NCAA New Year's Eve 2016

Big games on tap for the holiday

We've had some excitement, we've had some duds but overall we have to be pleased with what we've seen from the bowl season so far.

Now we get to the juicy end of the schedule for the 2016-2017 season with a menu of interesting match ups on New Year's Eve culminating with the FBS national semi finals in Atlanta and Glendale.

Ok, for the big Saturday ahead...let's pick 'em!!

Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl

LSU (20) vs Louisville (13)

Both teams disappointed towards the end of the season though it was the Cardinals who dropped from lofty heights into the abyss after being considered a Football Four chance. It will be interesting to see who has the drive to finish off the season on a positive note. I'm picking the Cardinals to give a final glimpse of what could have been with a win over a SEC team.

Louisville 33-20

Taxslayer Bowl

Georgia Tech vs Kentucky

This one may not be the "prettiest" game of football you'll ever see but it could be a throwback type of affair that will suit the running style of Georgia Tech as they will be less prone to mistakes. for Kentucky to have a chance they need to get in front early.

Looks like another ACC over SEC win.

Ga Tech 27-17

Chick fil A Peach Bowl

National Semifinal 1

Washington (4) vs Alabama (1)

I must admit, I am among the number that didn't think Washington should be here. Then, I went back and had a look at their season and found them most deserving. So much so in fact that I've envisaged ways in which they could upset the defending national champions. I know 'Bama is strong from top to bottom but I equally feel there is something about the pressure to repeat that may bring them undone. If not in this one...in the championship.

Washington 24-22

Playstation Fiesta Bowl 

National Semi Final 2

Ohio State (3) vs Clemson (2)

Hopefully a disgruntled Woody Hayes will not make an appearance in this one! Though they had a few shaky moments Clemson is right where they were expected to be at the start of the season, ditto for Ohio State.

This one will be tense throughout but I'm looking for the Tigers to prevail in the end after an epic affair. Could come don to last possession!

Clemson 30-28

Enjoy....Happy New Year....more picks to come!

NCAA Weekend up

Big weekend ahead for NCAA Football

There are a lot of big ones NCAA wise leading into the national semi-finals on New Year's Eve. The stakes are pretty much self explanatory so I will skip the rhetoric and jump into the picks!

Autozone Liberty Bowl

Georgia vs TCU

Each team had their share of close finishes with TCU probably not quite living up to expectations this season while Georgia was about where expected under a new coach. Basically, Georgia is looking to keep the status quo for the SEC while TCU is looking to gain respect from the big boys.

Something is telling me TCU!

TCU 34-30

Hyundai Sun Bowl

Stanford (18) vs North Carolina

A big one for the Tarheels against the under achieving Cardinal. .

With no Christian McCaffrey for Stanford,, the Tarheels should be able to pull it out.

UNC 23-18

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl

Nebraska vs Tennessee (21)

Both squads come in off final game losses looking to close out the year on a positive note. Tennessee is reflecting on the season that could have been while Nebraska is looking to give the Big 10 a win over the SEC. 

Depending on which Tennessee team shows up, it could be a blow out or a close loss!

Tennessee 34-24

Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl

South Alabama vs Air Force

The Falcons bounced back brilliantly from a mid season three game losing streak to close out the season with five wins in a row. South Alabama had an up and down season and will find it tough against  Air Force.

The Falcons, top to bottom will be too tough.

Air Force 30-17

Capital One Orange Bowl

Michigan (6) vs Florida State (11)

At the start of the season, this one would have brought about talks of national semi final talk but Florida State stumbled along the way and Michigan was just short in the season finale against Ohio State.

Hmm....with the setting being Florida...can't go against the locals!
FSU 28-23

Back tomorrow with picks for the big New Year Eve/January 2 games....enjoy.

NFL Week 16 picks 2016

Crunch Time in NFL

With only four playoff spots decided, this weeks NFL games could clear or cloud the post season picture. Right now, we know New England, Seattle, Dallas and Oakland are in, that's it!

So coming of a 10-5 finish for Week 15  which puts me at 141-82 on the season, let's pick 'em!!

Miami @ Buffalo

Tricky game for the warm weather Dolphins ... could playoff hopes be in peril?

Bills 19-17

NY Jets @ New England

Patriots 27-17

Tennessee @ Jacksonville

The Titans on a playoff run? 

Titans 30-21

Minnesota @ Green Bay

With Detroit in a slump and facing the Cowboys, this one could give new life to one of these two! The Vikings come to life?

Vikings 28-26

San Diego @ Cleveland

Chargers 31-21

Washington @ Chicago

Washington 26-21

Atlanta @ Carolina

The Panthers need to win out!

Panthers 23-20

Indianapolis @ Oakland

Oakland 34-30

Tampa Bay @ New Orleans

Similar to the Panthers, the Saints need to win out! But...

Bucs 30-28

Arizona @ Seattle

A season of what could have been for Arizona

Seahawks 24-13

San Francisco @ Los Angeles

Rams 19-10

Cincinnati @ Houston

Bengals 28-23

Baltimore @ Pittsburgh

Will go down to the wire...a Christmas miracle from Ravens?

Baltimore 31-27

Denver @ Kansas City

The Broncs are hanging by a thread...the Chiefs are sharpening scissors!

Chiefs 20-14

Detroit @ Dallas

Will the Lions roar into the postseason?? Dallas may be due for another surprise...

Lions 31-30

NCAA Bowls

Hawaii Bowl

Hawaii vs Middle Tennessee State

Essentially a home game for Hawaii. But if Mid Tenn doesn't get caught up in the distractions, the win is theirs.

Mid Tenn St 38-30

Enjoy the games...Happy Holidays!

Early picks

NCAA/NFL picks for next couple of days

The football schedule starts to pick up heading into Christmas so I'm getting in some picks for this weeks early games.

NFL

NY Giants @ Philadelphia

The G-Men need to continue their winning ways down the stretch but this one could be a throwback to the early days of the rivalry. The theme is set and it could be another low scoring affair....

Giants 20-16

NCAA

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Idaho vs Colorado State

Idaho comes into this one looking to finish the season on a 5 game win streak...they should do it but Colorado State won't just let it happen.

Idaho 28-23

Popeye's Bahama Bowl

Eastern Michigan vs Old Dominion

The Monarchs have risen rapidly in their move up to the FBS and should pull out a bowl win for the Tidewater area!

ODU 34-23

Armed Forces Bowl

Louisiana Tech vs Navy (25)

Another Conference USA team in a bowl game. The Bulldogs will be hoping just a little bit of defense turns up for this one while the Midshipmen are looking to losses in the American Conference and to Army behind them to close out the season on a high note!

Navy 38-30

Dollar General Bowl

Ohio vs Troy

Almost a home game for Troy and the Trojans will be looking to impress while keeping the Bobcats at bay. 

This one could be entertaining!

Troy 32-30

Back with more soon...

NFL Week 15 2016

Division and Wild Cards wide open

With the exception of Dallas and Seattle, playoff spots are all up for grabs over the last three weeks of the NFL regular season. It could get interesting down the stretch. Will some team get hot and run the table? Stay tuned!

I finished 11-5 for Week 14 so my record for the season is 131-77 eading into the final weeks.

I missed picking Saturday's Jets-Dolphins game so only fifteen picks this week...here we go.

Green Bay @ Chicago

Packers are getting healthy and hungry!

Packers 34-20

Jacksonville @ Houston

Texans 27-21

Cleveland @ Buffalo

Bills 30-17

Philadelphia @ Baltimore

Could be a tricky local derby for the Ravens

Ravens 22-17

Tennessee @ Kansas City

Titans have surprised but not this week...

Chiefs 30-20

Detroit @ NY Giants

Crucial for both teams, though Detroit has a cushion, they don't want the Vikings or Packers to gain a game!

Giants 28-24

Indianapolis @ Minnesota

Vikings 35-24

Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati

The Bengals still have a pulse...may show it Sunday!

Bengals 23-20

New Orleans @ Arizona

Neither can afford to lose!

Cardinals 27-24

San Francisco @ Atlanta

Falcons 33-21

New England @ Denver

Broncs are desperate...playing for survival!

Broncos 23-21

Oakland @ San Diego

Ol' skool AFL type game in store with the Bolts being the spoilers for once!

Chargers 34-30

Tampa Bay @ Dallas

Cowboys 27-17

Carolina @ Washington

Panthers as spoilers.

Panthers 21-17

Until next week...enjoy the games!

Let's go bowling

The Bowl season kicks off in earnest

Saturday sees the opening of the 2016 NCAA bowl season with a few good match ups on the cards all culminating with the NCAA Championship in Tampa on January 9. 

Ok, let's pick some games...

Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl

UNC-Central vs Grambling

This one may be the best game of the day as Central's only losses were to cross Durham rivals Duke and undefeated Western Michigan. The G-Men went down by 10 to Arizona on the road for their only blemish.

Part of me feels like going with the close to home crew but my head says go with the traditional powers. It will be a good show with Grambling staying ahead and pulling off the win.

Grambling 33-28

Gildan New Mexico Bowl

New Mexico vs Texas-Sn Antonio

A home game for the Lobos. I wonder if the team feels cheated for not getting to travel for a Bowl Game? 

Settings aside, I think UTSA will have trouble with the New Mexico running game so their first bowl appearance may not be a pleasure.

New Mexico 40-24

Las Vegas Bowl Presented By Geico

Houston vs San Diego State

Houston had mch higher aspirations bowl wise for this season but will make the trip to Vegas to face a solid San Diego State crew.

The Aztecs will mean business but the Cougars should be prepared for battle and looking to close out the season solidly.

Houston 38-31

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl

Appalachian State vs Toledo

App State nearly took the nation by surprise again early in the season when they gave Tennessee a major scare. They went on to put together a solid season and face a solid MAC team in Toledo.

I'm going to give the Mountaineers the edge in this one.

Appalachian State 22-17

Autonation Cure Bowl

Cental Florida vs Arkansas State

Close to home for UCF which will be to their benefit. Arkansas State had another solid season in the Sun Belt conference but will fall short in what is essentially a road game.

Central Florida 30-22

R-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

Southern Miss vs Louisiana-Lafayette

Though a home state game for La-Lafayette, Southern Miss has a huge following in NOLA so it will be even crowd wise.

On the field, the Golden Eagles limped home with a few losses late in the season but have to be prepared with a couple of weeks off under their belt. 

It will be back and forth with Southern Miss pulling ahead late.

Southern Miss 34-30

Back with more picks over the next few days....

Thursday night NFL 15 December 2016

Rams visit the Seahawks

Though comfortable in their division lead, Seattle is looking for consistency ... hopefully starting Thursday night.

Los Angeles @ Seattle

Even though they have four losses in a row, the Rams visit a Seahawks outfit that remembers a 9-3 loss to them earlier in the season.

The 'Hawks are hoping to stay healthy over the last three games before their playoff run. The defense of Seattle is out to prove themselves after last weeks loss to Green Bay while the offense is hoping to get more consistency. Hopefully Russell Wilson getting healthy will help with the latter.

Either way, Seattle should have enough in them to get through this one and be ready for Arizona next week.

Seahawks 27-17

NFL Week 14 2016

Survival Games in Week 14

This week, there re a few divisional lead games, stay in the hunt games and key playoff position matches as the schedule hits Week 14.

For Week 13, I finished up at 9-5 and my season record for 2016 is 120-72. This week, there will be some coin flip and last team with the ball wins games so let's pick 'em!

Pittsburgh @ Buffalo

The Steelers are one of the few teams that won't be bothered by the weather in Buffalo.

Steelers 30-23

Denver @ Tennessee

The Titans have been under the radar a bit and could prove a test for the Broncs.

Broncos 21-17

Washington @ Philadelphia

The Eagles are looking to win out and see what happens playoff wise...first task spoil Washington's season.

Eagles 27-24

Arizona @ Miami 

Cardinals need a come to life win!

Cardinals 24-22

San Diego @ Carolina

Carolina 27-24

Cincinnati @ Cleveland

Bengals 34-17

Chicago @ Detroit

Lions 30-20

Houston @ Indianapolis

Who wants to win the AFC South?? Please step forward...someone..anyone!!

Houston 27-23

Minnesota @ Jacksonville

Vikings 31-21

NY Jets @ San Francisco

Jets 24-13

New Orleans @ Tampa Bay

The Bucs want the separation win!

Bucs 27-23

Atlanta @ Los Angeles

Falcons 28-20

Seattle @ Green Bay

Almost a must for Green Bay but a can't let 'em have it for Seattle.

Seahawks 28-27

Dallas @ NY Giants

Can the Giants be Kryptonite?

Giants 30-28

Baltimore @ New England

Will not be pretty!

Ravens 19-17

Until next week...enjoy the games...

Thursday night NFL

Kansas City awaiting the Raiders

This week, the Thursday night NFL offering sees the Oakland Raiders travel to Arrowhead Stadium looking to put more distance between themselves, the Chiefs and the Broncos as the season heads to crunch time.

Let's pick it...

Oakland @ Kansas City

The Raiders can no longer be considered a surprise as they are proving to be a legit threat in the AFC.

Kansas City is looking to consolidate and gain a game on Oakland after a tough road win over Atlanta.

The Chiefs had the right formula, taking a win when the two last met.

Look for a closer game this time but still giving the nod to the home standing Chiefs.

Chiefs 28-24

Back with more picks soon!

Week 13 for NFL

Division races clouded heading to final quarter of season

Every division in the NFL is still up for grabs s teams head into the final quarter of the season from next week. Even Dallas with their long winning streak is still within reach of other NFC East teams.

Several teams also have injuries to deal with and some key players are getting healthy so it should be an interesting finish.

I went 11-5 over Thanksgiving Weekend so my record for the season is at 111-67. So...for Week 13...let's pick 'em!

Kansas City @ Atlanta

KC would love a win to stay ahead of Denver and in touch of the Raiders but the Falcons in Atlanta will be tough.

Falcons 27-23

Detroit @ New Orleans

Saints are coming to life!

Saints 34-24

Los Angeles @ New England

Patriots 24-17

Denver @ Jacksonville

Broncos 31-20

Houston @ Green Bay

Two in a row for the Packers?

Packers 30-20

Philadelphia @ Cincinnati

Bengals play spoilers...

Bengals 27-24

Miami @ Baltimore

Ravens slow down the surprising Dolphins.

Ravens 23-20

San Francisco @ Chicago

Bears 20-14

Buffalo @ Oakland

Raiders 34-30

NY Giants @ Pittsburgh

Steelers coming to life!

Steelers 27-24

Washington @ Arizona

Arizona 21-13

Tampa Bay @ San Diego

My Chargers reach .500

Chargers 31-30

Carolina @ Seattle

Both just want to escape with key players healthy!

Seahawks 17-14

Indianapolis @ NY Jets

Jets 27-24

That willdo it for the NFL this week...enjoy the games!

Conference titles up

Conference titles and possible playoff spots on offer

Several conference titles and possible Football Four spots are up for grabs on Saturday along with a few teams in non divisional conferences looking to nab bowl spots.

Of particular interest will be the Big 10 title match between Penn State and Wisconsin. Will the winner slip into the Football Four? Did Washington's Pac12 title win do enough to move them up? Interesting few days ahead!

Ok, let's pick some games!

Temple vs Navy (19)

American Conference Championship

In what was predicted to be a stepping stone to glory for Houston, this game is now a feature spot for Navy.

Navy by 30-21

Louisiana Tech vs Western Kentucky

Conference USA Championship

Western Kentucky will be looking to reverse a high scoring three point regular season loss in this one.

Western Kentucky by 38-35

Oklahoma State (10) @ Oklahoma (9)

The de facto Big 12 championship game. Will be tough on the road fro the Cowboys!

Oklahoma by 28-23

Baylor @ West Virginia (16)

Good close out win for the Mountaineers

WVa by 31-27

San Diego State vs Wyoming

Mountain West Championship

Cowboys got them by one recently and are playing at home...could continue to surprise!

Wyoming by 34-28

Wisconsin (6) vs Penn State (7)

Big 10 Championship

Should the winner of this one leapfrog Michigan or Ohio State? Why not? Penn State should they win would have a valid argument in the case of surpassing Ohio State but Washington may slip past them.

Hmm....the Badgers will be tough though!

Wisconsin by 24-20

Congrats to Washington for winning the PAC 12 and Western Michigan on winning the Mid American conference and concluding the season with a perfect record.

Enjoy the games ... back with a few Bowl picks soon.

Thursday night NFL pick

Cowboys-Vikings in spotlight game

With the NCAA football season at Conference Championship stage, Thursday night belongs to the NFL as Dallas takes their win streak north to face Minnesota....here we go...the pick.

Dallas @ Minnesota

The Cowboys are looking to continue their roll but the Vikings are also searching...searching to close out a win. The Vikings need it to keep pace with the surprising Lions and stay ahead of Green Bay in the NFC North.

Dallas may actually need a loss to wake them up for the rest of the season actually. 

So...though I picked Dallas for a Thanksgiving win...back on the beat Cowboys wagon this week!!

Vikings 27-23

Back with more picks in a day or so...

Week 12 NFL picks

NFL continues after Thanksgiving feast

The rest of the NFL comes to life in post Thanksgiving games on Sunday and Monday. For Week 11, I finished at 9-5 so I'm 100-62 record wise at the moment. 

Not a lot of fanfare...let's pick 'em!

Tennessee @ Chicago

Titans 28-24

Jacksonville @ Buffalo

Bills 31-21

Cincinnati @ Baltimore

Kinda strange to see Bengals not near division lead this season.

Ravens 30-20

Arizona @ Atlanta

Which birds will get dirty?

Falcons 27-20

NY Giants @ Cleveland

Giants 31-14

Los Angeles @ New Orleans

Saints 24-17

San Francisco @ Miami

Dolphins 28-17

San Diego @ Houston

Surprise 'em Bolts

Chargers 28-27

Seattle @ Tampa Bay

Seahawks 23-14

Carolina @ Oakland

Panthers can't afford another loss...

Panthers 34-30

New England @ New York

Jets, Jets, Jets...

Jets 27-23

Kansas City @ Denver

Chiefs 27-21

Green Bay @ Philadelphia

What's up with the Cheeseheads?

Eagles 30-28

Back next week with more...

Final weekend for NCAA teams

Rivalries and playoff jostle highlight weekend

It's the final full weekend of NCAA football games with everything from bragging rights, bowl bids and possible playoff spots up for grabs. There a a few traditional rivalry games that have an extra edge this season so it is going to be interesting! I finished up at 22-3 for Week 12 putting my season record at 225-75 heading into this week. Ok....there are some big ones...let's pick 'em!

Kentucky @ Louisville (11)

The Wildcats will go bowling but a win here would be sweeter than any bowl bid...back up plan...win bowl game!

Louisville 34-20

Michigan (3) @ Ohio State (2)

Will the loser drop out of the Football Four? It will be a battle but my Spidey senses are telling me Michigan may survive and pull out the win.

Michigan 24-20

Auburn (13) @ Alabama(1)

Would love to see an Auburn upset...but in reality...

Alabama 30-21

Notre Dame @ USC (12)

Bowl game essentially for the Irish with the chance of spoiling USC's finish.

USC 35-21

Navy (25) @ SMU

Navy 30-17

West Virginia (18) @ Iowa State

WVa 41-18

Michigan State @ Penn State (7)

Things may fall into place and see Penn State got to Big 10 title game.

Penn State 28-20

Minnesota @ Wisconsin (6)

Quality win will do the Badgers good!

Wisconsin 26-21

Utah (22) @ Colorado (9)

The Buffs are on the way back!!

Colorado 30-20

South Carolina @ Clemson (4)

A win for the ACC vs SEC

Clemson 38-17

Tennessee (17) @ Vanderbilt

Can Vandy pull a surprise and go bowling...at home...why not!

Vandy 23-21

Rice @ Stanford (24)

Stanford 34-13

Florida (15) @ Florida State (14)

Hmm...Gators?

Florida 24-23

Virginia @ Va Tech

Good finishing win for Tech in the post Beamer era.

Va Tech 40-22

Duke @ Miami

Canes finish regular season on a positive note!

Miami 28-24

Boston College @ Wake Forest

Wake keeps BC from going bowling!

Wake 30-17

Florida International @ Old Dominion

ODU 34-24

Colorado State @ San Diego State 

SD State 41-21

Wyoming @ New Mexico

Both look to be going bowling!

Wyoming 32-24

That will do it for this week NCAA wise...enjoy the games!

Teams looking to advance back in Virginia

Crunch time for VHSL teams

Piedmont District teams are gone, Timesland teams are few as the 2016 VHSL playoffs head towards their respective championships

Not a lot is known by myself about some teams this week...but let's give it a shot and pick 'em!

Salem @ William Byrd

The Spartans pulled out an overtime win over Byrd earlier in the season and the result may be similar this time around with much more on the line.

In the end ...going with the playoff proven crew.

Salem 7

Staunton River @ Rustburg

Can anyone take Staunton River out of their comfort zone and make them pass the ball? these two have not met sin Staunton River left the Seminole district. It should be interesting ...gonna tip the home team.

Rustburg by 4

Blacksburg @ Heritage-Lynchburg

Blacksburg by 2

Fort Chiswell @ Galax

Galax by 8

Parry McCluer @ George Wythe

Wythe by 5

Sussex Central @ Altavista

Altavista by 3

That does it for known teams this week...enjoy the games.