Yaaawwwwwn

I know, this is a football driven sports universe and the NFL is our "GOD".  But this was a really boring week of football games.  There were quite a few close games in the NFL, but nothing that was overly exciting.  I mean, really, the Texans and Jaguars is the most exciting game???  The Browns-Jets game was competitive, but hardly must see t.v., unless you are thinking of applying to be the next Jets place kicker.  Plus, if not for the complete breakdown on how to tackle in the open field, the game would have probably ended in a tie.  At least the Vikings lost...again.  Maybe now EsPN can stop with the constant updates from Eden Prairie, Minnesota.  I feel sick even knowing the name of the city where the Vikings practice.  Of course I'm sure it won't be long till there is a ticker at the bottom of the screen for Favre watch 2011.  Anyway, looking at college, a few close scores, but I doubt more than a handful of people east of the Mississippi (yes, that is how you spell it University of Alabama, http://www.wreg.com/news/wreg-alabama-tickets-spelling,0,6471064.story) even stayed up to watch the Oregon-Cal game.  And raise your hand if you took the time to find the VS network on your dial to take in the TCU-San Diego State contest.  This past week and the week coming up are examples to me of why you can make a playoff in college work, shorten the regular season.  I realize money is driving the bus, but wasn't there a time when college football teams only played 10 games??  Now we are up to 12, unless you play at Hawaii, in which case they allow you to schedule a 13th game.  Then there is your bowl game and if you are a senior, all star showcases for NFL scouts.  But of course education is the primary function of these universities and the NCAA ;)  I will leave it at that for now, but trust me, I have much more to say on this matter of playoffs and bowl games, but we'll get to that down the road. 

Backtracking for a second, how the hell does that ticket mistake happen???  Seriously...how???  I have worked in sports ticket offices before, including one for a major university, and this is ridiculous.  We had a minimum of ten different people proof read the master copy of tickets before sending them off to the printer.  Apparently the bonus money for winning the BCS title game isn't enough to keep all the athletic offices staffed with competent people.  I guess the NCAA and BCS conferences better go to the networks for some more money. 

Now on to making some money for us common folk.  The weekend games were a push as I went 2-2.  A very ugly game in West Lafayette between Michigan and Purdue kept that from going over and what was I thinking laying points with a bad Louisville team, even at home.  NO MORE BONUS PICKS!!!  Just kidding, if there is ever a game you really want my opinion on, let me know.  A couple of easy wins with Virginia Tech and Oklahoma State, so now I am 4-6-1 for the life of this blog.  But this week we turn the tide toward profit as there will be no mid week NBA selections.  It's a MAC football bonanza this week and the sports books better fire up their printers cause they will need some more money.  First up is Miami(OH) at Akron.  To be honest, I don't have any real info to back up this pick, but my gut is screaming at me to take the points with Akron.  Currently getting 10.5, Akron is coming off a game that was their closest to a win all season.  But what stands out more than that to me is this is Miami's third straight road game, and their last win made them bowl eligible.  This looks like a great spot for a letdown from the Redhawks.  That game is on Wednesday night, the same night the biggest game in Ohio takes place, Bowling Green at Toledo.  The Rockets just got hammered at Northern Illinois while the Falcons lost at home on the last play of the game to Miami.  The oddsmakers have Toledo as a 10 point favorite, which feels like too many to me in this rivalry game.  BG has beaten Toledo three straight times and this season are 4-2 ATS on the road while Toledo is 1-3 ATS at home.  I will gladly take the points.  Good luck and remember, never bet what you can't afford to lose.