a Sparty fan, I would be calling the B1G refereeing office this AM and filing a complaint…Again, Sparty, thanks for nothing and to all those fans that texted me the, “Oh well, at least Michigan won’t be in the Title Game” texts…This goes to show you EXACTLY why you’re the biggest losers in the game of football. Well.... the "world needs Ditch Diggers, too!"



BAMA vs. LSU: The Hatter calls for a fake field goal in the first half when LSU is still in the game and frankly, in control. Why do that there? Can someone explain that to me? Then, again, with their top rated defensive unit on the field and a QB that no one thinks is all that great facing them, they let Bama drive 80 yards in 47 seconds to score? WTF….Thanks for nothing, Les…..

Pitt vs. Domers: This one made me sick. And as was texted to me, who WOULDN’T pay money to be in the ESPN studios watching this annual match-up with Mark May (Pitt Grad) and Lou Holtz (Former underachieving HC of Domers)? Pitt was OH SO CLOSE and couldn’t hang on…and then that missed chip shot in OT? Kind of like missing a 3-footer....Doncha' think?


Ducks vs. USC: Anyone who has followed the Ducks this year knows that USC really didn’t have much of a chance, but when the Trojans started scoring, it woke everyone up to the fact that maybe, just maybe…There was a chance. But then reality set in and it became apparent that, no, USC was not going to come close to pulling off the impossible…Thanks for nothing….But we weren’t expecting it, anyway.

Idle Thoughts From Saturday

-Devin Starting?
-DeRob is hurt worse than anyone thought…
-Or, he didn’t practice as much.
-Hoke is hedging his bets this week…..
-Meaning, he knows that Devin can go out and win this game.
-And that gets him some experience in case…
-I won’t type it, but you know…Just in case.
-Obviously, the Bellomy just in case scenario wasn’t that pleasing…
-But that’s a tough scenario for ANY QB.
-That’s the last I’m going to say on that.
-Huskers - Michigan Game is over….
-Sparty is going to pull this off for Michigan!
-I was actually starting to like them again…
-The Pass interference on Sparty was an awful call.
-I believe B1G refereeing is pretty bad this year.
-Minnesota got called for one that, well, I could have seen it going either way.
-Meaning a “no call”.
-They HAVE TO BE ABLE TO PLAY DEFENSE!
-Meaning: Unless you’re tackling the guy because you know you’re beat, it should be allowed.
-Doncha’ think?
-I know Sparty does.
-So, who’s left on the Husker Schedule?
-PSU – Loss doesn’t necessarily help Michigan, Minnesota (gag) and Iowa (There’s a chance.)
-Michigan: Kitty Kats, Iowa, Suckeyes - Need to win them all…
-Come on PITT!
-Oh Pitt…What are you doing now?
-Don’t collapse when this is so much within your reach!
-Okay – make this chip shot and SHOCK THE WORLD!
-Jeez…Luck of the Irish..My ass.
-I hate how smug Lou Holtz gets on Game Day Final when talking about the Domers.
-It makes me want to puke…
-How does Mark May not deck him?
-He should get an ESPY award for just keeping himself in check sitting next to Lou.
-Duckies are waddling all over Kiffin’s team.
-Chip Kelly is going to win a National Title.
-Just a matter of time.
-Will the SEC come knocking?
-Wouldn’t that be a slap in Oregon’s face?

The Hot Seat

You guys amaze me, you really do. Not only does this week’s mascot not hold serve, Lacey Chabert (Last week’s nominee) comes through in FLYING COLORS with the HIGHEST VOTE TOTAL of the season to take the number 1 spot in the Hot Seat Mascot Finals! Just when I thought I knew it all…..

As for this week’s mascot, she first caught my eye years ago when she starred opposite Bruce Willis in the 5th Element. Then, the Resident Evil franchise made her a household name. Yes, I played the game and I see the movies for one reason: Mila Jovovich!

 

Well, we can add another name to the gone list…I didn’t have Joker Phillips high on the Hot Seat due to the lower profile of Kentucky, but he’s gone anyway.

1. Gene Chizik: Losing to the Hawgs AND MSU in the same year gets you on the list…National Championships be damned! Question is: Who does Aburn, actually, anyone get if they fire the guys on this list? Petrino?
2. John L Smith – He’s only on a 10 month contract, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they canned him before then…To hire….WHO?
3. Derek Dooley: Needs a MAJOR win in the SEC
4. Mack Brown: I know, I know. But you didn’t think they would fire Joe Pa, either. Believe the MMQ when I say that his retirement or canning is nearer than you think…
5. Frank Spaziani: BC is a proud school that doesn’t get a lot of attention…. Until you lose to ARMY….And get a new AD looking to make a name for himself.
6. The Old Ball Coach: Can’t lose to your Alma Mater by double digits and not feel some heat.
6. (Tie) Paul Johnson. GT’s season has been an up and down roller coaster and losing to Middle Tennessee State should have had him on the list earlier…But he’s here now.
7. Pasqualoni – UCONN This team has not gotten better and only gotten a LOT worse since their Fiesta Bowl appearance two years ago…
8. Randy Edsall: Maryland is going to start thinking that with the ACC as screwed up as it is, why aren’t we winning more football games?
9. Kevin Wilson: But can Indiana really expect much more? Really?
10. Brett Beilema – Wiscy. His fans have expectations now. Losing to MSU at home?
11. Tedford

GONE:

1. Avey - Idaho
2. Phillips – Kentucky

The FMQ

Repeat after me (Assuming you’re a gambler): WE LOVE THE DUCKS! WE LOVE THE DUCKS! Not a bad weekend for the FMQ and there’s now a real good chance that we can end up on the positive side of the chart with a few more well placed bets before the end of the year!

Texas Tech (+7) vs. Texas: This one was SO CLOSE….
Take Texas Tech and the 7 for $40 - LOSE

Stanford (-27.5) @ Colorado: I think we will continue to ride the Colorado wagon for the rest of the season! In the bad way, I mean!
Take Stanford and lay the 27.5 for $30 – WIN! BANK: $57

Cornhuskers @ Sparty (-1.5 Monday….2.5 Today): Jeez Sparty….You lose and you can’t even cover at home? THANKS FOR NOTHIN’!
Take Sparty and the 2.5 for $30 - LOSE

Oregon (-7) @ USC (Today -8): Hee-hee….This is a great thing. I love to watch Lane Kiffin lose. Don’t know why. But I really like to see him lose and win a bet on it at the same time!
Take the Ducks and lay the 8.5 for $80 – WIN! BANK: $152
Take the Over (70) for $70 – WIN! BANK: $133

Pitt (+17.5) @ Domers: Why didn’t I trust my instincts and take Pitt here? Nuts….

BAMA @ LSU (+8.5): Well, at least the Hatter covered….
Take LSU and the 8.5 for $30 – WIN! BANK: $57

Michigan (-11) @ Minnesota: Looking like a GENIUS now…Wile E. Coyote…Genius, that is!
Take Michigan and lay the 11 for $50 – WIN! BANK: $95

Starting Bank:    $447.50
Total WIN:         $494
BANK:               $941.50

Monday Morning Line

Domers @ BC (+18.5): Man, based on the past years, this game is always close…But can the Boston Catholics keep it that close?

Wiscy (-6.5) @ Indiana: I KNOW this is for the Leaders Division race…But Indiana only getting 6.5? Seems a little light…

NWU (-11) @ MICHIGAN: And this SEEMS REALLY HEAVY for a team that almost beat Nebraska and seems to play Michigan tough every year. But who will be the QB?

Duckies (-27.5) @ CAL: Tedford’s swan song?

Georgia (-14) @ Auburn: Really? I mean….Jeez….I guess I’m a Dawg fan here.

Texas A&M (+14) @ Bama: I think I like A&M here getting all those points. Aggies have NOTHING to lose…Bama coming off emotional win.

Gopher Friday! GOING FOR THE JUG!

Well, after the less than spectacular performance that Michigan left on the field in Lincoln, I’ve gotten over it and I believe the Wolverines have, also. Minnesota will present a challenge, but let’s not forget:

THIS IS FOR THE JUG!

The oldest trophy in college football!  And it's not a Pig or a Turtle... And it was an accident. The Victors website has the whole thing documented and if you’re not doing anything some rainy afternoon or need to look busy in a meeting, I highly recommend reading the entire story. It’s worth it.

The FMQ has only 4 regular weeks left to make up ground…And we’re in the hole. Might have to get a little more aggressive this week if we want to finish in the black. Meaning we might break our 25% of the total bank-roll rule in order to either make it or break it for the season….

Before we get to the picks, there’s been a lot of radio and television discussion revolving around “What do we do IF” there are 4 undefeated teams at the end of the season: Bama, Duckies, Wildcats, and Domers. Not necessarily in that order. But before everyone goes a’fretting about who will get screwed, leave it to a math guy to come to the rescue of the debate.

From ESPN’s website: Chris Fallica

Developing algorithms is what ESPN's "College GameDay" research guru Chris Fallica does for fun this time of year. Fallica really needs to get a life.

Anyway, his latest formula calculates the chances of Bama, K-State, Oregon and Notre Dame entering the bowl season with undefeated records:

Notre Dame: 62.2 percent (remaining schedule: Pittsburgh, at Boston College, Wake Forest, at USC)
Alabama: 57.1 (at LSU, Texas A&M, FCS-member Western Carolina, playing-like-an-FCS-member Auburn)
K-State: 43.0 (Oklahoma State, at TCU, at Baylor, Texas)
Oregon: 18.9 (at USC, at Cal, Stanford, at Oregon State)
And the chances that all four of those teams go unbeaten: less than 2.9 percent

Huh….Ain’t that something! Math actually SUPPORTS the notion that there will be UPSETS IN NOVEMBER! If you’re a gambler…isn’t that considered “useful” information?

That should be all that’s necessary to discuss at this point in time, save this week’s picks!

This Week’s Picks:

Texas Tech (+7) vs. Texas: If this game were in Lubbock, I would probably be all over Texas Tech. AS it is, with Tubberville getting 7, it’s simply too hard to ignore for a value bet. Mack Brown’s days are starting to get numbered and I truly believe there’s a threshold that will be reached of the Shorthorns lose to Tech.
Take Texas Tech and the 7 for $40

Stanford (-27.5) @ Colorado: Again, had your FMQ been PAYING MORE ATTENTION! (I sound like I’m yelling at my own kids inside my head) I would have realized that the Buffs have been a bettors dream this season. They have only covered the spread once. That being said, I think Stanford does a little number on the Buffs similar to what the Duckies did, just not as much. And the points sound about right to the FMQ…
Take Stanford and lay the 27.5 for $30

Cornhuskers @ Sparty (-1.5 Monday….2.5 Today): Well, I like Sparty getting points at home. The Huskers have never played in East Lansing and you can bet that Sparty will be ready. Should be ready…Or is this the same ‘ole Sparty that somehow stole one from Wisconsin last week?
Take Sparty and the 2.5 for $30

Oregon (-7) @ USC (Today -8): Hmmmmmmmm…I know what the math guy said up above, but I can't go against my Ducks...Not Yet.  There’s a lot of wise guys thinking the same thing as me. Without a running game at USC, this thing turns into a scoring fest until the Duckies get to Barkley one too many times. But that won’t stop the Ducks from scoring a bunch of style points trying to improve their BCS Standings…..And did you know that the Oregon starting offense has only seen a total of something like 17 minutes of playing time in the 4th quarter for the ENTIRE SEASON? That means all the points they scored have been in 3 quarters of play. I see two bets here worth making:
Take the Ducks and lay the 8.5 for $80
Take the Over (70) for $70

Pitt (+17.5) @ Domers: Man….1 of the top 4 undefeated teams will get tested this weekend. I didn’t think it would be K-State or the Ducks, but The Domers and Bama each have tough games….Pitt’s not a pushover. Ask Va Tech. But, do they have what it takes to keep it within 17? PASS

BAMA @ LSU (+8.5): LSU getting points at home where they currently have the nation’s longest winning streak? Death Valley? Bama undefeated? There’s a reason they call it Death Valley, you know..….Against my better judgment….
Take LSU and the 8.5 for $30

Michigan (-11) @ Minnesota (MONDAY - Pick-Em)….Okay – I now must admit that a site that I had been using did NOT HAVE THE CORRECT LINE POSTED ON MONDAY. So, there’s no WAY I could have got Michigan over Minnesota even. The website I was using has been taken off my radar and I’m back to using a more reliable source. That being the case, I didn’t technically have a bet Monday and I can decide what to do with this mess today. I have to believe….HAVE TO BELIEVE (This is BAAADDDDD betting strategy) that the Wolverines fix their offensive problems and find the End Zone. The Gophers no longer play in the Magical Mystery Dome and something’s gotta give…
Take Michigan and lay the 11 for $50

Starting Bank:   $777.50
Total Bet:          $330
BANK:              $447.50

Heartbreak Saturday

It’s kind of amazing, really. I couldn’t believe that at some point on Saturday night, the realization washed over me that 7 days and roughly 3 hours prior to the exact moment in time that I was presently in, roughly 11:30, I was one very happy person. That a mere week ago all was right with the world and I was actually looking toward the future and the potential that existed…

7 days and 3 hours later….

Not So Much…

Multiple reasons for my morass of emotion were playing out on TV screens all over the place. Visions of disbelief and worse, people who seemed genuinely happy with several outcomes that were completely baffling to me. One Michigan fan (which I had to explain to him that he was NOT a Michigan fan because of this) kept celebrating every Domer (JEEZ I HATE THESE GUYS!) score and fantastic play. Finally, unable to contain my frustration after another Tigers three up and three down coupled with a Michigan turn over and I confronted the guy.

“You call yourself a Michigan fan?” His reply. “Yeah, why?” I said, “Then why on God’s Green Earth are you HAPPY that the Domers are beating the Sooners? You should be pulling for Oklahoma if you’re a true Michigan fan.” And in response I got, “I don’t mind seeing Notre Dame win if they beat us and MSU. It makes us look better.”

My mind, or more importantly, my jaw stopped working. I simply didn’t know what to say or I was simply too drained to formulate an un-emotional, objective response to what I could only describe as a “Casual” Michigan Fan. Worse, I got the feeling this individual was a “casual” football fan as well. Meaning that he wouldn’t mind at all if the Domers played in the National Title game…And I so wanted to go where I’ve gone for the last 10 years. To explain how bad it would be for College Football to let Notre Dame into the National Title Game…

Which led me to the following thought picture:

Yeah…I know…It’s not pefect as the intersections assume some things that will neve be, but you get my point. On top of that, you had the Tigers getting beat again by the Giants…What’s happened to offense in this state??

I knew when DeRob went down that Michigan was in deep doo-doo. I was getting the feeling earlier when they couldn’t punch it into the end zone. Which makes (I don’t even like to type this) two games in a row where Michigan has NOT FOUND the End Zone…You know, that little strip at the end of the field with the writing in it…. It was another one of those games where nothing seemed to go right, yet everything was there for the taking. (Insert “Tigers” wherever “Michigan” appears in the last statement and you have a synopsis of the entire World Series, also.

So, what does it mean for Michigan going into the Final 4? Well, they have to win out in order to even have a shot at the B1G Title game. And they need a little help from their friends…Yeah, suddenly I’m rooting for Sparty on Saturday. And Minnesota and Iowa in subsequent weeks. Which means that Sparty is Michigan’s best shot at getting Nebraska back behind them in the Legends…..Yikes.

At one point I received a text from another fan that simply stated, “Every team I want to win tonight is losing….” And there were a lot of games to choose from. How can that be? As an avid fan, there should be one game out of the 6 or 7 that were on that you could say, “Okay, well…at least there’s THAT.”

I couldn’t find the one game on Saturday night that made me feel better….

So, what now for the….

BCS Mess

4 weeks to go in the regular season and looky who’s in the top 3 of the BCS…Domers (JEEZ I HATE THESE GUYS!), Satan’s Warriors and K-State. Before we get into all of the details, I’m going to sit on my original observation and would just love for the Domers to go undefeated and not make the National Title Game – and IF EVERYONE HOLDS SERVE AND DOES WHAT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO DO, that should take care of itself. But, I have this sick feeling in the pit of my stomach that 2012 is going to be a weird year. And the weirdness has only just begun.

1. Satan’s Warriors: No surprise here. Until they are beat, they’re in the Championship.
2. K-State: Some are surprised by this rank, but when you beat the Laters in Norman, well, Computers like that. And Shellacking WVU didn’t hurt…
3. DOMERS: I don’t know what to say here anymore…We are ALL DUCKS FANS! OR K-STATE FANS! And Alabama Fans….
4. DUCKS: Need more quality wins and they have to hope that the rest of their competition wins out…And this is the week against USC.
5. LSU: In a great position as the first 1 loss team
6. Georgia: Just in case they win out, the pollsters want to keep these guys up there…
7. GATORLAND: Told you….Gatorland can only be a spoiler…
8. USC…Best 7-2 in the BCS
9. Florida State: Needs LOTS OF HELP
10. Louisville: Enjoy It. Charlie Strong will be coaching in the SEC next Season…

The Rest of the Mess

Sparty vs. Wiscy: What, did Wiscy figure this game didn’t matter this year as it has a paved road to the B1G championship? This has turned into a real rivalry when Wiscy used to own Sparty in Madison…Don’t understand what Bielema is thinking

GATORLAND vs. Puppy Dawgs: So, let me get this straight: First, the Dawgs lose horribly to The Ole Ball Coach, then the Ole Ball Coach loses HORRIBLY to Gatorland…..If A>B>C, shouldn’t the outcome of this game been GATROLAND DESTROYS PUPPY DOGS? For the love of Mike….Where’s the logic anymore…

Ducks vs. Colorado: Beat the spread. Beat the over. And could have got to 100 as the final score was the same as it was to start the 3rd quarter meaning Chip Kelly called off the Ducks…..

Idle Thoughts From Saturday

-SEC is eating their own…
-But Alabama won’t lose to MSU….
-Maybe, but no…
-Gene C. is so done at Auburn.
-Even with the $4M or so buyout…
-Texas A&M had to enjoy that victory…
-Washington is beating OSU? Come on BEAVERS!
-I like the Beavers…Really.
-Corvalis is just such a cool name for a city.
-Michigan is not looking good early.
-Come on! Catch the damn ball.
-Not another Field Goal.
-I like Gibbons, but why can’t this team punch it in?
-I think it goes back to Fitz…
-I won’t be sorry to see him go.
-I know he’s a senior and all, but I’m tired of thinking he’s going to get better.
-Tippy-toe into the line every time.
-This is Big 10 football.
-Put your head down and go.
-De-Rob….Say it isn’t so.
-This is approximately when I gave up.
-I didn’t think Bellomy was that bad…all things considered.
-All right….Maybe 44 yards after Bellomy took the field isn’t good…
-It wasn’t a good game.
-Kudos to the Husker Defensive Strategy “All Blitz, All the Time” once Bellomy took the field.
-This is what happens when you don’t have a running game (or Back).
-Get Fitz out of there….
-Is Devin all done at QB?
-Don’t Show the Latimore injury anymore…PLEASE…
-My stomach has been queasy from the first time I saw it…
-And they keep showing it…again and again and again…
-That has to totally suck…
-I guess the bright side is he’s alive? And with luck…can maybe play again?
-I dunno…Violent, nasty sport when looked at from that perspective.
-All thoughts and prayers going out to Latimore family…
-Final 4…Michigan Needs to win them all.
-And suddenly, Minnesota looks good. Frosh QB lit up Purdue.
-And Iowa is always tough.
-And I was most afraid of Northwestern going into the last 4 games.
-Not to mention OSU.
-Jeez…Can Michigan win one of those to get bowl eligible?
-At least two are at home…

More Idle Thoughts From the Weekend….

-Tigers ran into a buzz saw…
-And its name was the San Franciso Giants.
-As good as it felt to sweep the Yankees…I now know how the Yankee fans felt.
-One game would have at least dulled the ache a little…
-Whisk-whisk-whisk.....Whiskey!

The Hot Seat

For the first time all season, the weekly nominee DID NOT HOLD SERVE! Which means that Lacey Chabert has a shot of winning in the last 4 weeks, but if you don’t win your nomination week, well, you can pretty much kiss the finals good bye…

This week’s nominee caught the MMQ’s eye in several movies where I went, “Hey…who is that?” She was in Couple’s Retreat with a huge ensemble cast, The Heartbreak Kid with Ben Stiller, and most recently, Rock of Ages as the Rolling Stone reporter that does the deed with Stacy Jaxx….Without further ado: Malin Akerman!

 

One big Change: I moved Chizik to Numero Uno in honor of the A&M beatdown. John L will survive his contract, but Chizik might just lose his job first. Also, we might change the name of this to the “Race for Charlie Strong list.”

1. Gene Chizik: Losing to the Hawgs AND MSU in the same year gets you on the list…National Championships be damned! Question is: Who does Aburn, actually, anyone get if they fire the guys on this list? Petrino?
2. John L Smith – He’s only on a 10 month contract, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they canned him before then…To hire….WHO?
3. Derek Dooley: Needs a MAJOR win in the SEC
4. Mack Brown: I know, I know. But you didn’t think they would fire Joe Pa, either. Believe the MMQ when I say that his retirement or canning is nearer than you think…
5. Frank Spaziani: BC is a proud school that doesn’t get a lot of attention…. Until you lose to ARMY….And get a new AD looking to make a name for himself.
6. The Old Ball Coach: Can’t lose to your Alma Mater by double digits and not feel some heat.
6. (Tie) Paul Johnson. GT’s season has been an up and down roller coaster and losing to Middle Tennessee State should have had him on the list earlier…But he’s here now.
7. Pasqualoni – UCONN This team has not gotten better and only gotten a LOT worse since their Fiesta Bowl appearance two years ago…
8. Randy Edsall: Maryland is going to start thinking that with the ACC as screwed up as it is, why aren’t we winning more football games?
9. Kevin Wilson: But can Indiana really expect much more? Really?
10. Joker Phillips: Because someone at Kentucky cares….
11Brett Beilema – Wiscy. His fans have expectations now. Losing to MSU at home?
12. Tedford

The FMQ

I know my Ducks and that’s all I can say. I don’t know Michigan, Wiscy or Oklahoma….How could all of them let me down? All I know is there’s some jack-ass out there cackling with glee on the other side of all this….

Ducks (-45) at Colorado: It turns out this was the only game I should have bet on!

Take Oregon and lay the 45 for $100…WIN: Bank $190
Take the over (67) for $50…WIN: Bank $95

Sparty at Wiscy (-6.5):
Take Wiscy and lay the 6.5 for $50…LOSE

Michigan (+2.5) @ CORNSUCKERS:
Take Michigan and the 2.5 for $60….LOSE

Domers (+9.5 – Opening. Today: +12) @ Laters:
Take the Laters and lay the 9.5 for $60….LOSE

Parlay!
Ducks – Laters – Ducks & Buffs OVER for $20….LOSE

Starting Bank:   $492.50
TOTAL WIN:   $285
Bank:                $777.50

Early Monday Odds

Texas Tech (+7) vs. Texas
Stanford (-27.5) @ Colorado
Iowa (+1) @ Indiana (I know…I had to read it twice, also)
Cornhuskers @ Sparty (-1.5)
Oregon (-7) @ USC Pitt (+17.5) @ DomersMichigan @ Minnesota (Pick-Em)….Jeez, This I can’t believe. I guess I have to take Michigan here today.

Special Comment: If you aren’t clicking on the “Great Moments in Michigan Football History” link, here’s what you either missed or are about to miss:

October 27th: Wrangler to Carter against Indiana, 1979
October 30th: Braylonfest against MSU
November 3rd: Clockgate

Cornsucker Friday!

Well….A few people e-mailed and said I was too hard on Sparty in Monday’s write up. A LOT of people e-mailed and said, “YEAH, BABY!” So, the Ayes have it with respect to how Sparty needed to be put in their place after 4 years of misery in the State of Michigan.

Kind of makes you wonder how Sparty will deal with that against Wiscy this weekend. Did you kow: The Italian Stallion (Dantonio) hadn’t lost BACK TO BACK B1G games in his 4 years at Spartyland? That’s kind of an impressive statistic. And now, he has an opportunity to lose 3 in a row. Wiscy is playing better than the early season and Sparty NEVER does well in Madison. Those are some of the worst blow-outs in Sparty history. So, again, I ask the question: Is this SOS or are we going to see something special Saturday?

I want to type GO TIGERS with enthusiasm, but anyone who watched the first two games knows what I’m feeling right now - and I know how you're feeling, too. After witnessing what can only be described as a Six Sigma event on Wednesday night (Ball hitting the bag and Kung Fu Panda hitting 3 HR’s...Like ANY OF THAT that happens all the time…) we had to endure Thursday night and the freakish line drive that went off Fister’s melon and into the outfield. How that guy was still standing and was able to keep hurling it is amazing to me. I guess it looked worse on TV than it actually was? But how?

Anyway, I haven’t given up hope on the Tigers and can only speculate that the colder weather will help us more than it does San Fran….

Enough about all that’s happening in Sports and on to this week’s picks!

(Side note: I don’t know what is happening with the Hot Seat Mascot Voting. I have an inquiry in to figure out what happened and hopefully get it corrected.)

This Week’s Picks:

Ducks (-45) at Colorado: Ducks will roll the Buffs…But can they cover? I think this game is going to get ugly. Colorado ranks DEAD LAST in Defense in Division 1A (that's number 158 - and they are probably worse than that). And we know what the Ducks can do on Offense. Not to mention that Chip Kelly is PISSED that the Ducks dropped in the BCS Standings. Look for an ugly, ugly beat down of the poor Buffs….Seriously. It could get to triple digits. I feel so strongly about this that we’re going a little off the page here and betting more than we should…Something about never looking a gift horse in the mouth….
Take Oregon and lay the 45 for $100
Take the over (67) for $50

Sparty at Wiscy (-6.5): Sparty has ALWAYS had a hard time playing in Madison, as mentioned above, and SOS is back in the HOUSE! Let’s just lock this on in at 6.5 and go with the Badgers! I did that on Monday and the line has moved to 6. I thought it would move the other way (the Badgers having to lay more) but Vegas is impressed with Sparty’s ability to keep it close. I still like the Badgers in cold weather in Madison
Take Wiscy and lay the 6.5 for $50

OSU at PSU (-2.5): Is Braxton in or out? Frankly, doesn’t matter. In what is being tabbed as the B1G’s “Violation Bowl”, I’m thinking that PSU might be the better team, but I simply can’t trust them to do what they are supposed to do. If Braxton plays, that will be the first time PSU has seen him and it may pose problems for that defense. PASS

Michigan (+2.5) @ CORNSUCKERS: I think Michigan is on a roll…This would almost put B1G Legends out of reach. I always like Michigan getting points, especially with DeRob at the controls and even though we whiffed last week with the Maize and Blue, after watching part of last year’s game against these same Cornsuckers, I’m liking Michigan. Look for the Defense to get after Martinez…
Take Michigan and the 2.5 for $60

Domers (+9.5 – Opening. Today: +12) @ Laters: I’m glad I jumped on this line early on Monday. That’s a huge point spread move and that means wise guy money is betting the Laters HARD. This game has been talked about and built up so much that I think it’s beginning to look like the classic “Close match-up on paper that turns into a blow-out.” Stoops needs a BIG WIN to settle his critics and nobody thought the Domers could run the table this year. I had them at 10 wins thinking they could beat the Laters, but now….Not so much. Still 10 wins, but this is the week the Domers go down…Bad.
Take the Laters and lay the 9.5 for $60

Parlay!

I’m avoiding Michigan this week, but going with three that I feel most strongly on:

Ducks – Laters – Ducks & Buffs OVER for $20

Starting Bank:   $832.50
TOTAL BET:    $340
Bank:                 $492.50

A Love Letter To Sparty – Thanks for 900! And Letting Us Put You BACK In Your Place…

I am the MMQ and I approve this message…..

4 Years of PAIN and PRIDE Swallowing and having to endure something I’ve never endured as a football fan, has resulted in today’s:

 Arrogant Ass Summation for the Sparty Lovers that HATE this Blog!

(WARNING: I don’t know if it’s the election year diatribe and the hate ads on TV or what, but I’m not pulling any punches this year. Only read on if you are prepared for a CLASSIC MMQ put down on the earthiest of levels. We’re talking MAJOR throwback here to the early days of what motivated me to start writing this stuff on Mondays…. No vulgar language, mind you, but there is a definite trace of something more sinister and evil going on in the MMQ’s psyche today! I don’t always know where stuff like this comes from, but it’s buried deep inside me just WAITING to get out through my fingers and into the keyboard….)

Let’s make one thing perfectly clear: This is not a rivalry. The University of Michigan does not view Sparty in the same light or as an equal program to OSU and Notre Dame. There is no capacity for hate when the someone in the discussion is someone you view as an inferior in every way, shape and form. The Little Brother has been put back in his place.

This is EXACTLY what SHOULD happen to an inferior opponent that the State of Michigan allows to co-exist. The Michigan Wolverines over the years MADE you the football team and the program that you are today. Without Michigan, you are nothing. Nada. Zilch. Yet you seem to hate us more when you beat us then when you lose. Even though beating us is what puts you on the map. When you lose, you just kind of clam up. In that spirit, the spirit of the ugly word HATE that I normally reserve for the Domers and Suckeyes, well, here comes the Hate:

Right back at ya’!

First – The Kindergarten Level Stuff: Were it not for Sparty Land, where would all the in state high school C-students attend school? Were it not for your football program, what FBS fleabag would Michigan put on its schedule to take your place? Where would we get all of our best Service Sector employees at McD's, Burger King, Olive Garden and the like??

Graduate Level: Sparty, here’s the part where I REALLY twist the knife and begin to pick and probe at your fragile mental state that you’re mired in the middle of this AM: Michigan Fans all know how BADLY you want to be the better football program. How deep in your souls where you live, breathe, and keep your most secret of secrets that YOU don’t want to talk about: WE know how much you would trade one of those Final Four Apperances or an NCAA Basketball Championship for a BCS APPEARANCE or a BCS National Championship. All Michigan Fans are fully aware of HOW YOU HAVE NEVER, EVER MADE A BCS GAME in the 15 years that the BCS has been in existence.

EVER.

Sparty, can you explain that? Can you explain, please, how last season even though you BEAT your HATED RIVAL, these same Michigan Wolverines and you PLAYED in the B1G Championship Game, can you tell me why, WHY the College Football World DID NOT WANT your sorry asses in a BCS matchup and preferred the Mighty Michigan Wolverines to play in the Sugar Bowl? A Bowl, by the way, where Sparty has never played? Much like the Orange Bowl? And the Fiesta? All venues that Michigan has played in and won? Sparty Fans can only hope to see one of those venues before they die…A Bucket list for Sparty Fan of sorts…Could it be because the rest of College Football Nation sees you for exactly what you are? A supporting cast of losers that can never quite seal the deal?

Michigan Fans all know how you want to be THE FOOTABLL TEAM in the State of Michigan and would like nothing better than for The University of Michigan, and especially its fans, to just go away and curl up in a corner and die…But that, my Sparty friends, will never, ever happen.

The Guardians of Tradition and the knowledgeable fans of the Sport of FOOTBALL in this state, the ones that wear the Maize and Blue on Saturday and know what it takes to be Champions will NEVER EVER LET THAT HAPPEN! Michigan Fans know how to endure and, more importantly, maintain a loyalty to their program and their team and the sport of Football even when it doesn’t make sense.

Those Who Stay Will Be Champions.

Those are more than just words. They are a way of life. A mantra of excellence. A belief to never give up and to keep moving forward with a purpose.

Sparty simply knows how to demean, belittle and say, “Well, look on the bright side: Basketball practice has started.”

Alas, Sparty, all you have left for your 2012 football season is a broken dream. A broken dream and a broken team, courtesy of YOUR most hated rival. You may begin drinking now. OR rather, just keep drinking and don’t stop till January 1st, after Michigan plays in yet another bowl... And frankly, after everything I’ve heard for the last 4 years from smug Sparty fans that know no bounds to their hubris, at last, FINALLY, I can honestly say that this victory makes me EXTREMELY happy and very satisfied. Happy for the victory and satisfied with the knowledge that we’ve ruined your season.

So: Keep yer yaps shut till next year….Like usual! The way it should be….and more importantly, the way it’s meant to be.

All is right with the world.

By the way, the MMQ penned a blog about 5 years ago asking this question: Were there any Sparty Fans out there that wanted to take a bet that the Michigan Basketball Team would make a Final Four before Sparty made a BCS game? I got no takers then and I’m sure I won’t get any now. And I believe this coming Basketball season is going to reveal yet another seismic shift in the balance of the Basketball landscape of this state.

So, the bet is still on the table for anyone that wants it. Terms are negotiable. Contact the MMQ at your earliest convenience once you’re done feeling miserable and sorry for yourself. (To the uneducated, this is referred to as baiting someone into making a bad wager.)

Sparty Fan…What do you do now? What dream is left?

Want to talk Hockey? Don’t….

Women’s Volleyball?

Hee-hee…hahahahahahHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!

BCS Mess

Don’t look now, but the BCS has taken a weird turn it what will only be weird turns for the last 5 weeks of the regular season. I believe there will be several BCS preliminaries, including the one this Saturday between the Domers and Laters…If you have been paying attention, and I think its WAY TOO EARLY to even be discussing this, but there is some debate about an undefeated Domer team not making the National Title Game. No kidding. Your MMQ has pointed that out SEVERAL times in the past and now it seems the Domer faithful are beginning to realize it. A 1 loss SEC or PAC12 team is simply going to have a stronger computer ranking over a 12 win Domer team. In a weird kind of way, I’m actually rooting for the Domers and hoping they win all of them and then get “Auburned” and not make the BCS National Championship…Wouldn’t that be sweet? Oh…The whining we would hear from South Bend with that scenario!!!

1. Satan’s Warriors: No surprise here. Until they are beat, they’re in the Championship.
2. GATORLAND: This can’t last as someone in the SEC will lose…
3. K-State: Some are surprised by this rank, but when you beat the Laters in Norman, well, Computers like that. And Shellacking WVU didn’t hurt…
4. DUCKS: Need more quality wins and they have to hope that the rest of their competition wins out…
5. DOMERS: This SHOULD get fixed this weekend in Norman and we never have to put these guys in a BCS top 5 again…
6. LSU: In a great position as the first 1 loss team
7. Oregon State: Needs LOTS OF HELP
8. Oklahoma: Ditto
9. USC…Not THAT one…The one of the WEST Coast….
10. Georgia: Just in case they win out, the pollsters want to keep these guys up there…

The Rest of the Mess

Domers (JEEZ I HATE THESE GUYS!) vs. BYU: So…Two TD favorites against BYU and they squeak one out again. Domers have a defense, but they’re offense is going to need to show up one of these days. My guess is that one of them lets the Domer Faithful down on Saturday….

GATORLAND vs. The Old Ball Coach: Steve’s alma mater really stuck it to him good on Saturday. The Gamecocks didn’t know which way their jock straps went on…

K-STATE vs. WVU: Time to find another Heismann leading candidate. Geno Smith losing two blowouts just took himself out of contention. Look out for a defensive candidate on an undefeated team to make some noise in the coming weeks….

CornSUCKERs vs. Kitty Kats: I knew Bo would find a way to win that game…They lose, and they’re out of the B1G title race. But sorry Bo, there’s a team coming from Ann Arbor that may have a thing or two to say about you B1G Championship run…
Idle Thoughts From Saturday

-What a perfect day for Football…
-Some days are better than others.
-I think I finally dried out after the Illinois game..
-And we’re still waiting for the final say on the Illini mascot and tribe thing from Yost over at M-Zone..
-Tailgate was awesome! It was like the BAND WAS BACK TOGETHER!
-MMQ’s brother wore a multi-purpose/multi-game shirt for the occasion.

-What do a Sparty and Michigan student have in common?
-They both APPLIED to Michigan!
-Pre-Game Tiddies from Gary Parsons!

-Excellent call…A little Tiddy’s pregame is an incredible thing!
-Not that “BIG GAME!” will ever be replaced….
-And it is a Big GAME!
-Kovacs!!!!! NICE INT!!!
-Can we PLEASE convert a 3rd down?
-Why has Sparty been able to do so well at stopping DeRob?
-At least our Defense showed up.
-That group has improved tremendously.
-I’ll take field goals, but TD’s are nicer…obviously…
-Oh man, this is it.…30 or more yards to get in range…And DeRob hasn’t thrown one that far all day..
-DILEO! Nice Catch!
-Gibbons…PLEASE BE THINKING OF BRUNETTES!

-IT’S GOOOOOOOD!!!!!!!!

-WAHOOOOO!
-I think that feeling in that stadium was one of sweet relief across the board.
-It wasn’t like the Domers under the lights game…
-This was more like, “Finally. Beat Little Brother. The way it should be…”
-900 WINS! How sweet is that?

-I hope I make it to see 1,000….
-We figured 10-12 years…so it’s doable…
-What are the chances it can be Sparty again?
-Hee-hee…..HAHAHAHAHAHA! He who laughs last….

More Idle Thoughts From the Weekend….

-St. Louis and San Fran are going 7 games…
-That’s what we wanted as Tiger Fans…
-Tigers Scrimmaged each other on Sunday…
-I would have bought a ticket to THAT…
-Just to have some fun!


The Hot Seat

I am ALWAYS impressed with the Reader Suggestions for Mascots. I must say that there are a lot of readers out there with too much time on their hands that like looking at eye candy on the internet! But, that’s not to say I don’t appreciate them! I really do! I want to give the readers what they’re looking for and here is another suggestion for Hot Seat Weekly nominee for Week #8: Lacey Chabert! You may remember Lacey ( I know I did) from the movie “Mean Girls” that she was in with Lindsay Lohan. I’m apparently still a big fan!

 

 

Not too many changes, but there is one GONE Coach from Idaho: Akey He’ll go on the gone list soon to be followed by many, but not necessarily all of the following:

1. John L Smith – He’s only on a 10 month contract, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they canned him before then…To hire….WHO?
2. Gene Chizik: Losing to the Hawgs AND MSU in the same year gets you on the list…National Championships be damned! Question is: Who does Aburn, actually, anyone get if they fire the guys on this list? Petrino?
3. Derek Dooley: Needs a MAJOR win in the SEC
4. Mack Brown: I know, I know. But you didn’t think they would fire Joe Pa, either. Believe the MMQ when I say that his retirement or canning is nearer than you think…
5. Frank Spaziani: BC is a proud school that doesn’t get a lot of attention…. Until you lose to ARMY….And get a new AD looking to make a name for himself.
6. The Old Ball Coahc: Can’t lose to your Alma Mater by double digits and not feel some heat..
6. (Tie) Paul Johnson. GT’s season has been an up and down roller coaster and losing to Middle Tennessee State should have had him on the list earlier…But he’s here now.
7. Pasqualoni – UCONN This team has not gotten better and only gotten a LOT worse since their Fiesta Bowl appearance two years ago…
8. Randy Edsall: Maryland is going to start thinking that with the ACC as screwed up as it is, why aren’t we winning more football games?
9. .Bo Pelini. Can’t lose to UCLA and start the B1G 1-1 and not expect to suffer a little…Kevin Wilson: But can Indiana really expect much more? Really?
10. Dabo Sweeney: Either find a defense or find a new job…
11. Joker Phillips: Because someone at Kentucky cares….
12. Brett Beilema – Wiscy. His fans have expectations now. Can’t lose to the Cornsuckers whenyou’re up 27-10.
13. Tedford: Only Hot Seat Coach to lose in Week 1!! But I can’t move him above Kelly.
14. Mark Richt: Just because he will lose some game he’s not supposed to and the annual “Fire Mark Richt” bandwagon will get a spit polish and a coat of paint…

GONE:
1.  Avey - Idaho:  1-7 will do that to a guy...


The FMQ

Well, with the EXCEPTION of Sparty NOT cooperating and going down by more than the spread, it was another good week for the FMQ. A few more like this one and we can get back into the black for 2012. And there are SEVERAL Picks I like this week!
Cornsuckers (+4) @ NWU: Never a doubt!
Take the Huskers and the 4 for $50: WIN Bank $95

BYU (+14) @ Domers: Never a doubt #2!
Take BYU and the 14 for $25: WIN Bank $47.50

Sooners (-34.5) vs. Kansas: Never a Doubt #3!!!
Take the Sooners and lay the 34.5 for $30. WIN Bank: $57

MICHIGAN (-9.5) vs. MSU:
Take Michigan and lay the 10 for $45: Should have doubted this a little…LOSE
Take the UNDER for $30: NEVER A Doubt #4: Bank $57

PARLAY! (6 to 1)

Huskers – Sooners – Michigan for $10 – Damn Sparty….Lose

BANK:                $576
TOTAL Win:      $256.50
BANK:                $832.50

This Week’s Early Odds:

Ducks (-45) at Colorado: Ducks will roll the Buffs…But can they cover?

Sparty at Wiscy (-6.5): Sparty has ALWAYS had a hard time playing there and SOS is back in the HOUSE! Let’s just lock this on in at 6.5 and go with the Badgers!

OSU at PSU (-2.5): Is Braxton in or out?

Michigan (+2.5) @ CORNSUCKERS: I think Michigan is on a roll…This would almost put B1G Legends out of reach…

Domers (+9.5) @ Laters: Man…I was hoping for like 7 here, but I think I still need to take the Laters and lay the 9.5.

Sparty Friday AANNNNND….wait for it…..DEEEEE-TROIT! TIIIII-GERS! AL CHAMPS!

Sparty. A blip in this season’s journey or something else? Sparty’s defense is much better than what we’ve seen the last two weeks. But there was a LOT that was learned, also, with respect to what their weaknesses are this season and what they can and can't do. In addition, I believe that the snap count timing that Sparty used so successfully last year will not be available to them this year….All THAT being said, I think DeRob let’s out 3 years of frustration on the Green and White and they are this year’s Domer Dish for the offense…

Just a hunch. But more on that in a minute.

The Tigers are AL CHAMPS as of this writing and I’m happy to say I was a "witness"! Thanks to two tickets falling into a friend's lap I was able to be there and take in the moment. Having never been to a World Series game, I must say that being at Division Championship Clinching Game was as close as you can get. Fantastic moment and the Stanks never even showed up. With respect to the term “Mailing It In”, well, the Yankees just redefined it with 4 games of unspirited play. Most interesting stat: MVP of the AL Playoffs – Delmon Young. Delmon singlehandedly batted in more runs in the Detroit - New York Series then the Yankees scored in all 4 games….Incredible! Go Get’em Tigers! Bring on the Cards or the Giants!

By the way, here’s a little something to smile at on this Friday morning!

                                          AL DIVISION CHAMPS!

(Jeez....I need to lose weight!)
This Week’s Picks:

Cornsuckers (+4) @ NWU: Northwestern breathing easy after making a bowl…Cornsuckers need a W! I still feel this way and I believe that the TRUE BIG RED is going to show up in Chicago…Along with all their fans. Look for the upset here and this is one of those where I wish there was a money line…
Take the Huskers and the 4 for $50

BYU (+14) @ Domers: BYU was a pre-season top 10 this year….Is there value here? Domers might be looking ahead to the Sooners…I really, REALLY want to take BYU and the points, but the Domer defense and questionable road offense of BYU (I watched the Boise State game) gives me a reason to pause. But BYU has a stingy D, also, making me think there just might be some money to be made taking the points….
Take BYU and the 14 for $25

Sooners (-34.5) vs. Kansas: This might be a lock…Sooners looking for style points win huge or will they trip looking ahead to the Domers? I am thinking more the former and I think that Kansas is UNBELIEVABLY bad this year…aka: Illinois. This isn’t a question of how bad it will be, but when will Super Stooper put the scrubs in and how much will they score?
Take the Sooners and lay the 34.5 for $30.

MICHIGAN (-9.5) vs. MSU: Is it SOS or will this end up being a game? I only have to lay the 9.5 and I think this is a GREAT bet. The O/U is 48.5…which is also interesting. If it turns into a slug fest, which it could, our offense should be better able to deal with Sparty’s D this year and run a ball control keep ramming it down their throat type of game…. In addition to the fact that our D should shut down Sparty’s already anemic offense….

Take Michigan and lay the 10 for $45

Take the UNDER for $30

PARLAY! (6 to 1)

Huskers – Sooners – Michigan for $10

BANK:             $756
TOTAL BET:   $190
BANK:             $586