TGT NFL Playoff Picks

Thought we’d give you our picks for this weekend’s playoff games. There are four very interesting games, and I can say that I am excited about all of them.

The Dirty Birds are giving 2.5 to the Packers, the Bears are giving 10 to the Seahawks, Baltimore is getting 3 from Pittsburgh, and Patriots are giving 9 to the Jets.

That said, our picks are:

kensington: Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets

corbindawg: Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets

barndawg: Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots

ucheedawg: Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots

lugnutdawg: Green Bay Packers (boooooo!), Chicago Bears, Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots.

granitedawg: Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers

Go Falcons!

thegrittree

Friday Locks

It’s the final week and Uchee is closing in on Corbin.

kensingtondawg
La Tech +8
Utah State +38
Auburn -5.5

barndawg
Illinois (-5.5) at Fresno State
Nevada (-8.5) at Louisiana Tech
annnnddddd forget Boise. Going with FSU (+4) against Va Tech.

granite
Northern Illinois vs Miami (17.5)
UNLV at Hawaii (-34.5)
Illinois at Fresno State (5.5)

corbindawg
Arizona State @ Arizona (-5.5) Starting out in a hole this week
Northern Illinois (-17.5) at Miami (OH)-Northern Illinois has gone 9-0-1 ATS the last ten games. They beat Eastern Michigan 71-3. I like the lone ranked team from the MAC trying to make a statement going into Ford Field.
Washington (-6) at Washington State-Huskies are 4-1 ATS vs Washington State in their last 5 meetings. Go Huskies.

ucheedawg
Arizona State @ Arizona (-5.5)
Northern Illinois @ Miami (OH) + 17.5- miami covers the major spread n this huge MAC championship matchup. Take the points and Miami of Ohio.
Washington @ Washington State (+6)- The farmers not only cover but win this battle for the Apple Cup. Take the points and Washington State.

Turkey Week Locks

We’re nearing the end of the college football season and with it, our Friday locks.  Kensingtondawg has a commanding lead, but has still not mathematically won. But that’s why the record doesn’t count until the season’s over. This week is the in-state rivalries offers some interesting matchups.  From all of us here at The Grit Tree, we hope you have a great Thanksgiving Holiday. Our Friday Wednesday locks for Thanksgiving weekend:

Kensingtondawg (23-11-2)

Texas A &M at Texas (+3.5)

 

Miss St. at Ole Miss (+3)

 

Michigan State at Penn State (+2)

Barndawg (17-17-2)

Notre Dame at USC (PK) This doesn’t have the flair of recent games, but I think USC still has the athletes across the board to win this game. USC wins.

LSU at Arkansas (-3.5) Arkansas can throw a monkey wrench into the projected BCS matchups if they win this game.  If the win, it looks like LSU v. Boise State in the Sugar Bowl. I can’t wait for New Year’s if that is the case.  If LSU loses this game, look for a Boise vs. Ohio State matchup. Arkansas has a great offense, but I’m not betting against the Hat. LSU and the points.

Mississippi at Miss State (-2.5) Ah…the Egg Bowl. I remember a few years back when Syl Croom “upset” the Rebels for the Egg Bowl win…how times have changed.  Mullen has that spread working in Stark-vegas.  Look for the Dawgs to cover.

Granitedawg (17-19)

Ohio @ Kent State (+3.5)
Northern Illinois @ Eastern Michigan (+23.5)
Western Michigan @ Bowling Green (+6.5)

Corbindawg (16-19-1)

Auburn at Alabama (-4.5)-I wish Alabama was getting points here, but I think Nick Saban is going to have his boys ready.  Alabama has the 3^rd ranked scoring defense (how about that drop off on defense?) and has only given up more than 20 points twice.  Auburn can’t stop anyone, and Alabama will score some points.  I like the Saban, Smart and the Tide’s defense.  Rammer Jammer, Yellowhammer, give ’em hell, Alabama!

 

Kentucky at Tennessee (-3)- The next two picks are “I’ll believe them when I see it”.   I think all the pressure are on the boys in Blue.  They, like in the Georgia-Florida “rivalry” have lost a ton of games over the last two decades (25 in a row) and Tennessee has had some bad teams recently, while Kentucky has had some good teams.  Tennessee I don’t think was realistically thinking bowl game this year anyway, so if they can get a bonus win over Kentucky then the 2010 campaign has been successful.  Kentucky has squandered chances against Tennessee recently, and look for the more of the same.  Take the Vols.

Oklahoma (+2.5) at Oklahoma State-This seems like 2008 all over again.  The Cowboys for YEARS have been the “it” team and for YEARS we always hear “This is going to be Oklahoma State’s year”.  Undoubtedly, the Cowboys find a way to screw it up.  You could go with “well, it is bound to happen now.”   I’ll believe it when I see it.  Until I have concrete proof otherwise, and until someone other than Texas can win the Big 12 South, I think the Sooners win straight up-and beat Nebraska in the Big 12 Championship game BTW.

Ucheedawg (15-19-2)

Washington @ Cal (-7)

Notre Dame @ USC (-4)

Auburn @ Bama (-4.5) ROLL TIDE!

Friday Locks

This will be another great Saturday of football. SEC East is on the line, major matchups everywhere else across the country. And the story of the year, Cam Newton, is continuing to unfold. Have a great Saturday, Go Dawgs!

kensingtondawg (20-8-2)

Georgia @ Auburn (-7.5) I’m breaking an unwritten rule here, but I can’t help myself.   Auburn is distraction central right now.  No one is talking the game between Georgia and Auburn they are talking Cam Newton.  Auburn’s players also have to realize that all of the put into the season could be for nothing as serious NCAA probation could be on the horizon and forfeiture of the 2010 season.  For all the criticism I have given Mark Richt, the guy does seem to always pull out a big win once a year.  Plus, UGA has a lot to prove considering the combined record of the teams they have beaten are 13-33.  Yes, Saturday will be the day to salvage somewhat of disappointing 2010 campaign.  Dawgs upset Auburn! (but take the points just in case).

Oklahoma State at Texas (+5.5) I just have a hard time believing Texas is as bad as they are playing.  The season has been a disaster, and it appears they may not even make a bowl.  However, this a game where they can step up and make a statement.  The Cowboys lead the Big 12 South, and it’s the perfect time to show the OSU who still runs the Big 12.  Look for Texas to pull the upset, but to be safe I’ll take the points.

Iowa State at Colorado (+2.5) Dan Hawkins was fired this week so I expect the Buffalos to respond and unite.  Iowa State is playing out of their shoes.   Plus as Dawgs fan know Boulder can be a very difficult place to play.  Take the Buffalos.

barndawg (13-15-2)

Texas A&M (-3.0) at Baylor Baylor is a poor man’s Oklahoma State.  It has some skill players at a few positions and is benefitting from a down year in the Big 12 (10) South. However, they laid an egg when the lost to Texas Tech. The Aggies have got to be feeling confident.  The Shermanator switched QBs and the Aggies have won 3 straight, including an “upset” of Oklahoma.  A&M covers.

Army at Kent State (PK) Interesting stat surrounding this game: since 1963, the three service academies have all had a winning record in the same season once (1996). Its Veterans Week and Army looks to become bowl eligible. Easy pick here, Army wins.

Oregon (-19.5) at Cal I don’t like picking games with a large spread, but this one is easy to. Oregon is AVERAGING 54.7 points a game, and their defense ain’t that bad either…Ducks cover.

granite (14-16)

Western Kentucky at Arkansas State (-12)
San Diego State at Texas Christian (-27)
Penn State (6-3) at Ohio State (-18)

corbindawg (13-16-1)

Texas A&M (-3) at Baylor Baylor has been a surprise team this year.  They are coming off a tough loss and TAMU is coming off a big win versus Oklahoma.  That is a recipe for a let down.  Go with Baylor.

Stanford (-5.5) at Arizona State I don’t care what Kensington or Phil Steele says.  I am going rouge.  I like the Cardinal baby!  Stanford wins by 3 scores.

Oregon (-19.5) at California There is never too much chalk with Oregon.  Take the Ducks.

ucheedawg (12-16-2)

Minnesota @ Illinois (-21) Minnesota has been good to me. They never win, but Vegas always gives them a ton of points and they always make hay. Take the Gophers with the points on the road.

Miami (-2.5) @ Georgia Tech The nerds have had a letdown season and are in the same boat as UGA as they search for a win to get bowl eligible. It doesn’t happen this week as Miami comes to Atlanta and takes care of business. Lay the points and take the Canes.

UGA @ Auburn (-7.5) I liked it at the beginning of the week, and I like it now. This is such an interesting game from so many levels. With all that’s gone on this week, I’m calling for Coach Mark Richt to have OUR Georgia Bulldogs ready to play on Saturday! Take the points and the Dawgs!

Have a great weekend, be safe in your travels to Alabama. Go Dawgs!

Friday Locks

Sorry for no leans on Tuesday…it was kind of a busy day for four of us (especially for one of us…we’ll touch on that later). Another great weekend of games tomorrow, headlined by Alabama-LSU and SC-Arkansas. Here are our locks for this week (no record to go by, corbin’s been MIA since Georgia-Florida; minimal write ups this week as well).

kensingtondawg

NC State @ Clemson (-3.5)

Indiana @ Michigan (-3.5)

Louisville (-6.5) @ Syracuse

ucheedawg

North Carolina State @ Clemson (-3.5) I know, folks tell us to never bet on Clemson. But they’re wrong. You can always bet on Clemson to lose silly little games they should win by 3 TD’s. You can also bet on Clemson to blow away teams that should play them tough. I’m calling for a bounce back here by our brethren from SC. Lay the 3.5 as Clemson wins by double digits.

Baylor @ Oklahoma State (-8) This is going to be a high scoring game in Stillwater, as two of the best O’s in the Big 12 are facing off in surprisingly big game. Vegas is calling the over at 73. I don’t want to touch that, but I think it will be close to a 42-38 type game. Interesting stat of the day: Oklahoma State hasn’t lost to Baylor in Stillwater since 1939. I think that just may change tomorrow. I’ll stop shy of proclaiming that Baylor will win outright, but I’ll take the 8 points and Baylor in this one, as I think this will go down to the wire.

Oklahoma (-3.5) @ Texas A&M The Fightin’ Texas Aggies played well last week against in-state rival Texas Tech. I think they’ll play Oklahoma tough for a while, but Oklahoma needs this game badly just to keep up with Baylor (yes, I said Baylor). Look for Oklahoma to pull away and win by double digits with their high powered offense. I’m laying the 3.5 and calling for Oklahoma to cover.

barndawg

Oklahoma (-3.5) @ Texas A&M

Iowa (-17.5) @ Indiana

Boston College (-3) @ Wake Forest

corbindawg

Florida (-14.5) at Vanderbilt Florida’s is refocused and now has a revamped no huddle offense.  Look for the Gators to take it to lowly Vanderbilt.  Gators cover with ease. 

Hawaii (+21) at Boise State I had success with Boise State this season.  Hawaii is having a nice season themselves.  Although it is on the Mainland, I will take the Rainbow Warriors getting 21.

Fresno State (+1) at Louisiana Tech If I am in last place, might as well go with some pasty games.  Take the point but you won’t need it, Pat Hill’s squad will win this one.

granitedawg

Nebraska (-18) @ Iowa State

Louisville @ Syracuse (-6.5)

Washington @ Oregon (-35.5)

Friday Locks

Another great slate of games on tap this weekend. Below is this weeks’ batch of locks. Go Dawgs!

kensingtondawg (10-3-2)

Alabama at South Carolina (+6.5) Every media analyst I’ve heard has already given the national title crown to the Tide for 2010 after their dominating performance over Florida.  The fact of the matter is CorbinDawg was right at the beginning of the year when he said the Gators would be down.  They are not the best team in the East.  That team is South Carolina who Bama faces Saturday.  The Gamecocks have a week off to rest up and expect Spurrier to stick with Stephen Garcia the who way Saturday.  Bama has played two dink and dunk teams in Arkansas and Florida.  They will get a big time physical matchup on Saturday, and I don’t believe they will be ready.  Gamecocks cover and will end Bama’s 28 game regular season winning streak.

Boston College (+9) at NC State Devastating loss for the Wolfpack last week against the Hokies in a game that led the whole way.  The Wolfpack have major defensive issues and which is nothing new under sad sack DC Mike Archer.  They will struggle Saturday against the Eagles.   Take Boston College and the points.

UCLA at California (-8) Despite some recent success I’m not buying into anything coached by Rick Neuheisel.  I think Cal has very good team that can score in bunches and are very alive in a quest for the Rose Bowl.  Take Cal and give the 8.

barndawg (6-8-1)

Clemson at North Carolina (-2.5) In two back to back losses, Clemson has looked good. Andre Ellington is a beast, already racking up 7 yards a carry, even though Kyle Parker has played hurt during Auburn and Miami games.  Regardless, I’ll take Clemson and the points.Interesting fact: These teams have won a combined 4 games, but 3 of their combined 5 losses have been 4 points or less, 2 of which were OT losses. I like the Irish to cover.This spread stayed the same all week– and I still like it. I thought about saving this game on DVR, until I realized Matt Millen is calling the game for ABC.This is going to be a really good game…but I think Michigan wins by 7.

Pittsburgh at Notre Dame (-6.0)

Michigan State at Michigan (4.5)

ucheedawg (5-8-2)

Temple @ Northern Illinois (-3.5) Both schools have played tough this year, but Temple has really impressed me. I am calling for the slight upset  here with Temple winning a close one, but will take the points in case.

Minnesota @ Wisconsin Ah, the Battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. This is one of my favorite rivalry games of the year, for whatever reason. I still feel that Minnesota has not been as bad as their record indicates. Wisconsin will win, but their style of play, coupled with the fact that Minnesota still will not give up makes me think it will be close in the 4th. I’ll take the points and the Gophers here, despite knowing that Wisconsin will keep the axe.

LSU @ Florida (-6.5) I don’t ever like picking Florida, just out of principle. BUT, this is a money-maker, because I love betting against Les Miles. LSU and UF both feature great defensive squads, and both struggle at times on offense. LSU struggles more, and I am calling for Florida to have a big bounce back week. Lay the points as the Gators cover at home.

corbindawg (5-9-1)

Auburn (-6.5) at Kentucky Staying with my lean here, I like the Tigers…surely they won’t lose to Kentucky two years in a row?  Kentucky had trouble with Florida’s offense, and I think Auburn’s offense may be in better shape than Florida’s.  Take the Tigers.

Toledo at Boise State (-36) Boise had a 42 point spread last week and covered with ease.  I think the Broncos, after seeing Oregon jump them last week, are going to cover the 36 with ease.  Although its a lot of chalk, take the Broncos on the smurf turf.

I locked in Nebraska last night at -11.5. 

granitedawg (4-11)

FSU @ Miami (-6) This game matches 2 great defenses and features a lot of speed on that side of the ball. I’ll call for the ‘Noles to pull this one out in a straight up win, but since you’re offering the points I guess I’ll take them too.

Clemson @ North Carolina (-2.5) I think UNC is a program in distress right now, and I’ve always been partial to our brethren from Clemson, so I’ll call for them to pull the ever-so-slight upset over the Tar Heels. Again, give me the points, but I won’t need them.

Arkansas @ Texas A & M (+6) I’m a fightin’ Texas Aggie and I just don’t give a……wait, sorry. I got sidetracked for a second thinking of quesadillas. Anyway, the fightin’ Texas Aggies don’t have a chance against the Hogs in the old SWC matchup. Lay the 6 and take Mallett and Co.

Friday Locks

For the second week in a row, our cellar dwellers in regards to locks have picked UGA to not only win, but cover. Here’s to hoping they get a lock correct this week. If UGA fails to cover on Saturday in Boulder, we will officially place a moratorium on corbin and granite from ever picking UGA again.

**Update: Granitedawg is taking one for the team and is dropping his UGA pick. So that leaves us with corbindawg, our #1 Dawg Fan and homer! That’s why we love him.

kensingtondawg (8-3-1)

Texas A&M (-3) @ Oklahoma State A& M got the push last night in a great game. 

Va Tech (-4) at NC State Everyone is high on NC State right now, but I’m still a little skeptical. GT has no defense, and Russell Wilson will be tested big time Saturday against Bud Foster.  Look for a big statement game from the Hokies, and they’ll cover the number.  Hokies Cover 

Penn State at Iowa (-7) Evan Royster is a little banged up, plus Iowa has the best rushing defense in the Big Ten.  The only Penn State has a chance is for a big game for Royster, which won’t happen due to Iowa’s rush defense.  Plus, Robert Bolden is not ready yet to beat any team by himself passing the football.  Iowa had a week off to get over a tough loss at Arizona.  I like the Hawkeyes big here.  Hawkeyes roll and cover. 

barndawg (6-6)

Texas A&M (-3) @ Ok State I was on the flip side of Kensington, but they pulled out a late field goal to save me. 

Kentucky (-2.5) at Ole Miss The Masoli experiment has failed so far in Oxford. Kentucky doubles the spread. 

Ga Tech at Wake Forest (-10) Paul Johnson on this week’s game: “We need to go to Winston Salem and play like our hair’s on fire.” I’m sure the girl that twirls the fire batons for the Redcoats could serve that duty for us. Jackets cover. 

ucheedawg (4-6-2)

Michigan (-10) @ Indiana (65 ½) Michigan has it’s all star QB back this week and is clicking on all cylinders offensively. I really see a lot of points getting put up here, with not much D being offered from either side. Both offenses gain a tremendous amount of yards, and I think that will equate in a lot of points. Last year, lesser offenses totaled 69 points, and I think it will be even more this year.  I’m calling for a double in this game; Michigan will cover the 10 and I’ll go with the over (65 ½) in what I think will be a Big 10 barn burner. 

Texas Tech (-7) @ Iowa State Texas Tech continues to be an interesting team to me. When Leach was HC, they were truly the most interesting team in college football to watch. Coach Tubberville has done some changing up to the crazy offense Leach used to run, which isn’t all bad. They continue to get better, and looked pretty good in a loss to Texas. Iowa State hasn’t been as terrible this year as in years past, but they’re still not a great team. TT has had two weeks to get ready for this one, and I look for Potts to have a big game. It may not be a blowout, but I look for Texas Tech to come out prepared. Lay the 7 and take the Red Raiders. 

granitedawg (3-9)

As usual, I’m too lazy to give any feedback. Not that it matters, because I’m losing your money as fast as you make it. 

byu (+5.5) @ utah state
Florida State (+7) at Virginia
UGA (-4.5) at Colorado 

Washington @ USC (-10) Lane Kiffin will go for 2, kick a field goal, and win by 11, thoroughly ticking off ucheedawg.

corbindawg (3-8-1)

UGA (-4.5) at Colorado I am a glutton for punishment.  This is Déjà Vu all over again.  Despite my lack of a true football IQ, AJ is an important part of the puzzle.  Dawgs finally live up to their potential and lay a whippin on the Buffaloes. Boise State (-43) at New Mexico State Ucheedawg is the regular Boise State lover.  I heard on 680 the Fan yesterday that College Football was like figure skating-you have to get style points while moving along.  I don’t think the Broncos should be in the National Title discussion, but they know that if they want to stay up in the polls, style points matter.  NMST is TERRIBLE and have given up large amount of points in recent weeks, so look for the Broncos to make a statement against a team that should barely be in the FBS.   

Tennessee (+16.5) at LSU While LSU probably has the superior talent and coaching (suck on that, Derek!), 16.5 is a lot of points in the SEC.  LSU is a good team, but I have 0 confidence in their offense.  I look for a 17-3 type ball game…Tennessee covers.  

the grit tree

Friday Locks

kensingtondawg (6-2-1)

West Virginia (+10.5) at LSU

NC State at Georgia Tech (-8)

Kentucky at Florida (-14)

ucheedawg (4-3-1)

Oklahoma @ Cincy (+13.5) Even though the Red River Shootout is next week, I think Oklahoma comes in focused here and takes care of business. Cincy is not a very good team, and I think Oklahoma passes all over them in preparations for next week’s showdown. Lay the points and feel good about the Sooners covering.

USC @ Washington State (+22) Everything about this game stinks to me. Washington State is terrible. They’re the only team in the Pac 10 who really just stinks. But……they’re better than they were last year, and they’re getting better week by week. Plus, they have one major thing in their corner: they host the dumbest coach in America this Saturday. I’m taking the points for two simple words- Lane Kiffin. He led his team to a 3 point victory over Virginia. He only beat a Minnesota team that lost the week before to a FCS school by 11. He blew the spread against Hawaii. He’s hated from New York to Los Angeles and everywhere in between! In the upset of the year, I’m calling for Washington State to send USC HC Lane “I’m a Terrible Coach, but I have a Hot Wife and A Respected Daddy” Kiffin home crying, but just to be safe, I’ll take the points.  Go Cougars! Go Cougars!

UGA @ Mississippi State (pk) UGA can’t lose this one, right? There’s no possible way we go 0-3 in SEC play, right? Please tell me it can’t be so. This is where Vegas makes money though, and while that may be the case, I’ve got to go with my heart this one time and pick our Dawgs to win. It’s all you have to do Dawgs! Just score one more point! In my shakiest pick of the season, I’m calling for the Dawgs to win in the straight up pick. Go Dawgs!

granitedawg (3-6-0)

Oregon @ Arizona State (+11.5) Oregon is like a Colt Brennan-led Hawaii team, but good. They run it well, they throw it well, and they look good doing it in their awesome jerseys! I really with Nike and UGA would team up and do something like that. Instead of that crap with the black helmets or the black jerseys, if they could just come up with something that looks good, maybe UGA could start playing like Oregon. Just like in putt-putt golf, part of playing good is looking good, and nobody looks better than Oregon (except the Arizona State fans, but they’re not on the field). Lay the points and take the Quack Attack!

Alabama @ Arkansas (+7) This NFL team is only giving Arkansas 7 points? Let’s be realistic here….Arkansas is not that great. They beat a mediocre-at-best UGA team last week and didn’t look good while doing it. Alabama will get to that tall QB of theirs early and often and he will resemble the chipped bbq I ate on Wednesday more than the mean Hawg he looked like against Georgia. I’ll be carrying my box of tide on a stick with a roll of tp on Saturday. Roll Tide Roll!

UGA @ Mississippi State (pk) I’m leaving bright and early tomorrow morning to drive to Mississippi. If the Dawgs don’t win here, I’m going down on the field and hitting Todd Grantham in the face for letting Mississippi State score more points than us. Maybe that will light a fire under his hind end. I think the Dawgs beat the puppies, so I’ll go with UGA to win straight up in this pick.

barndawg (4-5-0)

Oregon (-11.5) at Arizona State Oregon has rolled through the past 3 games with a combined score of 189-13. Insane. And now the fun begins through the Pac 10. Arizona State gave Wisconsin a good game last week, but this game won’t be close. Ducks cover.

Nevada (-4.5) at BYU  Nevada and the Pistol formation has been potent so far.  Right now, they rank 5th in rushing yards per game (302.0) and 4th in points per game (50.7). BYU has already lost to Air Force and Florida State, and just doesn’t seem like the BCS-buster teams of the past. Nevada covers.

Stanford (-4.5) at Notre Dame Had a hard time trying to decide a 3rd lock, but I really like Stanford and Andrew Luck. The Cardinal cover.

corbindawg (1-7-1)

UGA at Mississippi State (Pk) I am staying with my lean here, though I must question the wisdom of Uchee and Granite following the loser in the group.  The Bulldogs win on Saturday…HA HA, how many times have you heard that lame joke this week?  Mike Bob gets his head out of his arse and Georgia plays a complete game .  I guess Zeke Rozier from Bleckley County would have done just as good, but the Dawgs are going to realize how much Caleb King was missed.

North Carolina(-2) at Rutgers  Staying with my lean here, it is a small line without a lot of chalk. I think UNC wins, and it should win by more than 2 points.  UNC is the best 0-2 team in the country…and they get in the win column.  Tyler Yates has a big day as UNC wins and covers. 

North Carolina State at Georgia Tech (-8) I have been scared of this game.  Tech’s 12:00 noon kickoff will make a usually rowdy, full to capacity Tech crowd more subdued…Russell Wilson will help State put some points on the board, and look for Jon Tenuta’s defensive unit to slow down the Heisman Candidate Joshua Nesbitt…(Kensingtondawg, note the sarcasm). While the Wolfpack may not win, they will cover the 8.

Friday Locks

Another great weekend of college football is on tap! For those traveling this weekend, be safe. Here are the Week 3 Friday Locks:

ucheedawg (4-1-1)

USC (-12) @ Minnesota The line on this game has actually shrunk over the past week. The fighting Lane Kiffin’s have won their first 2, but in very unconvincing fashion. Minnesota lost to 1-AA South Dakota last week and really needs to bounce back. Essentially, you have a game with two teams who have played somewhat undesirable football early on this year. However, I think USC, in the wake of all the bad news that has surrounded their program in the past two weeks, digs deep and plays inspired football. Give the Gophers (one of my favorite teams) the points and take the Trojans to roll.

Cal @ Nevada (+2.5) I’ve thought about this one all week. Nevada has a great run offense and will keep it close. However, Cal is deep and has a good running back of their own in Shane Vereen and will run them down. Vegas may know something about the home team that I don’t, but I think the spread will be a little wider than the 2.5. Take Cal to cover, but it will be close.

Florida @ Tennessee (+14) Urban Meyer will take advantage of a weak UT team and look to make a statement. He’s already ticked off at his thug wide receiver and unfortunately will take it out on the unsuspecting Volunteers. Much like UT beat the snot out of UGA in Neyland last year, look for UF to do the same to UT this year. Lay the points and go with the Gators to cover.

kensingtondawg (3-2-1)

California at Nevada (+2.5) Guess I’ll have to be in the minority on this one.  Cal is riding high after beating Coloradio  35-0 last week.  But I think the win has more to do with how inept the Buffalos are under Dan Hawkins.  I like Nevada.  They are darkhorse contender in the WAC and should be stiff challenge to Boise State.  I’ll take the Wolfpack to pull the slight upset.

East Carolina at Va Tech (-17.5) Everyone is down on Va Tech after their 0-2 start and rightfully so.  However, this is still a good football team.  They have a lot to prove after virtually letting Boise beat them twice.  I think Va Tech will play their best game of 2010  and dominate East Carolina.  Hokies cover.

Hawaii at Colorado (-12.5) Wow, I bash the Buffalos in one pick but I praise them in another.  Fact is that both of these teams are pathetic.  However, look for Buffalos to bounce back after a dreadful game against Cal.  Hawaii had to squeak by to beat Army last weekend.  Look for them to be exhausted after spending their straight game away from the island.  Colorado covers

barndawg (3-3)

Ga Tech vs. UNC (PK) The nerds failed on me last week. UNC gets their starters back that missed the LSU game. UNC could take this as motivation to win the ACC.  It starts here. UNC wins.

Clemson at Auburn (-7)  Cam “Godzilla” Newton has looked good in the past 2 games, but its Auburn’s defense that has made its games more interesting. Clemson has Kyle Parker, but thats it. Auburn covers.

Iowa at Arizona (PK) Iowa is one of those solid Senior laden teams that has been under the radar.  Those seniors prevent the upset by Zona. Iowa wins.

corbindawg (1-5)

Arkansas at UGA (-2.5) This line movement scares me a little…but Vegas knows best…could A.J. Green be coming back?  Crazy stuff happens in Vegas.  I have worried all summer about South Carolina but liked the Dawgs against Arkansas, and I think the combination of Arkansas’ poor run defense, Aaron Murray having more freedom of the playbook, Justin Houston and the home field will be too much for Arkansas to overcome, so go with the Dawgs.

California(-2.5) at Nevada Cal put up a lot of points last week against future conference rival Colorado.  I think Cal wins by at least more than 3 in a possible shootout.  I will stay with my lean and pick Cal. 

Florida at Tennessee (+14) The Volunteers played inspired football and shut down Oregon last week…for about 20 minutes.  14 points is still a lot of chalk against an SEC defense, and Florida’s offense hasn’t been as explosive this season, and should be even less explosive back with the absence of Chris “Wanna Die” Rainey.  Tennessee won’t win, but look for a 21-10 type of ballgame and the Vols to somehow cover.    

 granitedawg (1-5)

Cal  @ Nevada (+2.5) In a weekend double play, I’m calling for Cal to cover the spread and also calling for the over, which is at 65.5.

Tulsa @ Oklahoma State (-7) Lay the points and take the cowpokes.

The Grit Tree

 

Friday Locks

Kickoff Thursday was great, but the show starts Saturday. Below are our locks for the week.

Corbindawg

I feel good about all three of my leans, and will stick with them.

Kentucky (-3) @ Louisville Charlie Strong held out for a good head coaching job and got….Louisville.  Joker Phillips has some talent, and Hartline and Cobb are playmakers.  I like the Wildcats. 

Boise State vs. Virginia Tech (+2) The Broncos are traveling across the Country for a game in which is basically a home game for the castrated turkeys.  Virginia Tech has a power running game and a quarterback that can make plays with his feet.  Frank Beamer and Chris Petersen are complete 180 on coaching styles.  Two National Title Contenders enter DC on Labor Day, and only one survives-Virginia Tech and its strong defense and power running attack will overpower the Broncos and send them back to tater country. 

Utah State at Oklahoma (-34) Bob Stoops has some offense at his disposal.  Landry Jones has improved and Demarco Murray is 100% healthy.  Coach Stoops is an a-hole who wasn’t afraid to run up the score on opponents in Bradford’s 2008 Heisman campaign (50+ ppg) and will quiet the pissed off Sooner fans who were mad at a poor season last year.   Look for Stoops to run up the score for Boomer Sooner.

Granitedawg

Southern Cal @ Hawaii (+21) USC didn’t cover. Trying to give Uchee a head start.

Texas @ Rice (+31) Texas looked better in the championship game when Gilbert was in so starting a new quarterback doesn’t worry me as much.  I see Texas trying to cover just to get a jump in the polls and pass Florida.

SMU @ Texas Tech (-13.5) Give me the Riverboat Gambler to try and run up the score here.  I always like to take coaches who have personality complex or just something to prove.  My boy Lane let me down last night so I’ll move from the Neapolitan complex to the something to prove complex.

Kensingtondawg

Purdue at Notre Dame (-11) The Irish hit a home run when they hired Brian Kelley to coach this football team.  He is demanding and tough.  He mission to get Notre Dame back on track will begin Saturday against a Purdue team that has been flat out mediocre the last few seasons.  Call me crazy, but I think the Irish are a darkhorse to play for the national title.  If you don’t believe me look at the schedule.  It’s a breeze!  Irish will roll in Kelley’s first game and cover the 11.

UCONN at Michigan (-3) This is a make or break season for Rich Rodriquez.  UCONN returns a pile of starters and has a great coach in Randy Edsall.  However, I think Michigan will continue to improve, and they know the stakes for this opening game at Ann Arbor.  A loss here and the season could unravel quickly.  It won’t happen.  Michigan win will and cover the 3.

Oregon State at TCU (-13.5) This number looks very high on paper, however I think TCU is looking to make a statement here.  Boise State is getting all the preseason love as the non-BCS team that could make it to Glendale.  Oregon State is well coached under Mike Reilly but typically start out slow and catch fire late.  Plus the Beavers can’t be too excited about traveling to Fort Worth, TX to may in a small stadium so early in the year.  The Frogs will make a statement and roll Saturday.  Lay the 13.5

Ucheedawg

Purdue @ Notre Dame (-11) Sticking with a lean here. As bad as it pains me, I really like this season opener for the Fighting Irish. They have incorporated a new, faster paced offense and will be too much for Purdue. Coach Kelley will have the gold domers ready for this one. I’ll give the points and take ND in a big way.

North Carolina vs. LSU (-6.5) I leaned LSU early on when the game was a pick. Since Tuesday, we have learned that UNC will be without a stable of their players. This will hurt them big time. I’m going with the SEC here, and am laying the points. Look for LSU to win by more than a TD.

Kentucky @ Louisville (+3) In a matchup of 2 new head coaches, I’ll take the athletes of Kentucky over those of Louisville. Joker Phillips has some great tools on offense, and I think they’ll be too much for Charlie Strong. Give the 3 and take Kentucky.

Barndawg

Oklahoma State (-17.0) vs. Washington State The ‘Boys from Stilly get a much easier opener from last year. Wazzu has been horrible for a long time.  RB Kendall Hunter gets 100+ rushing yards. Oklahoma State wins big.

Uconn @ Michigan (-3)  UConn is supposed to be one of the “under the radar” teams this year, but I think Michigan might surprise some people as well.  Forcier will show progress with a full offseason under Rich Rod’s system. Michigan covers.

UL-L at Georgia (-28) Aaron Murray has a great debut. AJ makes Sports Center with some insane, Prothro like catch. The 3-4 gets a couple of offsides, but takes control early. Red kool-aid is the best flavor. UGA rolls.

The Grit Tree