A BIG THANK YOU TO ME FOR MY WINNING FOOTBALL PICKS

As you gathered with loved ones yesterday to give thanks for all that is good, I'm sure you included Woolard's Weekend Winners on your list. Why? Because we had another awesome week hitting on 7 of 8 picks including the UPSET SPECIAL of Oklahoma State knocking off #4 Baylor. Thus, we are now sitting at an unbelievable 73% success rate after thirteen weeks of excellent and awesome prognostication. I know, I'm special. And you are too if you've been following my lead and laying down some cash each week on the games. You can thank me later...Christmas is only 27 shopping days away and I'm expecting something special from each and everyone of you. So don't hold back.

A bit of trivia...this day in 1890 was the very first Army/Navy game, one of the most traditional and enduring rivalries in college football. And did you know that instant replay made its American debut in the 1963 Army-Navy game? Didn't think so. What I love about this game is that the players are playing solely for the love of the game. We'll have more on this special classic in the next week or so leading up to game day (we call that a teaser).

Now back to business.

A strange thing happened Thanksgiving Day afternoon. 

Justin, our first YAPper

After filling our bellies with turkey and all the fixin's that adorned granny's table, we adjourned to the man cave for a few hours of football watching, scotch sipping, and afternoon snoozing in the Lazy Boy. It was during this time that my 13 year old nephew, Justin, started throwing down all sorts of facts and figures about the players and teams we were watching. And then it hit me. Wow. Why not establish the Youth Apprentice Program for Woolard's Weekend Winners?  Brilliant idea! Where else can a young lad learn the art and science of handicapping college football games? So, being the awesome uncle that I am, I appointed young Justin as the first ever YAP participant. And since I believe in on-the-job training I assigned young Justin the task of making this week's picks for Woolard's Weekend Winners. His momma may not endorse this endeavor but she'll thank me later after young Justin starts racking up tuition money.

But first, time for Q&A with Justin.....

Q&A with Justin

WWW:   So, Justin, are you excited about being the very first Youth Apprentice at Woolard's Weekend Winners?
JUSTIN:  Yes, of course. It's a real honor. I've followed college football for years so it's only natural for me to leverage my knowledge and maybe make some dough along the way.

WWW:   So you like making money?
JUSTIN:  Absolutely, who doesn't? It's America and I totally believe in capitalism and the opportunity to generate wealth.

WWW:  You sound pretty smart for a thirteen year old?
JUSTIN:  It's a genetic thing, Uncle Mark.

WWW:  When you're not watching football what kind of things do you like to do?
JUSTIN:  I'm a gun enthusiast and compete in various shooting competitions. Two years ago I won a trap shooting contest with my 12 gauge shotgun.

WWW:  Dude!  That's pretty impressive. What else?
JUSTIN:  I raise horses and play XBox. So I think I'm pretty well rounded.

WWW:  What about actual playing experience?
JUSTIN:  I played offensive line for the Webb School Spartans.
WWW:  So you like smacking people around?
JUSTIN:  You could say that.

WWW:  Who has been your best football coach?
JUSTIN:  Hands down, Erik Ainge, former stand out quarterback at Tennessee. He helped out with my first team and we learned so much. Like hating Vanderbilt and those slimy lizards from Florida. And providing great protection for our quarterbacks. He was pretty big on that.

And Now Justin's Weekend Winning Picks...

Georgia @ Georgia Tech...this classic rivalry game features two 7-4 teams that lack a lotta love for each other. The Bulldogs will be going with back up quarterback, Hutson Mason, who's filling in for the injured Aaron Murray. So expect Georgia to run the ball A LOT with Gurley, and then some play action pass plays to the keep the Jacket defense guessing. Take Georgia at the Flats.

They take their football seriously

Ohio State @ Michigan...the Wolverines have stumbled a bit while the Buckeyes are cruising at 23-0 under Urban Meyer. No biggie, right? Take the Buckeyes ground game led by Carlos Hyde and Braxton Miller.
Buckeyes roll.

Texas A&M @ Missouri...while Johnny Manziel has had a better passing seaon he has not been as good on the ground like last season. Meanwhile Mizzou has plenty of weapons and a terrific pass rush. Take the Tigers in Columbia.

Northwestern @ Illinois...the Wildcats have tumbled in recent weeks since their loss to Ohio State. Without a healthy Kain Colter, Northwestern has struggled with their read-option offense. And that's a big gap. Northwestern stumbles again.

Clemson @ South Carolina...this game features two of America's best dual-threat quarterbacks, Tajh Boyd and Connor Shaw. The Gamecocks will lean heavily on running back Mike Davis, but we really think the difference will be Clemson's speed demon, Sammy Watkins. Tigers bite Carolina in an UPSET.

Alabama @ Auburn...this year's Iron Bowl features two of America's top teams with very different paths. Gus Malzahn has returned respect and winning to the Plains and has constructed the biggest turn around in college football. Meanwhile, Alabama continues building its Dynasty. Take the team with the championship experience. Bama bops Aubbie.

Duke @ North Carolina...Duke has made history this season and has been one of the best 4th Quarter teams all year as Coach Cutcliffe proves that football can successfully co-exist with Coach K's legendary bball program. The Tar Heels will keep this contest close but Duke will pull it out again in the 4th stanza. Take the Dookies from Durham in another UPSET.

Isn't this sweet? Bromance breaking out.

Tennessee @ Kentucky...it's gonna be a cold one in Lexington as the Vols and Wildcats battle for the basement in the SEC East. Tennessee hopes to close out a miserable season with a win over the struggling Wildcats. Expect a messy game as the Vols freshman quarterback Josh Dobbs learns to complete a few passes but we think the Tennessee run game will finally wake up and overpower the Kentucky front seven.  Take Tennessee in a runaway game.

As Uncle Mark says....MAKE MO MONEY WITH MARK.

NEED EXTRA CASH FOR THE HOLIDAYS?  CHECK HERE.

What can I say? I'm awesome.

If you've been following our picks each week then you have plenty of cash to get those much needed, much deserved Christmas gifts for that special someone, and maybe for the wife, too. Because with a hit rate no lower than 72%, you my friend have been raking in the greenbacks. So, go ahead and say it....I'm awesome, and you can be, too.

We did hit a wee bit of turbulence last Saturday, only going 3-5 with our winners. But as I've said in the past, we're in it for the long haul and at 72% for the season, we're kicking some booty. So suck it up, tell the old lady to get you another beer, and let's talk some football.

The Auburn - Georgia game didn't turn out the way we needed it to but seriously, it was one crazy game. And you got to love it when the UGA fans get punched in the gut like that. Oh, the pain, the suffering.

And you had to love Duke's big upset over Miami.  Can you believe the Dookies have a shot at winning their ACC division? Wow. And looks what happening at Southern Cal? Ever since the Trojans ousted the little weener, the ship seems to be righted, as they knocked off #4 Stanford to improve their record to 8-3. So, will USC retain Ed Orgeron? He's a snake but he sure can coach.

8 more dandy game picks that you can convert into some serious jingle jangle.

I'll be honest. Coming up with 8 intriguing games this week is almost as difficult as surviving the holidays locked in a house with relatives you only see once a year (and that's once too many). After a few minutes of chit chat you're left wondering if you're really related to these boofers. Don't get me wrong. I love my peeps. But I don't like my style being cramped. Plus I can only take so much hearing about Aunt JoAnne's in-grown toenails and lip fungus.  But I digress.

Here's Your Weekend Winners....
Vanderbilt at Tennessee...who else thinks that Vandy's coach James Franklin is just biding his time before jumping to a bigger and better football program? Thought so. Anyway, the Vols are once again breaking out the 'smoky gray' uni's as they host the Comode-Doors (see what I did there?). Rumor has it that the new gray will be replacing the orange and white as the traditional colors for Tennessee. So, will the gray look work for UT? It came close in the near victory over Georgia back in October. But the big question for Tennessee is can they rebound from all of the monsterous butt kickings they've endured the last few weeks at the hands of Alabama, Missouri, and Auburn? UT must win their last two games to get to a bowl. Can they do it? Don't think so. Unless the linebackers have gotten faster and the defensive backs have learned to cover and tackle. Plus, will we see improvement from true freshman quarterback, Josh Dobbs? And can the world's most over-rated offensive line pass protect and run block. Again, don't think so. Take the 'Dores in Rocky Top.

#8 Missouri at #24 Ole Miss...as I've said in the past, Ole Miss has been problematic. You pick em to win, they lose. You pick em to lose, they win. But in this game, there's no second guessing. Mizzou (9-1) brings too many weapons to Oxford and the Tiger defense is a very physical squad. Plus quarterback James Franklin returns for their final push to the Georgia Dome. This should be a pretty good game because Ole Miss can rack up the yards and points as demonstrated in their win over LSU. Take the Tigers in this one.

#4 Baylor at #10 Oklahoma State...Baylor's offense has embarrassed everyone they've faced this season but the Cowpokes defense has shown they can be stingy. Undefeated Baylor can take a huge step toward winning the Big 12. In another great evening matchup, take Oklahoma State in an UPSET.

#25 Duke at Wake Forest...can football be successful at Duke? Holy Coach K. The Blue Devils are averaging over 34 points a game and they have the inside track to winning the ACC Coastal Division. They'll take another big step at noon today as they beat the Deacons.  Take Duke in the win.

#13 Michigan State at Northwestern...the Spartans need just one more win to lock up the Legends Division in the Big Ten. And after clobbering Nebraska last week 41-28, Coach Dantonio will have the champagne on ice as the Wildcats (4-6) are struggling with injuries and some close losses. Take Sparty and have another slice of deep dish while you're in the Windy City.

Kentucky @ Georgia...this game has little impact on anything other than regaining some respect. At 6-4 (4-3), Georgia has successfully flopped one more time in a season that was full of high expectations and hopes. The mutts should kick the kitties this week and then have their way with the Jackets next Saturday, and end up in some poopy bowl game. In any case, take the Pups in a so-what win.

 #12 Texas A&M @ #22 LSU...neither team can win the SEC West, dominated by Alabama. But this is another must-see game featuring Johnny Be Bad and Zach Mettenberger, two of the best quarterbacks in the country. This could be an awesome shoot out.  Take the Aggies.

California @ #9 Stanford...this is a no brainer. The Cardinal were stunned last week but will work out their frustations with the Berkeley crowd.  Take Stanford.

MAKE MO MONEY WITH MARK®

WE REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER: PERFECT PICKS!

Totally awesome. Jealous?

Just what the doctor ordered:  a perfect 8 for 8 last Saturday including our UPSET SPECIAL of Oklahoma State over Texas Tech. That puts us at 76% for the season which is outstanding any way you wish to cut the deck. 

So, time to show me some love. Or at least buy me a big boy country breakfast complete with grits, ham, some bacon, eggs over medium, and cathead-size biscuits just like momma use to make. And don't forget the coffee...bold and strong, just like our picks.

Anyway, we have another great lineup of games and plenty of opportunities to Make Mo Money with Mark. So, let's get to it.

Here's Your Weekend Winners...

Stroke candidate?

#9 Auburn @ Tennessee...if you're a Tennessee fan then no one can blame you for being just a bit envious of what's happening with Auburn. In just his first year, head coach Gus Malzahn has returned the Tigers/Plainsmen/War Eagles/Dying Oaks to prominence in the SEC with an 8-1 (4-1) record. And he's done that without buying any players; at least we think so. Malzahn brings the #1 rushing attack in the SEC (#6 in the country) to Neyland Stadium where the Vols have only lost once this season (an overtime gig to Georgia that's still too painful to think about). In addition to tailback Tre Mason, Auburn has the dual threat QB Nick Marshall and that doesn't bode well for the Volunteers who can't stop a running QB to save their Rocky Top lives. The only hope for bUTch Jones and his gang of hillbillies is if the 100,000+ orange necks show up early and drunk and raise almighty hell much like they did when UT played Georgia a few weeks back. I know, I was there. And yes, I was loud and probably had consumed a couple of libations to grease the skids. Who would blame me. But Tennessee is going to need a lot more than crowd noise. They're going to need speedy linebackers and defensive backs that know how to stop the run. Unfortunately, those guys won't be on campus until next summer. So...take Auburn in another SEC butt kicking of the not so big Orange.


#10 LSU @ #1 Alabama...Saban and company know that in order to make it to the national championship game they must be perfect in November and that starts this Saturday when they host LSU. Having lost two games by 3 points each (Georgia and Ole Miss), LSU has recovered and will be ready to give the Tide all they want. If you look at total offensive yards, rushing yards, and passing yards, these teams are pretty evenly matched. The difference may well be the leadership of Bama QB AJ McCarron (the guy with the hot girlfriend according to Brent Musberger). But something tells me that Les Miles is due for a headline win this season and he'll dial it up another notch. That's why we're taking the Bengal Tigers and the points (12) in an UPSET SPECIAL.

Virginia Tech @ #11 Miami...Beamer's Hokies bring one of the least productive offenses to Coral Gables on Saturday when they take on the 7-1 Miami Hurricanes that are still reeling from last week's 41-14 beat down in Tallahassee. Va Tech's offense is ranked 103 with 348 yards per game and their rushing game averages only 117 yds per game (#109 in the country). Despite losing Duke Johnson to a season-ending ankle injury, the Canes still have plenty of offensive weapons that average 36+ points a game. If Miami can survive, they pretty much nail down the ACC Coastal Division. And we think they will.  Hurricanes storm the Gobblers.

The sultan of rushing

Nebraska @ Michigan...if you Cornhusker fans left the game early last week, then you missed one helluva ending with Northwestern. QB Ron Kellogg III threw a "Hail Mary"pass into the endzone that was batted around and finally gathered up by Jordan Westerkamp for a 27-24 Husker win. A real kick in the Wildcat nutsack but just might have given Bo Pellini a stay of execution. This week, though, is another story as the Huskers travel to the Big House to take on the Maize and Blue in Ann Arbor. Key stat: the Wolverines are 19-0 at home under Brady Hoke while the Corn Boys are 7-8 away from home over the last 3 years. The loser of this game is out of the Legends division race. But while conventional wisdom might suggest going with Michigan, not so fast. Nebraska is led by Ameer Abdullah, the #1 running back in the Big Ten, and #5 in the country with over 1100 rushing yards. And he's why we like the Huskers in another UPSET SPECIAL in Ann Arbor. Take Nebraska and the 7 points. You'll thank me later. No, you really will.


BYU @ #21 Wisconsin...this game may very well get lost in the shuffle, which would be a real shame. Why, you ask? These are the only two FBS teams to feature a pair of players averaging 100 yards rushing: Melvin Gordon and James White for the Badgers, and running back Jamaal Williams and QB Taysom Hill for BYU. Couple that with two of the country's top linebackers - BYU's Kyle Van Noy and Wisconsin's Chris Borland - and you have the perfect recipe for a great game. Key stat to consider: the Badgers have 28 straight home wins over a non-conference foe, the second longest streak of FBS teams. Make that 29 tomorrow for the Badgers. Wisconsin over the Cougars.

Texas @ West Virginia...this game could be a trap game for the Longhorns if they fail to focus. The Mountaineers are an improving team having knocked off TCU last week. And Texas hasn't exactly been playing lights out on the road this season having lost to BYU 40-21 and barely avoiding a loss in Ames, beating Iowa State 31-30. But Mack Brown needs this win to stay on his road to redemption. It'll be a nippy night in Morgantown but we think the Longhorns will heat things up. Take Texas in a stampede as they Horns stay perfect in the Big 12.

Lizards lacking this season

Vanderbilt @ Florida...this is a pair of 4-4 teams. My how the mighty lizards have fallen! But this is a must win for Muschamp's crew since they travel to Columbia next Saturday to face the Gamecocks. With a pretty stout defense - only giving up 17 points a game - the Gators should take care of business tomorrow against the Commode-Doors (see what I did there?). The Vandy Dandys are not what they were a year ago when James Franklin had the Dores grooving. But the universe has returned to norm and Vanderbilt once again is looking up from the SEC cellar at 1-4 in the conference. Make that 1-5 on Saturday. Lizards lick the Commodores in the Swamp.

Richmond @ Stony Brook...with this matchup we're departing from big boy football to focus on a couple of smaller programs that no one really cares about unless, of course, you have a kid on the team, or maybe in the band. Both teams are sitting at the bottom of the CAA. What the hell is the CAA? Thanks for asking. It's the Colonial Athletic Association. See what you learn here?  Here's another little nugget. Richmond's Brandon Jordi earned CAA honors last week after hitting 4 of 5 field goals to lead his Spiders to victory over Albany. And he could be the difference tomorrow. That's why we're going with the Spiders over the Sea Wolves.

There you have it. More valuable insight that can make you some real cash. Let's check back on Sunday to see how we did. Until then...

MAKE MO MONEY WITH MARK®

Tricks or Treats: Halloween Hangover Hits the Gridiron

We had a slight up tick in our winning picks last Saturday, going 4-4 after experiencing a dismal 2-6 in "Sideways Saturday" in which everyone in America took one in the rumpus with so many top teams tanking.

Solid performance. Yes sir.

Our rebound effort last Saturday might have fallen a little short of expectations but was long on excitement. To wit, Visor Boy escapes with a late night win after the Mizzou kicker clunks one off the uprights. Texas Tech gift wraps three early turnovers to set up the Sooners for the W. And Georgia Tech finally found a way to win in Charlottesville.

But with a new Saturday in front of us, life is good again and we're ready for another great day of college football. So ice down that case of chilly pops, fire up the grill, and let's get ready to Make Mo Money with Mark.

Here's Your Weekend Winners......

Georgia vs Florida...the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party is this season's World's Largest Yawner. Other than the Bulldogs still having an outside chance to win the SEC East, this game lacks the sizzle and excitement long associated with past get togethers in Jacksonville; it's the first time since 1991 that neither team has been ranked and both teams are 4-3. Georgia looks to have a couple of key performers back including all world Todd Gurley and solid receiver Michael Bennett who was one of the two dozen mutts that got mashed at Rocky Top three weeks ago. Florida is still trying to find a consistent offense but does have one of the best defenses in America. Key stat: 44.6% of Florida's defensive plays result in either zero or minus yardage. That's pretty stout. But not stout enough as the Dawgs dig deep for the win in Jacksonville.

Spell check aint gonna help her

#7 Miami @ #2 Florida State....this game is somewhat of a throwback to the 80's and '90s when both teams were perennial top ten regulars. Now both teams are getting their swagger back and will showcase their talents on the big stage Saturday night. But when was the last time a #7 ranked team was a three touchdown dog to another team?  Hint: never. While Jimbo Fisher is 3-0 against the Hurricanes, this season he has the phenomenal quarterback Jameis Winston (6'4, 228 lbs) who is sporting some unbelievable stats like a 70% completion rate and 23 TDs with only 4 INTs. It should be an entertaining game but no so much for Al Golden's Canes. Take the Seminoles in this one.

Tennessee @ #9 Missouri...consider this little nugget: teams that lose to Alabama also lose 86% of the time when playing an SEC opponent the following week. That doesn't bode well for Tennessee as they struggle to recover from a 45-10 Bama beat down in which they lost the game plus their quarterback. So, bUTch Jones will serve up true freshman QB Josh Dobbs to face the #3 ranked team wth INTs (15). Hopefully the kid won't quit the team as the Vols will lose its 19th straight road game against Top 25 teams. Put your money on Mizzou.

#21 Michigan @ #22 Michigan State...saying that these two teams hate each other is an understatement, especially when you consider this game having a major impact on Big Ten rankings as well as in-state recruiting and bragging rights. The Wolverines are looking for redemption in Lansing but they'll face a Spartan defense that's giving up just 12.3 point per game. We like Sparty in this one and so will you.

Pittsburgh @ Georgia Tech...how do the Panthers feel about being Tech's homecoming biatch? We'll find out Saturday night as the 5-3 Jackets can grab bowl-eligibility with a win at the Flats. With a strong road win against UVA, Tech got back to basics in running their option offense along with the defense stepping up for some key stops. So, if you're a Bee lover, you'll love the outcome Saturday night. Jackets sting the Panthers.

#11 Auburn @ Arkansas...how bad is the Razorback defense? Pretty bad as evidenced by their last two losses of 52-7 (South Carolina) and 52-0 (Alabama). So here comes Auburn averaging 511 yards per game and 37 points per contest. With Malzahn having the Tigers humming, Bret Bielema is struggling to get his Razorbacks on the same page. It's gonna take awhile. So take Auburn in this one.

#18 Oklahoma State @ #15 Texas Tech.....the Red Raiders have had a bad case of the oopsies with 19 turnovers including 12 from their freshman quarterbacks. It hurt them big time last week in their loss to the Sooners. Meanwhile, the cowpokes have only turned the ball over 10 times while being tied 8th with 13 INTs. These teams appear to be pretty evenly matched in points generated and points allowed, so turnovers could very well be the difference. UPSET ALERT:  Cowboys over the Red Raiders.

Mississippi State @ #14 South Carolina....Connor Shaw showed why he's a pretty good quarterback as he entered the game late last week and rallied his Gamecocks to a come from behind win at then #5 Missouri. He's 22-5 as the Carolina starter. Key fact to consider: Gamecocks have not lost at home since September 1, 2011. A win on Saturday ties a school record of 15 straight home victories. Go ahead and give them the W. Carolina spurs the Bulldogs.

Let's check back Sunday to see how we did. In the meantime.......

MAKE MO MONEY WITH MARK®