MLB Wildcard games are here

Who will go forward?

The next couple of days will see the start of the 2014 Major League Baseball playoffs with the win or go home wildcard games.

Both games should be interesting so let's take a look.

Oakland @ Kansas City

The Royals make their first trip into the postseason since 1985 and the KC faithful will be at a fever pitch when the A's come to town.

The Royals will send James Shields to the hill against Oakland's John Leester.

Kansas City has been a score runs any way possible type team and that fits perfectly for their home field. No KC player hit over 20 Home Runs or drove in over 80 runs so small ball may be the way as usual.

The A's stumbled late in the year but have made it into the post season again. Josh Donaldson and Brandon Moss will spearhead the A's offense in support of Lester.

In the end though, I think the Royals will pull through and advance to take on the LA Angels.

Kansas City 5-2

San Francisco @ Pittsburgh

The Pirates host San Fran in the National League Wildcard match. Seasoned playoff pitcher Madison Bumgarner will lead the Giants into the fray against Edison Volquez of Pittsburgh.

The solid all-around Pirates offense could pose problems for the Giants but the Giants may get to Volquez early. If so...the Giants will be the ones to advane and play the Washington Nationals.

San Fran 6-4

Enjoy the action sports fans...

Week 4 NFL picks

NFL Sunday is here

After a tumultuous few weeks off field, the NFL teams provided excitement and things to talk about last week besides the bad choices of a few players.

For Week 3  I had a solid 12-4 finish and am now 35-13 for the season. This week brings the first wave of byes for some teams....so fewer games to pick.....here goes...

Jacksonville @ San Diego

The Bolts are using the clock control offense quite well this season but this week, let's just hope whatever RB's used can survive the week and keep the clock running. Luckily Jacksonville visits and the Charger "D" should stiffen enough to get through this one.

Chargers 24-13

Atlanta @ Minnesota

Falcons 28-17

Green Bay @ Chicago

The Packers need this one badly ... do I sense a Jay Cutler "one of those days" game?

Packers 30-24

Buffalo @ Houston

Texans 31-21

Tennessee @ Indianapolis

Colts 34-20

Carolina @ Baltimore

Cam and Crew travel to Baltimore looking for answers after dropping last weeks game to the Steelers at home.Also one Mr. Steve Smith will be waiting to greet his former team mates. 

Ravens 24-23

Detroit @ NY Jets

Lions 30-17

Tampa Bay @ Pittsburgh

Hmmm...should the Buc's revert to the good old Orange Sherbet/Creamsicle uniforms to match their current on field performance?

Steelers 31-14

Miami @ Oakland

That one week when the Raiders show glimpses.

Raiders 28-24

Philadelphia @ San Francisco

In the past, the Eagles have performed well by the bay. Could the new stadium change 49er fortunes against them? The 'Niners need a win desperately!

49ers 34-30

New Orleans @ Dallas

Cowboys 30-27

New England @ Kansas City

Are the Chiefs finding some form?

Chiefs 21-17

Have a good week...enjoy the games!

AFL Champs to be crowned

AFL Decider will be intense

Today's AFL Championship match between the Sydney Swans and Hawthorne Hawks, the finale many fans hoped for will be entertaining with a twist or two.

Hawthorne has made it through to face their former phenomenon James "Buddy" Franklin on the big stage. So will the Hawks be able to prove that they can snatch a premiereship without him? Is Franklin just what the Swans need to get them over the top?

In the end, since my favs...the West Coast Eagles did not make it through....I'm just a pure fan today but take great delight in the fact that there is no Eddie's Kids (Collingwood) or Carlton Crew anywhere to be seen either!! I'm ducking and looking over my shoulder after making the previous comment though.....how did so many Collingwood/Carlton/Crows fans end up in my life anyhow??? Hmm....

Ok....let's just pick a winner before I go to the TAB!!

Sydney Swans vs Hawthorn Hawks

Two years ago, Hawthorn dropped the finale to the Swans after a fantastic season before avenging themselves and claiming the crown last season with a win over Fremantle. For some reason, I'm leaning towards going with the "Reverse Buddy" philosophy and picking Hawthorne to take out the match and complete their back to back quest. The Hawks have shown they are a team that can get it done even after losing their Top Gun. 

It will be tense, it will be a battle, it will probably come down to the last few minutes. And the winner will probably not score more than 93 or so points.

Prediction: Hawthorn 88 - Sydney 83

Enjoy the match peeps....time to get the game day festivities under way....hello Southern Cross Sports Club!!!

Week 5 high school picks

Turning point week for some high schools

High schools in Virginia are up to Week 5 of their season and conference/district action is about to heat up.

Last week.....as a Varsity Forecaster I went 21-5, taking me to 63-18 on the season. In my Blog Picks, I had an 8-2 week and sit sit at 31-9 for the season....

Ok, let's pick a few!!

Patrick County @ Martinsville

I mistakenly picked this one a week early last week but don't see it much differently...

Martinsville by 15

Magna Vista @ Tunstall

Warriors may be tested a little on the road.

Magna Vista by 14

Massaponax @ Franklin County

Massaponax by 13

Halifax County @ GW Danville

GW by 22

William Byrd @William Fleming

Fleming by 16

Gretna @ Chatham

Gretna by 8

Pulaski County @ Carroll County

Pulaski County by 18

Salem @ Cave Spring

Salem by 28

Floyd County @ Blacksburg

Blacksburg by 15

Hidden Valley @ Christiansburg

Hidden Valley by 7

Enjoy the games...back with NCAA and NFL picks soon....

NRL Semis on the way

NRL Grand Final tickets to be punched

Over the next two nights, the contenders for this season's NRL Grand Final will be decided. Tonight we have Souths against Sydney City and tomorrow night sees Penrith meet Cantebury.

Ok...let's take a look.

South Sydney vs Sydney City

Part of my pick with this one is purely based on what I feel were the injustices of last week in the Roosters-Cowboys match. And even though the last call was supposedly 50/50.....the last quarter of the game saw a few questionable outcomes!

Purely on form, I do not think Souths will be denied this year and the Roosters may be out of miracles!

South Sydney 30-18

Penrith vs Cantebury

Penrith has surprised all season and Cantebury had a big emotional win last weekend so the might be primed for a let down. 

This one could come down to Golden Point so I'm flipping a coin!!

Penrith 22-20

Back later with my AFL, VHSL, NCAA and NFL picks for the weekend.....enjoy...

Thrusday's picks...

Big Football Thursday happening

Thursday night sees a big night of football action on tap with a Pac 12 Top 25 game between UCLA and Arizona State in Tempe. Number 24 Oklahoma State hosts Texas Tech in a Big 12 tilt. 

On the NFL side of the coin the NY Giants travel down to the nation's capitol to face the Redskins in an NFC East game that could be a turning point for the winner. 

Ok....the picks...

UCLA (11) @ Arizona State (15)

The Sun Devils would love to claim a big scalp and the Bruins come in with fairly lofty expectations. This one could come down to the last minute and the last possession. If that is the case...hmm....go with the home team?

Arizona State by 4

Texas Tech @ Oklahoma State (24)

Oklahoma State by 7

NY Giants @ Washington

The Giants travel south to face the Redskins for the first of their two meetings this season. Though the Skins are still solid with Kirk Cousins at the helm but for some reason or another, I'm feeling a win from the G-Men.

NY Giants 30-24

Back in a day or two with VHSL, NCAA and NFL picks for the week....  

2014 Baseball season nearing an end

Playoffs on the horizon

With the 2014 Major League Baseball season winding down, it is time to take a look back at the season that was.

At the start of the season in my Season Preview I had the Rays, A's, Tigers, Blue Jays and the Royals advancing from the American League. As for the National League, I tipped the Nationals, Cardinals, Dodgers, Reds and Giants to keep playing.

With the regular season coming to a close in the next few days, lets take a look to see where they all stand down at the moment.

American League

East

Firstly, the Orioles have surprised me for sure. The Red Sox turned out to be even worse than I predicted while I was pretty much spot on with the Yankees. Sadly my picks....Tampa Bay and Toronto have both fallen by the wayside.

Central

I came up ok in my Central Division predictions with the Tigers in the playoffs and the Royals in the box seat for a wildcard spot.

West

Well in the West Division with the Rangers going back to being strangers and trailing the Astros by five games to keep out of the cellar. At least the A's are looking like being in the Wild Card game, overall I didn't fare too well in this division.

National League

East

The Nationals are just tuning up for the playoffs....nothing else to see here!

Central

The Pirates surprised me with their return to the post season while the Reds let me down a bit and are missing out. The Cards have also clinched and are hoping to stave off the Pirates for the division title.

West

Fairly easily predicted division with the Dodgers being the Dodgers, just waiting for the Giants to clinch the final post season wild card slot.

That will do it for now...back after the playoffs are set with my picks.....enjoy the last few days!!

NFL Week 3 picks

Finally On filed NFL Action!

Week 3 of the 2014 NFL season kicks off awash with controversy after the wave of off field incidents that have popped up recently. Too many and too crazy to go into so I'll just predict the games! 

In Week 2 I went 11-5 so I'm 23-9 to kick off the season...wouldn't mind a 13-3, 14-2 ish type week! but there could be some tricky ones!

Let's pick 'em!

San Diego @ Buffalo

My Chargers travel to Buffalo at a good time of the season weather wisebut the Bolts may be running back by committee for a while as who knows when/if Ryan Matthews will return unfortunately. That being said this one could come down to the last possession....Rivers to Gates perhaps?? 

Chargers 27-24

Dallas @ Saint Louis

Cowboys had a road win last week and may sneak out another in St. Louis but I fell a game of mistakes...

Rams 31-27

Washington @ Philadelphia

Huge early NFC East contest but I think the Eagles may pull it off this week.

Eagles 27-20

Houston @ NY Giants

An 0-3 start from the G-Men wouldn't bode well with NYC fans but it may be a reality!

Houston 30-21

Minnesota @ New Orleans

Saints 37-17

Tennessee @ Cincinnati 

Bengals 34-24

Baltimore @ Cleveland

Ravens 24-13

Green Bay @ Detroit

Packers go into Detroit to face a Lion team licking their wounds but hungry from a loss to Carolina last week. Lions "D" may come to life!

Lions 27-17

Indianapolis @ Jacksonville

Colts 38-17

Oakland @ New England

Pats 34-10

San Francisco @ Arizona

Can the Cardinals give the Niners their second loss in a row? Yes!

Cards 27-24

Denver @ Seattle

Dare Denver travel into the home of the Super Bowl Champions. Could be ugly again.

Sehawks 31-21

Kansas City @ Miami

Both teams need a win!

Chiefs 30-28

Pittsburgh @ Carolina

Big one in Charlotte!

Panthers 24-20

Chicago @ NY Jets

Rex and crew will pull it out somehow!

Jets 23-17

That is all for now...back next week with my range of picks from high school to the NFL.

Interesting NCAA Weekend ahead

Rivalry weekend with a twist

With several rivalries being renewed this weekend college football fans also having an off field scandal involving Jameis Winston once again, there are several stories, reports and opinions out there so no need to go over the top with my own right now. Just hope the young man adjusts to the light that is on him soon and realise that his situation is happening a lot earlier in the season this year as opposed to last season along with the effect it could have on a national championship contender such as FSU in the long run.

On the field, we have Florida-Bama, Indiana-Missouri and Clemson-Florida State renewing acquaintances so there should be lots of excitement!

Let's pick 'em!

Miami @ Nebraska (24)

My Canes travel to Lincoln Saturday night looking to get a big one on the road. Maybe if I pick against them, they may surprise me!!

Nebraska by 11

Virginia @ BYU (21)

The Cavs hit the road after surprising Louisville last week and testing UCLA to start the season. Hmm...maybe another strong performance.

UVa by 2

Clemson (22) @ Florida State (1)

Lucky for the 'Noles they are playing at home

FSU by 8

Oregon (2) @ Washington State

Oregon by 31

Florida @ Alabama (3)

There once was a song by Teddy Riley and Guy "You Can Call Me Crazy" which applies to my pick in this one!!

Florida by 4

Oklahoma (4) @ West Virginia

Oklahoma by 6

Texas A&M (6) @ SMU

A&M by 26

Mississipi State @ LSU (8)

LSU by 12

Eastern Michigan @ Michigan State (11)

Michigan State by 40

Troy @ Georgia (13)

Georgia by 38

South Carolina (14) @ Vanderbilt

South Carolina by 16

Indiana @ Missouri (18)

Mizzou by 18 

Bowling Green @ Wisconsin (19)

Wisconsin by 22

Georgia Tech @ Virginia Tech

Va Tech by 3

Tulane @ Duke

Duke by 23

Rutgers @ Navy

Navy by 10

North Carolina @ East Carolina

ECU by 2

Army @ Wake Forest

Wake Forest by 6

Miami (OH) @ Cincinnati

Cincy by 12

Middle Tennessee @ Memphis

Memphis by 10

New Mexico @ New Mexico St

New Mexico by 7

Cal @ Arizona

The winner here should crack the poles next week

Arizona by 5

San Jose State @ Minnesota

Minnesota by 17

UMass @ Penn State

Penn State by 30

Utah @ Michigan

Michigan by 3

Back with my NFL picks tomorrow...

High School pick 'em time!

Time to pick some VHSL games

It's Friday both in Australia and the USA at the moment....but, it is morning in the US so on a Friday night, I still have time to get my picks in before game time!!

Last week, I finished 18-9 as a Varsity Forecaster in the Roanoke Times . That effort puts me at 42-12 for the season. In my personal Blog Picks, I had a 7-3 week putting me at 23-7 for the year.

Ok, a quick ten for this week!!

Bassett @ Hidden Valley

Tough road trip for Bassett.

Hidden Valley by 10

Christiansburg @ Franklin County

Franklin County by 2

Martinsville @ Dan River

Dan River by 8

Tunstall @ Chatham

Backyard brawl down in Pittsylvania  County

Tunstall by 13

Cave Spring @ Alleghany

Alleghany by 3

Northside @ Salem

Will be another classic...

Salem by 5

E C Glass @ William Fleming

Fleming by 6

Galax @ Altavista

Altavista by 17

Radford @ Blacksburg

Another chapter in this storied rivalry

Blacksburg by 8

That will do it for now....back with NCAA picks in 24 hours or so....

Weekend Footy Frenzy about to kick off....

AFL/NRL Action cranking up soon

This weekends AFL action will send two teams into next week's Grand Final after semi-finals tonight and Saturday. 

On the NRL side of the coin, we'll have a couple of exciting elimination finals so things are good for footy fans. 

Now let's pick a few winners.

AFL

Last Week, I wore the proverbial collar AFL pick wise when both Fremantle and Geelong failed to fire so looking to reverse that this weekend!!

Sydney vs North Melbourne

I think Sydney will be too strong for any surprises this weekend.....that's what all the money was spent on....getting to this point...

Swans by 26

Hawthorn vs Port Adelaide

Although I don't mind the Power against anyone bar my beloved Eagles, it's something about a Swans-Hawks final this season that seems fitting.

Hawks by 8

NRL

NRL wise last week I broke even with the Bullogs win and Roosters loss upsetting the apple cart. So here we go pick wise...

Sydney City vs North Queensland

The Rooster may not defend the crown it seems but the going will be tough in Sydney.

Cowboys by 4

Manly vs Cantebury

For myself....fan wise...it's "who cares" but with the game in the finals, you have to watch. Therefore I have to predict!! LOL!!

Bulldogs by 2

Back in a few hours with more....

Thursday night picks...

Quick picks for NFL/NCAA Thursday

Just getting in a couple of picks for Thursday's games...

Auburn (5) @ Kansas State (20)

A prime Top 20 Thursday night game sees Auburn heading west to face Kansas State for only the fourth time, having won the previous three meetings. 

This year, coming of a bye, the Tigers should not get surprised by the Wildcats.

Auburn 34-23 

Tampa Bay @ Atlanta

Thursday night's NFL action will be in Atlanta and the Falcons should get back into the win column against the improved Buccaneers but will have to limit mistakes. 

Falcons 27-17

Back over the weekend with NCAA, NFL, Rugby League and AFL picks....busy time of year!!!

Football weekend finishes up with NFL games!

NFL Picks Week 2

A 12-4 finish for Week 1 in NFL Predictions is not a bad start at all, now just looking to follow up this week with the same or better!!

Here we go...let's pick 'em!!

Seattle @ San Diego

Why not pick my Chargers to stun Seattle!!

Chargers 24-21

Atlanta @ Cincinnatti

Tough home opener for Cincy.

Falcons 33-31

Miami @ Buffalo

Can the Bills start 2-0??

Bills 27-24

Jacksonville @ Washington

Redskins 30-14

Dallas @ Tennessee

Titans jump to 2-0 with a home win over Dallas.

Titans 31-21

Arizona @ NY Giants

Cardinals 28-17

New England @ Minnessota

Both teams reverse their form this week.

Patriots 37-24

New Orleans @ Cleveland

Saints 35-20

Detroit @ Carolina

Could be the game of the week, slight edge to the home team here.

Panthers 31-30

St Louis @ Tampa Bay

Bucs 34-24

Houston @ Oakland

Texans 30-17

NY Jets @ Green Bay

Packers 33-28

Kansas City @ Denver

Broncos 38-24

Chicago @ San Francisco

49ers 31-21

Philadelphia @ Indianapolis

Colts could be left scratching their heads at 0-2 start...

Eagles 27-24

Ok, off until game time...enjoy....

NCAA Saturday picks...

Picking NCAA Week 3

After finishing 23-2 in in my Week 2 I am looking for another solid week...and I came so close to going with Va Tech last week!! LOL!! 

So headin into Week 3 prediction wise I'm sittin on 45-5 for the season...let's pick the rest of Week three after Baylor and BYU wins have me off to a 2-0 start.

USC (9) @ Boston College

The Trojans roll into BeanTown after a big win over Stanford but will be focused on their encounter with the Eagles.

USC 38-10

East Carolina @ Va Tech (17)

Va Tech 31-14

Louisville (21) @ Virginia

Louisville 34-24

Wyoming @ Oregon (2)

Oregon 54-13

Southern Miss @ Alabama (3)

Alabama 38-7

Tennessee @ Oklahoma (4)

Oklahoma 31-21

Georgia (6) @ South Carolina (24)

The Southeastern Conference contender shuffle begins!!

South Carolina 30-28

Rice @ Texas A&M (7)

Texas A&M 50-12

LA - Monroe @ LSU (10)

LSU 43-22

Purdue @ Notre Dame (11)

Notre Dame 31-21

UCLA (12) @ Texas

Texas needs a big scalp but not jst yet...

UCLA 34-17

LA-Lafayette @ Ole Miss (14)

Ole Miss 38-10

Army @ Stanford (15)

Stanford 40-12

Arizona State (16) @ Colorado

Arizona State 28-18

Central Florida @ Missouri (20)

Post Bortles Central Florida will not be an easy win if a win at all.

Central Florida 27-21

Kent State @ Ohio State (22)

Ohio State 47-10

Georgia Southern @ Georgia Tech

Budding Rivalry?

Ga Tech 34-10

Kansas @ Duke

Final Four match up!! Oops...wrong season!!

Duke 30-18

West Virginia @ Maryland

Terps looking to keep Big 10 non-conference reputation up!

Maryland 23-21

Iowa State @ Iowa

Iowa 33-31

Penn State @ Rutgers

Rutgers 21-17

Kentucky @ Florida

Florida 35-21

Navy @ Texas State 

Navy 38-24

That will cover Week 3....back next week!!

Virginia High Schools Week 3...

Season taking shape in Virginia

Back in the USA on any given Friday night there is a big game on tap at the high school level so I'm looking back to the Timesland / Martinsville Bulletin area of Virginia and making my picks each week. 

Last week as a Varsity Forecaster , I went 24-3. In my Blog Picks , I had a 9-1 week and now sit at 16-4 overall for the season.

Ok, right into the Week 3 picks...

Magna Vista @ Franklin County

The Warriors continue to roll in Rocky Mount!

Magna Vista by 14

Martinsville @ Cave Spring

The Bulldogs face another hungry opponent on the road.

Cave Spring by 22

Patrick County @ Floyd County

Patrick County makes a bid for two in a row.

Floyd County by 8

Christiansburg @ Bassett

Bengals get a big early season win at home.

Bassett by 5

Dan River @ Tunstall

Backyard Brawl in Pittsylvania County!

Dan River by 3

GW Danville @ EC Glass

GW by 14

Halifax County @ Person County, NC

Halifax by 13

Glenvar @ Lord Botetourt

Lord Botetourt by 10

Pulaski County @ Patrick-Henry Roanoke

PH by 6

Salem @ William Byrd

Salem by 16

Enjoy the games...back for high schools next week.....

Footy Finals kicking off soon...

AFL Continues and NRL starts

Finals football hits in earnest this weekend as the NRL Finals Series kicks off and the AFL end of year tourney continues.

Ok, not long until kickoff/first bounce so straight into the picks...

AFL

In Week 1 , I missed out on perfection when Fremantle lost out to Sydney but looking to get all four this week!!

Geelong vs North Melbourne

The Cats suffered a predicted loss last week but will bounce back in a close one over the Kangaroos.

Geelong by 19

Fremantle vs Port Adelaide

Two of my favourites going in will now face off to survive.

Fremantle by 22

NRL

Well my Saint George Dragons missed out on the finals so I'm going to follow the Melbourne Storm through fan wise.

Manly vs South Sydney

The Bunnies will need to be focused throughout the match and if so, they are your winners in a tough one.

South Sydney by 9

Sydney City vs Penrith

The Roosters are all business at this time of year.

Sydney City by 7

North Queensland vs Brisbane

Townsville will host the latest edition of the derby Saturday night and the cowboys are hoping it will be the first weekend of a long finals campaign.

North Queensland by 13

Melbourne vs Cantebury

The Storm have been unnoticed and not favoured by many but at this time of the year, that could be a costly oversight.

Melbourne by 14