HUMBLED IN WEEK TWO. HUNGRY IN WEEK THREE.

 

Last Saturday we took it on the chin, finishing 4-4 in our GREAT EIGHT™ picks. A humbling experience but we learn and move on. We're still making money!

Picking winners early in the season is always tricky but a couple of teams really surprised us, so we're now sitting at 9-7, but it's a long season so don't panic.

Florida, under new head coach Dan Mullen, lost to Kentucky for the first time since 1986. We thought qb Feliepe Frank would have a better showing but it never materialized.

Nebraska, which has always been problematic for us, lost a close one to a much improved Colorado team. And Northwestern failed for the first time in a long time not to dominate the Duke Blue Devils.

Still Making Mo' Money

We did take the UPSET SPECIAL of UCLA (and the points) over Oklahoma.

So enough whining!  Let’s get on with winning!

ARE WE CRAZY OR WHAT?

Matchups for Week Three are a little thin relative to the first two Saturdays. But take a look at our GREAT EIGHT. It’s loaded with some pretty bold UPSET SPECIALS that can make you some serious money. In fact our five UPSET SPECIALS are the most we have ever posted in a single week. Have we been drinking? Of course. It’s five o’clock somewhere, right?

WWW fall intern earning his feed

FROM THE MAIL ROOM

Wow. We received a bunch of notes from around the country this past week. We love hearing from you so keep ‘em coming.

Memphis Momma: “So glad you’re back for another season. Can always use the extra cash I win almost every week.”   WWW: so glad we can help. Be sure to keep that coffee can hidden from your old man.

WalkerTexasRanger:  “Need more games from the Lone Star state.”  WWW: what’s the magic word?

Harvard Yard: “Why is it we have to beg for Ivy League games? After all, college football started up here.”  WWW: we always feature an Ivy League game or two, but let’s face it; no one really cares.

Carolina Cupid: “Don’t forget about my ‘Heels!!”  WWW: well then, start playing some football.

Hoe Down n Tally Town: “I like making money with college games. But how about some NFL games?”   WWW:  while we enjoy the pro game, our focus is exclusively on college games. That’s our passion, and it’s a lot of fun.

Bay City Roller: “Keep up the West Coast coverage. We actually play some pretty good football out here.”  WWW: you’re absolutely correct. The Pac-12 is going to make some serious noise this season.

Calling all fans. Send us pics of your tailgating or in-stadium action. We love to see what everyone is enjoying on football weekends (keep it clean please).

THE GREAT EIGHT™ for WEEK THREE

LSU @ AUBURN…the winner of this key game could very well emerge as the biggest threat to the dominance of Alabama in the SEC West. Both clubs had impressive opening wins over tough foes. LSU knocked off Miami while Auburn edged out the Washington Huskies. Key word for this game: DEFENSE. While LSU has put up some strong numbers QB Joe Burrow has been less than stellar, completing only 47% of passes. Orgeron’s gang will be facing one of the nation’s top defensive units with a pretty deep defensive line that will be in  Burrow’s grill all afternoon. And one more point…Auburn’s Jarrett Stidham is off to a fast start. He’s a big reason that we’re going with War Eagle over LSU.

ALABAMA @ MISSISSIPPI…if you’re headed to the Grove on Saturday be sure to pack an extra bottle or two of bourbon. Because this game is shaping up to be an aerial dogfight featuring two SEC teams that are not shy about pointing up points in bunches. It is the first time since 1925 that Alabama has scored more than 50 points in each of their first two games. The Rebs hung 76 points on Southern Illinois, and are ranked 8^th in total yardage per game (596) and 2^nd in passing yards (407). Unfortunately the Ole Miss defense is suspect. The 21 point spread is awfully tempting but we’re rolling with the Tide to win and win big. Tide rises over the Rebs.

WASHINGTON @ UTAH…after a close scare against Northern Illinois, the Utes look to elevate their play when the Huskies arrive at Rice-Eccles Stadium. This will be a slugfest with the Utes dominating the trenches on both sides of the ball. In an UPSET SPECIAL, the Utes knock off Washington and drop them out of the Top Ten.

TCU @ OHIO STATE…the Horned Frogs are probably one of the most underrated teams in the country. They have great size and speed, unlike anything Ohio State has seen in their two cupcake bottom-feeder games. If TCU can limit Buckeye explosive plays, look for qb Shawn Robinson to have a breakout night in Fort Worth. In a huge UPSET SPECIAL, Horned Frogs hop over the Nuts.

VANDY @ NOTRE DAME…when you look at these two schools it’s hard to find anything in common beyond great academics. Having only played twice before, the Commodores will not be intimidated when they arrive in South Bend. They’ve played in crazier venues in the SEC so they won’t be fazed. Obviously the Irish have a deeper bench with 4 and 5 star athletes. But Vandy has some accomplished players as well including receiver Kalija Lipscomb and te Jared Pinkney, strong targets for qb Kyle Shurmur. The key: protecting Shurmur from a tough Irish defensive front. Call us crazy but we’re taking Vandy and the points (14.5) in an UPSET SPECIAL. Notre Dame will not cover.

MISSOURI @ PURDUE…the Boilermakers have won six of the previous games with Mizzou but you can forget about that for now. Purdue has looked bad losing its first two games to Northwestern and Eastern Michigan. Meanwhile the Tigers had strong showings against Wyoming and UT Martin…not exactly Power Five quality. The key to this game is Mizzou qb Drew Lock. He’s 52 of 70, 8 TDs and zero picks, in leading a passing offense that is ranked 3^rd in the country. We don’t see the Boilermakers stopping that air attack. Tigers bite the Boilers.

#22 SOUTHERN CAL @ TEXAS…both teams are works in progress and both are anxious to move forward in their quest for national relevance. Texas was nipped in its opener, losing to Maryland. The Trojans lost last week to a strong Stanford team, 17-3. The key to this game is the play of Trojan qb JT Daniels. He was off last week versus Stanford but the Texas defense has struggled in its first two games this season, and Daniels will seize on that. Look for him to hook up with his favorite target, Mater Dei teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown. In an UPSET SPECIAL, Trojans de-horn the steers.

FRESNO STATE @ UCLA…the Bruins are looking to avoid an 0-3 start for the first time since 1971.  They lost their home opener to Cincinnati and fell to Oklahoma last week on the road. New head coach Chip Kelly is looking for his first win at UCLA, and the fans are hot for a W. But in comes a strong Fresno State team featuring an aggressive ground game led by rbs Josh Hokit, Jordan Mims and Dejonte O’Neal. Meanwhile Kelly is trying to find the answer at qb. Wilton Speight started the season but left the Oklahoma game with a back injury. His replacement, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, has performed well but Kelly may fall back to the experienced Speight. In an UPSET SPECIAL, Bulldogs bite the Bruins.

MAKE MO’ MONEY with MARK™

LET THE WINNING CONTINUE

We went 5-3 overall and hit on the UPSET SPECIAL with LSU winning big over Miami. Florida State's offense must have been confused and traveled to Baton Rouge because they never showed up at Doak Campbell Stadium.

We missed by a whisker on the Auburn-Washington game that lived up to our predictions of being a really close game. And, it was obvious after one quarter that Notre Dame football is back after they beat Michigan.

Just warming up

This week's slate of games is relatively light compared to last weekend's rock 'em sock 'em opening round. Nevertheless there are several games that offer opportunities to Make Mo' Money™.

Gator Zack with his WWW pen

From The Mail Room
Last week we invited subscribers of Woolard's Weekend Winners to send in selfies with their WWW swag. Our good buddy, Gator Zack, responded with his nifty official WWW ball point pen. He looks like a winner, and he writes like one, too. Zack qualifies for his WWW bonus points. And you can too if you send us some selfies...either with WWW gear or just having a great time getting blasted at your favorite tailgating venue.


WEST COAST WORD

West coast rep, Lair of the Bear

To kick things off this week, LAIR of the BEAR (LOTB) offers his insight into the UCLA - OKLAHOMA match in Norman. Lair returns as our PAC 12 representative, a conference he knows all too well. Growing up in the shadows of the Rose Bowl and UCLA, LOTB is a big Bruin fan, a Cal Berkeley grad...married to a Colorado alum...with a Washington Huskie son, along with siblings that are also big time UCLA peeps. I've met them all, and each one is very very passionate about their college football.

Here's the scoop on UCLA v Oklahoma...

The Chip Kelly era at UCLA didn’t start the way Westwood envisioned with a 26-17 home loss at the hands of the Bearcats of the University of Cincinnati. And, it’s not going to be easy to bounce back with a “W” this weekend verses Oklahoma.  True, Coach Kelly has never lost consecutive games as a college head coach, but this year, UCLA is also recognized as having one of the toughest schedules of any FBS football team.

Yes, this Saturday, the gutty little Bruins are on the road at venerable Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma for a brawl with the #6 Ranked Oklahoma Sooners backed by their 86,112 fans dressed in crimson and cream and the Sooner Schooner racing around Owen Field to endless choruses of “Boomer Sooner”!

The Sooners no longer have the services of last year’s Heisman Trophy Winner, Baker Mayfield, but they are considered to have one of the best offenses in college football. The Sooners love to run, and last week, one of the best running backs in the nation, Rodney Anderson totaled 100 yards and 2 TD’s on only 5 carries.   Last year, UCLA’s defense ranked dead-last in the NCAA in rushing yards allowing 287.4 yards per game, and 122nd nationally in total defense. It may not be surprising that OU is currently a 30 point favorite.

However…. This is a different Bruin team.  After coming to Westwood, one of Kelly’s first hires was Jerry Azzinaro as the Bruins’ defensive coordinator. The two have developed an extensive working relationship over the last two years as Azzinaro coached Kelly’s defensive line at Oregon from 2009-12, served as the assistant head coach/defensive line coach for Kelly’s Philadelphia Eagles team from 2013-15, and then followed Kelly to San Francisco to coach the 49er’s defensive line in 2016.  Throughout spring practice, the defense has made two necessary adjustments: switching back to a 3-4 scheme and a focus on tackling.  A 3-4 scheme could adapt to UCLA’s players as it favors a more agile and fast-paced defensive talent, something the Bruins are filled with.

The defensive mantra in Westwood this past week has been “Fly to the Ball”! The Bruins will get three strong defensive players back for this game who were suspended for a violation of athletic department policies - Defensive Back Mo Osling and defensive linemen Osa Odighizuwa (Try saying that fast a few times) and Moses Robinson-Carr. The other players to watch are Former 5-star standout Darnay Holmes at right corner He’s fearless, loves to hit and led the team with 3 interceptions last year. The best player on the defensive side of the ball is probably #15 Jaelan Phillips – 6’5”, 255 outside linebacker.

On offence… the Bruins have to start a true freshman Dorian Thompson-Robinson.  Their starter against Cincinnati, Wilton Speight, a graduate transfer from Michigan, went down in the first half of that game. Dorian Thompson-Robinson is a dual-threat quarterback from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas who was recruited to lead Kelly’s offense, but… Kelly was not planning on his first start to be on the road against Oklahoma. Another freshman player to watch is running back Kazmeir Allen — the California 100-meter high school sprint champion who set a national prep record with 72 touchdowns last fall! Kazmeir showed UCLA fans the future is now when he went 74 yards for a score early in the second half of their opener.
The Bruins tight end, #81 Caleb Wilson has been waiting three years to return to Norman. He once considered himself a proud Sooner. His father, Chris Wilson, was a two-time All-American linebacker for Oklahoma who later returned as defensive ends coach and special teams coordinator for five seasons while Caleb was in elementary and middle school.
So…. will the Bruins upset the Sooners? Probably not.  It could very well be closer than the 30 point spread, especially if the Sooners are looking past UCLA to next week when they travel to Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa and hope to avenge their only regular season loss of last year’s campaign, an embarrassing loss, at the hands of the Iowa State Cyclones. I love college football.

THE GREAT EIGHT™ for WEEK TWO

#3 Georgia @ #24 South Carolina…forget last week’s easy routs of cupcakes…UGA over Austin Peay and SoCar over Coastal Carolina. This will be a big test for both teams. The Gamecocks have moved to a new up tempo spread offense that should be a big improvement over last season. Jake Bentley will need to keep his offense moving if the Gamecocks have any chance of pulling off a win. Dawg fans will be delighted with a deep stable of strong running backs including D’Andre Swift, Elijah Holyfield and Brian Herrien. QB Jake Fromm will be throwing to the deepest receiving corps in the SEC. This will be a tight one in Columbia but the Bulldogs will be ringing the Chapel Bell back in Athens. Dawgs win.

Duke @ Northwestern….these teams are not exactly football powerhouses but are becoming foes on a regular basis. Since 2000 the Wildcats are 7-2 against the Blue Devils. This is NU’s home opener following a rare conference road win over Purdue. Look for Wildcat rb Jeremy Larkins to have a strong day. He rushed for 143 yards last week and two touchdowns. But the real news is Northwestern’s defense which logged five sacks and three huge INTs. If they can contain Duke’s dual threat qb Daniel Jones, it will be fun times at the Lake. Cats chew the Devils.

UCLA @ #6 Oklahoma…gone is Josh Rosen from new UCLA head coach Chip Kelly’s team. He’s now having to play backup qb along with a terrible offensive line that struggled against Cincinnati last week. Look for Lincoln Riley to open up the Sooner playbook on offense along with an aggressive Mike Stoops’ defense that will harass UCLA all afternoon long. The 30 point spread is too too tempting to pass up. In an UPSET SPECIAL take the Bruins and the points.

#17 Southern Cal @ #10 Stanford…in the most competitive series in the PAC 12, this is a rematch of the 2017 PAC 12 Championship game and, perhaps, a preview of the 2018 version. Bryce Love returns for Stanford after rushing for 2100+ yards in 2017. Meanwhile the Trojans will feature qb JT Daniels who lead USC to a 43-21 win over UNLV. The threat of a Stanford passing game prevents USC from stuffing the box to stop Love, who will be the difference maker Saturday. In a close game, take the Cardinal.

#15 Michigan State @ Arizona State…this is one of the more intriguing matchups of Week Two. The Spartans return 19 starters from a 10 win team in 2017. The Sun Devils feature a high powered offense, racking up over 500 yards last Saturday but that was against lowly UTSA.  We like Sparty to prevail.

Kentucky @ #25 Florida…the Gators have not lost to Kentucky since 1986 and are sporting a 31 win streak. That’s pretty stout. After a strong showing versus Charleston Southern, Gator Feleipe Frank looks like a new quarterback under the direction of new head coach Dan Mullen. He threw for 219 yards, 5 touchdowns and zero INT….in just the first half. But look for Wildcat coach Mark Stoops to dial up the Kentucky run game that features All-SEC Benny Snell and AJ Rose. No secret will be to keep moving the chains and keel Florida off the field. Gators make it 32 in a row over the Cats.

Colorado @ Nebraska…the Huskers are extra hungry to kickoff the season after their game with Akron was rained out…the first time since 1943 that Nebraska cancelled a game. So…we’ll finally get a look at Scott Frost to see if he can coach big boy football. An inexperienced Husker defense will be challenged by the Buff’s qb Steven Montez, a strong run and throw quarterback. Countering him will be qb Adrian Martinez. Predicting Nebraska has always been a challenge for us but we think the Cornhuskers will pull out an opening win. Take the Bug Eaters.

#2 Clemson @ Texas A&M…this is Dabo versus Jimbo…two coaches that knocked heads for eight years as ACC rivals. A road win for Clemson will look awfully good on the resume when it comes measurement time for the CFP in December. It will be a test of Dabo’s two qb rotation strategy. Meanwhile the Aggies are looking for a big signature win for Dabo’s maiden season. But it won’t be easy. The Tigers have one of the best defensive fronts in the country and they’ll be looking to disrupt the Aggie offense and put pressure on qb Kellen Mond. Clemson wins in College Station.

MAKE MO' MONEY with MARK™

YEAR SEVEN OF MAKING MO' MONEY

Are you ready for some football?

After immersing ourselves in every preseason football guide and watching re-runs of the Paul Finebaum Show and Rolling with the Tide, we're more than ready for the start of the 2018 college football season, our seventh season of Woolard's Weekend Winners, home of Make Mo' Money with Mark.™

If you've kept an eye on your sports feed then you know there are several great games on tap this first weekend of football, covering Thursday through Labor Day.

As we kick off a new season, we welcome several new subscribers to WWW. From our humble beginnings seven years ago we've grown into a robust community of folks that love college football and love making a few bucks with our game picks. It's all about having some fun, sharing our passion for the college game and, of course, Making Mo' Money with Mark™.

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS

Our format remains the same. Each week we highlight 8 different college games. We call this the GREAT EIGHT in which we provide you insight on which teams will come out on top, sprinkled generously with a few Upset Specials in which you can win even bigger money should you wager a few bucks. We hit on 70% of our picks last season which translates to a whole lotta green. We also include insight and commentary from guest contributors.

OUR WINNING TEAM OF GUEST CONTRIBUTORS
Through the seasons we've been fortunate to have a great team of guest contributors. These gents and ladies know their football. They're passionate, insightful, and focused on giving you the real scoop on teams and conferences. We started in 2012 with just a couple of guys but now have a line-up of fifteen experts ready to kick off 2018 and to Make Mo' Money. If you'd like to join our team of contributors just drop us a line. It's all about a community and sharing our passion.

SHOW YOUR PASSION

Super swag looks swell

Be the first on your block to sport Woolard's Weekend Winners swag. Look confident while looking sharp. Our 100% beefy tees are comfy, stylish, and ready to rock the weekend. New colors forthcoming. Java cups keep your bean juice hot. Note pads to jot down your winning picks. Let us know what you like and we'll ship it to you el pronto for a nominal charge. You can afford it so don't even ask for prices. [for those that have WWW swag, send in a selfie to earn bonus bucks for your next order].

EXTRA POINTS

• Over the next 48 hours, 1,184 NFL players will be fired as their respective teams make their final roster cuts. Some will return to practice squads; others will have no choice but to move on. Hopefully they have a Plan B. It's a tough business.

• Here's the perfect name for a football player...Steele Fortress. He's a freshman qb at Michigan Tech. Seems the name is better suited for a offensive lineman, but I ain't his daddy.

• Can a student at one college play football at another college? Apparently so. Starting qb at Furman is also a student at Clemson...some kind of dual enrollment program. Hmmm. Should be interesting this weekend as the Purple Paladins tango with the Tigers in Death Valley.

• Hot seat preview....we know it's early but here's a couple of names that could be feeling heat this season. Ohio State's Urban Meyer with his allegeded cover ups; Georgia Tech's Paul Johnson who's triple option may be wearing thin on the Flats; Jeremy Pruitt who needs to quickly show he's the future at Tennessee (calm down Vol fans. He ain't getting fired. Yet).


GUEST FEATURE FROM KENNY CLYDE
Alabama perpetually heads the Top Ten of any college football pollster and pundit. If your school faces the Tide on a regular basis (such as Tennessee and Auburn) then you’ve witnessed first hand the power and majesty of this program…the pride of the Southeastern Conference and frequent National Champion.

To better understand what makes Alabama so special, we’ve asked our long time Alabama contributor, Kenny Clyde, for his insight, and he didn’t disappoint.

At home with Kenny Clyde

For those that have followed WWW then you know Kenny Clyde is a passionate Bama fan, born and raised in the middle of Dixieland in the shadows of Legion Field where most football Saturdays you could find him selling Cokes and old lottery tickets in the stands of that hallowed place. I’ve met his kin including all 49 cousins: Jim Bob Clyde, Forest Joe Clyde, Billy Joe Clyde, Cooter Clyde, Danny Rae Clyde, Leon Clyde….you get the picture; all very nice and all very Crimson Tide. Their passion for Alabama football runs as deep as the pant legs of their Crimson overalls.

So here’s the question we posed to Kenny Clyde:  What makes Alabama football so damn good?

Kenny Clyde’s insight.

“Answering that question is like opening one of those Russian nesting dolls...

The outside shell is raw talent.  
They simply find the best kids.  See Don Hutson, Bart Starr, Lee Roy Jordan, Joe Willie Namath, Kenny Stabler, and the seemingly endless parade of All-Everything players Saban has recruited to Bama over the past 11 years.

Now they are so selective they won't even look at tapes of kids who's physical measurements don't reach each position's criteria for length, size, and speed.

The next doll is Nick Saban.  
There's nobody like him in college football.  His only peer may be Bill Belichick, for whom Saban worked for in Cleveland.

He out-hires, out-recruits, out-teaches, and out-works everybody.  He is possessed, relentless, creative and brave (see halftime of the Georgia game last year).

That "out-hires" note is special.  Saban finds and develops excellence in his staffs.  Right now, "SEC" stands for "Saban's Ex Coaches".  Currently, there are four SEC head coaches from Saban’s coaching tree — Georgia’s Kirby Smart, Texas A&M’s Jimbo Fisher, South Carolina’s Will Muschamp and Tennessee’s Jeremy Pruitt (the third Saban disciple to have the UT job, following Lane Kiffin and Derek Dooley).

The next doll is statewide "stakeholder" support.  
First, they graduated from there.  The biggest landowners in Alabama went to Auburn; the deepest pockets went to Bama (undergrad, grad, medical and law school).

Second, there's no other competition for entertainment dollars.

Third, there are some rich damn jock sniffers, who love having their name on facilities and programs, and will join any version of a Booster Club if it gets them access to the program.

The last doll--the innermost--is going to sound corny to anyone that isn't an Alabama alumnus or lifelong fan:  it's tradition.  
Nationally, Alabama is known for police hoses and the Selma Bridge.  But if you're a sports fan, then you know them as the Yankees of college football.

How'd they get there?  By being a winner when the rest of the state looked poor and stupid.

Alabama's 1926 team was laughed at as the shoe-less yokels by the national press as they rode the train across America to play mighty Washington in the Rose Bowl.  Then they beat 'em.  (And by the way, Coach Wade did it again in '27 and '31.  And then Frank Thomas took over and won in '35,'38, and '46).

In the 60's, Alabama was seen as the hotbed of George Wallace segregation.  But Bear Bryant wins in '61, '64, '65 and a "should have" in '66 changed the subject.

When you are a poor state who has one sterling attribute, you hold tight to that attribute all your life.

Will Alabama's dominance continue?
Probably not.  We had dips in the 50's, 80's and 90's, and Saban isn't immortal.  But we won't be down long when it happens.

And man oh man, is it fun to experience now!”

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GREAT EIGHT™ for WEEK ONE

Tennessee vs #17 West Virginia...Vol fans are dying for something positive to happen for their beleaguered program. After a chaotic coach search they finally landed on Jeremy Pruitt who appears to be a solid choice. But he has so many holes to fill, especially on offense at qb and rb. And opening up against West Virginia is a harsh wake up call. Heisman hopeful qb Will Grier has a loaded Mountaineer offense that will challenge the UT defense all afternoon. Ain’t gonna be pretty. ‘Neers win big in Charlotte.

Louisville @ #1 Alabama...so the only mystery about this game is which Alabama quarterback starts, Jalen Hurts or Tua Tagovailoa. We’re guessing both will play, and you could see Hurts line up at rb or flanker; he’s that talented. Also interesting to watch will be the Bama defense with at least 14 new starters, especially all newbies in the secondary. The Cardinals no longer have stellar qb Lamar Jackson but look for offensive mastermind, Bobby Petrino, to cook up some new wrinkles. This game will be over by the half as Saban plants his flag for another championship run. Bama big over Louisville.

North Carolina @ California...UNC’s Larry Fedora has to be feeling a bit nauseous as his Tar Heels travel to Berkeley without 13 of his players (all suspended) including his starting qb. Ouch. Meanwhile the Golden Bears are hoping to build on their 2017 success with qb Ross Bowers. Look for Cal to exploit UNC’s terrible defense….the ACC’s worst rush defense…with rb Patrick Laird stepping up with big yardage for Cal. Take the Golden Bears over the Heels.

#14 Michigan @ #12 Notre Dame...two of the top-six winningest programs in college football takes center stage in South Bend as Michigan and Notre Dame renew their rivalry. This is another game for those that love defense as both schools are predicted to have two of the nation’s top defenses in 2018. The Wolverines return 10 starters on defense which was 13^th in the nation last season in scoring defense. They are loaded with future NFL picks at DE, LB and CB. Notre Dame is not far behind with nine defensive starters returning. The wild card is each team’s quarterback play. Michigan will feature Shea Patterson, Ole Miss transfer, while Notre Dame will go with Brandon Wimbush, a running qb. Although this game is being played in South Bend, we’re going with the underdogs. In an Upset Special, Wolverines bite the Irish.

Virginia Tech @ Florida State...this game is the coming out party for new FSU coach Willie Taggart, fresh from Oregon, only the third head coach in 42 years in Tallahassee. He faces a tough job rebuilding the 7-6 Noles with 8 starters on offense, and only 4 returning on defense. One of the few bright spots is Deondre Francois (2016 ACC offensive rookie of the year) at quarterback who missed most of last season with a knee injury. He can take comfort in having a robust backfield with Cam Akers and Jacques Patrick. They will make the difference. Noles scalp the Gobblers.

#8 Miami vs #25 LSU...Mark Richt-led Miami is anxious for redemption after fading late last season, losing the ACC crown to Pitt, then getting beat by Wisconsin in the Orange Bowl. Both teams have a lot of questions but the Canes do have a returning qb, Malik Rosier. He’s a difference maker. LSU counters with the Ohio State transfer, Joe Burrow, who makes his first collegiate start. He’ll be backed by an aggressive Tiger defense. In another Upset Special, go with Orgeron’s crazy Cajuns.

#9 Auburn vs #6 Washington...this matchup at Mercedes Benz Stadium is the game of the day, so grab a cold one and settle in for some excitement, especially if you like defense. The Tiger/War Eagle/Plainsman defense is pretty stout, giving up just 18.3 points per game last season along with yards per carry of just 3.6. Look for their returning LBs Deshaun Davis and Darrell Williams to wreak havoc on the Huskie offense. But the Washington defense is equally loaded. All of this seems a bit odd since both coaches, Petersen and Malzahn, are offensive gurus. But who knows. The winner gets the inside track to the CFP sweepstakes. In a super close game, take Auburn.

Florida Atlantic @ #7 Oklahoma...Baker Mayfield is gone. But the Sooners have plenty of firepower returning at running back and wide receiver, and they are anxious for a fast start in 2018 after falling short in last season's playoff. The qb starter is most likely Kyler Murray, Mayfield’s understudy last season. He possesses a strong arm but can kill you with his legs. Kiffin’s defensive crew will have their work cut out for them. Look for FAU to offer up a steady diet of Devin Singletary who rushed for almost 2000 yards last year with 32 touchdowns. We think the Sooners will win but NOT cover the 24 point spread. So take the Owls and the points.

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END OF THE LINE. WE'RE DOING FINE

Mighty fine numbers!

We wrap up the 2017 season with this final weekend of college football. It flew by way too fast.

It may be the end of the line but we're doing mighty fine. Just look at our numbers.

Last Saturday we posted 5-3 in our picks, which places us at 72% with an overall record of 75-29, our best ever in our six year history of Woolard's Weekend Winners.

We hope that you've enjoyed the ride this season and been able to make a few extra dollars along the way. If nothing else, we hope we've made you sound a little bit more intelligent at Saturday tailgate parties.

EXTRA POINTS

Unless you've been living in an Afghan cave for the last two weeks, the second season of college football is upon us. We're talking about the Coaching Carousel that is in full swing as we approach Championship Weekend.

A clown show has broken out in Knoxville as the Vol Nation had an uprising and forced Tennessee to withdraw an offer to Greg Schiano. Good for the Vols because Schiano has a mediocre record at best and the Vols deserve better. And now with Phil Fulmer in the AD saddle (after Currie was canned and multiple prospects turned him down) calm should return to Rocky Top and the Tennessee job will become more attractive with stability back in the program. They can only hope.

Florida has grabbed Dan Mullen from Missy State while Texas A&M opened its coffers to get FSU's Jimbo Fisher (Money Talks, Jimbo Walks). Ole Miss has retained its interim coach, Matt Luke, and Arkansas is still looking. Rumors swirl around Gus Malzahn leaving Auburn, and Hugh Freeze may be in play for a new gig soon. And this is just the SEC.

Chip Kelly has ended his "retirement" and is the new chief at UCLA. This is a huge hire so look for the Bruins to really open up their offense.  We can't wait to see what's in store for our Pac-12 buddies.

This week's GREAT EIGHT features conference championship games in which the stakes cannot get higher. Any team could win when you look at the matchups and we're rolling the dice with several UPSET SPECIALS.

THE GREAT EIGHT™ for WEEK FOURTEEN

#4 AUBURN V # 6 GEORGIA...the stakes could not be bigger for these two teams. The winner most likely secures a post in the CFP. Having just played each other three weeks ago, these guys know each other very well. And Georgia knows what they have to do to win: win the war in the trenches and stop Kerryon Johnson. If they can slow down Kerryon, and Jarrett Stidham, then the doggies have a chance. But alas, War Eagles fly high at Mercedes Benz Stadium.

#1 CLEMSON V #7 MIAMI...the Cane's were tripped up last week by Pitt. But Mark Richt has a chance for his Miami team to redeem themselves by knocking off the red hot Clemson Tigers in their first ACC-title game since joining the league in 2003. The Canes have a solid defense featuring linebackers Quarterman and Pinckney, plus safety Jaquan Johnson. While Miami will be without their star running back, Walton, Clemson has the dual threat QB in Kelly Bryant. Plus Clemson has their heavyweight defensive front loaded with NFL talent. And that will be the difference. Clemson heads to the CFP after weathering the Hurricanes.

#14 STANFORD V #11 SOUTHERN CAL...these two teams are playing for a big New Year's Day bowl, not a CFP berth. The Trojans drilled the Cardinal earlier in the season, 42-24, and outgunned Stanford 624 yards to 342yards. Compounding the situation is Stanford's rb Bryce Love who's still slowed by an ankle injury. Not good. Take the Trojans in this one.

#10 TCU V #2 OKLAHOMA...a lot is at stake for the Sooners tomorrow in the first Big 12 Conference Championship game since 2010. The conference brainiacs couldn't figure how to structure a real conference championship with two divisions so the top two teams play each other...like they just did two weeks ago! We collectively hate Baker Mayfield and hope that this immature puke gets his head handed to him. Time for the Horned Frogs to take a dump on Mayfield. Frogs do it tomorrow in an UPSET SPECIAL (Alabama fans can thank us later).

#8 OHIO STATE V #3 WISCONSIN...it's time for Wisconsin to earn some respect, the ONLY undefeated team in the Top Ten of any poll (CFP, AP, WWW, etc.). And they can do it tomorrow by bucking the Buckeyes. Urban's boys took care of business last week beating Michigan while the Badgers have run the table and stand undefeated at 12-0. JT Barrett is iffy for the game which could be bad news for the acorns. Look for Badger back Jonathon Taylor to have a large game. He's a baller and will be the difference. Badgers nut-crack the Buckeyes in another UPSET SPECIAL.

STONY BROOK V JAMES MADISON...the undefeated Dukes (12-0) host the Seawolves in cozy Harrisonburg, VA (take I-81 North and keep going for like forever). This is the second round for the Division 1 College Football championships. While Stony Brook poses a threat with their air game, the Dukes are solid all the way around with an incredibly strong defense. We like the Dukes. So put some cash on them, okay? Takes money to make money!

#16 MEMPHIS V #12 CENTRAL FLORIDA...could this be the final game for golden boy UCF head coach Scott Frost? Nebraska beckons and with today's news out of Tallahassee, Frost will certainly be a leading candidate for the FSU job. Tallahassee or Lincoln, Nebraska? Exciting Seminole football loaded with Florida and Georgia talent? Or rebuilding a program while trying to attract top talent to the frozen tundra. I know where I'd go. Anyway these cats are playing for the American Athletic Conference Championship. And don't forget the hot Memphis coach, Mike Norvell. Both coaches are auditioning for bigger gigs. Look for Memphis qb Riley Ferguson to light it up. Since losing to UCF in late September, Memphis has won six straight wins, averaging over 50 points per game. So, take the Memphis high Tigers over the Knights in an UPSET SPECIAL.

#25 FRESNO STATE V BOISE STATE...these two just met last week for the Milk Can Trophy in which the Bulldogs beat the Broncos 28-17, and tomorrow they meet for the Mountain West conference championship on the ugliest turf in America, the Blue Rug at Boise. Both teams know each other strengths and weaknesses. Fresno has been on a quiet roll posting a 9-3 record, a far cry from last year's 1-9 record. With that momentum, we like the Bulldogs over the Broncos in an UPSET SPECIAL.

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STRONG FINISH TO 2017

All time winning

Well here we are at the final week of the regular season. We've seen some pretty exciting football throughout the fall and we wind up the 2017 Season with a huge weekend of rivalry games, some with College Football Playoff implications and conference titles.

Before we get to our Great Eight, let's reflect on another successful Saturday in which we went 7-1 in our picks. That puts us at 73% overall for 2017, a new overall high for Woolard's Weekend Winners with 70 winning picks!

That's a lot of moolah and we have two more weekends to pile on even more greenbacks, starting today.

THE GREAT EIGHT™ for WEEK THIRTEEN

#7 GEORGIA @ GEORGIA TECH...there's a lot riding on the 112th "Clean, Old Fashioned Hate." Georgia is looking to go 11-1, only the third time in UGA history. The Jackets need a win to be bowl eligible and would love nothing more then to douse the Dawg's CFP aspirations. That's a tall order given that Georgia's run game and offensive line is one of the best in the country. Seniors rbs Nick Chubb (1045 yes) and Sony Michel (818) decided to come back for their senior year and it has paid off handsomely for Kirby Smart. Tech features the triple option that has befuddled many a defensive coordinator. And if the Bees want to have a chance to win on Grant Field, something they haven't done since 1999, they need to run it flawlessly. Dawgs win big in Atlanta.

#1 ALABAMA @ #6 AUBURN...this Iron Bowl is loaded with storylines. The winner advances to the SEC Championship game, and has the inside shot at making the CFP. Auburn's explosive offense (averaging over 200 yards rushing in its last seven games) is hitting on all pistons since it embarrassed top ranked Georgia a few weeks ago when the Dawgs came calling to the Plains. But the Tide packs a punch too, averaging 270 rush yards per game (over 6 yards per carry). Despite some injuries to top defensive players, Bama remains pretty stout, allowing just 10.2 points per game. This is MUST SEE TV. Take the Tide in a tight one.

#22 SOUTH FLORIDA @ #13 CENTRAL FLORIDA...this is a Friday contest so be sure to get with your bookie early today. This game determines a berth in the American Athletic Conference championship game and features the undefeated Knights hosting the once beaten Bulls. Rumors have it that UCF head coach Scott Frost will leverage this season's success for a higher profile gig such as Nebraska, Tennessee, and or even the Gators. We like the favored Knights.

#8 OHIO STATE @ MICHIGAN...if the Buckeyes prevail in The Game, they line up against Wisconsin in next week's Big Ten championship game, and could position themselves for a CFP spot. Meanwhile the Wolverines need to finally beat a team with a winning record, and ruin the season for Ohio State. There is absolutely no love between these two schools and their fans. But we'll show some love for the Buckeyes as they get the job done in Ann Arbor. Put your bucks on the Buckeyes.

#4 CLEMSON @ SOUTH CAROLINA...a win in the Palmetto Bowl will give Clemson coach Dabo Swinney his 100th win in ten seasons. But second year Gamecock coach Will Muschamp has his 8-3 team moving in the right direction and they would love nothing more than to knock off the Tigers, if for nothing else then for bragging rights and in-state recruiting advantages. Clemson is already locked in to the ACC championship game facing Miami and need to win this game to remain in the CFP top echelon. Tigers have too many weapons and will survive their trip to Columbia.

#14 WASHINGTON STATE @ #15 WASHINGTON...if the Cougars can win the Apple Cup they will face USC in the Pac-12 championship game.  The Cougars defense is ranked 11th nationally allowing only 303 yards per game. But the Huskie defense is just as strong, ranked 4th in total defense (271 yards allowed). Both teams want that 10th win. We think Mike Leach and his Cougars will prevail.

#9 NOTRE DAME @ #20 STANFORD...with a loss to Miami, the Irish were eliminated from the CPF but want to finish strong. Meanwhile the Cardinal will be scoreboard watching as they keep an eye on the Washington-Washington State game. If the Huskies knock off the Cougars, then Stanford represents the Pac-12 North, facing Southern Cal in the Pac-12 Championship game. The Irish feature qb Brandon Wimbush and is supported by Josh Adams, who ranks 14th in rushing average at 121 yards per game. Irish chop the Cardinal.

FLORIDA STATE @ FLORIDA...once upon a time this was a high profile game. But 2017 has not been kind to either, with both teams sitting at 4-6. The injury bug bit the Noles big this season and the Gators are adrift again, looking for a new head coach. Both team will eventually rebound, but not this year. Except the Seminoles will find some relief in beating Florida this Saturday. FSU chops the Gators.

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