Browns Anounce Trade Quinn To Fruit Of The Loom

The Browns completed a trade today sending their former 1st round draft pick Brady Quinn to Fruit Of The Loom for 56 pairs of underwear. "This trade made sense for us, we need underwear and the quarterback position in general is just not working for us." said browns coach Eric Mangini.

For Fruit Of The Loom they part ways with 56 pairs of low quality men's briefs and in return get what they hope is their marque underwear model for the next 10 years. "We are very excited about this trade" said Fruit of the Loom president Jim Dourghty, "we think Brady could really transform our image."

With this trade the Browns are forging ahead in a new direction on both offense and their underwear. “There’s no doubt the offense is not where we want it to be. We think that after Derek and Brady it’s time to try a new offense where we don’t use a quarterback. And frankly after averaging 7 points a game we’re optimistic that not using a QB is the way to go.” When pressed to explain what a quarterback free offense might look like Mangini replied “I can’t give away our entire game plan, but let’s just say the more we punt the ball away the more return opportunities (Josh) Cribbs will get.” So does that mean more will be expected of the defense? “Yes, we need them to step up for this to work, but with their new underwear they’re going to be very comfortable out there and we hope very effective.”

 

 

Posted by:ky Added:11/30/09 7:24 PM permalink
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Cavs Win

Say it ain't Mo.  Mo Williams was on fire last night and complemented LeBron's 25 with his own and the semi-full strength Cavs whooped the Mavericks last night.  I have a crazy feeling that the Browns are going to win today as well for some reason.  I have been all over the Bengals this year, but just have a hunch that the Browns are going to pull off the upset of the year today.  Mark it down.  Don't bet it, but mark it down.  So come on down to the Clevelander Bar and Grill, drink off your hangover from celebrating the Cavs win and parlay it into a Browns victory celebration.

I improved my record to 22-18-2 with a 4-2-2 day yesterday.  A buzzer beating meaningless half court shot in the Northeastern game kept me from 5-2-1, but those are the breaks.  Staying away from the league today, but I do like some NCAA Hoops action today. 

My picks are in BOLD.

Arkansas State +1 vs Indiana State

Xavier -7 vs Butler

Michigan -4.5 vs Alabama

Marquette -1 vs Florida State

Portland +8 vs West Virginia

 

Posted by:burg Added:11/29/09 4:04 PM permalink
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Ouch all around.

The Cavs got beat yesterday and I got worked on my picks.  Now 18-16 on the year.  That's okay though because the Cavs will beat the Mavs today and I will make a furious comeback in college basketball.  College football, though, I am done until bowl season.  Come get drunk and watch the Cavs beat down the Mavericks with us at the Clevelander.  On to the picks.

Favorites are in bold

Pittsburgh Panthers vs Youngstown State Penguins in Pittsburgh, Petersen Events Center
Spread: 16.5
Pick: Pittsburgh Panthers
YSU is not good. Pitt is playing well after a first game scare. Lay the points, Pitt wins 79-58.
Louisville Cardinals vs UNLV Rebels in Las Vegas, Thomas & Mack Center
Spread: 4
Pick: UNLV Rebels
Something is up with this line. Vegas is begging you to take the Cardinals, but I love UNLV getting points at home. Not only take the points, but I think UNLV wins outright. Take the points, Rebels win 65-61.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs Missouri State Bears
Spread: 5.5
Pick: Missouri State Bears
I love when MVC schools get points at home.  Especially when it is the other teams first road game.  Tulsa has been impressive against inferior opponents.  Take the points, I think Missouri State will win at home 65-63.
Cleveland State Vikings vs Wichita State Shockers in Cleveland, Wolstein Center
Spread: 2.5
Pick: Wichita State Shockers
Sorry CSU, but until you prove you can win a game versus a reasonable team, I am going to pick against you.  You will be good again soon and I love forward to you proving me wrong.  Until then Shockers win 68-55.
Northeastern Huskies vs Wright State Raiders in Boston, Matthews Arena
Spread: 3
Pick: Northeastern Huskies
Northeastern has played a tough schedule so far, hence the 1-2 record, but don't be fooled, this team is good, especially at home.  Lay the points, Huskies win 75-64.
Boise State Broncos vs North Texas Mean Green in Boise, Taco Bell Arena
Spread: 1.5
Pick: Boise State Broncos
Don't ask me why.  Boise is good at home and North Texas is not going to be mean in the horrendous Boise weather.  They just want to go back to Texas and fast.  And they will, but with the L.  Lay the points, Boise wins 93-78.
Temple Owls vs St John's Red Storm in Philadelphia, The Palestra
Spread: 6
Pick: Temple Owls
St John's somehow beat Siena yesterday despite a large first half advantage.  Temple is good this year and is going to destroy the Red Storm in an essential home game.  Lay the 6, Temple covers 68-55.
Northwestern Wildcats vs Iowa State Cyclones in Chicago, UIC Pavillion
Spread: 2
Pick: Iowa State Cyclones
I know NW is playing in its own backyard, but has someone in Vegas not watched the Cyclones play.  Future NBA first rounder Craig Brackins may drop 30 today on and undermanned and undersized Wildcats team.  Take the two, but this game is not even close.  ISU wins 75-60.

And even though I said I was done, just to add salt to the wound two college football picks.

Favorites are in bold

Clemson Tigers vs South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia, Williams-Brice Stadium
Spread: 3.5
Pick: South Carolina Gamecocks
Love when the 'Cocks are getting points, especially at home. If they can limit the turnovers they can win this rivalry game. USC wins 21-17.
Florida Gators vs Florida State Seminoles in Gainesville, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Spread: 24.5
Pick: Florida State Seminoles
Seminoles have been decent as of late and have proven they have a good game in them. The Gators will be emotional, but if FSU can weather the early storm and make a few plays, this game will be close down to the wire. Take the points, Gators eke one out 35-34.
Posted by:burg Added:11/28/09 3:01 PM permalink
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Black(out) Friday

Ah the day all of the shoppers get crazy and kill each other over Christmas presents.  Tis the season.  My version of Black Friday is sitting in the bar all day, placing as many bets as possible watching the games and potentially (see likely) blacking out.  A Friday well spent in my book.  So come on in and fight the shopping madness by having a few beers with us.  If you are downtown shopping, stop by and have a Shaqburger.  Or if you have finished shopping and just want a nice cozy bar to watch the Cavaliers pummel the Bobcats, we are that too.  Either way come on down to the Clevelander and get drunk with us.

I have a million games I like today, so if I lose them all, no one is getting Christmas presents this year.  Here we go. My picks are in Bold.

UConn +3 v Duke in NYC.

Nevada +7 vs VCU

Marquette +2.5 vs Michigan

Xavier -4.5 vs Creighton

Clemson -11.5 vs Long Beach State

Siena -4.5 vs St Johns

Valparaiso pick vs Georgia Southern

Michigan State -5 vs Florida

Iowa State -8 vs St Louis

Notre Dame -7.5 vs Northwestern

Illinois -8.5 vs Utah (has Utah beaten a D-I school this year?)

Tennessee -23 vs College of Charleston

And just to continue my hot streak, a few CFB games to keep an eye on.

Favorites are in bold

Pittsburgh Panthers vs West Virginia Mountaineers in Morgantown, Mountaineer Field
Spread: pk
Pick: Pittsburgh Panthers
The Backyard Brawl is always a drunken punchfest. Even though the game is in Morgantown, I think Pitt is good enough to pull this one off today. It will be close, but Pitt has too much offense in the end. Pitt wins 42-37.
Boise State Broncos vs Nevada Wolf Pack in Boise, Bronco Stadium
O/U: 70
Pick: Under
Whenever a game seems like a lock to be a shootout, it seems to always go under. I think Boise will try to take the air out of the ball a little bit and will be able to stop Nevada a few times. Should be a good game, but Boise wins. Take the under, Boise wins 35-24.
Posted by:burg Added:11/27/09 3:49 PM permalink
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Happy Thanksgiving Cavs Fans

Ah the holiday season.  Home from college and looking for a place to party and reconnect?  Sick of your in-laws staying at your house already?  Feel like watching the Cavs beat up on the Pistons while getting your alcohol from the hottest bartenders in Cleveland?  Well, come on down and join us for our pre-Thanksgiving celebration.  The Christmas Ale will be flowing and the Cavaliers will be rolling so why not join us tonight at the Clevelander Bar and Grill.  Besides, what better way to deal with the family than to have a killer buzz?  Happy Thanksgiving from the Clevelander.  Now Let's Get Drunk!

So far not too bad on the young NCAA basketball season.  14-8 is at least winning.  Have some games from the slate today.  Enjoy.

Favorites are in bold

Washington State Cougars vs Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves in Anchorage, Sullivan Arena

Spread: 10.5

Pick:  Washington State Cougars

I am not sure what division A-A Seawolves play in, but it ain't D-I.  Only a 10.5 point favorite?  I know its a long flight and a home game, but WSU should roll.  Cougars win 72-52.

Duke Blue Devils vs Arizona State Sun Devils in New York, Madison Square Garden

Spread: 9

Pick: Duke Blue Devils

Duke has looked tough in the early going and should pull this one out in the end.  It may stay close because of Arizona State's style of play, but in the end the loss of Harden and Pendergraph will be too much for the Sun Devils.  Duke wins at MSG 79-65.

Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Cincinnati Bearcats in Maui, Lahaina Civic Center

Spread: 1.5

Pick: Cincinnati Bearcats

The Bearcats are back.  They have dominated this tournament to date beating down two ranked opponents in Vanderbilt and Maryland by double digits.  Gonzaga always worries me because they are well coached and disciplined, but Cincy has the horses inside and the shooters outside which will be too much for the Bulldogs.  Watch out Big East, Cincinnati is for real.  Take the points, but UC wins 72-58.

Virginia Cavaliers vs Cleveland State VIkings in Cancun, Moon Palace Resort

Spread: 3

Pick: Virginia Cavaliers

Unfortunately the departure of J'Nathan Bullock has hurt Cleveland State in the early going.  The will be back as they have a  good young team and a great coach.  Today, though, that will not help.  UVa is not great, but they have enough firepower to beat an undermanned CSU team.  Lay the points, Cavaliers win 85-58.

Posted by:burg Added:11/25/09 4:53 PM permalink
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Cavaliers Win

Cavs got another win over yet another pathetic Eastern Conference team.  The NBA should limit the Eastern Confernce to 4 teams in the playoffs to eliminate the wasted time of having 2-3 teams under .500 in the playoffs.  It is ridiculous how bad some of these teams are. 

Another awful day for my CFB picks.  Not much better on the basketball side.  Still 11-7 in CBB this year.  But I trudge ahead...

Favorites are in bold

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Arrowhead Stadium
Spread: 11
Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers
KC is not quite as bad as everyone thinks, but the Steelers work teams like this. Pittsburgh is not quite the same team it was last year, but they should win this one easily. Lay the points, Steelers 35-17.
Indianapolis Colts vs Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, M&T Bank Stadium
Spread: 1.5
Pick: Indianapolis Colts
Baltimore is the most overrated team in football. I mean come on, they could only score one offensive touchdown versus the Browns. I don't care what you say about the rivalry of old Colts versus new, it didn't make any difference last week. Colts win 21-10.
San Diego Chargers vs Denver Broncos in Denver, Invesco Field At Mile High
Spread: 5.5
Pick: Denver Broncos
I think Denver snaps out of it this week at home. They have had some tough losses as of late, but its division rival time and they will win this one. Take the points, Denver wins late 28-27.
Arizona Cardinals vs St. Louis Rams in Saint Louis, Edward Jones Dome
Spread: 9
Pick: Arizona Cardinals
The Rams have burned me as of late, but the Cardinals are playing some ball. With the emergence of Beanie Wells, the Cardinals are multi-dimensional. They may win this one by three TD's. Arizona wins 42-17.
I am lazy today and don't feel like typing it out but my NCAA Bball picks today are:
Mississippi +4
NC State -1
UNC-Wilmington +9
New Mexico -13
 
Enjoy Cleveland and try not to throw up while watching the Browns v. Lions today!!!
Posted by:burg Added:11/22/09 3:33 PM permalink
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Cavs Saved by LeBron

After a horrific 3rd quarter which featured 11 points scored by the offense, the Cavs turned on the defense (and made a couple shots) and overcame a deficit to beat the woeful Pacers.  These lulls in scoring seem to be the Cavaliers demise for the last few years, especially in the 3rd quarter.  I don't know if Mike Brown has Buddhist meditations at halftime or what, but this team always seems to get outcoached coming out of halftime.  Either that or the players lose interest.  Either way, if the Cavaliers cannot maintain that focus for and entire 48 minutes, they will once again go down without a title.  But a win is a win, and with the depleted line up, that is the best we can ask for at this point.

I am daring to make some college football picks today despite my atrocious record.  Remember, if you bet against me this year you are rich.  On to the picks and Let's Get Drunk.

Favorites are in bold

Wisconsin Badgers vs Northwestern Wildcats in Evanston, Ryan Field
Spread: 7
Pick: Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin hasn't beaten anybody on the road by more than 3 points, so I decide to lay the 7 today. Brilliant. NW is not that good and has benefited from playing a injury riddled Iowa and horrible Illinois. Wiscy is playing some ball and will run all over NW today. Lay the points. Badgers 38-28.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs Michigan State Spartans in East Lansing, Spartan Stadium - MI
Spread: 3
Pick: Penn State Nittany Lions
Another road favorite. Genius I tell you. Genius! I think PSU's defense will keep MSU in check and win this game. Penn State wins 17-7.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs Minnesota Golden Gophers in Iowa City, Kinnick Stadium
Spread: 10
Pick: Minnesota Golden Gophers
I think this is too many in this game today. Iowa is no longer playing for anything and still have the backup QB and RB situation to deal with. Iowa will win, but close 31-28.
Stanford Cardinal vs California Golden Bears in Stanford, Stanford Stadium
Spread: 7
Pick: Stanford Cardinal
Leary of a let down, I am going to lay the points again. Stanford is for real and even after last weeks domination, the spotlight has not been on how good this team is, but Jim Harbaugh going for two at the end. Stanford can still make the Rose Bowl with a win, so look out Cal. The Tree wins 50-24.
And the degenerate game of the week...
Ohio Bobcats vs Northern Illinois Huskies in Athens, Peden Stadium
Spread: Pick
Pick: Ohio Bobcats
OU needs this game to stay in contention for a MAC title.  Winning out gets them to the championship game.  Northern Illinois is a bit banged up and has not been very good on the road.  OU wins 28-25.
And some basketball games for thought...
Northeastern Huskies vs Utah State Aggies in Boston, Matthews Arena
Spread: Pick
Pick: Northeastern Huskies
Utah State is a tough team, but travelling across the country for an early game versus a veteran team is going to be tough.  This game will be close but the home crowd pulls it out for the Huskies.  NE wins 58-55.
Butler Bulldogs vs Evansville Aces in Evansville, Roberts Stadium
Spread: 12.5
Pick: Evansville Aces
Butler tends to get off to slow starts (a first half bet is probably wise too) and tends to win these types of games, but not cover.  Evansville has started off well versus inferior talent, but these MVC schools tend to be tough places to go into to get a win.  I think Butler wins, but closer than expected.  Butler 56-50.
North Carolina State Wolfpack vs Austin Peay Governors in Daytona Beach, Ocean Center Arena
Spread: 8.5
Pick North Carolina State Wolfpack
NC State is rolling early this year.  Let's Go Peay is not as good in the past and should get beat solidly today by the Wolfpack.  State wins 75-63.
Niagra Purple Eagles vs Central Florida Knights in Dayton Beach, Ocean Center Arena
Spread: 2
Pick: Central Florida Knights
UCF is playing some ball early in the year, including beating a bad Auburn team, which did beat Niagra already this year.  This does not guarantee a victory, but UCF just seems like the better team.  Take the two points, but UCF wins this one 74-65.
 

 

Posted by:burg Added:11/21/09 2:17 PM permalink
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Cavs Bar

Well, the injuries caught up with the Cavaliers last night as they lost to their Eastern Conference rival the Wizards.  The Cavs were up by 14 points in the 1st half and then the Wizards caught fire and could not miss.  The Cavs missed the inside presence of Shaq and Varejao as was shown by Antawn Jamison's dominance in his first game back from injury.  Can't win them all, but the Cavs looked horrid in the second half.

Been all over the college hoops so far this year.  The last post on Sunday was a bad day, 1-3 but I have been on fire since then losing only one game out of twelve.  Now that I am rested and recovered, I have time to do some blogging.  Lots of favorites still, but the year is young.

Posted by:burg Added:11/19/09 1:08 PM permalink
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Lebron is God.

Another game, another 8 points in the final minute for LeBron.  And that means another victory for the Cavs.  While LeBron has been his usually great self, another player has started to meet his expectations.  J.J. Hickson is starting to look like the dominant player that he was at NC State.  Back to back games with 18 and 20 points respectively and a little athleticism that is a nice compliment to Shaq, Varejao, and Big Z.  Hopefully this is an upward trend we are seeing and by years end J.J. will be a solid contributor we can count on night in and night out. 

If I wasn't addicted to gambling, I would stop betting college football.  1-5 yesterday.  Wannstadt you bum!!!  Why I continue to pick ACC games as well is beyond me.  At least on the upside I went 3-1 in college basketball to bring my record so far up to 8-2.  Today I have a mix and match of NFL and NCAA basketball picks.  At least we don't have to watch the Browns get destroyed until tomorrow so we can enjoy our drunken Sunday for a change.  Maybe a hangover is necessary to watch this year's Browns squad.

Favorites are in bold

New Orleans Saints vs St. Louis Rams in Saint Louis, Edward Jones Dome
Spread: 13.5
Pick: New Orleans Saints
Like taking candy from a baby. Saints 42-10.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals in Pittsburgh, Heinz Field
Spread: 7
Pick: Cincinnati Bengals
Everyone is talking about how the Steelers gave the Bengals the game in Cincy. Don't buy it. This game will be close. The Steelers will win in the end but Who Dey? will keep it close. Pittsburgh 25-21.
Atlanta Falcons vs Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, Bank Of America Stadium
Spread: 1.5
Pick: Atlanta Falcons
This is a big game for the Falcons and Carolina is too turnover prone to win this one. Falcons pull it out in the end, 30-24.
Oakland Raiders vs Kansas City Chiefs in Oakland, Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Spread: 1
Pick: Kansas City Chiefs
I don't usually like picking games where both teams are horrible, but I get the feeling the Chiefs are much less terrible than the Raiders. It will probably be close, but the Chiefs pull it out late, 20-19.
Arizona Cardinals vs Seattle Seahawks in Glendale, University Of Phoenix Stadium
Spread: 9
Pick: Arizona Cardinals
Arizona looks to right the ship at home. In comes the Seattle Seahawks, a horrible road team. It is going to be a beating. Cardinals 45-21.
Indianapolis Colts vs New England Patriots in Indianapolis, Lucas Oil Stadium
Spread: 1
Pick: New England Patriots
Should be a great game. Just get the feeling that the Pats are playing a little better football right now than the Colts. NE wins a great game 28-25.
 
And for you true degenerates...
 
North Carolina Tarheels vs Valparaiso Crusaders in Chapel Hill, Dean E. Smith Center
Spread: 22
Pick: North Carolina Tarheels
Valpo not as good as years past and this line seems a little light even with UNC breaking in some new players.  Lay the points.  UNC 85-56.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs Loyola (MD) Greyhounds in Morgantown, WVU Coliseum
Spread: 24
Pick: West Virginia Mountaineers
After beating on each other in Bob Huggins rough and tumble practices, the now experienced Mountaineers are going to beat on someone else.  This is going to get ugly.  WVU smashes Loyola 92-58.
Oregon Ducks vs Colorado State Rams in Eugene, McArthur Court
Spread: 14.5
Pick: Oregon Ducks
A little leery of three games in three days this early in the year but looks like the Ducks shook off last year and are playing well.  Colorado State almost took a dump versus the little old ladies of the poor Winston-Salem State so we have some confidence today.  Lay the points, Ducks by 20, 75-55.
Bradley Braves vs Idaho State Bengals in Peoria, Carver Arena
Spread: 12
Pick: Bradley Braves
Idaho State plays its second straight road game and it is not going to be easy in Peoria.  Bradley is always tough at home and played pretty well the other night versus BYU in a loss (for those of you not watching the Mountain on TV).  ISU is young and will not cover the 12.  Braves win 65-50.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs East Carolina Pirates in Greensboro, Greensboro Coliseum
Spread: 16
Pick: Wake Forest Demon Deacons
I know WF lost a lot last year, but they still have some big guys inside and a strong recruiting class.  ECU on the other hand, not so much.  A pretty light line in an early season mismatch.  Lay the points, as I love the favorites early until Vegas (and myself) figure it out.  Deacons roll 78-56.
 
 
Posted by:burg Added:11/15/09 3:24 PM permalink
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Cavs Bar

Come on down to the Clevelander and join us for college football action and all of your pre, post and during the game festivities.  Celebrate with John Daly's or Orange Bombs with the infamous Red Bull Champion Patrick McGinty.  If you can outdrink him in red bull you win a $20 gift certificate and a free heart transplant after your blows out of your chest.  Good lunk and Go Cavs.

A beautiful 5-1 start to the college basketball season yesterday.  I hope to keep that going today, but first we must endure the agony of my college football picks.  Picking against me almost always guarantees winners.  Enjoy your weekend and Let's Get Drunk Cleveland.

Favorites are in bold

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs Duke Blue Devils in Durham, Wallace Wade Stadium
Spread: 13
Pick: Duke Blue Devils
I don't know why I keep picking Duke, but I am not sold on GT or QB Josh Nesbitt. I think the Yellow Jackets come out a little tight today knowing they can sew up their division in the ACC with a win. Duke will hang around long enough to give them a scare. GT wins, but close 38-33.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs Florida State Seminoles in Winston Salem, BB&T Field (formerly Groves Stadium)
Spread: 5
Pick: Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Wake seems to give FSU fits and with QB Christian Ponder done for the year I think the Seminoles are in trouble today. Why I insist on picking the ACC is beyond me, but one of these weeks I will get one right. Demon Deacons win 31-24.
California Golden Bears vs Arizona Wildcats in Berkeley, Memorial Stadium - CA
Spread: 3
Pick: Arizona Wildcats
I am obviously going to lose this game as the line in this game makes no sense and has been moving all week against what I expect. Someone knows something I don't. Arizona is playing for a shot at the Rose Bowl and Cal has been inconsistent and their best player RB Jahvid Best is out. Don't ask me. Wildcats get a big win in Berkeley, 38-20.
TCU Horned Frogs vs Utah Utes in Fort Worth, Amon Carter Stadium
Spread: 20
Pick: TCU Horned Frogs
TCU is a man amongst boys in the Mountain West. Couple that with Utah starting a frosh QB and this is going to be a total rout. TCU rolls 49-10.
Pittsburgh Panthers vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish in Pittsburgh, Heinz Field
Spread: 7
Pick: Pittsburgh Panthers
No one is even talking about Pitt in this game. And they are good. They have had some defensive issues at times this year, but their offense has been unstoppable. All the pressure is on ND and they will not be able to keep up with Pitt's offense. There is always the Wannstadt factor that worries me, but Pitt should still roll 49-20.
And the degenerate games of the week...
Arkansas State Red Wolves vs Florida Atlantic Owls in Fort Lauderdale, Lockhart Stadium
Spread: 4
Pick: Arkansas State Red Wolves
It says a lot about your hard luck when you have a worse conference record than your but you are still favored in their building.  FAU stinks and will get worked today.  Ark State baby, 35-17.
Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in Monroe, Malone Stadium
Spread: 20.5
Pick: Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks
WKU is worse than Rice and Miami (OH) combined.  This will be a slaughter.  Lay the big points (and forget that Troy didn't cover versus the Hilltoppers last week) and watch the cash roll in.  ULM 56-6.
 
And for my other degenerate basketball friends...

Favorites are in bold

Dayton Flyers vs Creighton Bluejays in Dayton, University Of Dayton Arena
Spread: 7.5
Pick: Dayton Flyers
Dayton has just about everyone back and it is nearly impossible to beat them at home. Crieghton has a rough opener even with a fairly seasoned club. Lay the points, Flyers win slugfest 50-40.
Oregon Ducks vs UC Davis Aggies in Eugene, Mcarthur Court
Spread: 14
Pick: Oregon Ducks
Oregon is playing on its home court and looks to lay down another beating. UC-Davis doesn't have enough fire power and will go down 85-68.
Colorado State Rams vs Winston-Salem State Rams in Eugene, Mcarthur Court
Spread: 16
Pick: Colorado State Rams
Winston-Salem State is my basketball equivalent of WKU (see above). I know Colorado State was awful last year, but they beat up on UC-Davis who has to be better than the Rams. CSU starts off with two wins this year huge 82-50.
Butler Bulldogs vs Davidson Wildcats in Indianapolis, Hinkle Fieldhouse
Spread: 13.5
Pick: Butler Bulldogs
Butler has just about everyone back including stars Matt Howard and Shelvin Mack while Davidson lost Steph Curry and only two returning starters make this matchup one sided.  Butler beats down the Wildcats today 62-42.
Posted by:burg Added:11/14/09 3:48 PM permalink
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Lebron For Mayor

LeBron James proved once again why he is the MVP the last two nights.  The Cavs have been off to a mediocre (by their recent standards of play) start and had two big road games at nemesis Orlando and always tough Miami.  The Cavs took care of business beating down Orlando and LeBron took over when needed in Miami to get the Cavs two statement wins.  Cavs have an off day today before returning home to play the Jazz.  We are running a dry bar promotion for the Jazz game where you pay $20 dollars and you get all you can drink Old Milwaukee N/A during the Cavs game.  Guaranteed to give you a hangover, without the enjoyment of a buzz.  Of course, I am a just kidding, but come down and have some drinks with us on Saturday as we celebrate another Cavs victory.

I am turning the page.  Since I cannot pick college football to save my life, I am moving on to better things.  (This is a similar feeling I have to every Cleveland sports season where I go into the season with high expectations and am 20 games below .500 by mid season).  College basketball season is upon us and I want to make some money before Vegas gets smart and figures out who is good and bad.  So let us begin the inaugural first picks of the season.  Let's Get Drunk Cleveland. 

Favorites are in bold

Iowa State Cyclones vs Idaho State Bengals in Ames, Hilton Coliseum
Spread: 13
Pick: Iowa State Cyclones
I have it from a reliable source the the Cyclones are going to be pretty good this year. Idaho State won me a lot last year, but have lost a lot. Give the 13 and watch Craig Brankins knock it out. Cyclones win 80-60.
Washington Huskies vs Wright State Raiders in Seattle, Bank Of America Arena
Spread: 14
Pick: Washington Huskies
The big man is gone for the Huskies, but they still have plenty of talent with Quincy Pondexter and company. At home, the Huskies will be rolling against a fairly experienced Wright State team. Too much offense in the end for the Huskies and they win 92-77.
Purdue Boilermakers vs Cal St. Northridge Matadors in West Lafayette, Mackey Arena
Spread: 20
Pick: Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue has EVERYONE back this year plus a healthy Robbie Hummel. Northridge was good last year, but lost some talent and things get out of hand at Mackey Arena quickly. I think Purdue will crush the Matadors 90-54.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs Pennsylvania Quakers in University Park, Bryce Jordan Center
Spread: 14.5
Pick: Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State is fresh off their NIT Championship and ready for more. Talor Battle is the real deal and the Quakers are not what they once were. Lay the 14.5 and PSU wins big 65-42.
Utah Utes vs Idaho Vandals in Salt Lake City, Jon M. Huntsman Center
Spread: 12
Pick: Idaho Vandals
My lone dog of the day and I am calling for the upset.  Utah started last year slow and they have lost their two leading scorers in Neville and Borha and only return 3 players with any real experience from last years team.  Idaho conversely returns 4 starters off of a reasonably good team from last year.  Take the points, but don't be surprised ifthat money line bet was a good one.  Idaho wins 65-63.
Northern Iowa Panthers vs Denver Pioneers in Denver, Magness Arena
Spread: 4.5
Pick: Northern Iowa Panthers
I know Denver only lost one of their starters from last year, but so did N. Iowa and they made the tourney whereas Denver finished 16-15.  It is an early road test for the Panthers, but they play in the MVC and are used to raucous small crowds.  Lay the points, Northern wins by double digits, 63-52.
Posted by:burg Added:11/13/09 4:15 PM permalink
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Another Blow Out As Browns Go Down During Bye Week

Despite 1 touchdown and 185 return yards from Joshua Cribbs, the Browns took one on the chin Sunday as they lost during the bye week 35-7. 

In the postgame interview coach Eric Mangini expressed surprise at the Browns inability to hold onto the ball as the they had 5 turnovers to no one. "It's just a tough situation when you're on your bye week and you continue to turn the ball over. We just need to do a better job of taking care of the ball. It's something we're going to be looking  at this week" Mangini said.

Derek Anderson and the offense continued to struggle. Anderson was 8 of 32 for 96 yards with no touchdowns and 3 interceptions. "What can I say? I thought we showed improvement but we have to get better and we know it so we'll go from there. It's very frustrating that we're losing like this and we're not even playing against anyone" said Anderson.

Most Browns fans displayed shock and disgust after the game but the loss hardly came as a surpise to the odds makers who had the browns as 13 point underdogs.

Posted by:ky Added:11/9/09 3:57 AM permalink
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LeBron

Well, it has been painful watching the Cavs so far this year.  They have won some games but the growing pains of mixing in the new guys and trying to find lineups that work have been hard to watch at times.  I am confident that this team will figure it out and be rolling when playoff time arrives. 

I simply can no longer pick games.  If you followed my advice and picked against me you made some cash last week.  2-5.  Simply miserable.  Let's see if I can continue the streak.

Favorites are in bold

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Illinois Fighting Illini in Minneapolis, TCF Bank Stadium
Spread: 7
Pick: Minnesota Golden Gophers
Illinois decided to play football last week. Don't worry, that won't last long. Minnesota has been playing well at home and should win this one easily. Give the 7, Gophers win 35-14.
North Carolina Tar Heels vs Duke Blue Devils in Chapel Hill, Kenan Stadium
Spread: 10
Pick: Duke Blue Devils
I know Duke is Duke, but they are improved this year and getting no love at all. This is a rivalry game and Duke can score some points, which has been UNC's achilles heel all year. Take the points, UNC wins late 24-23.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs Ohio State Buckeyes in University Park, Beaver Stadium
Spread: 4.5
Pick: Ohio State Buckeyes
The pressure is off, now the Buckeyes will roll. Penn State is not the power it has been the last few years. Look for a low scoring team as both teams have a good defense, but are inconsistent offensively. Ohio State wins this one, 14-9.
California Golden Bears vs Oregon State Beavers in Berkeley, Memorial Stadium - CA
Spread: 7.5
Pick: Oregon State Beavers
My Beavers are still getting no love. They are not the best team in the Pac-10, but if you are not careful, they will get you. Cal has had an up and down year and the down continues this week. OSU comes into Berkeley and gets the upset. Take the points, Beavers win 38-35.
Cincinnati Bearcats vs UConn Huskies in Cincinnati, Nippert Stadium
Spread: 17
Pick: UConn Huskies
I love the Bearcats this year. But UConn's defense has been tough even with their tragic loss at CB. This game is the national game and while I think Cincy does enough to win, this one will be close. Bearcats pull away late, 30-21.
Oklahoma Sooners vs Nebraska Cornhuskers in Lincoln, Memorial Stadium - NE
Spread: 4.5
Pick: Oklahoma Sooners
I know this is a rivalry game and a few weeks ago everyone thought Nebraska was back. Incorrect. Even with Bradford out, the Sooners will do enough on offense and defense to shut down the Huskers. Give the points on the road, OU wins impressively 48-23.
And the degenerate game of the week...
Houston Cougars vs Tulsa Golden Hurricane in Tulsa, Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium
Spread: 1.5
Pick: Houston Cougars
Tulsa was supposed to be good this year. They have not been. I know the Cougars haven't stopped anybody on defense this year, but Tulsa is bad enough they will stop themselves enough times to let Houston win. Houston big, 58-29.
Posted by:burg Added:11/7/09 11:21 AM permalink
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