This weekly wagering contest will reward the best football prognosticator with a $100 gift certificate from a meat/steak company. New guys can still join in any time and you don't have to make a pick every week. You can post your plays any time, but they must be posted before a game you are playing kicks off. You must make your picks in this thread and you must provide at least one reason for each pick. Minimum 50 picks to qualify by the end of the contest.

..........................Last Week.........Season.........%
buryman.....................1-1...........3-1..............75
mitch Cumstein............3-2.........14-7-4...........67
Gloopan Kuratz............3-2...........3-2..............60
Nas.............................4-1.........11-8-1...........58
good dolphin................7-4.........14-13............52
Mustang Rob................2-4-1........6-6-1...........50
Irish Boy.....................7-5-1.......23-26-4.........47
schmitty1211...............2-1............7-8-1...........47
reents.........................3-3...........19-24-4........44
Hawkeye Vince............0-0.............8-10-1........44
FarveFan.....................7-8...........13-18-1.........42
Boilermaker Rick.........0-6.............8-11............42
a retard.......................2-3............2-3..............40
Chus.........................19-19.........31-48-3.........39
donspiracy..................1-7...........10-16............38
BD.............................0-0.............2-4..............33
newper.......................1-0.............1-2-1...........33
hootmon.....................3-2.............4-9-1...........31
muman89...................0-0.............4-9-1...........31
Darren-Tinley Park......2-3.............5-13-1.........28
Chuckle Nuts..............1-4.............2-7..............22
Coasttocoast..............0-0.............0-2...............0
Bud Dude...................0-0............0-1................0



Good grief. I caught the 1 and L's disease. Thank you Cal-Ore refs. Let me know if any totals are incorrect.

Gloopan Kuratz 3-2 last week.
good dolphin 7-4 last week.
Hawkeye Vince 8-10-1.

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CSFMB: Home of the small minded

I'll be intested to see if folks here will be taking Green Bay -3.

I posted these last night.

NCAA
Ohio State -7 WIN
The Buckeyes are tougher than I thought, and they will keep the Boiler offense off the field.

Rutgers -3 LOSS
Good thing Rutgers lost and Cincy won last week or this number would be at least 7. Cincy hasn't played anyone yet, and this will be a hostile environment.

Kansas State -3 LOSS
Another team that is much better than I thought. The Jayhawks have been impressive, but against weak competition.

Baylor +9 LOSS
Colorado will be the pick of the week after knocking off the Land Stealers. Baylor is bad, but this is a good spot for a home dog.

Florida +9 WIN
LSU struggled with Tulane and now they are laying two scores to the Gators? I don't think so.

Texas +11 WIN
Way too many points for Texas coming off an embarassing loss at home.

Marshall +3 PUSH
I usually will stay away from a team after suffering a tragedy, but Memphis is really banged up on defense. While winless, Marshall has played a tough schedule, and Memphis is playing their third game in 11 days.

Marshall/Memphis over 27.5 (2nd half) WIN

South Carolina -3 (-120) WIN
The clock strikes midnight for Cinderella tonight.

Kentucky/South Carolina under 58 LOSS

West Virginia -27 WIN

Louisville -14 (-120) LOSS

Temple +4 WIN

Miami/North Carolina over 41.5 WIN

Georgia -1 LOSS

Northwestern +15 WIN

Houston +11 WIN

Minnesota/Indiana under 67.5 WIN

Bowling Green/Boston College under 60.5 LOSS

Bowling Green +20 LOSS

Virginia Tech +5.5 WIN

Oklahoma State +7.5 WIN

Notre Dame +22.5 WIN

UTEP +3 WIN

Missouri -6 WIN

New Mexico State/Boise State over 62 LOSS

Utah State/Hawaii over 68.5 WIN

Wake Forest/Duke over 47.5 WIN

NCAA: 18-9-1


NFL

Baltimore -3 L
I can't see the Niners scoring double digits. No Vernon Davis or Alex Smith. Their receivers are brutal. The Ravens will put eight in the box to stop Frank Gore, and make Trent Dilfer try to beat them.

New Orleans -3 L
The Saints get into the win column this week, against a banged up Panther team with David Carr at QB.

Atlanta +9 W
Miami +5.5 W
Jacksonville -2 W
Cleveland/New England under 48.5 L
Seattle +6 L
Seattle/Pittsburgh over 40.5 L
San Diego +1 W
San Diego/Denver over 42.5 W
Washington -3.5 W
Chicago +4 W

6.5 point/2 team teaser (-120) L
Detroit/Washington over 38
Indianapolis -2.5

Bears/Green Bay over 20 (2nd half) W

NFL: 8-8
Week: 26-17-1

Dallas/Buffalo under 45

Dallas/Buffalo over 23 (2nd half)

What do you think about this pick, Rick?

Arizona -1 at St. Louis (Pinnacle) Soft line, and I expect it to move. If not, I'll be more than happy to ride it out. WIN!

St. Louis +3.5 vs. Arizona Boy, this one worked out perfectly. Win! I middled it!

Jets +3.5 vs. Giants The giants defense pretty much stops and ends with the defensive ends. Luckily, the Jets are pretty good at the tackle position. Take away true home field advatage, and you have a close game. LOSS

Tampa Bay +11 at Indy (Pinnacle) I'm really hoping that this one sets up a middling opportunity, especially after the big win over Denver today for the Colts, but I'll be more than happy just to keep it. I don't think people realize that Tampa is pretty OK this year. LOSS

San Diego/Denver OVER 42 (Olympic) I love teams that can move the ball on the ground at will to cover overs, since they can't sit on the ball without accidentally getting yardage. I see this as back and forth all afternoon. WIN!

Green Bay -3 vs. Chicago (bodog) Wow, does this break my heart. Do I really have to explain it?

Buffalo +11 vs. Dallas (5Dimes) too many points for a home team on Monday night. Of course, that's what I said last week too.

Carolina/New Orleans UNDER 44 David Carr is our quarterback! I still think it's possible New Orleans can put up some points. Carolina will not. Therefore... WIN

New Orleans -3 vs. Carolina Come on, they're facing a David Carr led team. LOSS

Jacksonville -2 at Kansas City I'd think this was a trap game, but the money seems to be coming in even on this one, so I guess the public is split. I know that Kansas city beat San Diego, but... let's be serious! It's Kansas City! Jacksonville is underrated, plus they are coming off their bye and should be ready to go. I'm pretty confident in this one. WIN

Washington -3.5 vs. Detroit Lost in the mayhem of Detroit scoring 37 last week against the Bears is that 1.) they had only 3 points going into the 4th quarter, and 2.) the Bears secondary was starting invalids and quadrapalegics. Plus, that Detroit O-line looked terrible last week, and the secondary is Washington's defensive strength. Washington also has enough weapons on offense to run up some points. Washington is also coming off the bye. Take the points at home and root for the hogs. WIN

North Carolina +7 vs. Miami This one is a pure market play. The books opened this one at -8 Miami, and money started pouring in for the Hurricanes. So what'd the books do? They lowered the number of points. If the books think this is a trap game, so do I. RESULT: WIN!

Baylor +8.5 vs. Colorado Another market play, with books lowering the spread even with money coming in on the Buffalos. I'm wondering whether Colorado is overvalued after the big win vs. Oklahoma, and I'm also wondering whether this could be a big letdown game on the road at Baylor. RESULT: LOSS

Purdue -7.5 vs. OSU- That extra half-point is worth all the world to me. I've been waiting and waiting, and Bodog has was willing to oblige; with the way the Big 10 has gone thus far, I expect this one to stay close. I'll also be playing Purdue on the moneyline, but obviously I don't want that play working against me here. RESULT: LOSS

Missouri -6 vs. Nebraska I just don't think Nebraska is good. RESULT: WIN!

New Mexico State/Boise State OVER 61 This game won't get much attention because it's on Sunday night, but it's going to be a track meet, pure and simple. LOSS

_________________
Fire Phil Emery

You are going to make harry very angry with this mistake. I've always heard "if you can't go to college go to Kansas". What does that make Kansas State?

After a nice week I start this one early with:

Marshall +2.5 at Memphis

Memphis is the better team, there is no doubt about that. They are better by at least double this line and they are at home. But there are many factors that should lead to the Tigers breaking down especially by the second half. They will be physcially tired as this is their 3rd game in 11 days. They will be emotionally drained as a team member was killed this week. They will be unprepared as they have not been able to practice for Marshall at all. I would say they would come out on fire on D as an emotional reaction to their fallen teammate. However, their D is so bad it may be a hinderance. While good on O, I don't think emotion really motivates on that side of the ball. O is where preparation counts...and the Tigers are short on it.

Bills +10 against Dallas

The public is laying heavy on the Cowboys. I hate using that as my principal reason to take a side, but it sure seems to work. Bills are also a home dog on MNF. There are no statistical reasons to take the Bills here. Dallas laying 10 (hopefully more) just doesn't feel right.

I'm on record as saying that Purdue will win the game out right and then go on to lose to Michigan next week. I understand the doubt of Purdue and they are unknown entity since they have yet to play a team on the level of OSU. This is probably true for OSU also even though Washington may be at the same level based off of how they competed with USC.

Past history states that Purdue will cover the 7 at least at home against OSU. I think the Notre Dame game scared a lot of people off. If you noticed, I didn't play that game last weekend because the Purdue-Notre Dame is very strange. I forget the exact stat but in like 8 out of the last 11 games, the team that won actually had less total yards than the other team.

I understand why people would doubt that Purdue can win the game but I think they will.

To make the opposite play.

Purdue + 7 vs. OSU

_________________
You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

I hope everyone else got on board. 15 pts in 8 minutes.

Kansas City +2.5 over Jacksonville

LJ will have another decent week, KC's defense plays well again, pretty low scoring game in general. Chiefs 13-10.

Giants -3.5 over Jets

The Giants defense has improved greatly and Eli is having a great year so far. Giants 28-10.

New England -15.5 over Cleveland

Im taking NE and giving the points until they give me reason not to. NE 38-13.

Atlanta +8.5 over Titans

Titans dont blow too many teams out, I can see this being within 4 points the entire game pretty much. Titans 23-20.

Arizona -2.5 over St. Louis

The Rams might not win more than 2 games all year, and if Kurt Warner was guaranteed to start this would be the lock of the year. Cardinals 24-7.

Seattle +6.5 over Pittsburgh

Seattle is playing very well lately, I think Steelers bounce back and win this week, but it will be a pretty tough game. Pittsburgh 24-20.

Tampa Bay +10.5 over Indy

The most underrated team in the NFL will stay with the Colts all game long. Colts do just enough to win, 28-24.

Baltimore -3.5 over San Francisco

Im worried about taking Baltimore as a favorite again, but their defense should be motivated this week against a weak San Fran team. Ravens 17-13.

San Diego +1.5 over Denver

Chargers barely win this game 20-17, and people finally start to realize this Denver team kinda sucks.

Green Bay -3.5 over Chicago

Its all been over-covered in the Bears section, but no offense and an injured defense playing against Brett Favre playing like hes in his prime again. Defensive line of GB owns the Bears O-line en route to 7 sacks. Green Bay 27-10.

Dallas -10.5 over Buffalo

They are blowing out the teams that they should blowout, I expect it to continue this week. Dallas 38-13.

_________________
Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul

A win and a push. Not a bad way to start the week.

As I said before,

Purdue +7 vs. OSU
Purdue will keep it within a touchdown, and I believe they actually win the game.

Florida +9 vs. LSU
LSU wins, but Florida bounces back after last week and takes it down to the wire.

Kentucky +3.5 vs. South Carolina
Kentucky is looking for national respect and this can help

Minnesota +13.5 vs. Indiana
Indiana's defense is not that good and the Minnesota spread is strong enough to keep it close.

Penn State -9 vs. Iowa
Penn State needs this win to have any shot in the Big Ten and things are looking bad in Iowa right now.

_________________
You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

Kentucky +3.5 vs South Carolina- I like Kentucky this year, Andre Woodson, the Cats quartrback is playing well, I know the GameCocks have a solid defense, but I love the Cats.

Kentucky +3.5
Woodson continues his run at postseason awards.

Wisconsin +3
Getting 3 at Illinois. Know they have struggled recently, even while winning, but this is a give me.

Florida +8.5
Tough game at LSU coming off the lose against Auburn. Florida bounces back, I believe they win straight up, but the points help cover easily.

College
South Carolina -3.5 I'm taking the Gamecocks here at home. They've played a tougher schedule than Kentucky, and both of their tough games have been on the road. Spurrier has a great track record against the Wildcats as well.

Notre Dame +21 (WSEX) UCLA is not as good as they appear to be. I'll take a flyer that Notre Dame can keep it within 3 TDs against a hot and cold UCLA defense.

(I'm going to try to look at a few more college games tomorrow.)

NFL
Green Bay -3.5 - Unfortunately after this week, the Bears are going to have a national audience again, and they might realize what it means to lose over half of your defense (especially when your team relied 70% on your defense... Now we are down to 5% offense and 25% Hester)

Arizona -3 The Cardinals shouldn't have a problem against St. Louis, even on the road. Unfortunately, St. Louis looks like one of these 3-13 teams that happens... QB out and RB out = Loss for the Rams.

I was 7-4 last week don.

South Carolina -3 (-120)
Kentucky/South Carolina under 58

The clock strikes midnight for Cinderella tonight.

I heard you the first time Chus...and I agree.

When I post a new pick, I open a new reply as well as adding it to my main list, that way there are no shenanigans.

I haven't been doing that, but now that you mention it, I think that's the right course to take. I'll start making that my procedure as well.

_________________
Fire Phil Emery

I wish I could edit my picks from last week. 0-6 hurts even when the only thing on the line is the respect of my fellow fake internet friends.

_________________
You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

Judging by my record, it is pretty clear that I am not cheating.

The 'Cocks are now a 5 pt fav in most places. There is not much difference between 4 and 5, but if you want SC, get them before it hits 6.

Hey what happened to me? Just because I didnt pick last week doesn't mean I quit!

Week 6 The Emotional Weather Report: Partly Angry with isolated areas of Sadness

pinnaclesports.com

Kentucky +4 1/2 @ South Carolina (56 1/2)

UK QB overcomes USC pass D. "Cock-n-Fire" attack. <----THE 'ol ball coach is going to reach into his bag of tricks on offense. Moist conditions and the bright lights means a late miscue for some fella out there.

UK 27 USC 31

_________________
CSFMB: Home of the small minded

I don't think I can ever go against Steve Spurrier again.

_________________
You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

NO -3 vs. Car.

Det +3.5 vs Wash

KC +2 vs. Jax

Indiana - 13.5 vs. Minn

Indiana / Minnesota over 67.5

Mackie.... I'm riding that Testicle Tech Train.... Ball St. -12.5 vs. Central Mich.

Lines from WSEX

Packers -3 vs Bears

Painful to go with, but no running/passing game and too many questions on D for the Bears.

Giants -3.5 vs Jets

Jets just aren't that good and the Giants put up 30 on them.

Lions +3.5 vs Redskins

Lions keep it tight and win a close one late.

Titans -8 vs Falcons

Titans D too much for Harrington.

Cardinals -3.5 @ Rams

Warner will see time at qb and feel back at home in St. Louis.

Lines from pinnacle
A nice slate of games on Saturday and let's start early

Miami -7 vs North Carolina- All the players have left from when Davis was coaching, but I hope the U lays it on the Tar Heels, Davis screwed this team when he left and lied to people, so Kyle Wright and The U's running game dominates this one.

Oklahoma St. +6.5 vs Texas A&M- I don't beleive in the Aggies and the Cowboys from Stillwater are starting to play well and this was before the coach blew up and he was right when he did it, Cowboys stop the run can win the game.

Kansas State -3.5 vs Kansas- Kansas hasn't beaten anybody and Kansas State is a good team when I have seen them play, and the Wildcats may start a run to the Big 12 title game.

Texas +12 vs Oklahoma- I though before the season, the winner of this game would go to the national championship game, probably not anymore, Mccoy has regressed this season, but if the Longhorns can play great defense run the ball and Mccoy can get comfortable, Texas can win this one.

Georgia a pick over Tennesee- I know it's hard to win at Tennesee, but the Bulldogs go for a 4 in a row tommorow in Volunteer land, the Dawgs defense is playing great, there running the ball and Stafford makes no or minimal mistakes, tommorow it will be 4 in a row.

LSU -7.5 vs Florida- If the Gators were undefeated, I'd think they would have a better shot, but LSU is the best team in college football right now and they will prove it Saturday night.

Purdue +7.5 vs Ohio State- The Buckeyes have gone back to Tressel ball, defense and special teams, run the ball and go deep when they want too for the touchdown, but for Purdue this is their biggest 2 week stretch in some time, even bigger than the 2000 Rose Bowl year with at Michigan next week, and I think Painter gets the job done while passing to Bryant, Lymon, and Orton. The Purdue defense needs to step up and has to stop the Buckeye running game.

NFL

Saints -3 vs Panthers- Carr looks really bad and the Saints need this one, a win here and a Buccanneers loss, right back in the NFC South race, because a loss for the Saints and look out.

Jaguars -1 vs Chiefs- The Chiefs, I think are still bad and the Chargers let the foot off the pedal and this is revenge for the Jaguars as the Chiefs knocked them out of the playoffs last season.

Seahawks +6 vs Steelers- Besides the Cowboys, the Seahawks quietly are the second best team in the NFC right now and no Hines for the Steelers and maybe no Hampton and Polamalu, means the Seahawks can run the ball succesfully and set up playaction.

Broncos +1 vs Chargers- One of the few to say it, because all weekend everybody is saying Chargers and when that happens especially to a road team, you know what can happen and this is also a fan pick.

Bears +3 vs Packers- The Bears need this one are they are done and if they lose all the focus will be on them since the Cubs are done with the loss today and the Packers can be stopped on offense.

Cowboys -10 vs Bills- Dallas looks good right now and if they don't overlook the Bills, with the Patriots matchup next week, they should take this one easily, defense is starting to play better and the Bills won't score a lot of points if the Cowboys defense isn't playing well.

KC +2 vs JAX
Chiefs playing better; feed off their crowd

PIT -6 vs SEA
Steelers bounce back; West Coast teams have a tough time in the Eastern Time Zone

ARI -3 vs STL
Cardinals playing with confidence; Rams are not

NYG -3.5 vs NYJ
Improving Giants too much for the Jets

Pack -3 vs CHI
I hate doing it, but....