READY TO THRIVE IN WEEK FIVE

Our winning ways continued in Week Four, posting a 5-3 hit rate.

The Mississippi State team missed the team bus to Athens and failed to show up in 31-3 beat down. And Mizzou could only muster 14 points in their loss to Auburn, and fell out of the point spread.

But we're sitting at 69% overall which means we have plenty of green to put on this week's games. So we're ready to thrive in Week Five.

INSIDE INSIGHT with K-PATCH KARL
This week we've asked K-Patch Karl for his perspective on the Georgia-Tennessee game. He's seen the highs and lows of the Tennessee football program and is truly representative of the football knowledge possessed by most Volunteer fans. Here's K-Patch Karl.

Chilling' with K-Patch Karl

WWW:  What's in the bag?
KARL:  This'n that. Tooth paste and whatnot.
WWW:  What's all them books?
KARL:  Different ones. One of 'em is the Tennessee playbook.

WWW:  You're a seasoned tailgater. What's your favorite tailgate food at Tennessee games?
KARL:  I like them french fried potaters. And I like them biscuits, too. I like potted meat if ya got any extree. Coffee makes me nervous when I drink it. Mhm-mmm.

WWW: Georgia is a seven point favorite. Do you think Tennessee has a chance to win?
KARL: Are you funny ha ha or funny strange? Mhm-mmm.

WWW: It's no secret that Butch Jones has been under the gun this past week. In the event that Tennessee loses, what advice do you give the new athletic director?
KARL: You might wanna send an ambulance or a hearst. Mhm-mmm.

WWW:  You always seem to be in deep thought. Tell me, what are you thinking right now?
KARL:  I was thinkin' I'm gonna take me some of these taters home with me.

WWW:  There are always very pretty people at the Tennessee games, having a good time.
KARL:  Reckon I'm gonna have to get used to looking at pretty people. Reckon I'm gonna have to get use to them looking at me.

WWW:  Any final thoughts on the game?
KARL:  There were these two fellas standin' on a bridge, a-goin to the bathroom. One fella said, "The water's cold" and the other fellar said, "The water's deep." I believe one fella come from Tennessee. Get it?

Our GREAT EIGHT™ for Week Five

#7 Georgia @ Tennessee...these are two teams headed in different directions. Tennessee's offense is consistently inept while Georgia is finally finding its footing. For Tennessee to be competitive, the defense must harass Georgia's QB, and the offense must get John Kelly and Marquez Callaway into the game. Oh, and keep Botch Jones in the locker room. Take the Dawgs in Rocky Top.

#5 Southern Cal @ #16 Washington State...this is a rare Friday night college game and it should be a good one featuring two of the top quarterbacks in America, Sam Darnold and Luke Falk. The Cougars are 4-0 for the first time since 2001 while USC has the country's longest win streak of 13 games. Look for Mike Leach's Air Raid Attack to take down the Trojans. Cougars win in Pullman.

Northwestern @ #10 Wisconsin...Northwestern has bounced back quite nicely since being demolished by Duke. But the Badgers have one of the top running backs in the country, Jonathon Taylor, who averages 146 yards per game. And Northwestern has its own weapon, rb Justin Jackson. This game will come down to which defense contains the run game. We like the Badgers at Camp Randall.

#24 Mississippi State @ #13 Auburn...Auburn is a potential top ten team wit a nasty defense and an offense that is finally coming around. Meanwhile Mullen's Mutts got the alpo beat out of them in Athens. Fly high with the War Eagles over Missy State.

#2 Clemson @ #12 Virginia Tech...the Tigers get a huge test in Blacksburg at they put their school record 11-road game win streak on the line. But Clemson is playing hot as they have dispatched Auburn, Louisville and Boston College. This battle-tested group will keep their road streak going. Tigers claw the Hokies.

#15 Oklahoma State @ Texas Tech...the Cowboys were flying high until being derailed by TCU last Saturday. But it's fitting that the mascots for both teams are six-shooter type of guys because this could be another typical Big 12 shootout in Lubbock. Ride with the Cowboys as they get back on the trail.

Colorado @ UCLA...the Bruin's rushing defense is averaging 308 yards allowed per game. The Buffs don't throw the ball well but it might not have to. Take Colorado over the Pasadena pals.

#14 Miami @ Duke...this is another rare Friday night game, something the ACC has started doing much to the dislike of Coach Cutcliffe who believes Friday nights should be all about high school football (and he's right). Duke features a big qb, Daniel Jones, 6'5 215 with a power arm. He reminds some of Peyton Manning, but Jones can run well. And that could be the big difference as Duke beats the 'Canes in Durham. Take the Dookies.

Good luck this weekend.

MAKE MO' MONEY with MARK™

MAKING GREEN YOUR FAVORITE COLOR
As most schools begin their run through conference play, we're feeling pretty pretty pretty good.

Why? Because we're off to one of our best starts in our six years of picking winners and making lots of green!!

Sweet 71. Cha Ching!

Last week we went 6-2, including our UPSET SPECIAL in the Air Force-Michigan game and our on-target pick of Florida finding yet another way to beat Tennessee in The Swamp. This pushes our overall winning record to 71%, which outstrips what you might find in Vegas or Atlantic City. Very sweet.

Extra Points
• The honeymoon in Baton Rouge with Coach "O" is over. Either Missy State is a really good team that no one noticed before the start of the season, or LSU is failing once again to capitalize on a team loaded with talent. In any event, all eyes will be on "O" to see if he can right the Bengal ship. If not, this crazy cajun could be out.

It's tough to be a Vol fan

• Botch Jones has once again shown the college football world how bad a game manager and strategist he is. While he is one of the better recruiters of high school talent, the series of bad decisions in the Florida loss speaks volumes. The list of screw ups is too long to list but suffice to say that the bunsen burner on Botch's bottom has been cranked up a few more notches. And the new AD at Tennessee is watching and listening. The Georgia game is now a MUST win if the Vols want to have a sniff at the SEC East crown.

Land sharks? Really?

• Misery continues in Oxford as the Black Rebel Bears got spanked by a fairly weak Cal team, losing 27-16. The Ole Miss braintrust is probably content to ride out this bowl-less season with interim head coach Matt Luke, but we're willing to bet they're having conversations about leadership in 2018. As a side note, Ole Miss is once again revisiting their mascot issue, and may drop the current Black Rebel Bear moniker for Land Sharks. Okay.

• Dan Mullen is sitting pretty after his Mississippi State Dawgs bit the Bengal Tigers. Missy State is now 3-0, and could be a serious threat to unseat Alabama as the best in the West.  We'll know more after their matchup with Georgia this Saturday in Athens.

• Wisconsin fans invaded Provo last Saturday to watch their Badgers pummel BYU 40-6. In the process they helped local bars set all time financial records in a town dominated by dry Mormons. Drink up and jump around.

Bug Eaters getting restless

• Who says life as a Nebraska Cornhusker fan is boring? While we questioned the dismissal of Bo Pelini, we were suspect about the hiring of super nice guy Mike Riley who had an okay record at Oregon State. As the wheels continue to fall off the Husker wagon, just yesterday NU canned their athletic director, Shawn Eichorst who was the trigger man on the Bo Out/Mike In transaction. Memo to Coach Riley: prep thy resume pronto. Look for favorite son, Scott Frost, to return to Lincoln to head up the Bug Eaters.

Preview of the Southern Cal Trojans vs Cal Golden Bears Game...from the LAIR OF THE BEAR
There's a huge game brewing on the West Coat that has PAC 12 ramifications. Our first year Pac 12 correspondent, Lair of the Bear, shares his thoughts about the big game in Berkeley.

"Ahead of the 2017 season, usc vs. Cal was pegged as an easy Trojan victory, but after undefeated starts for both sides, it now looms as a trap game for the Trojans!

usc takes an overall 12-game winning streak into Strawberry Canyon - the program’s longest such streak since Pete Carroll’s final season in 2009.  This usc team last lost September 23, 2016 at Utah, which opens a string of bad omens for usc, as Saturday’s game will also be played September 23.

Lair of the Bear with Joe Roth throwback hat

In addition, the quickest way to an upset is via turnovers and Cal has worked that to their advantage in 2017.  The Bears have forced three turnovers in each of their three games so far.  They have generated 14 points off of turnovers in two games versus North Carolina and Ole Miss. Their nine turnovers on the season, including four fumbles and five interceptions, ranks third nationally.

In addition, there will be a lot of emotion inside California Memorial Stadium.  Saturday's contest is the Joe Roth Game, named after the former Cal quarterback (1975-76) who led the Bears to a co-Pac-8 Championship in 1975, including, in the presence of yours truly, "Lair of the Bear", a victory over No. 4 usc. Shortly after graduating from Cal, Roth passed away from cancer in February of 1977.  Cal will wear throwback uniforms from the Roth era on Saturday.  

And…. the Pac-12 road opener has been a tricky fixture for USC in the past, and it doesn’t look to get any easier on Saturday.  Since 2009, USC is 3-5 in Pac-12 road openers, beginning with a notable loss to former Trojan assistant Steve Sarkisian at Washington and last year with a loss to Stanford.

Cal has gotten off to a 3-0 start with a balanced and effective offensive attack and a defense which looks completely transformed under Wilcox

After allowing 42.6 points last season, Cal's defense has allowed an average of only 22.0 points per game in the first three games of the 2017 campaign.

Freshman linebacker Devante Downs (6’3”, 235 pounds from Mountlake Terrace, Washington) was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week on Monday for the second time in the first three games for his performance Saturday in unbeaten Cal's 27-16 home win over Ole Miss at California Memorial Stadium.

On offense Cal plays an up-tempo game, and wears opponents down late in the second half.  There were a lot of hands-on-hips on the Ole Miss defensive side of the ball last week.

All this being said… usc has found a way to win in close contests this season. They have a “pretty good” quarterback in Sam Darnold and a pair of good running backs in Ronald Jones II and Stephen Carr.

However, if Cal can keep it close at the half, I like my Bears in an upset over Timmy Trojan and his insensitive and politically incorrect horse, Traveler - almost the same name as Robert E Lee’s horse!"

GO BEARS!

This week's GREAT EIGHT™ sponsored by Castle Benefits Group.
Wondering what to do with that stack of cash that's accumulating under your mattress? Consider plowing those greenbacks into some serious investment products that can make your future a wee bit brighter. And for those running your own gigs, Jumping' Jeff can set you up with some sweet employee benefit programs that will have your peeps loving you even more than they already do. Click on the link to learn more about the number one benefits group in Atlanta. Jumpin' Jeff's a winner and you can be too.  http://www.castlebenefitsgroup.com

The GREAT EIGHT™ for WEEK FOUR

#5 Southern Cal @ Cal...this will be a good test for both teams. Is Cal a real team to be taken seriously and can they hang tough with USC? And can the Trojans bounce back from a sloppy game and play well on the road? The 16 point spread is mighty tempting but we think the Men of Troy will cover. Take Southern Cal in a big road win.

#15 Auburn @ Missouri...the Tigers/Plainsmen/War Eagles have a lot of issues to deal with especially their offense which has sputtered all season, scoring just 6 points against Clemson and 24 against FCS Mercer.  We think Auburn's offensive woes will continue and fail to cover the 20 point spread. Take Mizzou and the points.

Clang that thang

#17 Mississippi State @ #11 Georgia...both teams need a W to stay in the hunt for their respective division crowns. Missy State dominated LSU because it controlled the line of scrimmage both ways. Will Georgia finally unleash the Dawg's Chubb and Michel? This will be the game of the day in a tight one. Will it be the Chapel Bell clanging? Or the Cow Bells?  Take the Cow Bell clangers in an UPSET SPECIAL in Athens.

#4 Penn State @ Iowa...James Franklin has jumped to the top in our Top Weeners list after the stunt he pulled last Saturday. Leading Georgia State 56-0 with just 11 seconds left in the game he calls a time out as the Panthers attempt a field goal. Whatta a weener. In any event, Penn State takes on an undefeated Hawkeye team that appears hungry for more. Not so fast, Iowa fans. The Nittany Lions have perhaps the best running back in America, Saquon Barkley. At 5'11, 223 lbs, he's a one man wrecking crew. If the Hawkeyes can't stop Barkley then their winning streak comes to an end. Take Penn State over Iowa.

#7 Washington @ Colorado...the Buffs haven't beaten a Top Ten team in ten years and they have their work cut out for them on Saturday. The Huskies have a real opportunity to flex some muscle with an offense led by Jake Browning who ranks seventh nationally in passing efficiency after finishing sixth in last season's Heisman Trophy voting. And watch out for Washington's Dante Pettis who has returned a punt for a touchdown in all three games this season and has tied the NCAA record with 8 in his career. Huskies howl in Boulder.

UCLA @ Stanford...since blowing out Rice 62-7, things have been going down hill quickly for Stanford. Beaten by USC 42-24 and 20-17 by underdog San Diego State, the Cardinal face a red hot Josh Rosen. He's been nothing short of sensational through the first three games, passing of over 1200 yards and 13 touchdowns. Unfortunately the Bruin defense leaves a lot to be desired having given up a staggering average of 515 yards and 38 points per game. And Stanford will take advantage of that. The Cardinal clip the Bruins.

Pitt @ Georgia Tech...this game could make life worse for the Panthers after getting the tar beat out of them by Penn State (33-14) and Oklahoma State (59-21). The Jackets are looking to open ACC play with a win. And with 52 freshmen (and only 15 seniors), this makes for a pretty bumpy ride for Pitt at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Bees sting the Panthers.

#16 TCU @ #6 Oklahoma State...if you like offenses that march up and down the field then you're going to love this marquee matchup. The two teams are averaging a combined 103 points per game through the first three weeks of the season. A victory puts the winner in contention with the Sooners for being the best in the Big 12. The outcome is going to come down to which teams defense steps up. Saddle up with the Cowboys and ride a big W.

Good luck this weekend.

MAKE MO' MONEY WITH MARK™

FEELING LIKE A WINNER? YOU BET!

If you followed our picks last weekend then you made a nice chunk of change as we went 6-2, bumping our season average of on-target picks to 69%. Cha ching, baby.

So, you can buy momma some bling...or, better yet, re-invest your winnings into this week's picks. I know what I'm doing!

We have to admit Oklahoma surprised us with their upset of the Buckeyes in Columbus, leaving some Sooner fans to ask, "Stoops Who?" And Southern Cal looked a lot better than expected with their 42-24 beat down of Stanford. They could be the team to beat in the Pac-12.

Cha Ching

We hit double pay dirt in our UPSET SPECIAL pick of Georgia over the Irish. The Dawg's defense came to play and little Rodrigo Blankenship (Sprayberry High School) paid it off with a game winning field goal. I guess he's finally earned that scholly that Kirby "Not So" Smart begrudgingly gave the kid just last week. What took you so long? And kudos to the Georgia faithful that made the long trek to South Bend. A ton of red and black amongst the Irish green.

Nebraska came up short again as predicted and Royce Freeman showed he was back full strength for the Ducks. Our Jumping Jeff made the trip west to see his Huskers in action. The only thing bigger than the score was his bar tab.

On The Road to South Bend
It's not too often that you get to visit two iconic sports venues in the same weekend. But that's exactly what Gary Winthrope did this past weekend when he attended the Georgia-Notre Dame game in South Bend, followed on Sunday with a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. When we got wind that Winthrope was headed north we asked him to share his thoughts on this really cool experience. So please welcome our newest junior correspondent, Gary Winthrope.

First, Some Q&A Banter with Mister Winthrope
WWW:  So it appears that the Georgia Bulldogs are your favorite college team. What's up with that?
GW:  Yeah, the Dawgs are my team. My dad went to UGA and I've grown up supporting them. So I'm red and black!

WWW:  So do you do that barking thing that Dawg fans always do?
GW:  Only when there's a full moon.

WWW: Georgia ended up beating Notre Dame. Did you have any doubts?
GW: I actually had no doubts because Georgia's defense was too good and the offense outworked the Irish defense. So no doubts, here.
WWW: For real?
GW:  Absolutely. For real.

WWW:  Any advice to folks when their favorite team tanks?
GW:  Try to forget about it because there's always next week and a chance for redemption. Easier said than done, however.

WWW:  So you followed your visit to Notre Dame with a visit to Wrigley Field. How was it? Score any swag or autographs?
GW:  Wrigley was absolutely breathtaking. I ended up getting a good deal from a dude who caught a home run ball so now I have a game-used ball from Wrigley. Nice!

WWW: Did you run into Rudy while you were in South Bend?
GW: I wish. I think, however, i saw the Falcon Desmond Trufant at a restaurant in Chicago.

WWW:  Besides college football what else are you up to?
GW:  I enjoy golf and rooting for the Falcons and Braves. I'm also a huge Disney fan so if anyone ever wants to take me to Disney World, I'm all in.

In His Own Words....Gary Winthrope

Winthrope. Is that you?

The drive was absolutely absurd because of the traffic from people desperately trying to escape the wrath of Irma. Fifteen hours later, we finally pulled into South Bend. I was underwhelmed, wondering, is this really what Notre Dame looks like? We drove farther and farther back and saw the College of the Holy Cross and saw a few tailgaters. I learned later that Notre Dame is actually not in South Bend.

We met up with some of my dad’s friends and watched North Carolina score a touchdown on Louisville. We later headed out to explore the campus so we hopped on the bus to take us to see the man himself, Touchdown Jesus. I didn't really know what he looked like until I saw his 62 foot self towering over the campus. That was only one of the many sights to see on the seemingly small, yet beautiful campus. We saw the Golden Dome, we wandered around the bookstore, buying the usual fan items, and eventually it was time to enter the stadium.

My dad and I knew we had pretty decent seats going in, but little did we know the usher was going to guide us into the very front row! I had never in my life sat in the front row for a game (except maybe if I snuck in at the Braves game), and it was incredible! The Georgia Bulldogs warmed up about 20 feet in front of me and I could finally see how big the guys were. The kickers were making field goals and the balls would fly into the stands, I even got to pick one up and throw it back! The game was still 45 minutes from starting and I was already having the time of my life. About 30 minutes passed and I saw the Notre Dame band high knee out on the field playing their famous fight song, Victory March. They lined up and the commentator announced the iconic line, “And Here Come the Irish!”  They stormed out of the tunnel to the other end zone for a quick prayer before the big game.

On top of the action

Hairy Dawg and the rest of the Bulldogs were greeted with a bunch of woofs that ended up sounding like a bunch of boos. The opening kickoff was caught right in front of us, only being returned a few yards. The game started to drag on, field goal after field goal and then a touchdown here and there, even a one handed grab in the end zone by Terry Godwin for the Bulldogs. 

The place really started to come alive at the start of the 4th quarter. The score was 17-16 Bulldogs and I was super nervous about the fate of the game. The Irish kicked a field goal with about 8:00 left on the clock to take the lead 19-17. The Dawgs drove down the field on their next possession and kicked one through the uprights to reclaim the lead. A few quick drives occurred shortly after, only eating one or two minutes off the clock. The score was 20-19 going into what was presumed to be the last drive of the game. Notre Dame had the ball with 3 minutes left and it looked like the typical Georgia game where the other team drives down the field and wins it with little to no time left. It was 3rd down for the Irish and it was an obvious passing situation. The two outside linebackers for Georgia, Davin Bellamy and Lorenzo Carter, were already working on big games, and to top it all off, Bellamy comes around the edge and pokes the ball loose and Carter falls on it to seal the deal for the Dawgs. Final Score: 20-19.  

The experience is going to be something that I will never forget as long as I live and it will be a story to share forever. Oh, and remember, Go Dawgs!

This week's GREAT EIGHT sponsored by Gene Chapman Law.
Hey guys. Tired of your ex taking you to the cleaners? Getting harassed in the office? Dispute with your HOA? Lost your professional certification? Well quit worrying and dial up Gene Chapman Law, the official law firm of Woolard's Weekend Winners. Click on this nifty link to learn more about the number one legal beagle in Atlanta. He's a winner and you can be too.  http://www.genechapmanlaw.com

The GREAT EIGHT™ for WEEK THREE

Ready to go ape with Vol win

#23 Tennessee @ #21 Florida...the Vols might have broken the Gators 11 game win streak last season but there's still one more monkey to get off their backs: winning at The Swamp. It hasn't happened since 2003 when a Fulmer-led team beat the Gators 24-10 (thank you, Ron Zook). Florida will still be without 9 suspended players including their #1 receiver Antonio Callaway and #1 tailback Jordan Scarlett. That should favor the Vols since the defense is still suspect after getting gashed for 655 offensive yards by Georgia Tech. If Butch Jones wants to win over Vol fans then he needs to win this game badly; something we seem to be saying every Saturday. It will be another long ride home for the Vols because the lizards always find a way to win, especially at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Take the Gators in The Swamp.

#3 Clemson @ #12 Louisville...if there's one bit of advise we'd give Cardinal qb Lamar Jackson, it would be to wear extra padding on his rear end. Because last Saturday Clemson's defense sacked the Auburn qb 11 times! Ouch. These two teams have faced off with each other three times since Louisville joined the ACC and all three games came down to the Cardinal's final possession, with all three resulting in Clemson wins. For certain, Lamar Jackson will be productive but in the end we think Clemson's d-line will make the difference. Tigers claw the Red Birds and stake their claim as the best in the ACC.

Kentucky @ South Carolina...so what am i missing here? Both teams are sporting 2-0 records and the winner of this game will feel justified in grabbing the bragging rights as the early SEC East leader. For sure the Gamecocks are feeling pretty cocky after their win over Mizzou, and Deebo Samuels has emerged as an outstanding running back. Throw in dual threat qb Jake Bentley and the Cocks are going to be way too much the Wildcats. Cocks spur the Cats.

Notre Dame @ Boston College...the Irish are still smarting after getting nipped 20-19 by Georgia. So they'll be plenty hungry when they arrive in Chestnut Hills to take on the Eagles. The BC defense is looking good but their offense not so much, especially with a freshman quarterback. BC hasn't knocked off Notre Dame since 2008, and they won't this Saturday. Irish down the Eagles.

Men of Troy are back?

Texas @ #4 Southern Cal...we underestimated the Trojans last Saturday as they man handled the Stanford Cardinal, 42-24. They looked strong, gaining over 600 yards in total offense.  Meanwhile new coach Tom Herman's Longhorns were  surprised 51-41 by the mighty turtles of Maryland, a school better known for its basketball prowess. Unlike previous seasons, the Men of Troy have adopted a run-first offensive philosophy that yielded 307 rushing yards against a capable Stanford defense. Texas is going to have a long afternoon in the Coliseum. Trojans over the 'Horns.

#12 LSU @ Mississippi State...the Tigers control this series winning 16 of the last 17 games. But the last 3 games have been decided by a total of 10 points. Nick Fitzgerald has impressed as the Dog's qb.  But MSU has not defeated an LSU team in Starkville since 1999. That's a long time. And it's going to get longer as the Bengal Tigers hang another "L" on Mullen's Mutts. LSU wins this one.

Bucky be biting!

#10 Wisconsin @ BYU...the Badgers are 2-0 but let's face it; they've played two very light-weight teams in Florida Atlantic and Utah State. Nevertheless, they may have found their next great running back in Jonathon Taylor who ran for over 200 yards over FAU. This is a big road game for the Badgers and should be on upset alert because the BYU defense is pretty stout. But the Cougar offense is struggling and their qb is nursing a bum ankle. Badgers handle the Mormons in Provo.

Air Force @ #7 Michigan...we always get a kick out of watching a traditional defense go up against a triple option offense. A defense can practice all summer long against the option (see Tennessee) and still get popped for big yards (see Tennessee again). The Falcons currently have the number one offense and number one defense in America after a 62-0 opening win over lowly VMI.  But that all changes Saturday in the Big House in Ann Arbor. No doubt the Wolverines will give up some yards but in the end Michigan has too many weapons to lose this one. But not so fast. The line on this game (27 points) is just too tempting to ignore.  So take the Fly Boys and the points.

Good luck this Saturday with your picks. Happy hunting.

MAKE MO' MONEY with MARK™

TOUGH TO OUT DO LAST WEEKEND

How do you possibly follow this past weekend which had so many awesome games?

Well, you have Week Two match ups like Georgia at Notre Dame, Auburn at Clemson, Stanford at Southern Cal, Oklahoma at the Ohio State. We can't remember as strong a one-two punch like what we have this season with back-to-back weekends of super football. Great games. And great opportunities for Making Mo' Money.™

Our only complaint is that the network TV brains have a bunch of games stacked up and overlapping Saturday evening. Thanks, guys.

So How'd We Do?

Making Mo' Money the old fashion way

Not too shabby given the craziness of the first weekend of football. We went 5-3, almost 6-2 but Tennessee surged back late (scored 5 TDs in their last 6 possessions) to nip the Jackets in double over-time. A helluva game and a gutsy call by Paul Johnson for his Bees to go for two to win the game.

EXTRA POINTS
• If you own a moving van company in College Station, Texas then you might want to reach out to Aggie head coach, Kevin Sumlin. After blowing a huge 34 point lead to UCLA, we can't imagine that Sumlin survives the season. He'll be needing a moving service real soon. Help the guy out.

• There was a ton of money lost last weekend when little Liberty upset Baylor, HBCU Howard shocked UNLV, and Maryland knocked off Texas...fear the Turtle. Great David v Goliath storylines.

Can someone call me a cab

• Sumlin is not the only head coach on the hot seat. Butch Jones, despite winning a close one over GT, is still swinging in the breeze in Knoxville. A solid season surely gets him a contract extension. Chip Kelly at Notre Dame has shown how a great program can wallow in mediocrity. Vandy's Glen Mason is feeling the heat and paying a price for having to follow the successful James Franklin. It just hasn't been the same since he left for Penn State and the 'Dore fans got a taste of success and are itching for more.


THE GREAT EIGHT™ for WEEK TWO

Nebraska @ Oregon...the Cornhusker defense better have their Blackshirts on as well as their track shoes. Because while the Oregon passing game is not what it used to be, their run game looks pretty stout led by rb Royce Freeman.  Take the Ducks over the Bug Eaters.

Auburn @ Clemson... my how the times have changed. Auburn use to dominate this series but Dabo has taken the last three games. Although they lost a lot of talent from last season (Deshaun Watson) Dabo's Tigers still have a lot in the tank. This should be a dandy. Take Clemson over Aubbie.

#5 Oklahoma @ #2 Ohio State...this game could be called the battle of the quarterbacks. The Sooners Baker Mayfield versus the Buckeyes J.T. Barrett.  The Sooners will put up the points but their defense will not be up to the task of pressuring Barrett while covering the Buckeye receivers. In a close one, the Ohio State wins.

Hard times for Brian Kelly

#15 Georgia @ #24 Notre Dame....any other coach than Brian Kelly and I'd say take the Irish. Their 4-8 record in 2016 is the fifth worst mark in the school's 111-year history. That's pretty bad and that's why Kelly is on the proverbial hot seat. We think this might be the game in which someone lets the dogs out...as in Nick Chubb and Sony Michel running wild. The Dawgs will have a new qb filling in so it's important that the run game steps up and the defense contains the Irish. Georgia will not be intimidated in South Bend. Take Georgia and the points. In an UPSET SPECIAL Dawgs bite the Irish.

#14 Stanford @ #6 Southern Cal...the Cardinal looked pretty rugged against Rice last week (62-7) while the Trojans struggled with Western Michigan. We smell another upset brewing. Take Stanford and the points in an UPSET SPECIAL. Yowser!

Chattanooga @ #12 LSU...if this game was played 3 weeks ago, we might give the Mocs a chance to upset the Tigers or at least keep the game close so you could go with the line. BUT their quarterback was hit with a 4 game suspension two weeks ago so they're forced to use a back up going into Death Valley. Yikes. They'll be facing a Tiger defense that yielded only 97 yards to BYU so it's going to be a long flight home for the Mocs albeit they'll pocket a nice chunk of change for their troubles. Bengal Tigers eat big Saturday night in Baton Rouge.

Pitt @ #4 Penn State...The Nittany Lions are loaded and James Franklin seems poised to prove that he's worth the big buck contract extension he just signed. The 20 point line is so so tempting but we think the Beaver Valley boys will cover. Take the PSU Kitty Kats in this one.

Northwestern @ Duke...this is the game of smart boys versus smart boys. Northwestern, at times, looks like world beaters, but Duke has a lot to team speed especially at receiver and with their linebackers, and the Blue Devils are a lot more balanced offensively than they were last season. Take Cutcliffe's Devils in this one.

Good luck this weekend. We'll check back next week to see how much moulah you made.

MAKE MO' MONEY with MARK™

WHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN' GOING ON!

Although college football officially kicked off last weekend with a few under-card matches, this is THE WEEKEND that things really get cooking.

And what a line up of high octane games!

Atlanta becomes the epicenter with two high profile games at the brand spanking new Mercedes Benz Stadium.

Saturday night features the Crimson Tide of Alabama taking on the Florida State Seminoles. Then on Labor Day evening, Tennessee tangles with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (I'll be using my WWW media pass to access the action). And a bunch of other great games are sandwiched in between. Wowzer. No weaklings or soft cupcakes here.

It truly is a weekend in which you, the college football fan, get to to see some great football, and have the opportunity to Make Mo' Money.™

In Their Words...
To kick off the weekend we've asked four of our top scribes to pen their outlook on top contests.
From Whatta You Have...Tennessee v Georgia Tech

Bees could sting

Monday Night Football in the Brand New Benz!!

The Volunteers head down to Atlanta for Part II of the Chik-Fil-A Kickoff Classic against Georgia Tech. For me in particular, this is a tough pick. The alma mater versus my childhood team right here in my hometown.

New Digs Aren't So Bad

While alot has been said about the new Mercedez Benz Stadium, neither team will particularly miss the Georgia Dome. Tennessee's record in the Dome has an abysmal over the years, winning only a couple of SEC Championship Games here while getting paddled in post season bowl games. Tech's final game in the establishment ended up as a 38-3 drumming by LSU. Both teams will be hot to not only start the year off right, but establish the Benz as friendly confines away from home.

Unfamiliar Faces on Both Sidelines

Despite only a 3-hour drive in between the universities, GT and UT haven't matched up since 1987. Tennessee hasn't seen the flexbone in person since it hosted Air Force in 2006, while Tech rarely faces a team of this size and speed.

And while each team is unfamiliar with the other, there are plenty of new faces on either sideline that fans haven't been acquainted with yet. Both UT and GT have yet to announce who is starting under center at quarterback - one to replace Knoxville's beloved Josh Dobbs, the other to come in after the graduation of Yellow Jacket Justin Thomas. Both were seen as top performers at their positions in the SEC and ACC respectively. UT has had a slew of injuries this preseason, and will likely rely on Todd Kelly to get them to the endzone. GT dismissed All-ACC running back Dedrick Mills just two weeks ago.

Can UT, which hasn't faced an offense this unique, slow down Tech's running scheme? Can Georgia Tech, which boasted a more-than-unimpressive defense a year ago, find a way to stop the Vols? I think this could be a close one, and ideally I'd love to pick a tie. I'd give the Vols a slight advantage in what could be a close, high-scoring matchup. 

Gators chomp Wolverines

From Golden Gator....Michigan v Florida

These two teams together lost enough prior year starters to bring worry to most coaching staffs. But neither Harbaugh nor McElwain seem concerned. It's because they know the new starters are damn good. Michigan feels it's offense rivals last years; Florida is confident their offense will win games this year. And Florida knows it has a defense with real talent, one that will be stellar after a few games.

So who wins and why......
Florida will start Franks to quickly test the Michigan deep backs. But Zaire will take early snaps as well. Michigan will be aggressive in the air early but an early interception will end that plan

The winner will be the team with the fewest mistakes, always an issue with young teams in early games and the best place kicker. Florida has the best place kicker in the college game.

33-24 Florida with Eddie Pineiro kicking four field goals.

From Lair of the Bear...UCLA v Texas A&M

Lair of the Bear at 2016 Aggie game

Well…. As my sons, brother and I saw firsthand last year, the Bruins got out of the blocks slowly in College Station.  They battled back to tie the game and send it to overtime, before losing 31-24.   This year, the Bruins hope to turn the table, and notch a Pac-12 win early over the SEC! 
On offense, Josh “the Chosen” Rosen has his third offensive coordinator in as many years.  Coach Jedd Fisch has spent the past two seasons with Jim Harbaugh in Ann Arbor, and Harbaugh says he’s ready for a head coaching job.  Fisch describes his UCLA offence as “aggressive”, “physical” and “fun” having rolled out a flea flicker and a tight end pass during training camp.  Fisch has also given Rosen veto power over plays to enhance his comfort in the offence.


On defense, this UCLA Football team boasts what might be one of the best secondaries in the PAC-12.  That’s a strength they will need to rely on as the Bruins gain experience across the D-line, break in a few new LBs and face one of the best WRs in the country in A&M’s Christian Kirk.

Buckle-up.  This should be a high scoring affair.  If the Bruins jump out to an early lead and keep the Rose Bowl fans in the game, the Bruins should come out on top.

From Kenny Clyde....Alabama v Florida State

Let the Tide Rolllllll

About this time last year the hype was building for a clash of the titans:  Alabama and Sou. Cal.  National powerhouses, neutral field.  Untested quarterbacks, cobbled together lines.
52-6 stopped that drama train in its tracks.

This year its FSU jumping into the ring.  And FSU is no USC. Let's take a look by key areas:

OL:  Bama holds serve.
DL:  Noles' first four a notch above.  But Bama's depth pays off.
DB:  Bama has two of the finest.  Noles have four of the finest.  Will present a test for a Bama QB with accuracy issues.
RB:  Bama's depth is just too much.  Four potential 100 yarders.  Two to run past you.  Two to deliver body blows.
WR:  Its a toss-up.  The Noles always find tall, fast hands.
K:  Noles' royalty vs a pimply freshman.  Noles win.
P:  Bama--he's a weapon. But if he's in the game often, call Houston, 'cause we got a problem!
QB:  Noles by a hair.  Hurts has been working hard, but who knows if he's ready.  And BTW, learning a new playbook.
Coaches:  Saban is still the best, but Jimbo is in his line of sight.  Biggest question will be Bama's new OC, Brian Daboll.  He's brought the Patriots' playbook--has the Bama O learned it yet?  And can Jalen Hurts distribute the rock like Tom Brady?
Intangibles:  The Noles are playing for the newly-found pride of the ACC.  Will they take chances?  And Bama? Well Bama lost a Nattie on the last play of a terrific game.
​They'll be coming in hot.

It's a heavyweight fight.  I'm picking Bama, 29-25.  

THE GREAT EIGHT™ for WEEK ONE

#1 Alabama v #3 Florida State...this is one helluva matchup featuring two premier teams and two of the best head coaches in the business. Both teams have plenty of weapons, and both have large, loud crowds that faithfully follow their teams...just check out downtown Atlanta this afternoon! Bama may not have an over powering offense as in past seasons but qb Jalen Hurts has enough firepower to get the job done. But the big reason why the Tide will be dominant again this season is their smothering defense. And until someone can knock off Saban's crew (okay, Clemson did), Alabama remains our number one pick to show up in the College Football Playoff in December.  Take the Tide. Leave the canoli.

#25 Tennessee v Georgia Tech... a victory here gets the winner off to a great start, and no one needs a bigger win than Tennessee's Butch Jones. UT's new AD is keeping Jones dangling without a contract extension which is a risky strategy because if Butch does have a strong season don't be surprised to see him give Rocky Top the orange-colored finger. He didn't hire Jimmy Sexton as his new agent for nothing. Although the Vols have had all summer to prep for the option, they have lost some key defenders in just the last few days including their best linebacker, Darrin Kirkland. Plus the Big Orange will be breaking in a new QB as will GT. If the Bees can execute their triple option and eat the clock, this becomes yet another long miserable night in Atlanta for the Vols. And it will be. Take the Jackets in an UPSET SPECIAL.

 Texas A&M v UCLA...Kevin Sumlin is another head coach that needs a win Sunday night to keep the flames from toasting his rear end. The Aggie AD has made it pretty clear that Sumlin's crew need to perform at a much higher level. The Aggies return a bunch of talented guys on defense but will be breaking in a new QB, so lots of questions regarding their offensive punch. Meanwhile the Bruin secondary looks to be a strong point, and we have to give UCLA qb Josh Rosen his props despite going on his 3rd OC in as many years. The kid may hate going to class but he has the tools to make the Aggies miserable in the Rose Bowl. Bet on the Bruins to win big.


#11 Michigan v #17 Florida...if there is a bigger weenie in college football than Jim Harbaugh I don't want to meet him. He's a whiner...but he's also a pretty good coach and great recruiter that will be facing a potentially dangerous Florida team. We say 'potentially' because the body count of suspended Gators is getting higher than a Jim Jones farewell party (google it). The Gator qb, Franks, is going to be under duress all game with an aggressive Wolverine defense so don't be surprised if Florida rotates in its other two quarterbacks hoping to find traction. But it won't work. Michigan gigs the Gators.

BYU v #13 LSU...the Mormons only scored 20 points versus Portland State (who?) and they better get their offensive act together pretty quickly because the Bengal Tigers return a pretty stingy defense that gave up an average of just 15.8 points per game in 2016. And you know that Coach O is going to be hungry to start off 2017 with a bang. Look for LSU to clobber the Cougars.

#22 West Virginia @ #21 Virginia Tech...the guys are playing for the Black Diamond Trophy. Heard of it? Me neither. Anyway, the Hokies have a much improved offensive line, a strong linebacking corps, and an aggressive secondary. BUT they are breaking in a redshirt freshman quarterback. Ouch. This could be a tight game but we see the Mountaineers winning a close one. West Virginia mountain mamma wins this one in an UPSET SPECIAL.

#16 Louisville @ Purdue...we included this game because we wanted another ACC and Big 10 contest to throw into the mix. The Cardinals are a heavy favorite (24 points) and should be, especially with the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Lamar Jackson, under center. It will be a long day for the Boilermakers in Indianapolis. Take the Cards in this one.

Cal @ North Carolina...this is the very first meeting of these two teams despite their long histories. The difference in this game will be the quarterback play, and we think the Tar Heels have the distinct advantage with LSU transfer Brandon Harris taking the helm for UNC, plus he's backed by a pretty stout defense. Take the Tar Heels to bite the Golden Bears.

Good luck this weekend. We'll check back next week to see how much moulah you made.

MAKE MO' MONEY with MARK™