All Dogs, Mostly Road Dogs

To get to Maryland from Texas you need only pass through three other states--Arkansas, Tennessee, and Virginia. The latter two take about forever to get through, and unless you choose your route carefully, you get treated to the traffic goatfuck that is Washington D.C.

Back in Tennessee, Black Francis and I were treated to some sports talk radio, Volunteer style. This consisted of about five minutes of complaining about how Ohio State's schedule was almost as hard as Boise States, followed by about 45 minutes of NASCAR talk, followed by a bunch of UT football talk. One caller had an insane stutter, which rendered him unintelligible about every third word. I was extremely impressed by the host, as he answered multiple questions from his guest, none of which I could understand. No idea how he pulled this off.

I ended up 3-2 last weekend, including 2-1 on the NCAA, and 0-1 on my own pick, though I'll take partial credit for betting Washington, since I think the 'Skins are still underrated, and I've been looking to bet them.

I won on Michigan State(+4.5)34, Michigan 17, Arkansas(-6)24, Texas A&M 17, and
Washington(+3)16 Green Bay 13 (OT), and lost with Stanford 37(-10) , USC 35, and Kansas City(+8.5)9, Indianapolis 19.

This week I've taken minnesota (+6)over PURDUE, paying extra vig to move the line from 5.5. Purdue has a better record, but their schedule has been cupcake heavy. These two teams tend to have an annual shootout, so the over is probably worth a look too.

In fact, the O/U is 50. I thought it was 60. Have these teams stopped scoring, or started playing defense? I'm confused.

Minny's been scoring a bunch, as usual, but Purdue's totals are down. Tread lightly.

I've also taken olemiss(+21)over ALABAMA. 'Bama may bounce back after last week's loss to the Gamecocks, but Ole Miss is coming off a bye, and last I checked they didn't suck. While their student body has knuckled under to the PC tyranny, changing their mascot last week, I still think the Rebels are a good bet.

Nebraska has moved from a 9.5 point favorite to 10 over Texas. I saw this coming, and considered taking Nebraska(-9.5) and Texas(+10), but that moment has passed. If Texas' defense is as good as advertised, now is their time to show it. Nebraska wants to put their stamp on their departure to the Big 10(+2) by spanking the 'Horns in their final conference matchup. While I normally would root for Texas here, this time I'm pro-Nebraska, for the greater glory of the Big 10(+2).

Speaking of the Big 10(+2), Michigan State is 2-0 in conference, 6-0 overall, and doesn't have to play Ohio State this year. I don't want to jinx anything, but MSU has already beaten Wisconsin, widely considered to be the best team on their schedule, and if the Badgers can beat the Buckeyes(-4) at home today, the Big 10(+2) is wide open. Draw your own conclusions.

ESPN is looking at a letdown for Michigan State(-7) against Illinois. Great. Go Green. As long as they letdown but win, I don't care.

San Francisco is favored by 7 against Oakland. Not sure why.
oakland(+7)overSANFRANCISCO. Everyone seems determined to win some money on the 'Niners' bounce. I think the chance that they bounce and win by 4 or so is significant.

I'm not drinking the Buc's Kool-Aid, but I'm not drinking the Saint Kool-Aid either. New Orleans has fluctuated between a 5 and 4 point favorite on the road. Right now it's 4.5. That's enough for me. TAMPABAY(+4.5)over neworleans.

Bodog has the Raven vig running wild to keep it at 3. Not sure how much lower this would be if they let the line move. The Pats are Mossless, Ray Rice finally went wild last week...I'd be terrified to take the Pats, (like I did last year in the playoffs--oops) but I'm not sure about fading them either. I feel like this game is destined to make me feel stupid. The last time the Ravens drew a huge vig on the road (that I recall) was at San Diego last year. They won that one. baltimore(+3)over NEWENGLAND.