So far I am 9-11 in the bowl series which STINKS...

Utah v Navy. Well I was proved wrong in this game but this is not the only game that proved me wrong. Utah came out and played well and navy looked unsettled at times. I enjoyed the game very much and look forward to their new coach getting his feet under him and learning. The sad part is he will be learning as they play and the road could get some what rocky for Navy. 

 

My pick is Navy.   Utah Won

 

 

Florida Atlantic v Memphis. Another game where I was wrong so wrong that I came away impressed with FAU and the talent they have built within the program. In a few yeas this will be, more than likely, the dominate force in the Sunbelt conference. 

 

My Pick is Memphis.  FAU Won

 

 

Cincinnati v Southern Miss. Cincy did what I thought they would and proved to be too much for Southern Miss with the departure of its head coach which I still think was a bad decision but I understand it. Cincy is a program that is on the rise and with the efforts being put forth by the boosters and administration more good things will come. 

 

My pick is Cincinnati. Cincy Won

 

 

New Mexico v Nevada. Well my fried is an idiot and I went with him on this one. New Mexico made Nevada look well like a Nevada team.  

 

My pick is Nevada.  New Mexico Won.

 

 

BYU v UCLA. This was at times an ugly contest but I enjoyed the hell out of it. Both teams had their struggles with poor execution, game management and play calling but in the end the game got tighter and more exciting.  

 

My pick is BYU . BYU Won

 

 

East Carolina v Boise State. For one I could not believe the speed of East Carolina. Fast, faster, fastest and very physical play. East Carolina's running back proved to be too much for Boise as Boise could not stop East Carolina nor hold off its defensive front. Boise looked like a lower level mid major than what most believed they were. 

 

My Pick is Boise. East Carolina Won

 

 

Purdue v Central Michigan. Hard to believe it was a shootout with Purdue winning in the waning seconds lifted by a field goal. This game I had come believe Purdue would just slobber knock Central Michigan around the field but I was proved wrong as was Purdue in this contest. I like the emotion that Central Michigan played with and the gem management. As the game wore on it just became on of those contests that when someone had the ball you knew there was going to be a score. 

 

My Pick is Purdue. Purdue Won

 

 

Texas v Arizona State. I was shocked by this game. Not that Texas would score but that ASU would lay one of the biggest eggs in the bowl season. Not only did Texas beat ASU they embarrassed ASU and the "genius" of Erickson as many lamented throughout the year. Next year Texas is a NC title contender. 

 

My pick is ASU Texas Won

 

 

 

Boston College v Michigan State. Michigan State had its moment and dang near pulled this one out. I was not sure which State team would show up but in the end half of the State team showed up and did just enough to keep many interested and on the edge of their seats. I like BC and the direction they are heading. Look for them to make a bigger splash next year. 

 

My Pick is BC. BC Won

 

 

 

TCU v Houston. I snuck a few looks at this game and TCU had enough game to beat the upstart and seems to me always rebuilding Houston Cougars. 

 

My Pick is WHY????  TCU Won

 

 

Maryland v Oregon State. If people do not think that the PAC teams are lacking some speed (besides USC) think again. Oregon State is a team that always seems to surprise everyone when you least expect it. I like OSU and always have even when they have inflicted losses upon themselves. They are a team that is a couple players away from taking the next step. 

 

My Pick is Oregon State.  OSU Won

 

 

Wake Forest v Connecticut. Another one in which I second guessed myself. Wake Forest is better than I give them credit for and they are another team that seems to flux from year to year but they will have another sound recruiting class and be on contention again for a conference championship. 

 

My Pick is Connecticut.  Wake Forest Won

 

UCF v Mississippi State. The battle of the titans this was not and it seemed it took forever for any team to find and consistency besides it being bad. This was probably the most boring game I saw. With that being said I did see some glimmer of whets to come with UCF and Miss State. They will both be better next year. 

 

My Pick is Miss-State. State Won

 

 

Penn State v Texas A&M. This game frustrated the hell out of me. I was waiting for Joe Pa to just throw his hands in the air and resign right on the spot and for the A&M coaches to play pass the clip board and headset game since more than likely they are all done with Sherman being the man now. I expected more from A&M players to show their new coach what they are made of. I was wrong... again. 

 

Pick A&M Penn Won

 

 

Colorado v Alabama. I do not believe Saban once turned red on the face, exploded, screamed or anything. Rumors are he is very un-happy in Tuscaloosa and his wife hates it almost to the point she wants to leave now. Anyway this was another sloppy game by both teams. There are some good sing for both also. Expect Colorado to be better next year for sure. They are a young team with nothing but upside from what I saw in this one. Bama needs lots of work and a lot more talent. Bama fans please be patient this year did not live up to expectations but then again you have no talent yet. 

 

My Pick is Bama.  Bama Won

 

 

Air Force v Cal. I had nothing to say for this one because I was not sure how Cal was going to play at all and Air force has talent but they also tend to over achieve. Cal showed glimpses of what they are capable of on the offense and special teams and what they lack on defense which is talent. If Cal can fill some holes they will be known as the upset kids next year. 

 

My Pick is Air Force. Cal Won

 

 

South Florida v Oregon. Talk about showing up to play. Oregon just DESTROYED USF. It was close for a brief period but the DUCKS kicked the USF hype all over the field and made them look like the mid major they are.

 

I will lean toward USF. Ducks Won

 

 

 

Georgia Tech v Fresno State. Wrong again my friends. Damn my picks stink in the early bowls. Fresno had far too much for Tech to handle with speed and play execution. Tech needs to rethink and rebuild. Fresno played a fine game and I was surprised and liked what I saw from them.

My Pick is Tech.  Fresno Won

 

 

Kentucky v Florida State. I can say that the Noles even with 32 kids ineligible played lights out and with everything they had and I solute that effort. It was almost enough to win the game but when you have a team and that many players that are so self-fish as to only think of themselves and not the team then they all deserve to be suspended and I would boot some off the team and every freshman I signed would start in their place and I pull as many scholarships away from those dunderheads. I like both teams and see nothing but good from them down the road. FSU has more work to do to get their house in order. Kentucky has proven they belong. 

 

My Pick Kentucky Kentucky Won

 

 

Indiana v Oklahoma State. OSU has so much fire power it can be scary, real scary. I applaud Indiana for keeping in the game but they were just no match for what OSU can throw at you.  

 

My Pick Oklahoma State. OSU Won

 

 

Rutgers v Ball State. Why is this game played between the big bowls? No one is going to watch this game unless you're a Rutgers fan or David Letterman.  They play later this week. 

 

Rutgers wins and if they don't how sad this is for the birthplace of college football. 

 

 

January 6th - GMAC Bowl. 

 

 

 

Tulsa v Bowling Green. This is another one that I just could care less about. Why can't GMAC lower its interest rates instead of sponsoring this bowl game? Huh, why not? I'm going to flip a coin. Better hurry for GMAC takes it.  

 

Tulsa Wins. 

 

 

AFC Wild Card Playoffs
No. 5 Jaguars (11-5) at No. 4 Steelers (10-6), Saturday, 8 p.m. ET

 

 

The Jacksonville Jaguars will invade Heinz Ketchup field this Saturday and take on the Pittsburg Steelers. The town of Pittsburg is going to be going crazy, as they tend to do, for the beloved Steelers and we will all see the terrible towels being flung about as the fans work themselves into a feeding frenzy for the visiting Jaguars.

 

Pittsburg under new coach Mike Tomlin has kept the fight and spirit of their former head coach. Pittsburg is a team that is as blue collar as you can get with Roethisberger at the helm. With a 10-6 record and a division title under their belt they will need everything they have to get a victory against the visiting Jaguars. Pittsburg has had ZERO quality wins this year and if you want to point out the victory over the Seahawks I would say look again. That game is against a team that was inconsistent at best all year long and a victory over them is not worth bragging about.

 

Pittsburg has good depth in many key positions and they have a sound receiving corps but has suffered some key injuries that will affect this game. Roethisberger is a very good QB and he has probably one of the best backups in the event of an injury. Pittsburg secondary is their strength on defense they play man very well and that allows the defensive front time to get after the quarterback and key off of the run. The linebackers are not what they us to be in Pittsburg while still good they are a step slower but still offer physical play.

 

The Jaguars are also that blue collar team led by Jack Del Rio that has instilled toughness into the club without being cocky like some teams. They go out and perform every week. The Jaguars have already beaten the Steelers in week 15 of the regular season. While not an over whelming victory they were able to run and pass the ball with effectiveness against the Steelers. The losses the concern me the most with this team are the ones against the Saints and Titans. In both games they hard a hard time in stopping play action which could benefit the Steelers with running screens and bubble screens off of play action.

 

I like this game a lot. The keys for the Steelers are they have to contain Garrard and Taylor. If they can do that then the Jag's will have difficulty getting anything going. On special teams they math up well. The Steelers will need to be able to run the ball and that may prove to be difficult with Parker out and having to rely on the slower Davenport. While he is still a physical back he lacks the quickness of Parker.

 

For the Jaguars they have to mix the play calling and come out with a quick rhythm passing attack and play action. That will keep the Steelers defensive off balance. The Steelers have a larger uphill battle in this one but they will have home field advantage and I do not believe that will be enough to overcome the Jaguars in this one.

 

Jaguars win.

Washington Redskins @ Seattle Seahawks.

 

The Washington Redskins go into hostile territory to play NFC Western champion Seattle Seahawks. Seattle has been plagued by injury and poor play but still managed to win the west conference that is one of the weakest in the NFC and NFL. But Playing Seattle at home is one of the worst places to play in the NFL during the post season. Seattle fans are some of the loudest and with the way the stadium is designed the noise can be deafening.

 

Seattle has arguably one of the best coaches in the NFL with Mike Holmgren and his staff. They are a sound unit that has seen its share of challenges and disruptions. Holmgren has built a steady contender but has not been able to crack the glass ceiling of elite as he did with Green Bay during his championship run with the Packers.

 

On the other side the Redskins have hall of fame coach Joe Gibbs that many thought would be fired or should be fired. But Gibbs comes from a different era of football. An era when you drafted and built your team with sound athletes with positive attitudes and winning credentials. The Redskins are loaded with talent and we could argue they are the most talented athletic team in the NFL that has had more than its share of difficulty and heart break.

 

The Seahawks have played a favorable schedule with several quality wins but have not faced a real NFC contending team this year. Overall the Seahawks are a well balanced team but lack depth in the running back, quarterback and defensive side of the ball. Injuries have hurt them and at times some players have not played to their potential. The Seahawks big wins of the year were against Buc's and Eagles. But their losses are what concern me the most. With losses against the Saints, Steelers, and Falcons tell a tale of this team. Many would throw out the Falcons loss as being the past game and Seattle resting most of its starters. But the question that begs to be answered is how good those second tier players are? If the Seahawks lose Hasselbeck, Alexander or Burleson then trouble abounds. Losing to the saints and Steelers two teams with no quality wins is also troublesome from what I see.

 

The Redskins played in a tougher conference with games against two other playoff teams (Giants and Cowboys). The Redskins split their conference games against the Cowboys, Giants and Eagles ending up with a 3-3 division record. The biggest loss that the redskins suffered was the 52-7 drubbing given to the Redskins by the Patriots. That game showed many of the flaws of the Redskins defensive coverage schemes and offensive play calling that many have labeled as to conservative for today's NFL. The Redskins have not really dominated in any game until the last game of the year. That does not say that this team is not dangerous. I believe based on talent and the emotions that this team is playing with today that they are the most dangerous team in the NFC.

 

The keys to this game are simple. For the Seahawks they have to be able to get their receivers in space against the redskins DB's. Laron Landry is a great safety but he tends to make rookie mistakes and expect Holmgren to exploit that. The Seahawks also have to be able to control the ball offensively with the run game. On defense they need to stop the Redskins running game and passing attack.

 

For the Redskins the key for them is this. Get the ball to Portis and play action. The Redskins special teams are better than the Seahawks and I expect good field position from them.

 

If it is cold, bone chillin cold, that favors the Seahawks big time but I do not believe the Seahawks have enough to stop the Redskins offensively or on special teams. Those match ups favor the Redskins. The Seahawks offense has not been consistent enough throughout the year and that favors the Redskins defense.

 

Redskins win.

The big game is getting closer so for your enjoyment.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmPx0WChqwY

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSN8hbefT54&feature=related

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw1lkDI-QYw&feature=related

 

 

We have all heard the words dynasty before and the Patriot faithful and media are passing this around like Tara Reid at a gang bang or should we say like Andy Reid's boys with heroin. I guess if you say things enough it can become fact or folk lore like people keep saying what a great actor Ben Affleck is. Well he may have won an Oscar for his writing but as an actor face it we have all seen better acting in a porno.

 

We all can agree that offensively the Patriots have a very good team with players such as Moss, Gaffney, Brady, and Faulk. The Patriots are a passing team with the run being a secondary consideration but with weapons that they have at receiver you would be a passing team. Moss has matured which has shocked me to no end but I am waiting for the ol' Randy to appear. A dog is still a dog and Moss is a dog and eventually he will bite again. He has a history of "stuck on stupid" and I am waiting for his "moment" again.

 

But I hope he has grown and matured but we will see.

 

The Patriots defense is good, not great, but good. The linebackers are aging and do not have a great first step that they once had but they fill the role that is needed. What makes the Patriot linebackers look good is the Patriots defensive front. With guys like, Seymore, Warren, Wilfork, they are the ones that keep the pressure off the linebackers. The defensive front is good at keeping the gaps and penetrating and they have sound depth on that line with Green, Smith and Moore.

 

So any reasonable person can say that the Patriots are a sound team but what I see is a team that for the most part that plays in an extremely weak conference. While no fault of their own we all can agree that the Jets, Bills and Dolphins are not good teams but very bad teams. So that gives the Patriots an easy 6-0 record right there. When your conference opponents have a collective record 11-34 we can all agree that the conference is top heavy with the Patriots and the bottom is just that that bottom and very poor.

 

This season we can say that the Patriots have two quality wins to date and the rest are debatable until the season ends. Can we call the win over the Chargers in week 2 a quality win when the chargers have a brand new coaching staff and were dysfunctional at best for the first half of the year still trying to find themselves and learn a new system? I would say that his was not a quality win at the time because of that dysfunction.

 

Another that is debatable would be Browns. The Browns have no quality wins themselves nor do the Steelers but they have quality loses and that would be to the Jaguars and Patriots for the Steelers and for the Browns that would be the Patriots.

 

So the Patriots beat the Colts in the Dome and the Colts looked bad in that game. I think because of the poor defensive play of the Colts and the bad decisions that Manning made in the game. Manning has those games and they generally are against the Jags and the Patriots. He even sometimes FUBAR's against the Texans and we have seen that happen.

 

So we all can agree that the Patriots have played a less than stellar schedule with to date a collective record of 90-89 of its opponents. While the playoff scenario has not completely played its self out at this point we know the Patriots, Colts, Steelers, Jaguars, and the Chargers are all in. The best of these are obviously the Patriots, Colts, and Jaguars. The Steelers will be an early casualty due to the fact they have not beaten a quality team all year and have struggled in games they should have come out on top. The most dangerous team but also has shown some inconsistency at times are the Jaguars. The Jags are the most physical team of all in the AFC. The Jaguars have two quality loses against the Colts one was fairly bad and the other was close. The loss that looms large on this team is the one to the Saints. The Saints have had their moment in the sun but are not as talented a team as some want to believe. Reggie Bush is good but he is not a full-time back and it showed when he was and he could not handle the punishment. Otherwise the Saints have a decent tight end and one very good receiver. The defense is suspect and needs work from the corners to the front D-line.

 

So that loss by the Jags is the one that you just scratch your head but they are the most dangerous, I believe, in the AFC and could end up running the table in the AFC playoffs.

 

The Patriots have had two tests all year and one was against the Cowboys and the other the Colts in which I have already explained the Colts debacle in the game. The Cowboys on the other hand are a good team but are they really the best team in the NFC? Yes they beat the Packers probably the best team in the NFC but the Packers are known for laying down in some games and I was at the Packer Cowboys game and saw one of the worst game plans in football ever by the Packers. It was awful absolutely the worst ever and they deserved to lose.

 

Back to the Patriots. So the patriots have two "quality" wins and the rest of their opponents are below average. If you take out the wins of the Colts and the Cowboys you have a collective record of 26-85. I see trouble for the Patriots in the playoffs against a better Chargers, Jaguars and Colts teams. All of these teams have improved and have had a tougher overall schedule than the Patriots. The chargers have faced 4 quality opponents with a 1-3 record in those games.

 

So in essence the Patriots have built this years reputation on beating, for the most part, superior inferior opponents. I can remember in when they went to the super bowl and played the Packers all you heard was how impressive the team was then but this team is almost a mirror image of that team. While this team has a few more wins the quality of opponents and quality wins is virtually the same.

 

Everyone keeps crowing this team a dynasty and the Super Bowl winner already remember that dynasty's "Die Nasty" and I will bet that the Patriots do not make the Super Bowl and this based on historical evidence.