Welcome all to the first edition of Big Willy Style's Football Friday. Like all of us, I am thrilled the season is underway. Is there anything better than football saturdays and sundays in the fall, especially when you're hammering the books? Anyways, on to the picks for week 1 of the college football season.
5* Oklahoma State (-7) over Washington State - The cowboys come into Qwest Field this weekend sporting one of the country's best offensive lines and rushing attacks. Washington State is the bottom of the barrel in the Pac-10. They are weak on both sides of the offensive and defensive lines, not a good formula for winning football games, I dont care how "hostile" the wazzou crowd is. Okie State rolls here.
4* Clemson (-4.5) over Alabama – One of the marquee matchups of the weekend. Clemson has all the pieces in place for an ACC championship (finally) and they will come out guns blazing in this one. They are a more experienced team than the Tide and they will pull away late in the game as I don’t believe’s Bama’s defense can stay with them for 4 quarters.
4* Missouri (-9) over Illinois - Both these teams seem to be mirror images of each other, both coming off breakout seasons both have high aspirations coming into the season. However the Tigers’ aspirations are much more realistic. The key in this game is Missouri’s much improved defense that will force Juice Williams into bad decisions, especially without star RB Rashad Mendenhall to bail him out.
3* East Carolina (+9.5) over Virginia Tech – Upset alert here in week 1. Last year the Pirates gave Tech all they could handle in Blacksburg. This year they get them at home with an improved squad going up against a Tech team with an inexperienced backfield. If the hokies don’t come to play Saturday their BCS title hopes will be over before it even gets started
1* UCLA (+7.5) over Tennessee – Your classic opposite action play here. Bettors all over the country are betting their mortgages on the Vols (including some of my pick slip colleagues). Personally, I think it is not the best of ideas. UCLA’s defense is better than people think and will make up for lack of experience on the offensive side of the ball. Plus, has Philip Fullmer’s Vols ever come up big in a meaningful game? I thought so, take the Bruins on labor day.
Thats all for this week, GL to all. Check back early next week for some NFL season win total picks and some fantasy thoughts on the upcoming week 1 of the NFL season. Football is here ladies and gentlemen....
Friday, August 29, 2008
Beans' Weekly Winners: Week 1
Saturday, August 30, 2008
llinois vs. Missouri (-9), at St. Louis, Missouri, 8:30pm
Expectations have never been higher for these Mississippi River rivals as they each ended their 2007 campaigns in the BCS. Missouri returns Heisman Trophy finalist and Weekly favorite Chase Daniel behind center along with five other offensive starters who hung 40 points per game on opponents last year. The QB/WR combination of Daniel and super-soph Jeremy Maclin is spectacular and can rival any such duo in the nation. Although Missouri's 2007 leading rusher Tony Temple is going to be tough to replace, the big hole at running back comes from the orange side of the field. Illinois got hit hard with graduation, losing Big Ten MVP Rashard Mendenhall and defensive anchor J Lehman. We know all about how great WR Regis Benn is going to be, but the absence of Mendenhall will hurt this team more than people think. Look for Chase Daniel to get his 2008 off to a fast start as Tigers walk out of St. Louis with a big opening day win.
Alabama (+4.5) vs. Clemson, at Atlanta, Georgia, 8pm
llinois vs. Missouri (-9), at St. Louis, Missouri, 8:30pm
Expectations have never been higher for these Mississippi River rivals as they each ended their 2007 campaigns in the BCS. Missouri returns Heisman Trophy finalist and Weekly favorite Chase Daniel behind center along with five other offensive starters who hung 40 points per game on opponents last year. The QB/WR combination of Daniel and super-soph Jeremy Maclin is spectacular and can rival any such duo in the nation. Although Missouri's 2007 leading rusher Tony Temple is going to be tough to replace, the big hole at running back comes from the orange side of the field. Illinois got hit hard with graduation, losing Big Ten MVP Rashard Mendenhall and defensive anchor J Lehman. We know all about how great WR Regis Benn is going to be, but the absence of Mendenhall will hurt this team more than people think. Look for Chase Daniel to get his 2008 off to a fast start as Tigers walk out of St. Louis with a big opening day win.
Alabama (+4.5) vs. Clemson, at Atlanta, Georgia, 8pm
Clemson is the favorite to win the ACC. QB Cullen Harper is coming off a fine season, the backfield is loaded with two top RBs in CJ Spiller and James Davis, the defense reloaded by adding one of the top DE recruits in the nation with Da'Quan Bowers. Everybody is high on Clemson, and why not? But there are plenty of reasons why The Weekly is skeptical. Year in and year out Boston College proves that Clemson is a pretender, even though Clemson's "skill" players are immensely more talented than BC's. The reason BC beats Clemson is because of line play. It all starts in the trenches people! Clemson loses 3 starters from an already bad offensive line. Put that together with the fact that both Spiller and Davis are coming off of years where their yards per rush and touchdown totals dropped and The Weekly isn't sold on these Tigers. On the other side of the ball Alabama returns an All-American to anchor their offensive line in OT Andre Smith, while also bringing back veteran QB JP Wilson and the top recruit in the country in WR Julio Jones. When it comes to coaching we think that giving Nick Saban a full summer to gameplan for Tommy Bowden is just not fair. The Tide roll out of Atlanta with a win.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
Fresno State (+5) at Rutgers, 4pm
"Anybody, any time, anywhere." Pat Hill's Fresno State Bulldogs personify their motto. After a 4-8 rebuilding year in 2006 the Bulldogs came out and had a soild 2007, going 9-4 and beating Georgia Tech in the Humanitarian Bowl. This is the year that Fresno State has been building towards as they are the favorites in the WAC and have BCS-buster aspirations. In order to achieve their lofty goals they'll have to get through a trip to Piscataway. Rutgers returns QB Mike Teel and two 1,000 yard recievers in Tiquan Underwood and Kenny Britt. Much like Illinois, Rutgers will be missing the straw that stirred the drink. Ray Rice's 2,000 rushing yards have moved on to the next level and he leaves a gaping hole in an otherwise talented offense. Two returning 1,000 yard recievers, minus one 2,000 yard rusher probably equals two 1,500 yard recievers and a few more losses for the Knights. A down year for Rutgers will start on Labor Day, as Teel throws three picks which will be the key to a Fresno win.
Good luck to all. Many hundos.
Good luck to all. Many hundos.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Week One: Getting Started and Hot.
Hello all. As we all know opening week is a little tricky. Many of us have not seen these teams play and are basing our predictions on the way a team ended last year and camp reports.
On Thursday, the game to pick is Oregon State over Stanford. Give the three. Coach Harbaugh has done a great job with Stanford, but Oregon State has won 6 of the last 7 meetings, and Harbaugh's offense can't work with no O-line, no Runningback, and a questionable Quarterback. The game may be close early, but the inferior talent of Stanford will not be able to stop Oregon State from kicking off their run at USC and the PAC-10 title. This is a Three Star pick.
On Friday, I would stay away from both games. Who knows anything about any of the four teams playing other than the fact that June Jones now coaches SMU.
On Saturday, although a little apprehensive, both my mind and my gut tell me to go with Clemson over Alabama. Clemson knows that they are the toast of the ACC. Alabama, thinks they are ready to contend. But Alabama has too many young players, that cannot combat Clemson's veteran firepower. Give the four and a half, and hope that 'Tammy' Bowden is smart enough to try to run up the score with his high powered offense and show the pollsters that Clemson is worthy of National Title considerations. This is a Two Star pick.
On Sunday, take the points in the Colorado State v. Colorado rivalry game. Eleven is a lot of points to lay in a rivalry game, and although Colorado might win, they won't cover. Last year, they only won by three. This year, I wouldn't be surprise if they won by a touchdown, but they are not winning by eleven. The new coach at Colorado State was a Ram and knows what this rivalry means in the state of Colorado. He will have them ready. This is a Two Star Pick.
On Monday, the TickPick of the Week goes to Tennessee. Tennessee has National Title aspirations this year, and will not let a team with a third string QB transfer, running a new offense in week one destroy the season. Jonathan Crompton is going to be the real deal, and Tennessee is still pissed off about their opening day loss to Cal last year. Give the seven and a half and bet the house on this one. I am confident enough make this a Five Star pick.
On Thursday, the game to pick is Oregon State over Stanford. Give the three. Coach Harbaugh has done a great job with Stanford, but Oregon State has won 6 of the last 7 meetings, and Harbaugh's offense can't work with no O-line, no Runningback, and a questionable Quarterback. The game may be close early, but the inferior talent of Stanford will not be able to stop Oregon State from kicking off their run at USC and the PAC-10 title. This is a Three Star pick.
On Friday, I would stay away from both games. Who knows anything about any of the four teams playing other than the fact that June Jones now coaches SMU.
On Saturday, although a little apprehensive, both my mind and my gut tell me to go with Clemson over Alabama. Clemson knows that they are the toast of the ACC. Alabama, thinks they are ready to contend. But Alabama has too many young players, that cannot combat Clemson's veteran firepower. Give the four and a half, and hope that 'Tammy' Bowden is smart enough to try to run up the score with his high powered offense and show the pollsters that Clemson is worthy of National Title considerations. This is a Two Star pick.
On Sunday, take the points in the Colorado State v. Colorado rivalry game. Eleven is a lot of points to lay in a rivalry game, and although Colorado might win, they won't cover. Last year, they only won by three. This year, I wouldn't be surprise if they won by a touchdown, but they are not winning by eleven. The new coach at Colorado State was a Ram and knows what this rivalry means in the state of Colorado. He will have them ready. This is a Two Star Pick.
On Monday, the TickPick of the Week goes to Tennessee. Tennessee has National Title aspirations this year, and will not let a team with a third string QB transfer, running a new offense in week one destroy the season. Jonathan Crompton is going to be the real deal, and Tennessee is still pissed off about their opening day loss to Cal last year. Give the seven and a half and bet the house on this one. I am confident enough make this a Five Star pick.
Big Baby Dean's PickSlip for 8/30 and 9/1
Welcome to my first PickSlip of the 2008 NCAA Football season. Like the actual games, everyone starts on the same playing field. Enjoy the season and most importantly enjoy The PickSlip's hard work this year.
Saturday
2* East Carolina +9.5 vs Virginia Tech 12pm
This game went 17-7 last year. East Carolina is returning 7 starters on offense including their QB and 9 on defense. Coach Holtz runs a nice offense and just agreed to a 6 yr contract extension. Virginia Tech's offense looks to be weak with losing some players to the NFL and others to suspension (WR Luckett, RB Ore). VT's defense is only returning 4 starters. This should also be a low scoring game.
Pick: East Carolina +9.5
2* USC (-19.5) @ Virginia 3:30pm
As a fan of the NY Giants, I cannot wait to watch this USC defense this year. They have the best LB core in the country and both Cushing and Maleluga are projected to be top 15 picks in the NFL next year. Taylor Mays is also one of the best safeties in the country. Highly touted Mark Sanchez will finally take over the reigns of the USC offense. I don't expect much from him early but look for USC to pound the ball against the Wahoo's with Joe McKnight and CJ Gable. Virginia has lost their entire D-Line including Chris Long. Other than USC,o I don't expect much from the PAC 10 this year. Look for USC to run up the score in this one and many other games this year. Pick: USC -19.5
3* Oklahoma St (-7) vs Washington State 3:30pm
OSU should have a great offense with 7 starters returning including their QB Zac Robinson. The Cougars have one of the top receivers in the PAC 10 returning in Brandon Gibson. However, they have a new coach and it may take a while to learn his no huddle offense. This should be a high scoring game as OSU also runs the no huddle. This is kind of like a home game for Washinton State, but I'd still be surprised if the Cowboys didn't win by at least a touchdown. Pick: Oklahoma State -7
4* Illinois @ Missouri (-9) 8:30pm
I love watching this Mizzou offense. Chase Daniel along with Chase Coffman and 2nd yr all around player Jeremy Maclin will not disappoint you this year. Look for this team to continue to put up points. Their defense is also returning a lot of starters. Illinois Coach Zook is a fine recruiter, but I still don't trust Juice Williams or Illinois in this early big time matchup.
Pick: Mizzou -9
Monday
3* Tennessee (-7.5) @ UCLA 8:00pm
UCLA is down to their 3rd string QB already and their offense doesn't look too promising under first year head coach Rick Neuheisel. Tennessee is traveling across the country does scare me a little, but I don't see anything from this UCLA team. Look for QB Jonathan Crompton and company to roll. Pick: Tennessee -7.5
That's it for this week. Be sure to check out the picks from all of the contributors of The PickSlip. On Tuesday, we will have a recap from the weekend.
Saturday
2* East Carolina +9.5 vs Virginia Tech 12pm
This game went 17-7 last year. East Carolina is returning 7 starters on offense including their QB and 9 on defense. Coach Holtz runs a nice offense and just agreed to a 6 yr contract extension. Virginia Tech's offense looks to be weak with losing some players to the NFL and others to suspension (WR Luckett, RB Ore). VT's defense is only returning 4 starters. This should also be a low scoring game.
Pick: East Carolina +9.5
2* USC (-19.5) @ Virginia 3:30pm
As a fan of the NY Giants, I cannot wait to watch this USC defense this year. They have the best LB core in the country and both Cushing and Maleluga are projected to be top 15 picks in the NFL next year. Taylor Mays is also one of the best safeties in the country. Highly touted Mark Sanchez will finally take over the reigns of the USC offense. I don't expect much from him early but look for USC to pound the ball against the Wahoo's with Joe McKnight and CJ Gable. Virginia has lost their entire D-Line including Chris Long. Other than USC,o I don't expect much from the PAC 10 this year. Look for USC to run up the score in this one and many other games this year. Pick: USC -19.5
3* Oklahoma St (-7) vs Washington State 3:30pm
OSU should have a great offense with 7 starters returning including their QB Zac Robinson. The Cougars have one of the top receivers in the PAC 10 returning in Brandon Gibson. However, they have a new coach and it may take a while to learn his no huddle offense. This should be a high scoring game as OSU also runs the no huddle. This is kind of like a home game for Washinton State, but I'd still be surprised if the Cowboys didn't win by at least a touchdown. Pick: Oklahoma State -7
4* Illinois @ Missouri (-9) 8:30pm
I love watching this Mizzou offense. Chase Daniel along with Chase Coffman and 2nd yr all around player Jeremy Maclin will not disappoint you this year. Look for this team to continue to put up points. Their defense is also returning a lot of starters. Illinois Coach Zook is a fine recruiter, but I still don't trust Juice Williams or Illinois in this early big time matchup.
Pick: Mizzou -9
Monday
3* Tennessee (-7.5) @ UCLA 8:00pm
UCLA is down to their 3rd string QB already and their offense doesn't look too promising under first year head coach Rick Neuheisel. Tennessee is traveling across the country does scare me a little, but I don't see anything from this UCLA team. Look for QB Jonathan Crompton and company to roll. Pick: Tennessee -7.5
That's it for this week. Be sure to check out the picks from all of the contributors of The PickSlip. On Tuesday, we will have a recap from the weekend.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Get ready for college football!!!
College Football is just about to kickoff. The first games of the year begin Thursday Night.
Some interesting matchups include:
Clemson vs Alabama (in Atlanta)
Illinois @ Missouri
Mich St @ California
Tennesse @ UCLA
Rivalry matches:
Kentucky @ Louisville
Colorado St @ Colorado
Local Team:
Fresno State @ Rutgers
Check back late Wednesday or early Thursday for The Pick Slip's selections.
Feel free to leave your comments on games for the opening week!
Some interesting matchups include:
Clemson vs Alabama (in Atlanta)
Illinois @ Missouri
Mich St @ California
Tennesse @ UCLA
Rivalry matches:
Kentucky @ Louisville
Colorado St @ Colorado
Local Team:
Fresno State @ Rutgers
Check back late Wednesday or early Thursday for The Pick Slip's selections.
Feel free to leave your comments on games for the opening week!
Friday, August 22, 2008
The Pick Slip signs 3 employees
The Pick Slip signed 3 new employees today. They came as a team package.
The Pick Slip would like to welcome out newest contributor, "The Ticket." The Ticket has New York and New Jersey roots, but has recently been taking care of business in Massachusetts. After correctly betting that Massachusetts sucked, he has since moved back to the Tri-State area. His specialty is College Football, and he will be contributing picks and write ups during the upcoming season.
The Pick Slip signed Boone to a 3 yr contract for his picks for the college and NFL seasons. I have been following Boone's picks the last 2 years in his editorial called "The Weekly" and he does a great job with his picks and writeups.
The Pick Slip has also signed Big Willy Style to a 2 yr deal with a club option for the third year. Big Willy is a huge NY Giants fan and will provide picks and insight on NFL games. With all of his hard earned Fantasy Football Lombardi Trophies, Big Willy will let you know who you should start and sit each week for your fantasy teams.
Please welcome The Ticket, Boone and Big Willy to the Pick Slip Family!
The Pick Slip would like to welcome out newest contributor, "The Ticket." The Ticket has New York and New Jersey roots, but has recently been taking care of business in Massachusetts. After correctly betting that Massachusetts sucked, he has since moved back to the Tri-State area. His specialty is College Football, and he will be contributing picks and write ups during the upcoming season.
The Pick Slip signed Boone to a 3 yr contract for his picks for the college and NFL seasons. I have been following Boone's picks the last 2 years in his editorial called "The Weekly" and he does a great job with his picks and writeups.
The Pick Slip has also signed Big Willy Style to a 2 yr deal with a club option for the third year. Big Willy is a huge NY Giants fan and will provide picks and insight on NFL games. With all of his hard earned Fantasy Football Lombardi Trophies, Big Willy will let you know who you should start and sit each week for your fantasy teams.
Please welcome The Ticket, Boone and Big Willy to the Pick Slip Family!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Welcome to The Pick Slip Blog!
My name is Big Baby Dean and I created this blog just in time for football season. I plan to make picks weekly for NCAA and NFL Football. I also plan to give some Fantasy Football advice on who to start and who to sit.
The Pick Slip would also like to see what teams you like for each week.
Check the links and other content on the blog.
Also leave some feedback and commentary.
The Pick Slip would also like to see what teams you like for each week.
Check the links and other content on the blog.
Also leave some feedback and commentary.
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