Free College & Nfl Picks

[Blackbeard]

Shiprec; not enough data for 2nite or Friday for a fade, i've just been looking at baseball myself....

[Shiprec]

ok, thanks. I've seen you doing pretty good and just wanted to jump aboard again. Maybe i'll catch some this weekend. Thanks again my friend.
PEACE

[ELJUGO]

Thanks for doing this Blackbeard

[Blackbeard]

Foxsports NCAA fearless predictions

No. 1 USC at No. 14 Arizona State — Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
USC -16.5


If this isn't the Pac 10 game of the year, it's a close second. USC is still just about everyone's number one and hasn't been anything but terrific over its first three games obliterating Hawaii, Arkansas and Oregon by a combined score of 178 to 47.
Arizona State might be the only team on the Trojan schedule with the firepower to hang punch-for-punch with the defending national champions. This is a statement game for both teams. Another USC blowout win would cement the number one spot even more, while an Arizona State upset wouldn't just mean a lead spot in the race for the Pac 10 title, it would mean talk about a spot in the Rose Bowl. There will be fireworks galore, 1,000+ yards of total offense, and a whole bunch of fun.

Lots of points, lots of running up and down the field, and lots of numbers will be put up. USC will have a few more than Arizona State. The Sun Devils are tremendous in shootouts; the Trojans are better.




Prediction: USC 50 ... Arizona State 38
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax



No. 5 Florida at No. 15 Alabama — Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Fla. -4


It's Florida's first road test of the year, and Alabama's first real test of the year. The Tide has steadily moved up in the polls after winning four straight to start the season, but the jury is still out on just how good this team is.
The impressive 37-14 steamrolling over South Carolina in Columbia got a little bit of national publicity; a win over Florida would mean ten times more, and would be a win that would finally bring Mike Shula the respect currently given to the other top SEC coaches. The Gators have been impressive so far and has the inside track on the SEC East title after beating Tennessee 16-7, but a win at Alabama would mean they're serious contenders for even more.

Alabama's defense is the real deal and will keep Florida from marching up and down the field, but the offense won't be able to do enough to get the win. Expect this to be the game the Gator D finally earns more national respect.




Prediction: Florida 21 ... Alabama 17
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax



Michigan at No. 11 Michigan State
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
MSU -5.5

Poor, poor Michigan. For the first time since 1998, the Wolverines aren't ranked, being hammered on left and right by the media, fans and everyone else gleefully enjoying a Big Blue rough patch, and are being left for dead at the side of the Big Ten road. Meanwhile, Michigan State is everyone's darling with an offense blowing through everything in its path as it roars up the rankings led by Heisman contending QB Drew Stanton. Why even play the game? It's time to take a small step back here. Michigan is banged up in key areas and not producing the way it should be in other spots, but it still came this close to escaping Madison with a win and almost came back against Notre Dame on a day when nothing was working quite right. On the other side, Michigan State obliterated three lousy teams (Kent State, Hawaii and Illinois) and hung on for dear life against Notre Dame.


Prediction: Michigan State 38 ... Michigan 31
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax


No. 2 Texas at Missouri
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
Texas -14.5

Landmine, landmine, landmine. Missouri gave Texas all it could handle last year in a 28-20 Longhorn win in Austin, and now the Tigers, and QB Brad Smith, are far better. However, Texas is on a major roll coming in on a ten-game winning streak and still glowing over the win over Ohio State three weeks ago. The Longhorns are already licking their chops at the idea of finally giving Oklahoma their comeuppance next week and might not be 100% focused. It's two of the most dynamic players in the country with Vince Young and Brad Smith going at it. It's a possible preview of the Big 12 title. It'll be a good one. Smith will have a huge, Heisman-like day accounting for 400 yards of total offense, but it won't be enough. The Texas defense will stop the rest of the Tigers cold, while the Longhorn offense will wake up in time to put together two long, late drives to put the game away.


Prediction: Texas 31 ... Missouri 24
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax



Florida Atlantic at No. 24 Louisville
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
L'Ville -38

Shock. Bewilderment. It's not that Louisville's sleeper Rose Bowl dreams went up in smoke against South Florida, it's that they got pulverized in a 45-14 loss that saw the high-octane Cardinal attack get shut down for the first time in a few years. Not only is Louisville 2-1, but it's 0-1 in Big East play. A scrimmage against Florida Atlantic should cure all the problems. The Owls might have the worst team in America after losing at home to a lousy UL Monroe team. They have athletes on defense, but not nearly enough of them to make this any more than a Louisville track meet, so if you like to watch a team put up 600+ yards of total offense in a major blowout, this will be for you.


Prediction: Louisville 52 ... Florida Atlantic 10
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax


No. 19 Virginia at Maryland
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
Miami -14

Virginia is 3-0, but it's a shaky 3-0 with the offense failing to generate much consistently on offense hurt by injury problems in the backfield and on the line. With Boston College and Florida State coming up, the Cavaliers are hoping to hit their stride building on last week's impressive 38-7 showing against Duke. Maryland has been treading water failing to look like anything more than an ACC also ran with sluggish wins over Navy and Wake Forest to go along with its losses to Clemson and West Virginia. A win against the Cavaliers would get things on track and would mean a 4-2 start with Temple coming up next week. After two close calls in home losses, the Terps will pull off a tight win.


Prediction: Maryland 20 ... Virginia 17
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax



No. 3 Virginia Tech at West Virginia
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
VT -10.5

Morgantown becomes one big party when Virginia Commonwealth comes to town, so you know a visit from Virginia Tech is going to create a circus-like atmosphere long before kickoff. Both teams enter the game undefeated, and the Hokies are fast becoming a trendy choice for the Rose Bowl after obliterating Georgia Tech 51-7. Both are also ranked in the Top 10 nationally in total defense and scoring defense, giving the game the potential to be an old-fashioned snot knocker, where big sticks are routine and every possession matters. The Hokies and Mounties entered the Big East together in 1991 and have faced each other every year since 1973.


Prediction: Virginia Tech 23... West Virginia 17
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax


Indiana at No. 17 Wisconsin
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
Wisc. -17.5

Wisconsin has all of a sudden gone from being a Big Ten afterthought to a player in the title race after a thrilling 23-20 win over Michigan. With no Ohio State or Michigan State on the schedule, and the toughest road game at Minnesota, this could be a great final season for Barry Alvarez. Indiana is looking to end the party before it really gets going. A disrespected 3-0, Terry Hoeppner's team is coming off a two week break after obliterating Kentucky 38-14. A win in Madison would do more than just turn some heads. IU has a history of being a thorn in Wisconsin's side. The last time these two played, in 2002, IU won 32-29 the year after winning 63-32 in Madison.


Prediction: Notre Dame 34 ... Washington 17
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax



Mississippi at No. 10 Tennessee
Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Tenn. -21.5

Tennessee is hot again after a scintillating 30-27 overtime win over LSU to get back in the SEC title race. On the flip side, Ole Miss couldn't be colder after losing its home opener to Wyoming after losing the SEC opener to Vanderbilt. Ed Orgeron's club is having a nightmare of a time generating any consistent offense, and appears to have a long way to go before it challenges the SEC's top superpowers. Tennessee has a short week to prepare and can't look ahead to a must-win game against Georgia next week. Tennessee won't bring its "A" game, but it won't have to.


Prediction: Tennessee 30 ... Ole Miss 13
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax


Ball State at No. 21 Boston College
Saturday at 1 p.m. ET
Line:
BC -38.5

After two rough games losing to Florida State 28-17 and beating Clemson 16-13 in overtime, Boston College gets a week off before diving back into ACC play against Virginia in two weeks. The Eagles would love nothing more than to get this over with by halftime to rest the starters, but Ball State is hoping to be more than just a speedbump with two weeks off to rest and recuperate after losing to Auburn 63-3. The Cardinals would like a little bit of positive momentum before resuming the MAC season. Boston College will go through the motions and win in a walk thanks to the defense.


Prediction: Boston College 42 ... Ball State 3
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax



No. 4 LSU at Mississippi State
Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET
Line:
LSU -14.5

Can LSU pick its hearts up off the ground after blowing a 21-0 lead to Tennessee just four days before having to face Mississippi State? The Bulldogs will look for its first SEC win trying to jump on the wounded Tigers a week before dealing with a road trip to Florida. Sylvester Croom's bunch hasn't been able to generate much offense, but the defense has been good enough to keep the team in games. Could the D do enough to pull off the huge upset? Can LSU start looking like an SEC title contender again? This game won't get too much national publicity, but it'll be worth paying attention to. MSU's defense will make this far closer than it probably should be. Having fewer than four days to rest up and get ready will mean LSU sharp.


Prediction: LSU 27 ... Mississippi State 10
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax


Syracuse at No. 6 Florida State
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
FSU -21

This is one of those gut check games for the Big East as three of its members square off with Top 10 ACC teams with a chance for the league to earn some much-needed national respect. The 'Noles and Orange are similarly constructed teams built on strong defenses, yet hamstrung by offenses that remain works-in-progress. Florida State has already aced two huge tests against Miami and Boston College, and is nicely positioned to represent the Atlantic Division in the ACC's first-ever title game. This will be a good measuring stick for Seminole Drew Weatherford, who's showing glimpses of becoming a capable starting quarterback. You can't win if you don't score, and Syracuse is going to labor all afternoon to reach double digits in Tallahassee.


Prediction: Florida State 27... Syracuse 3
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax



No. 23 Iowa State at Nebraska
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Nebraska -3

With everyone in the Big 12 North appearing to be dead even, this isn't exactly an elimination game, but the loser will have some serious work to do. Iowa State got loads of national respect with a punishing 23-3 win over Iowa, and then came the near gack in a sluggish 28-21 win over an awful Army team to make everyone question just how good the Cyclones are. Nebraska has been as shaky as you can get and still be 3-0 needing a blocked kick to beat Pitt and getting next to nothing from the offense in wins over Maine and Wake Forest. This is the fourth in a five game homestand for the Huskers, and a must-win four road trips in six weeks coming up. Will either offense be able to do anything? Nebraska's defense and special teams will be the difference in an ugly dogfight.


Prediction: Nebraska 17 ... Iowa State 13
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax


No. 18 Minnesota at Penn State
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Minn. -2.5

Minnesota got a measure of national respect last week with a thrilling overtime win over Purdue. However, we've all seen this before from Glen Mason's club only to see the bottom drop out midway through the season. Will it come this week, or as recent tradition dictates, next week at Michigan? Penn State is 4-0 and, apparently, on its way to a bowl game and a rebound year, but it hasn't beaten anyone of note, unless you count an opening day win over South Florida. The Nittany Lions needed a late touchdown pass to beat Northwestern last week, but that might have been the moment the team knew that this year would be different; it's making the big breaks this season on offense as well as defense. With Ohio State and Michigan coming up the following two weeks, this is a must-win game.


Prediction: Minnesota 27 ... Penn State 20
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax



Kansas State at Oklahoma
Saturday at 7 p.m. ET
Line:
OU -6.5
On FSN

This is a big week in the Big 12 with several interesting games, but none are more intriguing than the rematch of the 2003 Big 12 championship. Oklahoma has had two weeks off to hear how bad things are, but everything can turn around with a win over the Wildcats kicking off a big run in the Big 12. With Texas coming up next week, a bit of confidence would do wonders. Kansas State is 3-0, but few are buying that things are much different than last year. The near-miss against Marshall was all but wiped away with a 54-7 pasting of North Texas, but only a win over a name team would get people excited again about Bill Snyder's club.


Prediction: Kansas State 20 ... Oklahoma 17
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax


Arizona at No. 12 California
Saturday at 7 p.m. ET
Line:
Cal -16.5

California looks to keep the somewhat quiet 4-0 season rolling as it gets healthier and healthier. Despite suffering through several key injuries on both sides of the ball, the Bears have yet to be tested winning the first four games by an average margin of 30 points. Arizona might have two losses, but they were battles going down 27-24 against Utah and 31-24 to Purdue. This is still a young Wildcat team that's looking to improve from week to week. With USC coming up next week, the Wildcats will look to get through the first past of the year alive before the slate opens up. Cal will have it's toughest game of he year next week at UCLA, but it can't look past the UA defense.


Prediction: California 34 ... Arizona 17
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax



Kansas at No. 16 Texas Tech
Saturday at 7 p.m. ET
Line:
TT -18.5

Texas Tech, we'd like to introduce you to a real opponent. Real opponent, meet Texas Tech. The Red Raider cupcake season is now over after beating FIU, Sam Houston St. and Indiana St. by a combined score of 199 to 31. There are rumblings that this is Mike Leach's best team yet, but it has to prove it can beat a true D-I team and that all the parts of the offense can work against an athletic defense. Everyone in the Big 12 North seems to be getting picked to go to the conference title game except Kansas, but a win in Lubbock would quickly change everyone's attitude about Mark Mangino's team. The Jayhawks haven't exactly faced a murderer's row of teams beating Florida Atlantic, Appalachian St. and La Tech.


Prediction: Texas Tech 38 ... Kansas 20
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax


No. 13 Notre Dame at No. 22 Purdue
Saturday at 7:45 p.m. ET
Line:
Purdue -3

Purdue has won two straight over Notre Dame by a combined score of 64 to 26, and needs to make it three in a row to wipe away memories of last week's rough overtime loss to Minnesota before dealing with Iowa next week. Notre Dame is coming off a very business-like win in a much-ballyhooed game against Washington, and it desperately needs this tough road win before getting two weeks off to prepare for USC. These are two strong offenses on teams good enough to be playing on New Year's Day, and it could be a near replay of the fireworks of Michigan State's 44-41 win over Notre Dame two weeks ago. If the Irish win this, barring a major upset, then it's a two game season for a BCS game getting USC and Tennessee in South Bend.


Prediction: Purdue 34 ... Notre Dame 30
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax



USF at No. 9 Miami (FL)
Saturday at 8 p.m. ET
Line:
Miami -21.5

Fresh off a stunning upset of Louisville, South Florida is all the rage this week and currently at the pinnacle of their eight-year odyssey as a football program. The win opened the once-padlocked door to a BCS bowl bid for the rest of the Big East, and instantly took this week's game in the Orange Bowl from mildly interesting to must-see. The Bulls are Miami light with playmakers on both sides of the ball, a terrific linebacking corps, and an improved passing game away from being a complete football team. The ‘Canes have been predictably rock solid on defense, but the offense is still searching for its mojo with first-year starter Kyle Wright at the controls. This is the first meeting between the two schools. The 'Canes are sick of hearing about the Bulls this week.


Prediction: Miami 30... South Florida 13
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax


Washington at No. 20 UCLA
Saturday at 10:15 p.m. ET
Line:
UCLA -21.5

UCLA has had two weeks to sit back and bask in the 41-24 win over Oklahoma and is starting to generate a national buzz. Yes, there is another good college football team in Los Angeles, and now the Bruins hope to keep the roll going looking to keep down a Washington team that can't seem to get on any sort of a positive run. After losing last week's much-publicized game against Notre Dame, the Huskies hope to pull off a bit of a shocker kicking off a brutal Pac 10 stretch starting off with UCLA, followed up by a road trip to Oregon, followed up by USC, followed up by another road trip to Arizona State. Yuck. Ty Willingham's bunch isn't looking to simply improve from week to week, this will be a good measuring stick to see how far it has to go to challenge in the Pac 10 race.


Prediction: UCLA 42 ... Washington 17
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax

[Blackbeard]

Chicago Tribune/Terry Bannon NFL

Terry Bannon's NFL picks

September 29, 2005, 7:15 PM CDT


Game of the week: Eagles-Chiefs
Open date: BEARS, Browns, Dolphins, Steelers
Last week's record: 8-6
Season record: 26-20
Texans (0-2) at Bengals (3-0)
Time: Noon Sunday
Line: Bengals by 9½.
Last meeting: Bengals won 34-27 at Cincinnati on Nov. 9, 2003.
Key stat: Bengals' No. 3 offense vs. Texans' No. 25 defense.
Fantasy factor: Bengals' Rudi Johnson, who has averaged 100.8 yards in last 9 games, faces No. 31 rushing defense. Texans' David Carr off to terrible start (1 TD vs. 3 INT).
The buzz: Cincinnati's high-powered offense should roll. Looks like long year for Texans.
Bannon's pick: Bengals 31, Texans 17.

Broncos (2-1) at Jaguars (2-1)
Time: Noon Sunday
Line: Jaguars by 4.
Last meeting: Jaguars won 7-6 at Jacksonville on Sept. 19, 2004.
Key stat: Broncos' No. 13 offense vs. Jaguars' No. 2 defense.
Fantasy factor: Broncos' Jake Plummer (2 TDs vs. 3 INT) faces tough challenge from Jaguars' defense. Jaguars WR Reggie Williams has 13 catches, at least 4 in each game.
The buzz: Byron Leftwich plays well at home, and Jaguars should be able to do just enough on offense to back up tough defense.
Bannon's pick: Jaguars 20, Broncos 17.

Chargers (1-2) at Patriots (2-1)
Time: Noon Sunday
Line: Patriots by 5½.
Last meeting: Chargers won 21-14 at San Diego on Sept. 29, 2002.
Key stat: Patriots have won 21 straight at home.
Fantasy factor: Chargers' Keenan McCardell could add to his NFL-leading 4 TD catches against troubled secondary. Pats' Tom Brady has thrown 38 TDs vs. 11 interceptions in 25 regular-season home games.
The buzz: Brady and Chargers' Drew Brees could stage shootout, but as always, Patriots will find a way to make the plays at the end.
Bannon's pick: Patriots 34, Chargers 27.

Bills (1-2) at Saints (1-2)
Time: Noon Sunday
Line: Pick 'em.
Last meeting: Saints won 24-6 at Buffalo at Buffalo on Sept. 9, 2001.
Key stat: Bills are 32nd in rushing defense, Saints 26th.
Fantasy factor: Bills' Willis McGahee (4.7 yards per carry) and Saints' Deuce McAllister (3.2) will both get chance to control game.
The buzz: Saints struggling since emotional opening-day win over Carolina. First of 3 home games Saints will play at Alamodome in San Antonio in wake of Hurricane Katrina.
Bannon's pick: Bills 27, Saints 24.

Rams (2-1) at Giants (2-1)
Time: Noon Sunday
Line: Giants by 3.
Last meeting: Giants won 23-13 at New York on Sept. 7, 2003.
Key stat: Giants lead NFL with 30.7 points per game.
Fantasy factor: Rams' Marc Bulger has thrown 6 TD passes vs. 3 INT. Giants rookie Brandon Jacobs from Southern Illinois is getting short-yardage work—rushing for 2 TDs in first 3 games.
The buzz: Eli Manning has figured some things out in his 2nd season, as Rams will find out.
Bannon's pick: Giants 30, Rams 20.

Lions (1-1) at Bucs (3-0)
Time: Noon Sunday
TV: WFLD-Ch. 32.
Line: Bucs by 6½.
Last meeting: Bucs won 23-20 at Detroit on Dec. 15, 2002.
Key stat: Mismatch: Bucs' league-leading defense vs. Lions' No. 30 offense.
Fantasy factor: Lions rookie WR Mike Williams could become key if Detroit can't run. Lions' leaky run defense won't contain rookie Carnell Williams, who leads NFL with 434 yards rushing.
The buzz: Lions have had 2 weeks to mull over getting blown out by Bears. Bucs will keep on rolling with old-fashioned combination of running offense and running defense.
Bannon's pick: Bucs 27, Lions 17.

Colts (3-0) at Titans (1-2)
Time: Noon Sunday
TV: WBBM-Ch. 2.
Line: Colts by 7.
Last meeting: Colts won 51-24 at Indianapolis on Dec. 5, 2004.
Key stat: Colts' 3 wins have come by combined score of 47-16.
Fantasy factor: Colts temporarily low-scoring team, but at some point Peyton Manning will throw his 3rd TD pass. Chris Brown ran for 256 yards and 5.7 avg. vs. Colts in '04.
The buzz: Led by Dwight Freeney (4 sacks), the Colts are winning with defense. Titans very tough but undermanned.
Bannon's pick: Colts 24, Titans 20.

Seahawks (2-1) at Redskins (2-0)
Time: Noon Sunday
Line: Redskins by 2.
Last meeting: Redskins won 27-20 at Washington on Nov. 9, 2003.
Key stat: Seahawks' No. 2 offense vs. Redskins' No. 3 defense.
Fantasy factor: Matt Hasselbeck (4 TDs vs. 2 INT) will have to make some big plays. Redskins' Clinton Portis (4.6 per carry) may be key vs. Seahawks' average rushing defense.
The buzz: Seahawks will be first tough test for Redskins' defense, but Washington is confident and rested after week off.
Bannon's pick: Redskins 20, Seahawks 17.

Jets (1-2) at Ravens (0-2)
Time: 3:05 P.M. Sunday
Line: Ravens by 7½.
Last meeting: Ravens won 20-17 (OT) at New York on Nov. 14, 2004.
Key stat: Ravens' 32nd in rushing offense; Jets' 29th in rushing defense.
Fantasy factor: This should be week Ravens' Jamal Lewis, who has only 57 yards rushing, comes around. Jets' QB injuries may make things tough for Curtis Martin.
The buzz: Jets are down to third-stringer QB Brooks Bollinger from Wisconsin, who will make his first NFL start. Not an ideal debut against Ray Lewis & Co.
Bannon's pick: Ravens 24, Jets 13.

Vikings (1-2) at Falcons (2-1)
Time: 3:15 P.M. Sunday
Line: Falcons by 6.
Last meeting: Vikings won 39-26 at Atlanta on Oct. 5, 2003.
Key stat: Falcons' No. 1 rushing offense vs. Vikings' No. 30 rushing defense.
Fantasy factor: Mewelde Moore is Vikings' latest hope at RB. Warrick Dunn, off to his fastest start with 268 yards in 3 games, faces weak rushing defense.
The buzz: Michael Vick is progressing as passer. That's trouble for Minnesota's disappointing defense, which is hurt by injuries in secondary.
Bannon's pick: Falcons 27, Vikings 20.

Eagles (2-1) at Chiefs (2-1)
Time: 3:15 P.M. Sunday
TV: WFLD-Ch. 32.
Line: Chiefs by 2.
Last meeting: Eagles won 23-10 at Kansas City on Nov. 29, 2001.
Key stat: Eagles' No. 1-ranked offense vs. Chiefs' No. 27 defense.
Fantasy factor: Eagles' L.J. Smith leads tight ends with 17 catches. Priest Holmes getting 4.0 per carry for Chiefs.
The buzz: Chiefs got wake-up call at Denver on Monday night, and their defense will decide this potential Super Bowl preview. K.C. will have trouble with Brian Westbrook.
Bannon's pick: Chiefs 28, Eagles 27.

Cowboys (2-1) at Raiders (0-3)
Time: 3:15 P.M. Sunday
Line: Raiders by 3.
Last meeting: Raiders won 28-21 at Oakland on Oct. 7, 2001.
Key stat: Cowboys' No. 4 offense vs. Raiders' No. 29 defense.
Fantasy factor: Cowboys WR Terry Glenn, averaging 24 yards per catch with 1 TD, goes for 3rd straight 100-yard game. Lamont Jordan leads Raiders in rushing (148) and receiving (16 catches, 125 yards).
The buzz: Cowboys not as tough as their record indicates and may be out of sync from spending week in Bay Area after beating 49ers. Raiders have to win at some point. Don't they?
Bannon's pick: Raiders 24, Cowboys 23.

49ers (1-2) at Cardinals (0-3) at Mexico City, Mexico.
Time: 7:30 P.M. Sunday
TV/radio: ESPN, WSCR-AM 670.
Line: Cardinals by 2½.
Last meeting: 49ers won 31-28 (OT) at Arizona on Dec. 12, 2004.
Key stat: Cards trying to avoid first 0-4 start since '86, when they still were in St. Louis.
Fantasy factor: Can the unsung QBs come through? 49ers' Tim Ratty had 3 TD passes last week. Cards' Josh McCown has 5 TDs in 3 games vs. 49ers.
The buzz: Cards, last in '04 attendance with 37,533 per game, gave up home game for cash and international exposure. Did fans in Mexico expect Patriots-Eagles-caliber matchup?
Bannon's pick: 49ers 17, Cardinals 13.

Packers (0-3) at Panthers (1-2)
Time: 8 P.M. Monday
TV/radio: WLS-Ch. 7, WSCR-AM 670.
Line: Panthers by 7½.
Last meeting: Packers won 24-14 at Carolina on Sept. 13, 2004.
Key stat: Packers haven't started 0-4 since '88.
Fantasy factor: Robert Ferguson leads Packers with 2 TD receptions. Panthers' Steve Smith leads NFL with 4 TD catches after getting 3 last week.
The buzz: This matchup looked good in April, looks dreadful in September. Brett Favre era is fading away in Green Bay.
Bannon's pick: Panthers 27, Packers 17.

[Blackbeard]

espn insider anybody???

[soxx9]

Sorry in advance for the tough read, but this is how I got it e-mailed

Wolverines enter State in unfamiliar territory
By Rich Podolsky
Special to ESPN Insider


Bowl season appears to have come early. Thanks in part to ESPN's
matchmakers, there's at least one college game every night this
week.
Besides Tennessee and LSU's huge SEC matchup Monday, Toledo
visits Fresno
State Tuesday in another blind date of mid-major powers set up by
ESPN.
Wednesday night features Cincinnati, a Big East team, visiting
Miami
(Ohio) from the Mid American Conference. Miami has looked like
anything
but the RedHawk teams that Ben Roethlisberger quarterbacked, but
it's a
12½-point favorite here. What's wrong with that picture?
Michigan finds itself in a strange position as an underdog at
Michigan
State this week. It's only the second time in the last 35
meetings between
these schools that the Spartans have been favored. Spartan coach
John L.
Smith may have had a hard time keeping his troops from reading
how
wonderful they are -- something that is sure to rile up the
visiting
Wolverines.
Elsewhere, Southern Cal finds itself in the sandwich this week,
facing its
toughest opponent, Arizona State. The Trojans are ripe for upset
having
just won an emotional game at Oregon with another big one coming
up
against Notre Dame (Oct. 15). The Sun Devils could be the best
team in the
Pac-10 this year and this spot could be USC's Waterloo.

Monday
Tennessee +6½ over LSU: This is a game Tennessee has to win and
probably
will. As pointed out last week, the Vols' road record in the last
few
years is tremendous -- they've won 16 of their last 19 road games
outright. Last time out, the Vols' defense outplayed Florida and
they were
unlucky to lose. The extra days due to Hurricane Rita has given
Tennessee
time to heal. Starting Erik Ainge at quarterback is a good move
in light
of the 461 yards LSU gave up to Arizona State in the opener.
Can't see how LSU could possibly be sharp for this. The Tigers
have only
played one game, and that was 16 days ago. Their field has been
used as a
hurricane relief station and football hasn't been on their minds
24/7. It
took a pair of blocked punts leading to touchdowns to beat a very
good
Arizona State team, and you can't expect them to hold up against
the
pounding of the Tennessee offensive line and running back Gerald
Riggs.
The pick: Tennessee (best bet). Emotion aside, the Vols also look
attractive at better than 2-1 on the money line.

Tuesday
Toledo +12½ at Fresno State: Toledo is another team that knows
how to take
care of business on the road. The big question: Can they match up
with
Fresno's attack? Toledo has always been able to get by simply by
outscoring its opponents. Quarterback Bruce Gradkowski is as
tough as they
come and can run for a first down as fast as he can throw for
one. But
Gradkowski is a gametime decision due to an undisclosed injury,
according
to Monday's Toledo Blade. If Gradkowski doesn't play, neither do
we.
The Rockets' defense seems improved this year, holding its three
opponents
nearly scoreless at the half. Toledo's big problem is Fresno
State's
spread offense and quarterback Paul Pinegar, who lit up Oregon
for over
300 yards and three TDs. Despite blowing a 17-0 lead at Oregon,
don't
expect Fresno to show a letdown with the ESPN2 cameras lighting
up the
back yard.
The pick: Toledo, providing Gradkowski starts.

Wednesday
Cincinnati +10 at Miami-Ohio: The young (only five seniors)
Cincinnati
Bearcats have struggled in three games this year, barely beating
Division
I-AA Western Carolina last week, 7-3. But most don't know that
Western
Carolina is a top team in their league and can beat quite a few
Division
I-A schools. New quarterback Dustin Grutza had success the week
before,
throwing for 286 yards at Penn State, however, and should find
the Miami
secondary to his liking.
Miami-Ohio was again one of the favorites to win the MAC but has
disappointed greatly this year. They had a stunning home loss to
Central
Michigan and looked a bit dull while winning at Kent State 11
days ago. QB
Josh Betts has yet to show improvement this season, but RB
Brandon Murphy
looks like a nice surprise.
The pick: Cincinnati. Cincy won this game 45-26 last year with a
veteran
team, and lost the previous three seasons by 5, 5 and 7 points,
in a game
that has become a big Ohio rivalry. Also, this line has dropped
like a
rock since Miami opened as a 12½-point favorite.

Saturday
Michigan +5½ over Michigan State: Just like Michigan State
surprised Notre
Dame after all the publicity the Irish received, Michigan can
surprise the
Spartans here for the same reason. All the Wolverines have read
in the
last week is how wonderful Michigan State is and what a great
offense they
have. Reading that, combined with their sickening loss at
Wisconsin last
week, has to put Michigan in a foul mood.
Usually going on the road after a heartbreaking loss is a good
way to lose
again, but this is an in-state rivalry game and life-and-death
for
Michigan in the Big Ten. In fact, Lloyd Carr's coaching job could
be on
the line if they get blown out.
The pick: Michigan. And it doesn't hurt that they're getting star
RB Mike
Hart back, either.

Maryland +3½ over Virginia: Maryland is still offensively
challenged but
its defense has finally shown up, holding Wake Forest to just 111
rushing
yards at Wake last week. The Terps lost a tough one to Clemson
and QB Sam
Hollenbach seems on the improve. Virginia, on the other hand,
looked
anything but solid winning in the last minute at Syracuse, giving
up too
many easy scores. Last year in Charlottesville, Maryland played a
much
better Virginia team close, but couldn't get on the board. This
one will
be different.
The pick: Maryland, in a low-scoring battle.

Alabama +3½ over Florida: We'll find out a lot about the coaches
in this
game and about the character of their teams. Alabama will defend
its home
field in this one as if it were Fort Sumter against the North.
Florida's
defense has been terrific but its offense looked a little
sluggish against
Tennessee. QB Chris Leak may have trouble throwing against a very
solid
back seven of the Crimson Tide. On offense, Alabama's Brodie
Croyle is the
kind of leader you want in a game like this.
The pick: Alabama in a game that should go down to the wire.

Minnesota -2½ over Penn State: We're going to keep playing
against Penn
State until they prove we shouldn't. The Nittany Lions were
awfully lucky
to win as a big favorite at Northwestern last week. Penn State
still looks
spotty on defense and very inconsistent on offense. They've lost
six of
their last eight Big Ten games at home and have lost to Minnesota
the last
two seasons. The Golden Gophers are hot, coming off a great
victory over
Purdue, and coach Glen Mason seems to have Joe Paterno's number.
The pick: Minnesota.

North Carolina -3½ over Utah: This is certainly nothing like the
Urban
Meyer Utah teams. They barely hung on last week against
defensively
challenged Air Force, and they showed no heart or offense, for
that
matter, against TCU the week before.
North Carolina has the speed and the athletes and most of all the
power to
dominate both lines. Last week's victory at NC State was huge for
the
program, but we don't think they'll soon forget the 46-16
trashing Utah
gave them last year. It's time for payback.
The pick: North Carolina.

Arizona State +16 over USC: If USC is going to lose one in the
Pac-10 this
year, this is the logical spot. It's after a very emotional game
at Oregon
and before one at Notre Dame. Throw in that the Sun Devils have a
wonderfully balanced offense and a pretty decent defense, and
you've got
the makings of an upset. Last week, Oregon's defense couldn't
hold up
against the USC power, which wasn't surprising because it didn't
hold up
against Fresno State. But Arizona State's defense held LSU to 21
offensive
points and fewer total yards than the 461 yards ASU quarterback
Sam Keller
passed for against the Tigers. The Sun Devils got blown out 45-7
at USC
last year, but the combination of Keller's confidence and
leadership, a
solid defense, and the home field might be enough to pull off the
upset.
The pick: Arizona State (best bet).

Bowling Green -28 over Temple: This is what this game comes down
to:
Bowling Green is an offensive machine that was embarrassed at
Boise State
last week. Temple has lost all three of its road games this year
by huge
margins and we don't expect things to change here, especially
after the
Owls lost a heartbreaker at home last week to Western Michigan.
The pick: Bowling Green. BG won last year's game at Temple,
70-16.

Texas Tech -17½ over Kansas: Texas Tech coach Mike Leach has a
point to
prove and Kansas is about to get in the way. The Red Raiders won
four of
their five home games last season, losing only to Texas. In those
four
games, they scored a total of 213 points, winning by an average
margin
(against TCU, Nebraska, Baylor and Oklahoma State) of 34 points
per game.
This season, Leach has scheduled three patsies to get his offense
and new
quarterback Cody Hodges in gear. Both have done so, scoring 199
points
over the three contests.
Kansas should be better than last year, but the Jayhawks are
still looking
to solve their quarterback problems and their defensive backfield
has some
holes. Kansas did, however, shock Texas Tech last year, losing
late 31-30
the week after the Red Readers blew out TCU, 70-35. That game was
also the
week before Tech played Oklahoma. Don't see any such close
contest this
time in Lubbock.
The pick: Texas Tech (best bet).

Miami -21 over South Florida: While the Bulls have celebrated
their
victory over Louisville all week, they were outgained 493-355 in
total
yards, showing some enormous defensive problems. Turnovers and
special-teams scores led to the upset, something that they can't
expect to
duplicate against Miami. The Hurricanes took care of business
last week
against Colorado, and now thanks to the upset of Louisville,
Miami is not
going to take the Bulls for granted.
The pick: Miami. This is men against boys.

Louisville -37½ over Florida Atlantic: Talk about men against
boys! The
Cardinals were embarrassed at South Florida and will take it out
on poor
Florida Atlantic, a team that is totally outmanned by Louisville.
FAU lost
a tough one at home last week to UL-Monroe in a game that figured
to be
one of the few chances at victory this year. The Owls now travel
to
Louisville with all the emotion knocked out of them.
The pick: Louisville, which always wins big at home.

Passing thoughts
Notre Dame might have an emotional edge over Purdue even though
they're
playing in West Lafayette, after Purdue's heartbreaking loss to
Minnesota.
… Auburn should be able to handle South Carolina easily with the
Gamecocks' starting quarterback on the shelf. … Tulsa better look
out this
week as it hosts Houston, after the Golden Hurricane won a
thrilling
overtime game last week over Memphis. The Cougars played Oregon
tough and
lost one they should have won in overtime at UTEP.
West Virginia, Army, Missouri, Arizona State and Hawaii are the
five
Double Digit Home Dogs this week. Last week DDHD's went 5-3 and
are now
8-5-1 for the season. Hawaii hosting Boise State figures to be a
war. The
Warriors have won every home conference game the last four years,
except
Boise, which has won its last two trips to Hawaii. After winning
on the
road, finally, Hawaii will be life and death for the Broncos this
time.
Last Week: 7-5; Season: 18-29
Best Bets last week: 2-0; Best Bets, season: 3-7
Rich Podolsky went 88-85-1 in 2004 and 92-76-3 in 2003 picking
college
football games for Insider.

[screwtape]

espn insider anybody???

I'll have a look. Hey,blackbeard have you checked out rivals.com? They have a picks section. Can't vouch for their accuracy but it might be worth checking out.

[Blackbeard]

Thanks Guys!!!!. Screwtape are those SU or ATS? they look like SU picks, but I'm not sure. Just using ATS for fades.

[Blackbeard]

the correct foxsports wisc/ind is Wisc 38-17

[screwtape]

Thanks Guys!!!!. Screwtape are those SU or ATS? they look like SU picks, but I'm not sure. Just using ATS for fades.

Not sure. I didn't look. Just caught my this afternoon. I would think there is some sort of archive that could be checked. Sort of assumed it was ats since they list the spread.???
If it is ats, what a run! What do they claim 29-5?

[Blackbeard]

yeah, I didnt see any spread, and records are too good for ats, but thanks!!!

[Blackbeard]

Dallas news nfl staff picks

click link than click staff predictions 2/3 down the page, requires adobe acrobat

http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/

[Blackbeard]

Sagarin Ratings NFL & NCAA

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/nfl05.htm

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/fbt05.htm

[ctt8410]

Tulsa World Picker..

Not sure if this is the type of help you wanted BB, but here's the local rag's predictions for this weekend..

Kansas State at OU (-6):

Nightmare scenario: Bomar fumbles the snap, bangs into Peterson, takes off running, bangs into Thompson, all are carried off with high ankle sprains.

National championship game to Barf Bowl virtually overnight?

Losers of three of the last four? Pillsbury Doughboy cornerbacks? Rumor factory replaces football factory?

Enough.

Proof of heart and guts required or program heads toward uncharted depths.

OU by 10.

Houston at Tulsa (-3 1/2): Talk about unpredictable, somebody always seems to be going 60 during a TU football game.

No matter who has the ball, players frequently emerge from scrums, streaking for the posts.

No lead is safe, no moment dull, no other action adventure as reasonably priced.

TU by 3.

Colorado (-3 1/2) at Oklahoma State: One of a few things not on television this weekend, another being the Frog-Gigging Regionals.

The Colorado quarterback seems to have balance issues, sometimes dropping back only to be knocked off his feet by intent.

The Colorado kicking game is simply the best, punts sailing above the top decks, 55-yard field goals seeming to postpone gravity in lite or regular air.

Colorado by 3.

Michigan at Michigan State (-4): Carr out of gas.

State by 3.

Iowa State at Nebraska (-4): West Coast could sue Nebraska over misuse of offense.

Nebraska by 1.

Florida (-4) at Alabama: Winner keeps alive the chance to be cheated out of title shot by the BCS.

Florida by 1.

Minnesota (-3) at Penn State: Jo Pa updates pregame speech used in ought-eight to inspire squad.

Penn State by 2.

Texas (-15) at Missouri: Two NFL safeties go at it from the quarterback spot here.

Listen carefully and you can almost hear Mack Brown's teeth start to chatter with OU approaching.

Texas by 7.

USC (-17) at Arizona State: Home team QB has one of those Big 12 throwing motions, odd, but unlike any of ours, his passes go where they're aimed.

USC by 14.

Notre Dame at Purdue (-3): ND's schedule about the same as Green Bay's.

Purdue by 2.

Sunday

San Diego at New England (-8):

If New England is human, it has to be tired.

Home team by 4.

Denver at Jacksonville (-4): Denver back to earth and beyond -- sea level.

Jax by 6.

Eagles at the Chiefs (-3): "New" Chiefs aged like dogs last week.

KC by 5.

Dallas at the Raiders (-3): Raider firing line could become fired line.

Oakland by 6.

San Francisco versus Arizona (-3): To be played in Mexico City.

You think Mexicans liked soccer before, they're really going to love and miss soccer after a few hours of this.

Arizona by 1.

Monday

Green Bay at Carolina (-7 1/2):

Back in the Monday night lemon mode.

Hate to see Favre resemble a sad sack.

Carolina by 10.