Sports Tidbits November 6th

Alright here are some random thoughts I have on the sports world. Take what you like, debate what you disagree with!

• Dan Snyder should seriously consider firing Mike Shanahan. He has treated his two best players, Albert Haynesworth and Donovan McNabb like garbage. The whole "fitness" test crap with Haynesworth was a joke. Who cares if he can run sprints!? Can he plug up holes and get to the QB. And the answer to those questions this year is yes. And as for McNabb? Yes he is not having his best year. But in no circumstance do you ever put Rex Grossman in a two minute situation over him. Shanahan seems like a strict dictator who has lost a couple of screws in his head. Guess what Mike, John Elway is not walking through that door. Shanahan better fix this mess he has created up fast or this improved Redskins team will once again miss the playoffs.
• The NFL Network named its top 100 players of all time. Jerry Rice was #1. Jim Brown was #2. Lawrence Taylor is #3. Personally I don't think Rice should be #1. Top ten yes. But not #1. I would have put LT #1. Why? I look at it from the view of if all of these players were in their prime, and you had the first pick in the draft of a pickup game who would you take? I would take LT because no other defender in the history of football is even close to him as a player. That's not the same for other positions. If my opponent picks Joe Montana, I can counter with Brady, Elway, Unitas, Bradshaw, Staubach, etc. If my opponent picks Jim Brown, I can counter with Payton, Sanders, Emmitt, the other LT, Earl Campbell, etc. If my opponent picks Jerry Rice, I can counter with Moss, Hudson, Irvin, Steve Largent (who somehow did not make this list), etc. But if I pick LT my opponent has no answer that is close.
• Other thoughts I have on this list. Look I will always say their is no way I would put Peyton Manning ahead of Tom Brady on any list. This list does (Manning #8, Brady #21). But based on Manning's historic regular seasons their is at least the case to put Manning their. But their is no case to put Brett Favre ahead of Tom Brady. Favre is one spot (#20) ahead of Brady. Based on what?! Brady has 3 rings to Favre's 1, has had many more clutch moments, and has not torn up locker rooms and been a diva like Favre has. This should not even be a debate. Also Barry Sanders at #17 and Emmitt Smith at #28 are too low on this list. I would make the case both should be in the top 15 at least, and probably the top 10. Also Gale Sayers might be the most talented RB to ever play the game. But to be #22 on this list for only playing 5 seasons seems like a big stretch to me.
• I love that the NBA is here. I am all in this season. I have been watching games on nearly a nightly bases. With the Buffalo Sabres playing like "low grade dog food" as Rodney Dangerfield would say, and my excitment for college basketball at a 0 (call me in March when college basketball games actually matter), I have turned to the NBA. Here are some of my thoughts on the league.
• As long as the Heat are blowing out opponents Wade, LeBron, and Bosh will be content to give up stats for the big wins. But when games are close we have already seen a little divide of who wants the ball. In the opener against the Celtics Wade and LeBron seemed passive for so long trying to get the other guy involved, until LeBron said "screw this" and took over, but by then it was too late. In the New Orleans game last night down by three in the final seconds Wade had the ball in his hands. Instead of taking the three he deferred to Eddie House (who on the night was 0-7) who of course missed the shot. When games are tight it seems so far the Big Three are tight.
• Speaking of the Big Three, ESPN.com writer Bill Simmons had the best tweet of the night on what they should really be called. "The Big Two featuring Chris Bosh."
• Best PG's in the league according to me. 1.) Rajon Rondo 2.) Chris Paul 3.) Steve Nash 4.) Deron Williams
• John Wall might just be the fastest guy in the league right now. He's is going to be scary good. But he is still young, raw, and has to work with the player formerly known as Agent Zero who has brought guns to the arena, pooped in somebody's shoe, paid $10,000 for Puff Daddy to host his birthday party, and faked an injury in the preseason so his buddy could get more playing time. So until Wall grows into a player more, and the Wizards clean up some in house messes Wall will not make that list above of best PG's in the league.
• I love Durant. I love Carmelo. But the Lakers are winning the West again. I feel very confident in calling this race now. The early results are in and my projections show the Lakers winning the west.
• I love CP7. But if the Bills want to draft a QB this is the updated list I would put for the Bills as a guideline.
• 1.) Andrew Luck
• 2.) Cam Newton
• 3.) Christian Ponder
• 4.) Ryan Mallett
• 5.) Blaine Gabbert
• 6.) Jake Locker

Kofod

Football Picks This Week

Alright here are my picks for this week.

College Football Picks Straight Up

Clemson 27 #25 N.C. State 24
#21 Baylor 34 #17 Oklahoma State 31
#1 Oregon 52 Washington 30
#5 Utah 28 #3 TCU 27
#4 Boise State 45 Hawaii 17
#6 Alabama 23 #10 LSU 20
#7 Nebraska 49 Iowa State 10
#24 Florida State 27 North Carolina 23
Penn State 38 Northwestern 31
#8 Oklahoma 37 Texas A&M 24
#18 Arkansas 27 #19 South Carolina 20
Texas Tech 31 #12 Missouri 27
#13 Stanford 41 #15 Arizona 31

NFL Picks Straight Up
Bears 24 Bills 20
Ravens 20 Dolphins 17
Falcons 27 Buccaneers 20
Jets 31 Lions 24
Chargers 34 Texans 27
Patriots 31 Browns 13
Cardinals 20 Vikings 17
Saints 24 Panthers 17
Giants 27 Seahawks 24
Raiders 28 Chiefs 23
Colts 31 Eagles 24
Packers 34 Cowboys 17
Bengals 24 Steelers 21

Picks Against the Spread
College
Boise State -22 vs Hawaii
Fresno State -1 vs Louisana Tech
LSU +6 vs Alabama
Oklahoma -4 vs Texas A&M

NFL
Miami +6 vs Baltimore
New England -7 vs Cleveland
Indianapolis -1 vs Philadelphia
Green Bay -9 vs Dallas

Kofod

College Picks, NFL Picks, College and NFL Spread Picks

Alright here is a very quick look at my picks for the week. I would write more but I'm still in mourning over the Florida State vs NC State game from last night.

College Football


Kansas State 34 Oklahoma State 30

Miami 28 Virginia 17

Notre Dame 31 Tulsa 24

Iowa 27 Michigan State 24

Nebraska 41 Missouri 31

Florida 23 Georgia 20

Auburn 27 Ole Miss 20

Texas 38 Baylor 24

Utah 45 Air Force 10

USC 34 Oregon 30

Ohio State 44 Minnesota 10

Michigan 38 Penn State 20



NFL

Dolphins 27 Bengals 20

Jaguars 23 Cowboys 17

Redskins 27 Lions 17

Chiefs 38 Bills 31

Rams 20 Panthers 17

Jets 27 Packers 23

Broncos 31 49ers 17

Titans 20 Chargers 16

Buccaneers 23 Cardinals 13

Patriots 27 Vikings 23

Raiders 30 Seahawks 23

Saints 24 Steelers 20

Colts 34 Texans 27



Spread Picks


College

Navy -14 vs Duke

Utah -7 vs Air Force

Michigan -1 ½ vs Penn State

USC +8 ½ vs Oregon



NFL

Denver -2 vs San Francisco

Miami +3 vs Cincinnati

Washington +3 vs Detroit

Oakland -2 vs Seattle



Kofod

College Picks, NFL Picks, College and NFL Spread Picks

Alright here are my quick picks for college and NFL games, and games on the spread. Sorry no explanations this week.


College Football

Saturday October 23rd

Northwestern 41 #7 Michigan State 38

#10 Ohio State 27 Purdue 20

Navy 27 Notre Dame 24

#4 Auburn 31 #6 LSU 20

#15 Iowa 31 #13 Wisconsin 30

#16 Nebraska 41 #14 Oklahoma State 30

Baylor 37 #22 Kansas State 31

#8 Alabama 20 Tennessee 17

Miami 21 North Carolina 20

#1 Oklahoma 38 #11 Missouri 24



NFL

Sunday October 24th

Atlanta 31 Cincinnati 20

Washington 23 Chicago 17

Tampa Bay 20 St. Louis 17

San Francisco 17 Carolina 10

Baltimore 24 Buffalo 13

Philadelphia 27 Tennessee 23

Kansas City 31 Jacksonville 10

Pittsburgh 16 Miami 10

New Orleans 31 Cleveland 13

Seattle 20 Arizona 16

San Diego 27 New England 24

Denver 20 Oakland 17

Minnesota 31 Green Bay 27



Monday October 25th

Cowboys 24 Giants 23



College and NFL Spread Picks

Navy +7 ½ vs. Notre Dame

Auburn -6 ½ vs. LSU

North Carolina +6 vs. Miami

Oklahoma -3 ½ vs. Missouri



Pittsburgh -3 vs. Miami

Washington +3 vs. Chicago

San Francisco -3 vs. Carolina

San Diego -3 vs. New England



Kofod

College and NFL Spread Picks October 16th-17th

Last week I went 3-1 in picking college football games on the spread, and 2-2 picking NFL games on the spread. On the season I am 9-3-1 in picking college games on the spread, and 9-3 in picking NFL games on the spread. This week I am picking 4 college games and 4 NFL games. These spreads were as of Monday, so I know they are changed. For example Texas went from +11 against Nebraska, to +9 to +9.5 against Nebraska depending on where you look. I'm still going to go with the Monday Lines.

College Games



Iowa – 3 vs. Michigan

I love Denard Shoelace Robinson, but the fact is he cannot continuously do it alone for Michigan against quality opponents. And Iowa might be the best opponent Michigan faces all year. So I’ll take Iowa her. Iowa -3.

Nebraska -11 vs. Texas

Nebraska has looked phenomenal, while Texas has the look of a team rebuilding. I completely understand why this line is at 11. Saying all that I am going to take Texas here. I think they will be ready to give Nebraska a fight. And Nebraska has not really played a quality opponent yet this year, so I think they will have their hands full with Nebraska. Texas +11.

Texas will give Nebraska all they can handle on Saturday.

Boise State -40 vs. San Jose State

Boise State is never on the ticket that my dad and I play. Until this week. So as soon as I saw this matchup I jumped on it. Besides the Virginia Tech and Oregon State game Boise has beaten its other opponents by 45, 59, and 43. So I definitely expect Boise to beat San Jose State by at least 40. Boise State -40.

Nevada -8 vs. Hawaii

Hawaii is good, but Nevada is much better. This could be a close 10 point game, but I don’t see Hawaii playing to within one score of Nevada by the end of the game. So I’ll take Nevada with the 8 here. Nevada -8.



NFL Games


Green Bay -1 vs. Miami

I expect Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to bounce back at home against Miami. I know Miami is 2-0 on the road, but I have a gut feeling Green Bay will play much better this week than they did at Washington last week. Green Bay -1.

New York Jets -3 ½ vs. Denver

I love the Jets on the road here. I expect a big day from Mark Sanchez, and even if Darrelle Revis does not play I think the Jets will force Kyle Orton into mistakes. I’ll take the Jets here. New York Jets -3 ½ .

San Francisco -7 vs. Oakland

Until San Francisco proves me wrong and wins I will always pick against them. Oakland is a tough team that gives you everything they got. I can’t say the same thing about San Francisco. Oakland +7.

Indianapolis -4 vs. Washington

Peyton Manning on primetime on NBC = take the Colts. I expect a big night from Peyton Manning and for the Colts to win by more than a touchdown. Indianapolis -4.

Peyton Manning will dominate on Sunday Night.

Kofod

2010 NFL Week 6 Picks

Last week I went a bad 6-8 in picking NFL games straight up. On the season I am 41-35 in picking NFL game straight. Let's see if I do better in picks this week.

Sunday October 17th
1:00 FOX: Seahawks at Bears

Cutler is back. The Seahawks stink. I’ll take Chicago here. Bears 31 Seahawks 17.

1:00 CBS: Dolphins at Packers

I expect a bounce back win for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers here. Packers 30 Dolphins 20.

1:00 CBS: Chargers at Rams

Typical early terrible September and October start for the Chargers. How Norv Turner is still the coach of this team boggles my mind? I think the Rams will keep it close here. 1:00 will be an early start for the Chargers and I expect them to be sluggish. Chargers still win in the end. Chargers 20 Rams 17.

1:00 CBS: Ravens at Patriots

A rematch of the AFC Wildcard beat down the Ravens gave the Patriots last playoffs. I expect the Ravens to come into New England again and beat the Pats. I expect a big day from Aquan Boldin. Ravens 30 Patriots 23.

1:00 FOX: Saints at Buccaneers

Saints bounce back in a big way, and finally look like the team they were last year. Saints 30 Buccaneers 14.

1:00 FOX: Lions at Giants

Lions are playing much better. But it’s a road game so they will lose. Closer than the experts think however. Giants 28 Lions 23.

1:00 FOX: Falcons at Eagles

I think Kevin Kolb will play this game. He played well last week and I expect it to continue. Eagles 24 Falcons 20.

1:00 CBS: Browns at Steelers

So when Mike Holmgren drafted Colt McCoy in the 3rd round in April he said McCoy would not start a game in 2010. Well so much for that! It will be a long day for McCoy. Plus it’s the return of Big Ben and I expect him to play very well. Steelers 27 Browns 10.

It will be a long day for Colt McCoy in his first NFL start.

1:00 CBS: Chiefs at Texans

It’s clear that Kase’s boy Andre Johnson, aka AJ, is not close to being healthy right now. So I think Houston will have to rely heavily on Arian Foster to beat the Chiefs. And it will work. A big day for Foster and a big day for Houston. Houston 31 Chiefs 20.

4:05 CBS: Raiders at 49ers

Until San Francisco wins I will always pick against them. Raiders 27 49ers 23.

4:05 CBS: Jets at Broncos

I’ll take the Jets on the road here. Mark Sanchez plays well, and the Jets defense makes it a living nightmare for Kyle Orton when he is out there. Jets 27 Broncos 17.

4:15 FOX: Cowboys at Vikings

Colin Cowherd said it best. When have you ever looked more forward to a matchup between two 1-3 teams? The loser is certainly in trouble, but I don’t think they are necessarily dead. I think Minnesota needs another week to figure out what their identity is. Cowboys bounce back and beat Minnesota 31-20.

8:20 NBC: Colts at Redskins

Peyton Manning in primetime in the regular season means the Colts will win. Washington will play tough, but the Colts are just too good. Colts 23 Redskins 14.



Monday October 18th


8:30 ESPN: Titans at Jaguars

I’ll be very interested to see how this lackluster NFL matchup on ESPN does in the ratings against the Game 3 of the ALCS between the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees on TBS. For baseball’s sake they should at least tie the NFL in the rankings. I’m willing to bet they don’t. As for this game I will take the Titans to beat Jacksonville 20-17.

I'm going to say more Americans watch the Titans vs Jaguars Monday on ESPN than Game 3 of the ALCS between the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees.

Kofod

College Football 2010 Week 7 Picks

Last week I went 7-6 in picking college football games straight up. On the season I am 52-21. Here are my picks for this week.

Saturday October 16th


12:00 Big Ten Network: Illinois at #13 Michigan State

Illinois will be confident following their win at Happy Valley last week. I expect a close game from the Illini, but Michigan State will still prevail. Michigan State 27 Illinois 23.

12:00 ESPN: Boston College at #16 Florida State

Well after Florida State’s 45-17 thumping of Miami the question is now Florida State for real or not? We will find out a lot on Saturday. Boston College is an awful team, and if Florida State is good they should handle them easily. I expect this to happen. Florida State 41 Boston College 10.

12:00 Fox Sports Net: #21 Missouri at Texas A&M

I think Missouri’s dreams of an undefeated season die here. Mike Sherman needs a signature win for his time at Texas A&M, and this might be the closest he gets. Texas A&M 34 Missouri 27.

2:30 NBC: Western Michigan at Notre Dame

This is where the cupcake schedule for Notre Dame begins so they can secure enough wins to be bowl eligible. Notre Dame 45 Western Michigan 17.

The first of many cupcakes begins Saturday for Notre Dame when they play home to Western Michigan.

3:30 ABC: Texas at #5 Nebraska

I think Texas will keep this closer than what the experts think. Nebraska, and T-Magic ,Taylor Martinez are good, but the fact is Nebraska has not played anyone yet. So I think they will struggle early with the athleticism of Texas. Nebraska pulls away 21-17.

3:30 ABC: #15 Iowa at Michigan

Denard Robinson is good. Unfortunately for him no one else, especially his defense, is that good on Michigan. Iowa is a complete team and will get the road win at the big house. Iowa 27 Michigan 20.

3:30 CBS: #12 Arkansas at #7 Auburn

Game of the day is here. I expect a great effort from both Cam Newton and Ryan Mallet. Once again Auburn plays a quality opponent at home. That home crowd will be the difference in an Auburn win. Auburn 27 Arkansas 23.

6:00 ESPN2: #10 South Carolina at Kentucky

South Carolina are coming off their biggest win in the Steve Spurrier era. I expect the good times to continue. South Carolina 30 Kentucky 17.

7:00 ESPN: #1 Ohio State at #18 Wisconsin

Madison at night will be a tough atmosphere for Terrelle Pryor and the Buckeyes. But Terrelle Pryor in his freshman year came to Madison at night and picked up a win 20-17. I expect a similar effort from Pryor and the Buckeyes on Saturday. Ohio State 27 Wisconsin 20.

I expect a big night for Terrelle Pryor in Madison, Wisconsin.

Kofod

College and NFL Spread Picks October 9th-10th

So last week I went 3-2 in my college picks against the spread, and 4-0 in the NFL, including nailing the under in the dreadful Giants vs. Bears game. This week I am picking 4 college and 4 NFL games against the spread.


College


Georgia -13 vs. Tennessee

I looked at this line and was completely baffled. How is Georgia nearly a two touchdown favorite? What have they proved? Yes they have A.J. Green back, but they couldn’t even beat Colorado. I love Tennessee here. They have a good defense, and will make stops on Georgia’s offense. So I’ll take Tennessee here. Tennessee +13.

Notre Dame -7 vs. Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh needs to get that first big win. I think they can do that at South Bend on Saturday, and if they don’t they will lose by closer than a td. The fact is they have more talent than Notre Dame does. Pittsburgh + 7.

Northwestern -10 ½ vs. Purdue

Northwestern is riding high and undefeated. Purdue lost to Notre Dame and Toledo this year. Still I think this line is way too high. Northwestern barely beat a terrible Minnesota team last week. So I’ll like Purdue to make this closer than the experts think. Purdue +10 ½ .

Miami -7 vs. Florida State

Miami could certainly win this game. But since 2002 this game has been decided by less than a TD 7 out of 9 times. So chances are this will be a close game decided by 3-6 points. So I’m telling take Florida State here as a smart business move, not as the diehard Florida State fan I am. Florida State +7.

I'm telling you as a business move go with Florida State and CP7 at +7 on Saturday Night.

And yes I realize I am taking four underdogs in college this week. I just did not like any of the favorites and their lines.



NFL


Jacksonville -2 vs. Buffalo

This is too easy. Jacksonville will easily win by 3 points or more. I’ll be shocked out of my mind if Buffalo wins this game. Jacksonville -2.

Houston -3 vs. New York Giants

I’m riding the Texans this year. I am a believer in them. I think right now they are a much more complete team than the Giants, and should win by a td or more. Houston -3.

San Diego -7 vs. Oakland

I love San Diego here. They looked locked and loaded last week against the Cardinals. The Raiders are not that much better than the Cardinals. San Diego wins big at Oakland. San Diego -7.

San Francisco -4 vs. Philadelphia

I’m going against San Francisco here. I don’t trust a team that is lead by Mike Singletary and Alex Smith. And I think Kevin Kolb will play surprisingly well in this game. So I’ll take Philadelphia here. Philadelphia +4.

I'm not putting my money on a team coached by Mike Singletary.

Kofod

2010 NFL Week 5 Picks

Last week I went 9-5 picking NFL games straight up. On the season I am 35-27 picking NFL games straight up. So here are my picks for this week.


Sunday October 10th


1:00 CBS: Jaguars at Bills

The Bills are just Gawd awful. Who will the Bills get rid of after this week and another blowout loss?! I vote for Lee Evans! Jaguars 31 Bills 10.

1:00 FOX: Buccaneers at Bengals

The Buccaneers keep this close. But, Gulp, Terrell Owens makes a play in the end to win the game for the Bungles. Bengals 20 Buccaneers 17.

1:00 FOX: Falcons at Browns

Cleveland will give Atlanta a hell of a fight. But Seneca Wallace will make a key turnover that will lead to Atlanta pulling this out. Falcons 24 Browns 20.

1:00 FOX: Rams at Lions

Sam Bradford will light it up this week for St. Louis. Right now the Rams look to be the best game in the NFC West. Who would have ever guess that? Rams 27 Lions 17.

1:00 CBS: Chiefs at Colts

The 72 Dolphins and that idiot Mercury Morris can pop the champagne after this game. Colts dominate the Chiefs in this one 31-10.

1:00 FOX: Packers at Redskins

I see a very close game here. When it matters the most Aaron Rodgers makes the plays to win the game for Green Bay. Packers 20 Redskins 17.

1:00 FOX: Bears at Panthers

The Bears offensive line looked so bad last week. It did not help that Jay Cutler never threw the ball away once. I don’t like the vibe that game gave the Bears. I smell an upset here. Jimmy Clausen outplays the duo of Jay Cutler/Todd Collins. Panthers 24 Bears 17.

Jimmy Clausen will lead the Panthers to an upset over the Bears.

1:00 CBS: Broncos at Ravens

The Broncos might be the best team in the AFC West. The Ravens might be the best team in the NFL. Sooo I’ll take the Ravens here. Ravens 27 Broncos 20.

1:00 FOX: Giants at Texans

I love the Texans here. Houston just looks like a much more complete team right now than the Giants do. Texans 27 Giants 21.

4:05 FOX: Saints at Cardinals

Who should be coach of the year as of right now? My vote is for Ken Wisenhunt. The Cardinals are 2-2! Who would have guessed that?! Well they will be 2-3 after this game. Saints 27 Cardinals 14.

4:15 CBS: Chargers at Raiders

I like the Chargers big here. Chargers 34 Raiders 14.

4:15 CBS: Titans at Cowboys

I like the upset here. Chris Johnson and Vince Young run all over the overrated defense of the Dallas Cowboys. Titans 28 Cowboys 21.

8:20 NBC: Eagles at 49ers

I really like the Eagles here. Until the 49ers win a game, I will not pick them, even if they are the favorites in this game. Kevin Kolb will play very well in this game. Eagles 28 49ers 17.



Monday October 11th


8:30 ESPN: Vikings at Jets

Forget Favre’s return to New York. We get to see Randy Moss back in that purple Minnesota Vikings jersey. This will be a great watch. I see Moss making a couple of nice plays against Revis, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury. I’m going with the upset here. Vikings 21 Jets 17.

Randy Moss returns to the Vikings. Let the good times begin!

Kofod

College Football 2010 Week 6 Picks

Last week I went 7-3 picking college football games straight up. On the season I am 45-15 picking college football games straight up. So here are my picks for this week.


Thursday October 7th


7:30 ESPN: #7 Nebraska at Kansas State

Kansas State will keep this close, but Nebraska is just too good to lose this game. Nebraska 24 Kansas State 17.

Saturday October 9th


12:00 ESPN: Indiana at #2 Ohio State

Indiana might just be a good team. Or Michigan just has an awful defense. Either way we should find out a lot about Indiana in this game. I still don’t think they are that good. Ohio State 34 Indiana 17.

12:21 ESPN3: Tennessee at Georgia

I see another close defensive drag out SEC game in this one. Hopefully, Tennessee does not put 13 players on the field for the play of the game this time. Georgia loses another game. Tennessee 16 Georgia 13.

3:30 CBS: #1 Alabama at #19 South Carolina

I don’t have a good feel on this game. I don’t know if Alabama will blow out South Carolina, or win a close one. Either way Alabama will win this game. I’ll say they win it close. Alabama 23 South Carolina 20.

3:30 ABC: #11 Arkansas vs. Texas A&M at Cowboys Stadium

Ryan Mallett will make a few good throws. And he will make a few scratch your head throws. The scratch your head throws will cost Arkansas. I’m going with the upset here. Texas A&M 27 Arkansas 23.

3:30 ABC: #17 Michigan State at #18 Michigan

This game will be a blast to watch. Both offenses will move the ball up and down the field. Shoelace Robinson will add to his Heisman credentials. Michigan 38 Michigan State 34.

Shoelace keeps his Heisman momentum going on Saturday.

3:30 ABC: Clemson at North Carolina

Poor North Carolina. We will never know how good they might have been if not for all those NCAA suspensions. Clemson wins this 31-20.

3:30 NBC: Pittsburgh at Notre Dame

Pittsburgh needs to get a big win just for confidence as they will head into Big East conference games starting next week. I like Pitt to get the upset at Notre Dame. Pittsburgh 34 Notre Dame 30.

7:30 ESPN2: #8 Auburn at Kentucky

Auburn has looked real good. However, have you noticed all those big wins Auburn has gotten have been at home? I think Auburn will struggle on the road at Kentucky. Auburn still wins, but it’s an ugly win. Auburn 16 Kentucky 10.

7:30 ESPN: #12 LSU at #14 Florida

First North Carolina, than last week against Tennessee. Boy has LSU and Les Miles been lucky so far this season! Reminds me so much of the 2007 season for LSU. I think the luck will continue for LSU. LSU will find some ridiculous way to win this game at the Swamp. LSU 21 Florida 20.

7:30 Big Ten Network: Purdue at Northwestern

Northwestern is riding high being undefeated right now. However, I think their bubble is about to burst. Purdue gets the upset on the road. Purdue 24 Northwestern 23.

8:00 ABC: USC at #16 Stanford

I love Stanford to get the bounce back win here. They are still real good. I don’t think USC is very good. Stanford 31 USC 20.

8:00 ABC: #23 Florida State at #13 Miami

People might look at this as a weak primetime game for ABC. But don’t be mistaken. While these two teams have been down for the past 6 years, the games every year are as good as any games can get. This will be just another great game in the rivalry. Jacory Harris will play better at home and only throw one INT in this game. Christian Ponder, on a national stage, will have a huge game and jump back into the Heisman race. Florida State four times, since 1991, has lost the game on the FINAL play of the game on a missed kick. The curse ends Saturday Night. Down by 1, late in the game, CP7 leads Florida State down the field for a shot at a game winning FG with 3 seconds left. Dustin Hopkins, from 46 yards out, hits the kick straight through. Not Wide Right. Not Wide Left. The Curse Dies. Florida State 33 Miami 31.

CP7 and Florida State will win a thriller on Saturday Night.

Kofod

Would You?

Would you date or regularly hook up with Snooki in order to appear on a
few episodes of "The Jersey Shore" Season 4?

 

 

 

 Answer Above!

College and NFL Picks Spread Picks October 2-4

So last week I made 4 picks against the spread in college football, and 4 picks against the spread in the NFL. I went 3-0-1 in college (which according to Kase would make me 4-0), and 3-1 in NFL picks. So I thought I would continue the picks against the spread this week. Certainly I know the NFL spread picks is Kase’s thing. So I’ll keep it simple with a couple of college games, and a couple of NFL games. So here are 5 college picks against the spread, 3 NFL picks against the spread, and one over/under NFL game pick.


College


Oklahoma -4 vs. Texas

I love Oklahoma here. They just seem to be a much more complete team than Texas right now. Garrett Gilbert really hasn’t had one good game so far for Texas at QB. Don’t trust Texas at all. Take OU. Oklahoma -4.

Michigan -12 ½ vs. Indiana

I still am very worried about Michigan’s suspect defense. But this game is too easy to pick. When is the last time Indiana played a close game versus a good Big 10 team? Denard “Shoelace” Robinson will run for 200+ yards and pass for over 150 yards. Michigan wins big here. Michigan -12 ½ .

LSU -14 vs. Tennessee

We all know Tennessee is not very good. But the fact is when they play the SEC games they play tough defense, and will give opponents all they can handle. I don’t trust LSU to beat Tennessee by more than two touchdowns. Take Tennessee here. Tennessee +14.

Notre Dame -3 vs. Boston College

So Boston College last week lost at home against Virginia Tech 19-0. Now this week they are going with a true freshman quarterback for his first ever start. Notre Dame is not playing Stanford this week. They are playing a team much weaker, with a true freshman QB Chase Rettig and I think it will be a long night for him. Notre Dame will bounce back in a big way this week. Notre Dame -3.

Nevada -21 ½ vs. UNLV

I love this Nevada team. Forget Virginia Tech, forget Oregon State, this Nevada team will be the best team that Boise State will play all season. I don’t care if UNLV is home they stink, and Nevada I think might just be one of the 10 best teams in the nation. This will be the Vegas Massacre. Nevada will win big here. Nevada -21 ½ .

Trust me...This Nevada team is damn good!

NFL


Houston -5 ½ vs. Oakland

I love Houston to get the bounce back win here. I think Andre Johnson will return in healthy form and score 2 touchdowns. Take Houston here. Houston -5 ½ .


Eagles -6 ½ vs. Redskins

The Redskins played a classic overlook your opponent game last week against St. Louis. Now everyone is panicked and will put the money on the Eagles. Not so fast my friend. Washington will play much better this week. Donovan McNabb will play well in his return to Philadelphia. And Michael Vick will realize he’s not playing the Lions or Jaguars defense this week. Take Washington here. Washington + 6 ½ .

Giants vs. Bears Under 43 ½

Over/Unders are so hard to come by. But I have a feeling about this game. I see both Jay Cutler and Eli Manning doing their classic two great passes, followed by two horrible passes, with one being picked off. And I see both defenses stepping up to the plate. I can see a 20-17 type of score here. So I will take the under of 43 ½ points on the Giants vs. Bears game.

New England -2 ½ vs. Miami

I love the Patriots here. There is no way I see this team losing and falling to 2-2, even if they game is at Miami where historically the Brady’s have had trouble. And I’m fairly confident if it is a close game they will win by more than 2. So I’m going with the Patriots here. New England -2 ½ .

Kofod

2010 NFL Week 4 Picks

Last week I went 9-7 in picking NFL games straight up. Overall on the season I am 26-22. Let’s see who I picked this week.




Sunday October 3rd


1:00 FOX: 49ers at Falcons

Mike Singletary and Chan Gailey are neck and neck for the worst coach in the NFL. The 49ers will fall to 0-4. Falcons 27 49ers 17.

1:00 CBS: Bengals at Browns

The Browns will play another close game this week. And once again the Browns will lose another close game this week. Bengals 17 Browns 13.

1:00 CBS: Jets at Bills

“Hey now, hey now, the dream is over.” The Trent Edwards era has come to an end. A couple of great memories, and hundreds of horrible ones. Buffalo will play another good game this week, but once again fall apart in the end. Jets 16 Bills 10.

No words can describe this picture.

1:00 FOX: Seahawks at Rams

The Rams got their breakthrough win last week. This week they will go back to earth. Seattle 27 St. Louis 14.

1:00 CBS: Broncos at Titans

I have a feeling the Broncos will keep it close this week. But the Titans are just waaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy to good to lose to Denver. Tennessee 23 Denver 17.

1:00 FOX: Lions at Packers

There is no doubt Green Bay wins this game. But the Lions keep it cloooooseer than the experts think. Packers 30 Lions 21.

1:00 CBS: Ravens at Steelers

I like the Ravens here. Charlie Batch had a career day last week against Tampa Bay. Unfortanetely for Batch, Baltimore is not Tampa Bay. Ravens 23 Steelers 17.

1:00 FOX: Panthers at Saints

Saints will finally come together as a team this week. Saints 31 Panthers 14.

4:05 CBS: Colts at Jaguars

I wonder how excited the 10,000 Jaguars fans in the state of Florida are over the signing of Trent Edwards. Forget Superman Tim Tebow, Jagaurs fans can now look forward to Captain Checkdown. All this optimism will show in the home crowd in a spirited effort for the Jaguars against the Colts. Colts 38 Jaguars 10.

4:05 CBS: Texans at Raiders

Houston gets the bounces back this week and wins big. Texans 34 Raiders 17.

4:15 FOX: Redskins at Eagles

The Redskins will come to Philadelphia and give the Eagles all they can handle. McNabb will play well in his return to Philadelphia. Vick will struggle at times. But in the end Philadelphia has more talent than the Redskins, and that will be the deciding factor. Eagles 24 Redskins 21.

4:15 FOX: Cardinals at Chargers

Cardinals keep it close against the struggling Chargers. Phillip Rivers makes the plays though to win the game in the end for San Diego. Chargers 24 Cardinals 23.

8:20 NBC: Bears at Giants

I think you will get a low scoring game here, with Jay Cutler and Eli Manning both making great passes and horrendous passes, like they always seem to do. The Giants step it up and end their two game losing streak. Giants 20 Bears 17.



Monday October 4th


8:30 ESPN: Patriots at Dolphins

The Patriots have had trouble in the past against Miami. But not in this game. Tom Brady has a big Monday Night here. Patriots 27 Dolphins 20.

Tom Brady will play a big game on Monday Night.

Kofod

College Football 2010 Week 5 Picks

Last week I went 14-2 picking college football games straight up. On the season I am a very impressive 38-12. Certainly I am much better at picking college football games straight up than NFL games. So let’s see if I can continue this great run again for another week.


Saturday October 2nd


12:00 ESPN2: #16 Miami at Clemson

Just like the Auburn game two weeks ago Clemson will play a classic “Clemson” type game. Clemson will lead early, seem to be the best team on the field, and then figure out a way to blow the game and lose. Miami 27 Clemson 24.

3:30 ABC: #8 Texas vs. #21 Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl

As bad as Oklahoma has looked at times at least they have won all their games. Texas struggled against Texas Tech, and then completely fell apart last week against UCLA. OU will put this game away in the 4th quarter. Oklahoma 31 Texas 20.

3:30 ABC: #11 Wisconsin at #24 Michigan State

Mark Dantonio returns to coach this week for the Spartans. I, like all college football fans, hope for a full recovery for him. But I don’t trust a team in a big game where the coach is coaching from the press box. Plus I think Wisconsin is just the better team. Wisconsin 28 Michigan State 20.

3:30 ABC: Virginia Tech at #23 N.C. State

Russell Wilson is great. Every time N.C. State plays I state this, but then I say they will lose. And every time N.C. State wins. I’m not making that mistake again. N.C. State 34 Virginia Tech 31.

3:30 CBS: Tennessee at #12 LSU

Tennessee will keep this game close in a very low scoring game. LSU 16 Tennessee 13.

8:00 CBS: #9 Florida at #1 Alabama

Florida is not very good. They have gotten by on playing weak opponents. No team is stronger than Alabama. A big night for Mark Ingram and the Crimson Tide. Alabama 27 Florida 17.

The past two national champions will get together on Saturday Night. Oh baby!!!

8:00 ABC: #9 Stanford at #4 Oregon

Oregon is a fast finesse team. That is fine. That is their style, it works well with them. But when Oregon plays physical teams they get into trouble. See Boise State and Ohio State from last year. Stanford is a very physical team. Honestly if I was ranking top 25 teams I would put Stanford at number 2. So I like them to get the upset win here. Stanford 31 Oregon 24.

I think Andrew Luck and Stanford are the second best team in the nation. They will prove it Saturday at Oregon.

8:00 ABC: Notre Dame at Boston College
Boston College QB Chase Rettig is a true freshman who is making his first career start in primetime against the Fighting Irish. I think it will be a long night for the Catholic school from Boston. Notre Dame 31 Boston College 10.

8:00 ESPN2: Washington at #18 USC

Is this the time Jake Locker plays amazing, and beats a good opponent. Naw!!! USC big here. USC 37 Washington 20.

8:05 ESPN: #22 Penn State at #17 Iowa

I love Iowa here. They have the better defense, better quarterback, and better overall team. And they are home at night. I think Iowa gets a huge Big Ten win here. Iowa 24 Penn State 16.

Kofod

How to lose $$$$$$

Do you like losing money? You dooooo? Well then, you missed out! You should have read my picks column last week. If you would have bet with me you would be running from your bookie this week, or begging him to give you another chance. Well my bookie isn't (too) upset with me, so I'm back at it again this week. I was roasted by the spread last week. I went 5-9-2 that puts me at 11-16-5 on the year, but since pushes are wins I'm at 16-16 on the year. .500! Whoooo!. I'm lucky I'm that high after getting my pants lit on fire last week.

*Home team in caps.
New Karma Week 3:
GIANTS -3 v. Tennessee

I'm not convinced that Vince Young is completely sane in the first place (money, fame and your depressed? practice if you think you aren't playing good) then Jeff Fischer throws his confidence off of a roof (no suicide pun intended) by pulling him early last week. Pittsburgh (the Titans opponent from last week) has a defense that seems to be much better than I thought, but CJ still had trouble moving the ball. The Giants' d-line is also tough, (although their LB's aren't) so I just don't think the Titans can score enough points. Giants -3.

PATS -14.5 v. Buffalo

Well a 13 point spread wasn't nearly enough for A Rodg and co. last week (thank god 30 was) and historically the Pats have bent the Bills over and put up points on them, but that is usually in Ralph Wilson Stadium. Weird right? So this week I'm going with the Bills to cover (GOD HELP ME). Bills +14.5

RAVENS -10.5 v Browns

The Ravens need a win, and who is more perfect to beat up on than the Cleveland Browns (yes, I know the Bills are worse). Timing is everything. Ravens -10.5.

Steelers -2.5 v. TAMPA BAY

Okay, so I missed on the Bucs last week, but I am still not going with them. They aren't better than the Falcons and they aren't better than the Titans. Steelers -2.5.

Cincinnati -3 v. CAROLINA

As long as the Bengals of last week reappear than this should be an easy win. Clausen will throw 2 INTS (at least). Bengals -3.

SAINTS -4 v. Atlanta

The Saints scraped by a talented, but not yet together 49ers team last week, and as champs do I expect them to sneak by again. I'm still not buying the Falcons, but I am buying the spread. Atlanta +4.

San Fran -3 v. KANSAS CITY

Arrowhead is a tough place to play....BUUUT Matt Cassel still can't throw and the 49ers are much stronger against the run (read: Patrick Willis) than they get credit for. San Fran -3.

MINNESOTA -11 v. Detroit

In back to back weeks the old fart has burnt me and blown the last two games (literally and spread wise). So I can't in good conscious go with him again. Detroit is getting better. Detroit +11.

HOUSTON -2.5 v. Dallas

Houston needed a late TD from Andre Johnson to beat the Redskins last week. I love AJ and company, but this is the must win of must wins for the Cowboys. I've missed by underestimating Houston before and probably will this week, but Dallas +2.5.

Washington -3.5 v. RAMS

I took the damn Rams week one and I knew better. Won't do it again until the time is right. Washington -3.5.

Philly -2.5. v. JAGS

So let's see here. Philly loses to Green Bay, then barely defeats the Lions last week. MIKE VICK IS THE GREATEST EVER! Ummm, no. While he is playing well, guess what? The defense isn't. I don't understand how that is going overlooked. The Lions scored 32! With a backup! With a rookie RB! I just wanted to point that out. I'm still taking the Eagles anyway. I just want people to realize. Eagles -2.5.

Indy -5.5 v. DENVER

Kyle Orton has been playing well (in terms of fantasy scoring), but guess what this isn't fantasy. Indy -5.5.

San Diego -5.5 v. SEATTLE

San Diego made the Jags look like kittens last week and I think they will make the Seahawks look like Seagulls this week. Charges -5.5.

ARIZONA -4.5 v. Oakland

Has anyone else noticed that I have taken the favorite all but twice and one of them was the Bills, which means I'm just an idiot. Yeah, me too. Oakland +4.5.

MIAMI -2 v. Jets

Well I underrated the overrated Jets last week. (What does that even mean?) So, I'm stuck this week. I think that Miami is just catching all the brakes. (Ex. LAST WEEK, how many times could the Vikings turn the ball over or get stopped in the red zone????) Is that a sign of a good team or is it luck? Well, I think their luck runs out this week. With or without Revis the Dolphins haven't impressed me in the passing game. Jets +2.

Green Bay -3 v. CHICAGO

Is Green Bay's defense good? Is Chicago's defense good? Neither team has really shown me much. That said the Bears should have lost to the Lions (read: did lose if not for Calvin Johnson being an idiot). So I have to take the Pack. Green Bay -3.

2010 NFL Week 3 Picks

Last week I went a pathetic 7-9 in picking NFL games straight up. On the season I am 17-15. Got to improve big time this week. Here are my Week 3 NFL Picks.



Sunday September 26th


1:00 CBS: Titans at Giants

I think Vince Young will bounce back and play much better this week. It will also help that Chris Johnson gets back to his 100+ yards a game ways. Titans 27 Giants 20.

1:00 CBS: Steelers at Buccaneers

The battle of two 3-0 teams. I expect Tampa Bay’s crowd to all show up and go nuts. Everyone is patting Pittsburgh on the back right now, and rightfully so. But something tells me Charlie Batch is going to struggle mightily Sunday. I’m taking the upset here. Buccaneers 20 Steelers 16.

1:00 CBS: Bengals at Panthers

Bungles here. I think Jimmy Clausen will struggle mightily here in his first NFL start against this defense. Bengals 20 Panthers 6.

1:00 CBS: Browns at Ravens

Joe Flacco is really struggling right now. I expect it to continue this Sunday. The Browns will stay in it, but the Ravens pull away late. Ravens 23 Browns 13.

1:00 FOX: Cowboys at Texans

The season is on the line for the Cowboys in this game. You know what I say season is dead Cowboys. They will go 0-3, and the Houston Texans will go 3-0. Texans 24 Cowboys 17.

Matt Shaub and the Houston Texans will put the nail in the coffin to the Dallas Cowboys season. And it's only Week 3.

1:00 FOX: 49ers at Chiefs

I like the Chiefs at home here. Maybe, just maybe there is some magic to this Chiefs team. Chiefs win 17-13.

1:00 FOX: Lions at Vikings

Brett Favre has a nice bounce back game here. Vikings 27 Lions 17.

1:00 CBS: Bills at Patriots

Name the score here. Patriots easily win 41-10. At least Ryan Fitzpatrick will throw passes to the first down marker on third downs. So we got that going for us as Bills fans. Wow that is the Bills 2010 season folks!

1:00 FOX: Falcons at Saints

Saints offense finally heats up in this one. Saints 34 Falcons 24.

4:05 FOX: Redskins at Rams

Redskins win big here. It will be a long day for Sam Bradford, he will be on the ground a ton. Redskins 30 Rams 10.

4:05 FOX: Eagles at Jaguars

I’m completely shocked that the Andy Reid and the Eagles are going with Michael Vick. Kevin Kolb had one bad half. That’s it. We know what we get with Michael Vick. Let’s see what Kolb can do. I can’t believe the Michael Vick bandwagon, just because he played well against the Lions. I would hope he would play well against the Lions. I have a gut feeling he will not play so good this week. And I think it’s about time Maurice Jones-Drew had a big game. Certainly for my fantasy team. Upset pick here. Jaguars 27 Eagles 17.

4:15 CBS: Raiders at Cardinals

I think Jason Campbell will bounce back and play well this week. Raiders get the road win beating the Cardinals 23-17.

4:15 CBS: Chargers at Seahawks

Chargers eke out a close one here. Seattle is always tough at home, and they will keep it close. Chargers still win though 27-23.

4:15 CBS: Colts at Broncos

Peyton Manning will have 300+ yards and at least 3 td’s in this one. Colts big all day 34-17.

8:20 NBC: Jets at Dolphins

Braylon Edwards blowing a .16. Very impressive. NOT! Their are cabs everywhere in New York City, how could you be so dumb! I can’t believe the Jets did not suspend him. It won’t matter, because the Jets will have a hard time moving the ball on the Dolphins even with him in there. Miami wins 17-16.

Braylon ".16" Edwards.

Monday September 27th


8:30 ESPN: Packers at Bears

This is a great Monday Night Game. I expect to see the best out of both Jay Cutler and Aaron Rodgers. It will be a barn burner in this one. I’ll take the Packers in a thriller 34-31.

Kofod

College Football 2010 Week 4 Picks

Last week I went a mediocre 7-6 in picking college games. On the season I am 24-10. So let’s see if I can improve on that record with my college football week 4 picks.


Thursday September 23rd


7:30 ESPN: #19 Miami at Pittsburgh

I don’t trust Dave Wannnstedt in big games. I think Jacory Harris will play very well in this game, and only throw two interceptions. Miami 31 Pittsburgh 27.

It will be a good night for Jacory Harris. He will only throw two picks against Pittsburgh.

Friday September 24th


8:00 ESPN: #4 TCU at SMU

SMU will be great in time with June Jones. But TCU is much better than SMU right now on both sides of the ball. TCU 38 SMU 17.

Saturday September 25th


12:00 ESPN3: Buffalo at UCONN

Two teams that have disappointed early. I would love to see UB win this game, but I just don’t see it happening. UCONN 27 Buffalo 13.

12:00 ESPN: N.C. State at Georgia Tech

Russell Wilson is so good at QB for N.C. State. But I bet against Georgia Tech last week in the ACC, and I won’t make the same mistake again. Georgia Tech 30 N.C. State 23.

12:00 ESPN3: Virginia Tech at Boston College

Virginia Tech finally woke up in the fourth quarter against East Carolina last week. I expect the good times to continue for Virginia Tech. VT 30 BC 17.

3:30 CBS: #1 Alabama at #10 Arkansas

Last season Ryan Mallet played his best game against the Florida Gators. So I expect to see him play very well versus the Crimson Tide. I think Arkansas’ defense will have a hard time stopping Trent Richardson and Mark Ingram. That will be the difference in a close, exciting game. Alabama 27 Arkansas 23.

3:30 ABC: Eastern Michigan at #2 Ohio State

Ohio State all day. Ohio State 43 Eastern Michigan 7.

3:30 ABC: UCLA at #7 Texas

Texas and QB Garrett Gilbert did not look good at all against Texas Tech last week. I expect the struggles to continue and I think this will be a closer game than what Longhorns fans want. Texas 17 UCLA 13

3:30 ABC: Wake Forest at Florida State

Wake Forest has won at Florida State the last two times in 2006 and 2008. That has to end this Saturday! CP7 will have 300+ yards and Florida State wins a shootout 38-30.

3:30 NBC: #16 Stanford at Notre Dame

Notre Dame does not stand a chance in this game. Bills fans you get to flip back and forth between this game and the Arkansas game and dream of Ryan Mallet and Andrew Luck. Jake Locker would be a nightmare. And oh let’s not forget Christian Ponder too. As for this game, like I said Stanford win easily. Stanford 38 Notre Dame 21.

6:00 ESPN2: #8 Oklahoma at Cincinnati

Will the Oklahoma team that barely beat Utah State and Air Force show up, or the team that annulated Florida State? I’ll take the blowout option here. Oklahoma big 41-14.

6:00: Nevada at BYU

This game is very intriguing because if Nevada can win this game they can be realistically be undefeated when they play home to Boise State on November 26th. BYU looked awful last week against Florida State. I think they will look awful this week. Nevada 33 BYU 16.

7:45 ESPN: #12 South Carolina at #17 Auburn

I’ll be very impressed if South Carolina stud freshman RB Marcus Lattimore and Coach Steve Spurrier can pull off the road win here. I don’t see it happening. I think Cam Newton will make some more great plays, like he did in the second half against Clemson last week. Auburn sweeps the two BCS South Carolina schools in back to back weeks. Auburn 27 South Carolina 21.

8:00 ABC: #24 Oregon State at #3 Boise State

Oregon State painted their practice field blue this week in anticipation for Boise State. To me this is over coaching. Forget about the field, the Beavers should worry about the crowd. This is the first time ever a Boise State home game will be on national network television. Plus it’s in primetime. Plus College Gameday is there. The atmosphere for this game will be electric. I don’t think Oregon State stands a chance. Kellen Moore will have a field day and Boise State wins 38-17.

Boise State will be rocking on primetime on ABC.

9:00 ESPN2: #22 West Virginia at #15 LSU

I really like LSU in this game. That crowd at night, and SEC vs. Big East is what I like about it. LSU 30 West Virginia 20.

10:30: Oregon at Arizona State

Oregon has looked good so far and I expect it to continue. They are just so fast on offense. Oregon 34 Arizona State 23.

Kofod

Saints at 49ers Running Diary

Thought I would do a running diary tonight of the Saints at 49ers Monday Night Football game. These are the thoughts I was having at the exact time they were occurring.


8:30: Just turned it on ESPN after getting home from college. Well I missed Monday Night Countdown with Boomer, Chris Carter, and all those guys. Not too upset about that haha.

8:30: Drew Brees does his huddle fired up speech. Who doesn’t love Drew Brees? Drew Breeeeeeeeeeessss!!

8:31: Between Joe Buck, Al Michaels, Jim Nantz, and Mike Tirico I think Michaels and Nantz are on a level by themselves. Buck and Tirico I have never been big fans of. Oh and Brent Musberger is the best of any announcer for any sport. Period.

8:33: Alex Smith has to make plays tonight for San Fran to win. I don’t see it happening.

8:35: Five minutes into the broadcast and the cameras are still showing Tirico, Gruden, and Jaworski to preview the game. It’s 49ers vs. the Saints not the Super Bowl! Get the game going already!

8:36: The outro music going into commercials for ESPN is an instrumental of Kanye West’s flashing lights. That’s so 2008 ESPN!

8:38: Frank Gifford shows a flashback from a 1995 Monday Night game between the 49ers and the Vikings. I love Frank Gifford and I love flashbacks. Hank Williams and “Are You Ready For Some Football” on the other hand is a little tired for me. But it’s a million times better than the NBC Sunday Night intro with Faith Hill. That intro is so corny.

8:40: Mike Tirico just said Candlestick Park is one of the most historic sports venues of all time. I don’t quite agree with that!

8:41: 49ers take kickoff to midfield, but a holding call brings it back. Not a good start for the 49ers!

8:42: My dad: “Is Alex Smith any good?” Me: “No.”

8:43: The center just snapped the ball 15 yards above Alex Smith into the end zone for a safety. This game is going to be a blowout!

8:45: The punt off the safety does not even get to the 50. It will be Saints 16 49ers 0 by the end of the 1st quarter. Mark my words.

8:47: Crowd is completely dead right now. So much for this historic venue.

8:48: You know it’s bad for San Fran when Heath Evans takes a screen pass for 18 yards.

8:50: Touchdown Reggie Bush. Oh how I wish he did the Heisman pose for his TD celebration. That would have been classic. Saints 9 49ers 0.

8:57: Horrible call on 3rd and 2 and San Fran runs the Wildcat with Brian Westbrook?! What a dumb call!!! If you are going to run Wildcat in that play give it to your best runner Frank Gore. Not old man Brian Westbrook!

9:01: I hate that Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworski are right now on their soap boxes defending Reggie Bush. Jaworksi said “I can’t believe Heisman winners didn’t come to his defense.” Gruden: “It’s a shame. I wish they would just leave him alone.” Give me a break. The man cheated. He lied and his family lied. He absolutely should have given back the Heisman, and he should have apologized, which he hasn’t done or probably will ever do. I have no sympathy for Bush. I feel bad for the USC players who are penalized now by not being eligible to win the Pac 10 or go to a bowl game. That’s where the sympathy should lie. Not some premadonna athlete who could not wait one more year out of college to get money in the NFL.

9:05: Meanwhile the 49ers just made a big stop on the Saints to get the ball back.

9:07: Cameras just showed the Banjo Guy in the stands for the 49ers fans. He is the equivalent of Buffalo’s Elvis, and Fireman Ed for the Jets. Absolutely love it.

9:09: Ball goes off the hands of Frank Gore and is picked off by Roman Harper. Looked like it was a bad pass for Alex Smith, and Gore had to reach for it. Very interested to see the replay coming back from the commercial.

9:11: Replays confirm what I thought. Horrible pass by Alex Smith.

9:12: Of course former QB Ron Jaworski is not willing to put all the blame on Alex Smith for the INT. Sorry Jaws that was entirely Alex Smith’s fault, not any fault of Frank Gore.

9:14: Another stop by 49ers defense. 49ers defense and the winds of Candlestick Park are keeping San Fran in this.

9:16: Thank God for instant replay and the challenge system. Refs just said a San Fran player touched the ball first on a punt and the Saints had the ball. Replay clearly confirms this is incorrect. In the 21st century what sport wouldn’t fully utilize HD instant replay to its fullest capacity? Oh yeah, the “American Pastime” of baseball. What a joke!

9:22: Saints calling timeouts here in the final seconds of to force the 49ers to punt the ball in the wind to end the first quarter. To me this is Overcoaching.

9:23: 49ers get the first down anyway. I’m sorry Sean Peyton but calling those timeouts was completely dumb.

9:29: We’re in an hour into this game. You know who I would like to see make a play right now? Michael Crabtree. He needs to make a play.

9:30: Josh Morgan right now is the only guy for the 49ers offense making plays. Just had another catch to get San Fran past midfield.

9:31: You know for all the talking he does, and all the money he makes Vernon Davis could make a play right now too.

9:34: Great catch and run by Frank Gore for a TD. We got a game here. And Drew Brees is struggling right now too. Saints 9 49ers 7.

9:38: Nothing like the TD, commercial, kickoff, commercial combo in NFL games. Gotta get that beer advertisement money!

9:41: On 3rd and 10 Reggie Bush gets a big first down off a screen to the Saints 30. He’s not a great every down RB, but in the open field Reggie Bush is hard to stop.

9:42: Patrick Willis just laid out Reggie Bush. That is football right there baby!!!

9:46: San Fran is keeping Drew Brees in check right now, really frustrating him. Dare I say Mike Singletary is outcoaching Sean Peyton right now?! Yes I will say it. I’m shocked right now.

9:49: Frank Gore is a beast out there right now. If Brett were here he would say “where did he go to school?” Yes Brett The U.

Frank Gore tore it up tonight for the 49ers.

9:51: Once again Josh Morgan with a catch. Michael Crabtree where are you?

9:53: Vernon Davis with a big play to get the ball to midfield. And you know what Alex Smith has really bounced back since that int in the 1st quarter.

9:56: Just saw my favorite SportsCenter commercial of all time. Jim Kelly baby!!! 

9:57: Josh Morgan with another big catch to the Saints 30. Michael Crabtree who?!

9:58: 49ers seem to want it more on offense right now. Defense getting pushed and seeming to go through the motions. Frank Gore just had another beast run of 20 yards to the Saints 10.

9:59: Pass to the fullback, and Delanie Walker just fumbled it. What a tremendously bad break for the 49ers. The mark of a good team is getting breaks when you need it. The Saints just got a big break.

10:07: ESPN goes to the Toyota Halftime Report with Chris Berman. At this exact same time the 49ers are retiring Jerry Rice’s number. I would much rather watch that then watch Chris Berman talk really fast for three minutes on the same NFL Week 2 highlights I have already seen 10 times. Why do networks always have to drown us out with these same old halftime shows? Show me Rice’s jersey getting retired LIVE. That would be awesome!

10:11: I hate these ESPN Sports Science segments. Just show me Jerry Rice getting his number retired please!!! These Sports Science segments are sooooooo corny!

10:20: Loved the highlights of Rice getting his number retired. Loved his red jacket. Just wish I saw it live!

Sweet jacket! Would have loved to have seen this live on tv!

10:22: Drew Brees has struggled but is still 11 of 16 for 104 yards and a TD. Those would be monster stats for Trent Edwards.

10:24: Big catch on third down by Colston to get the ball past midfield. Colston is such a good wide receiver. Underrated in my book.

10:26: Great sack by Patrick Willis. I see why he’s a 99 in Madden 11.

10:31: Finally Michael Crabtree made a nice catch, pushed the B button to make a spin move, and took it to the 50. Welcome to the game Michael Crabtree!

10:31: Alex Smith throws a bomb to Vernon Davis to the 10 yard line. Here come the Niners!!!

10:32: San Francisco has to get a TD here in the red zone. Anything less would be a huge disappointment.

10:33: Frank Gore pounds it to the 2. Huuuuge 3rd and Goal here.

10:34: Some guy named Anthony Dixon runs it in for the lead. 49ers 14 Saints 9. 49ers are dominating all aspects of this game. If I’m Sean Payton I try to pound the ball with Pierre Thomas, and mix in screen passes with Thomas and Bush. That will keep San Fran and Patrick Willis off Brees, and help Brees from having to throw long passes in this Candlestick wind, which he is struggling with greatly.

10:40: And what’s the first play for the Saints? Screen pass baby. And a helmet to helmet hits gets the Saints the ball to the 49ers 38.

10:42: Screen pass to Reggie Bush on third down for 15 yards. As badly outcoached as Sean Peyton was in the first half, he is showing why he is such a great coach and play caller here in the 3rd quarter.

10:43: If I’m the Saints I do not throw it downfield right now at all until the 49ers can stop these screen passes. Brees is still struggling mightily to throw it downfield, and 49ers still struggling to stop the screens. It’s not rocket science people!

10:47: Colston big catch to the three. Man is he good.

10:49: Pass on 3rd and Goal to David Thomas for a TD for the Saints. That is how a champion responds. Saints 16 49ers 14. Also I agree with Sean Peyton going for 1, instead of going for 2. Save going for 2 point conversions for the 4th quarter.

10:51: Just saw a commercial for a 3D movie about flying owls that talk, protecting some secret. What has the world come to?!

10:53: Well San Francisco came out of a commercial timeout and had a delay of game, because Vernon Davis was not on the field in time. Sean Peyton has definitely outcoached Mike Singletary here in the last half of the third quarter. Or as I would like to put it a “return to normalcy.”

10:56: Johnathan Vilma with a great tackle to stop Frank Gore a yard short on 3rd down. Thank that 3 and out on the delay of game and the incompetence of Vernon Davis/Mike Singletary.

10:56: A great 30+ yard punt return by Reggie Bush to the 49ers 40 to end the 3rd quarter. The 49ers are in real trouble right now.

10:58: Miller Lite just made fun of guys who wear sunglasses at night at a bar. Way to get out of my wheelhouse Miller Lite. Ain’t nothing wrong with wearing shades at night Miller!

11:01: Big stop by the 49ers. Big FG by Hartley for the Saints. Saints 19 49ers 14.

11:05: Alright Alex Smith you have done pretty good so far. But now is where you earn your money. Time to shine.

11:06: As long as Frank Gore makes big runs than Alex Smith does not need to pass. Makes me wish I took Frank Gore #3 in my fantasy draft instead of Maurice Jones-Drew.

11:07: Frank Gore with a gutsy screen pass catch and run for 9 yards, including picking up his own fumble at the end. Big 3rd and 1 here at midfield for San Fran. Run it with Anthony Dixon and get the first down.

11:08: San Fran goes deep to Vernon Davis and gets a pass interference from the Saints to the Saints 23.

11:09: Passed tipped and intercepted by Tracy Porter. NFC Championship, Super Bowl, Monday Night Football, Tracy Porter makes the big plays in the big games.

11:10: Right before that pick, Jon Gruden had the line of the night. He said “if I had a body like Vernon Davis I would be at the beach every day.” As Austin Powers would say “horny bugger!”

11:11: Saints should keep doing the same thing. Screen passes, pound the ball with Pierre Thomas, and run this clock.

11:12: Or maybe not. San Fran shuts down the screen pass on first down, and stops Pierre Thomas running on second down. Mike Singletary is hanging in there in coaching with Sean Peyton.

11:13: San Fran with a big 3 and out stop. Get that ball back to San Fran and Frank Gore who has had a solid 10 minutes of rest.

11:14: 8:45 to go Saints 19 49ers 14.

11:14: Speaking of dumb commercials, how bad are those Ray Lewis Old Spice Commercials?! How much did Old Spice have to pay that murder for him to do these lame commercials?

11:20: Finally Alex Smith looked like the old Alex Smith. Flustered and indecisive. 49ers punt the ball and Reggie Bush fumbles it and nearly gives it back to the 49ers. Saints 19 49ers 14 6:58 to go in the 4th quarter.

11:25: Another great 3 and out for the 49ers defense. The defense gets an A for so far, considering who they are playing.

11:26: Once again the Saints get a break. 49ers punt return man Phillip Adams fumbles the ball, and the Saints pick it up. Great teams get the great breaks. In many ways the 49ers are giving this game to New Orleans.

11:29: Biggest play of the game is coming. 3rd and goal at the 3. 49ers have to hold the Saints to a FG to have any chance of still winning this game.

11:29: Saints call a timeout. 2:33 to go Saints 19 49ers 14. Reggie Bush carted off with an injury from that fumbled punt return. Looks like his leg. All I have to say is one word. Karma.

Karma.

11:31: Now the 49ers call a timeout after the Saints call a timeout. Any credit I gave Mike Singletary for coaching moves he made earlier in this game means nothing now. All he’s a glorified high school coach who has nice speeches, but can’t time manage and is bad at X’s and O’s.

11:32: 49ers stop the Saints on 3rd and Goal led by who else, Patrick Willis. Like a mad man Mike Singletary runs to the end zone to signal a timeout.

11:33: Hartley makes the chip shot FG. 2:12 to go Saints 22 49ers 14. 49ers only have one timeout and the 2 minute warning left, instead of two timeouts and the two minute warning. Check minus for Singletary. And how smart does Sean Peyton look for not going for 2 late in the third quarter with the score 15-14 Saints and settling for the 1 to make it 16-14. Now the 49ers have to score a TD, AND make a 2 to just tie the game. Check plus for Sean Peyton.

11:36: Alex Smith gets it to Vernon Davis at their own 35 yard line as the two minute warning comes.

11:38: Chances I watch the GMC Postgame Show with Stuart Scott and Matt Millen? 0%.

11:39: Alex Smith runs for 12 yards and a first down towards to the 47.

11:40: Josh Morgan with a great catch to the Saints 40. 1:47 to go.

11:41: Alex Smith hangs out Vernon Davis to dry, as he was tripled covered.

11:41: Screen pass to Frank Gore who takes it to the 21. 1:34 to go.

11:42: Alex Smith wisely scrambles to his left, and takes it to the 9.

11:43: Frank Gore takes it in on a draw for a TD on second and goal. Now time for the two point conversion. Saints 22 49ers 20 1:19 to go.

11:43: Vernon Davis catches the pass with his feet in the endzone, but it looked like the ball did not cross the plain. Refs say no conversion.

11:44: Replay is hard to tell. Bad job by ESPN going to a lame Miller Lite commercial right now. This is the time where you stay with the action and show us 10 different replays so us fans can make a call. Right now I have no idea if Vernon Davis was in or not based on the two quick angles I saw. Now they are showing that Saints vs. Jets woods commercial. Somewhere Kase is saying “f$!% you Mark Sanchez.”

11:46: Back to the action. Refs still looking at the replay. The ESPN Maxx Zoom looks like the ball crossed the plain. I would give the 49ers the 2 here. Jon Gruden thinks it should be a two as well.

11:47: Refs give Vernon Davis the conversion. Saints 22 49ers 22 1:19 to go. Saints have two timeouts left.

11:48: I have to say it. Great drive by Alex Smith. Frank Gore and Josh Morgan did their parts too.

11:50: Pierre Thomas breaks a tackle, takes it to Saints 39. Then catches a short dump pass and takes it to San Fran’s 48. Saints call timeout. 43 seconds to go.

11:50: Can Garrett Hartley get a shot to be the hero tonight for the Saints?

11:52: Brees throws it up and Colston makes a remarkable catch over the middle to the 18. Is Colston a top 10 NFL WR? I say yes. 18 seconds to go.

Drew Brees made the plays when it mattered the most.

11:53: Pass to Shockey to the 14. Saints call timeout with two seconds left. 49ers clock operator tries to pull a fast one and run all the time off, but the refs aren’t buying that.

11:53: You think Mike Singletary wish he had that timeout back he wasted so he could try to ice the kicker right now?

11:54: False start penalty on Saints. Move them back 5 yards.

11:55: Hartley kicks a duck that somehow goes down the middle. It might have been deflected. Saints survive and go to 2-0.

11:55: It was a low kick that was deflected at the line. Yet somehow, someway, in that wind, it went through. Another break for a great team. Saints 25 49ers 22. Saints 2-0, 49ers 0-2.

11:56: What I learned from tonight. Great teams get great bounces and that mantra held true for the Saints tonight. The Saints are 2-0 even with the Saints offense still struggling a little. That is a very good sign for New Orleans. Alex Smith has moments where he shows why he was a 1st pick in the draft. He will also show you moments why he has been mediocre to average the past 6 seasons. For every good coaching move Mike Singletary makes, he will make an equally dumb (or worse) coaching move. For a guy (Mike Singletary) who preaches discipline the 49ers are a very undisiplined team. The 49ers are 0-2 yet still might be the best team in the NFC West.

Kofod

KandKZone Monday Morning Quarterback

Here are some of my thoughts from this past weekend's college football games and NFL games.

Georgia suffered another heartbreaking loss on Saturday. The fact is this team is young and very inexperienced. And losing A.J. Green for four games for selling his Independence Bowl jersey to a former UNC football player doesn't help either. Saying all that though, I think this is the beginning of the end of the Mark Richt era at Georgia. The 2008 Sugar Bowl win over Hawaii seems a long time ago now. Georgia fans are impatient, and rightfully so. Hopefully Richt can get another job, because he is a very good coach.

Florida stinks. They still have trouble handling snaps. They will lose to Alabama in a couple of weeks. And I don't think that will be the only SEC loss they will have this year. I, like many others, way overrated Florida at the begining of the year.

Look I love to go out and drink as much as the next person. Ok maybe not as much as the Smith or Kinney brothers, but  I like going out. But I have to say I was so glad I stayed in for at least one Saturday Night this fall. On the couch relaxing, and flipping back and fourth between Clemson at Auburn and Notre Dame at Michigan State.

You'll have a hard time finding a better college football game this year then Clemson at Auburn. So many hard hits. Cam Newton had his coming out party for Auburn. He looks like a beast. And Clemson was classic Clemson. Dominated early leading 17-0. Coach Dabo Sweeney looking boastful on the sidelines. Then Clemson QB Kyle Parker took a nasty hit to the back, and Clemson choked away the lead. Then overtime came. Clemson tied the game, but the center doubled clutched the ball. I knew right then the Clemson kicker would miss the second kick. And of course he did. Classic Clemson. Lead early, seemed to have the game in hand, then find a way to choke it in the end. It has to be real hard to be a Clemson fan.

Clemson at Auburn was an instant classic. Another heartbreaking loss for Clemson.

For the Notre Dame at Michigan State game, Brian Kelly did not have his best coaching performance. He went for it on a 4th and 1 from his own 40 with the game tied at 28 and over 5 minutes still to go. Notre Dame missed it, and was lucky Michigan State did not score. Then with less than a minute to go he declined to try to throw down the field to set up a FG, with a timeout still in his pocket. Yet he had Dayne Crist throw over 50 times in that game. Doesn't make sense to me. Then to cap it off Michigan State pulled a "Boise State" on Notre Dame and faked the tying FG in overtime and threw it for the winner. I went nuts. What a play, what a gutsy call. So gutsy it caused Michigan State Head Coach Mark Dantonio to suffer a heart attack after the game. So that really was a "life or death" call. Don't tell me football doesn't matter. Saturday Night just showed me again why I love college football so much, and think it's by far the best sport in the world.

Alright on to Sunday and the NFL. Let's start with the Bills. What more can anyone say? How can you even get angry anymore. It's the same old thing every week. Trent constanly checks down. If the throws to the first down marker on a third down that is a moral victory. How about that 4th and 11, in the final minute of the game, down 27 and he runs out of bounds for 2 yards. Have some guts Trent! Oh and more thing about the Bills. How many carries did the 9th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft get on Sunday? 1 carry for C.J. Spiller. Yeah Chan Gailey really is an offensive genius out there.

What 0-2 team should be the most panicked? I think it should be the Cowboys. They have all the talent in the world, and don't have the injury excuses the Vikings have. And they loss to the Redskins and the Bears. Their schedule will get much harder. Forget Super Bowl, if I am a Cowboys fans I'm just worried about making the playoffs right now.

What 2-0 team should be the most excited right now? I think the clear winner here is the Houston Texans. They beat up a Colts team, that showed on Sunday Night that yes they still are the same old regular season dominating Colts. Then yesterday they won a game over the Redskins, that in the past years they would not have pulled off. The AFC South should be very competitive witht the Colts, Texans, and Titans, and I would not be suprised if all three teams made the playoffs.

Another huge win for the Houston Texans and Andre Johnson yesterday.

Steelers fans like James Lacki have to be pumped right now. With Troy Polamalu back the Steelers defense looks to be back to their 2008 form. The Steelers are 2-0, with two games left before they get Big Ben back. This could be a very good year for the Steelers in 2010.

Ok so maybe the Ravens won't go 14-2 like I predicted at the start of the season. I think the Ravens have the most talent of any NFL team. But if Joe Flacco continues to struggle all that talent won't matter. Steelers fans should be happy. Carson Palmers stinks. Cleveland's QB's forget about it! If Flacco does not get better, the Steelers could run away with this division if Big Ben plays like the old Big Ben.

Big win for the Jets. They had to win that game, and they did. Sunday Night Jets at Dolphins will be such an intriquing game to watch, I am already looking foward to it.

Kofod