Christmas Shopping Can Wait

One more week of great football, then it pares down a bit until the BCS games and NFL playoffs, you can wait to do your Christmas shopping until next week (unless you are already done because you're one of those crazies that shopped last Friday).

You can also do me a solid and vote for Truman the Tiger in the Capital One Mascot Challenge. He's the 7 seed in the playoffs and needs your support to beat the Yosemite Same look-alike, Red Raider. Vote as many times as you can, the voting will continue all week.
http://www.capitalonebowl.com/mascots/m/8

You'll notice some interesting picks this week for college football. That's because I base my picks on the 10 games ESPN's College Pick 'Em game offers each week. They only set up Saturday games, so two of the best games this weekend are not available to pick. Honestly, I think the MAC Championship is going to be a solid game. Northern Illinois' Jordan Lynch is a better all-purpose threat than Johnney Manziel (more polished and durable). Kent State's Dri Archer might be the next Darren Sproles. The winner could bust the BCS if they finish in the top 16 (Kent is #17, and NIU is #21). I pick NIU with 5 confidence points. Also, I can't ignore the Pac-12 Championship. It's always tough to beat a team twice in one season unless there is a huge talent/depth difference. But playing the same team two weeks in a row; that's close to impossible. Stanford played their cards right and will have the game at their house. They dominated the game for 2.5 quarters and went into cruise control. I expect them to win a close one with 6 confidence points.

College Week 14
Florida State over Georgia Tech - the only thing worse than the chance of a 7-6 Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl was the chance of a 7-6 UCLA in the Rose Bowl last year.
Nebraska over Wisconsin - yes, it is hard to beat a team twice in one year, but Nebraska's offense torched Wisconsin earlier in the season and Wisconsin's offense scares no one anymore.
Oklahoma over TCU - the Sooners win big to put pressure on the kittycats and the rest of the BCS.
Alabama over Georgia - I hate Nick Saban. Especially after his comment about it wouldn't be fair for Florida to get into the Sugar Bowl, instead of the loser of this game, if they didn't win their division. First of all, you got you got into the National Championship and didn't even win your division. Second, it's called your second loss, Florida has one loss... they are better. Either way, I think he's slow-playing us.
Oklahoma State over Baylor - the Big 12 point scoring extravaganza (don't dare call it bad defense) continues.
Cincinnati over Connecticut - why must I pick this meaningless Big East game?
Pittsburgh over South Florida - I repeat, why must i pick this meaningless Big East game?
UCF over Tulsa - Tulsa won the first match-up, and I like what UCF brings to the table. I have it low confidence because Tulsa's defense could keep this very low scoring.
Nevada over Boise State - there is no luster around this Bosie team. They are still good, but ever since that loss to Michigan State, they have been off the radar. They could sneak into the top 16 BCS, but my odds would be on the winner of the MAC Championship finishing higher. Plus I think the pressure of this possibility gets to the offense and the defense can't get the Wolf Pack off the field.
Texas over Kansas State - upset special because Texas has gotten better defensively every week in November and k-State has had too long to think about the implications and let Oklahoma get in their head.

Last Week: 6-4 (43 pts.)
Season: 82-48 (492 pts.)


NFL Week 13
Falcons over Saints - get ready for some dome offense, and don't forget the road team has not won a game on the NFL Network this season.
Bills over Jaguars - even though Blaine Gabbert is hurt (he typically suffers from pussitis), they are a warm-weather team playing in December in Buffalo, NY... just saying.
Bears over Seahawks - west coast team playing the noon road game possibly missing their top 2 cornerbacks, stay away from Seattle.
Lions over Colts - doesn't it feel like these teams records need to be switched? Also, what do you think the odds are that Suh ends Luck's season with a cheap shot?
Packers over Vikings - it would be hard to imagine the Packers sliding from Champs to missing the playoffs in just two years.
Texans over Titans - ladies and gentlemen, your favorites to win it all, the 2012 Houston Texans!
Panthers over Chiefs - I shouldn't need to explain why I pick against the Chiefs... I think I get a 3 year free pass on that.
49ers over Rams - Colin Kaepernick has looked like the best rookie QB these last two weeks.
Patriots over Dolphins - Patriots are on a roll, the Dolphins are not.
Jets over Cardinals - west coast team playing the noon road game.
Broncos over Buccaneers - unless Doug Martin moves to defense and knocks Manning out of the game, it's not happening.
Raiders over Browns - I don't trust the Raiders' defense, but I have no respect for the Browns offense, tough call.
Bengals over Chargers - I'm hoping this is the end of the Norv Turner "tenure" in San Diego.
Ravens over Steelers - if Roethlisberger is not playing there is no chance.
Cowboys over Eagles - hopefully it hasn't been too long for the momentum of a great second half on Thanksgiving to still be in Romo's mind.
Giants over Redskins - in typical Redskins fashion... win one, lose one.

Last Week: 12-4
Season: 116-59