Big 12 Picks: Week 8 Betting Edition

A little variation to my picking style but here's your betting guide to this week's Big 12 games. If you win any money off my pick's, I think I'm entitled to at least 25% of your winnings so I'll accept cash, check or beer as payment. 

1. Oklahoma State @ Missouri
1. Straight-up: Straight up I'm taking Oklahoma State, Missouri hasn't proven they can play consistently enough to beat a team like Oklahoma State. They have the talent and the offense to challenge Ok. State but it depends on which Missouri team shows up.
2. Line: Oklahoma State is a 7-point favorite and I believe they will cover that. I don't think this game will be a blowout but Oklahoma State will win by at least 10 points.
3. Over/under: 69.5 points is the over/under, I would take the under in this game. Just a gut feeling/guess. 
4. Score prediction: Oklahoma State 37, Missouri 27. 
2. Kansas State @ Kansas

1. Straight-up: Bias or no bias, I'm taking the Cats. Bill Snyder has taken this team too far to have a let down against his most hated opponent. 
2. Line: Kansas State is favored by 10.5 points, once again I'm taking the favorite to cover the spread. If K-State's offense is on top of its game from the get go, Kansas will not stand a chance. 
3. Over/under: 59.5 points is the over/under, I'm taking the over in this one. KU's offense is no joke and will score some points to keep the game somewhat close. 
4. Score prediction: Kansas State 37, KU 24. 
3. Texas A&M  @ Iowa State

1. Straight-up: Texas A&M...no explanation needed, they are playing Iowa State!
2. Line: Texas A&M is favored by 20.5 points. I'm changing my streak of picking the favorite to cover and taking Iowa State to keep this within 3 scores at home. 
3. Over/under: 66.5 points, I'm taking the under in this one. I think Iowa State will try to control the ball to keep A&M's offense off the field. It will work for the most part, but not enough to get the win.
4. Score prediction: Texas A&M 35, Iowa State 17. 
4. Texas Tech @ Oklahoma

1. Straight-up: Oklahoma, Sooners will get off to a better start than last week at home to win by a more convincing score. 
2. Line: Oklahoma is favored by 28.5. I'm taking the under in this one. I think Texas Tech will move the ball enough to keep Oklahoma from putting up too many points. 
3. Over/under: 71 points, I'm taking the over in this game, these offenses are going to continue to do what they do best, score. 
4. Score prediction: Oklahoma 52, Texas Tech 35. 

What I Learned From This Weekend

I have many things to talk about and not enough motivation to give them each their own post. So I'm going to give you the shortened version of all the things I learned from this weekend. Just keep in mind that the shortened version of what I learned over the weekend is probably longer than what I learn during the week. That's because I spend all of my weekend studying, not watching sports and laying around (sarcasm). But in all seriousness, sports can teach you a thing or two you'll never read in a book. Here's my report:

• I learned that the K-State football team is having a special type of year: I had the feeling after the Baylor game but wasn't completely sold until this last week's game against Texas Tech. Snyder has pulled off more magic in this season than all the Harry Potter movies combined. In the game vs. Tech, K-State had under 100 yards total offense while giving up over 300 in the first half. Despite that, K-State "Snydered" their way to a close score at half. Two blocked kicks and a kick return for a touchdown kept K-State in the game in the first half. K-State found a way to make the game intense from beginning to end, keeping their fans on the edge of their seats throughout the game (particularly me!) The Wildcats are now ranked 11th in BCS, 12th in the AP Poll and 16th in the Coaches Poll, the highest they've been in most, if not all, of those polls since 2003. The roughest part of their schedule has yet to come but I think Snyder will find a way to keep surprising people until the day he's done coaching football, so stay tuned.
• I learned that Tony La Russa is the best manager in the MLB right now and maybe ever: The St. Louis Cardinals clinched their birth in to World Series tonight with another explosive offensive performance and bullpen led pitching staff. The Cardinals were down almost 10 game on the 1st of September and got hot late to steal the Wild Card spot from the Atlanta Braves on the last day of the regular season. La Russa is trying for his 3rd world series and his 2nd as a Cardinals manager. His ability to manage and use his bullpen affectively stood out especially in this series as the Cardinal's bullpen pitched more innings than their actual pitchers did. It was unorthodox but still a typical La Russa managed series as the Cardinals were sound on defense (especially compared to the Brewers), had timely hitting and were discipline hitters at the plate. The Cardinals will play the Nolan Ryan run Texas Rangers, I will hopefully have a preview of the World Series by today but no later than Tuesday. 
• I learned Jim Harbaugh needs to take hand-shaking classes: If you have not seen the post-game-power handshake Jim Harbaugh gave Jim Schwartz, I have the video of it posted. I understand he is a first-year NFL coach and is used to the college atmosphere and excitement of things, but there comes a time and place for celebration as a coach. The middle of an opponents field in week 6 is not the time or place. Now I am not saying that Jim Schwartz was right in any way or form, he is no better than Harbaugh in that coaches always preach "Be the bigger man, we'll get em next time" and "the second guy always gets caught." Well he followed neither of these philosophies and made himself look like a fool on national television. I don't find this as a huge deal in my mind so long as some sort of apology comes from both coaches comes out for their organization, players and the NFL. We'll see how Roger Goodell feels about this rare type of incident soon if any fines  come out this week. 

 

• I learned that sometimes, people need to remember that sports' figures are people too: No matter how much you hate an opposing player because of the team he/she plays on, the trouble they got into, the celebrations they do, the smack they talk or any other reason really, you should keep in mind that tomorrow is not promised for anyone. The Racing World lost a great driver in Dan Wheldon today in a disastrous crash at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. I'm not even a racing fan and this made me think a little. Don't be afraid to root against opposing teams/players, just keep in mind the ways you do it, don't take it farther than it needs to be. Most of the time, fans' outlook on player's is wrong anyway but yell blatantly beer-influenced ignorance none the less. 
• I learned that NCAA football needs a playoff: Oh wait, I learned that 5 years ago. Seriously though, there are so many teams this year that I believe could legitimately win the championship: Alabama, LSU, Wisconsin, Oklahoma and Oregon (maybe stretching it with injuries but I'm trying to make a point!) Only 2 of these teams will play for the National Championship, I'm guessing Oklahoma and LSU, while the other 3 have no shot to redeem themselves in the post-season.

That's what I learned this week, if you feel I missed anything, the comment section is straight down. If not, I'll try to get that World Series breakdown done today 

NFL Week 6 Predictions

My first week of predicting Big 12 football games went so well (4-1) that I decided to test my luck on the NFL. I've had 5 weeks to watch the NFL so I should have no excuses (not that I can't come up with some) for a bad week of picks. I thought about not giving a points prediction since my college predictions for points was as close to the real thing as Bill Self's hair. Now that I've put my one required KU shot in my post, lets get to the games.

Detroit 24, San Francisco 23: This one was a coin-flip for me, I feel like the dynamic-duo of Suh and Fairley will give the Lions the pressure they need to keep Frank Gore and Alex Smith in check. Lions remain undefeated for another week.

Green Bay 31, St. Louis 10: Aaron Rodgers is building his MVP resume as each week goes by. I doubt the winless Rams will be able to do enough on either side of the ball on the road to give the Packers their first loss. Packers win easy to go 6-0.

Atlanta 27, Carolina 17: Look for Michael Turner to have a breakout game against the Panthers. Cam Newton and Steve Smith will have a good day but I think turnovers will keep them from finishing long drives like they have for most of the year. Atlanta pulls away late for the win.

Indianapolis 31, Cincinnati 28: Look for Curtis Painter to end the losing streak and finish a game strong on the road after the fall-apart game last week against KC. Painter makes key passes late to get the first win of the season and hurt the Colts quest for Andrew Luck.

NY Giants 33, Buffalo 21: The stout defensive line of the Giants will disrupt Fitzpatrick's passing game for the Bills and limit their running game enough to get a bounce-back victory.

Pittsburg 30, Jacksonville 10: Pittsburg's defense dominates Jacksonville throughout the game. Big Ben will make enough plays to keep game from being close.

Washington 21, Philadelphia 19: The "Dream Team" continues to crumble as the fundamental football of the Redskins keeps Vick and company from breaking any big plays off.

Baltimore 28, Houston 17: Ray Rice has a big day against the weakened Texan D-Line after they lost star defensive end Mario Williams last week to a pectoral injury.

Oakland 34, Cleveland 10: Oakland continues its miraculous season on the back of Darren McFadden against a suspect Cleveland team.

New England 27, Dallas 24: A large, early lead by New England keeps a late Dallas comeback from stealing a win at home.

New Orleans 34, Tampa Bay 24: After a blow-out loss, Tampa Bay plays better but has major weaknesses in the secondary exposed against a high-powered Saints' offense, led by Drew Brees.

Minnesota 24, Chicago 20: Adrian Peterson has a field day against the struggling Bears' defense and Jay Cutler is under constant pressure as the Vikings take one on the road against a division rival.

NY Jets 27, Miami 10: Mark Sanchez plays his best game of the season to silence doubters (for now) and Miami's quarterback issues continue against the improving Jets' defense.



Let's see if I have any psychic abilities or am just plain lucky, but most likely I'll just wish I wouldn't have picked the games after missing most of them. Only time will tell.

Oh yeah and K-State is 6-0. EMAW

College Football Predictions: Big 12 Edition

Since I've got the blog back up and running, I'm going to try and throw in some more sports-related topics since sports writing is my passion. So here's my predictions for tomorrow's Big 12 games, I was not sure whether to include Missouri in my conference picks since they are like the nerd trying to get into the jocks inner circle, only to get a wedgie and stuffed into a locker but they think the jocks are just playing hard to get. Get the message Missouri, no one wants you, the Mountain West might have taken you until they merged with Conference USA. So stick with what your good at, being mediocre at every sport and never winning any conference championships. It could be worse though, just ask Nebraska, Colorado and Texas A&M in a year.

Now that I'm done ranting about that, here's my picks.

Baylor 35, Texas A&M 27: I haven't got to see a lot of Texas A&M but have seen enough RG3 to know that he is a straight-up stud. A little Big 12 bias comes into play on this pick as I have more love for Missouri that I do for Texas A&M. I think A&M will play like the cow shit that Texas Tech filled their bus with last week and only keep close because of the great home crowd they always draw. Baylor 35, Texas A&M 27.

Missouri 37, Iowa State 21: As much as it hurts me to put this, coming off a loss, I think Missouri will get the high-powered offense it saw early in the season back on track against a so-so Iowa State team.

Oklahoma State 45, Texas 28: I'm not sure how Texas is ranked after Oklahoma gave them what looked like the shower scene from American History X. As good as Oklahoma's offense may be, the poke's offense may be better. Texas plays better at home but inevitably can't match up with the hemi-powered offense of Oklahoma State, Ok-State 45, Texas 28.

Oklahoma 63, Kansas 10: I don't think Turner Gill is a great coach, but I think he'll get his players motivated enough to stop the embarrassing play his team calls a defense. Even though their on pace to break defensive records that get more coaches fired than a ponzi scheme (cough Miami), I think they keep the sooners from matching what Oklahoma State put up last week.

Kansas State 24, Texas Tech 21: In what I believe will be the best Big 12 game of the week, I think K-State's ability to control the clock, ball and the conference (Kirk Schulz/2-0 in Big 12) will give the narrow victory. I look for Tech to attack the Wildcats safeties and secondary since they've lost their starting running back for the season. Anthony Cantele takes his clutch kicking shoes on the road and gives the Wildcats a late field goal late in the game for the win.

Avoiding Friday Sports Center

If your a loyal, regular viewer of ESPN's staple program, Sports Center, then you'll know that on Friday they air their Not Top Ten Plays of the week. Where they show the most embarrassing sports-related moments of the week. Kansas State almost landed itself a guaranteed top-5 spot in this Friday's list. And I'm not even talking about the Eco-Cat fiasco that broke out last week on the internet. I'm talking about something much worse.

Avoided SI too? 

Kansas State about became the latest BCS school to fall to a FCS opponent. A feat that has been occurring more often in the last 5 years (Appalachian State over Michigan, North Dakota State over Kansas, Sacramento State over Oregon State, and Jacksonville State over Ole Miss). Although this does show a minor shrink in the talent gap between FCS schools and BCS schools, talent was not the issue in Kansas State's troubles. The majority of K-State's problems were self-inflicted and mental mistakes.

Despite more than doubling Eastern Kentucky's total yardage, having 3 times the amount of first downs and having 9 times the yards per rush, K-State trailed the game with just few minutes left in the 4th quarter. This was because the Wildcats managed to rack up 5 turnovers to Eastern Kentucky's 2. The key turnover was a fumble by Bryce Brown that was returned to the 1 yard line. The defense then gave up its only score; which Bill Snyder doesn't exactly consider to be a touchdown against the defense, like many fans.

On a more positive note, K-State's biggest question mark coming into this season was its defense, who performed more like the pre-retirement, Snyder defenses than the post-retirement ones. The defense fought a short field many times, offensive and special team turnovers, but did not give in to the adversity they faced. The front 7 put pressure on the quarterback multiple times including 4 sacks including 2 from   Senior DE, Jordan Voelker. The secondary withstood a setback after Tysyn Hartman came out of the game permanently early in the game. Hartman's absence didn't seem to affect the defense or the secondary at all for that matter. Nigel Malone filled the void with his 2 interceptions, one to seal the game. Newcomer, Arthur Brown, led the defense in tackles and looks like a leader both on and off the field.
I'm not ready to push the panic button quite yet, K-State had to replace many key positions. They had to replace a 2nd round draft pick in Daniel Thomas along with having to get used to only seeing one man behind center, which has become a rarity in Bill Snyder's recent years. Overall, the defense is much improved from last years (not saying much) and the offense has the talent in place. As long as the leadership and drive to get better is in the locker room, Bill Snyder will get them going in the right direction. With two weeks to prepare for the next game against Kent State, this game will be more to write about. If the offensive unit can't find a way to coincide and erase silly turnovers, then these concerns being shouted out will become louder.

Arthur Brown attempting a tackle

Until then, I will focus on the positive (solid defense and an offense that just underperformed) of last weeks game with a shade of concern (weak offensive line, killer turnovers/penalties, and inconsistent quarterback play). I expect the season to be competitive and hard fought, just by the first game, I can tell there is a fire on the defensive end that wasn't within 30 miles of last years defense. Defense is what wins in any sport, so if we can get the ball into the hands of our playmakers more consistently and not have 5 turnovers (not asking too much), K-State will be right back on the fans' good gracious before Big 12 season even starts.

Endangered Species

Imagine the jungle without it's king. Imagine the sea without the killer whale. Imagine Braveheart without Mel Gibson. What would the elimination of all these things result in? One word, boring! No one wants to watch a Gazelle prance around with no threat of danger, other than running into quick sand. No one wants to watch Seal's act like they own the water and the beach with no consequences. And does anyone want to see anyone else rally the Scottish troops other than Mel Gibson? (not including King Leonitus) Just the same, most people don't want to watch golf without the man who rejuvenated to a popularity it's never seen and became the most polarizing athlete in the world. If you haven't caught onto my heavy hinting, I'm talking of course of Tiger Woods. This is unfortunately, what the PGA tour is having to deal with over the last two years, the absence of Tiger Woods on and off the course.

This all started of course, when the tabloid media blew up the stories of multiple affairs that Tiger was involved in. That on top of a bum knee and achilles, which he originally described as "minor", have kept him out of the winner's circle for the last two years. His head isn't right, his swing isn't close, and his body is beat up. No one knows when he'll be back, he doesn't even know. All he has repeatedly told the public is that he will not return until his body is completely healed. The problem is that he also said he's been playing in pain for many years. So how long will it take for him to completely heal? Or will he ever completely heal? Can the man whose life has been all about golf for the last decade or so keep himself off the course long enough to get his body back to normal? How long will he watch these young pups come up and break Major records (Rory), while at the same time the media dubs them the next Jack Nicklaus, before he let's his competitiveness overcome him and he tells his doctor to shut it.

The questions could go on and on. No one knows the answer: not me, not Andy North, not Hank Haney, and not even Tiger himself. No one knows what is going on inside of Tiger's head because he has not let anyone in. This is why I think the scandal sent him off the deep end, he is a very personal person and when the whole world knows your marital problems, it can get to you.

Even in the last two years, when Tiger has been on the course, he hasn't been feared like the Tiger who made golfers' necks sore from checking the scoreboard every five minutes and like the Tiger who made golfers' wear ear plugs so they couldn't hear the roar of the massive crowd after Tiger sank a 25 ft. putt. Now the golfer's aren't afraid, the gazelle don't fear the king of the jungle. He's lost his intimidation factor along with his private life, swing, mental and physical health.

What's next for Tiger? That question is unanswerable. In my opinion, he'll sit out this year and attempt to come back next year with a rejuvenated swing, healthy knee and achilles, and hopefully a Major championship. Hell, Tiger might be happy with just a tournament win, seeing how he hasn't won in 2+ years. Will we hear later this year that he'll need surgery, again? Will everyone eventually believe that Tiger is done and that his chase at Jack his turned into a good story gone terribly wrong, until Tiger believes it himself. We won't know without time. Tiger could come out next year and win a couple majors or he could go through the same thing he's been through the last couple of years. Either is just as likely as the next.

One thing is for certain, Tiger will have to make adjustments in his swing and his mind set. He will have to realize that players are not going to drop dead at the sight of him on the leader board (Y.E Yang). Tiger is going have to actually hunt golfers down, be the Tiger and go and get the Gazelle. He is going to have to stop thinking and let his natural instincts take over, before he goes from the Endangered Species list to Extinct.

Stay tuned