Weekend Predictions: Even Vegas is down on Dogs
Occasionally, we here at Weekend Predictions, home of the world’s only 100 percent guaranteed financial projections, assuming you didn’t fall for one of those silly picks we just put out there for comic relief, bring in a consultant.
So let me introduce you to my new market analyst, Todd Fuhrman, race and sports book analyst at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, where I once helped fund a significant expansion. I phoned Todd because Georgia opened this week as an underdog to Mississippi State, which is somewhat like the Ukraine opening as an underdog to Lichtenstein. These Dogs haven’t lost to those Dogs since 1974 (1951 in Starkville, when bread was 16 cents. Starkville looked the same, though.).
Trust me. I have a system.
Todd’s research goes back only 20 years but he’s never seen Georgia less than 3 1/2 point favorites. Why is Mississippi State favored?
“It’s tough to get behind Georgia,” he said. “Their passing game is stagnant without A.J. Green, their freshman quarterback has played well in spurts but he’s inconsistent and I think a lot of people were surprised how they came out against Arkansas.”
Can you offer any other tips?
“Sure.”
Where’s the best buffet?
“We have a 24-hour buffet with unlimited access for $45.”
Should I split 10’s?
“It depends what the dealer is showing, but why not?”
Red or black?
“Always black.”
Over/under on Cher’s age?
“Low 60s.”
Back to the game. Georgia opened as 2-point dogs on one line. It has since moved to pick ‘em. Momentum!
If they lose this, you’ll never see another Georgia win predicted in this disturbed corner of the universe.
Athens Dogs win in Starkville.
Devoted reader and commenter “Ted Striker” suggests this strategy might help Georgia ends its 0-2 slump in the SEC.
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Faber College
(Where Knowledge is Good)
Gaylord the Camel: He's representin'.
North C. State at North Ave.: Al Groh’s defense rebounded nicely in Chapel Hill. Now the trick is not turning back into Dave Wommack. The Wolfpack has scored 106 points in three games, including eight touchdown passes by QB Russell Wilson. OMG, research. What’s gotten into me? Tech wins but take State and 8 ½.
The G at Campbell: The Panthers hung with Jacksonville State last week. Impressive. Now they face the Fighting Camels of Campbell. Shockingly, a school with “Gaylord the Camel” as its mascot does not award athletic scholarships. Either that or they offer them and everybody just laughs. State by 3, say I.
Alabama at Arkansas:The Pigfaces are 3-0 and ranked No. 10. Ever have one those perfect days and then somebody drops a piano out the window? Arkansas: Don’t look up. Bama covers 7.
South Carolina at Auburn: Gene Chizik said his team needs to be more physical. The last time I heard a coach say that, Mark Richt’s team was getting drilled in Columbia. Take the gift 3 but Chickens win this straight up.
Kentucky at Florida: HBO’s Bryant Gumbel thinks the NCAA should put the Gators on probation for all of their arrests, reasoning: “I’m no legal expert, not by a long shot, but I do believe that driving drunk, robbing a convenience store, and hitting your girlfriend are all worse offenses than dealing with an agent.” I think I suddenly like Bryant Gumbel. Do I need a shot? Gators cover 14.
NFL Snack Pack
Year's over, Drew. You can put the trophy down now.
Falcons at Saints: The Falcons’ defense goes from facing Dennis Dixon and Derek Anderson to Drew Brees. But the Saints are coming off a short week and they just lost Reggie Bush, who has a broken leg to go with his fractured conscience. I have no idea why I’m doing this: Take the 4 but the Falcons win in an upset.
Eagles at Jaguars: Michael Vick is a starter again. The Philadelphia Daily News was so excited that it ran the headline, “Top Dog,” which I guess was a cute play on words, assuming you weren’t one of Bad Newz Kennels’ failed low-round draft picks. Fetch: Eagles cover 3.
Stooges at Dolphins: The New York Jets have devolved from reality show to a Three Stooges episode, when the gun powder accidentally falls into the pancake batter (oh Curly, not again). This week, Braylon Edwards was arrested for driving with twice the legal limit of alcohol and half the legal minimum for brains. Rex Ryan, a walking F-bomb on TV, suddenly says he’s tired of the drama. Seriously? Miami covers 2 ½.
Don't worry, Wade. Jerry's very patient.
Cowboys at Texans: Dallas is 0-2 after going 11-5 last year. It’s the Wade Phillips Market Correction. Phillips still has a chance to pass his father, Bum, in career coaching victories but at this point he’ll be happy with return airfare as a gift. Wrap this: Dallas wins on the road (but take the 3 points).
Lions at Vikings: Minnesota is 0-2 and Brett Favre doesn’t have any receivers. How long before he suddenly says he can’t play through the ankle pain any more? Just sayin’. Vikes win but take Detroit and 11.
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Braylon Edwards gets pulled over for DUI. (I could watch this 1,000 times, and probably have.)
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Dept. of Hindsight
Last week: 10-1 straight up, 5-6 against the line.
Bottom dollars: 26-6 straight up, 17-14-1 against the line.
Lock of the week: Deadbolt.
♦
SACK SCHULTZ: Dude, this contest is like totally ruining my street cred. Went 10-5 last week. At 31-14 overall. Two guys named Ills (Georgia) and Axmann (Wisconsin) lead at 39-6. I’m pretty sure they’re cheating. If you haven’t played, it’s not too late too humiliate me! Click here for details and then here to enter.
♦
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291 comments Add your comment
Delbert D.
September 23rd, 2010
5:20 pm
Bad picks last week. Went from 1 ahead of Jeff to 1 behind. Grrr.
Paul in RDU
September 23rd, 2010
5:21 pm
NC State’s D is similar to UNC’s (without Austin, Quinn and the starting DBs).
Both have OK lines and good LBs (assuming Nate Irving is close to his 2008 form).
GT will move the ball on State – the big question is whether they can stop Wilson.
The sports radio folks up here in the Triangle expect State to win – but then again they were talking on Monday that UNC should have beaten GT.
WonderDawg
September 23rd, 2010
5:24 pm
I agree. We are terrible. We may only win 2 games this season. I don’t know anything about Idaho State, but thankfully we get to play ga tech, you know the defending acc champ. Haha. Winning the acc would be like winning the prettiest fat girl pageant.
TGFT (Thank God For Tech) in 2010!
Beast from the East
September 23rd, 2010
5:24 pm
Paul,
I don’t think GT can stop Wilson, that’s why I picked them. So far, GT’s defense has not impressed.
juvenal
September 23rd, 2010
5:25 pm
heather picked NCSU..
Einsteindawg
September 23rd, 2010
5:25 pm
I’m certainly not into conspiracy theories, but any of you Mutts notice how we never get any calls with Richt and his “holier-than-thou” attitude on the sidelines?
Beast from the East
September 23rd, 2010
5:26 pm
WonderDawg,
I wouldn’t chalk up a “W” against any opponent until your defense shows they can stop someone…..anyone. You guys have managed to make Lattimore and Mallett look like legitimate Heisman candidates in consecutive weeks.
Delbert D.
September 23rd, 2010
5:31 pm
Paul – Georgia Tech has simply got to stop scoring on long runs. It’s hurting them. The ball control in the 2nd half of the UNC game gave Groh extra time to make defense adjustments. More of TJ Barnes, less of 290 lb. NTs.
WonderDawg
September 23rd, 2010
5:35 pm
You must skip my postings, Beast. I’m one of the few realists on here. I know until Bobo is out of the OC job, we will be mediocre.
Once McGarity gets that straightened out, we’ll be back challenging for the SEC seriously again.
I’ve still got to mess with the Techies on our blog, though . . .
Paul in RDU
September 23rd, 2010
5:36 pm
Russ’s Dogs beat the competition – superstitious UGA fans take delight in win following a toga party by going on a road trip – can mayhem at the homecoming parade be next?
Tech wins in a shootout but doesn’t cover – take the over (58+)
Bill Curry auditions for Bama job after Saban leaves by going for style points in a win
Bama big over AR
Auburn wins a toss up at home
Florida starts to get rolling – wins big over UK
Delbert D.
September 23rd, 2010
5:36 pm
Einsteindawg – I think you are right. Dabo runs up to the refs on the sidelines and smiles at them while he’s ranting against the call. Better than nothing.
WonderDawg
September 23rd, 2010
5:38 pm
Any of your Jackets notice how PJ’s man boobs start jiggling when he stomps around on the sideline? The networks are gonna quit showing Tech’s games.
I mean, what with that big contract and all, couldn’t he afford a sports bra?
Einsteindawg
September 23rd, 2010
5:39 pm
WonderDawg…that’s in PJ’s contract. Ever notice the “jiggle” from Tech’s cheerleaders? Of course not.
5150 P.O.A.D.
September 23rd, 2010
5:40 pm
I thought Miss St was a backwards place until I saw that they can Spell BULLDOG & UGA can’t. Auburn are the War Chickens and SC is the Game Chickens so which Chichens win?
After seeing all the bad call in a football game I really can’t believe anybody would actually place real money on game where the refs have too much power.
Tom Pridemore was tuff
September 23rd, 2010
5:40 pm
@ Beast….Lattimore looks legit from where I’m sitting…can we agree it’s “no fun” tackling him..??? the Auburn vs USC game should be a good one…as far as Mallet vs Bama’s D…I think Mallett gets his points….but Alabama will get theirs too on the ground…I like the Pigs and poultry…to win straight-up…
Tom Pridemore was tuff
September 23rd, 2010
5:43 pm
@ WonderDawg…man boobs are hereditary…I’m fat and I got a beer belly but my pecks are still firm and I aint got no “turkey neck”…sux to be Paul Johnson…he don’t even drink a 12pk a night…what a shame…GO DAWGS!!!
Paul in RDU
September 23rd, 2010
5:44 pm
Delbert – I think it will be similar to the UNC game – quick scores from both teams in the first half. In the 2nd half I expect GT to keep pounding it inside and wear out State, while keeping Wilson on the bench.
Beast – GT doesn’t need to stop Wilson – just slow him enough to hold State to FGs a couple of times. I have confidence that GT can move the ball on State and I expect this game to be similar to GT-MSU last year.
5150 P.O.A.D.
September 23rd, 2010
5:44 pm
I bet DEAL beats the fat moron also ran from UGA Barnes. There will be a runoff and the lazy dems will not show-up to the polls the second time.
Delbert D.
September 23rd, 2010
5:45 pm
UK may have something going this year. The locals on 680thFan dissed them today, but Hartline,
Cobb and Locke looked good against Louisville. Actually they were dissing Louisville. I Florida goes back to the Rugby League-type foot-roll center snaps, The Wildcats may have a chance.
5150 P.O.A.D.
September 23rd, 2010
5:51 pm
What is the over/under on MIP( minor in Possession age 17-20yrs) arrests in Athens from Friday @ Noon until Sunday @ Noon? DUI’s for students of that age range count as MIPs too. I say it is 24.
5150 P.O.A.D.
September 23rd, 2010
5:53 pm
Miami or Pitt tonight. I hate Miami, but I think Harris might pull his head out for enough quarters to get a win.
Einsteindawg
September 23rd, 2010
5:54 pm
5150 P.O.A.D., Students…0, UGA football players 2. Remember that UGA is the Vanderbilt of the South, or is that Vanderbilt is the UGA of the north.
Beast from the East
September 23rd, 2010
5:55 pm
Delbert,
I agree that if the snapping problem rears it’s ugly head again then UF could be in trouble….against anyone. Did you hear Holtz’s comments after the Miami of Ohio game? He said that UF needed a shortstop not a QB. LOL!
WonderDawg,
I know you aren’t one of the delusional Dawg fans. I was just sayin…
Tom Pridemore,
I agree that Lattimore looks like the real deal. But you have to admit that Furman’s defense kept him in check. UGA’s? Not so much.
sam clemens
September 23rd, 2010
5:56 pm
are not all you children due back in kindergarten by 3 pm. please use some sense when you blog, no one reads your crap, act like your a TECH GRADUATE please. im on my way to the mighty COLORADO river for next weeks game. wheres my mint julip.
WonderDawg
September 23rd, 2010
5:57 pm
P.O.A.D. – now see there, we have some common ground, I don’t care where Barnes went to school, I hope his butt gets beat, too.
Surely you aren’t proud of every Tech graduate, either . . .
01HAWK
September 23rd, 2010
5:58 pm
MSU Bulldogs 21……………………….Sad Puppies of UGA 17
Paul in RDU
September 23rd, 2010
5:59 pm
Einsteindawg – I think the Commodore fans would take exception to you calling Vandy a Northern school. Besides, I thought Yale and Georgetown were the UGA of the North.
As far as MIP is concerned, I am glad that I come from a country that takes a more enlightened approach to the drinking age.
01HAWK
September 23rd, 2010
6:01 pm
What a sad football conference the ACC is. I bet a high school team could beat DUKE.
5150 P.O.A.D.
September 23rd, 2010
6:01 pm
Wonder every Tech Grad no that is for sure. I don’t think CPJ’s man boobs are bigger than Barnes either.
5150 P.O.A.D.
September 23rd, 2010
6:03 pm
Where is that PAUL. As I understand in Europe a DUI is a HUGE deal and you lose your DL for 5yrs with 1 DUI.
WonderDawg
September 23rd, 2010
6:06 pm
We are sad, 01HAWK, but the thing is, we’ve still got a lot of talent.
When, in January, McGarity leads Richt by the elbow to the CEO office, demotes Bobo back to QB coach, gets us a OC from the NFL, and Grantham has a full year (like his old boss, Saban needed at Bama) to get his D up to speed, UGA is gonna be a load again.
Paul in RDU
September 23rd, 2010
6:06 pm
POAD – I drank plenty when I was in college (before then too, for that matter). We NEVER drove after drinking – walked home from the pub if necessary
Einsteindawg
September 23rd, 2010
6:07 pm
Paul in RDU,
LOL…you are correct sir.
WonderDawg
September 23rd, 2010
6:14 pm
P.O.A.D., I’ll give you that. I can’t stand him.
I actually really like PJ, but I forget some of my good comebacks when it’s cocktail time. I hope PJ and Tech keeps winning til you get to Athens.
WonderDawg
September 23rd, 2010
6:17 pm
P.O.A.D, I’ll give you that one. I can’t stand Roy. I actually really like PJ, though. I only hack on him when I forget some of my better comebacks vs those vicious Techies, because it’s cocktail time.
I hope PJ wins out – til he gets to Athens.
Delbert D.
September 23rd, 2010
6:17 pm
WonderDawg – I bet you have your own signed personal copy of Terrence Cody at the NFL Combine weigh-in. Google “Terrence Cody weigh-in”. It was posted here on ajc.com sports
5150 P.O.A.D.
September 23rd, 2010
6:20 pm
Miss States Bulldog meets and sniffs Russ’s painted butt. Miss St Bulldog ROL, then pees on Russ’ backside to help wash-off the paint.
WonderDawg
September 23rd, 2010
6:22 pm
Oh I saw it on ESPN. I had no idea a man’s titties could be so big!
P.O.A.D, I’ll give you that. I can’t stand RB. I actually like PJ, but when it’s cocktail time, I forget my best comebacks to the evil Techies and I just hack on PJ.
No offense, I hope . . .
Jailyard dawg
September 23rd, 2010
6:23 pm
MSU 24 UGAG 17
GT 35 NCSU 31
AL 38 ARK 28
WVU 24 LSU 17
FL 42 KY Jelly 10
WonderDawg
September 23rd, 2010
6:25 pm
P.O.A.D, I’ll give you that. I can’t stand RB. I actually like PJ, but when it’s cocktail time, I forget my best comebacks for the evil Techies, and just hack on PJ. No offense, I hope.
Delbert, I saw that on ESPN and I thought he was gonna hurt himself the way those titties were flopping around!
Delbert D.
September 23rd, 2010
6:29 pm
I’m not so sure about Les U losing to West Virginia. I picked Les, but it will probably another hit against my Sack Shultz account.
Delbert D.
September 23rd, 2010
6:37 pm
Jeff –
Please ask Mark Fuhrman how anybody voting in the polls could rank Arkansas #10 with Alabama up next. What are they doing, selling short? That kind of thinking led to the current recession.
kb
September 23rd, 2010
6:39 pm
GO DAWGS!
lawzoo
September 23rd, 2010
6:41 pm
The only thing that worries me about Carolina’s game at clemburn is that you picked them. That’s a first. Ah, but you still went with ‘em dawgs to UPSET (LOL) ‘em other dawgs.
Carolina rolls past Opelika goin’ and comin’.
Delbert D.
September 23rd, 2010
6:42 pm
By the way, Jeff I really like that picture of you and all of your close friends.
Bull
September 23rd, 2010
6:49 pm
What’s the name of this contest again? Sack of Shultz?
kb
September 23rd, 2010
6:52 pm
sc football season will end the same way as usual……….disasterous!!!!
kb
September 23rd, 2010
6:54 pm
2 things for certain about life……….taxes and the sc shamecock’s football season falling apart midseason on. GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!
Delbert D.
September 23rd, 2010
6:56 pm
Bull Schultz
Lawnmower arrest....
September 23rd, 2010
7:00 pm
Was the arrest in Waycross, Georgia?
That has to be in Georgia.
I say MSU by 4.