WIN MORE IN WEEK FOUR!!

Ugly. But not for long.

We have our marching orders: win more in Week Four.  It's that simple.

For only the second time in Woolard's Weekend Winners history we posted back to back losing weekends, going 2-6 both times.

So it's not been a fun week as we adjusted our algorithms and forecasting models in order to deliver what you're after: Making Mo' Money. And we're up to the task. So get ready to rebound.


Extra Points

Tears in Tuscaloser

• Ole Miss is putting up record numbers and qb Chad Kelly has looked really composed... except for the lucky-ass break he got when his flipped ball bounced into the hands of Rebel Quincy Adeboyejo for a TD. But luck has always been a part of the game. And it's always great to see Bama fans crying.

• With Nebraska losing their second game they are now off to their worst start since 1981. I can sort of understand why the Huskers cut loose the acerbic Bo Pelini. But tell me again why they brought in Riley who has a losing record??

• Georgia Tech plays two patsies and one legitimate team...thus two wins and one loss as they got spanked in South Bend. The Jacket offense never got traction and the Irish surprisingly had speed to close the edges. Was not a fun week of practice on the Flats for sure.

• Brandon Harris looks pretty comfortable as the LSU quarterback. So Anthony Jennings better find a comfortable place on the bench as he contemplates a transfer...which won't happen since he's in his third season already. He needs to remember he's just a hang nail away from getting his starting job back.

Refusing to get on the UT bandwagon

• Do not drink the Orange Kool Aid!! As feared, Tennessee fans are jacked up again as the Vols rebounded from their Oklahoma choke and whipped up on lowly Western Carolina 55-10. All the Orange Necks are already declaring a win in the Swamp and are booking hotel rooms in Atlanta. No way I'm climbing aboard the Tennessee band wagon. BuTch needs to beat a legitimate team before we back the Vols again.

• What the heck is going on at Auburn?  Talk about imploding. If Malzahn wants to salvage the season he best bench Jeremy Johnson who looks totally lost on the Plains. And to think that several pundits had the Tigers/Plainsmen/War Eagles/Dying Oaks in the playoffs.

Best halftime show this weekend

• In negotiating the game contract with Southern University, Georgia required the Southern Jaguars to bring their marching band, the "Human Jukebox" to Athens.  Forget the game; the halftime show will be killer.

Here's Your Weekend Winners for Week #4...The Great Eight™...

 

#9 UCLA @ #16 Arizona...seems that the Wildcats always struggle with the Bruins. Rich Rodriguez is 0-3 against UCLA but the Cat's offense is flying high after setting school records last week with 77 points, 792 offensive yards, and 499 rushing yards. They are red hot. Meanwhile UCLA's freshman qb Josh Rosen has struggled but Arizona's poor defense should bolster his performance. In an UPSET SPECIAL, take the Cats over the Bruins.

#18 Utah @ #13 Oregon...look for DeVontae Booker to be the Utes' workhorse. He's ranked third in the nation with 84 carries plus has 14 receptions coming out of the backfield. For Utah to have a chance, they need to move the chains, control the clock, and keep the Ducks off the field. Not an easy task. Oregon had a "get well" game against Georgia State and the offense should be well oiled for this one. Ducks fly high at Autzen.

Tennessee @ Florida...this used to be a big time game with SEC and National Championship ramifications. Sadly, neither team is ranked and both are trying to find their way in the SEC East. BuTch has a lot more at stake while first year head coach Jim McElwain is in his honeymoon phase with the Gators. BuTch has yet to notch a big time win and although the Gators are down, it's still a team that Tennessee has failed to beat in eleven years. And if the Vols come up short again, you can bet that BuTch's seat becomes a lot hotter. Time for Tennessee coaches to step up. Florida sends Vols back to Rocky Top with a loss in an UPSET SPECIAL.

Yo. Where's my QB?

Mississippi State @ Auburn...Oh how the mighty have fallen. Just two weeks ago Auburn was ranked 6th but then barely survived Jack State and then got spanked by LSU. Since starting 12-1, Gus Malzahn is now 10-7 and starting a new qb, Sean White. While the Bulldogs lack the power they had last season, they still have Dak Prescott that will give the War Eagle defense headaches. We don't see Auburn losing at home. Auburn rights the ship and wins.

#20 Georgia Tech @ Duke...I'm betting there was hell to pay this week for the Jackets as Johnson publicly declared the number of breakdowns that occurred in the Notre Dame game. The GT ground game produced only 216 yards (vs 377 season average) and 4.6 yards per carry (vs 7.3) and Justin Thomas was forced to pass which was not pretty. Last year Duke pulled out a win at Bobby Dodd Field. This season's winner will have a leg up on the ACC Coastal Division. Tech rebounds with a win in Durham.

#3 TCU @ Texas Tech...both teams are 3-0 coming into this weekend. The Purple Horned Frogs are led by phenom QB Trevone Boykin who lit up the Red Raiders last season with 785 yards offense in a 82-27 beat down...more evidence that no one in the Big 12 plays defense. The Raider defense is still suspect which has a tendency to give up big points.  Frogs hop to victory in Lubbock.

#19 Southern Cal @ Arizona State...in this game in 2013, the Trojans were trounced 62-41 and Lane Kiffin was canned on the flight back to LA. USC lost last week to Stanford but is averaging 48 points and 557 yards of offense. But look for Sun Devil Demario Richard to be the difference in this game. He's a big multi-threat player; the first  FBS player to have a 100-150 game since 2011. This is going to be another long flight back to LA as the Sun Devils dash the Trojans in an UPSET SPECIAL.

Memo to self: get resume ready

#24 Oklahoma State @ Texas...the Cowboys arrive in Austin sporting a 3-0 start and looking for their first Big 12 win. The qb/rb tandem of Rudolph and Carson is pretty potent and the Cowpoke defense has been stout with 8 turnovers. The Horns have struggled but their offense made great strides in last week's heartbreaking 45-44 loss to Cal. QB Jerrod Heard put up 527 offensive yards. But Heard is a freshman and he's going to be chased all day by Cowboy defensive ends Emmanuel Ogbah and Jimmy Bean who have combined for 6.5 sacks. Cowpokes rope in a win in Austin.

Good luck this week.

MAKE MO' MONEY WITH MARK™

WEEK THREE: TIME TO REGROUP AND REBOUND

I'll be the first to say that we got bopped last Saturday as we posted a dismal 2-6 record.

Looking to rebound

Actually, I'm like the fifth or sixth since I heard from some of you beginning late Saturday afternoon as some of our picks started to falter. As I've said before, sports gaming is like the stock market with its ups and downs. You have to stay firm for the long haul and resist the easy temptation to bail. So, hang in there. Afterall, for the last four years we've posted an average winning percentage of 68%, and that puts you in the chips big time.

And, in the interest of being fair and balanced, we included four UPSET SPECIALS, missing on three of the four by an average difference of only 2.7 points: the difference between a great winning weekend and a losing one.

So enough whining. Let's focus on winning.

Here's Your Weekend Winners for Week #2...The Great Eight™...

In South Bend for the 2007 beat down

#14 Georgia Tech @ #8 Notre Dame...this is the first real test for Johnson's Jackets after whipping up on patsies, Alcorn State and Tulane. Tech comes into South Bend leading the nation in rushing yards (458 per game) AND in passing efficiency (285). Tech is also second nationally in scoring offense (67 points per game). Meanwhile, the Golden Domers are regrouping with a third team QB after Malik Zaire broke his ankle last Saturday. In addition to the Jackets' strong offense, their defense has played much more aggressively this season, especially with qb pressures.  We think the Bees will buzz the Irish in South Bend.

#23 Northwestern @ Duke....perhaps this game should be played in the university library since the average GPA of both teams is like 3.8 or something. On the field, both teams are 2-0 and both defenses have performed well. But Duke's offense is nothing to laugh about. The Blue Devils have amassed 758 total yards in the first two games and could be the real difference on Saturday. Take Cut's Devils as Duke wins in Durham.

#18 Auburn @ @13 LSU....last Saturday the War Eagles came within a cat hair of being upset by lowly FCS Jacksonville State, only to be handed the win in overtime. Auburn's Jeremy Johnson looked really shakey and their defense has looked pretty porous in defending the run (399 rushing yards yielded in the first two games). If LSU can make the Auburn offense one-dimensional that needs to throw a lot, then the Bengal Tigers will notch another win. Auburn has not won in Baton Rouge since 1999. And they won't tomorrow. LSU claws Auburn.

South Carolina @ #7 Georgia....We're guessing that Mark Richt has kept the wraps on the Bulldog offense as he breaks in his new quarterback, Greyson Lambert. But we're guessing that the playbook opens up tomorrow beyond handing off to Nick Chubb and company. Spurrier, after losing Connor Mitch to a shoulder injury, now has to turn to walk-on quarterback, Perry Orth, to lead the Cocks in Athens. Good luck, pal. This is going to be ugly. We don't know who suffers more: Orth or Spurrier's hat. Dawgs bark loud in the Classic City.

Stanford @ #6 Southern Cal....the Cardinal is still reeling after getting nipped by Northwestern in their first game of the season. They rank 112th in rushing and qb Kevin Hogan is averaging on 8 yards per pass attempt. Not good. Meanwhile the Trojans have been explosive in their first two games albeit against poor competition but outscoring foes 114-15 and putting up over 1200 yards of offense is pretty darn impressive no matter who you're playing. Look for the Men of Troy to stamp Stanford.

#15 Ole Miss @ #2 Alabama....this game has gained a higher profile in recent seasons as Mister Freeze has been rebuilding the Rebels. But check out these daunting stats. Ole Miss hasn't won in Tuscaloser since 1988 (remember Bill Curry and the brick through is office window?). Ole Miss is 0-16 against teams in the Top Two. Ole Miss has never beaten Alabama back to back in 62 games. The Rebs have been burning it up on offense this season with qb Chad Kelly hitting over 72% of his passes and the running backs averaging almost 8 yards per rush. But that's been against UT-Martin and Fresno State...not Alabama's iron clad defense that handle Wisconsin's run game and Middle Tennessee's passing attack. Jake Coker has looked good at qb and Derrick Henry has logged over 240 rushing yards in two games. The Tide will roll in this one.

#19 BYU @ #10 UCLA....unknown Cougar qb Tanner Mangum has made a name for himself after winning the first two games this season on late game deep touchdown passes (recall the Hail Mary that beat Nebraska in week one). He's going to need more of this magic since the BYU run game is averaging just 3 yards per carry. The Bruins pack too much offense and defense for the Mormon crowd to handle. Frosh qb Josh Rosen has played brilliantly and we don't see a let up happening on Saturday. Bruins handle the Cougars.

Air Force @ #4 Michigan State....does anyone really care about this game? We do. Because anytime a traditional defense goes up against a triple option team, things can get crazy. In their first two games the Falcons have rushed for 822 yards, but lost their QB last week with a leg injury. The Spartans controlled Oregon's potent offense and escaped with a 31-28 win but they'll have their hands full with Air Force. Don't sleep on this game; it could be a good one. But Sparty wins in East Lansing.

Good luck this week.

MAKE MO' MONEY WITH MARK™

WEEK TWO: OFF TO A FLYING START 

We kicked off the 2015 season going 6-2 in the first weekend of college action.

Making Mo Money

We hit big on our UPSET SPECIAL with Northwestern knocking off Stanford in Evanston.

But we haven't learned our lesson yet as Nebraska choked on a last second hail mary pass to lose to BYU. The Huskers continue to frustrate. We pick them to win; they lose. We pick them to lose; they win. It's going to be awhile before we include Nebraska again in our Great Eight lineup.

We also missed out on the Arizona State-Texas A&M game as the Aggies showed off a much improved defense that muffled the Sun Devils. Looks like the hiring of John 'Chief' Chavis is already paying off for the Aggies. Look out SEC West.

This Saturday is a little thin on big marquee games but we think you'll find our line-up still has a few key games with national poll ramifications. And we've sprinkled in four UPSET SPECIALS to make it interesting.

 

Here's Your Weekend Winners for Week #2...The Great Eight™...

We can beat em by this much

#19 Oklahoma @ #23 Tennessee.... the Sooners make their very first trip ever to Rocky Top and they could greatly lift their profile with a big road win in Knoxville. Both teams have offenses capable of putting up points, setting the stage for an exciting matchup. Tennessee appears to have found a potent running game with Jalen Hurd (6'3, 220) and Bama transfer Alvin Kamara (from Norcross, GA) but the Vols defense is more than vulnerable (see last week's Bowling Green game in which they yielded 557 yds). The key for UT is too limit big plays by the Sooners and containing the OU Air Raid offense that put up 388 yds passing last week -- the most in a Sooner opener. No question that this game is important for Butch Jones to finally knock off a legitimate big boy team; no disrepect to Iowa whom Tennessee spanked in last season's bowl game. The Vols have lost 33 of the past 35 games against ranked teams.  Can the Big Orange finally deliver? We think so if they can shore up their secondary. In the UPSET, Tennessee trips Stoop's Sooners.  (memo to UGA: the SEC East will not be a gimme).


#7 Oregon @ #5 Michigan State...the Ducks have won three of the last five meetings with MSU, including a 46-27 win last year. But this year could be a lot different as the Spartan's qb Connor Cook will target a really young Oregon secondary and will be supported by a pretty stout run game. Key to the game is Sparty's ability to contain the Ducks' qb Vernon Adams who put up 340 yards of offense last week including 94 rushing yds. Put your cash on Michigan State. Spartans win in East Lansing in a close one.

I hate them cowbells

#14 LSU @ #25 Mississippi State....LSU fell victim last week to Mother Nature with their opening game cancelled due to lightning. Which means they are coming into Starkville without the benefit of a shake down game which is doubly important given that LSU is now going with Brandon Harris at qb. Meanwhile Mullen's mutts will be led by qb Dak Prescott who put up 309 yards of offense last week against Southern Mississippi. It's gonna be loud in Starkville. In an UPSET SPECIAL, the Cowbells will clang the Tigers.

Kentucky @ South Carolina....last week the Gamecocks gave up 440 yards in offense but benefited from big mistakes made by UNC qb Marquis Williams (3 INTs) and beat the Tar Heels. Meanwhile, the Wildcats squeaked past Louisiana-Lafayette to win their opener. Both teams desperately need to win if they wish to remain relevant in the SEC East. We suspect that Spurrier's visor will see a lot of action on Saturday as the Cocks struggle to beat the Cats. Take the Cocks in Columbia in a close one.

Iowa @ Iowa State.......the Cy-Hawk Trophy is on the line in the series that dates back to 1894. The Cyclones beat the Hawkeyes last season on a late field goal and has won three of the last four matchups, which have been decided by a combined 15 points. In another UPSET SPECIAL, the Cyclones win another over their instate rival. 

Wake Forest @ Syracuse....both teams won last week over low level cupcake opponents. So this game will be a better test to see if real improvements have been made. The Demon Deacons are hoping their offense will break out of the doldrums of last season in which they averaged just 40 yards rushing. Syracuse will be going with a freshman qb after losing their qb last week to an achilles tear. Not good. We're thinking that Wake can muster enough offense and defense to pull the upset. So, in an UPSET SPECIAL, Deacons dunk the Orange.

#9 Notre Dame @ Virginia....Malik Zaire played flawlessly last week as the Irish beat hapless Texas 38-3 in South Bend. Last week the Cavs were ripped for 503 yards in their loss to UCLA. This game will not go well for Mike London's UVA team as they face a pretty tough Notre Dame defense. Irish will win big in Charlottesville.

HC Bobo at the helm with Rams

Minnesota @ Colorado State...this may very well be the first time we have ever included either team in the Great Eight lineup. But this is Mike Bobo's first legitimate test as the new head coach with the Rams and his wide open offense racked up 65 points last week, albeit against Savannah State. The Golden Gophers showed they can hang with the stronger teams as they barely lost 23-17 to TCU, but they sputtered on offense. They could be in trouble tomorrow. UPSET SPECIAL...Rams edge the Golden Gophers.

Let's check back next week and see how we fared. Best of luck this Saturday.

MAKE MO' MONEY WITH MARK™

KICKING OFF 2015: THE RETURN OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Finally the universe returns to normal. College football is back!

Can I have an "Amen"?

After suffering through a painful summer of disappointment with the Braves and the challenge of keeping the lawn alive (mine died in June), we can now focus on the best of sports, and of course making Mo' Money.

This will be our 4th season of Woolard's Weekend Winners™. If you've followed us before then you know the drill. We highlight eight different games each week (The Great Eight) and provide you with insight on what teams will come out on top.

At the risk of sounding like Donald Trump, we're very very good at making money. Last season we had a 69% hit rate on winning picks and that translates into some serious cash. Hopefully you took advantage of our brilliance. If not, that's your loss but this is a whole new season and a chance for redemption. Another "amen" please.

Along the way, you'll meet our guest experts like Golden Gator, Harry Husker, Mister Touchdown, Mister Big Ten, Gurley Gal, Rockin Reb, What'll Ya Have, Kenny Clyde, Jumpin' Justin, and more. All bringing their unique perspective and passion for college football.

 This Weekend

This opening weekend is typical of most seasons in which the majority of schools play low level, out-of-conference, small school weenies (a pet peeve of mine). Despite that, we've been able to select a pretty intriguing line up of games.

Let's get to it.

Here's Your Weekend Winners for Week #1...The Great Eight™...

#15 Arizona State vs Texas A&M...this could be the best matchup of the weekend. ASU has a ton of talent returning - 9 on defense, 6 on offense - but the higher ranked Sun Devils are actually 3 point dogs and playing at a "neutral site", Houston (wink wink). After a disappointing 2014, the Aggies look for QB Kyle Allen to lead the improving offense again and he has a great receiving corp at his disposal. The biggest weakness for the Aggies, defense, has hopefully been addressed with the hiring of new d-coordinator, Chief Chavis, lured away from LSU. Look for great improvement of a defense ranked 104th last season. This game could go either way but we feel good about the Sun Devils pulling the UPSET. Lay your cash on Arizona State.

#21 Stanford @ Northwestern....this is only the 7th time these two teams have met. Stanford, despite a great defense, limped to a 8-5 season in 2014, after 4 straight years of 11 wins. A lot of the top defenders are gone but senior QB Kevin Hogan returns. He's good. The Wildcats will start a freshman QB Clayton Thorson but look for tailback Justin Jackson to continue his strong play from 2014. In an UPSET SPECIAL, take the Evanston boys and the points. Wildcats win.

Not the smartest bunch. But it is Auburn.

Louisville @ #6 Auburn....when you mention Bobby Petrino's name in Atlanta, look out for flying objects. This guy is the slimiest of slugs. Who else lies to their team owner and bails out as head coach mid way through a season without the first goodbye to his players? Who else lies about an affair with a hot college coed....wait...better not have a show of hands on that one. In any event, Petrino returns to Atlanta to take on the AuburnTigers/ Plainsmen/War Eagle/Dying Oaks in the Kickoff Classic. And whether you love him or hate him, Petrino can coach. Here's our take. Auburn has re-tooled their defense with the hiring of Will Muschamp. So you'll see more of a slashing defense and QB pressure than in the past. Malzahn will start junior Jeremy Johnson who replaces the departed Nick Marshall. Johnson has a big time arm and a fleet of capable receivers. This game could very well be Auburn's coming out party as they march to the CFB playoffs. Yes, we believe Auburn will be among the final four. Take Aubbie over the Cards in a breeze.

Virginia @ #13 UCLA....last season we predicted that UVA's Mike London would be canned by mid term. In fact, we were really surprised he was even brought back for 2014 given his dismal track record in Charlottesville. Now with four losing seasons in five, London has to win or he's gone (thank you, Captain Obvious). And winning will not be easy for the Cavs. The heir apparent at QB, Grayson Lambert, is now at Georgia where it looks like he's won the starting job for the mutts. Which means UVA is starting over on offense along with a young defense. Doesn't bode well for London. Meanwhile the Bruins are breaking in true freshman QB Josh Rosen but he's supported by the 2014 leading PAC-12 running back, Paul Perkins. Put your bucks on the Bruins.

BYU @ Nebraska...BYU begins its death march in Lincoln. Check out their ball buster opening schedule: Nebraska, Michigan, UCLA, Boise State. That's enough to make you drink. Too bad they're Mormon. Meanwhile, the Bug Eaters break in a new head coach, Mike Riley, which was some what of a surprising hire given his career record. Making that transition easier is senior QB Tommy Armstrong. If Armstrong can quit throwing passes to opponents (12 picks in 2014), he could be the playmaker that Nebraska needs. The Cornhuskers are 7 point favorites. They'll cover...and more.

Texas @ #11 Notre Dame....if Texas wants to make a statement, here's their chance as they head to South Bend to take on the Golden Domers. But it won't be easy. The Irish defense is loaded with NFL prospects and their QB, Malik Zaire, looked pretty flashy in their Music City Bowl win over LSU. The key for the Longhorns is the play of Tyrone Swoops who was hot and cold last season. They'll need a strong effort from their defense to have a chance. Otherwise, folks in Texas will again be questioning the hiring of Charlie Strong. Look for the Irish to lasso the Horns.

Evil Duo: Saban & Kiff

#20 Wisconsin @ #3 Alabama....welcome to Jerry's World and a really good matchup of Big Ten vs SEC. We have tons of respect for the Badgers but they better have their helmets tightened up. Although Nick Saban has yet to name a QB starter (he has; he just ain't saying), Bama has one of the most potent ground games in America with Derrick Henry and T.J. Yeldon sharing snaps. They'll be a load to bring down. And you can bet that OC Kiffin has cooked up some new wrinkles. Meanwhile, expect to see Wisconsin stick with their bread and butter run game but it will encounter a stacked front seven. We see Bama taking control early and never looking back. Bucks on Bama.

#1 Ohio State @ Virginia Tech...beating the Buckeyes was probably the only highlight for the Hokies last season as Va Tech left Columbus with a huge win. Then the wheels came off, finishing 7-6. OSU is the defending National Champion and you have to hand it to Urban Meyer for working his magic with two different quarterbacks last season. Cardale Jones took over late in the season after J.T. Barrett broke his ankle in November. Most teams would never recover. And, as of this morning, Meyer has not announced his starter. Bud Foster will have the Gobbler defense ready but we think the Buckeyes have too much fire power despite playing in Blacksburg on Monday evening. Buckeyes in a beat down.

Let's check back next week and see how we fared. Best of luck for a great and profitable 2015.

MAKE MO' MONEY WITH MARK™