We usually start with the football weekend, but I have to start off with a quasi non-sports story.
The World Series of Poker held their final table for the Main Event on Saturday night. Now called the "November Nine", you would think that this is where you would find the best skill level involved in the game.
No chance of that.
Long story short, the two players that made the worst moves on the table for 18+ hours, were rewarded by going against one another tonight Heads-Up for the bracelet. Darvin Moon and Joe Cada both literally sucked out and got gifts put into their laps to advance for the multi-million dollar first prize, and immortal fame in the poker world.
Cada, who could wind up being the youngest person to win the Main Event, two times played a hand over-aggressive Pre-Flop, had his tourney on the line against an overpair, and hit his own set. That right there is roughly 60-1 to happen. He also got a gift, from Moon.
Moon, who obviously is the ultimate "dead money" player to ever hit the Final Table, somehow survived in a tourney that is mostly skill and some luck. Well, Moon proved that it can be mostly luck and no skill. Moon's play had most pros shaking their heads, and even got Phil Gordon to say about one of Moon's hands as, "That was a gift.", and others whispering "That's about the worst play I've ever seen".(BTW, excellent coverage by the ESPN.com guys on the blog for the final table.)
Poker hit the mainstream a few years back when a string of ameteurs started to win the Main Event, starting with Robert Varkonyi, and of course, Chris Moneymaker. This is the first year that the WSOP could of really hit a higher level of popularity, if Phil Ivey (The Tiger Woods of poker), was at least heads up in the event or even won it all. It has been awhile since a top pro won it all, and would of given Poker a real superstar, excluding Phil Hellmuth of course, who is the best self-promoter since Muhammad Ali.
Prediction for the Heads-Up? Well, Cada does know how to play the game. He just sometimes is way over-aggressive, which is a trait most online players have. That will also be his major advantage over Moon one on one. Cada also has the chip lead. Barring a meltdown by Cada, I cannot see Moon beating the 21 year old kid on skill alone.
Cada the winner of the bracelet, breaking Peter Eastgate's record from last year.
Monday Night Football Prediction:
I will give the full Weekend Wrapup late tonight, but I had to give the game tonight. Should be a smashmouth game. Both defenses are top 5, and can expose the other offenses weaknesses.
The Steelers should give a healthy dose of Rashard Mendenhall tonight, and make Kyle Orton play from behind.
Pittsburgh Steelers 17, Denver Broncos 13
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
NFL Picks for Week 9
I put this up late because I got all caught up and involved with a crazy sports day. Ranked teams in College Football dropping like flies, including 3 Top 10 teams, two good boxing events, and some guy named Fedor beating the snot of another guy on CBS. Then, I doozed off, but the picks are here!
Atlanta Falcons 24, Washington Redskins 13 - The Falcons will bounce back today after a tough loss on Monday Night to the Saints that they stayed in the entire time. I love Washington's defense (3rd in Total Yards, 5th in PPG), but the offense is just ripped apart by injuries, and moronic Quarterback play.
Green Bay Packers 45, Tampa Bay Bucs 13 - We all know that the Pack can ascore at will on a defense as stiff as the Bucs, but does anyone realize that the Packers defense is top 10? They cause a ton of turnovers, which does not bode well for Josh Freeman's first start in the NFL. This WILL get as ugly as a Nick Nolte mugshot.
Jacksonville Jaguars 27, Kansas City Chiefs 20 - Can someone finally hammer Chiefs Head Coach Todd Haley for having the 2nd most pathetic playbook in the NFL after Cleveland? Everything is a run or a dump off less than 10 yards. Advice for Haley, you have a physical freak of a WR in Dwayne Bowe. USE HIM!!
Arizona Cardinals 31, Chicago Bears 23 - What an egg the Cardinals put on us last week against the Carolina Pick 6's. Funny thing is, Cards play better on the road, and should expose a poor pass defense of the Bears. Have fun trying to run today Matt Forte.
Baltimore Ravens 24, Cincinnati Bengals 21 - This Bengal team has me believing. They are good on all sides of the ball. I just cannot see the Ravens losing a revenge game after smacking the Broncos in the mouth like they did last week. That Bye was exactly what the Doctor ordered.
Houston Texans 34, Indianapolis Colts 31 - UPSET SPECIAL!! I was going to predict the Colts by 10, until I saw that most of the Colts secondary is out for this game. Matt Schaub and company can tear apart any secondary in football, especially backups. And to think, if the Kubiak/Jr. Shannahan combo did not have such a love affair for Chris Brown at the goal line, they could of been tied for the divison with Indy after this game.
New England Patriots 41, Miami Dolphins 20 - Hmmm... Belichick after a bye week and at home. That is an equation I want no part of picking against. The weather is suppose to be bad at Foxboro today as well, which would favor the Dolphins run attack. I just cannot see the Pats losing this game, knowing that the schedule after today goes like this: @ Indy, Jets, @ Saints, @ Fins.
Tennessee Titans 23, San Francisco 49ers 20 - Bill Simmons of ESPN hit this comment right on the head. 49ers -4 is the fishiest line of the year. It really does show how scare the oddsmakers are of Chris Johnson, and they have a great deal to be worried about. When in doubt of the game, look at how Vegas figures it. They are the experts.
New York Giants 38, San Diego Chargers 31 - This is going to be a shootout of two teams that had a reputation for defense. It is all a myth now. This is the game Brandon Jacobs runs wild, as the Bolts will sorely miss Jamal Williams in this game. Rivers will carve up the Giants secondary, but it will not be enough.
Seattle Seahawks 34, Detroit Lions 23 - When he is healthy, Matt Hasselback always exposes horrific defenses. Expect a monster day from our favorite bald spokesperson. Lions do get Megatron Johnson back for this game, and they will at elast try to keep it close, but the Lions defense is swiss cheese.
New Orleans Saints 41, Carolina Panthers 17 - Impressive win by the Panthers in the desert last week, but the Saints will put 8-9 players in the box and take away the run game. That will leave Delhommme the Donkey to throw against a secondary that is ballhawk crazy. Over/Under on Delhomme Ints- 2.5, Over/Under on Delhomme Pick 6's- .5. Take the Over on both.
Dallas Cowboys 28, Philadelphia 27 - I really like how the Cowboys have been playing the past few weeks. The defense is playing at a high level, and they are getting big Special Teams play. The NFC always gives us a curveball. This is it. Miles Austin continues his insane play in this one.
Last Week: 9-4 (Also hit the World Series game) Bonus Game: 1-0
Season: 72-43
Atlanta Falcons 24, Washington Redskins 13 - The Falcons will bounce back today after a tough loss on Monday Night to the Saints that they stayed in the entire time. I love Washington's defense (3rd in Total Yards, 5th in PPG), but the offense is just ripped apart by injuries, and moronic Quarterback play.
Green Bay Packers 45, Tampa Bay Bucs 13 - We all know that the Pack can ascore at will on a defense as stiff as the Bucs, but does anyone realize that the Packers defense is top 10? They cause a ton of turnovers, which does not bode well for Josh Freeman's first start in the NFL. This WILL get as ugly as a Nick Nolte mugshot.
Jacksonville Jaguars 27, Kansas City Chiefs 20 - Can someone finally hammer Chiefs Head Coach Todd Haley for having the 2nd most pathetic playbook in the NFL after Cleveland? Everything is a run or a dump off less than 10 yards. Advice for Haley, you have a physical freak of a WR in Dwayne Bowe. USE HIM!!
Arizona Cardinals 31, Chicago Bears 23 - What an egg the Cardinals put on us last week against the Carolina Pick 6's. Funny thing is, Cards play better on the road, and should expose a poor pass defense of the Bears. Have fun trying to run today Matt Forte.
Baltimore Ravens 24, Cincinnati Bengals 21 - This Bengal team has me believing. They are good on all sides of the ball. I just cannot see the Ravens losing a revenge game after smacking the Broncos in the mouth like they did last week. That Bye was exactly what the Doctor ordered.
Houston Texans 34, Indianapolis Colts 31 - UPSET SPECIAL!! I was going to predict the Colts by 10, until I saw that most of the Colts secondary is out for this game. Matt Schaub and company can tear apart any secondary in football, especially backups. And to think, if the Kubiak/Jr. Shannahan combo did not have such a love affair for Chris Brown at the goal line, they could of been tied for the divison with Indy after this game.
New England Patriots 41, Miami Dolphins 20 - Hmmm... Belichick after a bye week and at home. That is an equation I want no part of picking against. The weather is suppose to be bad at Foxboro today as well, which would favor the Dolphins run attack. I just cannot see the Pats losing this game, knowing that the schedule after today goes like this: @ Indy, Jets, @ Saints, @ Fins.
Tennessee Titans 23, San Francisco 49ers 20 - Bill Simmons of ESPN hit this comment right on the head. 49ers -4 is the fishiest line of the year. It really does show how scare the oddsmakers are of Chris Johnson, and they have a great deal to be worried about. When in doubt of the game, look at how Vegas figures it. They are the experts.
New York Giants 38, San Diego Chargers 31 - This is going to be a shootout of two teams that had a reputation for defense. It is all a myth now. This is the game Brandon Jacobs runs wild, as the Bolts will sorely miss Jamal Williams in this game. Rivers will carve up the Giants secondary, but it will not be enough.
Seattle Seahawks 34, Detroit Lions 23 - When he is healthy, Matt Hasselback always exposes horrific defenses. Expect a monster day from our favorite bald spokesperson. Lions do get Megatron Johnson back for this game, and they will at elast try to keep it close, but the Lions defense is swiss cheese.
New Orleans Saints 41, Carolina Panthers 17 - Impressive win by the Panthers in the desert last week, but the Saints will put 8-9 players in the box and take away the run game. That will leave Delhommme the Donkey to throw against a secondary that is ballhawk crazy. Over/Under on Delhomme Ints- 2.5, Over/Under on Delhomme Pick 6's- .5. Take the Over on both.
Dallas Cowboys 28, Philadelphia 27 - I really like how the Cowboys have been playing the past few weeks. The defense is playing at a high level, and they are getting big Special Teams play. The NFC always gives us a curveball. This is it. Miles Austin continues his insane play in this one.
Last Week: 9-4 (Also hit the World Series game) Bonus Game: 1-0
Season: 72-43
Friday, November 6, 2009
College Football Picks of the Week for 11/7
I am laughing at this College Football season. This is the Doomsday scenario for the BCS. Who would of thought that a possible SIX teams could go undefeated(Florida-Alabama are on a collision course for one another).
While I did like SI.com's Stewart Mandel's idea of a Plus-One scenario, even that possibility would be hammered in this season. Mandel's theory would worked fantastic in any other season, but 2009.
This is the perfect year for the arguement of an 8 team tourney for the title. Florida, Texas, Alabama, Iowa, TCU, Boise St., Cincinnati, and Oregon are clearly the top 8 teams in the country, barring no setbacks. A team like Georgia Tech could sneak their way into this if a team like Iowa, TCU, or Oregon fell.
I just love chaos in College Football. To watch all teams, coaches, Universities, fans, etc. cry and plead their cases for an obvious outcome that was premeditated. That is why we have Pre-Season Rankings right?
The Heisman Race is just as messy as the BCS. Instead of eight teams all fighting and presently deserving of a Title Game, there are about a dozen players that have had good seasons, but just cannot pull away from the pack. Here is my first Heisman rankings.
1. Jimmy Clausen, Jr. QB, Notre Dame - He has played the most consistent so far. 19 Touchdowns and only 2 Int's, Clausen has put up big stats against defenses like USC. Even in the Irish's 2 losses, it was not because of lack of offense.
2. Mark Ingram, Soph., RB, Alabama - The workhorse for a contending program. With over 1,000 yards rushing and 11 total TD's against SEC defenses, Ingram is plowing his way to New York City. Ingram also has two monster games left on National TV to showcase. LSU and the possible showdown against Florida.
3. Ryan Matthews, Jr., RB, Fresno St. - He does not get the national recgonition that he deserves, but Matthews is tearing up the country. With over 1,300 yards, Matthews is leading the NCAA in Rushing Yards per Game. Also, do not make the argument that Matthews plays a weak schedule. He ran over Wisconsin (107 yards), Boise St. (234 yards, 3 TDs), and Cincy (145 yards and a TD). Oh yeah, they were all on the road as well.
4. Casey Keenum, Jr., QB, Houston - I just cannot take my eyes off of these stats. Close to 3,300 passing yards, and 25 TDs, with only 5 Ints. He is the lone reason why Houston is nationally ranked. He may not win it this year, but he punched his name as a frontrunner next season.
5. Tim Tebow, Sr., QB, Florida - It pains me to put Tebow on this list. I am tired of hearing how valuable he is and how his fortitude is surpassed by no one, blah, blah, blah, blah! Until last week, his numbers were plain average. The Georgia game was his first real "Tebow-ish" game he has had in the SEC this season. He put one great game together, he will go to NYC if he can string some of them together now.
Honorable Mention: Cincy QB Tony Pike, Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh, Boise St. QB Kellen Moore, Notre Dame WR Golden Tate, and TCU DE Jerry Hughes.
Now, onto the picks:
Kansas St. 41, Kansas 38 - Do you believe that Kansas St. could actually be playing in the Big 12 Title Game? The Jayhawks were destined to be there, but have decided to meltdown the past few weeks. Bill Synder always has had Kansas's number.
Georgia Tech 34, Wake Forest 13 - Wake will be playing without QB Riley Skinner, which is a huge loss. Georgia Tech is the team that could of snuck into a playoff system and given fits to any of the top 8 teams because of their style of play.
Arkansas 31, South Carolina 23 - The Old Ball Coach Spurrier wishes he had a Ryan Mallette to groom and win a SEC Title with. Gamecocks keep it close, but will miss key starters on defense in this game.
Houston 54, Tulsa 51 - Do not blink watching this game, you will most likely miss one of the 15 touchdowns that will be put up in this game. Vegas must be going nuts trying to set the point total on this one.
Oklahoma 24, Nebraska 10 - Could wind up being a defensive struggle. Both teams have very good defenses, but the Sooners can muster enough offense to open the lead late.
Cincinnati 38, UConn 24 - This Huskie bunch will stay in the game, as they play everyone close, but the Bearcats just have too many weapons to burn you with, reguardless of who is playing QB.
Oregon St. 34, California 28 - UPSET SPECIAL! The Beavers always play better in the stretch run, and the Rodgers brothers are just too much for Cal to handle.
Notre Dame 38, Navy 20 - Just when you thought that you can stop Golden Tate, he gets back his partner in crime. Irish WR Michael Floyd will be back and playing. The Heisman Meter on Clausen could be hitting record levels now.
Oregon 42, Stanford 17 - There is no way you can put the Ducks ahead of Boise St., but do you think any team would want to face this team right now? What they did to the Trojans was boarderline criminal. I loved it.
Penn St. 17, Ohio St. 10 - Low scoring game, with two of the better defenses in the nation squaring off. I just cannot see the Lions losing in Happy Valley. Turns out to be a very disappointing season for Jim Tressel and the people of Columbus.
Alabama 20, LSU 9 - Notice that I did not mention LSU as a team that could sneak into a theoretical playoff system? The Tigers could not score off a an inferior Florida defense. Do you think that they could be any different against a better defense? No way. I am foaming from the mouth to see the Julio Jones-Patrick Peterson duel though.
Last Week: 5-5
Season: 59-38
While I did like SI.com's Stewart Mandel's idea of a Plus-One scenario, even that possibility would be hammered in this season. Mandel's theory would worked fantastic in any other season, but 2009.
This is the perfect year for the arguement of an 8 team tourney for the title. Florida, Texas, Alabama, Iowa, TCU, Boise St., Cincinnati, and Oregon are clearly the top 8 teams in the country, barring no setbacks. A team like Georgia Tech could sneak their way into this if a team like Iowa, TCU, or Oregon fell.
I just love chaos in College Football. To watch all teams, coaches, Universities, fans, etc. cry and plead their cases for an obvious outcome that was premeditated. That is why we have Pre-Season Rankings right?
The Heisman Race is just as messy as the BCS. Instead of eight teams all fighting and presently deserving of a Title Game, there are about a dozen players that have had good seasons, but just cannot pull away from the pack. Here is my first Heisman rankings.
1. Jimmy Clausen, Jr. QB, Notre Dame - He has played the most consistent so far. 19 Touchdowns and only 2 Int's, Clausen has put up big stats against defenses like USC. Even in the Irish's 2 losses, it was not because of lack of offense.
2. Mark Ingram, Soph., RB, Alabama - The workhorse for a contending program. With over 1,000 yards rushing and 11 total TD's against SEC defenses, Ingram is plowing his way to New York City. Ingram also has two monster games left on National TV to showcase. LSU and the possible showdown against Florida.
3. Ryan Matthews, Jr., RB, Fresno St. - He does not get the national recgonition that he deserves, but Matthews is tearing up the country. With over 1,300 yards, Matthews is leading the NCAA in Rushing Yards per Game. Also, do not make the argument that Matthews plays a weak schedule. He ran over Wisconsin (107 yards), Boise St. (234 yards, 3 TDs), and Cincy (145 yards and a TD). Oh yeah, they were all on the road as well.
4. Casey Keenum, Jr., QB, Houston - I just cannot take my eyes off of these stats. Close to 3,300 passing yards, and 25 TDs, with only 5 Ints. He is the lone reason why Houston is nationally ranked. He may not win it this year, but he punched his name as a frontrunner next season.
5. Tim Tebow, Sr., QB, Florida - It pains me to put Tebow on this list. I am tired of hearing how valuable he is and how his fortitude is surpassed by no one, blah, blah, blah, blah! Until last week, his numbers were plain average. The Georgia game was his first real "Tebow-ish" game he has had in the SEC this season. He put one great game together, he will go to NYC if he can string some of them together now.
Honorable Mention: Cincy QB Tony Pike, Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh, Boise St. QB Kellen Moore, Notre Dame WR Golden Tate, and TCU DE Jerry Hughes.
Now, onto the picks:
Kansas St. 41, Kansas 38 - Do you believe that Kansas St. could actually be playing in the Big 12 Title Game? The Jayhawks were destined to be there, but have decided to meltdown the past few weeks. Bill Synder always has had Kansas's number.
Georgia Tech 34, Wake Forest 13 - Wake will be playing without QB Riley Skinner, which is a huge loss. Georgia Tech is the team that could of snuck into a playoff system and given fits to any of the top 8 teams because of their style of play.
Arkansas 31, South Carolina 23 - The Old Ball Coach Spurrier wishes he had a Ryan Mallette to groom and win a SEC Title with. Gamecocks keep it close, but will miss key starters on defense in this game.
Houston 54, Tulsa 51 - Do not blink watching this game, you will most likely miss one of the 15 touchdowns that will be put up in this game. Vegas must be going nuts trying to set the point total on this one.
Oklahoma 24, Nebraska 10 - Could wind up being a defensive struggle. Both teams have very good defenses, but the Sooners can muster enough offense to open the lead late.
Cincinnati 38, UConn 24 - This Huskie bunch will stay in the game, as they play everyone close, but the Bearcats just have too many weapons to burn you with, reguardless of who is playing QB.
Oregon St. 34, California 28 - UPSET SPECIAL! The Beavers always play better in the stretch run, and the Rodgers brothers are just too much for Cal to handle.
Notre Dame 38, Navy 20 - Just when you thought that you can stop Golden Tate, he gets back his partner in crime. Irish WR Michael Floyd will be back and playing. The Heisman Meter on Clausen could be hitting record levels now.
Oregon 42, Stanford 17 - There is no way you can put the Ducks ahead of Boise St., but do you think any team would want to face this team right now? What they did to the Trojans was boarderline criminal. I loved it.
Penn St. 17, Ohio St. 10 - Low scoring game, with two of the better defenses in the nation squaring off. I just cannot see the Lions losing in Happy Valley. Turns out to be a very disappointing season for Jim Tressel and the people of Columbus.
Alabama 20, LSU 9 - Notice that I did not mention LSU as a team that could sneak into a theoretical playoff system? The Tigers could not score off a an inferior Florida defense. Do you think that they could be any different against a better defense? No way. I am foaming from the mouth to see the Julio Jones-Patrick Peterson duel though.
Last Week: 5-5
Season: 59-38
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