Weekend (Bowl) Predictions: Dogs, Jackets, Alabama win
Hello. I am back.
Weekend Predictions, which like college football has no playoff system and often makes no sense, one difference being our advisory board has the built-in excuse of the shiitake’s mutant and illegal cousin, traditionally returns for one bowl edition.
It has been another profitable season. W.P. Inc. is 26 games above .500 against the line. But of course all I get are no tips, no thank-you notes, just emails that read, “Ya moron! Ya picked the Gators to beat the Dawgs! Coach Richt is going to smite your liberal West Coast beehind! Hey Marge, I got him good. Pop-Tarts ready yet?”
OK, let’s make this quick. Too many games to get to.
Georgia has had a good week. There has been no news of academic suspensions — fill in name of oft-speculated freshman running back — and I think the Dogs already have clinched the 2012 SEC East title, given Alabama has been dropped from the Hostess-wrapped schedule.
Here’s a nice consolation prize for having their limbs ripped off by LSU: sunshine (Outback Bowl) and Michigan State (good defense but No. 60 offense). And to think, 12 months ago, Georgia was losing to Central Florida in the Liberty Bowl.
A season completed in the alternate universe: Dogs cover 3½.
Get Your Hands Off My Wings
It seems Paul Johnson will do anything to break a bowl hex.
Sun: Tech-Utah: Paul Johnson’s offense has managed only 24 points in the past three bowls. Al Groh’s defense has allowed 99 points in the past three games. Also, the Jackets haven’t won a bowl game since I think 1937. But wait! Here comes the Sun! Tech covers 2½.
Chick-fil-A: Virginia-Auburn: All-SEC running back Michael Dyer has been suspended for unknown reasons. Funny. Last year Cam Newton wasn’t suspended and everybody thought the reasons for one were obvious. Auburn covers 3.
Capital Uno: Nebraska-South Carolina: So now everyone’s giving Steve Spurrier a warm embrace for his coaching this year. Never mind that he took enabling to new levels with Stephen Garcia. The guy would go to an AA meeting and suggest everybody just switch to light beer if he thought it would help him win a game. Take the 2½ and Nebraska in an upset.
Urban Gator Bowl: Ohio State-Florida: It’s the “Beatles at Shea,” with Urban Meyer in the roles of all four Beatles. He’ll arrive by helicopter, sing “Twist And Shout” and “Can’t Buy Me Love” (he’ll lie) and then bask in the afterglow of his former and future kingdoms. Gators cover 2.
The Fab 1 . . .
Fiesta: Stanford-Oklahoma State: Andrew Luck, Stanford kid, noted this week that Frank Lloyd Wright had a winter home named Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Ariz., near the Fiesta Bowl. Yeah. I think he probably can read a defense. Cardinal covers 3½.
BCS Zit Of The Year: Virginia Tech earned its way to the Sugar Bowl by losing its last game to Clemson 38-10. Your honor: The prosecution rests. Michigan covers 2½.
Rose: Empire vs. Wisconsin: Just saw Oregon’s latest uniforms to be unveiled. The Ducks will make it to the game, assuming they don’t miss their connecting flight on the Death Star. Ducks cover 6.
First, we defeat Wisconsin. Then, we blow up Alderaan, Princess Leia's home in Ivy League.
Orange: Clemson-West Virginia: Once again, the Tigers have enough talent to overcome Dabo Swinney. Clemson covers 3.
Cotton: Arkansas vs. K-State: Bobby Petrino lost his three coordinators in the past few weeks. He hates it when people just walk out like that. Piggies win, but take K-State and 7½.
And, drum roll …
BCS Sorta Championship: Alabama over LSU: Yeah, I hate rematches, too. But these are the two best teams, and the best of the two didn’t win the last time because of a crooked-footed kicker. Not going to happen twice. Bama wins and covers 1.
NFL Fridge Pack
Artist's rendition of Jerry's head if Cowboys whiff.
Bucs at Falcons: I have a question for anybody who’s upset that the Saints drove to that final touchdown Monday night to get Drew Brees the passing record: Would you really feel that much better if the final score were 38-16? Falcons cover 13.
Cowboys at Giants: There are no bad outcomes here, Dallas losing and Jerry Jones spontaneously combusting when the Cowboys don’t make the playoffs again gets the edge over miserable New York fans. Giants cover 3.
Lions at Packers: The Lions can clinch the No. 5 seed with a win, and Ndamukong Suh is psyched. He just eye-gouged a Salvation Army bell-ringer in front of Kroger. It’s a risk, but take Packers and 3½ as a home ‘dog.
Sofia's starting job is safe. (Photo: WWD)
Redskins at Dream Team: It will be fascinating to watch Michael Vick vs. DeAngelo Hall in the playoffs. Oh, wait a minute. Eagles cover 9.
Chiefs at Broncos: Some survey just named Tim Tebow the most desirable celebrity neighbor for 2012. John Elway voted for Sofia Vergara, who did not throw four interceptions last week in Buffalo. Broncos wins, but take the Chiefs and 3½.
Chargers at Raiders: There’s something wrong with Norv Turner’s plane ticket to Oakland. It says “coach.” Oakland covers 3.
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Damn, I’m Good
“A gambler with a system must be, to a greater or lesser extent, insane.” — George Augustus Sala
In our last episode: 7-3 straight up, 5-5 against the line.
Your 2011 financial report: 116-44 straight up; 92-66-2 against the line.
By Jeff Schultz
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397 comments Add your comment
5150 UOAD
December 30th, 2011
1:29 am
CHOKE shouldn’t you be watching Eagles reruns in your Lazy-Boy with your bottle of hand lotion and box of Kleenex?
Sargent Carter is on the Welsh Rarebit again. maybe Miss Bunny can help him off it.
Preston
December 30th, 2011
1:33 am
Can’t believe how many people are ignorant enough to think that UGA decided upon themselves to drop Bama and play Mizzou instead. The SEC decided to make that change. UGA had no choice in the matter fools!
5150 UOAD
December 30th, 2011
1:37 am
Preston and you are a FOOL to believe that SOME SEC Presidents don’t have MORE influence with the commissioner than other teams.
Every member of Congress and the Senate has the SAME level of influence too right?
5150 UOAD
December 30th, 2011
1:39 am
You really don’t understand the Politics of many things then. Please don’t VOTE.
Sargent Carter
December 30th, 2011
1:40 am
Last thing, well I hope it is not the LAST thing, but I have studied this area’s history for many moons, which means, like, months…and the creek indians used to live on the south side of the chattahooche, and the cheerokees on the north, hence, the name of that county, well, rumour has it that the Georgia Dome is built on a Creek burial ground, and, therefore, the Falcons are destined to be losers as long as they inhabit this area…on the other hand, when the Braves rebuilt the olympic stadium, they enriched the spirits and were promised seasons of joy
5150 UOAD
December 30th, 2011
1:45 am
Sargent Carter those welsh rarebit sleepwalking/blogging events are happening while you are awake. Call Miss. Bunny to come wake you up, LOL
Dawgs Roll
December 30th, 2011
2:05 am
Mark this down–the dawgs will roll over mich state–the UGA O will light up the board with murray and ICro running wild and the angry dawg D will shut down that mediocre O on msu. Dawgs—first game of 2012—on the way to the 2012 SEC title: Dream team II!!!!!
Preston
December 30th, 2011
2:25 am
5150, you are a complete idiot. Go crawl back under that rock you reside under and leave the rest of the world to their rational selves. I guess we never landed on the moon either. LOL at such morons!!!
5150 UOAD
December 30th, 2011
2:38 am
You say I don’t think we landed on the moon but you seem to think Bama and UGa Presidents don’t have MORE influence than Ole Miss and USC? You are a fool to think UGa with its Athletic budget has equal standing with UT, USC, VU, & UK.
Preston
December 30th, 2011
2:43 am
5150, if you agree to shut up, I’ll tell you that you’re soooo in tune with the way everything is and maybe you can get some sleep in all this cold weather that’s surely gusting wind under your humble abode made of sedimentary material. Please stop humiliating yourself.
5150 UOAD
December 30th, 2011
2:43 am
Pressdumb I guess the Big XII teams all had EQUAL standing too right? I mean Texas didn’t get more favorable treatment right? I mean TA&M and Mizzou are still members because they were being treated fair right? You don’t think that happens in the SEC? You are a MO RON.
Preston
December 30th, 2011
3:08 am
Enough of your jibberish dumbass. I’m gonna go to sleep now…..in an actual bed…..in an actual house…..that I bought…..because I am a rational human……with a rational mind……that doesn’t believe that Michael Adams fixed UGA’s schedule. Don’t bother responding because I’m done trying to rationalize with an intellectually unarmed individual. Night night. Don’t let the rock dwelling bugs bite. LMFAOI! You’re so stupid.
Gritsfalcon
December 30th, 2011
3:36 am
I agree with all your picks except two: Okla st. takes care of Stanford and LSU takes stops the “roll tide” express. Also I think the S. Carolina/Nebraska game will be one of the best of the bowl season. But what do I know? I didn’t know Frank Lloyd Wright had a place in AZ and I watch ESPN. Happy New Year, Mr. Schultz!
u got to be kidding
December 30th, 2011
5:32 am
lsu
ohio st
East Repeat
December 30th, 2011
6:40 am
So only picked against one SEC team, South Carolina. Makes all the Dawg fans feel better about the butt whipping (45-42) put on UGA by SC. UGA will be the best in the East if they ever Beat the best in the East. Forget about beating the best in the West as UGA never plays the best of the West. Beat SC and then maybe UGA will get to play the best West team. Until then, they can battle it out for 5th or 6th in the SEC, just like this year! Check BCS standing and see who got a better bowl, USC or UGA? Thats right, SC is recognized as better than UGA!
East Repeat
December 30th, 2011
6:47 am
UGA may have had no say so in dropping AL for Mizz, but isn’t it embarassing and “tells” what UGA fans really think of their program? Excited because you don’t have to play who you think is the best. If that is your attitiude, you are a loser and should think of those other programs as better, because you are accepting their supperiority to UGA. Me, I look forward to travel to LSU and come home with a big, unexpected victory. UGA’s only chance to go on road and win as an underdog is against SC. But we all know SC and spurrier has UGA’s # now!
tim scott
December 30th, 2011
6:48 am
I always enjoy your weekend picks but, having watched my Gators all year to say they cover 2 I’m not even sure they can score 2.
cloudodust
December 30th, 2011
7:00 am
I’ll see your picks and raise you 3 Fatheads.
Jeff
December 30th, 2011
7:11 am
Nick Saban is a sorry excuse for a coach….at leadt stick to your morals. That the blama players have been running their mouths for the better part of a month here is hoping LSU stomps them on national TV….BY THE WAY NICKY…..HOW CAN YOU CLAIM TO BE A NATIONAL CHAMPION IF YOU NOT ONLY CANT WIN YOUR CONFERENCE BUT NOT EVEN YOUR DIVISION?????? t
Reality
December 30th, 2011
7:36 am
Tide rolls. Jackets win. Big Ten Sweep (Wisky, Ohio State, Mich and Mich State win). Clemson wins.
Beast from the East Eaten by Dawg
December 30th, 2011
7:46 am
Utah over Tech
Spartans over Dawgs (just a hunch)
SOS over Huskers
Arky rolls
Hillbillies over Dabos
Cams over Cavs
Stanford wins
Meechigan wins
Badgers upset Ducks
LSU rolls the tide (only if there is justice in this world)
and………the once Mighty Gators manage to win by a final score of 5-3 over the Buckeyes. Two offensive juggernauts on display in a half-empty Gator Bowl. Oh, how the Mighty have fallen!
Go Gators!
Toilet bowls
December 30th, 2011
7:48 am
Frustrated that the bowl system will not place 1vs2, 3vs4, 5vs6, 7vs8, ETC. in the bowl games. That should be the BCS bowls!!!!! None of this, well they travel well. I mean #12 Baylor beat an unranked team. Duh, shouldn’t they win.
Samuel
December 30th, 2011
7:56 am
I know one thing, you don’t want to go to the playoffs losing to the lowly Bucks. Like Tiger woods dad would say, son get’em down beat’em down.
Maynard
December 30th, 2011
8:16 am
I see yet another tard has bought into the “best team didn’t win” crap with Bama.
Let’s look at the facts:
1.Bama got BEAT on their home field.
2. Bama had ONE trip into the red zone all night.
3. A goofy fotted kicker didn’t loose it for them, Saban’s bone headed caching lost it for them. As the world’s greatest fooball coach, he should have known better than to keep trotting out kickers he knew were going to miss. Which leads to #4
4. Nick Saban was out coached by Les Miles…….AGAIN.
LSU wins by 10.
Mark
December 30th, 2011
8:23 am
Ok state is favored against stanford by 4. Yet you say cardinals cover 3 1/2. Nice screw up.
Mark
December 30th, 2011
8:36 am
Maynard you’re the fool. Anyone with any football acumen who watched the game knows bama outplayed lsu. But the breaks didn’t go there way. Sometimes that happens but it’s doubtful to happen two games. Bama wins 20-10
Eldawg
December 30th, 2011
8:38 am
Alabama = Overrated.
uga whiners
December 30th, 2011
8:45 am
Jeff
December 30th, 2011
7:11 am
Nick Saban is a sorry excuse for a coach….at leadt stick to your morals. That the blama players have been running their mouths for the better part of a month here is hoping LSU stomps them on national TV….BY THE WAY NICKY…..HOW CAN YOU CLAIM TO BE A NATIONAL CHAMPION IF YOU NOT ONLY CANT WIN YOUR CONFERENCE BUT NOT EVEN YOUR DIVISION?????? t
Cry some more you losers. You guys are pathetic sorry UGA losers who have not won anything since 1980. Every team in the country would take Saban over your current coach including CMR and you all know it. If you say you would not you are lying to yourself and everyone else.
Get a life, grow up and stop being envious.
greg
December 30th, 2011
8:48 am
Maynard- Don Maynard NYJets # 13
DIT
December 30th, 2011
8:50 am
Dawgs might not of had any say-so on this 1 year schedule adjustment, but still the same, I hate the fact that Bama was dropped for Mizzou. I hate playing an easy schedule and yes our Dawgs will be made fun of and poked at UNTIL we can beat a top ranked opponent. MSU does not really count though would be a good start.
Have to beat LSU or Bama to get the recognition so having Bama taken off our schedule stinks. I’m not saying that we would have won that game, but the opportunity would have been there.
Now we have to listen to the easy schedule crap for another year. Still, there is nothing easy about being on the road against Missou & SC. I don’t expect UF to be as bad as they were, but still very down compared to recent years. Auburn might improve…… OK, I was trying to make myself feel better, the only 2 tough games are Missou & SC.
bamaguy
December 30th, 2011
9:02 am
SEC bowl sweep. We just play better competition week to week which sets us up for the post season. Only SEC team to lose will be LSU.
Billyboy
December 30th, 2011
9:04 am
It looks like you will pick 50% of the correct teams against the spread. My dog did as good.
bamaguy
December 30th, 2011
9:05 am
The way things are setting up in the SEC East vs West and the scheduling, UGA might set a record for most consecutive SEC Championship Game loses.
Keniboy
December 30th, 2011
9:06 am
What’s a nebraska guy doing on this blog?
East Repeat
December 30th, 2011
9:08 am
Reality is well off with Big Ten and Clemson?! Don’t want to hang your hat on Clemson, son, that is a loser. Gag. Coach is from Flintstones- actually related to Barnie Ruble!
DIT
December 30th, 2011
9:10 am
bamaguy – Not to sound like a turd, but I don’t believe Florida will beat OSU. I want them to, but just don’t see it. Iffy on my Dawgs as well.
East Repeat
December 30th, 2011
9:14 am
DIT and bamaguy making sense this morning. Anybody elso headed deer hunting this weekend to finish out the season before bowl games on Monday? Can get good bucks late in year for those willing to stick it out! Go SEC!!!!!
dawgfan
December 30th, 2011
9:21 am
I could be wrong but I would suspect Bama might be poised to take a step back next year. Isn’t Richardson in year 3? If so, he’s a goner. They’ve had basically the same defense for the past 2 seasons so I would have to think that a lot of those guys are on their way out. I say this because all this “UGA is dodging Bama” talk seems to be premised on the assumption that they will be a top SEC team again next year and that might not be the case. If Bama is only a 9 or 10 win team next year I don’t see what the big deal is if UGA doesn’t play them.
Thanks.
chuckie doll
December 30th, 2011
9:21 am
Enter your comments here
chuckie doll
December 30th, 2011
9:27 am
Gonna be sum gooood games this here weekend!
Rooster
December 30th, 2011
9:38 am
Georgia loses by seven due to Richt not going for it on fourth and inches. Just like last year.
1eyedJack
December 30th, 2011
9:38 am
If Bama wants to play UGA so bad they should have won their division this year.
Rooster
December 30th, 2011
9:40 am
Since the UGA fans are already saying the 2012 national championship is theirs due to an easy schedule, what happens if they lose in the outback bowl?
WDE
December 30th, 2011
9:42 am
@bamaguy I doubt we get to set a record for consecutive SEC Championship Game loses.I think before that happens somehow we get to play the Tide and blow your bunches doors off. I think the title game is the only way we ever get to corner your bunch into a game….face it Saban has so much clout he is getting to play in the BCS championship game without winning his division let alone his conference . And they are playing a team that has already kicked his butt once this year already…if he wanted UGA on the Tide’s schedule you really don’t see Mike Slive and the rest of his Sabanites in the SEC office right there in Birmingham turning him down do you? I love the morons that think that UGA doesn’t want to play Bama, hell the biggest motivation for winning the East again next year is that there is a small chance Bama can beat LSU then the Tide can’t duck us.
Grantland Rice
December 30th, 2011
9:44 am
If Bama doesn’t deserve to be in the championship game then why are they a one point favorite?
WDE
December 30th, 2011
9:45 am
@Rooster if we lose the bowl game all the UGA fans will all think bad thoughts about you…wait we already do…and what are you going to do when the Huskers pound your bunch?
Rooster
December 30th, 2011
9:46 am
Don’t count your chickens for they hatch!!!!!
Bammer
December 30th, 2011
9:47 am
9-6 was a butt-kicking eh WDE? Sucks to be a UGA homer douche huh?
Rooster
December 30th, 2011
9:48 am
WDE, nobody gives two cents about UGA or the high and mighty Richt. Laughing stock of the SEC!!!!!!
Bammer
December 30th, 2011
9:48 am
3rd in the West last year right WDE? And still blew the doors off of Michigan State. Will you be on here after Sparty wipes your overrated bunch off the field? Doubt it.