Not my best Saturday... Pick Wise

It really appears I know nothing about college football from my Friday and Saturday picks.
Friday 2-3
Saturday 1-4
Total 3-7

Hopefully today will be better. It can't be much worse. Can it?

A Bonus 5 for the Holiday (plus my regular 5)

For the Thanksgiving Holiday, I felt we should all be so thankful, by me dishing out a "Friday Five". Here are 5 picks for Friday, plus my normal 5 for Saturday and NFL Sunday.

Friday 5
Pitt + 3 vs. West Virginia
Mississippi State + 18 1/2 at Mississippi
LSU - 4 1/2 at Arkansas
Nebraska - 18 vs. Colorado
Arizona State -10 vs. UCLA

My regular 5 for College Football
Virginia + 8 at Virginia Tech
Florida State + 16 1/2 vs. Florida
Maryland + 6 1/2 at Boston College
South Carolina + 1 at Clemson
Duke + 7 1/2 vs. North Carolina

The Sunday Five include
Denver + 7 1/2 at NY Jets
San Francisco + 6 1/2 at Buffalo
St. Louis + 9 vs. Miami
Atlanta + 4 1/2 at San Diego
Cleveland + 5 vs. Indianapolis

Notice on all of Saturday's and Sunday's games, I am getting points. I didn't feel like being in the Christmas spirit of giving.

Reviewing My 5

An actual good week for me pick wise. College picks, I was 3-2. Now granted, the two I missed, I missed bad (at least I didn't take Texas Tech). LSU and Minnesota were unkind to me. However, the Orange (Syracuse), the Blue Devils (Duke) and the Beavers (Oregon State) came through.

On the Pro side, I am going to say I was 3-1-1. The Redskins and Seahawks was a push. The Browns continue to underachieve, as they were my lone blemish. Tampa Bay, New England and Indianapolis came through like champs.

I know everyone is anxious for my Turkey Day picks.

Happy Gobbling.

Reviewing my Preseason NFL Picks

What type of genius am I? How foggy is my crystal ball? Let's find out here.

My Super Bowl pick: New England and Dallas.
That went out the window essentially when Tom Brady went down for the season. I don't know that I can make an excuse with Dallas, because they have had no devastating injury. Granted, Tony Romo was out 2-3 games, but they played the Rams during that stretch and lost. Brad Johnson couldn't beat the Rams? Brad Garrett should have been able to beat the Rams, but I digress. I don't think my Super Bowl pick is going to hit. If you are interested in my "revised" Super Bowl pick, I like the New York football Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

My AFC East Picks
1. New England
2. NY Jets
3. Buffalo
4. Miami

Current Standings
1. NY Jets (8-3)
2. New England (7-4)
3. Miami (6-5)
4. Buffalo (6-5)

No major blunders here. I am not going to sprain my right hand or anything, by patting myself on the back or anything. However, I think you gotta give Evil Bill some credit. If you had told our friend, Joe Fan, that the Patriots would be 7-4 without Tom Brady, I think you would have gotten some weird looks. Even more so, Matt Cassell may be playing himself into a starting job somewhere next year. His potential suitors I think could involve Detroit, St. Louis, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa Bay, and you never know maybe even Philadelphia. I know, I didn't list any great teams (or top teams right there) but top teams normally don't need a new quarterback.

My AFC South Picks
1. Indianapolis
2. Jacksonville
3. Tennessee
4. Houston

Actual Standings
1. Tennessee (10-1)
2. Indianapolis (7-4)
3. Jacksonville (4-7)
4. Houston (4-7)

Alright, let's look at a couple points. If you said Tennessee would be 10-1 right now, I expect your nose just grew. If you said you thought Jacksonville would be 4-7 after 11 games, I think your nose has grown some more to where we can put a tray on it. Give the Titans credit, they are playing very good football. Even with a loss to the Jets, that shouldn't put a damper on the Titans season. The Colts came out of the gate trotting. Peyton Manning struggled to start, Joseph Addai has been banged up, so I think with the Colts being 7-4, that's not bad for them. However, the Colts also have a lot of games in the "should have lost" or "almost lost" category. Jacksonville, 4-7, has to be up there for the most disappointing team in the NFL. I don't think they are more disappointing then Cleveland, but they have to be up there in the disappointment category. With that being said, I don't think Jack Del Rio loses his job. Houston has battled injury with Matt Schaub being knicked up. However, the Texans can take Steve Slaton (a former West Virginia Mountaineer) as a major bright point. So, I don't think my AFC South predictions make me a colossal idiot. I think anyone's revised version would have to have Tennessee first. If the Titans don't win the division at this point, it's a major choke job.

My AFC North Picks
1. Pittsburgh
2. Cincinnati
3. Cleveland
4. Baltimore

Actual AFC North Standings
1. Pittsburgh (8-3)
2. Baltimore (7-4)
3. Cleveland (4-7)
4. Cincinnati (1-9-1)

Alright, let's just get this out of the way, I am an idiot. I don't know what extraterrestrial inhibited my body to where I picked the Bengals 2nd. Picking the Steelers first, that doesn't take a lot of sense, but even with an associates degree (I am not trying to knock anyone who has completed an associates degree) an individual shouldn't have picked the Bengals 2nd. True Bengals fans may have been able to warn me that I was going to be dead wrong coming into the season, but I apparently didn't listen. Coming into the season, I thought an offense with Carson, Ocho and T.J. couldn't be all bad. I didn't sense Ryan Fitzpatrick being the captain of the ship of delinquents. You have to give credit to the Baltimore Ravens, John Harbaugh should get some consideration for AFC Coach of the Year. The Ravens have no true number 1 wide receivers in my eyes, Willis McGahee has not been a stud at the tailback spot, Todd Heap has been extremely disappointing (fantasy owners know what I'm talking about). But, Joe Flacco didn't get the memo that he's a rookie. The former Delaware Blue Hen has been excellent in his starting role. Flacco, who wasn't even suppose to be starting, has excelled in a role. I don't even think the most optimistic Ravens fan, would have pegged them to be 7-4. I love Romeo Crennel (you have to support Hill City natives), but I think the Browns have been the most disappointing team in the NFL. I didn't think there would be one game this year where the Browns would score under 21. The Browns haven't scored 21 in 6 of their 11 games this year, including 5 of their first 6, so therefore the Browns offense has disappointed me. Look at the schedule, I would have had the Browns at 7-4, not 4-7. The Browns should, in hindsight, have probably traded Derek Anderson while the iron was hot. Anderson struggled to start the year, and you knew when that happened, the Dog Pound was going to scream and holler for Brady Quinn. To say Braylon Edwards has had a case of the dropsies this season. I don't have exact numbers but anytime anyone watches a Browns game nowadays, even if you watch for only five minutes of real time, you can count on seeing an Edwards dropped pass. Anyways, my grade for picking the AFC North. Not good. I will slap myself in the face, back of the head or on the rump for poor AFC North picking.

My AFC West Picks
1. San Diego
2. Oakland
3. Kansas City
4. Denver

Actual AFC West Standings
1. Denver (6-5)
2. San Diego (4-7)
3. Oakland (3-8)
4. Kansas City (1-10)

Alright, I will raise my hand and a sign that says "I'm a dumbass", for picking the Raiders 2nd. I thought this division was so bad, that the Raiders would have a chance to be in 2nd place. Here's the sad part, they actually have a chance to be in 2nd place. Anyone who is a fan of an AFC West team, and has watched them for 11 games this season. My sympathies to anyone who has had to watch that. Let's sum up the division this way, the Raiders (who even with a 3-8 record are maybe the 2nd worst team in football) beat Denver 31-10 at Mile High. The division leading Denver Broncos lost to the Oakland Raiders, 31-10 at Mile High. 31-10! The Raiders, who hadn't scored a touchdown in over 200 plays, had the spirit of Kenny Stabler, Cliff Branch and everyone else who played for the Raiders that was a capable of scoring a touchdown (something this team has problems doing). Let's bottom line it this way, the AFC West stinks. Are my picks not dead on? Yes, but this division stinks.

My NFC East Picks
1. Dallas
2. Philadelphia
3. NY Giants
4. Washington

Actual NFC East Standings
1. NY Giants (10-1)
2. Washington (7-4)
3. Dallas (7-4)
4. Philadelphia (5-5-1)

Dallas has been somewhat disappointing. It's funny to say that about a 7-4 team, but the expectations were set so high for Jerry's group, anything short of 10-1 would have been underachieving. If you look at the last place team in the division, they are .500. The Eagles would be in contention for the lead in the AFC West. I don't really think there is a bad team in the division. Granted, the Eagles have problems (a few more after yesterday) but there problems are no worse then most teams. On that Eagles "controversy", at the end of the year, it may be time for Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid to go. McNabb to the Vikings, Reid can take the year off and then take another job after a year off. The Philadelphia fans are some of the most demanding fans in the world (in all sports). If they want to have some other coach and Kevin Kolb manning the ship to start next year. Good luck. I expect them to be a team under .500 at the week 11 mark if that happens. I am going to give myself an okay grade for this, but I really don't know with the way the NFC East is, if anyone could really screw up the NFC East prognostications.

My NFC South Picks
1. Carolina
2. New Orleans
3. Tampa Bay
4. Atlanta

Actual NFC South Standings
1. Tampa Bay (8-3)
2. Carolina (8-3)
3. Atlanta (7-4)
4. New Orleans (5-5 entering tonight's Monday night game)

Mike Smith should be the coach of the year for the Falcons. Anyone, who thought the Falcons would have 5 wins right now, stand up. Okay, now all those who are lying, sit down. Everyone should be seated. Matt Ryan, like Flacco, didn't get the memo about "playing like a rookie". Ryan, also can thank Michael Turner for a good portion of the team's success. The real coup would be if the Falcons could squeeze into the playoffs. The Saints have been disappointing, but not to the point where Sean Payton should be looking over his shoulder or anything. The Saints, wish list in the offseason, should be finding a corner and getting a running back who can just run the ball down someone's throat (granted a lot of teams would like someone like that), but I think Deuce McAllister has run his course. So, if you want Pierre Thomas or Aaron Stecker to be the bruiser, then that's fine. My NFC South shouldn't be viewed upon highly, but I'd be highly surprised to see anyone that had Atlanta finishing anywhere other then last.

My NFC North Picks
1. Minnesota
2. Detroit
3. Green Bay
4. Chicago

Actual NFC North Standings
1. Chicago (6-5)
2. Minnesota (6-5)
3. Green Bay (5-5 Entering tonight's Monday Nighter)
4. Detroit (0-10)

Alright, here's my rationale for having Detroit 2nd. I thought this division was so bad headed into the season. I said to myself, "Why not the Lions?". Well, I forgot Matt Millen was in charge (earlier) and this is the Lions. I thought the Bears would be God awful. They have not. I didn't think Minnesota would be that good. In my opinion, they are not that good, so I was right on that one. The Packers have been .500 (maybe below .500 after tonight-hopefully since I am a Saints fan). I still think the Packers will be fine in the long run with Aaron Rodgers has the pilot of the team. My NFC North picks. I should get a big fat F for picking the Lions 2nd. I should actually have my blog revoked for that, but that won't happen (and it's not like anyone reads it anyways.)

My NFC West Picks
1. Seattle
2. Arizona
3. San Francisco
4. St. Louis

Actual NFC West Standings
1. Arizona (7-4)
2. San Francisco (3-8)
3. Seattle (2-9)
4. St. Louis (2-9)

I was almost dead on. I picked one out of four teams correct. To call the NFC West a Professional football conference, is an insult to professional football. All the old timers from the NFC West (especially those who are involved with the bottom 3 teams) should be rolling in their graves. This division has been a disgrace to Professional football. I am not going to even say anything else about this division, I don't think I should have to defend or condemn myself on these picks, because anyone that watches a game involving a NFC West team, should be given the medal of honor just for that.

It's obvious I am going to be off on this as well. My top 10 NFL Draft picks.
1. Chicago
2. Atlanta
3. Miami
4. St. Louis
5. San Francisco
6. Denver
7. Houston
8. Baltimore
9. Kansas City
10. Green Bay

The actual top 10 picks right now would be
1. Detroit
2. Kansas City
3. Cincinnati
4. St. Louis
5. Seattle
6. Oakland
7. San Francisco
8-10. Several teams bunched at 4-7.

So, while I feel like a partial idiot on some of my picks, I guarantee there are people who are more stupid then me.

Alvis out

Are you in my 5?

Are you in my 5 this week for my locks of the week?

You are if you are the following
Oregon State + 2 1/2 at Arizona
Minnesota - 6 vs. Iowa
LSU - 3 1/2 vs. Mississippi
Syracuse + 19 1/2 at Notre Dame
Duke + 17 at Virginia Tech

The grown ups that play on Sunday, here is who I like
Tampa Bay - 8 at Detroit
Washington - 3 at Seattle
New England + 1 at Miami
Indianapolis + 2 1/2 at San Diego
Cleveland -3 vs. Houston

Happy wagering (or watching)

My Locks for College & Pro Football 11-15 & 11-16

okay, with time running out, i am just going to make picks, maybe I'll explain my picks later
College

1. Take Florida State. They are - 6 at home against Boston College.
2. Take Duke. They are + 11 at Clemson.
3. Take Notre Dame. They are - 4 against Navy in Baltimore.
4. Take USC. They are - 24 at Stanford.
5. Take Florida. They are - 22 1/2 at home against South Carolina.

NFL Picks

1. Take Indianapolis. They are - 8 at home against Houston.
2. Take Denver. They are + 6 1/2 at Atlanta.
3. Take Arizona. They are - 3 at Seattle.
4. Take Dallas. They are - 1 1/2 at Washington.
5. Take Jacksonville. They are + 3 at home against Tennessee (Jacksonville wins outright, and the Titans are no longer undefeated).

Happy picking.

Reviewing the Locks

If you add up my college and pro locks this week, I was 6 out of 10. I can live with 60 percent. Hey, it's better then 50 percent. Let's now view each individual game.

1. Rutgers - 14 against Syracuse. Check. Syracuse just isn't that good. But, really neither is Rutgers. Aside from the one big year they had under Schiano. This has been a very average Rutgers team. Schiano, if he wanted to leave, would have probably been best to strike when the iron was hot.

2. LSU + 3 against Alabama. This one was a big red X. But, really not a big red X, LSU was in the game had a chance to win and forced overtime. Had Alabama made the kick at the end of regulation, it would have been a push. I really did think LSU would win that football game. Nick Saban has been known to bounce around a little, I wouldn't exactly call him Bob Petrino or anything, but I think he sticks in Tuscaloosa for a while. Even though Saban spent some time in the NFL before giving it a shot as a head coach. I doubt he will go back.

3. Florida State - 5 1/2 at Clemson. Correct. To be honest, I am surprised Clemson beat Boston College. Once Tommy Bowden was removed from town, I didn't think the Tigers would win another game. Boy, I sure know how to pick 'em.

4. Michigan State - 9 1/2 against Purdue. To repeat, Purdue is not very good. Michigan State is definitely 10 points better then Purdue. Since the spread was 9 1/2, I felt it was safe to take Michigan State. Safety prevailed.

5. UCLA + 8 against Oregon State. This was a simple misreading. I thought the line said UCLA + 80. The Bruins looked so good in a comeback win in their opener against Tennessee at the Rose Bowl. However, all wins over Tennessee now do not look that good, considering the Vols gave up more points to Wyoming in the 1st quarter, then Wyoming had been aveaging per game. Anyways, bottom line UCLA is going to be good at some point with Rick Neuheisel. As my friend, Scott Wilson, has pointed out to me, believe it or not, Oregon State can still win the PAC 10, as they defeated the Trojans earlier in the season.

I will review the NFL locks later.

Get out the Keys: Locks of the Week

Last week I took a week off. Good thing, because I would have done poorly, taking Texas against Texas Tech, and it would just go down from there.

My college locks
1. Take Rutgers -14. Rutgers host Syracuse. Do I need more of a reason then that? Syracuse is known for producing good sportscasters, and some good football players (Marvin Harrison, Donovan McNabb, Dwight Freeney) but nothing has walked through that door lately to rave about at the 'Cuse.

2. Take LSU + 3. LSU is hosting Alabama. Nick Saban strolls back into Baton Rouge, where he brought a national title to the Tigers. Guess what Nick? Les Miles has done that too. The Tigers have been a little up and down this year, but they'll be up for the 'Tide. Tigers win the game outright (but I am only obliged in the lock to say they'll cover the number).

3. Take Florida St - 5 1/2. I know Bobby Bowden would never admit this publically, but you have to think deep down, that he'd love to roll the Tigers. Even if the guys still on Clemson, are "Tommy's Kids". No Tiger's player is calling Tommy daddy right now. Take the Seminoles to win (obviously if they are going to cover the number) in the powerhouse football conference known as the ACC.

4. Take Michigan State - 9 1/2. Joe Tiller's Purdue Boliermakers are just not that great of a football team this season. That being said, I like what Michigan State is doing. In East Lansing, I think the Spartans can win by 10 or more.

5. Take UCLA + 8. I know UCLA has been spotty this year with success, but I think the Beavers of Oregon State can't win by more then 4 at best in Los Angeles. I say take the Bruins, dam it.

NFL Picks
This is where I have made money (well theoretical money). Let's see if I got another good week in me.

1. Take Green Bay + 2 1/2 at Minnesota. I don't feel great about this pick, but I feel good enough to make it. I really don't have any reasons behind this pick, other then the fact that I think Green Bay gets it done in the dome. Plus, to cover they only have to lose by less then 3 or win outright. I feel pretty good that they will do one of the two.

2. Take New Orleans + 1 at Atlanta. I am not going to lie, I don't feel good about this one at all. I don't know why I made the pick. Full disclosure, I am a Saints fan, which makes me want to pick Atlanta more, but I just see the "dirty birds" falling off a tree branch in this one. Take the Saints to win outright.

3. Take Philadelphia - 3 vs. the New York Football Giants. I think the Eagles defense is going to make Eli Manning's night a long one. I like the Eagles offense to put up at least 28 points in this one, and on Sunday night, I like Philadelphia.

4. Take Tennessee - 3 vs. Chicago. Hear is why I am taking the Titans, or any other team that would be playing the Bears this week: Rex Grossman. Enough said. With that being said however, don't think the Titans will go undefeated. They will lose next week at Jacksonville, but I'll tackle that next week.

5. Take Jacksonville - 6 1/2 at Detroit. I know people have thought Jacksonville is the league's biggest dissappointment. I don't agree with that. Can Daunte Culpepper be the Lions savior this week? In a word, no. Take the Jags to win by about 9, which would cover the spread.

Good wagering to you all.

Podcasts being added today to "The Sports Buffet"

Many podcasts will be added today to "The Sports Buffet". Here is what you can expect to hear after 1:00 PM today.

Seven new podcasts being posted today on "The Sports Buffet". The podcasts will be posted between 12:30-2:00. Here is what you will hear, in addition to some Region III football.
Nathan Warters-Lynchburg News & Advance will talk Virginia Tech Football

Chris Lang-Lynchburg News & Advance will talk Liberty Football.

Jim Sacco-News Virginian will talk High School Football (Buffalo Gap, Riverheads, Stuarts Draft) and Volleyball (Waynesboro)

Scott Leamon-Friday Fooball.com The Highlight Show. Newschannel 10's Playoff Professor will talk Region IV and Region C Playoffs.

Don Rice-Head Coach, Jefferson Forest High School will preview this week's playoff game against Rockbridge County.

Doug Fischer-Max Boxing.com will preview this weekend's fight between Roy Jones Jr. and Joe Calzaghe, as well as talk other boxing.

"The Raging Bull" Manny Fernandez-Wrestling Legend will talk about this Saturday night's "Night of Superstars" coming to Waynesboro High School.

Short Sleave Sampson-Midget Wrestler Extraoidnaire talks about this Saturday night's "Night of Superstars" coming to Waynesboro High School.

NFL Thoughts

- Watching the talking heads shows (1st & 10 on ESPN's First Take and others) debate the Derek Anderson benching is somewhat amusing to me. People argue that the Browns are performing a knee jerk reaction. I couldn't disagree more. The Browns obviously feel that Brady Quinn currently gives them a better chance to win then. I couldn't agree more. Anderson has underachived this year, but in reality, he probably overachived last year. Anderson is also being hurt by lousy play calling, and has been less then loved by the Browns fans. Plus, when you spend a first round pick on a player, you want to see them on the field in year one or two.

- Brian Urlacher is a little peeved at the Chicago fans for booing Rex Grossman. Keep in mind, the Bears did reach the Super Bowl under Rex Grossman, but Grossman is more associated with the worst of times, rather then the best of times. The best thing for Rex Grossman would be to get out of that city. I don't think Kyle Orton is the messiah either. I think Kyle Orton is a nice stopgap until they can find a long term solution. Grossman on the other hand, is a NFL backup at best.

- Rarely do you see what you saw on Sunday night football, Bill Bellichek with some very questionable coaching in the 2nd half. Bellichek called his 3rd timeout with 11 minutes left in the game. Then, going for it on 4th and 16 with 4:30 left. I understand you have no times out left, but you have the two minute warning. I think you put a little faith in the defense and you get it back with like 1:20 left. I guess Bellichek can win with any Tom, Corey and Randy. However, winning with Matt, Sammy and Randy is too daunting of a challenge.

- Daunte Culpepper retired, but then felt that the best fit for him was the Lions? I'd rather play with the Timberlake Lions Club team right now, then the Detroit Lions. I guess the Raiders didn't want Culpepper so he had to go with the next worse team.

More thoughts later