Blacksheet

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Foxsports NCAA fearless predictions

No. 4 Florida State at No. 5 Miami (FL)
Friday at 8 p.m. ET
Line:
Miami -2


Now that Hurricane Frances has had its say, Florida State and Miami will square off in the first meeting as league buddies in what could be the ACC title game a little later than planned on Friday night rather than on Labor Day. Florida State has lost five in a row in the series with last minute drives, missed field goals, and general tough play from Miami making this a one-sided rivalry. The Noles have the offense and the firepower to win helped that the rain and wind from Frances won't make this a quagmire game like last year's slopfest in Tallahassee.




Prediction: Miami 20 ... Florida State 17




No. 19 Missouri at Troy
Thursday at 7 p.m. ET
Line: Miz -11

The Sun Belt gets a nationally televised shot at a BCS contender in one of its own ballparks. It's not a stretch to say that this is the biggest game in Troy history (and even Troy State history) as a win over Missouri would officially announce that the Trojans are the new bad boy on the Sun Belt block. The Tigers need to avoid the let down that almost cost them last year when the Sun Belt's MTSU took them to overtime. The Troy defense will keep this close for a while before the Tigers' talent comes through. Missouri will get up right off the bat and Troy won't have the ability to answer.


Prediction: Missouri 27 ... Troy 13
Complete Preview | GameTrax
FINAL: Troy State 24, Missouri 14

No. 8 Michigan at Notre Dame
Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Mich -13.5

After a lackluster loss to a lackluster BYU team, Notre Dame and Ty Willingham desperately need something positive happen. It doesn't matter if it comes from the luck of the Irish, if Michigan fails to show up, or if the team actually plays well, they'll take anything they can possibly get so the Irish fans will stop screaming. Unfortunately, it might take an act of Knute Rockne to handle the Wolverines. Michigan still has to overcome some youth issues in the backfield, but this is a loaded team more than good enough to end up in Miami in early January. A win for Notre Dame would be the best in the Ty Willingham era.


Prediction: Michigan 31 ... Notre Dame 10
Complete Preview | GameTrax


Fresno State at No. 13 Kansas State
Saturday at Noon ET
Line: KSU -13

Fresno State is coming off a shockingly dominant win at Washington once again taking on the look of giant killer. Kansas State didn't show up against Western Kentucky and needed to give poor Darren Sproles 42 carries just to get by the DI-AA team. Is Kansas State really that rusty and is it ripe to get plucked like it did by Marshall last year? Is Fresno State really that good? A win by the Bulldogs would officially announce their arrival as a BCS contender.


Prediction: Kansas State 26 ... Fresno State 17
Complete Preview | GameTrax

UNLV at No. 21 Wisconsin
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
Wisc -15

In one of last year's most bizarre games, UNLV came into Camp Randall and threw the equivalent of the defensive two-hit shutout in a 23-5 win. The Rebels forced turnovers, knocked out Badger star RB Anthony Davis and generally made the Wisconsin offense look miserable. Still licking their wounds after getting pasted in Tennessee, the Rebels have to handle another hostile crowd and a good team that'll take this game very, very seriously.


Prediction: Wisconsin 34 ... UNLV 17
Complete Preview | GameTrax


Iowa State at No. 16 Iowa
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
Iowa -24

The in-state rivalry is always a fierce one and it could quickly change the fortunes of two teams that have been going in opposite directions since Iowa State's 36-31 win over Iowatwo years ago. Even though last year's Cyclone team was among the worst in America and Iowa went on to have a fantastic 10-3 season, it was still only a 40-21 Hawkeye win when these two met. Iowa State looked fantastic in its tune-up game against N. Iowa and could completely erase the horrors of last year with a win.


Prediction: Iowa 34 ... Iowa State 13
Complete Preview | GameTrax

No. 18 Auburn at Mississippi State
Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Aub -12

Mississippi State rode a wave of emotion in a historic 28-7 win over Tulane and now wants to prove that it really is a good team. A win over a great SEC team like Auburn would give the Bulldogs even more notoriety than they've received since hiring Sylvester Croom. Auburn is coming off a walk in the park 31-0 win over UL Monroe and needs to get the West Coast offense in place and clicking before the showdown for the West title (sorry Alabama fans) next week against LSU.


Prediction: Auburn 23 ... Mississippi State 13
Complete Preview | GameTrax


Ball State at No. 25 Purdue
Saturday at 1 p.m. ET
Line:
Purdue -30

Ball State might have played Boston College tough in a 19-11 loss, but there really isn't going to be much drama against Purdue. The only reason to be interested is to see if Purdue can do that again coming off a 51-0 destruction of Syracuse. Another easy win would make the Boilermakers appear to be even more of a factor going into the Big Ten opener against Illinois.


Prediction: Purdue 41 ... Ball State 17
Complete Preview | GameTrax

Illinois State at No. 22 Minnesota
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
NL

The two teams combined to score 107 points last week as Illinois State thumped Xavier 44-14 while Minnesota came up with one of the week's most impressive performances tagging Toledo for 63 points. The Gopher shouldn't have a problem with the Redbirds, so this should be another good chance for the Gopher backups to get some quality minutes and for QB Bryan Cupito to get more work.


Prediction: Minnesota 48 ... Illinois State 17
Complete Preview | GameTrax


Marshall at No. 9 Ohio State
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
OSU -16

On the surface this appears to be a no-doubter. Marshall just came off a home loss to Troy only managing 177 yards of total offense, while Ohio State simply doesn't lose at home anymore under Jim Tressel. But this is a dangerous game for the Buckeyes with a showdown with NC State looming and an experienced Marshall team anxious to show that last week was a total fluke. This could be a far better game than expected if OSU starts turning the ball over an making mistakes.


Prediction: Ohio State 30 ... Marshall 13
Complete Preview | GameTrax

North Carolina at No. 15 Virginia
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
UVA -22

Virginia looked absolutely fantastic last week beating Temple 44-14 dominating from the word go. The Cavaliers have a few more apparent layups before getting into the meat of the schedule, but North Carolina wants to be more than just a speed bump. The Tar Heels needed a late rally to get by William & Mary and can quiet a lot of critics by coming up with a stunning win against the suddenly mighty Cavaliers. There should be plenty of offense and plenty of big plays from both sides.


Prediction: Virginia 42 ... North Carolina 20
Complete Preview | GameTrax


No. 3 Georgia at South Carolina
Saturday at 5 p.m. ET
Line:
UGA -8

It might be easy to look at Georgia's schedule and get excited about all the big showdowns down the road with Tennessee and LSU coming up in the next four weeks and Florida and Auburn later on, but this just might be the most dangerous game in the bunch. South Carolina has the talent and the pieces in place to hang with the preseason favorites to win the SEC title, and the joint will be jumping like no other college stadium this weekend. With the USC fans encouraged to wear black for the nationally televised evening game, Georgia will have to navigate its way through the most hostile environment it'll see all season. Will South Carolina be a contender in the SEC East race? Can Georgia overcome a lackluster first game? This is a true must-watch SEC game.


Prediction: South Carolina 20 ... Georgia 17
Complete Preview | GameTrax

Eastern Michigan at No. 11 Florida
Saturday at 6 p.m. ET
Line:
Fla -37

Hurricane Frances managed to delay the start of Florida's season postponing the riveting tilt against MTSU. Eastern Michigan comes in sky-high off a 37-34 win over Buffalo to give Jeff Genyk his first win as head coach. The outcome isn't in question, but it will be important to note how sharp Florida is with a late start and a road trip to Tennessee lurking next week. Florida should get a chance to empty the bench relatively early, but the frontline players need to prove they're ready to for the Tennessee game and have to make sure everything is working. Most importantly, the passing game has to click as QB Chris Leak has to quickly build a rapport with his athletic, but inexperienced receiving corps. Only Frances vs. Florida will be a bigger blowout.


Prediction: Florida 52 ... Eastern Michigan 13
Complete Preview | GameTrax


Temple at No. 23 Maryland
Saturday at 7 p.m. ET
Line:
Mary -27

Both teams would like to forget last week's performances even though Maryland was able to come away with a win over Northern Illinois. The Terps didn't exactly have an offensive performance for the ages, but they lit up the Huskie defense like a pinball machine compared to what Temple was, or more like wasn't, able to do against Virginia getting down 30-0 before getting a few touchdowns in garbage time. Maryland should be able to call its shot. Once Maryland has a few games under its belt it's going to be a killer; it'll all start here.


Prediction: Maryland 38 ... Temple 10
Complete Preview | GameTrax

No. 10 West Virginia at UCF
Saturday at 6 p.m. ET
Line:
WV -20

The George O'Leary era finally begins at UCF as he'll get a chance to coach after missing last week's game at Wisconsin due to the death of his mother. The Golden Knights have had to deal with hurricane weather and a long trip to Madison, but those might seem tame compared to the West Virginia running game. The Mountaineers looked every bit the Big East favorite it is steamrolling over East Carolina 56-23 and looks to survive this road trip before dealing with arch-nemesis Maryland. O'Leary wants to create an intimidating home field atmosphere and it can start here.


Prediction: West Virginia 38 ... UCF 20
Complete Preview | GameTrax


New Mexico State at No. 12 California
Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Cal -34

Oh this won't be a pretty sight. If you're hoping to see what a team looks like not trying to run up the score, this will be the game for you as California's high-powered machine should be able to do whatever it wants to against a New Mexico State defense that gave up 63 points last week to Arkansas. California needed about a quarter before blowing the doors off of Air Force 56-14. If Cal comes into its home opener intense and fired up, this could be 75-0.


Prediction: Cal 65 ... New Mexico St. 20
Complete Preview | GameTrax

Indiana at No. 24 Oregon
Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Ore -20

No one is ready to put Indiana in the Rose Bowl after beating Central Michigan 41-10, but it was a good enough all-around performance to open up some eyes and suggest that this is a different Hoosier team. This is certainly a veteran group that could be the story of the early part of the season if it can go into Eugene and come away with an upset. Oregon is getting started late and must get off to a fast start with a road trip to Oklahoma looming.


Prediction: Oregon 31 ... Indiana 14
Complete Preview | GameTrax


Houston at No. 2 Oklahoma
Sunday at 7 p.m. ET
Line:
OU -36

Oklahoma didn't come up with the type of win over Bowling Green that has everyone rushing to vote the Sooners number one, but this has the look to be the game that puts all the stats into the stratosphere. All of the warm fuzzies from Houston's 2003 bowl season went bye-bye after a listless 10-3 loss to Rice to open up the season. Forget about a Cougar upset, but a strong showing would do wonders for a team looking for a shot of confidence.


Prediction: Oklahoma 50 ... Houston 13
Complete Preview | GameTrax

Georgia Tech at No. 20 Clemson
Sunday at 8 p.m. ET
Line:
Clem -7

Georgia Tech coasted to a 28-7 win over Samford last week while Clemson found out the 2004 team has a heart in a stirring comeback overtime win over Wake Forest. To be overdramatic, this battle of top 25-caliber teams should be an elimination game for the ACC title and could even go a long way to determining the bowl fortunes of each. There's absolutely no room to slip up in the new world of the ACC.


Prediction: Clemson 20 ... Georgia Tech 17
Complete Preview | GameTrax


Arkansas State at No. 6 LSU
Sunday at 8 p.m. ET
Line:
LSU -41

If you thought the Oregon State - LSU overtime game was just a wee bit too thrilling for you and you prefer your games decided when the two teams come out of the tunnel, this is for you. LSU is still buzzing about the improbable win over the Beavers last week, while Arkansas State lost a 52-20 nailbiter to Missouri. This will be a welcome break for Tiger fans still putting away their defibrillators after last Saturday's classic. ASU isn't as bad as it looked last week, but LSU should come out roaring.


Prediction: LSU 48 ... Arkansas State 0
Complete Preview | GameTrax

Colorado State at No. 1 USC
Sunday at 8 p.m. ET
Line:
USC -24

It seems like two months, not two weeks, since we last saw USC get by Virginia Tech and while the Trojans have maintained its hold on the No. 1 spot in most polls, a little luster has come off this seemingly invincible team. Now the Men of Troy return home and want to reestablish its dominance by thrashing a Colorado State team fresh off a confusing and emotional loss to Colorado. CSU is good enough to hang around with USC for a while, so this will be a good indication whether or not USC is the real thing.


Prediction: USC 41 ... Colorado State 14
Complete Preview | GameTrax


No. 7 Texas at Arkansas
Sunday at 8:45 p.m. ET
Line:
Texas -11

Is there something eerily familiar about this? Last year Texas blew out the Sun Belt's New Mexico State 66-7 as many were saying that this was a different Longhorn team and that was going to be the year everything changed. And then came Arkansas into Austin, not given much of a chance, and left with a stunning 38-28 victory. This year Texas is coming off a 65-0 laugher against the Sun Belt's North Texas and many are thinking this is the year it all comes together. And here comes the Arkansas game. Texas travels to face a Hog team that isn't getting any respect with little returning experience. Texas has to win this to keep its national title hopes alive, while Arkansas can get some much needed love with a second big upset in as many seasons.


Prediction: Texas 34 ... Arkansas 20
Complete Preview | GameTrax

No. 17 Utah at Arizona
Sunday at 10 p.m. ET
Line:
Utah -13

This might not be Michigan - Notre Dame on the national interest level, but it's one of the week's most intriguing matchups. Utah has become the torch-bearer for those dreaming of seeing a non-BCS conference team get into a big money game after its 41-21 nationally televised annihilation of Texas A&M. Arizona didn't look like an Orange Bowl contender in a 21-3 win over Northern Arizona, but things appear to be on the right track as the team looked and played with more confidence and intensity. It's asking the world of Mike Stoops to have his defense ready to be Desert Swarm Part 2 in time for the tremendous Utah attack, but a great showing and a close game would serve notice to the rest of the Pac 10 that this will be a team to worry about


Prediction: Utah 27 ... Arizona 17

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Sagarin Ratings NCAA

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/fbt04.htm

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Sagarin Ratings NFL

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/nfl04.htm

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Espn.com staff picks(SU)

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/features/talent

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Espn.com Hector & Victor

HECTOR AND VICTOR'S PROJECTIONS

@ Patriots 31, Colts 13 More...

@ Rams 31, Cardinals 27 More...

Lions 24, @ Bears 16 More...

@ Texans 31, Chargers 17 More...

Seahawks 27, @ Saints 17 More...

@ Steelers 27, Raiders 20 More...

@ Redskins 20, Buccaneers 17 More...

@ Bills 20, Jaguars 7 More...

Ravens 27, @ Browns 16 More...

Titans 20, @ Dolphins 13 More...

@ Jets 27, Bengals 24 More...

Falcons 24, @ 49ers 14 More...

@ Vikings 27, Cowboys 24 More...

@ Eagles 31, Giants 7 More...

Chiefs 31, @ Broncos 23 More...

Packers 20, @ Panthers 17 More...

[Blackbeard]

CBS Sportsline expert picks

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/NFL_SC-PRED

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NY Daily News/Phil Steele

>>

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Vegas Vic

NFL Game Of The Week
HOUSTON TEXANS over San Diego
Capers has been preparing for this since the schedule was announced. (9/12)

College Game Of The Week
SOUTH CAROLINA +8.5 over Georgia
It’s going to be a long season for Georgia. (9/11)

College Parlay Of The Week
Texas -10.5 over ARKANSAS
Even though 10.5 points is a lot, Arkansas can’t keep up in this one.

ALABAMA -1.5 over Ole Miss
Alabama will have fun in this rivalry. (9/10)

Wiseguy Move Of The Week
Cincinnati +2.5 over MIAMI
Cincy rebounds after loss to OSU. (9/9)

Underdog NFL Game Of The Week
Oakland +4.5 over PITTSBURGH
The Raiders aren’t dead and the Steelers aren’t alive this season. (9/8)

Underdog College Game Of The Week
Arizona State +1.5 over NORTHWESTERN
The Sun Devils could be the surprise team of the Pac-10, while Northwestern remains in the cellar of the Big-10. (9/7)

College Early Bird Special
TROY STATE +11 over Missouri
Troy State surprised Marshall last weekend and the Tigers are next on their agenda. (9/6)

[Blackbeard]

WFAN 660 AM Mike & The Mad Dog Team Props

These guys host a radio show in the NY/NJ/Conn area, you may have also seen them on MSG network, these are most of their picks, I missed a few, these are totals for games won:

Mike Francesa:
Redskins U 9
Rams U 9
Jets O 8.5
Chiefs O 9.5
Cardinals O 5.5

Chris Mad dog Russo:
Falcons O 8
Seahawks O 9.5
Browns 0 7
Bucs U 9

[Blackbeard]

Chicago Sun Times/Dan Mann NFL

NFL Forecast

September 10, 2004

TITANS AT DOLPHINS
Time: Noon, Saturday.
Line: Titans by 3.
Trend: The Dolphins were 1-7 ATS at home last season.
Outlook: Talk about a team in tumult. The Dolphins went from being picked to challenge for the AFC East title to being picked apart. They finally settled on a quarterback in Jay Fiedler, which just goes to show they're not bringing in enough competition for him. And they acquired Rams reserve RB Lamar Gordon to help their decimated running game. The defense is still solid, but how will it recover from trading away the reigning AFC sack leader, Adewale Ogunleye? The Dolphins cannot be in a good place right now, and that will benefit the Titans, who can ride the coattails of NFL co-MVP Steve McNair (right). The Titans have felt their share of losses, too, such as DE Jevon Kearse, WR Justin McCareins, PK Joe Nedney, RB Eddie George -- will, maybe not him so much. But they always can lean on McNair, and against a quarterback like Fiedler, that can make a world of difference.
Pick: Titans 21, Dolphins 10.


LIONS AT BEARS
Time: Noon, Fox-32.
Line: Bears by 3.
Trend: The Lions are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games as a road underdog of seven points or fewer.
Outlook: The Lions have lost 24 consecutive road games, their last win coming Dec. 17, 2000, against the Jets. They have a good, young nucleus of skill-position talent, but for the moment, it's too young. The Bears' offense, led by RB Thomas Jones, will do just enough to extend the Lions' skid.
Pick: Bears 17, Lions 13.


JAGUARS AT BILLS
Time: Noon.
Line: Bills by 3.
Outlook: All eyes will be on how new Bills head coach Mike Mularkey uses RBs Travis Henry and Willis McGahee. This much is certain: Henry will start. RB Fred Taylor returns for the Jaguars after missing most of the preseason with a foot injury. Whomever is running figures to find little room. Both teams return strong run defenses, the Jaguars ranking second last season and the Bills eighth.
Pick: Bills 16, Jaguars 10.


CHARGERS AT TEXANS
Time: Noon.
Line: Texans by 41/2.
Trend: The expansion Texans are 2-0 ATS in their two season openers.
Outlook: Drew Brees was named the Chargers' starting quarterback, but the game plan will be to hand off to RB LaDainian Tomlinson against a Texans defense that allowed the second-most rushing yards in the league last season. But the Texans attempted to rectify that with free-agent DE Robaire Smith. They also boast a more balanced offense.
Pick: Texans 23, Chargers 14.



SEAHAWKS AT SAINTS
Time: Noon.
Line: Seahawks by 2-1/2.
Trends: The Saints have not finished above .500 ATS at home since 1998. They're 16-23-2 in the last four years.
Outlook: The Seahawks have the offensive firepower to challenge for a Super Bowl berth; it's their defense that needed a boost. They think they found it in DE Grant Wistrom and CB Bobby Taylor. The Saints' defense doesn't have the horses to keep up with the Seahawks, who won their Week 1 meeting last season 27-10.
Pick: Seahawks 34, Saints 25.



BENGALS AT JETS
Time: Noon.
Line: Jets by 41/2.
Trends: Since 1992, the Jets are 18-29 ATS as a home favorite.
Outlook: While Carson Palmer gets feel for the NFL, the Bengals will have to rely on RB Rudi Johnson. He'll face a Jets run defense that ranked 28th in the league last season, partly because of DT Dewayne Robertson's poor rookie year. He has vowed to make amends, but it will take time.
Pick: Jets 31, Bengals 28.



RAIDERS AT STEELERS
Time: Noon, Ch. 2.
Line: Steelers by 4.
Outlook: The Duce Staley era begins for the Steelers, who are looking to rekindle a running game that has faded with Jerome Bettis' demise. But Staley could have a hard time if new Raiders DT Ted Washington is on his game in the team's new 3-4 defense. In that case, WRs Hines Ward and/or Plaxico Burress could give late-arriving CB Charles Woodson a hard time.
Pick: Steelers 27, Raiders 19.


CARDINALS AT RAMS
Time: Noon.
Line: Rams by 11.
Trends: The Cardinals went 0-8 ATS on the road last season. They also failed to cover in three games as double-digit underdogs, including one in St. Louis.
Outlook: Unless Dennis Green sold his soul to the devil, the Cardinals can expect many more tall tasks such as this one. And if playing the Rams in St. Louis wasn't bad enough, the Cardinals will be without RB Marcel Shipp, WR Anquan Boldin and a host of others. The Rams are by no means perfect, but it's nothing that RB Marshall Faulk, WR Torry Holt and Co. can't overcome.
Pick: Rams 41, Cardinals 15.



BUCCANEERS
AT REDSKINS
Time: Noon.
Line: Redskins by 2.
Outlook: Joe Gibbs is back with the Redskins; it's just too bad he couldn't bring the Hogs with him. The team lost ORT Jon Jansen for the season with an Achilles injury, and the rest of the line has had its problems. But that doesn't mean Gibbs won't pound the ball down defenses' throats - and that's been a good way to beat the Buccaneers, especially with RB Clinton Portis.
Pick: Redskins 24, Buccaneers 19.



COWBOYS AT VIKINGS
Time: 3:15 p.m, Fox-32.
Line: Vikings by 41/2.
Trends: The Cowboys are 1-8 in their last nine games as a road underdog of 3-1/2 to 7 points.
Outlook: This matchup pits the top-ranked Vikings offense and top-ranked Cowboys defense of a year ago, and not much has changed. However, the Cowboys will be without SS Darren Woodson (back) for up to half the season. The once-maligned Vikings defense turned a corner last season, forcing 35 takeaways.
Pick: Vikings 29, Cowboys 15.





GIANTS AT EAGLES
Time: 3:15 p.m.
Line: Eagles by 9.
Outlook: Granted, the Eagles made big news by signing WR Terrell Owens and DE Jevon Kearse. But the team still has holes, especially on defense. LB Carlos Emmons and CBs Bobby Taylor and Troy Vincent are gone, meaning growing pains are in the offing.
Pick: Eagles 29, Giants 22.





PACKERS AT PANTHERS
Time: 8 p.m., Monday, Ch. 7.
Line: Panthers by 3.
Trends: The Panthers were 3-6 ATS at home last season.
Outlook: This looks like the same Panthers team as last season, but it isn't. The target on its back changes everything. So does the shuffling along the offensive line, which doesn't bode well for QB Jake Delhomme. The Packers' offensive line has the ability to stymie the Panther's fearsome front four.
Pick: Packers 27, Panthers 21.


* -- Top play Jeff Agrest Brad Biggs Mark Malone Dan McNeil Mike North CAPS -- best bet Sun-Times Sun-Times Ch. 2 WMVP WSCR BEARS -3 vs. Lions Bears Lions Bears Lions Lions
PATRIOTS -3 vs. Colts Patriots Colts Patriots Patriots Colts
Titans -3 vs. DOLPHINS TITANS Titans Titans* Titans Dolphins
STEELERS -4 vs. Raiders Steelers Raiders Steelers Raiders Raiders*
REDSKINS -2 vs. Buccaneers Redskins Redskins* Buccaneers Buccaneers Redskins*
Ravens -3 vs. BROWNS Ravens* RAVENS RAVENS Ravens Browns
BILLS -3 vs. Jaguars Bills Jaguars Bills BILLS Bills
JETS -41/2 vs. Bengals Bengals Jets Bengals Jets* Jets
RAMS -11 vs. Cardinals Rams Cardinals Rams* Rams Cardinals
Seahawks -2-1/2 vs. SAINTS Seahawks Saints* Seahawks Saints* SAINTS
TEXANS -41/2 vs. Chargers Texans Texans* Texans* Texans Chargers
EAGLES -9 vs. Giants Giants Eagles Eagles Giants Eagles
VIKINGS -41/2 vs. Cowboys Vikings Vikings Cowboys Vikings Cowboys
Falcons -3-1/2 vs. 49ERS 49ers* 49ers Falcons 49ers 49ers
BRONCOS -3 vs. Chiefs Broncos* Chiefs Chiefs Chiefs* Broncos*
PANTHERS -3 vs. Packers Packers Panthers Panthers Packers Packers


RAVENS AT BROWNS




Time: Noon.
Line: Ravens by 3.
Trend: The Browns are 0-3-1 ATS in their last four openers, all at home.
Outlook: Two words: Jamal Lewis. In his last four games against the Browns, Lewis gained 787 yards. Baltimore went 3-1 in those games, and the game plan won't change. The Ravens have been able to manhandle the Browns up front, leaving many to wonder what all the fuss was regarding DLs Courtney Brown and Gerard Warren, both first-round picks. The Browns brought in QB Jeff Garcia to give the offense long-awaited stability, but that won't come against the Ravens' stingy defense, which ranked third in yards allowed last season.
Pick: Ravens 31, Browns 13.


FALCONS AT 49ERS




Time: 3:15 p.m.
Line: Falcons by 3-1/2.
Trend: The 49ers have won seven of their last 10 season openers but have covered the spread in only three.
Outlook: Without Terrell Owens and Jeff Garcia, that 49ers trend could continue - but it won't. The Falcons have yet to rectify their porous defense, which makes them a perfect punching bag for the new-look Niners offense. And it appears QB Michael Vick isn't ready to save the Falcons, not having seen enough preseason action because of a hamstring injury. RB Kevan Barlow will pave the way for QB Tim Rattay, and the 49ers will deal their old defensive boss, new Falcons coach Jim Mora Jr., his first loss.
Pick: 49ers 34, Falcons 24.


CHIEFS AT BRONCOS




Time: 7:30 p.m., ESPN.
Line: Broncos by 3.
Trend: Since 1992, the Broncos are 18-4 ATS in the first two weeks of the season.
Outlook: The Broncos have won their last three meetings with the Chiefs in Denver by an average of 13 points. They bolstered a defense that ranked fourth last season by acquiring CB Champ Bailey, perhaps the best cover man in the league. They retooled at running back - again - and have two potential studs in Quentin Griffin and Tatum Bell. And they'll face a Chiefs defense that allowed the fourth-most yards in the league last season and did little to help it, save bring Gunther Cunningham back to coach it.
Pick: Broncos 33, Chiefs 21.

[Blackbeard]

Harmon Forecast NFL

Just posting the NFL, Wayne already posted NCAA:

Thursday, Sept. 9, 2004
*New England 28 Indianapolis 21 - Starting the season with a 15-game winning streak, the NFL champion Patriots look ready to pick up where they left off. N.E.'s 24-14 win over the Colts in the AFC title game was its fourth straight series win.

Sunday, Sept. 12, 2004

Baltimore 14 *Cleveland 10 - Two struggling offenses need help from their QB's, the Ravens from Kyle Boller, who's still finding his way, and the Browns from former 49er Jeff Garcia. Baltimore punished Cleveland in 2003, 33-13 and 35-0.

*Buffalo 20 Jacksonville 17 - Speaking of struggling offenses, the Bills' will be new head coach Mike Mularkey's biggest challenge. Buffalo beat Jacksonville easily last season, 38-17, but the Jaguars are expected to improve dramatically.

*Chicago 26 Detroit 13 - Meanwhile, in the trenches of the Black and Blue division, Lovie Smith takes over as coach of the Bears, who got past the offensively inept Lions at home in '03, 24-16, then lost to them in Detroit, 12-10.

*Denver 31 Kansas City 27 - The battle for the AFC West title starts here, but the Chiefs need a lot more defense to defend their division crown. After a one-point K.C. win over the Broncos last season, Denver swamped the Chiefs 45-27.

*Houston 19 San Diego 16 - With so many young players on both clubs, the Texans and Chargers will be looking up at their rivals in the AFC South and West, respectively. In their only meeting, two years ago, S.D. shut Houston down 24-3.

*Minnesota 29 Dallas 20 - What will Vinny Testaverde and Eddie George bring to the Bill Parcells big top in Dallas? Can the Vikings put their second-half-of-'03 collapse behind them? These teams haven't butted heads in four years.

*N.Y. Jets 14 Cincinnati 13 - Call this an upset, because the Jets rank 26th in opening-day winning percentage. All eyes will be on Bengals rookie QB Carson Palmer, but N.Y. has won the last four games in this series, most recently in '01.

*Philadelphia 24 N.Y. Giants 14 - The Giants have shaken things up big time, with new head coach Tom Coughlin and a QB duel between Kurt Warner and Eli Manning. The Eagles have taken five of the last six from N.Y. -- 14-10 and 28-10 last year.

*Pittsburgh - 26 Oakland 16 - Angry? The Raiders? After a 4-12 season? Norv Turner may need a whip and a chair to take charge of this near-mutinous mob. Even the Steelers' anemic offense dominated Oakland's woeful defense in '03, 27-7.

*St. Louis 21 Arizona 9 - Making their debut on the road for the 16th time in 17 years, the Cardinals face a Rams team that, many other problems aside, has won seven of its last nine openers -- and four straight games over Arizona.

*San Francisco 30 Atlanta 24 - This could be wild, with the 49ers -- who needed OT twice to sweep the Falcons last year, 16-13 and 37-31, and still need help in the secondary -- facing a guy named Vick who, it's a safe bet, is raring to go.

Seattle 20 *New Orleans 18 - And here are the two losingest opening-week teams: The Seahawks have a record of 8-20, and the Saints are 11-26. Both clubs are looking for improved play from their defenses. In '03 Seattle spanked N.O. 27-10.

Tampa Bay 23 *Washington 16 - Why Joe Gibbs wants the pressure of being Redskins owner Dan Snyder's fifth coach in five years is beyond us, but lord knows, Washington needs him. The Buccaneers pounded the 'Skins in D.C. last year, 35-13.

Tennessee 27 *Miami 21 A potential game of the week, which will begin to answer the question, How badly will the weak-passing Dolphins miss Ricky Williams? The Titans emphatically ended a five game series losing streak in '03, 31-7.
Monday, Sept. 13, 2004

Green Bay 21 *Carolina 14 - One of the week's hardest picks, matching two of the NFL's top ground games and throwing into the mix the Packers' often maniacally motivated game-breaker, Brett Favre. G.B. edged Carolina 17-14 two years ago.

[Blackbeard]

Thats it 4 2nite, check back tomorrow for more

[Blackbeard]

[Blackbeard]

USA Today/Eric Smith

No. 1 Southern California vs. Colorado State, 8 p.m. ET

The week off should prove fruitful for the Trojans after their slow start against Virginia Tech. Colorado State has a tough task to get back up emotionally after its last-second loss to Colorado. Southern California 41, Colorado State 16.

No. 2 Oklahoma vs. Houston, 7 p.m.

Bob Stoops wasn't happy with the consistency in the Sooners' defensive effort. Not a good sign for Houston, which struggled to score once against Rice. Oklahoma 42, Houston 12.

No. 3 Georgia at South Carolina, 5:30 p.m.

Lou Holtz is back calling the plays and the Gamecocks look like they're headed for resurgence. This is Georgia's most difficult game of the regular season. Georgia 21, South Carolina 19.

No. 4 LSU vs. Arkansas State, 8 p.m.

Like USC, the Tigers get an opportunity to work out the first-week trouble with a snoozer. LSU 48, Arkansas State 10.

No. 5 Miami vs. No. 6 Florida State, 8 p.m. (Friday)

(Yes, this is what I posted last week) No player needs to win a big game more than Florida State quarterback Chris Rix. The same also could be said of Miami's Brock Berlin. With those two negative factors canceling each other out, it is time for the Seminoles to snap their five-game losing streak to the Hurricanes. Florida State 21, Miami (Fla.) 20.

No. 7 Michigan at Notre Dame, 3:30 p.m.

No greater opportunity for the Irish to change the direction of the program than this week. Chad Henne likely will continue as Michigan's quarterback, but the environment for a true freshman gets no tougher than South Bend. Michigan 21, Notre Dame 20.

No. 8 Texas at Arkansas, 8:45 p.m.

Classic game for people to overreact to a revenge situation. Texas will have a lot to play for after losing at home to Arkansas. Just don't forget that the Razorbacks have plenty of emotional incentive, too. Texas 28, Arkansas 23.

No. 9 Ohio State vs. Marshall, 3:30 p.m.

Most shocking stat of the weekend: Ohio State actually scored 27 points on offense. Justin Zwick still is a bit shaky, however Marshall can't get out of its own way enough to think about an unlikely win. Ohio State 27, Marshall 7.

No. 10 West Virginia at Central Florida, 6 p.m.

After facing the running attack of Wisconsin, the task only gets greater for the Golden Knights with West Virginia and new star Kay-Jay Harris. West Virginia 38, Central Florida 20.

No. 11 Florida vs. Eastern Michigan, 6 p.m.

For those that thought Ron Zook lacked logic, you now have proof. The Florida coach suspends two players for the opening game of the season. The opener is rained out, so the players are allowed to play this week and miss the rescheduled contest against Middle Tenneseee in October. Makes perfect sense. Florida 44, Eastern Michigan 6.

No. 12 Iowa vs. Iowa State, noon

Iowa fans were angered when I called their team boring. Yet after watching their opener, it looked like the Hawkeyes resembled a team from 75 years ago. Iowa 30, Iowa State 13.

No. 13 California vs. New Mexico State, 6:30 p.m.

Get used to the name Aaron Rodgers really quick because the California quarterback will be gone to the NFL before you know it. California 49, New Mexico State 10.

No. 14 Kansas State vs. Fresno State, noon

Fresno State knocked off Washington in Seattle last week, but deeper evaluation shows it was more a result of the Huskies' implosion than anything else. K-State isn't going to be as kind a host. Kansas State 31, Fresno State 12.

No. 16 Utah at Arizona, 10 p.m.

Welcome to life as a head coach, Mike Stoops. This isn't Oklahoma anymore. Utah 37, Arizona 14.

No. 17 Missouri at Troy, 7 p.m. (Thursday)

The Trojans are off their second straight defeat of Marshall, giving them loads of confidence. Beating Missouri would be monumental, though the arrival of a Big 12 school and ESPN is victory enough for this program as it builds for the future. Missouri 33, Troy 21.

No. 18 Clemson vs. Georgia Tech, 8 p.m.

No chance for the Tigers to catch their breath as a second conference rival comes to Death Valley with ambition of an upset. Should be another close one for Tommy Bowden's team. Clemson 27, Georgia Tech 24.

No. 19 Auburn at Mississippi State, 12:30 p.m.

Sylvester Croom had an emotional debut for the Bulldogs in their defeat of Tulane. Now the first conference test arrives and the challenge of stopping Carnell Williams. The heart might be willing, but the body isn't. Auburn 24, Mississippi 14.

No. 20 Virginia vs. North Carolina, 3:30 p.m.

Things have sunken so low at UNC that it needed a fourth-quarter rally to beat William & Mary. They'll get lower this week. Virginia 40, North Carolina 17.

No. 21 Maryland vs. Temple, 6 p.m.

No truth to the rumor that Ralph Friedgen is putting extras from his Under Armour commercial through tryouts this week after the Terps nearly lost to Northern Illinois for the second straight year. Maryland 33, Temple 17.

No. 22 Wisconsin vs. UNLV, noon

The injury bug has bitten running back Anthony Davis again, leaving Wisconsin's backfield a bit thin. But the Badgers remember last year's loss to UNLV enough to make sure it takes care of business. Wisconsin 31, UNLV 16.

No. 23 Purdue vs. Ball State, 1 p.m.

Ball State gave Boston College quite a scare, but Purdue is not Boston College. Purdue 45, Ball State 13.

No. 24 Minnesota vs. Illinois State, 3:30 p.m.

The Gophers should continue their momentum from an impressive effort against Toledo. Minnesota 51, Illinois State 6.

No. 25 Oregon vs. Indiana, 6:30 p.m.

Gerry DiNardo has the Hoosiers slowly on the uptick and his team will surprise someone this season. The Ducks just have too much talent for it to happen this week. Oregon 38, Indiana 19

Last week's record: 19-1 (9-9)

[THICK 1]

man u got some shit here.
lol
man i had to go buy another printer cartridge and another box of paper
man i have printed soem stuff out this year and its only the first week of nfl wew
great stuff though and alot of time thanks for the work and very much appreciated also.