Game Theory Radio

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

NCAA Week #14 College Pick 'em

Heading into the last week of the season, another tough week to cap as we have conference title games and opponents playing each other for the second time in the same season. Went 3-1-1 last week, I was not to pleased with my results but I guess it could have been worse. For the season my record is now sitting at a respectable 40-22-3 and I am +33 units. Lots of pressure on me to perform this week lets see what I have:



Rutgers -3   Both teams coming off losses, both teams have banged up QB's however I will go out on a limb and say Bridgewater is a bigger cog in the L'ville offense then Nova is to Rutgers. The Scarlett Knights are at home, playing for the Big East title and a shot at a BCS game so they can get destroyed by an SEC team. The Cardinals have been playing with fire all season long the Rutgers defense will rebound coming off last weeks hiccup and put the Cards offense in check. Rutgers by 6.





2 Units.






Kent State +6     This game simply boils down to the points. Kent State is 0-5 straight up and ats when playing NIU. NIU is a very talented team much like Kent State as the MAC has really taken some strides with the quality of their programs this year, I would say that the conference as a whole is better than the Big East. This game is being played at Ford Field so no real home field advantage here. I think the Huskies will take this game but I like the Golden Flashes to hang around, NIU by 4.






2 Units.







Nebraska -3   Big 10 championship game, Wisconsin comes in 7-5 while the Huskers are a decent 10-2. These teams played earlier in the season with Nebraska winning by 3, if you look at the numbers the Badgers really struggle against teams that have some sort of defense. Wiscy has no problem destroying the Indiana's, Minnesota's, Illini's and Perdon'ts. They will have another shot against Bo Pelini on a neutral field, I just think Nebraska's defense will stifle the Badgers offense to squeak out a 4 point win and a cover.






2 Units.






Central Florida +2   This game was just played 2 weeks ago, on the same field and yes, between the same two teams. Very difficult to beat a conference opponent twice in three weeks, the Golden Hurricane won by 2 last time. Lets hope the Knights win by 1 this time. UCF is used to being favorites even on the road, now they are coming in as a live dog, let's see how they play when they aren't supposed to win. Golden Knights outright.






2 Units.








Oklahoma -6       The Sooners have had trouble covering this year due to massive spreads, I think we are getting some value here due to that. TCU is a solid team but I'm not sure Boykin will be able to stay with the Sooners on offense. The game is in Ft. Worth by Sooner fans travel well, so that should neutralize the home field advantage a little. If Casey Pachall was starting this game I might go the other way, I just don't think the Frogs have the horses to stay in this race. Sooners by 7.






2 Units.



Slim pickings this weekend sportsfans, as you can tell I went light with my unit selections as I wasn't head over heels for anything this weekend. If I get the demand for it I will post bowl picks as the Bowl season gets under way, let me know in the comments section if that is something you want to see. Until that day.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Week #13 College Pick 'em

Down to the bitter end of the season, went 3-2 last week, FSU gave up a touchdown very late to bust my cover.  That brings me to 37-21-2 on the season for a total of +30 units. Rivalry week is always tough to cap but lets get to the picks:





Rutgers +2  The Scarlett Knights last tune up before they go to play L'ville for the Big East title. Again, I do not see how Pitt is laying points here. Rutgers defense is legit and Pitt is probably still soaking in the bask of just barely losing to ND? I will take the points.







4 Units.





Ohio State -4   Unbeaten, at home, I think it will be too much for Michigan to handle with their QB situation in flux at the end of the season. Turnovers for the Wolverines  could be an issue in the Shoe, Michigan will have to play mistake free football. Buckeyes by 6.






2 Units.







Wisconsin +3   Badgers go to Happy Valley, Wiscy is looking at a date with Nebraska, for the Big 10-ish title. Wisconsin is the better team and will play hard even though they are already in the title game, because hey....everyone wants to be in a better bowl game right? Penn State has been a solid team this year, but I think the Badgers are just going to be too much for them, Badgers outright by 4.







3 Units.








Oklahoma State +7  Rivalry game, Bedlam.......better team getting seven points that's right I said it. The Sooners are over valued every season and thanks to them ND actually thinks they can compete with Alabama...................riiiiiiiiiiight. Ok State is a solid squad and can put up points and their defense stops people...........more often than not. I like the Pokes outright.








4 Units.







Virginia +10    I hate the dual quarter back system, but it has some success for the Cavs, Bama expatriate Simms has come along and looks like he has full grasp of the UVA offense, Rocca appears to be the starter for this game, meanwhile VT has not been impressive in the least. These are two teams going in opposite directions, again in a rivalry game. I think the Cavs can stay with in 10.







1 Units.





There you have it late post this week but still in time for you to bet on the  12:00 games! Good luck to all!















Friday, November 16, 2012

NCAA Week #12 Pick 'em

Weird week last week going 2-1-2, which brings my season total to 34-19-2 and +28 in the units department. I have had two picks this season that haven't sat well with me, those being the WVU vs Texas Tech game and last weeks Louisville vs Syracuse game. Should have known better. Lets see what we have this week as the season is winding down.



Northwestern +7  Wildcats on the road to take on Sparty, we have a 7-3 team getting 7 points on a 5-5 team with a pedestrian offense. too many points here but I will take them, I like Northwestern to keep it within 3.



2 Units.






Kent State +3    Getting value with the better team here Bowling Green has a decent offense, but then again so did Rutgers and Kent State scored just shy of 40 on them. I like the Golden Flashes outright in a tight game.







2 Units.







Florida State -31   The Seminoles have the second highest half time point differential in the nation and have had 2 extra days to prep for a team starting a linebacker at QB. Maryland just got crop dusted here and the Noles will be looking for a statement game after a close call against VT.







2 Units.







Rutgers +6    The Scarlett Knights travel to take on the Bearcats in this Big East tilt. I would have thought this spread would be +3 for Rutgers, but I will take the 6 points and the better team. Rutgers was beaten by a solid Kent State team, I don't see Rutgers faltering again. Scarlett Knights outright.






2 Units.







Oregon -21   The Cardinal couldn't beat the Ducks on The Farm with Luck, so how exactly are the supposed to compete with an improved Oregon team with a freshman starting at QB. The Cardinal pass defense is awful and their defense cannot stop the spread offense, see the Arizona game results. Ducks win big in a much needed statement game for them.






2 Units.




There we have it, good luck to all this week.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

NCAA Week #11 Pick 'em

Back at it this week, ever walk into a place and feel suddenly unwelcome? That is the feeling I have this week as Vegas suffered its biggest thrashing in over 25 years this past Sunday. They will be looking to recoup their lost cash this week no doubt about it. Lets see what we can do to combat that. Went 5-0 last week to bring my season total to 32-18 +27 units, I would like to keep my recent success going as no lead is safe with the caliber of the cats in the pick 'em crew.




Northwestern +10   Cats on the road at the Big House, not sure about the spread on this one. I could see N'western +3 but I will take the free 7 points. Michigan has gotten fat off eating cupcakes the last few games, plus who knows how effective Denard Robinson will be with the elbow issue. I like the Cats to keep it within 4.





2 Units.






The Ville -2     One team is 9-0 with a better QB and is used to winning tight games. The other one game under .500 playing in the Carrier Dome, which from what I hear is suddenly a difficult place to play? Maybe the Ernie Davis statue is going to come to life an join the huddle. Charlie Strong has his team playing well, I do not see them stumbling here. I like the Cardinals by 3.






2 Units.






Miami +1     I get this spread as Miami tends to struggle against UVA ATS, but the Cavaliers are an unremarkable 1-9-1 in their last 11 games, lets hope that second number turns to a 10 here. I think Virgina is getting too much credit for destroying a pedestrian NC State team. Al Golden has his team playing well coming off a nice victory over VT, lest we forget that the Cavs lost to Wake Forest and got boat raced by Duke. I like Miami to keep it going on the road.






2 Units.







Penn State +9      Cornhuskers are undefeated at home, however Penn State is a decent squad that can keep this game competitive. Taylor Martinez will no doubt have some turnovers which will help us out here. I have a hard time believing that Nebraska is 9 points better than Penn State, I like the Nittany Lions to keep it within 7.






2 Units.






Washington +1  The Utes have some major issues staying healthy at QB, meanwhile UW is 11-2 in their last 13 at home, the Huskies defense plays well at home too. Keith Price has been improving as of late, so I like the Huskies in this spot at home under the lights.






1 Unit.







There you have it, good luck to all. I'm The Blanket and I approve this message.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

NCAA Week #10 NCAA Pick 'em

First things first, I enjoy reading the joker report and I have to point out the segment he did on his dogs. Well done. As an owner of 2 dogs myself one who is 12 and still thinks she is a puppy and another who is turning 7 in December, they are like my kids. That being said I made the unfortunate mistake of watching the video he posted titled "Ol Boy: Fulfillment of a dying wish..................after watching it I felt a wave of depression crash over me. To all the readers who stop by my page for my picks take some of that money I win you and donate to the ASPCA, its only like $17 a month, or you can do something as simple as buy a shelter pet a can of food and a toy when you check out at PETCO.  Thanks. Another 4-1 week last week, the 5-0 mark has evaded me, I currently stand at 27-18 +16 units at the moment, no time for a self high five as a the entire Pick ;em crew is breathing down my neck. To the picks we go.




Indiana -1    Four words. The pistol at home. IU can score some points, however their defense is spotty at best, good thing for us the Hawkeyes are no Oregon. I like the Hoosiers by 4 in this show down of middle of the pack Big 10 squads.



3 Units.





Oregon -8   The Ducks travel to take on the Trojans. Anyone still have concerns about Oregon on the road? No? me either. As you may well know I picked the 'Cats to cover last week against the Women of Troy, I had a feeling they would win outright but did not want to anger the folks at ESPN and have them call Vegas on me. USC is hoisted up ever year by the clowns and talking heads at ESPN along with Notre Dame, who I also severely dislike. Lane Kiffin will get embarrassed by Chip Kelly in this game, make no mistake, last week was no look ahead for USC, they gave that game everything they had against Richie Rods team. The Ducks will score, maybe not as much as they usually do but with their defense they will no doubt keep USC in check. Quack attack by 10.




3 Units.





Penn St-3     Nittany Lions bit off more than they can chew last week losing a game to the Buckeyes. Penn State will bounce back here against the Plant High School product Robert Marve and Perdon't. The Nittany Lion defense will control the game and Mcgloin will be able to handle the offense against a rather pedestrian Boilermakers defense to put it mildly.



2 Units.






Nebraska -1    We are getting about 2 points of value here. I like this spot for Nebraska, even though they are playing in East Lansing Sparty is getting a little too much credit here. Michigan State just doesn't have the offense to move the chains routinely. Hopefully Taylor Martinez doesn't put the ball on the ground or complete passes to the Sparty D.





2 Units.







Stanford -28      The Cardinal travel to take on Ralphie and the rest of his herd. Colorado is bad, Stanford is better. Just cannot see the Buffs scoring more than 10 in this game and I am fairly confident Stanford will break 40, that would mean we cover. I hate laying this kind of wood, but some times you have to eat some chalk!






1 Unit.




Four out of five picks are road faves, took all favorites this week, lets hope for the elusive 5-0 mark shall we?! I'm The Blanket and I approve this message!






Thursday, October 25, 2012

NCAA Week #9 College Pick 'em

4-0 last Saturday, in unpublished action I took Kansas State +3 and Penn State +1, both winners! That brings me to 23-17 +12 units for the season (not counting unpublished action of course), starting to round into shape for the dash to the finish. I have to say that I watched a large portion of the K State- WVU "game" and was rather impressed with the Wildcats, I knew they were good but noticed things like their backs are not afraid to run to contact and they just do not miss tackles, could they be playing Alabama for the BCS championship? Time will tell. Lets see what I have to help pay the rent this week.



Arizona +7   The Wildcats host the Trojans this Saturday, the Cats have a potent offense and their defense is a liability, but where the Cats really struggle on defense is against fast paced offenses (Oregon) USC sports more of a pro style offense so that should benefit us here, this would be a big feather in Richie Rod's cap and he has the QB in Max Scott to do it, after all he does run the 5th ranked passing attack in the nation. I like Arizona to keep within a touchdown.




2 Units.





Syracuse +3     This spread tells us that these teams are even. I beg to differ. The Orange have a real QB and something that resembles a defense and a coach with a desire to win. USF has none of those things. USF cannot beat Rutgers, UCONN, Cincinnati or L'ville. That tradition will continue on here. I like getting points with the better team, last week was USF's superbowl, coming off a bye facing an undefeated and ranked team. They lost. I get that L'ville is unbeaten but hey have had some squeakers against some week teams, FIU and Southern Miss to name a couple. USF is an undisciplined team and have no pride and they will lose on homecoming.






2 Units.






Miami (Ohio) +7   The Bobcats travel to take on the Redhawks, new territory here as Ohio is a ranked, unbeaten,  favorite on the road, that is alot for them to handle. Miami will be chomping at the for their shot at this ranked conference rival. I expect a low scoring slug fest here and Miami keeps it within the 7,




2 Units.






Oregon State -3      The Beavers travel to Washington to take on the Huskies, Sean Mannion is probable for this contest and will be looking forward to being back behind center, Vaz more than proved he is a capable back up just in case Mannion has issues with the knee. UW has had some serious issues at QB this season as Price has really regressed. There are also In and Out Burgers in Washington. Beavers take it by 7.




3 Units.





Western Kentucky -7     Cristobal's crew has become a shell of its last season self. The Hilltoppers have 2 losses, one to Alabama and one to ULM in overtime last week. I like the Hilltoppers to bounce back here. FIU is a pathetic 1-7 and could lose interest if WKU jumps up quick on them. Lets hope that is the case.



1 Unit.






I'm The Blanket and I approve this message, good luck to all!

Friday, October 19, 2012

NCAA Week #8 Pick 'em

Decent showing last week going 4-1, however I was disappointed in my WVU pick, I knew it was a trap and still walked into it because I found some stats that pointed to a Mountaineers win. That brings me to 19-17 on the season +5 units (although Joker has me 18-18 and -1 unit, guess I am paying him some vigorish!) unacceptable results thus far but we have time to climb back to the top, even if I am paying The Joker a tax! I will be posting four games this week to make up for my flub in posting six picks a few weeks ago while I was stealing money from Vegas. Here is what I have for this week:



LSU -4   The Bayou Bengals head into College Station for a showdown with my brothers Alma mater Texas A&M. The Aggies are a respectable 5-1 and they crowd will be rocking at Kyle field. I do not see Johnny Football having much success moving the chains on the Tigers, defense always travels well. The Aggies were pushed to the brink against a high powered La Tech offense last week in a "home" game for the Bulldogs, La Tech's defense leaves something to be desired. I think we are getting some value here as the Tigers will look to expand upon their win vs Cocky last week.




2 Units.





ULM  +4    The Warhawks travel to play The Hilltoppers this week, the away game will not faze the Warhawks as they have played an SEC team on the road already this season. WKU is no slouch either and have an impressive 5-1 record. Who knew the Sun Belt would produce a few solid football squads this year. WKU struggles at home so I am comfortable getting 4 points here.





2 Units.






SDSU +7    The Aztecs travel to take on the Wolfpack. Nevada is 6-1 but they squeaked out a win in Vegas last week against cross state rival UNLV last week and have had some too close for comfort games against some less than stellar squads, they even lost to USF at home. Really? who loses to USF?? The Aztecs can put some points up, so I'll take the 7 feeling that SDSU can keep it within that.





2 Units.






Texas Tech -2   The Red Raiders coming off a huge win will look to keep it going against TCU. The Horned Frogs are missing their QB Pachall, even though the beat the defenseless Baylor Bears last week I think their luck will run out here. The Red Raiders shut down Geno and WVU last week with ease, I don't see a back up QB having much success even at home. Big game Tommy gets it done.




1 Unit




There we have it, lets hope for another solid outing, until that time!