Thursday night football

Thursday night quick picks

Ok, not a lot of time so quickly picking Thursday night's games.

Florida State (2) @ Louisville (25)

Seminoles have been surviving in spite of controversies so far but may be primed for an upset. Louisville will test them but in the end it might just be the defense that brings the 'Noles through!!

FSU by 31-27

New Orleans @ Carolina

On the NFL side of the coin...who wants to win the NFC South?? Not sure if it is parity or that all teams in this division have weaknesses at times but the Saints seem to be warming up for a run. The Panthers can be a tough ask at home though so will have to go with the home team.

Panthers 28-27

Back with more in 24!!

NFL Week 8

That NFL Time of the week!

Week 8 of NFL action kicks off in London this week but there will be a few interesting match ups sprinkled through the week ending action.

Let's picck some games....

Detroit vs Atlanta 

Long travel for both teams and the Lions may be vulnerable?

Falcons 31-27

Minnesota @ Tampa Bay

Bucs 28-23

Buffalo @ NY Jets

Bills 30-24

Chicago @ New England

Pats 35-24

Seattle @ Carolina

Seahawks suddenly in turmoil?? Another loss??

Carolina 31-27

Miami @ Jacksonville

Dolphins 27-21

Baltimore @ Cincinnati

Both teams need this one...coin flip goes to the home team.

Bengals 28-27

Houston @ Tennessee

Texans 35-30

St Louis @ Kansas City

Chiefs 28-20

Philadelphia @ Arizona

Cardinals 30-28

Indianapolis @ Pittsburgh

Steelers to slow down the Colts at home...

Steelers 27-17

Oakland @ Cleveland

Browns 23-14

Green Bay @ New Orleans

Saints need to pull a shocker...and may do it this week...

Saints 40-28

Washington @ Dallas

This one will make my choice to go to work on Tuesday morning easy!!!

Cowboys 30-14

Enjoy the games....until next week...

World Series Game 5

Royals need to bounce back and will....

KC 5-2

Back with NCAA picks

NCAA Week 9 predictions

After a few weeks away to contemplate life outside of the sports realm, I'm back to continue prognosticating for the remainder of the season.

OK no dilly-dally....let's pick 'em!

Mississippi State (1) @ Kentucky

Kentucky is not a bad team it seems but will they unseed the Bulldogs at home? A scare maybe but no upset here...

Miss St by 31-20

Mississippi (3) @ LSU (24)

Maybe this one will be the upset?

LSU by 24-20

Alabama (4) @ Tennessee

Alabama by 40-17

South Carolina @ Auburn (5)

Auburn by 30-10

Michigan @ Michigan State (8)

Michigan State by 27-14

Texas Tech @ TCU (10)

TCU by 42-31

Texas @ Kansas State (11)

Kansas State by 30-17

Ohio State (13) @ Penn State

Ok...upset!!

Penn State 24-22

Arizona State (14) @ Washington

Arizona State by 35-27

Arizona (15) @ Washington State 

Arizona by 30-20

Rutgers @ Nebraska (16)

Nebraska by 24-13

USC (20) @ Utah (19)

USC 31-27

Syracuse @ Clemson (21)

Clemson by 38-18

West Virginia (22) @ Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State by 37-34

Florida Atlantic @ Marshall (23)

Marshall by 40-12

UCLA (25) @ Colorado

UCLA 42-22

Maryland @ Wisconsin

Wisconsin by 30-10

Minnesota @ Illinois

Minnesota by 44-24

UNC @ UVa

UVa by 30-16

San Jose State @ Navy

Navy by 27-17

Ga Tech @ Pitt

Ga Tech by 30-21

Old Dominion @ Western Kentucky

Old Dominion by 32-31

Nevada @ Hawaii

Nevada by 37-30

Wyoming @ Colorado State

Colo State by 45-24

Memphis @ SMU

Memphis by 31-18

Enjoy the games......oh...one more!!

World Series Game 4:

Kansas City 6-4

Back to Life (VHSL)

Back and in tipping form

After a hiatus from tipping over the last week or so, I'm now back to pick up with high school seasons winding down and the post season looming, there should be some gems to choose from.

Magna Vista @ Halifax County

Magna Vista by 28

Tunstall @ Martinsville

Tunstall by 20

Bassett @ Patrick County

Bassett by 30

GW Danville @ Franklin County

GW by 32

Auburn @ Glenvar

Throwing in this one as it is the Student Athlete Magazine game of the week. Right now Glenvar looks a bit too tough for Auburn so going with the Highlanders for the home field win.

Glenvar by 20

Chatham @ Altavista

Altavista by 40

Dan River @ Appomattox County

Dan River by 10

Northside @ William Byrd

Northside by 17

Radford # Giles County

Giles by 19

Carroll County @ salem

Salem by 43

That will finish off this week's high school picks.

World Series Game 3

Kansas City 4-1

Thursday night delight...

Chargers go "Mile High" for big one

On Thursday night the San Diego Chargers visit Denver for a huge AFC West division game. The Chargers come in following a tough loss to Kansas City but seem to give the Broncos fits over the last few seasons

San Diego @ Denver

Though coming off a loss, the Chargers can be a dangerous proposition for Denver and if the Bolts control the ball for a big chunk of minutes, they will come away on top. My thoughts even if I weren't a Chargers fan!!

San Diego 28-24

World Series Prediction

The Fall Classic begins

At the beginning of the 2014 Major League Baseball season, I did have bot the Kansas City Royals and the San Francisco Giants to be wild card teams but not to advance far beyond that. Now we have them squaring off for the title.

The way I saw them in my MLB Season Preview:

Kansas City Royals (86-76)

The Royals may supplant Cleveland as a wildcard team this season backing up from their second half of the season run last year. Full of young talent with a year's worth of big league experience and more waiting in the wings, this team will be exciting to watch. Look for Mike Moustakas to have that breakthrough season finally after a couple of teasers in the past two years. Greg Holland was quietly the AL's best closer for the leagues best bullpen last year so expect close to the same if not better from this underrated staff.

2014 Record Prediction: 91-71

San Francisco Giants (76-86)

The Giants will bounce back from their sub par performance of last season but may fall short of the post season again. Though older, the majority of the 2012 World Series championship squad is intact but others have improved around them so they may not make it into October.

2014 Season Prediction: 91-71

I picked against the Giants throughout the playoffs and they have proved me wrong as with the Royals though I did pick KC to beat Baltimore. 

So looking at this series, I think it may come down to the depth of each teams pitching staff, and even though the Giants are more experienced, I would give a slight edge there to KC along with overall speed offensively. When speed is factored in, you will have to look at the defensive performance of Buster Posey and whether or not he and the Giant hurlers can keep the Royals at bay. Conversely, KC pitchers will have to limit the offensive output of Hunter Pence, Pablo Sandoval, Mike Morse and Posey to no breakout type games that could turn the tide of everything. 

The Royals will have to win their home games and look for a surprise on San Fran. They may do just that.....

World Series Prediction:

Kansas City Royals 4-2

Game 1 Pick:

KC 4-2

Enjoy the games! 

NLDS starts next

Giants-Cardinals meet again

Much like my prediction of the Detroit Tigers winning the American League and going on to win the World Series, my National League pick, the Washington Nationals did not make to the NLCS. So, now we have the San Francisco Giants and Saint Louis Cardinals engaging in battle for the National League crown.

NLCS

San Francisco Giants vs Saint Louis Cardinals

Two years ago, the Giants foiled the Cardinal bid to return to the World Series so Saint Louis will surely go into this series with that in the back of their heads. Either of these teams are capable of a series changing hot streak so it could be an emotional, edge of your seat type affair.

Though the Giants payroll is around $50 million higher than that of the Cardinals, these teams are very similar in makeup. So for prediction....the coin flip says....Cardinals...ok...2 out of three....Cardinals...ok....best of five....Cardinals.....oh well...all Missouri World Series on the cards!!

NLCS Winner: Cardinals over the Giants in six games

Week 7 NCAA picks

After bad week...let's tip!

In Week 6, my return to predicting NCAA games was not so triumphant as my 13-12 record will attest!!

So this week it's right back on the horse to pick some more....can't have two horrible weeks in a row...can I??

Florida State (1) @ Syracuse

FSU by 38-17

Auburn (2) @ Mississippi State (3)

Auburn hits the road for a big test in Starkville...will they pass?

Miss St by 27-24

Ole Miss (3) @ Texas A&M (14)

After a big week last week....Rebels may not be up to it on the road.

Texas A&M by 26-22

TCU (9) @ Baylor (5)

SWC! SWC!! Big showdown...og ...Big 12 now...still Big showdown!!

Baylor by 35-30

North Carolina @ Notre Dame (6)

ND by 38-34

Alabama (7) @ Arkansas

Alabama by 30-21

Michigan State (8) @ Purdue

Mich St by 30-17

USC @ Arizona (10)

Trojans need a big road win.

USC by 27-20

Texas vs Oklahoma (11)

Horns get hooked in Dallas

Oklahoma by 40-24

Oregon (12) @ UCLA (18)

Ducks fly in formation to LA for showdown.

Oregon by 35-31

Georgia (13) @ Missouri (23)

Dawgs have off-field issues...may loose focus this week.

Mizzou by 27-19

Oklahoma State (16) @ Kansas

Oklahoma State by 42-13

Duke @ Ga Tech (22)

Ga Tech by 30-14

Northwestern @ Minnesota

Minnesota by 28-18

Illinois @ Wisconsin

Wisconsin by 41-21

Cincinnati @ Miami (FL)

Miami 30-14

Boston College @ NC State

NC State by 34-24

VMI @ Navy

Navy 38-10

Washington @ Cal

Cal by 27-24

LSU @ Florida

Florida 24-23

Air Force @ Utah State

Air Force 23-21

Back with more in 24....

First pitch on the way soon

ALCS will be entertaining

Well my overall Preseason Prediction of a Tigers-Nationals World Series is .....gone!! My ALDS Prediction of an Angels-Tigers ALCS is ...gone...so now....I will soldier on and most likely curse either Baltimore or Kansas City!!

American League Championship Series

Kansas City Royals vs Baltimore Orioles

These two teams, though similar in lots of ways, are poles apart in the way which they get their offensive production. This one will be a cage match of sorts Small Ball (KC) versus Long Ball (Baltimore) for the right to represent the American League in this seasons World Series.

Kansas City is purely built for speed and with rookie Terrance Gore leading the way, the Royals have stolen twelve bases so far in in their four postseason games. Baltimore on the other hand depends on the good old long ball, leading the majors in home runs. As for the rest of the comparison points, both teams feature solid starting pitching, defense and bullpens. 

So I'm looking for the team that can keep the other from scoring in their usual way. In looking at that and the fact that KC can actually hit home runs, just that they play in a cavernous ballpark, so in Baltimore they could surprise. Baltimore actually can steal bases and has some speed but their preferred method offensively does not use it much.

In that vane, I'm going to go with royalty for the series win. So that probably means put your money on the Orioles!!

ALCS Prediction: Kansas City in 7

First Game: KC 5-3

Season winding down

Week 7 High school wise

The high schools in Virginia continue to jostle for playoff spots, bragging rights or just plain pride and love for the game as we head into Week 7. 

Last week, blog wise, an 8-2 finish for Week 6 has me at 48-12 on the year. as a Fearless Forecaster, a 17-6 wee puts my season ledger at 101-44. 

Ok...some good games on tonight...let's pick 'em....

Halifax County @ Bassett

The Bengals simply have not held many teams at bay this season, so the Comets may get the road win.

Halifax by 13

Patrick County @ GW Danville

pick a number between 40-100...as the winning margin!! 

GW by 52

Martinsville @ Magna Vista

Tough week for the Dogs in Ridgeway.

MV by 30

Nelson County @ Chatham

Chatham by 9

Dan River @ Altavista

Altavista by 16

Franklin County @ Pulaski County

Franklin County by 3

Christiansburg @ Salem

A big one in Salem but the Spartans seem to be all business thus far. So the Demons may be in it for a while but look for Salem to pull away.

Salem by 18

Hidden Valley @ Blacksburg

Hidden Valley by 10

Amherst County @ Jefferson Forest

Jefferson Forest by 8

Radford @ Floyd County

Radford by 4

That's this week's 10 pack....enjoy...

Launching soon

2014-2015 NBL Season Starts

The 2014-2015 Australian Nation Basketball League will kick off over the weekend. All teams enter full of hope with visions of a championship trophy at the end. I doubt that I will be able to do a week by week type of thing this season but will take a quick look at the teams before the action tips off.

The Teams

Over the years....the NBL has grown from having a smattering of NBA calibre talent to the current era of nearly every team having recent draftees looking to improve their game Down Under.

Here we go...let's have a look.

Adelaide 36ers

After making a serious run at the crown last season, coach Joey Wright's team goes in looking for another solid year.

The Sixers will again be led by captain Adam Gibson and solid point guard Jamar Wilson. Daequon Montreal, by all accounts a scorer of high repute comes in to add punch to the attack.

The team should not be too far off last seasons pace though it may take a few weeks to hit their straps. 

Season Verdict: The Sixers should be in the hunt again but may finish in the 3-4 slot instead of top two.

Cairns Taipans

The Snakes just missed out on the post season last year and hope to move up a notch this season. 

To bolster their fortunes and hopefully get into the postseason, Cairns has brought in the ultimate floor general Scottie Wilbekin to run the pint guard spot. Alex Loughton and Cameron Tragardh shold be solid in the paint again for the North Queenslander's.

With everyone else in the league seemingly better, unfortunately for Cairns, they may win more games but may end up right back in 5th place again.

Season Verdict: Will just miss or just scrape in to the postseason, but if in the postseason, dangerous.

Melbourne United

After last season's third place finish, the newly branded team will take the court looking to be in the chase for the title. Chris Antsey has a variety of weapons at his disposal for the upcoming campaign including point guard Nate Tomlinson who led the league in assists last season.

Additionally, Antsey has the seasoned David Barlow, Daryl Corletto and Daniel Kickert at his disposal. And to round thins out...import Jordan McRae and 6'6" first man off the bench point guard Stephen Dennis will give the team versatility that will not be matched by many.

Season Verdict: Title Contenders 

New Zealand Breakers

After a sub par season by Breaker standards, look for the crew from across the ditch to come back to the play off picture with a vengeance. 

Former league MVP Cedric Jackson returns after a season abroad but finds lots of new faces among his team-mates. But there will be familiar faces waiting to greet him and benefit from his ball distribution including Mika Vukona, Tom Abercrombie and Mark Pledger. Throw in rugged but versatile big man and second import Ekene Ibekwe and the Breakers should be at the top 2-3 end of the table again.

Season Verdict: Might just win it all but have to stay relatively injury free

Perth Wildcats

Some teams have to rebuild.....Perth just seems to re-tool or reload.

This season...basically take out James Ennis, insert the fresh from NCAA Champion UConn DeAndre Daniels and it will be business as usual. The new import will pair with last season's Finals MVP Jermaine Beal to form a formidable nucleus for the Wildcats. Factor in usual suspects Shawn Redhage, Matthew Knight and Damian Martin...well you get the picture!!

Season Verdict: It won't be easy but start thinking back to back.

Sydney Kings

The men in purple have revamped their coaching staff and their squad for 2014-2015.

Throw in well travelled NBA and European veteran Josh Childress to team up with young guns Jason Cadee, Cody Ellis and Daniel Joyce among others. Second import Kendrick Perry will direct the show from the point with sharp shooter Ben Madgen benefiting from the openings that he will no doubt create.

Season Verdict: On the fringe of the playoffs again

Townsville Crocodiles

After a sub par 2013-2014 season by Croc standards, the Townsville crew come in looking to surprise this season. If nothing else, with the addition of import Mikell Gladness in the middle....opposing shots my go flying out at a higher rate. Fellow import Brian Conklin should be better in his second NBL campaign but a lack of depth could hurt this team in the long run

Season Verdict: Will surprise at times...will look bad at times....will miss the playoffs again

Wollongong Hawks

The Hawks will feature Jaji Carson, possibly the most exciting import for this season coming off a crowd pleasing Slam Dunk contest win in the pre-season NBL Blitz.  

There are numerous new faces in this years squad and a lot will depend on the development of the back court. 

Season Verdict: Will battle for fourth playoff spot

Tune in for the games this season on One or get out and catch some games if you live locally.

Championship Prediction: Perth over New Zealand for the title!!  

That time of the week

Thursday night picks

Two big games, one NCAA and one NFL highlight the start of a weekend full of sports action.

NCAA wise, Stanford hosts Washington State looking to reverse their fortunes after a tough road loss at Notre Dame. Washing State comes in after a high scoring 60-59 loss to Cal so it will be high scoring/explosive versus power/ball control.

In the NFL, the Indianapolis Colts travel to Houston to take on the Texans in this week's Thursday night tilt. I wonder if we'll have a decent game this week?

Let's pick 'em!

Washington State @ Stanford (25) 

The Cardinal return to the farm and should get the Pac-12 North win

Stanford 34-20

Indianapolis @ Houston

The Colts survived against Baltimore last week and now travel to Texas for a showdown against the revamped Texans. 

I'll tip the Texans to get back on track...

Texans 28-24

Back with more in 24.

Week 5 NFL picks

Battle of Texas highlights week

This week sees the vastly improved Houston Texans travel to JerryWorld to take on Jerry's Kids...the vastly improved Cowboys. Other teams...notably New Orleans, will be looking to reverse their fortunes and turn things around.

For Week 4 , a 10-3 finish has me at 45-16 on the season thus far.

Let's pick 'em!!

NY Jets @ San Diego

We just keep 'Boltin' On!!

Chargers 27-16

Atlanta @ NY Giants

Giants have been somewhat under the radar.....shhhh....but Falcons need a turnaround.

Falcons 31-27

Chicago @ Carolina

Panthers bounce back...X Factor once again....the erratic Jay Cutler!!

Panthers 30-20

Cleveland @ Tennessee

Browns 28-20

St. Louis @ Philadelphia

Eagles 30-17

Tampa Bay @ New Orleans

Saints need a march!!

Saints 35-24

Houston @ Dallas

Hmmm...Cowboys have looked good...Jerry has been quiet.....this week....Jerry has given coaching tips...here we go!! Cue circus music!!

Texans 28-27

Buffalo @ Detroit

Lions 31-21

Baltimore @ Indianapolis

Ravens are doing it under the radar too...

Ravens 28-24

Pittsburgh @ Jacksonville

Steelers 30-13

Arizona @ Denver

Come on Cardinals....help a Charger out!!

Cardinals 27-24

Kansas City @ San Francisco

49ers 30-28

Cincinnati @ New England

Perfect setting for the Pats to erase last Monday night!!

Patriots 23-20

Seattle @ Washington

Seahawks 38-21

That's all NFL wise....but...there is a little more....

ALDS

Baltimore @ Detroit

Do or die for my World Series picks!!

Tigers 3-2

LA Angels @ Kansas City

KC for the sweep at home?

Royals 7-4

Enjoy the sports day folks!!

Grand Final Sunday

NRL Decider tonight

The 2014 NRLGrand Final will kick off just before 19:30 tonight at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

There is a lot of hype surrounding the event as the South Sydney Rabbitohs make their return to the big game for the first time in quite a while (43 years) against the Cantebury Bulldogs. Both teams are minus integral parts so it should be a good match.

NRL Grand Final

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Cantebury Bulldogs

The Bunnies come in hoping to add to their impressive title legacy while the Bulldogs hope to be the ultimate spoilers. With Isaac Luke and Michael Ennis missing from their respective sides, reserves will play a role. Factor in this will be the farewell match for Sam Burgess and Ben Te'o for the Bunnies as extra incentive.

Though it will be brutal up front for the first half, eventually look for Souths to take over. Even though the Bulldogs have more experience at championship level, the Rabbits feature wiley vet Lote Tuquiri and the man who will most likely provide a few highlights....Greg Ingliss.

In the end...look for Souths to pull away and claim the crown.

Grand Final Prediction:

Souths 26-16

Enjoy the game!!

Back after personal bye week

Week 6 NCAA/Saturday NLDS picks

After missing out on my Week 5 predictions NCAA wise with the exception of two Thursday night games, I'm back this week and there are several big time games on the schedule.

Throw in two baseball games from the NLDS and we have a full sports Saturday.

Predictions start now!!

Arizona State @ USC (16)

ASU has been fading and the Trojans are looking to build some momentum.

USC 30-21

Wake Forest @ Florida State (1)

Florida State 41-10

Alabama (3) @ Ole Miss (11)

Could be a tricky road trip for the Tide.

Alabama 24-20

Oklahoma (4) @ TCU (25)

Hmmm...tempting to call one here...but na....

Oklahoma 30-28

LSU (15) @ Auburn (5)

Ok...will go with an upset here!!

LSU 24-16

Texas A&M (6) @ Mississippi State (12)

A&M 26-22

Baylor (7) @ Texas

Baylor 40-28

Utah @ UCLA (8)

UCLA 34-24

Stanford (14) @ Notre Dame (9)

Big one in South Bend! May be time to eliminate the Irish from the playoff picture.

Stanford 30-17

Nebraska (19) @ Michigan State (10)

Michigan State 28-24

Vanderbilt @ Georgia (13)

Georgia 41-17

Wisconsin (17) @ Northwestern

Wisconsin 38-28

Ohio State (20) @ Maryland 

Upset!! ACC, ACC......oops....old habits!!

Maryland 23-17

Iowa State @ Oklahoma State (21)

Oklahoma State 40-21

SMU @ East Carolina (22)

East Carolina 50-12

Texas Tech @ Kansas State (23)

Kansas State 42-34

Va Tech @ North Carolina

Va Tech 34-27

Pitt @ Virginia

UVa 27-22

Marshall @ Old Dominion

Marshall 52-30

NC State @ Clemson

NC State 27-19

Navy @ Air Force

Air Force 26-22

Kansas @ West Virginia

West Virginia 38-13

South Carolina @ Kentucky

Can Kentucky improve to 4-1 against the once promising Gamecocks?

Kentucky 27-17

NLDS

San Francisco @ Washington

The Nationals dropped game one of the series and will need to erase that memory straight away.

Nationals 4-1

St Louis @ LA Dodgers

Surprise but no surprise to see the Cardinals ahead, just the type of season where the Redbirds could advance but not in a sweep!

Dodgers 6-3

Enjoy all of the sports....back in 24!!