Make sure you come in to catch all of your Browns games, plus all the other NFL action at the Clevelander Bar and Grill.  We have great food and drink specials during every Browns game.  Easy on your wallet, hard on your liver.  I have a few NFL picks this week, too.  Hopefully the Browns will get some things done during the bye week and come out with a strong second half of the season.  Let’s Get Drunk Clevelanders.

Favorites are in BOLD

Jacksonville Jaguars vs Cincinnati Bengals in Jacksonville, EverBank Field

Spread: 2.5

Pick: Cincinnati Bengals

Que?  How are the Jaguars favored in any game.  The Bengals have an excellent defense and are going to give the Jaguars fits.  Take the points, Bengals win 24-13.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tennessee Titans in Pittsburgh, Heinz Field

Spread: 3

Pick: Tennessee Titans

The Steelers are a mess right now.  Roethlisberger in a walking cast, Mendenhall may not play, headhunter/dirtiest player in the NFL James Harrison out.  The Titans have a solid offensive line and a good front 7.  Take the points in this one, Titans win late 19-17.

New England Patriots vs New York Jets in Foxsboro, Gillette Stadium

Spread: 9

Pick: New York Jets

How on earth am I getting 9 points in the NFL in a matchup between two of the 10 best teams in the league.  After being embarassed last week by the Ravens (whose defense is head and shoulders above the Pats defense), the Jets are going to come out fired up to prove they are still a relevant team.  The Patriots aren’t going to score like they have been against some middle of the road defensive teams and they aren’t going to shut down the Jets poor offense.  Take the points all day, Pats win 27-21.

Well, after several weeks I am not doing very well.  6-9 last week bringing me to 15-20-1 for the year.  Ouch.  This week I have some crazy picks to hopefully right the ship.  Can’t be much worse.

Favorites are in BOLD

LSU Tigers vs Florida Gators in Baton Rouge, Tiger Stadium

Spread: 13.5

Pick: Florida Gators

Call me crazy.  John Brantley will not play.  LSU has looked unbelievable.  But look closely.  Les Miles is 9-22 in his last 31 ATS and 1-13 as a double digit favorite in the SEC.  Don’t forget that UF still has some pretty good athletes on both sides of the ball, even if their QB is a freshman.  Charlie Weis will treat him with kid gloves and UF keeps this one close.  Take the points, LSU wins 21-13.

Oklahoma Sooners vs Texas Longhorns in Dallas, Cotton Bowl

Spread: 10

Pick: Oklahoma Sooners

I missed last week with OU thinking they may be hurt and looking ahead.  You may call me crazy with this one, too.  Texas has looked good the last few weeks, but against the like of bad BYU, UCLA, and Iowa State.  Everyone saw the close game in Tallahasee, but that is the way you win that game.  Traditionally, the Red River Rivalry has not been close (decided by less than 7 points only once in the last 10 years).  I think OU rolls this Texas squad.  Lay the 10 points, Boomer Sooner wins 45-20.

Pitt Panthers vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Piscataway, High Point Solutions Stadium

Spread: 7

Pick: Rutgers Scarlet Knights

I still am not a believer in Pitt, despite the fact that they completely destroyed my bet last week.  Rutgers is not a great team, but I think their defense will allow them to hang around versus Pitt.  Take the points, this one is decided late by a FG.  Pitt wins 21-19.

Missouri Tigers vs Kansas State Wildcats in Manhattan, Bill Snyder Stadium

Spread: 3.5

Pick: Kansas State Wildcats

I don’t understand this spread at all.  Kansas State may be the most overlooked and underrated undefeated team in the country with wins at Miami and over Baylor at home.  In comes a so-so Mizzou squad that has been inconsistent on offense and defense.  Bill Snyder is 10-5 ATS at home as a dog since his return.  Take the points, K State wins though, 31-27.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Air Force Falcons in South Bend, Notre Dame Stadium

Spread: 15.5

Pick: Air Force Falcons

I am really sick of hearing about how good Notre Dame is, if only they didn’t turn the ball over, or make this mistake, or shoot themselves in the foot.  That is called being bad in every other sport.  Good teams don’t turn the ball over and make mistakes.  Air Force is a disciplined team that should hang around in this one.  Brian Kelly is now 2-4-3 ATS at home.  Take the points, another Luck o’ the Irish victory, ND 31-24.

Arkansas Razorbacks vs Auburn Tigers in Fayetteville, Razorback Stadium

Spread: 10

Pick: Auburn Tigers

These teams are fairly evenly matched, so I was surprised when I saw the large spread.  I find it hard to believe that Arkansas is a TD better than Auburn on a neutral field.  SEC games between similar teams are almost always close and this one is no different.  Take the points, Hogs win though 35-28.

Georgia Bulldogs vs Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville, Neyland Stadium

Spread: 2

Pick: Tennessee Volunteers

This should be a really good, physical game.  Georgia has bounced back against some subpar opponents in the last few weeks.  Knoxville is not an easy place to go and get a victory, especially with a Sr. QB on the other sideline.  Mark Richt is 2-7 ATS in his last 7 on the road, while UT is 7-2 ATS vs. FBS teams in its last 9.  I think UT pulls the modest upset here and gets a win at home.  Take the points, Rocky Top wins 24-21.

TCU Horned Frogs vs San Diego State Aztecs in San Diego, Qualcomm Stadium

Spread: 3.5

Pick: TCU Horned Frogs

The Frogs got down early again last week, but couldn’t come all the way back last week versus rival SMU.  Now they go on the road to SDSU.  I have gotten the pleasure of watching SDSU several times this year for some reason (i.e. gambling) and I can tell you that they are not the team they were the last few years under current Michigan coach Brady Hoke.  TCU, while wildly inconsistent this year, is at least a TD better team than the Aztecs.  Lay the points, love TCU and future OSU head coach Gary Patterson to bounce back again this week.  TCU wins 35-21.

Michigan Wolverines vs Northwestern Wildcats in Evanston, Ryan Field

Spread: 7.5

Pick: Northwestern Wildcats

Michigan gets the first true test of that defense this week outside of Chicago this week.  Dan Persa is expected to play this week.  Michigan seems to struggle at NW and HC Pat Fitzgerald is 19-11 ATS in his last 30 as the underdog.  Take the points, UM wins 35-34.

And my degenerate game of the week…

Troy Trojans vs UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns in Lafayette, Cajun Field

Spread: 6.5

Pick: UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns

Troy is the traditional power in this conference, but are down slightly this year.  Meanwhile, ULL has been tough, with their only loss at buzzsaw Oklahoma State.  I think this line has a lot to do with the past as opposed to the present.  Troy squeaked out it’s last two against subpar UAB and MTSU.  ULL meanwhile won at FIU (beat UCF and Louisville).  I think ULL wins this one outright.  Take the points, Cajuns win 42-38.

 

Man the week started off so well for me.  Then it all went downhill.  5-6 last week, including a loss to bring my degenerate picks to 0-2 on the year, bringing my year long total to 9-11-1.  Have a bunch more games this week that I want to pick.  Let’s get drunk and throw away some more cash.

Favorites are in BOLD

South Florida Bulls vs Pitt Panthers in Pittsburgh, Heinz Field

Spread: 2.5

Pick: South Florida Bulls

I am going against my general rule of laying the points on Thursday night on the road for a few reasons.  First, Pitt sucks.  Second, the are playing in that dump, Heinz field, which is a pro stadium and offers no real home field advantage.  And third, after getting fired up last week for ND and having their hearts broken, the short week does them no favors.  USF is a much better team and will destroy Pitt.  Lay the points, USF wins 35-13.

Illinois Fightin’ Illini vs Northwestern Wildcats in Champaign, Memorial Stadium

Spread: 8

Pick: Northwestern Wildcats

He’s baaaaaack.  Dan Persa is going to play this week to start Big 10 play and not a moment too soon for the Wildcats.  This overrated Illini squad is not going to be able to stop NW.  Upset alert!  Take the points, I wouldn’t be surprised if Northwestern pulls this one off, NW wins 31-30.

Penn State Nittany Lions vs Indiana Hoosiers in Bloomington, Memorial Stadium

Spread: 16.5

Pick: Indiana Hoosiers

Can Penn State beat any AQ school by 16 points?  Their offense is atrocious.  Not that IU is any better, but I like them at home to cover this one.  Take the points, PSU wins 21-10.

Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan State Spartans in Columbus, Ohio Stadium

Spread: 3

Pick: Ohio State Buckeyes

Now that the QB situation is settled, and Braxton Miller got some live game action under his belt, it’s go time for the Buckeyes.  Michigan State is not very good and are owned by the Buckeyes in Columbus.  Lay the points, Buckeyes pull away late, OSU 27-17.

Wisconsin Badgers vs Nebraska Cornhuskers in Madison, Camp Randall Stadium

Spread: 9

Pick: Wisconsin Badgers

Welcome to the Big 10, Nebraska, now go play in arguably the toughest stadium in the Big 10.  You cannot be one dimensional and beat Wisconsin, especially this year.  Nebraska’s defense has not lived up to the hype and Taylor Martinez may not make it back to Lincoln in one piece.  It’s a lot of points, but Wiscy is going to welcome the Huskers to the Big 10 with a beat down.  Badgers win 48-20.

Arkansas Razorbacks vs Texas A&M Aggies in Arlington, Cowboys Stadium

Spread: 3

Pick: Texas A&M Aggies

Both teams are coming off tough losses and now they play a neutral site game against future SEC rivals.  I think Arkansas was a little exposed last week by a very good Alabama team.  The Aggies crumbled last week late, but I think they still have the better team.  Take the points, Aggies win 38-35.

Oklahoma Sooners vs Ball State Cardinals in Norman, Oklahoma Memorial Stadium

Spread: 38

Pick: Ball State Cardinals

I don’t know why I am taking this spread, except I don’t think OU is quite as potent as everyone thinks.  OU has a bunch of injuries and this is the type of game that OU struggles with as well.  Coming off a tough game versus Mizzou, with Texas on the horizon.  OU wins this game, but Ball State hangs around.  Take the points, OU wins 48-17.

Texas Longhorns vs Iowa State Cyclones in Ames, Jack Trice Stadium

Spread: 9.5

Pick: Iowa State Cyclones

This Iowa State team has been through some heart stoppers this year and are still undefeated.  QB Steele Jantz (awesome QB name) has been tough as nail, leading comeback victories versus rival Iowa and at UConn.  In comes big, bad Texas, fresh off its pounding off (horrible) UCLA.  It’s a 6pm local start, so the good folks of Ames should be in full throat.  Take the points, Texas breaks their hearts, but close 28-24.

Alabama Crimson Tide vs Florida Gators in Gainesville, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Spread: 3.5

Pick: Alabama Crimson Tide

Charlie Weis might eat QB John Brantley after his 3rd INT against that Bama defense.  Bama is going to roll UF.  QB AJ McCarron has proven he can handle tough road tests and the ground game started to roll last week.  Lay the points, Tide rolls 27-13.

Georgia Bulldogs vs Mississippi State Bulldogs in Athens, Sanford Stadium

Spread: 6.5

Pick: Georgia Bulldogs

This is the tale of two teams moving in opposite directions.  Georgia, after getting worked by (great) Boise State, fell out of the public consciousness.  They are still a pretty good team though.  MSU, on the other hand, was horribly overrated to start the year.  Their offense has sputtered lately and I am not sure if they actually play defense.  UGa wins this one at home, 35-24.

TCU Horned Frogs vs SMU Mustangs in Fort Worth, Amon Carter Stadium

Spread: 11.5

Pick: TCU Horned Frogs

Future OSU coach, Gary Patterson, has done a pretty good job righting the ship of his young team after losing the opener at Baylor.  In comes old time rival SMU to test the Frogs.  SMU hasn’t been able to hang with good teams since June Jones arrived.  Lay the points, TCU wins 48-27.

And for my degenerate game(s) of the week…

Temple Owls vs Toledo Rockets in Philadelphia, Lincoln Financial Field

Spread: 7.5

Pick: Temple Owls

Toledo has been tough so far in the early season, nearly clipping the Buckeyes and getting robbed at Syracuse.  I think there tough schedule, combined with the emotional roller coaster catches up with them this week.  Temple has a great D and seems to have discovered their offense.  Lay the points, Temple wins 27-13.

Colorado State Rams vs San Jose State Spartans in Fort Collins, Hughes Stadium

Spread: 3

Pick: Colorado State Rams

Not that Colorado State scares me, but SJSU is not very good and now have to go up into altitude and possibly cold to try to beat the Rams.  Not going to happen.  CSU will roll the Spartans.  Lay the points, CSU wins 36-14.

Fresno State Bulldogs vs Mississippi Rebels in Fresno, Bulldog Stadium

Spread: 3.5

Pick: Fresno State Bulldogs

Ole Miss is terrible.  And now they are going to travel to Fresno, for a night game, and take on a game Bulldogs squad.  This is going to be an embarrassment.  Lay the points, Fresno rolls 56-20.

BYU Cougars vs Utah State Aggies in Provo, LaVell Edwards Stadium

Spread: 7.5

Pick: Utah State Aggies

This is simply a bet against BYU.  They were supposed to have been really good this year and they almost got beat by horrible Ole Miss, lost to Texas amidst their QB issue, then got worked by Utah, and UCF gave them their last victory.  This is a huge rivalry game for Utah State.  The Aggies can score, BYU cannot.  Not sure if USU can pull off the upset, but they should keep it close.  Take the points, BYU wins 21-20.

Even though I will not be at the bar this Saturday, you should come down and join us for all the exciting games of the college football Saturday at the Clevelander.  See the Buckeyes, the shootout in College Station, and stay for the nightcap in the desert.  All the games will be here and the beers will be flowing, so let’s get drunk Cleveland.

So far on the year I am 4-5-1 on my picks.  Lots of juicy lines this weekend.  Let’s take a look.

Favorites are in BOLD

Maryland Terrapins vs Temple Owls in College Park, Byrd Stadium

Spread: 9

Pick: Temple Owls

Despite the departure of Al Golden, the Temple program keeps rolling along.  Maryland still may be without the services of their starting WRs, who were suspended indefinitely last week versus WVU.  Take the points in this game, Maryland wins 31-28.

Illinois Fightin’ Illini vs Western Michigan Broncos, in Champaign, Memorial Stadium

Spread:  12.5

Pick: Western Michigan Broncos

Western Michigan has prospects Alex Carder and North Ridgeville product Jordan White on offense.  Illinois is coming off a big, nationally televised win over Arizona State and next week Big 10 play begins.  Watch out Illini.  WMU keeps this one close, take the points, Illinois wins 35-28.

Florida State Seminoles vs Clemson Tigers, in Clemson, Memorial Stadium

Spread: 3

Pick: Clemson Tigers

Again, same story.  Florida State had a huge game last week versus Oklahoma that they lost.  The schedule makers did them no favors by turning them around and sending them to Death Valley to play a confident Tigers squad.  Add in a QB injury issue for the Seminoles and all signs point towards trouble.  Take the boot, I think Clemson pulls the upset and takes care of business at home, 31-27.

Alabama Crimson Tide vs Arkansas Razorbacks, in Tuscaloosa, Bryant-Denny Stadium

Spread: 12

Pick: Arkansas Razorbacks

This is going to be a challenge for the Tide, because they are going to have to score some points to beat Arkansas.  They do have a great defense, but Bobby Petrino is one of the greatest offensive minds in the NCAA.  Look for the Razorbacks to come out firing early.  Take the points, Bama wins 31-21.

Oregon Ducks vs Arizona Wildcats in Tuscon, Arizona Stadium

Spread: 15.5

Pick: Oregon Ducks

I know Oregon did not look good versus LSU, but since then they have been destroying lesser opponents.  Arizona, no matter what people try to tell you about Nick Foles, is a lesser opponent.  This line has already moved 2 points, but I don’t care.  Oregon is going to destroy the Wildcats.  Lay the points, Ducks roll 63-20.

Arizona State Sun Devils vs USC Trojans in Tempe, Sun Devil Stadium

Spread: 2.5

Pick: Arizona State Sun Devils

USC may just be the worst 3-0 team in all of America.  Arizona State is not much better, but they are at home.  This is their first road game, at night, at one of the biggest party schools in the land.  Dennis Erickson is great ATS at home.  Lay the 2.5 points, ASU wins 27-24.

Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Wyoming Cowboys in Laramie, War Memorial Stadium

Spread: 23.5

Pick: Wyoming Cowboys

Another look ahead game here.  First road test for the Huskers, whose ‘Blackshirt’ defense has looked porous so far this year.  On the horizon for the Huskers lurk a road trip to Madison and the Buckeyes to start off their first year in the Big 10.  I’m not sure how you get to Laramie, but it can’t be a fun trip.  Take the points, Huskers win sloppy, 48-28.

South Carolina Gamecocks vs Vanderbilt Commodores in Columbia, Williams-Brice Stadium

Spread: 16

Pick: Vanderbilt Commodores

The Gamecocks haven’t stopped anyone at all this year.  That will continue on Saturday.  Vandy comes in 3-0, with some wins over some not so stellar opponents, but again USC couldn’t stop East Carolina from dropping 35+ on them.  Take the points, ‘Cocks win 42-38.

Oklahoma State Cowboys vs Texas A&M Aggies, in College Station, Kyle Field

O/U: 69.5

Pick: Over 69.5

Don’t like defense?  This game is for you.  Both of these teams have a lassiez-faire attitude towards defense and it will show this weekend.  Look for a shootout.  I know the number is high, but it may be over by the end of the 3Q.  Take the over, Cowboys win 49-40.

Mississippi State Bulldogs vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in Starkville, Davis Wade Stadium

O/U: 57

Pick: Over 57

Don’t let last week’s result fool you, MSU can score.  La. Tech has been in a few shootouts themselves.  Mississippi State should easily win this game, but they will give up some points.  Take the over, MSU wins 51-27.

And for the degenerate game of the week…

Miami (OH) Redhawks vs Bowling Green Falcons in Oxford, Yager Stadium

Spread: 4

Pick: Miami Redhawks

Miami, depsite being 0-2, has played both Mizzou and Minnesota (fired up to play for HC Jerry Kill who had a seizure on the sideline the previous week) very tough.  I got nothing on either team, I just think Miami is better than its record and the line is too short.  Lay the points, Redhawks win 28-19.

The browns season opener is here.