FINAL EXAMS: WEEK FOURTEEN


Well, here we are. The final weekend of the college football regular season.

It would be real easy to be sad but we're not. Because we keep thinking about all of the Mo' Money we've been making!!

We're finishing really really strong this season. We went 6-2 last Saturday hitting on THREE REALLY HUGE UPSET SPECIALS.  

We took Georgia Tech over Georgia. Cha Ching!

Mo Money adding up

We picked Kentucky knocking off Louisville. Cha Ching Ching!

And Vandy beating Botch Jones and his band of merry Vols. Cha Ching Ching Ching.

That's a whole lot of CHING and a whole lot of Mo' Money....just in time for the holidays...gotta restock the liquor cabinet, get a few Cubanos, and get baby a new pair of shoes. You know what I'm talking about. Uh huh.

Before we get to our GREAT EIGHT™, we have a quick retrospective section comprised of words and wit from a few of our fellow scallywags.  So, freshen your drinks, sit back and enjoy.


REAR VIEW MIRROR....a look back at the 2016 season

Remember back in August when your team was undefeated and you were pretty excited about the upcoming season? If you were like me, you felt real good about your favorite teams and you probably circled certain dates on the calendar for big games and must-wins.

Fast forward to Conference Championship Weekend. Still feeling good about your team? Or did your guys crash and burn back in September?

We'll you're not alone. A few folks still have plenty to crow about while others are slumped over in their Lazy Boys counting the days to March Madness or spring training.

In any event, we've asked a few of our loyal long time compadres to share a few thoughts looking back on the 2016 season.

There were no ground rules, thus each contributor chose his/her own way to express their feelings. I've resisted editing the submissions but had to make a few minor edits. One submission, from Buffy in Boston, is still on the shelf. Note to Buffy: I think you need help. Seriously.


From Kenny Clyde

Roll damn Tide Roll

Another great year for Bama.  11-0 with a true freshman QB.  

From the SEC Network in August:  "There might not be a team in college football that can survive a schedule that includes road games against Tennessee, LSU, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and Arkansas. Though it will be a disappointing season by Saban standards, going 3-2 over that stretch is still to be commended."
Somebody forgot to tell Saban. 

Some random thoughts....
1.  Florida's next.  The Tide has not allowed a touchdown in 17 quarters.  The Gators have scored just one offensive touchdown in 10 quarters.  35-0 anybody?And don't think we're not in their heads from last year... CB Austin Appleby on facing the Tide's Jonathan Allen: "We're going to have to get a plan for him and the rest of those guys on that defense." And Gator coach McElwain's take about what makes Allen so disruptive?  "Probably genetics.  They've got a bunch of creatures that play at a high level consistently."Can scheme and inferior athleticism beat genetics?  Coach Mac's already answered that.

2.  Bama is a coach killer.  Ask Miles, Chizik, Tuberville, Battle, Nutt.  Our biggest competition over the past five years has come from Baton Rouge.  Now they've replaced a guy with a .826 SEC winning percentage with a guy at .372.  A guy that was 5-7 against the Tide for a guy who is 0-4.  No wonder Mike is sick.  

3.  People want our coaches.  McElwain. Smart. Now Tiffin. Best line about that speculation?  "Oregon is the best hope for Kiffin.  He would fit right in with all their swag, flavor of the day unis and the desire to score 40 because their defense gives up 35.  And the best part about Kiffin's chances at Oregon is that he'd never have to face Saban..."

4.   And we keep reloading.... Ever hear of Najee Harris? Dylan Moses?  Alex Leatherwood?  Jerry Jeudy? Markail Benton?  How about Tua Tagovailoa??? Freak plays QB and DE.  
How does this happen every year?  Saban's had 20 minute Sunday night FaceTime chats with Tagovailoa and his parents since 2015.  

So, here's to Clemson, Washington, and Ohio State. Good luck and Roll Tide!

From Father O'Benowitz

Mercy please

I must confess. Me Fighting Irish are so bad this season it gets me hot under me collar. And to think that we have all of this God given talent running around South Bend it makes me want to puke. There. I feel better now. Year after year we bring in all these strapping young lads brimming with spirit and passion and so so handsome. And we are blessed with the best facilities that money can buy. But we always seem to fall short. Thank the Lord we still have that great TV contract with NBC. Whoa. What? Expiring next year? Oh. Hail Mary, full of grace, bless our endowments and team to be.

From Jumping Jacket

We beat uGa

A tale of two seasons – that’s what Tech fans endured through the 2017 season.

After a 3-3 start this fall, including dismal performances to Clemson and Miami, Paul Johnson turned his crew around to finish on a 5-1 stretch. After the lackluster start, it’s still crazy to think that GT went 2-2 against its “Big Four” rivals in the Tigers, Hurricanes, then-ranked #14 Virginia Tech and Georgia. The finale against the Bulldogs, capped with a last-minute touchdown for the win, is sure to give Jacket fans a warm feeling throughout the winter – and giving CPJ some points with his new boss, AD Stansbury.

Overall, after winning only 3 games in 2015, the Ramblin’ Wreck reaching eight wins seems like a mighty feat by this 2016 squad. Still, with an All-ACC QB leading the offense, Tech die-hards will wonder if this is as good as it gets on the Flats in a conference that gets tougher every year. October and November helped CPJ’s cause, but long term success will require more consistency, better play in the trenches and – most recently – keeping star players from transferring. 

From KirbyGirl

Wait till next year

The beginning of an era… 2016 marked the first season with rookie head coach Kirby Smart. As Georgia fans watched the Yellow Jackets leave Sanford Stadium with remains of the famous hedges in their mouths it’s safe to say things didn’t start out well. Georgia ended the regular season with a 7-5 record, including losses to foes GT, Florida and Tennessee.

Quarterback Jacob Eason proved to be a true freshman, with signs of greatness along with inexperience. Eason left Georgia fans wanting more. Time will tell if he will develop into the saving grace the Bulldawgs hope and expect – and with more of Smart’s recruits in place next season, the sky could be the limit.

This 2016 team lacked talent, consistency and a will to win. But with a year under his belt, his system in place and his players “buying in”, Smart could very well be the guy to lead UGA where Mark Richt never could.

From Mister Big Ten

This could be our year

Tis the season to be thankful…Thank You Big 10.

What a season for the Big 10.  4 Teams ranked in the top 10 (THE Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin and Penn State) and 6 amongst the top 25 (welcome Iowa and Nebraska).

This weekend the Badgers head into Indianapolis to battle the Nittany Lions for the Big 10 Championship game. The Badgers now find themselves amidst the contentious arguments for teams deserving a playoff berth.  Nonetheless, current predictions already have Wisconsin overlooked for a spot in the playoffs given their two losses being to Michigan and THE Ohio State.  Let it be noted that the losses were by two touchdowns combined.

A Big Kudos to coach Paul Chryst for being named coach of the year in the big 10. In only his second season at the helm, he has won 20 of 25 games and has quickly turned around a program as their third coach in 5 years. 

If the Badgers defense can help the offense with some points on the board, and running back Cory Clement can find his wheels early in the game, then the Badgers will find themselves sitting pretty with an offer to the Graddaddy of Them All.

From Boomer Sooner

Sooner or later we gonna win

I’m an SEC guy but my heart is in the old Big 8 Conference.  Sooner born and Sooner bred. 

The Oklahoma Sooners football team suffered two humiliating losses in the early part of the season.  The prognosticators’ long-standing tradition of ranking OU higher than they should made those losses look like upsets.  In fact, OU was overrated – it probably wasn’t a very good football team when the season started and it had some major kinks to work out in those first several games.  Like so many teams not called Alabama, OU had offensive line issues and the defense didn’t do a good job of stopping the push at the line, rushing the passer, tackling, or covering.  During the next few games (frankly, I stopped paying attention) the team started to get healthy, get experience, and play “Oklahoma football.”  Because of improved line play, Dede Westbrook took off, Mayfield was able to be a playmaker again, and Mixon and Perine began pounding on the ground.  OU wore out Baylor in Norman on a crisp November Saturday.

The team has the look of a top ten team … no, I don’t think OU has any business in the playoffs.  The defense still is lacking.  Now, it’s time for OU, a team that took its two losses the hard way, to play Oklahoma State, a team that rightfully should have only one loss.  It has the makings of a great game to watch - two good teams who like to score and put eleven players on the field when it’s their turn to play defense.

From Rockin Reb

Pour me another, brother

There are some seasons when your team has talented players but no leadership, chemistry or player cohesiveness. Sadly this was the case for the Ole Miss Rebels in the 2016 season. Chuck Rounsaville, Publisher of the Ole Miss Spirit described a teams personality and focus as the "it" factor and this edition of the Ole Miss Rebels just didn't have that special attitude or enough healthy players needed to Kick Ass in the SEC West division..Hugh Freezes first four teams had that "it" factor as Ole Miss was scratching and clawing their way back to national football relevance. The Rebs defensive linebacker and secondary was depleted by graduation, key injuries, and young players forced to play earlier than expected..oh yeah and I forgot to add, recruiting misses on stud linebackers and defensive ends during the last couple of years showed how important "crootin" the talent level to compete in the toughest division in the toughest conference in college football is to your win/loss column. On the plus side the Rebs young players have had a year of OJT and should grow up for the 2017 season. With QB Chad Kelly's season ending knee injury, Shea Patterson was thrown in the fire and showed us that he has all of the tools needed to become one of the most exciting players in Ole Miss football History. 

I reckon we fire ole Botch

From Rocky Top

There were these two fellars standing on a bridge, a-goin to the bathroom. One fellar said, "The water's cold" and the other fellar said, "The water's deep." I reckon one fella come from Tennessee. Get it?




From Bayou Bengal

No smile for Miles

The appointment of Ed Orgeron (or DACOACHO as I enjoy referring to him) has been, ah, polarizing to say the least. There are at least two different camps the LSU fan may find him or herself in: one, a state of joy and delight in the fighting Tigers locking down a coach who loves his players and staff (and is loved back, most importantly), can recruit circles around most others, and is a DELIGHT to listen to during interviews. I find myself in this camp.

The other camp is, how you say, the opposite of that. The narrative here runs that LSU settled for Orgeron when they didn't get Jimbo or Tom Herman, and instead went for the security blanket who barely won 10 games in 3 years at Ole Miss . Basically, this was not the "sexy" hire many of the LSU loyal had hoped for.

Time will tell how this saga, which has been as close to a Telemundo daytime soap opera as you might dream of, will play out. For right now, we have a bowl game to focus on (potentially with the aforementioned FSU Jimbos...), and the biggest rollercoaster of a season since, well, last season, to recover from. Yet hope springs eternal, and a win in whichever bowl game we get (Citrus, it looks like from here) sure would be a positive place to start. Now if that legendary former Rocky Top head coach, Lane Kiffin, can just bring his spread offense magic to the bayou....

As always, GEAUX TIGERS.

From Mister Touchdown (TD)

The beat goes on, baby

12 Days of wishes for a Merry Michigan State Spartan Christmas 🎄:

1. That somebody will finally beat Alabama and "Roll On The Tide" in the CFP this year because last year's 38 - 0 Bama beat down in the College Football Playoffs Final Four still stings!!!
2. That 'Little Brother' will put a hurt on 'Big Brother' in Ann Arbor next year and improve the SPARTANS record over the Wolverines from 7 out of last 9 to 8 out of 10!
3. Our entire 2017 Spartan Football roster will "Stay Healthy" and be as "Strong & Buff" as our mascot SPARTY!!!💪🏻
4. Both running backs #3 LJ Scott & #24 Gerald Holmes will each rush over 1000 yards!!!🏃
5. A new name for BIG 10 Conference that actually makes sense!😜
6. BEAT NOTRE DAME and prove the IRISH 🍀 are once again overrated in preseason rankings!
7. Green & White handkerchiefs for Jim Harbaugh to use while whining and crying to the media about refs and all the unfairness in this world after all Michigan Football losses!
8. The entire SPARTAN NATION supports Coach Dantonio as he leads Michigan State in beating Norte Dame, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, and the Big10 Championship game to regain last year's title of "BIG 10 CHAMPIONS!"
9. Another NFL caliber kicker like Michael Geiger!
10. Another NFL caliber quarterback like Conner Cook!
11. That Coach Dantonio will lead the Spartans to a perfect season!
12. Stocking Stuffer ticket to next year's Bowl Series Championship game and the SPARTANS WIN!!!🏈

Your GREAT EIGHT™ for Week Fourteen

#1 Alabama vs #15 Florida...by now you know the routine. Until someone knocks off Bama, Bama is our team. But wait, not so fast. The 24 point spread is just too too tasty to ignore. After all, this is the SEC Championship Game where an underdog might have a little something extra left in the tank. So...take Florida and the points in an UPSET SPECIAL.

#7 Oklahoma vs #11 Oklahoma State...okay, so the Big 12 still resides in the backwoods of college football with no conference championship game, forgoing several extra millions of dollars it could surely use. Oh, where was I? Take Stoop's Sooners in this one. And quit yakking about Bob Stoops getting fired, puhlease.

#6 Wisconsin vs #8 Penn State...this is for the Big Ten championship. How many of you gave the Badgers a chance back in August? Be honest now..show of hands. Well, the Badgers are for real and tomorrow night they will kick James Franklin's butt back to the Music City. Badgers beat the Nittany Lions.

#3 Clemson vs #19 Virginia Tech...the ACC championship is on the line. Anything could happen, right? Not tomorrow night. Dabo's Tigers seal the deal and head to the CFP. Take the Tigers over the Hokies.

Baylor vs #14 West Virginia...the 'Neers screwed the pooch in their lost to Oklahoma, but a win tomorrow would give them ten wins for the season, just the ninth time in school history. The Mountaineers are heavy favorites in this one and we agree. West Virginia, mountain momma, wins over the Waco whackos.

Temple vs #20 Navy...you gotta like the US Naval Academy. The middies look so sharp in their crisp uni's. And they run the option like it's nobody's business (sorry Paul Johnson). The Midshipmen will beat the Owls for the American Athletic Conference trophy.

Louisiana Tech vs Western Kentucky...you know we're desperate when we include this match up. But it's the end of the season and we don't want Conference USA peeps to give a bunch of grief. So...take the Hill Toppers in this one. Should be a good one for anyone that really gives a damn.

Kansas State vs Texas Christian...neither team fits the typical Big 12 mold of lots of offense and no defense. These two teams are actually pretty good when it comes to playing tough defense. This game will be tight but we give the nod to Gary Patterson who will coach in his 202nd game, the most in TCU school history. Take the Horned Frogs in this one.

MAKE MO' MONEY with MARK™

RIVALRY WEEK CAN BE SO MUCH FUN

Enjoy your holiday get-together

It's Thanksgiving week and we're headed into a weekend of games that feature bitter rivals. These games always make for delicious Thanksgiving dinner banter especially if different foes are represented at the table.

So tighten your seatbelt because things could get contentious and interesting, especially if ole Uncle Joe has one more vino...

Last Saturday we hit a speed bump, going 4-4 for the day.

Yale jumped up to bite Harvard, ending a 9 year drought. LSU's miserable red-zone performance gave Florida the SEC East. Colorado beat its first ranked opponent in over a decade, and the Golden Gophers tripped up Northwestern.

Mo Wins. Mo Money

But we're sitting at 66% and that means we're MAKING MO' MONEY...with more to come.

FROM THE MAIL BAG....

From Boomer Sooner: With regards to Tennessee, "...respectfully, if praying, hoping, and "if" is involved, it doesn't seem to me like that qualifies as "earning" a trip to the Ga Dome. By the way, congrats on your winning percentage. Impressive." (editor's note: very astute observation. Thanks for sharing)

From Doctor R. Allen in Charleston: "Good grief WWW!!!! Specatular! Incredible! Amazing! Impressive! (editor's note: we do our best. Hope you're making money)

From Buffy in Boston: "You finally feature an Ivy League game. And you get it wrong. Ha ha ha. LMAO." (editor's note: glad we could make you laugh)

WHAT WE LEARNED IN Week Twelve...

...the Coaching Carousel is already spinning...

• With LSU losing to Florida it's a pretty safe bet that Ed Orgeron lost his audition to be the permanent head coach in Baton Rouge. So the LSU booster braintrust is counting its dollars to go after a big name like Jimbo Fisher at FSU. Which will open up the FSU job which will open up another job and so on and so on...

Happy trails to you...

• The days at Texas are drawing to a close for Charlie Strong as his Longhorns were upset by lowly Kansas. That appears to be the final straw for Strong who was never fully embraced in Austin. Look for Tom Herman to be the new man at Texas.

• Notre Dame is suffering through another disappointing season. Brian Kelly will survive this year but not next if his Irish continue to underperform. It's not a question of talent in South Bend; they have no problem in recruiting the best. So it's gotta be about the coaching. And Notre Dame has more disposable cash than any other school to go after big name coaches who can't resist the allure of the Golden Dome. 

Bama's odd couple

• How much longer will Lane Kiffin be content to be Nick Saban's lap dog? He's arguably the best offensive coordinator in the business but that doesn't necessarily translate to being an effective head coach. But somebody, somewhere, some day will give him another shot. And it will happen sooner than later. He's too good of a coach despite his weenie personality.


THE GREAT EIGHT™ for Week Thirteen...

#3 Michigan @ #2 Ohio State...if you know of two teams that hate each other more than these two schools please let me know. The stakes for this game could not be higher as both teams jockey for CFP consideration. The Buckeyes have dominated this series over the last decade, winning 11 of the last 12 meetings and could send a strong message to the committee by beating the Wolverines for the fifth straight time overall. Urban is 18-1 in the month of November.  Make that 19-1. Bet on the Buckeyes to win the 113th edition of this bitter rivalry.

Georgia Tech @ Georgia...Clean Old Fashioned Hate returns for the 109th time but it's not the rousing rivalry it should be given that the Dawgs have dominated in recent years. But every few seasons the Yellow Jackets beat the mutts to make things interesting and this could be one of those years. The Jackets return several players from injury so they should be at full strength. This will be a good one. In an UPSET SPECIAL, the Bees sting the Dawgs in Athens.

#13 Florida @ #15 Florida State...the Seminoles are 8-1 against SEC teams since Jimbo took over, and 5-1 versus the Gators. Despite beating LSU 16-10 with a gutsy goal line stand, Florida is still banged up and missing key players. Meanwhile 'Noles rb Dalvin Cook has rushed for 100+ yards in seven of the last eight games to become FSU's all time leading rusher. Look for another big game Saturday night from Cook as the Seminoles scalp the Gators.

Kentucky @ #11 Louisville...after getting blown out 36-10 last week by Houston, the Cardinals will be anxious to beat someone up this Saturday, and Kentucky is the perfect get-well opponent as they meet for the 29th Governor's Cup. If Stoops is smart (and he is), he's studied Houston's game tape and seen how the Cougars handcuffed Louisville's qb Lamar Jackson. If the Cats can somehow contain Jackson they have a chance of knocking off the heavily favored Cardinals. The spread is just too tasty to ignore (26 points). So take Kentucky and the points in another UPSET SPECIAL.

South Carolina @ #4 Clemson...the Gamecocks have made great strides defensively in Muschamp's first season but they'll have their hands full with Clemson's dangerous Deshaun Watson who only needs two more TDs to join Tajh Boyd as the only players in Tiger history to account for 100 touchdowns - passing, rushing or receiving. If Carolina can slow Watson they have a shot. The spread (24 points) is too tempting to resist. Take the Cocks and points in an UPSET SPECIAL.

#16 Auburn @ #1 Alabama...as we've said before, until someone beats Bama we stick with the Tide. And this game is no different. The Crimson defense has been stellar and ranks second in scoring defense (11.4 points per game). Look for Alabama to make it a perfect undefeated season and move closer to securing the top spot in the CFP. Take the Tide over the tiggers.

#24 Tennessee @ Vanderbilt...can Botch Jones get his crew excited to beat Vandy which will give them the inside track to a Sugar Bowl berth? We're not so sure given his team's failure to beat South Carolina when the SEC East title was at stake...after a bye week. If qb Dobbs rolls like he did last week versus Mizzou, then the Vols win. But we think the Commodores will make this a long long day for the Vols. Take Vandy in this UPSET SPECIAL.

Mississippi State @ Ole Miss...this is the 89th Egg Bowl that features two programs that have returned to mediocrity in the SEC West. Just two years ago both Magnolia State teams were in the Top Ten and playing great football. But alas, they have relapsed to their former selves in a division dominated by Alabama, Auburn, LSU and Texas A&M. Nevertheless, this game will be hard fought and the loser heads to the SEC West basement. Take the Rebels in this one in a close one.

MAKE MO' MONEY with MARK™

MORE PICKS. MORE WINS!

It's already Week Twelve and we're starting the final lap of the 2016 College Football season. Hard to believe.

But one thing to believe is our great success at making winning picks. Like hitting on five of six UPSET SPECIALS last week as we went 7-1 overall.

We're at a season of high of 67% of money making winners and we're not letting up. You can bet on that!

BIG GAME IN THE RED STICK

The Florida Gators and Louisiana State finally make up their hurricane-delayed game from earlier this season. Neither team really wanted to make up the game but the new SEC commish finally grew a pair and forced the game to be played. What makes this game so important is the impact it will have on the SEC East title. If Florida wins, they seal their trip to Atlanta. If they lose, Tennessee makes the trip, assuming Botch Jones can get his team to win out over Mizzou and Vandy, never a sure thing.

Our rookie LSU correspondent, Bayou Bengal, is on the scene in Baton Rouge to witness the game, and party-down like a true Cajun Crazy.

For insight into tomorrow's big show down, here's Bayou Bengal's take (scribed before his fifth Red Stick Rye).

Straight From The Bayou

Jambalaya jammin'

It's a great day to be a Tiger fan! While our championship aspirations are long since out the window, along with our formerly beloved Coach Miles, the new-look Tigers return home with sweet-as-Sugar (bowl) hopes of beating the Gators. 

This game carries extra weight after a season full of bad weather and bad attitudes, culminating with a usually-feisty matchup becoming ever more so. With the LSU backs putting up video game numbers against the Hawgs, and Florida missing 7 starters (including some key ones on defense), look for LSU to make a strong push to cover their -14 line in this one. 

Aside from the obvious delight of pulling a W out of this one, the bout does carry some potential season-shaping implications. A win for either team puts them squarely in view of the Sugar Bowl, which would obviously be a good time for the home-grown heroes on LSU and their fans. 

Gonna party in da Bayou

A win Saturday, as well as shrugging off the tryptophan against Texas A&M, likely not only locks LSU in the Sugar Bowl, but also potentially moves Coach Orgeron (hereafter referred to as DACOACHO) into pole position to lead the Tigers out of the gates in 2017. Seriously, go watch him do a sideline interview. You'll see why (hint: his accent is spectacular). The offense and defense have both surged under DACOACHO, and and if he can keep it up for the final 2 games of the season, and the bowl? My money's on him. 

Prediction: with yours truly in attendance for my first game in far too long, the Fightin' Tigers send the swamp lizards back to Gainesville, 36-13. GEAUX TIGERS. GEAUX AMERICA!

THE GREAT EIGHT™ for Week Twelve

Yale @ Harvard...tomorrow is the playing of the 133rd The Game between the Crimson and the Bulldogs, which started in 1875 with a Harvard 4-0 win. A win by the Cambridge crew will give them their 4th straight Ivy League crown. Harvard Stadium will be full, and so will the pewter flasks. We like Harvard winning big over Yale.

#20 Washington State @ #12 Colorado...the Cougars arrive in Boulder as underdogs but they do lead the Pac-12 in rushing yards with 2299 and 29 rushing/receiving TDs. So look for them to pound the rock as they try to minimize the on-field time of Colorado's qb Lirufau who is coming off an impressive showing against Arizona. This will be a tight one. Take the Cougars in an UPSET SPECIAL.

#21 Florida # #16 LSU...the Gators are going to wish they had played this game back in October because the Tigers have only gotten better since. Their ground game is stronger led by Leonard Fournette and Derrius Guice. Meanwhile Florida will be without three of their leading tacklers and are playing with back up qb Austin Appleby. Interesting side note: both Appleby and LSU qb Danny Etling were teammates at Purdue before both transferred. Look for LSU to throw Tennessee a lifeline tomorrow with a win over the Gators.

#8 Oklahoma @ #10 West Virginia...the Big 12 is anxious to regain some respect and a win by one of these teams may put them in the CFP conversation. The Sooners are red hot, winning 8 straight after losing two of their first three games. The Mountaineers put their 8 game home winning streak on the line so they're ready to make a move as well. This one is going to be super tight. Take the Sooners.

Northwestern @ Minnesota...the Golden Gophers are looking to have their best season since 2003 but they'll have to get through visiting Northwestern that have won three of the last four meetings in Minneapolis. The Wildcats racked up over 600 yards of offense last week in beating the Boilermakers, so they're primed for action. Look for the Wildcats to win a close one.

Notre Dame @ Virginia Tech...to say this season has been a bust for the Irish is an understatement. They need to win two more games to become bowl eligible. Bad times for the Golden Domers. The Hokies are in the hunt for the ACC Coastal title but are still reeling from their loss to Georgia Tech. If qb Jerod Evans can have a steady game (no INTs) then the Hokies win. Take the Hokies in Blacksburg.

Virginia @ Georgia Tech...despite their upset win over Virginia Tech, Paul Johnson is still feeling the heat on the Flats. His Jackets need to win big over the Wahoos tomorrow who have lost five straight. QB Justin Thomas is slated to return and we think he will have a big day over 2-8 UVa. Bet on the Bees to win.

Missouri @ #19 Tennessee...the Vols need to win out their SEC schedule (Mizzou and Vandy) and pray that LSU can knock off the Gators tomorrow. If that happens, the Vols will earn a trip to the Georgia Dome and have another shot at bringing down Goliath. But first, Tennessee has to have consistent performances from qb Dobbs and a much improved defense. Look for Vols DE Derek Barnett to tee off on the Tigers. He has 10 sacks this season and 30 in his career, just two shy of the great Reggie White's school record. The Vols are favored. And they should be. Take Tennessee to bite the Tigers.

MAKE MO' MONEY with MARK™

UPSETS GALORE. AND MORE.

In last week's GREAT EIGHT™we swung for the fences by picking six UPSETS, hitting on five.

Our upset strategy was in keeping with the big upset recorded earlier in the week.

So how'd we do overall??

We went 7-1. Cha Ching, Baby.

Sweet Sixty Seven

With last Saturday's winning picks, we're now sitting at a season high of 67%. Which means - - if you've been putting down some cash - - you've made a very very nice return on your investment.

You can thank us now. Or, since the holidays are fast approaching, just remember that my favorite scotch is Macallan Single Malt and I enjoy Cohiba smokes. Perfect stocking stuffers? Yes, yes they are.

So let's savor the  moment with a quick victory lap in Woolard's Weekend Rewind.

Woolard's Weekend Rewind™

• We took Georgia and the points over #8 Auburn. The Dawgs didn't need the points in their 13-7 upset win in Athens.

• We took Kentucky plus the points (14). Tennessee won by only 13, 49-36. Vols could end the season strong, but remember: they rarely cover the spread.

• We took Wake Forest and the points (34.5). Louisville only won by 32. We squeezed this one out!

• Florida won by 13 points. We took South Carolina and the points (17). Cha ching, although Vol fans would have preferred a Gamecock win as well.

• We took the Pitt Panthers plus points (21). They upset Clemson 43-42, one of several Top Ten upsets on Saturday.

• Ohio State pummeled the Terps, 62-3. No points involved here as the Buckeyes rolled, again.

• We took Oklahoma over Baylor. We knew the Sooners would cover the 21.

• Our only loss for the day was Alabama beating Mississippi State by 48 points. The line was 30 and too tempting not to take. Shame on us....never go against the Tide!

We'll be back later this week with our Great Eight for Week Twelve.

Keep Winning.

WEEK ELEVEN COULD BE HEAVEN.

Week Ten was not too bad as we went 5-3 in our picks.

Making mo' moulah

We just missed one of our UPSET SPECIALS when Georgia hit a field goal to beat Kentucky at the buzzer.

A quick glance at the Mo' Money Tracker™shows we're still making some moulah as we start to make the final turn of the season. Hopefully you're making some moulah, too.

Upsets in the Air

Whether you voted Red or Blue, the final tally late Tuesday night can be regarded as an UPSET. So, in keeping with the Upset theme, we've loaded up this week's GREAT EIGHT™ with several UPSET SPECIALS that could lift your spirits while lifting your bank account. $$$$.

SIDELINES...What We Learned in Week Ten

• Wisconsin finally wins in Evanston. After 17 straight losses in Evanston, the Badgers finally got one at Northwestern. Something must happen at the state line. Maybe it's the long drive from Madison that wipes the boys out. Or, maybe they fill up on Chicago deep dish before the game. Dunno. In any event, the drought is over.

• Missing Persons Alert issued for the Husker defense. The Bug Eaters lost last week 62-3 to Ohio State. Zero defense. The week before they lost to Wisconsin in a tighter game, 23-17. So, two weeks in a row we've gotten a Nebraska game correct. Finally. Can Nebraska's defense be found in time for tomorrow's match with 7-2 Minnesota??

• Tennessee had a feel good game with Tennessee Tech last Saturday, or as we called them back in the day, Tennis Shoe Tech (yes, we were a clever bunch). They smacked the boys from Cookeville, 55-0. Which leads me to tomorrow's game with a surging Kentucky. Botch Jones is back on the old hot seat after under delivering with a team that Orange Necks felt was primed for glory this season. A loss tomorrow to the Wildcats ain't gonna go down well with the Big Orange faithful that are growing weary of Botch's promo lines and rah rah. It wasn't that long ago that Derek Doolittle lost 10-7 to a Kentucky team led by a wide receiver turned qb, Matt Roark from North Cobb High School here in metro Atlanta. That was Roark's very first and only college game at quarterback and he did enough to beat a Tennessee team that mailed it in. Fortunately, Doolittle was canned the next season. Let's hope Botch fares better and his Vols kill the Cats. Otherwise look for the moving vans real soon.

• Who's more annoying? Brent Musberger or Verne Lundquist? Since Verne is retiring I won't pick on him...too much. But listening to both last Saturday brings to mind that there is a real art to announcing games on television. Sometimes saying little is better. Fans are not stupid (well, some are) and are not dying to be entertained all the time by bad jokes and tired cliches. Sometimes it's best to let the visuals of a game tell the story. Fortunately, there's still some great announcers that know when to speak and when to shut up. Our favorites are Brad Nessler, Kirk Herbstreit, Chris Fowler, and Ron Franklin (before he was silenced by ESPN for saying some un-PC stuff...boo hoo).

THE GREAT EIGHT™ for WEEK ELEVEN....

Pitt @ #3 Clemson...the Tigers look to clinch the ACC Atlantic title and move closer to securing a return trip to the College Football Playoff. Clemson has won 21 straight home games - the longest streak in the nation. Take the Panthers and the points in our first UPSET SPECIAL.

Mississippi State @ #1 Alabama...the 4-5 Bulldogs looked like world beaters last Saturday as they gutted the Texas A&M Aggies. But Bama is an elephant of a different color...Crimson to be exact. Plus the game is in Tuscaloosa at high noon; just enough time for the bama frat rats to get liquored up and primed for kickoff. Alabama is favored by 30 points. Bama wins but fails to cover. Take the Cowbells and the points in an UPSET SPECIAL.

Kentucky @ Tennessee...the Vols are a 14 point favorite. But this team starts incredibly slow and are missing some key players like rb Jaden Hurd (quit the team), safety/returner Evan Berry plus the on again/off again play of qb Joshua Hobbs.  The good news for Vol fans, rb John Kelly is lightning in a jar quick, which bodes well for the final stretch. Vols win but fail to cover. Take Kentucky and the points in this UPSET SPECIAL.

South Carolina @ #22 Florida...Vol fans will be watching this one hoping to see the Gamecocks upset the Gators, and reopen the SEC East for Tennessee. Florida will be without injured qb Luke Del Rio which gives Cock faithful some hope. The Gators are favored by 17 points. Take South Carolina and the points in another UPSET SPECIAL.

#25 Baylor @ #9 Oklahoma...the Sooners are on a roll after losing two of their first three games to Houston and Ohio State. A win tomorrow moves them closer to another Big 12 championship. The Bears are teetering from back to back losses to Texas and TCU. The Sooners are favored by 16 and they will cover. Take Stoops' Sooners in this one.

#8 Auburn @ Georgia...the Tigers are surging and headed to a SEC West showdown with Alabama. But this game with Georgia is the "Deep South's Oldest Rivalry" with the Bulldogs winning 10 of the last 14 meetings. Take UGA and the points in an UPSET SPECIAL in Athens. 

Wake Forest @ #5 Louisville...the Cardinals have beaten only one team with a winning record this season and are under pressure to blow out teams if they want to score points with the playoff committee. Along comes the scrappy 6-3 Deacons, who are very successful at forcing turnovers (they lead the ACC). The Cardinals win but don't cover the 34.5 points. Mighty mighty tasty. Take the Deacs and the points in yet another UPSET SPECIAL.

#6 Ohio State @ Maryland...the Buckeyes shucked the Huskers last Saturday 62-3 and the Terps are lined up to be their next victim. Maryland has been sliding down hill since its 4-0 start. While the 29.5 spread looks so delicious, we think Meyer's Buckeyes will cover in College Park. Take Ohio State over the Turtles.

Good Luck This Weekend. 

Make Mo' Money with Mark™

DO IT AGAIN IN WEEK TEN

Week Nine Mighty Fine

We had another solid showing last Saturday as we went 6-2 on our picks.

That pushes our numbers to 47-25 for the season.

So, we're hoping to have another strong day and add to our growing pile of cash.

SIDELINES...What we learned in Week Nine

• What's happened at Georgia?? A team that was included in everyone's pre-season Top Twenty has completely dropped off of the radar. We understand that the Dawg offensive line is rebuilding but the much ballyhooed tandem of Chubbs and Michel has become a non-factor. Georgia's game in Kentucky is not a sure thing which will make an ugly season uglier and send doggie fans howling.

• Inexcusable! After an off week, Tennessee came out and laid an egg in Columbia, losing 24-21. No excuses for Botch Jones not having his team ready to play, especially with an SEC East title hanging in the balance. The name Rocky Flop is well deserved.

• We finally got a Nebraska game right as the Huskers fell to Wisconsin in Madison. Can we do it a second week in a row?

• Mark Stoops at Kentucky has doused the flames of doubt that were heating up his chair as the 5-3 Wildcats have an outside chance of getting to the Dome in December should they win out and the Gators drop two. It's unlikely to happen but the Cats are playing much better this season and Stoops can breathe a little easier.

THE GREAT EIGHT for WEEK TEN...

#8 Wisconsin @ Northwestern...the Badgers have survived their school record of playing five top-10 opponents and are looking to snap a 17 year drought in Evanston. Wildcat qb Clayton Thorson ranks 3rd in the Big Ten in passing yards and has thrown for 15 touchdowns, the most ever by a sophomore in school history. In a tight one, the Badgers survive. Take Wisconsin over the Cats.

Georgia Tech @ #18 North Carolina...just when you're about to write off GT qb Justin Thomas he has a career day and wins national player of the week after passing for 264 yards and rushing for another 195 in a big Jacket 38-35 win over Duke. The question is: can he do it again as the Bees travel to Chapel Hill? The Tar Heels have their own weapon, qb Mitch Trubisky who is rewriting the passing records at UNC. He'll go after the Jackets secondary and a GT defense that has given up 35 points in 3 of their last 4 games. Take the Heels in this one.

#10 Florida @ Arkansas...the Gators are taking advantage of Rocky Flop and are looking to return to ATL for another shot at the SEC Championship. Their trip to Fayetteville won't be an easy one as the Hogs look for redemption after their embarrassing 56-3 loss to Auburn. But since giving up 38 points to Tennessee, the Gator defense has settled down and allowed only 44 combined points in six victories. QB Del Rio played good enough to defeat Georgia last Saturday and he is taking advantage of a much improved receiving corps. We're taking the Gators over the Razorbacks.

#1 Alabama @ #15 LSU...yes, the Tigers have found new life under interim head coach Ed Orgeron. And, yes, it will be a night game in Baton Rouge. But the Crimson Tide is undefeated for a reason: they're damn good plus the fact their defense finds ways to score. This should be a great game and the 8.5 spread is tempting especially with Leonard Fournette returning to old form. But we ain't buying. Take the Tide in the red stick.

#9 Nebraska @ #6 Ohio State...the Buckeyes need to win this game to keep pace with Michigan who leads the Big Ten East. Meanwhile, the Huskers are in the driver's seat in the West. Both are 7-1. Ohio State has had a rough three game stretch and are hoping to jump out early over Nebraska. If Tommy Armstrong takes care of the ball, this could be a tight game tomorrow night. In a close one, Buckeyes shuck the Huskers.

#4 Washington @ Cal...the undefeated Huskies are 5 in the initial CFP rankings and cannot afford a slip up since their non-conference slate is fairly weak. They'll be looking for their 13th consecutive win as they travel to Berkeley. We think they'll get that. Put your money on the Huskies.

Georgia @ Kentucky...we normally wouldn't feature a matchup like this but the Wildcats are surprisingly in the hunt for the SEC East crown after Tennessee tanked and left the door open. A win also makes the Wildcats bowl-eligible for the first time since 2010. So a lot is riding on this game as Kentucky hopes to make November a memorable one. Georgia ranks last in the SEC in red zone defense, allowing 19 TDs and 5 field goals. Meanwhile the Wildcats feature a three headed running attack with Kemp, Williams, and Snell, averaging 219 yards per game. That could be the difference as the Cats look to snap a six game losing streak to the Dawgs. That happens tomorrow. In an UPSET SPECIAL, take Kentucky over Georgia.

Vanderbilt @ #11 Auburn...there is absolutely no reason to think that Auburn will lose to Vandy. And they won't. But a line of 25.5 points is just too tasty to ignore. So, despite averaging 300 rushing yards and 200 passing, we think the 'Dores can keep it close. War Eagles win but don't cover the spread. Take Vandy and the points in an UPSET SPECIAL.

MAKE MO' MONEY with MARK™