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
Lakedawg
December 30th, 2011
12:07 pm
It’s a sure bet that Bama will somehow claim thr National Champioship even when they lose to LSU.
Football Thesaurus or Dunkel for a price will award them the title.
ARdawg
December 30th, 2011
12:16 pm
Alphare
It is certainly better than what we had prior to the BCS. The problem is here is it didn’t resolve the age old argument. It was almost a no-brainer this year although as you know, I think OSU Pokes got the shaft and we have to watch a rematch dressed up as a BCS championship game but, it is, what it is.
You are correct on the continual whine but, a minimum 8 team possible 12 team playoff is easily doable. Rarely is there 8 teams with a bonafide contention to be national champs. And there is always the argument about the 9th team “coulda” beat the eventual champ but again, it is what it is.
JMac2011
December 30th, 2011
12:22 pm
I am sure they will. Talking to Bama fans, I have found out that they do not think they have lost a game in about 10 years. They have some sort of excuse. Against LSU it was the missed FG, but as I told them, that is part of the game. You make some, you miss some. Just part of the game. If the line had blocked better, they might have made the blocked FG, but… they didn’t. Bottom line, the team that puts up the most points is the better team on the field that day. LSU was the better team. South Carolina was better than UGA, and on that particular day, Auburn was better than USCe. Bama fans need to let the Bear rest in his grave, get a life and realize their team is mortal.
Alphare
December 30th, 2011
12:33 pm
JMac2011,
the way you worded you sound like all no BAMA fans know missing field goals is part of the game. To the contrary, most BAMA went mute after the game, which tells me they took it as “a loss is a loss”.
If you go back to the AJC blogs, you would know lots of dawg fans complained the better team lost in the SC-UGA game.
So be careful with you brush painting a big group. All college fans are loyal to a fault, UGA fans are not that different than BAMA fans.
JMac2011
December 30th, 2011
12:47 pm
No, I work with and know several BIG Bama fans, and I stand by what I said. And yes, I know that too. That is why I said that the team with the most points is the best team that day. I happen to believe USCe is a better team than UGA, and will win again in ‘12. But, the better team is the team that can put a W beside the score, and the worse team has the L. LSU had the W against the Tide, and nothing can change that. I also feel they will get their 3rd straight W on Jan 9, and 4th straight on Nov 3. They will be even more loaded next season than this season.
Alphare
December 30th, 2011
12:52 pm
JMac2011,
“the better team is the team that can put a W beside the score”
No one dispute that, because it really depends on you mean by “the better team”.
Just don’t forget to tell some of your UGA friends.
ARdawg
December 30th, 2011
1:28 pm
JMac
Yes LSU got the W in that previous Bama game but it didn’t achieve much did it? They have to beat them again to be champions. I do agree with you though about the general entitlement of Bama fans. The worse group of fans in the country. They do consider themselves as undefeated by-in-large (in regulation). The LSU loss is for the most part ignored
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
December 30th, 2011
1:31 pm
Those of you that think Bama will slide in 2012 then you go right ahead and dream. The Bama squad is loaded for 2012 and 2013. The reason for the 10-3 in 2010 was due to Nick’s 1st class was weak and two of those best players went early to the NFL (1st round…Jackson and McClain). The SEC is Bama and LSU and then the rest. You don’t have to like it but you will have to deal with it. Bama beats LSU for the glass ball so go ahead and deal with it now so you can avoid the rush on the 9th.
Bill Stanfill
December 30th, 2011
1:41 pm
I was thinking about pulling for Bama–but Tide fans are so arrogant, ie., Wet Willie, that I just can’t do it.
Go LSU!
Call it like it is
December 30th, 2011
2:01 pm
Also pulling for LSU. Bama had their shot, in their home and they failed, case closed. Someone else should have gotten the shot.
D man
December 30th, 2011
2:20 pm
I agree, Dawgs win against a team that is ranked ahead of them. Bias media…
Bama is better than LSU. Should have beat them the first time. So I agree with that.
Green Bay without Rodgers is taking a chance Jeff…
Alphare
December 30th, 2011
2:23 pm
“Bama had their shot, in their home and they failed, case closed”.
Most southerners are status quote kind (democrats regardless, then republicans regardless). Obviously you are not. You are the take-turn kind.
Bristol Palin 2012
December 30th, 2011
2:52 pm
“status quote”
LMAO
Title #14!!!
December 30th, 2011
3:12 pm
Mark it down–Bama’s rolling to #14—lsu barely beat alabama, even though Bama missed a bunch of easy FGs—this time, Bama’s running game will dominate. Alabama 27 lsu 19—another in the trophy case!!!
WDE
December 30th, 2011
3:20 pm
@Title #14!!! I be a little worried you won’t be playing at home with that cast of “tame” refs this game. I swear fans like you and wet willie are the reason people are lining up to hate Bama.
JMac2011
December 30th, 2011
3:50 pm
Bama has never been able to run with any consistency against LSU, even though Richardson will be the best RB in the game. He has never run real well, and has never crossed the goal line against LSU. In fact, he tried last season, and got his bell rung, and was invisible in the 2nd half. He is really their only threat. The receivers are only average, the QB no better than either Tiger QB. LSU will continue to do what they have done all season and that is to wear down the opponent in the first half, and win the game in the 2nd half. Their rotating defensive front will tire Bama”s O line, just like last time, and do not forget the edge with the D’backs. Mo Claiborne, and the honey badger will take care of business. LSU also holds a decided edge in special teams, as their punter is possibly the best, as a freshman, in the NCAA, and they know that their kicker can make the pressure packed FG. LSU played it straight and won the game while Bama tried a couple of trick plays to try to get an edge, and they backfired. Saban will be outcoached again by Miles, and when the clock reads 00:00, the W will again be beside the LSU score, and the L beside the Alabama score, and they will prove once and forever that LSU is a better team. They proved it once, and will prove it again.
Alphare
December 30th, 2011
4:33 pm
kinda remember lots of dawg fans predicted UGA win against LSU.
Why blame BAMA fans for predicting a BAMA win. Actually it makes more sense to me.
JMac2011
December 30th, 2011
4:53 pm
making sense and being reality are two different things. UGA fans live in a dream world of their own. There was no way to win the SECCG. They were totally overmatched. Yes, they have alot of talent, but under the direction of CMR, they did exactly what was expected of them. They gave their all in the first half, then LSU gave their all in the 2nd half, and the difference in their bests was quite striking. It served as a perfect example of the lightweight games they won to get there, while LSU showed the work ethic of a battle tested team. They were never worried. They knew they had the game. UGA is just a second tier team that was unlucky enough to win the East. Bama fans had alot more hope, but they still fell short on their home field with an extremely partial crowd screaming. They had ideal conditions to win the game, but they could not get it done. In the Superdome, LSU is 4-0 with 2 BCSNC wins, and the last time Alabama played there, they got their butts kicked from goalpost to goalpost by a team who calls themselves the “Utes”. After Jan 9, LSU will be 5-0 in the Superdome, and will become the ONLY team in the BCS era to win 3, count ‘em THREE BCSNC. They have alot more to play for than Bama has. They will get it done.
JMac2011
December 30th, 2011
4:56 pm
signing off… Happy New Year
Jgash
December 30th, 2011
5:12 pm
I sacked Schulz by one pick – where’s my t-shirt or coffee mug or set of steak knives?
Samuel L. Jackson
December 30th, 2011
5:29 pm
JMac2001,
I am glad someone finally brought up the points that you mentions. Alot of these folks on the Bama wagon must have been watching a different game than I did. It’s not like Bama rolled up 500 yds of offense. They had around 290 and LSU finished around 230 or so. When LSU shut Richardson down in the 2nd half Bama had no answer as you mentioned, he is their only playmaker. The to’s were even. Also, last I checked Bama didn’t pull a new kicker down from the stands to kick again this time, so they still have the same kicker they did in November. The misses were all from 45+ (excluding the one blocked that was makeable). A college kicker making 50% of kicks from 45+ is pretty good, you guys are delusional to think this kid should have made those.
I expect LSU to use a ton of option offense and counter plays from tight formations to expose Bama’s weakness of laterally covering the field and over pursuing. I also expect the LSU defense to do what they do.
More points than last time, and LSU will prove AGAIN they are the better team! LSU wins 27-13.
BILLDAWG
December 30th, 2011
6:36 pm
Enter your comments here
BILLDAWG
December 30th, 2011
6:37 pm
GET OUT THE CRYING TOWELS IN TUSCOLOSER, AL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sportzfan
December 30th, 2011
7:13 pm
Shultzie…..Spurrier has more class in any AA meeting he may attend than you will ever have as an A- reporter…….enough said.
uga whiners
December 30th, 2011
9:13 pm
BILLDAWG
December 30th, 2011
6:37 pm
GET OUT THE CRYING TOWELS IN TUSCOLOSER, AL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope you do not show up in Tampa and embarrass the SEC with your ignortant barking.
Felix
December 30th, 2011
10:25 pm
Most of these Bowl games are useless.
Hope LSU wins, but I’m betting on Bama.
Dogs will lose again, Jackets, Clemson to win, as well as Wisc.
BAMA
December 30th, 2011
11:19 pm
Roll Tide Roll- over those tigers…………………
GarnetMoonshine
December 30th, 2011
11:27 pm
LSU 13 BAMA 6
USC 17 NEBRASKA 10
UGA 24 MSTATE 17
Furman Bitcher
December 31st, 2011
7:31 am
Bowl games are about as worthless as the Falcons game against the Bucs. Boring.
Paul Johnson is Nacho Libre's Dad
December 31st, 2011
9:21 am
True!
Dilusional JMac
December 31st, 2011
9:33 am
JMac. You’re an idiot. The turnover ratio (whichever team wins it) is a leading indicator as to which team will win the game. UGA was pounding LSU in the first half and had that game in hand until (a) it decided to punt the ball twice to HB (#7) and (b) Aaron Murray fumbled ball start of second half. UGA had 3 turnovers; LSU 0. That was the game.
Just ask TampaBay Buccaneers if turnovers matter. You go research that team’s turnover ratio and you’ll see that this season is a complete gaff vs. last year.
Also, UGA dominated the stat sheet vs LSU this year in the SECCG. LSU was able to turn the game on big plays (just like BSU, USC and LSU did vs us this year). We will see you next year in the SECCG; get ready!
Team Stat Comparison
Georgia LSU
1st Downs 19 13
3rd down efficiency
7-21 1-9
4th down efficiency
1-2 0-0
Total Yards 296 237
Passing 218 30
Comp-Att
20-51 5-13
Yards per pass
4.3 2.3
Rushing 78 207
Rushing Attempts
34 35
Yards per rush
2.3 5.9
Penalties 9-87 8-54
Turnovers 3 0
Fumbles lost
1 0
Interceptions thrown
2 0
Possession 36:36 23:24
BTW
Jeff
December 31st, 2011
10:41 am
Still hate Dabo huh, I guess he’ll never get your respect. Not sure why you hate Clemson
Les
December 31st, 2011
3:25 pm
Dilusional JMac
December 31st, 2011
9:33 am
“JMac. You’re an idiot. The turnover ratio (whichever team wins it) is a leading indicator as to which team will win the game. UGA was pounding LSU in the first half and had that game in hand until (a) it decided to punt the ball twice to HB (#7) and (b) Aaron Murray fumbled ball start of second half.UGA had 3 turnovers; LSU 0. That was the game.”
I think you are the idiot. The final score is what matters.
Excuses, excuses, excuses
Come' on Jeff
December 31st, 2011
3:40 pm
Last time I checked, the kicker IS a part of the team….so how is a team better if their kicker is crooked footed? The best team 1 first go round. Someone else should get a shot.
tell me again
December 31st, 2011
6:12 pm
Tech loses yet another bowl……………..what a surprise.
Chris
December 31st, 2011
6:20 pm
Do the people on this board even watch the GT games? You all keep blaming Johnson and his offense when in reality, most of our losses are due to defensive lapses and mistakes on STs. Like today, the defense allowed two TDs in the final 5 minutes to force OT. As bad as that is, it wouldn’t have mattered had GT had any 1 of the 3 missed FGs in regulation.
4.29 GPA
December 31st, 2011
8:04 pm
Georgia tek has been to 15 Consecutive Bowl Games. It has LOST 10 of those. Georgia tek has LOST 7 Consecutive Bowl Games.
SHOCKING that prediction is wrong Jeff Schultz.
SHOCKING.
Georgia been to 15 Consecutive Bowl Games. We have lost 3 of those.
Pete
December 31st, 2011
8:18 pm
Homer (Jeff) would pick Tech to win if they had lost 50 bowl games in a row. He will pick them to win next year as well, just as the last year, the last previous year….and on and on. Cant wait to see his prediction for Falcons to win 1st rd playoff game. Trust me, he will do just that.
UGA- ZERO BCS titles
December 31st, 2011
9:40 pm
Dilusional JMac,
Jest another delusional dawg fan. Only a dawg fan could take a 42-10 asswhupping and then turn around and say his team was the better team. Its nothing short of comical. Also turnovers are part of the game son. And in case you didn’t know they are often caused by a tough, swarming defense, great dbs, great pass rush, etc. Dawg fans saying that they should have won a game that they got their asses kicked by 30 pts. I always knew dawg fans were delusional but they’ve now reached a new high in delusional thought.
UGA- ZERO BCS titles
December 31st, 2011
10:01 pm
“I think the Dogs already have clinched the 2012 SEC East title, given Alabama has been dropped from the Hostess-wrapped schedule”- Schultz
I wouldn’t go that far. They still have South Carolina to contend with. Nevertheless dawg fans got to really be breathing a lot easier knowing they don’t have to take a certain asswhipping from Bama. And please doggies. Spare the delusional crap that you could hang with them. Come to think of it for the 2nd year in a row that dawgs get to hide from the big 3 in the west- Bama, LSU, and Ark. Alabama was scheduled to whip the dog’s asses but with the conference expansion they picked up both A&M and Missouri in their first years in the league and so UGA managed to hide from Bama. Stay in your little corner doggies. What is it? 31 years now without a national title??? Gawd you guys suck.
Jeffiepoo
December 31st, 2011
10:48 pm
wrong again
Remarkable
January 1st, 2012
10:12 am
Jeff Schultz,
Your prediction for GT didn’t go so well. Hope you have better luck on your other two picts.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 1st, 2012
12:17 pm
Well LOSERS it’s that time again……………………
2 weeks from the annual CHOKE Special
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 1st, 2012
12:22 pm
Hey Falcants fans, tell me what these numbers have in common:
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Give up?
Those are the years since Jim Mora last brought this Loser Ville a playoff win.
Mutt & Jeff running the Falcants.
It’s really embarrassing that the Saints will probably win their 2nd Superbowl in the
same time frame that this Mutt & Jeff has been running the Falcants.
That’s just plain EMBARRASSING.
In places like New Orleans, they are not happy with just making it to the playoffs.
Go figure
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 1st, 2012
1:20 pm
A rookie is doing what CHOKE couldn’t do last week……………….
Just SAD, SAD, SAD
sainthiram
January 1st, 2012
11:49 pm
hey jeff- the lsu/ ala. game isn’t this weekend. actually it’s not next weekend either. way to keep up with the scheduling
factchecker
January 3rd, 2012
2:15 pm
So Jeff, do you still want to take Nebraska and the points? It seems as if you have a burr in your britches regarding South Carolina. I know that you hate Spurrier, but no matter who is the head coach or whom they play, even when you reluctantly pick them to win, it comes with a derogatory comment.