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

Jake Locker Epic Fail

Jake Locker went 4 of 20 for 71 yards and 2 interceptions Saturday in Washington’s 56-21 loss to #8 Nebraska, in the biggest game of Locker’s career. This guy is supposed to be the top pick in the 2011 NFL Draft?! Buffalo Bills fans you still want this guy?! He is by far the most overrated college football player of all time. Look I am a Christian Ponder guy. But I’ll save that for now. I think a good column in the future would be comparing Locker, Ponder, Ryan Mallet, and Andrew Luck and polling some Bills fans to see who they would take. But I want to stay on Locker right now. After that Washington game I jumped on Twitter on my iPod to see what college football fans, and college football personalities were tweeting about Jake Locker. This is the thing I love most about Twitter. After any type of game, show, or event you can get immediate reactions from people all over the country and their thoughts on the matter. So here is what people had to say about Jake Locker.

Jake Locker was an epic failure for Washington on Saturday. This not the first time he has dissapointed.

“So…Jake Locker made a mistake in returning for his Sr. year? He would have been the #1 overall pick had he went pro. Todd McShay said so.”

“This is finally the weekend people believe me when I say Jake Locker is not a good QB. And it only took 4 seasons.”

“Jake Locker 4-20 against Nebraska at home. How the fck you beat #USC least year.”

Pat Forde ESPN: “Another statement today: Nebraska. As far as Jake Locker: I rest my case. Overrated.”

“Jake Locker is like the next Jay Cutler. Over-hyped prospect that hasn’t ever really won.”

“Can we please end the Jake Locker knob slobbing?”

“Jake Locker 4-20 for 71 yards…he’s a perfect first pick for Buffalo. They stay losing.”

“Jake Locker is 1-12 vs ranked teams.”

“Can we please le Jake Locker show he’s even a decent college QB before we anoint him the top pick in the draft? Thanks. #overrated.”

“By the way, Jake Locker was a Heisman candidate? Seriously? #fail.”

“RIP Jake Locker as #1 pick in the draft. RIP Jake Locker for the Heisman.”

“Bo Pelini cost Jake Locker a LOT of money today. His hope now is a good combine & media hype.”

“Please @sportsguy33 please agree with me that Jake Locker is about as good as a ketchup and onion sandwich!”

“Jake Locker 4-for-20, 71 yards, 1 TD, 2 picks…#bills can look elsewhere in the early first round of 2011.”

“Jake Locker was a boy among me out there.”

“I wonder if Jake Locker love will cool amongst Bills fans now after his 4/20, 71 yards, 2 int performance against Nebraska.”

“Jake Locker failed his first major test of the season and Ryan Mallet is staking his claim to the top spot.”

“I guess Reggie Bush isn’t the only one giving up the Heisman trophy this week. Check out Jake Locker’s stats…4-20, 71 yds, 2 ints Yikes!!!”

“Jake Locker completed just 4/20 for 20.0% comp perc. 3rd-worst completion % by an FBS QB with at least 20 att in a game since 2004.”

“After the last 8 years, I can deal with a lot when it comes to UW football. Jake Locker being a shitty QB just isn’t one of them.”

“That crashing sound you heard was Mel Kiper’s Big Board falling off the wall after Jake Locker’s 4-20 today.”

Todd McShay: “Watched all 16 Locker misses, incl 2 picks + 1 pick erased due to flag. Of the 17, 8 were on Locker. Bad reads, erratic throws. Not good.”

Todd McShay: “Definitely mounting concerns about Locker pressing and confidence level, but Jevan Snead comparisons are crazy. Ease off the panic button folks.”



Kofod

Spread 'Em!

Last week I went 6-7-3 against the spread, but for those who read my week one picks, I declared that pushes are a win, so technically I went 10-7 not to bad for the wild week that occurred.

I don't really have any good stories to tell, but I would like to break down the VMAs quickly. I loved it overall even though it was much less exciting compared to last year. My favorite performances were Usher and the Paramore/B.O.B./Bruno Mars triage. However the best new songs of the night were the new Taylor Swift ballad "Innocent" and the Kanye joint "Runaway". They are both excellent and actually somewhat describe the event at 2009's VMAs. Swift sings "You're 32 and you're still growing up now." Mr. West by the way happens to be 32 years of age. In "Runaway", Kanye raps "Runaway from me baby" because "you've been putting up with my shit for way too long" and then toasts the assholes, (AKA himself). I enjoyed how they both attempted to talk about the event via music.

To the Predictions!

Week 2:
Cleveland -2 v. Kansas City
This line is shocking to me. I know both teams aren't great, but did anyone see the games last week. KC beat a much better Charger team while Cleveland lost to Tampa Bay. I've heard all week about how it is tough to go on the road after a Monday night game, but give me a break. Chiefs +2.

Green Bay -13 v. Buffalo
I made the mistake of taking Buffalo last week. I won't do that again. Green Bay -13.

Cincinnati +2.5 v. Baltimore
Tough call, tough line. The Pats made minced meat of Cincy and Baltimore looked decent against an overrated Jets team. I'm taking Cincy, because I think that both the Ravens and Jets are overrated. Cincy +2.5.

Tennessee -5 v. Pittsburgh
I slept on Pittsburgh last week, but offensively they didn't do much. They didn't find paydirt until OT, and due to that fact I'm taking Tennessee. Tennessee -5.

Detroit +6.5 v. Philly
I made another dreadful mistake by taking the lines last week, but by all intents and purposes they should have won. God Damn Calvin Johnson doesn't know the rules yet! What a dumbass. I don't care what analysts say, maybe the rule is dumb, but it prevents bobbles and that sort of thing. He is a world class athlete! Put the ball to your chest and we wouldn't be talking about this nonsense. Screw it though. Give me Detroit again. Detroit +6.5.

Chicago +7.5 v. Dallas
Dallas came out and laid a stinker at Washington. Do I think they will do it again, no. They will win, but that line is begging me to pick Cutler. AHHH. Nope can't do it. Dallas -7.5.

Tampa Bay +3.5 v. Carolina
I'm not a fan of either of these teams, but Tampa took care of a team with no QB last week (read: Cleveland). Give me them again. Tampa Bay +3.5.

Atlanta -6.5 v. Arizona
Atlanta will bounce back and win, but there defense is nothing to write home about. I'll take Zona +6.5.

Minnesota -5.5 v. Miami
Okay, the Dolphins scored 13 points on the Bills. 13! (the other two were given to them). Does this make them good? NOOO! I'm still right about that. I was just wrong about how bad the Bills are. Minnesota -5.5.

Oakland -3.5 v. St. Louis
St. Louis will pull out a few wins, but on the road? I'm not buying it. Although Oakland looked ugly. This is the third hardest game of the week. Give me Oakland -3.5.

Washington +3 v. Houston
Houston had one good week and their bandwagon is already full. People will get off after this week. Washington +3.

San Diego -7 v. Jacksonville
The Chargers looked out of sync last week. Phillip Rivers looked like a baby, but they still almost tied the game. At home they are a much better team. I'll try them one more time. San Diego -7.

Jets +3 v. New England
My, my, look how things have changed. The Jets went from giving points on the road to taking points at home and they should, because they are way, way, way overrated. They better pray they don't go 0-4 before Holmes comes back, because that would be a deep grave to climb out of. I'm taking the Pats -3.

Indy -5.5 v. Giants
Indy is home. They are the Sunday night game. They were embarrassed last week. Plus, it's been awhile since the Colts went 0-2 to start the year. Still though, I gotta take the Giants +5.5.

San Fran +5.5 v. New Orleans
Defending Super Bowl Champs against a team that can't handle the Pete Carroll's? Duh Saints -5.5.

NFL Week 2 Picks

Week 2 NFL Picks


Last week I went 10-6 picking the winners straight up. Let’s see if I can keep the above .500 streak going this week.

Sunday September 19th


1:00 CBS: Steelers at Titans

Titans offense too much for the Steelers. 150 yards for Chris Johnson on this day. Titans 31 Steelers 16.

1:00 CBS: Dolphins at Vikings

I don’t like the Dolphins at all in this game. They looked awful last week against the Bills. Brett Favre will be jumping on some lineman’s back in this game after a big td pass. Vikings 31 Dolphins 13.

1:00 FOX: Cardinals at Falcons

I think these two teams stink. But the Cardinals stink more than the Falcons. Atlanta 21 Arizona 10.

1:00 CBS: Ravens at Bengals

The Bengals are not good. Sorry Ochocinco you and T.O. are not the first NFL team to have two #1 wide receivers. You are the 1,000,452 team to have two #2 wide receivers. Ravens blow out the Bengals 30-16.

1:00 CBS: Chiefs at Browns

Jake Delhome will blow another sure win for the Browns this week, like he did against the Bucs last week. Kansas City 20 Cleveland 17.

1:00 FOX: Bears at Cowboys

With the Bears winning week one, and Dallas losing in week one this game becomes very interesting. Could the Cowboys fall to 0-2 and be in complete Holy Crap Panic Mode? Could the Bears go to 2-0 and every Chicago fan jump on the Martz/Cutler bandwagon? Those two scenarios would be exciting, but I’ll take the third bland one. Dallas wins 23-17 and both teams go to 1-1.

1:00 FOX: Eagles at Lions

When Kevin Kolb is ready he will be the starting qb for Philly. Why anyone thinks Michael Vick will beat out Kevin Kolb for the quarterback job completely baffles me. Philly got rid of Donovan McNabb to begin the Kevin Kolb era, not to give Michael Vick a shot. Vick may have had a good half, but Michael Vick has NEVER been as good as Donovan McNabb. So why would they play Vick? It’s Kevin Kolb, Andy Reid and Philly believe in. Vick will have a field day against the devastated Lions but it is not his job to keep. Eagles 34 Lions 10.

1:00 CBS: Bills at Packers

Green Bay could name their number against Buffalo. After all this is a team that will throw a 2 yard out on 3rd and 12, and call a timeout to avoid a delay of game on a 3rd and 30. Chan Gailey doesn’t seem to be the next Sean Payton out there. Green Bay 38 Buffalo 3.

Chan Gailey and his Mr. Magoo glasses just don't seem to be hip to today's NFL.

1:00 FOX: Buccaneers at Panthers

Panthers QB Matt Moore plays much better in Week 2. Carolina 26 Tampa Bay 17.

4:05 FOX: Seahawks at Broncos

Seattle continues the upset winning ways. Seahawks 23 Broncos 16.

4:05 FOX: Rams at Raiders

Oooh how ugly is this game going to be? Jason Campbell makes one more play than Sam Bradford to pull out this terrible game. Raiders 14 Rams 13.

4:15 CBS: Texans at Redskins

Everyone will be high on the Houston Texans now. While everyone can talk about how McNabb has changed the Redskins, the fact is the Redskins defense is why they beat Dallas in week 1. The defense will continue their dominance in week 2. Redskins 20 Texans 14.

4:15 CBS: Patriots at Jets

Hey I predicted the Jets to be overated and go 7-9. Mark Sanchez played a Trent Edwards like game last week. He’ll play another one this week. And Rex Ryan will continue to blitz on third downs. If Joe Flacco could get third downs on that Jets D, what chance do you think Tom Brady has. Pats blow out the Jets 34-10.

4:15 CBS: Jaguars at Chargers

Jaguars will keep this close. But this week Phillip Rivers will make the key plays to win the game. Chargers 24 Jaguars 23.

8:20 NBC: Giants at Colts

Manning Bowl II. Peyton Manning won the first Manning Bowl. I think most people think the Colts will bounce back and win this game. But I don’t know why but I got a feeling the Colts will continue to struggle on defense. You heard it here first. The Colts will start 0-2. Giants 27 Colts 24.

Peyton and Eli will continue their rivalry on the field this Sunday Night.

Monday September 20th


8:30 ESPN: Saints at 49ers

The Saints still look like they need to kick the rust off their first game. San Francisco will play better this week at home, for Monday Night Football. I’ll say this game will be closer than the experts think. Saints 17 49ers 16.

Kofod

College Football 2010 Week 3 Picks

Week 3 College Football Picks


In week 1 of college football I went 11-2 picking the winners straight up. In week 2 I went 6-2 picking the winners straight up. So I am 17-4 so far this season in picking college winners straight up. So let’s see if I can keep this run going.

Thursday September 15th


7:30 ESPN: Cincinnati at North Carolina State

A battle of two high powered offenses. Russell Wilson for N.C. State is the best quarterback in college football no one has ever heard off. But the ACC stinks, and N.C. State’s defense will not be able to stop Cincy. Cincy 35 N.C. State 24.

Friday September 17th


10:00 ESPN2: California at Nevada

The battle of Western States. I’ll take Cal in this one. Nevada is good, but Cal is coming off their thumping of Colorado and will not overlook this game. California 34 Nevada 23.

Saturday September 18th


12:00 ESPN: #12 Arkansas at Georgia

Georgia looked dull, young, and out of it against South Carolina. Arkansas is much better than South Carolina. I’ll take Arkansas big in this game, even if it’s a road game for them. Arkansas 27 Georgia 13.

12:00 ESPN3: Georgia Tech at North Carolina

A battle of two teams that started the season in the Top 25, but then both suffered tough heartbreaking losses. Last year I picked UNC to win this matchup, and G-Tech badly burned them. But I don’t think this is the same Georgia Tech game this year. So I’ll take UNC again 30-20 over GT.

3:30 ABC: #8 Nebraska at Washington

Everyone will pick Nebraska to win this game. But like last year against USC, I think Jake Locker and Washington have one upset in them. I’m going with this game for that upset. Washington 20 Nebraska 17.

Jake Locker and Washington will pull off the upset over Nebraska.

3:30 CBS: #10 Florida at Tennessee

A Tennessee fan tweeted during the Florida vs. South Florida game that the way Florida’s offense was playing that Florida’s offense would not be able to handle Tennessee’s defense. One of the ESPN College Football Insiders tweeted back to that fan that Tennessee can’t even shower right and that was why most of the team developed a staff infection. So until Tennessee can work a hot shower I don’t see how they can beat an Urban Meyer team, no matter how bad Florida has looked so far. Florida 23 Tennessee 13.

Until Tennessee players figure out how to work a shower they won't be pulling off any upsets.

3:30 ABC: Arizona State at #11 Wisconsin

John Clay might just be the best running back Wisconsin has ever had. Even over Ron Dayne. He will have a big day against Arizona State. Wisconsin 37 Arizona State 17.

3:30 ESPNU: BYU at Florida State

Two teams off of devastating losses last week. As a FSU fan if Florida State can’t bounce back and beat BYU than I think I can forget my hopes of ACC Championship and BCS dreams and just hope for a 6-6 finish to make a bowl game. Florida State pulls out an ugly win, and I celebrate by going to T’s Birthday Bash for the Ages that night. Florida State 20 BYU 17.

7:00 ESPN: Clemson at #16 Auburn

College Gameday will be at this game. So you know Auburn fans will be jacked. Clemson is the ACC’s last great chance to get an impressive non-conference win. Clemson will do what Clemson does best. They will seem to be the clear winner in the 4th quarter, then find some way to choke it away. Auburn 27 Clemson 24.

8:00 ABC: #6 Texas at Texas Tech

Texas Tech will keep this close for three quarters. But I expect a big breakout game for Garret Gilbert and Texas. Texas pulls away in the 4th quarter 31-20.

8:00 ABC: Notre Dame at Michigan State

Notre Dame will be in another close, barn-burning game this week. Michigan State will fight, but Notre Dame and Dayne Crist pulls it out in the end. Notre Dame 34 Michigan State 31.

10:30 ESPN: #9 Iowa at #24 Arizona

Iowa was my preseason #2 pick. Arizona was my Pac-10 preseason winner pick. So I definitely value these two teams. If Iowa loses this game they have no chance to make the BCS Title. So obviously I will pick Iowa to win this game. Iowa 34 Arizona 30.

11:15 ESPN2: Wake Forest at #19 Stanford

Andrew Luck will continue his Heisman campaign run. And Wake Forest will continue the downslide of the ACC. Stanford 31 Wake Forest 17.

Kofod

I'm going Spread Eagle

Have you ever been so bored at work that you decided to write an NFL picks column? Well I am about to. That is easily next level boredom.

In the past I have picked games straight up. Well I've decided to follow in the steps of my favorite columnist Bill Simmons. I'm picking against the spread this year just to try it out. I'm kinda new to the whole concept I have bet on games before and understand the stuff, but choosing which lines to go with from which site is tough, but I've decided to go with footballlocks, it seems to be the easiest. Maybe I will get into over/under later this year.

The way I am doing it is how my friend (read: bookie) had it set up in college. A push is a win.

For example: Last night I took Minnesota. They were getting five points. They lost 14-9. That mathletes is five points. That's a push therefore I win. If I were betting of course.

So I am 1-0 as of posting this.

Upcoming games:
Giants -6.5 v. Carolina

Hummm... tough one. Love the ground and pound style of Carolina, plus I have D. Williams on my fantasy squads (yes plural I am in more than one league, I need a life seriously), but I am worried about Moore at QB. He is hot and cold. The New Jersey Giants are hosting the game at a brand new field AKA the New Meadowlands and I guess I will take them to cover. Without Peppers The Panthers will have a tough time getting to Eli. I got the G-Men by a TD.

Miami -3 at Buffalo

Being a Bills fan (read: pessimist) I would normally take the Dolphins in this spot, but you know what. It's a new year. I'm on the bandwagon with everyone else once again. Spiller is exciting he can hit a homer every time he touches the ball. Miami is tough running the ball and the addition of Brandon Marshall make them better, but why is everyone on the Chad Henne bandwagon? What has he done? I know Marshall made Orton look good, but is Henne even Orton? I'm not convinced.  Plus how good is Miami's D? They haven't shown me anything. Give me the Bills to cover! (and hopefully win.)

Atlanta -2 at Pittsburgh

I have enjoyed watching Dennis Dixon play football since he was in college, but his talents haven't translated to the pro game as of yet. If we are picking QB's you have to go with Matt Ryan and if everyone says that is the most important position in football then I'm sold. Give me Atlanta -2.

Chicago -6.5 v. Detroit

I'm down on Chicago. Detroit's defense is much improved and the Bears offensive line is not good. I'm going out on a limb, but I'm saying that not only will the Lions cover, they will start off 1-0.

New England -4.5 v. Cincinnati

One of the toughest games to pick for me. Both offenses have plenty of playmakers, but I think this comes down to the defense. "Experts" have repeatedly stated that the Pats defense is weak and that the Bengals D is solid. Well fuck the "experts" I'm going with New England -4.5.

Tampa Bay -3 v. Cleveland

What? Did anyone in Vegas watch the Browns finish the year? They looked much better. Tampa Bay on the other hand didn't do much down the stretch. I know it's a new year and blah, blah, blah, but Cleveland will win 9 times out of 10 over the Bucs. Cleveland +3.

Jacksonville -2.5 v. Denver

The is also among the most difficult of games to pick. Denver has no weapons, no "surprise" factor which they displayed last year and no Brandon Marshall. So this should make the Jags a lock right? WRONG! Denver has the Father of Florida, the Good Shepard of Gainesville, Mr. Tim Tebow! I don't care that he won't play much (if at all). This will be a pro Denver crowd. I'm taking the Broncos +2.5.

Indy -3 at Houston

Anyone remember the last time the Colts lost to Houston? Me neither. Indy -3.

Tennessee -6.5 v. Oakland

This feels like a layup for Tennessee, which worries me. Oakland will be (a bit) better than anyone thinks, but I like the Titans in this one. Titans -6.5

Green Bay -3 at Philly

I saw how Green Bay was torching defenses during the preseason. I know the preseason doesn't matter and blah, blah, blah, but I don't care. Some of that has to translate. Kevin Kolb will be a solid QB, just not this week. A Rodg's arm -3.

San Fran -3 at Seattle

San Fran has a better defense, special teams, WR corp, and running back. The huge ???? is at QB. Week One I expect a heavy, heavy dose of Frank Gore though so it won't matter what the question is he is the answer. San Fran -3.

Arizona -4 at St. Louis

Oh god. What I'm about to do almost feels like a sin. But hey I sin all the time, so screw it. Give me St. Louis and the rookie +4.

Dallas -3.5 at Washington

I think that the Cowboys are a little overhyped. That said Washington is also overhyped. The Cowboys are better over and I think it will be their defense that make the difference. Cowboys -3.5.

Jets -2 at Baltimore

Speaking of overhyped. Are there any teams in the NFL getting more love than these two teams. Why is it the Jets have been anointed a Superbowl contender. Why are they in a commercial with the Saints. They went 9-7 and Rex Ryan got outcoached by Peyton Manning in the AFC Title Game. And Baltimore has a secondary riddled with injuries. This makes them a lock for the Superbowl? What? Now don't get me wrong these are probably two of the better teams in the AFC, but I'm still not convinced that they are even the best teams in their respective divisions. The fact that the Jets are giving points on the road is enough for me though. Give me Baltimore +2. By the way, on my fantasy team I'm starting Boldin despite Revis playing. I hope he beats his ass down.

San Diego -4.5 at Kansas City

I think KC will surprise some people this year. They will be a better team, but this week they won't cover. San Diego -4.5.

College and NFL Picks September 9th

Alright here are my quick picks for college and NFL this week.

College Football Week 2 Picks


Thursday 7:30 ESPN: #21 Auburn at Mississippi State

Auburn too much for Miss St. Auburn 31 Mississippi State 13.

Saturday 12:00 ESPN2: #22 Georgia at #24 South Carolina

No A.J. Green. No problem. UGA wins on the road 24 to 17 over South Carolina.

Saturday 3:30 ABC: #17 Florida State at #10 Oklahoma

My head says go with OU. My heart says go with Florida State. My heart wins out. Florida State 31 Oklahoma 27.

Saturday 3:30 NBC: Michigan at Notre Dame

Winner gets into the top 25. I’ll take Michigan and Denard Robinson 30-20 over ND.

Saturday 3:40 ESPN: #12 Miami at #2 Ohio State

Miami does not get revenge over Ohio State for the 2003 Fiesta Bowl. Sorry Brett…eh not really. Ohio State 31 Miami 21.

Saturday 7:00 ESPN: #18 Penn State at #1 Alabama

No Mark Ingram. No problem. Bama trounces Penn State 34-10.

Saturday 7:00 ESPN2: #7 Oregon at Tennessee

Oregon comes back to earth after their dominating performance against New Mexico. Saying all that they still beat Tennessee, but closer than the experts think, as Lee Corso would say. Oregon 21 Tennessee 20.

Saturday 10:30 ESPN: #25 Stanford at UCLA

Andrew Luck throws for over 300 yards and Stanford looks real good on this night. Stanford 41 UCLA 24.



NFL Week 1 Picks

Thursday 8:30 NBC: Vikings at Saints

Brees outduels Favre in the rematch. Saints 34 Vikings 30.

Sunday 1:00 FOX: Panthers at Giants

G-Men get off to a good start. Giants 27 Panthers 17.

Sunday 1:00 FOX: Falcons at Steelers

Dennis Dixon shines in week one. Steelers 27 Falcons 23.

Sunday 1:00 CBS: Browns at Buccaneers

Jake Delhome has a field day against Tampa Bay. Cleveland 23 Tampa Bay 13.

Sunday 1:00 CBS: Broncos at Jaguars

Kyle Orton leads Denver towards a game winning drive in the final minute. Tim Tebow caps it off with a TD run from the Wildcat. Jacksonville fans make the loudest noise of the game when Tebow scores. And ESPN plays that highlight all week. I can just see it now. A little throw up in my mouth. Broncos 24 Jaguars 20.

Sunday 1:00 CBS: Colts at Texans

Peyton Manning throws all over the Texans in a shootout. Colts 38 Texans 30.

Sunday 1:00 CBS: Dolphins at Bills

I hate to say it but Miami dominates Buffalo. Miami 30 Buffalo 10.

Sunday 1:00 FOX: Lions at Bears

Lions upset Bears in Chicago. Lions 27 Bears 17.

Sunday 1:00 CBS: Raiders at Titans

Vince Young and Chris Johnson run all over the Raiders. Titans 30 Raiders 17.

Sunday 1:00 CBS: Bengals at Patriots

Forget the Bengals and T.Ocho. Pats all day. Patriots 34 Bengals 17.

Sunday 4:15 FOX: Cardinals at Rams

Worst game of the week. Bradford struggles in his first NFL start. Cardinals 17 Rams 6.

Sunday 4:15 FOX: 49ers at Seahawks

Seahawks shock the 49ers at home. Seattle 20 San Francisco 17.

Sunday 4:15 FOX: Packers at Eagles

Great 4:00 game. Kolb and Rodgers exchange punches in this shootout. Packers 31 Eagles 28.

Sunday 8:20 NBC: Cowboys at Redskins

McNabb plays great. But the Cowboys are a better team. Cowboys 27 Redskins 24.

Monday 7:00 ESPN: Ravens at Jets

Ravens upset the Jets on Monday Night Football. Ravens 17 Jets 10.

Monday 10:15 ESPN: Chargers at Chiefs

Chargers dominate the Chiefs. Chargers 31 Chiefs 13.

 
Kofod