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.