Sal's Sports Picks

National Championship

2010-01-07T05:39:00.000-08:00

The BCS National Championship game is tonight with Alabama playing Texas. I like Alabama -4. They seem to be a team of destiny this year. They have the best player also. I think Texas is pretty good but won't be able to match up with 'bama. The Tide win going away.

Fiesta Bowl

2010-01-04T05:36:00.000-08:00

In tonights Fiesta Bowl, a matchup of two unbeaten teams looking to show they belong. I like Boise state +7.5 vs TCU. I think TCU will win, but not by that much. Should be a fun game tonight.

Take Bucky

2009-12-29T04:11:00.000-08:00

Tonight in college football, an interesting matchup of Miami vs Wisconsin. I like Wisconsin +3.5. The Badgers had a good year and are really looking to finish strong. Miamis speed may cause some problems, but I think Bucky will be able to control the game by running consistently. Should be a good one.

Vikings/Cardinals

2009-12-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

Tonight on Sunday night footaball we have Minnesota visiting Arizona. I like Minnesota -5. Warner is a question mark and AP should run wild against Arizona. Jared Allen is too much for the Cardinal line to handle. Minnesota in a route.

Spot in the Championship Game

2009-12-05T06:51:00.000-08:00

Today a HUGE game in College Football as Florida and Alabama meet for the right to go to the National Championship game. Should be a good game but I like Alabama +5. Florida is without there best defensive player and Alabama is ready for revenge from last year. I think 'Bama wins out right, but will definely cover.

Midseason MVP

2009-11-16T05:35:00.000-08:00

An interesting question to the NFLs first 10 weeks: Who is league MVP? You have several worthy candidates: Drew Brees, Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, just to name a few. For me, you have to give it to Manning. Is it possible this guy keeps getting better every year? It may just be we are watching the best Quarterback who has ever played the game. Last night was just another indication of his greatness. I have never personally been a big fan of his, but there is no denying how hard he works or hom much timw he studys. The guy is a football rat and the best player in the NFL. And so far the MVP.

Favre vs Packers

2009-10-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

As I'm sure everyone has heard, this Sunday marks the return of Brett Favre to Green Bay. There has been a lot of talk as to how Packer fans should treat the Vikings QB. Should they cheer, boo, or simply stay quiet? I won't be in Green Bay this Sunday, but if I were, I would initially cheer him when he came out of the tunnel. You can't forget everything he has done for this franchise for all those years. But, after that, as a Packer fan, I would boo him everytime he dropped back, and cheer for him to get knocked around. I want to see him get punished every time he drops back. They must get to him and hit him if the Packers are to win. If Favre is able to sit back with plenty of time to throw, he will pick you apart. We all saw this last month in Minnesota. I'm hoping Favres return to Green Bay is an unpleasant one.

I Love Fall

2009-10-27T05:45:00.000-07:00

As a person who loves to gamble on sports, this has to be the best time of year. You have the NFL and college football every weekend. And now, the NBA season is tipping off. You have games to bet on everynight. Plus the college hoops season is right around the corner. A gamblers paradise!

Football talk

2009-08-06T05:46:00.000-07:00

Time to talk some football! Training camps are fully underway and the 1st preseason game is this weekend. Yes, football is finally back and there are a lot of questions heading into the preseason. Starting in Buffalo, where TO is set to make his debut. Will he help Buffalo make the playoffs or will he be all about himself and be divided against the rest of the team? How about Minnesota? Will they be able to put the Favre fiasco behind them and make a run at the Super Bowl, or will there weakness at QB hold them back? Can Pittsburgh repeat or will The Rothelsberger controversy bring them down? Will Bradys knee hold up in New England? These are just a few questions heading into the preseason. We will get some answers starting Sunday! Football is back!

Sick of Favre

2009-07-19T10:43:00.000-07:00

As training camp nears, the same sad old story continues: Will Brett Favre return? All indications are if his arm is healthy, he will suit up for the Vikings. The question is, witch Favre will show up? The Hall of Famer who can do no wrong? The washed up player who played horrible down the stretch last year for the Jets? As a Green Bay Packer fan I hope its the washed up player. Favre is an ego maniac and is making a fool out of himself. I hope he comes back and plays lousy.

Auburn College Football Preview

2009-07-18T10:25:00.001-07:00

AUBURN
STRENGTHS: Antonio Coleman is an All-SEC performer at defensive end, Josh Bynes and Craig
Stevens possess all-conference talent at linebacker and the secondary with three starters back
should be considered a strength. The running back combo of senior Ben Tate, last season's
leading rusher, and all-purpose Mario Fannin, who can score anytime he touches the ball, give
Auburn a fairly potent ground attack. They will line up behind an offensive line that welcomes
back four starters led by Ryan Pugh, maybe the best center in the SEC.
CONCERNS: Offense has been a huge issue for a very long time. An ungodly amount of new
coordinators have never been able to help the quarterbacks turn the corner and this position is
still unsettled heading into August where last year's starter Kodi Burns (7 interceptions to just 2
touchdowns) does battle with Neil Caudle, a former in-state recruit that has almost totally been
forgotten. The receivers continue to lack a presence on the outside, mostly due in part to the
lacking passing numbers of the past. While the defense appears to be the rock for this team, the
defensive line has issues at tackle since Sen'Derrick Marks decided to split for the NFL and depth
is thin across the board.
PROGNOSIS: Fans get excited thinking about new head coach Gene Chizik and the defenses he
once put together as the defensive coordinator under the glory seasons of Tommy Tuberville. But
the offense has always been a different story. Since the Tigers made an attempt to move to a
spread offense they have struggled which ultimately cost Tuberville his job. So Chizik immediately
hired heralded guru Gus Malzahn whose Tulsa offense led the nation in total offense the past two
seasons. Getting the personnel to run this no-huddle attack may prove difficult however
especially at quarterback. The talent level is not close to what Chizik had when he left the
program.
PROJECTED RECORD: 7-5

Arkansas College Football Preview

2009-07-18T10:24:00.001-07:00

ARKANSAS
STRENGTHS: The Razorbacks finally have some offensive explosion at receiver where all three
starters return. The tight end position can also be tossed around in this discussion as All-SEC
honoree D.J. Williams hauled in 61 receptions last fall. Few teams can match the depth Arkansas
has at running back. Returning starter Michael Smith has stardom penciled in for his final season
if he can stay healthy. Four other players from this deep well will also see playing time. The
defense has 11 starters back so experience will at least be a positive factor. The secondary is
extremely young but has seen a good bit of time on the field. With some quality JUCO transfers
looking to solidify this backfield they should be more than respectable guarding the pass.
CONCERNS: While the defense has so many players returning from a year ago, they ranked the
worst in the SEC last year in total defense allowing over 31 points per game. Giving up the big
play continued to haunt this side of the ball through the spring. Special teams have been so poor
that former Michigan State head coach John L. Smith was specifically hired to resurrect this area.
A quarterback that can throw has been a lost skill in Fayetteville for decades. Michigan transfer
Ryan Mallett hopes to change this aspect. He tosses a remarkable deep ball but is still learning to
operate the short game. He won't be helped if the offensive line has a repeat performance of
finishing 118th nationally in sacks allowed.
PROGNOSIS: Bobby Petrino will operate with an experienced team this time around in his
second season. The Hogs were expected to have a major drop off last fall. Confidence is building
after finishing 5-7 while upsetting LSU in the last game. With a huge stable of running backs and
a wealth of quality receivers, this team could surprise quite a few people as players begin to
adapt in this new offensive approach of scoring points. The defense however, won't allow the
team to improve if their efforts do not. Too much experience is on this side of the ball to be worse
than the numbers showed a year ago. This team should be bowling in a weaker West Division.
PROJECTED RECORD: 7-5

Alabama College Football Preview

2009-07-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

WEST DIVISION
ALABAMA
STRENGTHS: The Tide had the third-rated scoring defense in the nation a year ago and it's only
going to get better. This is still Nick Saban's defensive scheme and the quadruple linebacker set
led by All-American Rolando McClain has every single starter returning. Even better is the fact
that huge 365-pound nose tackle Terrence Cody decided to return for another season to take on
double teams. All-American cornerback Javier Arenas heads a rich secondary capable of
matching the production of this magnificent front seven. Arenas is also nationally honored at
handling both punts and kicks. Receiver Julio Jones is the best athlete on either side of the ball.
CONCERNS: This offensive line struggled at times without big tackle Andre Smith. He is gone
now as are two other full-time starters on this front. Greg McElroy replaced John Parker Wilson,
who set virtually every school passing record at quarterback. McElroy is eerily similar to his
predecessor in terms of managing the game but if he gets injured, Alabama could be in big
trouble as proven backups are slim to none. Running back Glenn Coffee bolted for the NFL
making the job of opening holes with a new offensive front much more emphasized.
PROGNOSIS: Outside of Florida and Oklahoma, there may not be a better set of defensive
personnel across the national landscape. Both the punter and kicker return, as does Javier
Arenas as a return man. Alabama is going to win with defense and solid special teams…nothing
new for head coach Nick Saban. All Greg McElroy has to do behind center is avoid crucial
mistakes. The recruiting classes have been phenomenal and in the process have made this team
deep at most every single position. The front seven on defense is strong enough to make Bama
the favorite in every game on the regular season schedule, which does get Tennessee and LSU
coming to Tuscaloosa. The only meeting with the Gators will likely be in Atlanta for the SEC
Championship Game.
PROJECTED RECORD: 11-1

Vanderbilt College Football Preview

2009-07-18T10:21:00.001-07:00

VANDERBILT
STRENGTHS: The Commodores do not lose one single starter on either side of the line of
scrimmage. If games are won up front, Vanderbilt will be a team tough to contend with. A defense
that allowed less than 20 points per game returns nine different starters. The entire front seven
remains in tact led by All-SEC senior linebacker Patrick Benoist. This could also be one of the
league's better pass rushing units with senior bookends Broderick Stewart and Steven Stone
applying pressure.
CONCERNS: Settling on a quarterback and elevating the passing game is by far the team's
biggest need. Larry Smith, who started the bowl game and fifth-year senior backup Mackenzi
Adams will share the snaps. A major shortage of playmakers on the offensive side won't help the
issue. The receivers too share the blame for making this the worst passing effort in the SEC.
Losing cornerback D.J. Moore early to the NFL has to be a concern although the secondary as a
whole looks to be fairly strong.
PROGNOSIS: It all comes down to what kind of quarterback play Vanderbilt gets because this
team has the most starting experience returning in the SEC, especially up front. With 17 starters
back from the program's most successful squad in 26 years, coaches are confident this team can
make consecutive bowl appearances. The defense is more than equipped to contain most of the
SEC opponents on the schedule. This offense is just short on playmakers, so expect the clock
eating ground game behind a veteran offensive line to keep scores low. The Commodores must
also find enough depth to withstand a 12 game schedule with no off-weeks. Head coach Bobby
Johnson got this team bowling in 2008. This year's version is even better on paper.
PROJECTED RECORD: 7-5

Tennessee College Football Preview

2009-07-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

TENNESSEE
STRENGTHS: Safety Eric Berry (SEC Defensive Player of the Year) may pound-for-pound be the
best player in the entire conference, including the likes of Tim Tebow. The rest of the secondary is
talented too where several others with experience have a chance to start. The Vols boast two
returning senior starters at defensive tackle. Dan Williams is a load for anyone to block. Rico
McCoy is also one of the better linebackers in the SEC. Monte Kiffin will be making a return to
college football after 26 years in the NFL as he calls the new UT defense. The running backs are
extremely deep and rich in southern talent.
CONCERNS: No doubt…watching these quarterbacks direct this offense has been like watching
paint dry. Just when incumbent B.J. Coleman was set to take on many of the snaps after a
descent spring game he transferred out. Thus, the same two co-starters from last fall (Jonathan
Crompton and Nick Stephens) are back to handle this offense again. The offensive line performed
horribly a year ago. The youthful depth here is the biggest concern, combined with the group’s
nominal efforts of a year ago. Outside of McCoy, the linebackers are all inexperienced and short
on depth.
PROGNOSIS: Barring some unexpected brilliance at the quarterback position, coach Lane
Kiffin's first year at Tennessee will likely be one of modest improvements, with seven wins a
realistic goal. Defense will again be the staple but won't have quite the stingy nature of a year ago
given some of the departures on this side of the ball. The offense will attempt to rely mostly on
the ground game with a bevy of talented ball carriers; just none of them are All-SEC caliber yet. If
the recruiting classes can continue to be as good as last February, 2010 and/or 2011 will be
better days in Knoxville. Just making any bowl in 2009 is a legit goal.
PROJECTED RECORD: 6-6

Wyoming College Football Review

2009-06-26T13:22:00.001-07:00

WYOMING
STRENGTHS: On defense, the entire front line remains in tact led by DT John Fletcher. The
conference's second rated pass defense also returns three players to the secondary. This
defense will likely finish statistically in the top half of the conference. There is plenty of experience
at the receiver position, which will bode well for the new spread offense head coach Dave
Christensen brings with him from Missouri where five receiver sets are not out of the question at
times.
CONCERNS: Finding a QB that can grasp this spread offense might be tricky the first couple of
seasons. Last year three of them combined for 17 interceptions to only 7 touchdowns. Senior
Carsten Sween gets the early nod but has been plagued by the same turnover bug. The running
backs lost 2,000 yards of offense with Devin Moore and Wynel Seldon departing and the
offensive line has some rebuilding to do. Throwing the ball may not be a bad concept after all.
PROGNOSIS: The defense has the personnel to make some noise, but the offense will need time
to mature and grasp a new system. There is no running game to rely on and September games
with Texas and Colorado could prove devastating under this premise. The one aspect they have
to change is how the team values the football. Turnovers killed this program last season. The
hiring of coach Christensen should pay dividends in the long run. His first year prognosis
however, does not look good on paper unless a quarterback can quickly take charge. If Sween is
not the guy, the answer will have to come from one of the new recruits.
PROJECTED RECORD: 3-9
PREDICTED ORDER

UNLV College Football Review

2009-06-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

UNLV
STRENGTHS: UNLV has a quality QB after five opening day starters in as many years. Omar
Clayton threw for 18 touchdowns compared to just four interceptions before going down with knee
injury and missing the last three games last season. He is going to push Max Hall for top
conference QB honors. Clayton has multiple weapons to work the spread offense including All-
American candidate Ryan Wolfe and super soph Phillip Payne at the receiver spots. Tackles Malo
Taumua and Martin Tevaseu lead the front seven on defense and linebackers Jason Beauchamp
and Starr Fuimaono make this the best the front seven the Rebels have employed since its last
bowl trip in 2000. The offensive line also boasts two All-MWC candidates in Joe Hawley and Matt
Murphy.
CONCERNS: The only thing missing from this offensive attack is running back Tank Summers.
Finding a suitable replacement will be a big key. The biggest development will be in the
secondary which will be forced to retool after losing three key contributors including starting
safety Daryl Forte who has been suspended. The influx of talent here will be crucial as the Rebels
landed eight defensive backs in their recent recruiting class, four of them from the JUCO level.
PROGNOSIS: Seriously, watch out for UNLV this season as a surprise team. The Rebels had a
shot at a .500 season and a bowl invitation last year, only to get torched in the finale by San
Diego State. The receiver-QB combo is as good as the Mountain West has to offer and the front
seven on defense is stout. They will get home games with Oregon State, Hawai'i, BYU and Utah
and are quite capable of beating any of these teams in Vegas.
PROJECTED RECORD: 8-4
UTAH
STRENGTHS: The best set of linebackers in this league rests here. Stevenson Sylvester, Mike
Wright and Kepa Gaison all played huge roles in the undefeated BCS run of a year ago. The
defensive line too won't see much drop off despite the early departure of DE Paul Kruger.
Remaining is Koa Misi and some feel his ability is on par with Baltimore bound Kruger. Matt
Asiata is an underrated ball carrier and offensive tackle Zane Beadles is the Utes best bet to
make an All-American team.
CONCERNS: The main focus is finding a replacement for MWC Offensive POY Brian Johnson at
QB. Corbin Louks currently holds the top honor after being used in running situations last fall.
JUCO transfer Terrance Cain came in and battled as expected but the real surprise was from true
frosh Jordan Wynn. Nothing is settled. Sean Smith bolted early which means two new corners are
going to get tested. The biggest loss of all is at the kicker/punter position where four-year
mainstay Louie Sakoda moved on.
PROGNOSIS: Not many teams are in a position to overcome the heavy graduation/early
departure player losses that Utah will endure. Plus, the Utes obviously have a huge target on
their chest after last year's undefeated success. They are also searching for a new man behind
center. All this added up does not bode well in terms of Utah getting back to another BCS bid. But
make no mistake, this program has a load of talent waiting in the wings and the drop-offs won't be
as exaggerated as some might believe. Utah has built a strong program with solid recruiting
foundations and nothing less than a conference title will be sufficient. They will continue to be
right in the thick of the MWC race.
PROJECTED RECORD: 9-3

TCU College Football Review

2009-06-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

TCU
STRENGTHS: Everyone's All-American at defensive end is Jerry Hughes (15 sacks in 2008). He
and a pair of three-year starters at cornerback in Nick Sanders and Rafael Priest have the
capability to wreak havoc with opposing aerial attacks. Dual-threat QB Andy Dalton returns after
winning 19 games the previous two seasons and he has plenty of weapons at his disposal with
top rusher Joseph Turner and leading pass catcher Jimmy Young returning. Two All-MWC
honorees at offensive tackle (Newhouse and Cannon) will provide plenty of protection.
CONCERNS: The loss of two All-Conference players at linebacker raises concerns. Both were
drafted in April. The newly built interior of the line, combined with the losses at LB, will make the
run stopping efforts a priority need. But this was the nation's No. 1 rush defense a year ago.
Repeating that sort of effort will be a long shot. Outside of Hughes, the rest of the DL gets filled
with new faces.
PROGNOSIS: Everyone will expect the nation's No. 1 ranked defense to take a step back with
seven seniors departing. But Gary Patterson knows how to coach and he is very optimistic about
his chances in 2009. No wonder considering the Frogs return a strong nucleus from an offense
that set single-season school records for points scored and touchdowns last fall. Only a loss to
Utah kept TCU from an elusive BCS invite. If they can get by road games against Virginia and
Clemson in the first three games, the Halloween home match up against Utah could be for all the
BCS marbles.
PROJECTED RECORD: 11-1

Who's who in next seasons football betting

2009-06-24T06:19:00.000-07:00

Last season, Barcelona broke the English domination of soccers European Champions league, easily defeating Manchester United in the final, and completing a fantastic haul of 3 major trophies.

Barca will be favourites again next season, but interestingly, the betting football gods have deemed that Real Madrid are second favourites. This probbaly has a lot to do with the host of star players the Madrid team are signing this off season.

After the Spanish teams, there are short odds on the 3 english big guns - Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

NCAA Basketball Elite 8

2009-03-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

Ok guys the Final 4 is a week away ... and I am starting to get excited for the match up's. In my opinion Louisville has a leg up and should move on into final game. To me they seem like the best team in the country. Allot of other teams seem to be a notch below them.

My NCAA Champion :

Louisville

March Madness Picks at there best

2009-03-02T07:52:00.000-08:00

We are only a few weeks away from making our March Madness Picks on our brackets. This time of year is the best, you go to the bar with a couple of your buddies grab some lunch and dicuss your free basketball picks. It may be only a few weeks out of the year but it is the best few weeks...games are close usually and the upsets are even greater especially if you picked them on your bracket.

So if you ask me to choose which is better NFL picks or March Madness picks I will take filling out my bracket everytime.

The best in online casinos

2009-02-06T13:38:00.001-08:00

Verpassen Sie die Chance nicht, beste spielautomaten online zu testen, weil Ihnen fast jedes online casino für das Spielen attraktive Promotionen gibt.

The Best in Online Poker & Sports Betting

2009-02-02T14:04:00.000-08:00

At 888.com, the luxurious online casino, you can enjoy a huge range of games. Play online poker, or enjoy some football betting at the exciting sports betting site, all without leaving the house. As you will place it on your homepage but it will go down with time, as you place new posts so please place a link to it on your homepage as well

Online Poker at it's Best

2009-01-06T12:22:00.000-08:00

Try your hand at online poker with some of the worlds top players. Texas holdem, five card draw, you name it and Party Poker's got it.

Rand Casino

2009-01-05T06:08:00.000-08:00

For the best online casinos make sure you check our Rand Casino. They have all the latest games and playing options. This year make sure you give yourself all the playing options of Rand Casino.

Looking for a online casino ?

2008-12-27T17:00:00.001-08:00

Hey Fellas

We all know that looking for good online casino is like finding a needle in haystack. The thing is if you do your research you can find a good online casino that will pay you after you win and lets face it that is the most important thing. Guys and Gals do your research, find a good casino and win yourself some cash!

Week 17 in the NFL

2008-12-26T15:56:00.000-08:00

St. Louis at Atlanta – The home team is already in the playoffs, but they could actually win the division.

New England at Buffalo – The Pats need to win and then get help from the Jets vs Miami or Jacksonville vs Baltimore . Don’t you think Buffalo would love to make it a moot point?

NY Giants at Minnesota – Before last weekend’s action the talk was about New York stumbling and this game possibly getting the Vikings a Number Two seed. Heading into this week the Giants secured the top overall seed by beating Carolina and Minnesota , after losing to Atlanta last week, now needs this game.

Carolina at New Orleans – The visitor needs the win to secure the NFC South while the inconsistent Saints have been tough at home all season.

Cleveland at Pittsburgh – An extra home game could be in play for the Steelers in this one, and while there is little doubt as to the outcome, the line will be the question given what preparatory things the home team wants to accomplish on the field.

Oakland at Tampa Bay – Home loss to San Diego last week makes this an all-important statement game for the Bucs.

Chicago at Houston – Their win on Monday night leaves playoff destiny in Chicago ’s hands. A win and they could do as much as claim the NFC North crown while at least gaining a wildcard berth. A loss and…well, the Texans haven’t been an easy out for anyone of late.

Jacksonville at Baltimore – Depleted offensive line of Jags should get punished by a Raven defense that should spearhead Baltimore to its wildcard spot. The only question is the margin…which will grow based on the host’s needs.

Miami at NY Jets – Depending on what happens in Buffalo and/or Baltimore, either of these two could win the Division or be out of the playoffs altogether. Add in the Favre-Pennington drama and there is plenty to sift through. Easily the most intriguing game of the day.

Dallas at Philadelphia – Despite last week’s loss to Baltimore , the Cowboys still control their destiny while Eagles have slim and none for chances. But oh would Philly love to be the ones to…

Denver at San Diego – Hard to believe that with all the ups and downs of each team, the AFC West Title is on the line in this one…and maybe it would be a flip-flop had referee Ed Hochuli gotten things right way back in week two.

Miami-Florida/California – Emerald Bowl

2008-12-26T15:55:00.001-08:00

Miami-Florida/California – Emerald Bowl

This is one of those Bowl games which demands special insight as it is a relatively minor contest in the pecking order and involves a young and erratic, but highly motivated Miami squad vs a veteran California group that is well-coached and deep. There is no question that second year Hurricane mentor Randy Shannon has had his youngsters ready to play all season, and this game will be another step in the rebuilding process. Whether or not Miami’s team spirit will be enough to overcome the two-headed rushing attack of the Bears’ Vereen and Best remains to be seen. They are two guys that can definitely take advantage of Miami’s tendency to overplay. By the same token, Cal has been held in check by aggressive (though certainly better) defenses this year as their three PAC-10 losses came to Oregon State, USC and Arizona.

NFL week 14 picks

2008-12-03T06:46:00.001-08:00

Guys I haven't posted in a while but there is a game I love this weekend in the NFL.

Green Bay Packers are in a must win situation. If they win out they still , believe it or not can make the playoffs.

I love Green Bay against the Texans

Green Bay - 6 hammer this one boys.

Playing Online Poker

2008-11-21T05:37:00.001-08:00

Tried playing poker online yesterday for the first time in a while. I have an account with Cake Poker so went on it and got a pleasant surprise. I had some extra money in my account which got returned to me for all the rakeback I have earned by playing previously. Its always good to have a rakeback account since it gives me basically free money so I was happy I did that a while ago. Played some small cash games and the end result was decent, didn't win much but as long as you don't loose to me that is a winner. Did notice that my game kinda fell of from what it used to be some months ago so I guess you have to be a full time poker player to make decent money from it. Either way it was a good time spent and now i'm looking forward to this weekends big match ups.

NFL Winner insider and Hot Babe!

2008-11-16T06:59:00.000-08:00

Guy we has a nice winner yesterday with Minny covering the 13

In the NFL we will go with Tampax Bay at home to cover the -4. Minny is overrated and they will force Gus into throwing atleast three INT's. Tampa Bay feeds off TO's and they manage the game.

Tampa Bay - 4

Enjoy the money and the babe below.

Guy Just imagine being in the middle of these. WOW!

Take Minny this weekend in football

2008-11-11T11:16:00.000-08:00

Guys Minny is a much improved team and I was as shocked as anyone that they played as bad as they did against Michigan.

I think Bucky is overated and the line is inflated cause Bucky crushed the Hoosiers last week and Minny lost to Michigan. All I know is 13 points is to much in a rival game such as this.

I will take Minny + 13

Sports Betting Online

2008-11-10T11:18:00.000-08:00

College football this week

2008-10-11T04:01:00.000-07:00

I have a few college football picks

First take Penn State - 5.5 ...Wisconsin is down after losing two games in which they should of won. If Penn State gets out early this one is over.

Second take Ohio State at home - 18 I know this number is big but Purdue has lost there confidence and playing in the the Horseshoe will not be easy.

Last take NC against Notre Dame...NC has to much talent for this team and only reason the line is the way it is is becuase they are Notre Dame.

North Texas - Florida International - College Football Picks

2008-10-04T14:44:00.000-07:00

2 STAR SELECTION (2.5% of Bankroll) NORTH TEXAS +6½ over Florida International The Mean Green will look to grab their first victory of the season when they host the Golden Panthers Saturday night. Florida International got their first “W” this past weekend, thanks to a shocking 35-16 victory at Toledo. Since joining the Sun Belt Conference, the Panthers have struggled mightily, posting a 4-17 ledger in league action. As for North Texas, they have lost 4 games to obviously superior competition, including a 77-20 setback at Rice this past weekend. The Golden Panthers are mired in their usual atrocious offensive play, as the team is producing less than 200 total ypg, which has led to less than 14 ppg. They have been unable to get anything going on the ground, posting just 84 ypg. The passing attack has also had trouble as quarterback Paul McCall has completed just 47.5 percent of his throws and has just one TD against five interceptions. The Panthers only collected 239 total yards and were outgained by more than 60 yards this past weekend against Toledo, but were able to take advantage of four Toledo turnovers. On top of the struggles offensively, the defense for Florida International has been beaten and battered by opponents, allowing 380 total ypg, including 162 ypg via the run. Much like their counterpart, the Mean Green have struggled offensively; however, they have been able to move the ball more, averaging 317 total ypg, which has led to a 14 ppg. Giovanni Vizza has taken the majority of the snaps under center and certainly has the talent to do some damage in Sun Belt play. He has managed four scores against three interceptions during the rugged non-conference play, and the team did rack up 412 total yards against Rice last week, including 155 yards on the ground, averaging a healthy 5.2 ypc. North Texas has been horrible defensively against the high-powered attacks they’ve had to face in Kansas State, Tulsa, LSU, and Rics. The team surrendered 502 total yards in the embarrassing, 77-20 loss to Rice a week ago. The main problem came against the pass, as North Texas was torched for 328 yards and six touchdowns; however, they should fare much better against the Panthers pop-gun offense. It will be the Mean Green that plays with more desperation here, as we look to play AGAINST a team off a major upset victory, such as FIU is. Not only did this team have to come through with a super-human effort, odds are the early part of the week was spent celebrating. If the fans and news media are touting a big win and reliving the upset, it’s tough to get these young kids off that cloud and focus on the next opponent in a short week’s time. Meanwhile, the win gave their upcoming opponent bigger incentive and warning. The Golden Panthers players and coaches didn't realize how the Toledo win would resonate on campus until they returned to campus in the pre-dawn hours Sunday morning. A crowd of about 200 students waited to greet the team when the buses pulled up to campus following the charter flight back to Miami. Now, the team will have a tough time focusing for this game and will experience the discomfort of being a sizeable road favorite. FIU has NEVER before in their short history been installed as even a small road favorite. In fact, they are 0-3 SU (-21 ppg) & 0-3 ATS (-25.2 ppg) as a favorite overall vs. all teams besides nearby rival Florida Atlantic, including 0-1 SU & ATS vs. North Texas. This also gives us the opportunity to play AGAINST a weak team in the unfamiliar role of favorite. Sometimes a team that is used to losing will do something good enough to find themselves in the uncomfortable role of the favorite. This is tough for them to handle. The coach may not have had any difficulty getting them up for a game as an underdog, but when the team takes on the pressure of being expected to win, it can be too much for them. The Panthers have also not fared well when going up against a team desperate for a victory as they are 0-6 SU (-19.5 ppg) & 0-6 ATS (-19.1 ppg) vs. a sub-.500% opponent off 2 SU losses and not an underdog of more than 16 points. We also have one of our better NCAA Football POWER SYSTEMS active here revealing that after pulling off a major upset as an underdog of at least 2 TDs, road favorites of less than 3 TDs have been absolutely flat, overlooking opponents off a loss. It states: Play AGAINST a road favorite of 1½-20½ points off a SU win as an underdog of 14+ points in its last game and not a shutout SU win before that vs. an opponent off a SU loss. This situation has come up 18 times since 1980 and amazingly the favorite has only won 3 of the games outright, while losing 15 SU! Most importantly for our purposes, these teams are a perfectly dreadful 0-18 ATS, failing to cover by nearly 13 ppg on average. Last year was a classic example with Utah coming off their huge upset over UCLA only to follow it up with a shocking 27-0 LOSS at UNLV, of all places, in what turned out to be a spread loss of 34½ points! Next in line as the PLAY AGAINST team is Florida International. Meanwhile, as bad as North Texas has been recently, we do have some numbers in their favor, as they are 7-0 ATS (+13.1 ppg) as a home underdog of more than 4 points with less than 13 days rest off 2 road games, and 12-0 ATS (+12) vs. a sub-.350% opponent off a SU win. Another NCAA Football POWER SYSTEM of ours shows that smaller home underdogs looking to avenge a road favorite loss of more than a TD have been tremendously strong. It says: From Game 3 on, play ON a conference underdog of 2-10½ points with less than 13 days rest, seeking revenge for a road favorite SU loss of 8+ points in the previous matchup last season and not off 5 ATS losses vs. an opponent not off 2 conference ATS wins of more than 1 point in each game. Just since 1999, these teams are a phenomenal 20-0 ATS, covering the spread by better than 11 ppg on average. For those overly concerned about the bushel of points that North Texas surrendered last week, we note that Sun Belt Conference home underdogs off a non-conference game allowing 46+ points are 10-0 ATS since 2002, covering the spread by nearly a dozen ppg on average, with North Texas accounting for 2 of those wins. Our database research also shows that home dogs and very small favorites have roared back after an embarrassing loss and catching an opponent off a surprising victory. Specifically, this NCAA Football POWER SYSTEM advises: Play ON a home team (not an underdog of 19+ points or underdog of more than 1 point) off a SU loss of 11+ points allowing 56+ points vs. an opponent off an underdog/pick ‘em SU win. Such teams have been perfect since at least 1980, going 13-0 ATS, while crushing the spread by nearly 16 ppg on average. The Golden Panthers go from pursuer to prey here, as the Green finally get down and get “Mean” with an “upset” win. PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: NORTH TEXAS 31 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL 23

NFL and college football power ratings

2008-09-19T16:49:00.000-07:00

NFL

Power Ratings

9/11/2008

Power Home

Rating Field

Arizona 92 3.5

Atlanta 88.5 2

Baltimore 88 3

Buffalo 94 3.5

Carolina 94.5 3

Chicago 94 2.5

Cincinnati 87 2.5

Cleveland 90 3

Dallas 101 3.5

Denver 93.5 3

Detroit 85.5 2.5

Green Bay 94.5 3

Houston 91 3

Indianapolis 99 3

Jacksonville 96 3

Kansas City 85 2

Miami 87 2

Minnesota 93.5 3

NY Giants 99 2.5

NY Jets 93 2

New England 95.5 3.5

New Orleans 93 3.5

Oakland 87.5 2

Philadelphia 96.5 3

Pittsburgh 97.5 3.5

San Diego 97 3

San Francisco 88 2

Seattle 91 3.5

St Louis 85 2.5

Tampa Bay 93.5 3.5

Tennessee 93.5 3

Washington 92.5 2.5

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

College Football Notes “

Did you know . . .

Quite an offensive difference last week for Baylor, 555 total yards vs Washington State to when they played a defensive club earlier; only 250 total yards at home against Wake. Of course Washington State did allow 505 total yards to Cal .

Air Force pounded out 380 yards rushing in last week’s upset over Houston but the Falcons had zero yards passing on a 0-7 effort.

Talk about back door covers . . . Iowa State got a safety with 28 seconds left in the game.

It was Iowa 17-3 prior to that (the Hawkeyes opened -12.5 and closed -13.5). To be fair though, the Cyclones came up empty twice inside the Iowa 5 yard line and Iowa scored their last TD, an 81 yard punt return with 6:19 left in the game.

Missouri QB Daniel was 23-28 for 405 yards vs Nevada as the Tigers gained 651 total yards (there were 1013 total yards in the game).

While it’s true that TCU need that last TD with less than 2 minutes remaining for the cover but the game was not as close as the score. One of Stanford’s 2 scores came on a blocked punt and the Cardinal had on 193 total yards plus they were just 2-12 on third down.

Wyoming could only come up with 266 total yards against North Dakota State and were actually down 13-0 in the 3^rd quarter.

Utah State , 116 total yards and 2-12 on 3^rd down at home vs Utah .

Ohio State , 207 total yards at Southern Cal .

San Diego State was able to gain 345 total yards at Notre Dame but only 146 (6yards rushing on 17 attempts) at San Jose State .

Hawaii actually led 7-0 on their opening drive at Oregon State but that ended their offensive production for the day. In fact the Rainbows in their 2 games against Division I competition have a total of 452 yards.

UCLA totaled 239 yards in their superb effort at BYU.

And in another sparkling offensive performance, Syracuse had 159 total yards at home against Penn State .

One more here is worth mentioning . . . Mississippi State was held to 116 total yards in their 3-2 (0-14 on 3^rd down) loss to Auburn .

Give me the “over” . . . Idaho has allowed 148 points in their 3 games, and that’s with their “defensive” effort against (Championship Subdivision) Idaho State ( Idaho 42-27). In case you wanted to know, that victory against Idaho State was their first since September 8, 2007 when the Vandals upended Cal Poly 20-13.

In their warm-up before facing continuously over-rated Ohio State , Troy amassed 736 total yards against Alcorn State (65-0 . . . 52-0 at the half).

SMU scored their only TD with just over 6 minutes to go in the game to “push” against Texas Tech 43-7 (Tech opened -38 and closed -36). The Red Raiders had 693 total yards.

Bowling Green got the late cover at Boise State with a TD with 3:50 to go in the game (20-7 final . . . Boise closed -17.5).

College Football
Power Ratings
9/11/2008
	Power	Home
	Rating	Field
Air Force	75	3.5
Akron	65.5	2.5
Alabama	87	3.5
Arizona	83	4
Arizona St.	83.5	4
Arkansas	75	3
Arkansas St.	68.5	3.5
Army	55.5	1.5
Auburn	88	3
Ball St.	75	3.5
Baylor	68	2.5
Boise St.	81	7
Boston College	78	2.5
Bowling Green	70.5	2.5
Buffalo	68	3
BYU	86.5	4
California	85	3
Cent. Michigan	72.5	3
Cincinnati	76	4.5
Clemson	86	4
Colorado	79.5	4
Colorado St.	64.5	2.5
Connecticut	79	5
Duke	71	3
E. Michigan	58.5	2.5
East Carolina	81.5	4
Florida	96	6
Florida St.	83	2.5
Fla. Atlantic	67.5	3.5
Fla. International	55.5	2.5
Fresno St.	80.5	3
Georgia	94	3.5
Georgia Tech	79.5	2.5
Hawaii	62	5
Houston	72	3
Idaho	54	2
Illinois	83	3
Indiana	75.5	3.5
Iowa	78.5	4
Iowa St.	70	3
Kansas	89	4
Kansas St.	79	4.5
Kent St.	64	3
Kentucky	80.5	3
La.-Lafayette	65	2
Louisiana Tech	70	4.5
Louisiana Monroe	66	2.5
Louisville	78	2.5
LSU	91	4
Marshall	66	3.5
Maryland	77	3
Memphis	68	1.5
Miami	77	2
Miami (Ohio)	70.5	2.5
Michigan	77	2.5
Michigan St.	80.5	3.5
Middle Tenn.	68	4
Minnesota	71	3
Mississippi	79.5	3
Mississippi St.	77	2.5
Missouri	94	5.5
N. Illinois	68	3
N.C. State	71	3
Navy	70.5	2.5
Nebraska	82	5.5
Nevada	69.5	4
New Mexico	72.5	3
New Mexico St.	61	3
North Carolina	81.5	2.5
North Texas	52	2
Northwestern	77	2.5
Notre Dame	76	3
Ohio St.	90	4.5
Ohio	66	3
Oklahoma	97	5.5
Oklahoma St.	84	5.5
Oregon	89	4.5
Oregon St.	75	4
Penn St.	91	5.5
Pittsburgh	76	2.5
Purdue	80	3
Rice	69	3
Rutgers	76.5	3
South Florida	88	4
San Diego St.	61	2.5
San Jose St.	67	4
SMU	59	1.5
South Carolina	83	3.5
Southern Cal	97.5	5
Southern Miss.	74	3.5
Stanford	71.5	3
Syracuse	59	1
TCU	84	5
Temple	68	3
Tennessee	85	2.5
Texas	92.5	4.5
Texas A&M	75.5	3
Texas Tech	88	5
Toledo	65.5	5
Troy	77	3.5
Tulane	68	3.5
Tulsa	79	3
UAB	57	2
UCF	73.5	3.5
UCLA	76	3.5
UNLV	70	2.5
Utah	86	4
Utah St.	56	2
UTEP	65	3
Vanderbilt	77	3
Virginia	67	2.5
Virginia Tech	81	4
W. Kentucky	61	2
W. Michigan	69	3
Wake Forest	81	3
Washington	71.5	3
Washington St.	62	1.5
West Virginia	86.5	4
Wisconsin	87	4.5
Wyoming	63	2.5

We LOVE Poker and Poker discussions.

2008-09-12T17:05:00.000-07:00

If you love poker and poker discussions please check out poker discussion forum where we talk about the best online poker rankings from the nation's top poker sites.

What is a Poker Room?

2008-09-09T19:23:00.000-07:00

Everyone always talks about poker rooms and card rooms when most people don’t even know what they are. We see them being advertised at casinos all the time and just assume we know what they mean, but what is a poker room and how are players supposed to differentiate between different poker and card rooms?

By definition, a card room is a gambling establishment that exclusively offers card games for play by the public. The term poker room is synonymous with card room as the gambling games typically being played, and sometimes exclusively, are variations of poker such as Texas Hold’em.

Normally, such rooms do not offer slot machines or video poker consoles, or other table’s game such as craps and roulette that are generally found on the casino floor. Here’s where the term can get tricky, sometimes casinos may refer to a specific ‘poker room’ where players usually play against each other instead of against “the house.”

Generally speaking, since card rooms are player-vs-player and not player-vs-house, card room operators generate their revenue in one of two ways. In most cases the dealer of each game will collect a ‘rake’, a portion of the pot from each hand, regularly a set percentage. In some instances, a charge may be levied against each player for a specific time period, usually each half hour. So next time your about to enter a card room or poker room, remember what you read here and you should be fine and understand exactly what room you are about to enter and the various types of rooms offered by casinos.

Week 2 College football picks

2008-09-06T07:37:00.000-07:00

Guys the college football season is back and we are fired up for our college football picks.

Oklahoma State - 15.5
Nevada + 10
Temple + 6
Washington State + 13.5
Iowa - 27

It is a lock and load weekend and we are fired up for our picks.

Be back with a update later.

Travis

Oregon State Football Preview

2008-08-24T17:16:00.001-07:00

The Beavers have won 19 games the past two seasons. The reason this year's group will have trouble starting out ranked in any of the preseason polls is that the defense is in complete rebuilding mode while only bringing back three starters. The nation's No. 1 ranked run defense of a year ago lost the entire front seven. On the positive side, OSU utilized a deep rotation so many of the incumbents do have experience. Returning DEs Victor Butler and Slade Norris combined for 19.5 sacks a year ago. Five-star JUCO transfer Simi Kuli is also expected to make a quick impact at this position. The three starters that do return are all in the secondary. This will be the strength as all four DBs are seniors. QB play has hurt this team the past couple of seasons. Sean Canfield won the job last fall after a competition with Lyle Moevao, but a torn labrum in the third game forced Moevao into the limelight. Canfield came back in emergency duty for the Emerald Bowl while beating Maryland. He had off-season surgery so Moevao is still holding on to the top spot for now. WR Sammie Stroughter received a medical redshirt by the NCAA and hopes to return for his sixth year and duplicate some of the numbers that made him an All-American WR/return specialist in 2006. No one has stepped up as of yet to remotely replace Yvenson Bernard at RB. This will likely be done by committee, which includes a JUCO transfer in Jeremy Francis. Three quality seniors are back to keep the OL steady. It all boils down to having one of these healthy QBs take a firm grip of the offense. The run game is no longer going to be the first option and the defense will need some time catching up to the speed of the game with so many new faces. The schedule is far from easy and thus, getting to another bowl game will be far from easy.

USC College Football Preview

2008-08-24T17:15:00.001-07:00

When coach Pete Carroll picked Mark Sanchez as starting QB over Arkansas transfer Mitch Mustain, the big question got answered. Sanchez started three games last fall while John David Booty nursed a broken finger. Sanchez has to do a better job avoiding the interception first off. But who blocks, catches and runs in this offense is as wide open a race as any Carroll has had. Fortunately recruiting has made this job easier. The names may change but the talent does not as only four starters return to the offense. The RB group of Johnson, McKnight and Gable carrying the pigskin is as deep as any nationally. Receiver is a similar situation with Hazelton, Turner and Ausberry all earning starts last season, though none dominated. Another Arkansas transfer Damian Williams (a former All-SEC selection as a freshman) also becomes eligible this fall. The OL, including departed TE Fred Davis, only has one starter back in Jeff Byer. Recruiting results will get graded here with so much turnover and likely is the reason the Trojans are not this year's big number one team entering August. The defense did not have as much turnover however except up front where NT Sendrick Ellis is the big loss. Kevin Ellison and Taylor Mays might be the nation's top safety tandem, while Brian Cushing and Rey Maualuga might make a similar claim at LB. The Trojans boast 25 players on the roster that have at least started one game during their collegiate career. As usual, USC is not measured by wins anymore but whether or not they can win a national championship. This 2008 squad is just as loaded as any Pete Carroll has had. The QB play of Sanchez and how well the newly rebuilt OL comes together will be the two keys deciding their BCS title fait. Another "Stanford Shocker" is still not too far fetched if the interception plague continues to be part of the equation for the new QB.

The Difference between A PC and Mac Poker Room

2008-08-09T19:10:00.000-07:00

Now you're getting to the nitty gritty! What is the difference between a PC and Mac poker room? The answer, in a sense, is obvious; but because these poker rooms are housed on the World Wide Web, one might be led to believe that there is no difference. As long as you've got an Internet connection, you can get into some online poker action. Unfortunately, this is not the case. In regards to many online casinos, you'll find the action to be available to all computers, as you can choose a flash version of Texas hold em online game and not need to download a thing; however, poker rooms operate in a live environment, much like a chat room, and therefore a download will often be required. So, with that being said, let's look a little deeper into the subtle difference of PC and Mac poker sites.

The most noticeable difference between the PC and Mac poker sites is the fact that so many more sites are only geared toward PC users. If you quick search for Mac poker rooms, you’ll notice that several of the top sites are in fact shared by Mac and PC users alike. However, the graphic content and playability lean heavily in favor of the PC user. Why is this? Well, there’s a fellow named Bill Gates that developed an operating system known as Windows, and in terms of sheer volume, it rules the world. Now that Mac has offered a challenge through personal media devices and services, such as the iPod and iTunes, you can expect that with Mac growing as a trend among popular culture, more and more sites that have been geared toward PC will begin to take notice. It would bad business not to do so.

Ignoring a large growing audience such as Mac users would be like Disney having decided to scrap the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy after the first film. Can you imagine the apprehensive CEO? “We had some amazing success, but don’t know if the potential is as great for a sophomore effort.” Definitely not. As that sophomore effort blasts into the stratosphere-millions, I think we see a great example of supply and demand. Not the greatest analogy, but as in all business, where there is supply, there is inevitably demand; in time, quantity will be offered to the Mac player.

In the meantime, whether you are using a Dell or an iMac, you can get into quality online poker action, and that’s what is important to the poker player. Visit a poker guide and within minutes you can review a online casino and be directly linked. And be sure to link the poker room from the review as you'll be offered an exclusive bonus offer.

Last but not least, one thing that might help the Mac user choose from a bigger list of online poker rooms is to install a PC emulator which will allow your Mac to perform much like a PC. The newer versions come with XP 2000, and open new windows of possibility to your Mac. Pun intended. However, before you head out and spend $200 to add something to your computer, take advantage of your present options. Chances are, you’ll find the quality online poker desired without changing a thing!

Enjoy Online Sports Betting?

2008-08-07T04:57:00.000-07:00

Auburn Football Preview

2008-08-04T16:57:00.001-07:00

Experience is available across the board for the Tigers. The problem is that none of it was worthy of earning a single All-SEC honor last fall. This is not an All-Star bunch but more of a blue-collar team approach that is capable of being a dangerous threat to compete for the West crown by season's end. New offensive coordinator Tony Franklin will run a spread, no-huddle system looking for a run-pass balance. The coaches installed this offense prior to the bowl game and managed to rack up 423 yards against a stingy Clemson team. This time the Tigers will be looking for a new QB. Kodi Burns and JUCO transfer Chris Todd emerged from four candidates this spring with Burns being the better runner and Todd being the more polished passer. A two-QB system may be the plan. The OL returns five starters to block for a bevy of RBs that are lacking star power but are still legitimate enough to keep defenses honest. While the receivers look descent on paper, none have helped the stagnant passing attack the past few years. On defense, speed is what caught the eye of new coordinator Paul Rhoads in the spring. LB Tray Blackmon needs to stay healthy and out of trouble. The leader and best overall player may be Sen'Derrick Marks, who moves from end to playing tackle. The front seven is a nice mix of veterans and newcomers but the secondary will have to count on freshman for immediate help. This group had a stellar season in 2007 (6th nationally in pass defense) but lost three of its main parts. Winning the West is a realistic goal since the race on this side of the conference appears wide open. The uncertainty with a new QB should continue to hamper the passing game, which continues to make Auburn a little too one-dimensional. The new spread offensive system has to take hold quickly before Tuberville's bunch can begin the march for a BCS bowl.

Arkansas Football Preview

2008-08-04T16:56:00.001-07:00

Hog fans are enthused about the coaching change as Bobby Petrino gave up his NFL position to take over in Fayetteville. The promise of more passing has to be a positive sign but the reality is that most of last year's players moved on to the NFL. Coaches are convinced the new offense can throw the ball, but it will have to be done with a shortage of experienced receivers and a QB in senior Casey Dick that is mostly accustomed to handing the ball off. Throw in the fact that RBs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones both skipped out early to the pros and it's easy to see the task won't be painless. The extremely quick Michael Smith will line up in the RB spot and has the potential to be a star. There are gapping holes at OT but the line is anchored by two-time All-SEC selection Jonathan Luigs at center. On defense, Arkansas lost all four of its main secondary players, which has to be a huge concern. The LBs appear to be in the same boat with new faces. It did not help matters that their best player Freddie Fairchild was dismissed from the team while Wendel Davis continues to recover from spring knee surgery. The better news is up front on the DL where three starters return. This is a speedy group that can cause problems for opposing blockers. It would be impossible for any SEC team to replace the stars that carried so much of this offense the past three years in Jones and McFadden. The same can be said for the secondary, which means coach Petrino will have to operate his first season teaching new tricks to many young and unproven players. He is quite a few years away from competing for an SEC crown and his debut season of 2008 may be turn out to be the biggest challenge of his Arkansas stint

Alabama Football Preview

2008-08-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

ALABAMA
The rebuilding process for second year head coach Nick Saban is in full swing despite the late season meltdown of a year ago that saw The Tide drop their last four regular season games, including a huge upset at the hands of Louisiana-Monroe. The poor finish had as much to do with off-the-field troubles as it did with substandard performance. Many of those off-the-field issues remain but the nation's No. 1 rated recruiting class according to some of the media outlets that rank such a thing will truly ring in the Saban era. A new offensive coordinator (for the third straight year) will take over for Major Applewhite. That duty goes to Jim McElwain, the former Fresno State coordinator whose offense last year averaged 419.5 yards per game. He will have nine returning starters to work with including third-year starter John Parker Wilson at QB. The OL will be expected to carry the Tide, which includes a pair of Outland Trophy candidates in OT Andre Smith and center Antoine Caldwell. RB Terry Grant set school freshman records last fall. His smallish size continues to keep this offense from being a punishing rushing attack but the position is much deeper than in the past. Gone are big play receivers Keith Brown and DJ Hall but there are several veterans still on board. They just have to prove they can make plays with the game on the line. Depth is the big question mark with the defensive front seven. The 3-4 alignment will have to operate with Rolando McClain being the only LB with true game experience as Prince Hall is still serving a spring suspension. The secondary is bolstered by All-American safety Rashad Johnson but the CBs remain a mystery. Alabama is not quite ready to win the West Division with so many freshmen expected to contribute on a rebuilt defense. But this is certainly a team better than the 7-6 record put up last fall.

Vanderbilt Football Preview

2008-08-04T16:54:00.001-07:00

The Commodores missed a huge opportunity last year to snap the current bowl drought of 25 years, the longest of any program in the nation among BCS conferences. Most of the top players are now gone. Only nine starters are returning (three on offense). Poor QB play haunted this team last fall and Chris Nickson desperately needs to return to his 2006 form where he had the fourth-best single-season total offensive effort in school history. Injuries and ineffectiveness forced him out of the lineup in '07. If he cannot regain his earlier success, Mackenzi Adams will be the choice. He started six games last fall but still possesses the same skill set as his partner...a good runner without a game-changing arm. Two huge holes have to be filled as the SEC's All-Time leading receiver Earl Bennett and OT Chris Williams bolted off to the NFL. The OL has to replace the entire lineup with five new starters. This is going to be a total rebuilding offensive effort by seventh year coach Bobby Johnson. The news is not as bad on defense. Vanderbilt allowed its fewest points since 1997 a year ago and will maintain a secondary that has the potential to be one of the leagues best. The rising stars are at CB where D.J. Moore (SEC best six interceptions in '07) and Myron Lewis are back in the mix. The front seven however lost all but one starter and depth is a big issue, especially at tackle. Getting five wins has to be the realistic goal for the abundance of youth that dots the lineup in an effort to build for 2009. It's not impossible to believe the Commodores may be looking at a two-win campaign with the player turnover, which means this program will have to take a few steps back before trying to regain some of the positives earned the past three seasons. Coaching at Vanderbilt will never be an easy job. Coach Johnson likely finds this out even more in 2008.

Oklahoma College Football Preview

2008-08-02T10:20:00.000-07:00

Sam Bradford is coming off one of the best seasons ever for a rookie QB, setting an NCAA freshman record with 36 TDs while leading the nation in passing efficiency. The big news to report this spring is that offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson has made the transition to a no-huddle scheme, which more than half the Big 12 teams are now utilizing. Senior receivers Juaquin Iglesias and Manuel Johnson are both three-year starters while one of the better combinations nationally at TE are Jermaine Gresham and Brody Eldridge giving Bradford big targets over the middle. The "lightning and thunder" attack with DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown are still at RB. But the best aspect has to be up front on the OL where all five starters are back, three of which are big time NFL talents. Defensively, the back seven is the unknown quantity while having to replace both starting CBs and two LBs. Veteran safeties Nic Harris and Lendy Holmes will soften the blow and LB Keenan Clayton was the Spring MVP. DE Auston English led the Big 12 in sacks last fall (9.5) and this front is just as capable as the vaunted OL. Recruiting has made Coach Bob Stoops team worthy of being mentioned in early national championship talk every season and 2008 will be no different despite the fact he is taking heat for under performing in BCS bowl games where he has lost his last two against big underdogs. This team is better than a year ago. They will be right there come November. Another BCS bowl should easily be in the cards if not more.

Florida International Football Preview

2008-08-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
The victory over North Texas in the 2007 finale ended the longest losing streak in the nation at 23 games. FIU has nowhere to go but up after finishing at the very bottom of the conference in 10 of 14 offensive categories. New coordinator Bill Legg comes to Miami from Purdue and hopes to make this offense as successful as the one he made in the Big Ten. This will continue to be a spread attack that will operate with nine returning starters. Sophomore QB Wayne Younger started every game last year; all loses, and struggled as most freshmen would. The guy that came in and got that lone victory a year ago was Paul McCall. He will continue to push for playing time. Every single skill position returns the same person from a year ago. Whether or not this offense can improve drastically enough to earn a few more wins with the same people in place remains to be seen. While the offense has struggled, the defense has not fared much better while giving up a league worst 447 yards and 39 points a game. This side of the ball however has a lot more holes to fill, which includes three new faces in the secondary. The offense is going to get better but still has an extremely long way to go before being able to bail out a very bad defense. Getting more than two wins will be steps in the right direction. While most every FBS team from the state of Florida is making big moves, FIU is the only one that is far from being competitive, even at the Sun Belt level.

College Football Preview

2008-08-02T09:24:00.001-07:00

FLORIDA ATLANTIC
The Owls have a whopping 19 starters back from a team that won the Sun Belt Championship last fall while also earning the school's first ever bowl invite, a win over Memphis. The offense has a chance to really be special with junior Rusty Smith calling the signals. The Sun Belt Player of the Year threw for a conference best 284 yards per game and his two favorite targets, Cortez Gent and Jason Harmon, headline a group 15 people who caught at least one pass in 2007. Smith knows how to spread the ball around which includes handing off to one of two seniors that will line up at RB. The OL only lost one starter. FAU has a ton of All-Sun Belt players back on the roster and four of them reside on defense. Senior LB Frantz Joseph is one of the league's best tacklers. DT Jervonte Jackson was tabbed as a Second Team member although the best lineman may be Josh Savidge who was lost to a knee injury after playing in only four games last year. Both corners Corey Small and Tavious Polo were All-Conference selections as well. This is the team that will be heavily favored to win the Sun Belt again. The September schedule is going to test this bunch as three road games versus BCS foes are on the early list. Head coach Howard Schnellenberger has put FAU on the map after seven years of guidance. They are now attempting to make their national mark as has UCF and South Florida with all these Sunshine State recruits. Do not sleep on the Owls. They are way better than just being a bowl eligible team.

Arkansas State Preview

2008-08-02T09:23:00.001-07:00

ARKANSAS STATE
The newly named Red Wolves (formerly the Indians) will try to get back to their winning ways of 2005 when they last won the Sun Belt by returning the leading passer, three leading rushers and five of six leading receivers. QB Corey Leonard was a Davey O'Brien Award semifinalist last season after tossing a school record 16 TDs. The problem is that he also threw 15 interceptions, including eight in four Sun Belt losses. RB Reggie Arnold is back after averaging 6.5 yards per carry and the receivers return everyone with the exception of All-Conference selection Levi Dejohnette. The OL was not so lucky as senior OT Matt Mandich is the only returning starter. He has started every single game of his college career. This defense finished first in the conference in total defense but has to replace the entire secondary. A heavy influx of JUCO transfers will attempt to fill many of the holes. ASU should be fairly stingy against the run however as the bulk of the experience is with the front seven. The DL is deep enough to run a steady rotation and the LBs continue to have top returning tackler Javon McKinnon and steady middle backer Ben Owens in the lineup. The skill position players are in place to make this a dangerous offense. But it won't happen unless a new OL comes together and Leonard keeps his interceptions down. Expect this team to be capable of outscoring most of their opponents and keep an eye on Brandon Thompkins, who set a conference record for single-season kickoff return yards (1,062 yards) last fall.

Nebraska Football Preview

2008-06-29T14:16:00.000-07:00

NEBRASKA

New head coach Bo Pelini is firmly established as a well-known defensive guru with a no-nonsense approach. But he will have his hands extremely full with a defense that was the worst in school history allowing more points (455), yards (5,722) and first downs (299) than any previous Husker team. This side of the ball has only six starters back including all four down linemen. But they got pushed around hard last year while giving up huge chunks of yards on the ground. The four top LBs are gone leaving huge concerns for coaches in terms of the front seven. The secondary has two experienced players in CB Armando Murillo and safety Larry Asante but until the Blackshirts can stop someone ramming the ball up the gut, the secondary is not the immediate need. Pelini retained offensive coordinator Shawn Wilson. He has options in the backfield with Joe Ganz at QB and Marlon Lucky at RB. Ganz put together a sensational run at the end of the season when taking over for the injured Sam Keller where he torched Kansas State for a school record 510 passing yards and seven TDs. Lucky is the top returning rusher in the Big 12. Also keep an eye on big 215 pound RB Roy Helu, who has speed to burn while turning heads this spring. With the OL returning four guys, the offense has serious potential in terms of carrying on the traditional Nebraska power game. The offense won't be the problem. Obviously, Pelini gets measured by how far this defense climbs. It can't be any worse.

Missouri Football Preview

2008-06-29T13:57:00.000-07:00

MISSOURI
Last season was remarkable as the Tigers won their first Big 12 North Division title, spent a week atop the national polls and demolished Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl. The expectations this time around are even bigger with so many quality players back in the fold. It all starts on offense with Heisman runner-up Chase Daniel at QB (need more be said), Jeremy Maclin's 1,055 receiving yards and TE Chase Coffman, who already owns the school mark for TD catches. Maclin blazed a 4.32-second forty time in winter conditioning and is primed to be an All-American by season's end. Finding a ball carrier is the key at this point and will likely be a committee approach. The OL has a few holes to plug, so the run game will be hit-or-miss much of the season as the arm of Daniel takes first precedence. The defense actually became one of the leagues best as last season rolled on and a significant ten starters are back. A key will be replacing nose tackle Lorenzo Williams but outside of him, the LBs are the best in the Big 12. Free safety Williams Moore, who tied for the NCAA lead with eight INTs, will be aided by the fact that CB may be the team's deepest position. There are three legitimate All-Americans on this team and a slew of All-Conference worthy contributors. This team deserves to start 2008 in the Top 5 nationally. The Big 12 competition is extremely a tough ride right now and could keep the Tigers out of the national championship picture in the end. This team is more than good enough to play through those odds. Get college football picks and football picks by clicking here.

Kansas State Football Preview

2008-06-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

The promise first year head coach Ron Prince showed in 2006 while taking the Cats bowling wore off last fall as his team lost its last four outings. Getting back on track won't be easy in 2008 as they attempt to lean on JUCO transfers and a brutal early conference schedule. The positive aspect to build on revolves around experienced QB Josh Freeman. He has NFL size and skills that helped him break numerous school records a year ago. The problem is that most of his yards were accomplished with now departed receiver Jordy Nelson based on desperation due to an ineffective running game. The front line should be improved with four starters back, but they were injury riddled a year ago and had major troubles opening holes. The RBs have two players (Leon Patton and spring stand out Keithen Valentine) capable of turning the corner but both are less than 5'9 in size. This year's playmaker at WR will be super speedy Deon Murphy, but he will now get all of the attention with Nelson gone. DE Ian Campbell came out of nowhere in 2006 and was named All-Big 12 the last two years. But his numbers dropped big time last fall after moving to outside LB in a 3-4 scheme. He is back at DE, but that is about it in terms of proven players on the DL, a big mystery entering fall camp. The best potential is at safety with veterans Gary Chandler and Chris Carney but the corners are young and inexperienced. Four of KSU's first six conference games are on the road, which means the Cats may be looking for their first Big 12 win in mid-November.

NFL Picks from Big Money Playa

2007-12-02T09:58:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys had about a 500 day yesterday

Here are my picks

Philly/Seattle Under 41.5

Arizona + 1.5

Rams - 3

GL everyone

College football picks 12/1/2007

2007-12-01T09:52:00.000-08:00

Here is what I will be playing in football today.

West Virginia - 28...At home they crush people. Plus Wanstedt is terrible he couldn't coach his way out of a paper bag.

USC - 21 Simply put best team in the contry... and revenge for last year.

Va Tech - 4.5 Revenge is on Va Tech mind

Oregon State - 1.5 Oregon has givin up this season.... they are really banged up and OSU has been playing better of late.

Stanford / Cal over 54

Tennesee + 7 ... LSU coach is leaving and this team just isnt playing defense anymore.

Missouri + 3 a feel good story keep rolling. I think Oklahoma is overated. if is wasn't for a couple turnovers this team would of beat the sooners last year.

We have been rock solid of late

2007-11-21T15:21:00.000-08:00

Here we go on Turkey Day... Gobble... gobble... bitch

Take Detroit + 4 Biggie

Take USC for a small play

Guys we love playing dogs here and Thankgiving weekend is a big weekend for dogs.

NFL Picks for 11/18/2007

2007-11-18T06:51:00.000-08:00

5-1 yesterday back with some Big Money Playa plays

Back with some NFL plays

Take the under in the Eagles/Miami game under 40.5

Take the Baltimore + 2.5

Take the SF + 3.5

GL to everyone now lets bring home the CASH $$$$$$

College Football Picks for 11/17/2007

2007-11-17T08:43:00.000-08:00

Hey guys and girls back with some pigskin picks.

Big Money Playa style today

Take Indiana + 2

Take Rutgers - 12

Take UCONN -19.5 against a TERRIBLE Syracuse team

Take Texas Tech + 10 at home on turf where they will give Oklahoma fits.

Take Washington + 7 .... California has given up they lost three out of there last four.

Take Clemson/BC under 52.5

GL to everyone now lets bring home the cash $$$$$$$$

Sunday NFL picks 11/11/2007

2007-11-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone

We are going to be doing it Big Money Playa Style.

Back with a big Sunday in the NFL.

Take the Giants as a pick.

Take the Cardinals as a pick.

Take the Rams + 12.5

Take Pittsburgh - 10

Take Atlanta + 3.5

Take the under 40.5 in Minn/ Green Bay

GL everyone

MNF Football Pick Green Bay - Denver

2007-10-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

Hey guys

Were BACK ! I think I am going jack off tonite cuase I has a winning day !

3-1 nuice to take some $$$$ from the man after buying him a new Hummer ( take that how you want to )the last few weeks

Here is a big one

Take Denver at home with the small number. Green Bay can't run the ball and will have a more difficult time passing the ball with the two good corners Dre Bly and Champ Baily. Denver defense is coming around from the start of year.

Plus Shanahan has had GB number.

Denver - 3 at home

NFL Picks for 10/28/2007

2007-10-28T06:54:00.002-07:00

Guys I have been on some terrible streaks in my life but this is the fricken worst.

It is time to pick myself up and get back on the horse.

NFL Picks for 10/28/2007

Chicago/ Detroit under 45.5

SF - 1

Pittsburgh - 4

Miami + 10.5

GL to everyone

If you have been fadeding my picks you are up a ton...but if you are like me you are down a shit load.

The BS stops here

One play and play it big TEXAS A & M

2007-10-27T11:16:00.001-07:00

This is the play of the day. Is Kansas really that good ? Who have they played ? To me there only big win is Kansas State and that is a huge rivary game. We need not forget that this is Kansas and College Station is on of the hardest places to play in the country. I love the home dog in a big game.

Take the Aggies BIGGIE!

College football picks from Big Money Playa Va Tech - 3

2007-10-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

Man I am getting crushed...another loser Monday which brings last weeks record to a whopping 5 - 13!

Thanks god it is a new week

Going with the home team tonite.

Va Tech - 3

GL

After taking a broom stick to the ass yesterday

2007-10-22T17:15:00.000-07:00

0-5 yeasterday and 5-7 the day before.

5-12 for the weekend

Holy crap ... I don't know what to do other then to get back up on my feet and throw down another c-note on the Jags.

Take the Jags + 3

Getting crushed

2007-10-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

Man today has been tough.... can I win I win a game?

Shit boys double it up tonite on the under

tonites the nite we bring home the cash.

5-7 saturday

0-4 so far today

We get it back tonite

UNDER 39 Denver/Pittsburgh

NFL Picks for 10/21/2007 from Big Money Playa

2007-10-21T06:09:00.000-07:00

NFL Picks you can run to the bank with

Pittsburgh/Denver under 38.5

Miami +17

San Francisco + 10

Atlanta + 9.5

St Louis + 9

This is fricken bounce back Sunday folks!

WE get it done today

My Big Mouth

2007-10-21T06:05:00.000-07:00

I shouldn't of opened my BIG month

I got my ass kicked late in the day. Lost by a half a point with Colorado and lost with Maryland on the last play of the game.

5-7 overall I usually don't play this many gamy games ... but it lokked like a good card.

We are on Fire !

2007-10-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

Holy shit fuckers..... we are just killing it today.

I am rock our with my cock out tonite and spend some of that hard earned money I just took from the fucking man!

Sal the pronostcator picks - 10/20/2007

2007-10-20T07:41:00.000-07:00

Here the picks that will rock to the fricken books today.

These are for you " Rocky "

If you don't know I am a HUGE Rocky Dennis fan so back the fuck off.

Maryland - 4

Cincinnati - 9.5 ( pittsburgh is terrible and Wanstedt is a piece of shit )

Oklahoma - 30 ( I think Texas is still scoring on this pice of shit team Iowa State team.)

Let win some money and go to Vegas

Big Money Playa college football picks 10/20/2007

2007-10-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

Here are plays for tomorrow.

I usually don't play this many games but I am going to lay the fucking wood tomorrow to the bookmakers.

Mist St + 25.5

Mississippi + 5.5

Colorado + 4

Alabama + 1.5 ( Kill your man with this pick)

Missouri - 4 ( Missouri is really good and TT isn't as good as people think when they play on the road )

Florida - 6.5 You really think Florida is going to lose 3 in a row ?

Purdue - 7 Bounce back week

Illinois + 1

Washington + 14

Oklahoma -30

Maryland - 4

Cinncinati - 9.5

Yes I am playing all these games.... so don't even ask !

GL to everyone

Big Money Playa - College football picks for 10/19/2007

2007-10-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

I will be playing the under 59 in the Northwestern game and take Uconn + 3 at home vs a very bad Louisville defense tonite.

I know Louisville has been better of late but Iam just not buying it tonite against a huge game for this Uconn teanm on national TV!

Recapping Last week

2007-10-19T06:32:00.000-07:00

Recapping Last Week

NFL Week 6 was flat for the sports betting industry with most sportsbooks reporting retaining less than 1% of their handle. A couple of big decisions Arizona, Tampa, and Minnesota went the sportsbook way, while the Public was helped out by Philly, New England continuing to roll, and given a gift in the form of the New York Giants pounding Atlanta on Monday Night Football.

The Public posted their fifth consecutive losing week. SportsInsights.com analysis shows that in games with over 65% of the action on one side, the Public went 4-4. Remember when you factor in “the juice”, going .500 is losing. For the season that makes the Public 21-30-4 = 41.1%. SportsInsights.com Games to Watch analysis continued its positive momentum, posting another 2-1 weekend. Overall, that makes the Games to Watch column 10-8 = 55.6%.

View Last Week’s Column

Looking Ahead to this Week
We anticipate Washington, New England, Pittsburg, and Indy to be the most “lopsided-bet” games of the week. Look for handle sizes to remain strong as the Public continues to pound Indy and New England…and any team playing Arizona, Atlanta, Miami, or Buffalo…proving once again its not how you’re playing, it’s who your playing. Visit SportsInsights.com to view LIVE wagering statistics from multiple online sportsbooks.

NFL Week 7 – Games to Watch

Baltimore Ravens vs Buffalo Bills

Even with about two out of every three bets coming in on Baltimore, the line is weakening on the key number of -3. The opening line of this game was Balt -3 -111 at Pinnacle. Even with the majority of bets on the Ravens, sharp money was moving the line towards Buffalo.

Recent line action has Pinnacle now at only Balt -3 -105, so we can tell that some larger, sharper, money is coming in on Buffalo. Other factors on the Buffalo side include:

• Home Dog
• Coming off Bye week
• Buffalo has a good young QB

Buffalo Bills +3

Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys

Our sources within the sportsbook industry tell us that “sharps” are buying the Vikings at +10 and +9.5 – moving the line down to +9 in some places. The majority of bets are coming in on America’s Team – but the line is STILL moving down. This is confirmation that the big money is on the dog in this game.

Minny is coming off a big win over the Bears. In addition, the Vikings, in rookie running back Adrian Peterson – have a game-breaking player. The Public is on the Cowboys – but we’ll take the side of the sportsbooks, and especially the “smart money.” There is still a + 10 out there and we’ll take it.

Minnesota Vikings +10 (SportsInteraction.com)

Chicago Bears vs Philadelphia Eagles

The past few years, the Chicago Bears had their trademark “ferocious defense” back. Today, the Bears’ defense isn’t quite as dominating – and as a result, it seems like everyone is turning on them. The media is pounding the Da Bears’ defense and the team’s demise.

We feel that Chicago is still a good team – and that the Philadelphia Eagles, in fact, are very suspect. Last week, Chicago lost a tough, close game mainly due to four turnovers and several big plays. The Eagles, on the other hand, squeaked by a mediocre Jets squad.

Getting +5 for a team that can hold its opponent to 10 points on a good day – is a good value. We’ll “buy” Chicago on recent “bad news.”

Chicago Bears +6 (Matchbook.com)

So, here’s a wrap-up of analysis for this week’s Games to Watch for NFL Week 7.

Games to Watch (10-8)
Buffalo Bills +3 +105 (SportsInteraction.com)
Minnesota Vikings +10 (SportsInteraction.com)
Chicago Bears +6 (Matchbook.com)

NFL
Power Ratings
9/11/2008
	Power	Home
	Rating	Field
Arizona	92	3.5
Atlanta	88.5	2
Baltimore	88	3
Buffalo	94	3.5
Carolina	94.5	3
Chicago	94	2.5
Cincinnati	87	2.5
Cleveland	90	3
Dallas	101	3.5
Denver	93.5	3
Detroit	85.5	2.5
Green Bay	94.5	3
Houston	91	3
Indianapolis	99	3
Jacksonville	96	3
Kansas City	85	2
Miami	87	2
Minnesota	93.5	3
NY Giants	99	2.5
NY Jets	93	2
New England	95.5	3.5
New Orleans	93	3.5
Oakland	87.5	2
Philadelphia	96.5	3
Pittsburgh	97.5	3.5
San Diego	97	3
San Francisco	88	2
Seattle	91	3.5
St Louis	85	2.5
Tampa Bay	93.5	3.5
Tennessee	93.5	3
Washington	92.5	2.5