ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

We're Back for Season 6

We're more than ready to kick off the 2017 college football season, our sixth season of Woolard's Weekend Winners, home of Make Mo' Money with Mark.

If you've been reading any of the pre-season guides then you know that there are tons of great games headed our way, particularly in the first three weeks of the season which gets underway this Saturday way with some 'undercard' games like Stanford v Rice and Oregon State v Colorado State.

Our GREAT EIGHT will begin next week when the season really takes off with marquee games such as Alabama v FSU, Florida v Michigan, Tennessee v Georgia Tech, and Texas A&M v UCLA.

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 with a few Upset Specials in which you can win even bigger money should you wager a few bucks.

Our Winning Team of Guest Contributors

Through the years we've been fortunate to have a great team of guest contributors. These guys and gals know their football. They're passionate, insightful, and focused on giving you the real scoop on teams and conferences. We started out in 2012 with just a couple of guest contributors but now have a line-up of fifteen experts anxious to get 2017 started and to Make Mo' Money.

A few new faces for 2017
We are especially excited that Lair of the Bear will be joining us as our very first PAC 12 representative. Love for the PAC 12 runs deep with Lair of the Bear (LOTB). He's a Cal alum, grew up in the shadows of the Rose Bowl and UCLA, his siblings are Bruin folks, his son is a University of Washington Huskie, and his wife is a Colorado Buff. I've known LOTB for a long time, sharing road trips to Knoxville as well as Pasadena where I witnessed first hand the family's passion for the Pacific 12 (Ten at the time). Great memories from Pasadena....but never ever mention the "Men of Troy."

K-Patch Karl enjoyed a cameo role last season but has committed to a full time gig in keeping us posted on happenings in Rocky Top. We are expecting big things from Karl. He loves Tennessee football and his biscuits, too. He's pretty handy with small engine repair as well. Mmmgumh.

Cousin Eddy becomes our very first overseas correspondent, based in Japan, a region that is growing in popularity with college recruiters. Cousin Eddy will bring an international perspective to Woolard's Weekend Winners. He's also our team dentist which comes in handy, especially after bar fights.

Cha ching baby

Tally Townie grew up as a surfer dude on the Atlantic Coast of Florida and is a long term follower of all things Florida State. When he's not waxing his boards he's waxing eloquent about his Noles and their quest for another championship. I often remind Tally Townie about the 1998 National Championship outcome (google it).

How'd We Do Last Season?
They say figures never lie so feast your eyes on our Final 2016 Scoreboard. We posted a 65% hit rate including bushels of Upset Specials which paid off big time. If you followed our picks, then you made some serious moulah last season. Expect the same in 2017. Cha ching!

A Look Ahead at 2017

At this juncture every team is undefeated. Doesn't that feel great? If you're like me you're pumped up and getting primed for opening weekend. With that in mind, we asked a few of our scribes to provide their take on what lies ahead for the 2017 season.

Laissez le bon temps rouler

From Bayou Bengal

This season has the potential to be one of the most exciting seasons for the LSU Tigers in quite some time. Familiar questions about the QB position remain, while recent attrition to the offensive line could create further strain. Derris Guice will push for 'best back in the country' status, and the defensive backfield should be better than last season - despite losing two members to the first round of the NFL draft. If everything breaks the Tigers' way, a playoff berth isn't an impossible dream. If it doesn't, look for a repeat of last year's 8-4 and a tornado of questions surrounding Coach O. GEAUX TIGERS!

From Sooner Boomhauer

Sooners ready to Boom

After recently graduating from middle school, Lincoln Riley gets to lead the Oklahoma Sooners as its new head coach. Actually, Riley has been coaching for 15 of his young 33 years. The good news is he has Baker Mayfield at quarterback, an offensive line that purportedly stacks up against the best, a tight end that is one of the better TEs in the country, a defensive backfield that has done this before, and the Big  12 now has a conference championship game. The Bad News - OU lost (to the NFL) leading receiving Dede Westbrook and two 1,000 yard rushers in Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine. Despite the losses, I look for OU to continue its recent success. Pay attention to Woolard's Weekend Winners for their picks when OU travels to Columbus on Sept. 9 and to Dallas for the matchup with Tom Herman's Texas team on Oct. 14. Plus, OU historically slips up against teams like Okie State, TCU, or Kansas State. So look for WWW's Upset Specials.

From Lair of The Bear

Respect the West

Cal Bears - Not a lot of optimism up in Strawberry Canyon for the upcoming 2017 season. The Bear Raid is done. After being one of the Pac-12's leaders in passing offense under Sonny Dykes, Cal will be rebuilding with a rookie head coach, Justin Wilcox, a long time defensive coordinator at schools such as USC, Washington, and most recently, Wisconsin. And, it will take some time as Cal's defense has been one of the worst in the country for the past four years. And then...there's the flag for "piling on" as EPSN has deemed that the Bears have the toughest schedule in all of college football for the 2017 Season
UCLA Bruins - The buzz around Westwood is that UCLA will be better that last season. The defense will be pretty solid and Jaelen Phillips, freshman defensive lineman, will burst onto the scene as UCLA's disruptor-in-chief, but the offense will struggle. Quarterback Josh "The Chosen" Rosen, will be concentrating more on football as he has admitted that in his mind "football and school don't go together", but the offensive line and receiver struggles from last year will continue to come into play this season.

Roll Damn Tide

From Kenny Clyde

As for Bama, here we go again....

Last year's backfield trio of Scarborough, Harris and Jacobs is joined by freshman flash Najee Harris. 2016 Offensive Player of the Year qb Jalen Hurts just needs to hand them the ball and watch.

Or he could throw to Calvin Ridley, Devonta Smith, or newly 6'6 4.3 Tyrell Shavers.

He'll have plenty of time to choose with 4 OL starters back, and four 5-Star studs competing for the fifth spot.

The D-line is solid at nose guard and ends, Linebackers will rotate, Watch of true frosh Dylan Moses to make himself known. D-backs are anchored by returning stars Mink Fitzpatrick and Ronnie Harrison. Lots of talent there.

Mama's biggest question mark is at OC. Brian Daboli's last college coaching job was '99 as a GA! (of course, since then he's been trained by a guy named Belichick and arrived in Tuscaloosa shortly after winning his sixth Patriot Super Bowl).

And Bama is coached by the best coach of his generation -- the greatest since Bama's last best coach of his generation.

In short, the Tide keeps rolling in '17.

From Rockin Reb

Too early to pour one?

(editor's note: Is there any other team that had a worse off-season than Ole Miss? And it ain't over yet with more to come)

Even with some of the shocking revelations and eventual resignation of former head coach Hugh Freeze, optimism for the coming season remains high for the Ole Miss Rebels.

New offensive coordinator Phil Longo brings a high scoring, free wheeling offense to Oxford with 5 Star quarterback Shea Patterson behind the SEC's most veteran offensive line.

New defensive coordinator Crime Dog McGriff brings a new energy and scheme to a defense that gave up more points than any Ole Miss team before it.

Even though the Rebs have instituted a self-imposed bowl ban for 2017, they should be able to play spoiler for the SEC West and have a winning season to boot.

Gators gonna chomp

From Golden Gator

For yet another year, the pundits show little respect for the Florida Gators but it just makes them hungrier.

The Gator defense is strong yet again with at least four likely to play in the NFL. But the offense will win game this season as well...a dual-threat QB with a long ball back-up. Both will play to confuse defenses along with stellar tailbacks and receivers.

The Gators will surprise! And the Bulldogs, picked to finish ahead of the Gators need to remember: Gators eat dogs for breakfast!

From Jumpin' Jeff

Bug Eaters ready to bite

After having a run-first/throw-as-last-resort offense, the Nebraska Cornhuskers will feature a gun-slinging Tanner Lee (qb Tulane transfer) throwing bullets all over the field. It's the same offense that head coach Mike Riley used at Oregon State and now he finally has a QB to run his offense in Lincoln. And Lee will have plenty of targets to throw to including returning starters Stanley Morgan, De'Mornay Pierson-El and newcomer 5-Star Tyjon Lindsey. Riley's offense will also utilize a tight end more this season and he should get plenty of protection with an experienced offensive line that returns all five starters.

Defensively the Huskers should be much improved with a new defensive coordinator and a new scheme based on a 3-4 defense to capitalize on the speed of linebackers such as Marcus Newby and DE Freedom Akinmoldun.

The Huskers will face a difficult schedule on the road against Penn State and huge home games with Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Iowa. But Nebraska will be ready. Go Big Red!

NEXT WEEK

Next week we'll feature our Pre-Season Poll and, of course, our GREAT EIGHT™picks. See you then.

MAKE MO' MONEY WITH MARK™

FINAL EXAMS: WEEK FOURTEEN


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

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

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

We took Georgia Tech over Georgia. Cha Ching!

Mo Money adding up

We picked Kentucky knocking off Louisville. Cha Ching Ching!

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


From Kenny Clyde

Roll damn Tide Roll

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Father O'Benowitz

Mercy please

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

From Jumping Jacket

We beat uGa

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

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

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

From KirbyGirl

Wait till next year

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

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

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

From Mister Big Ten

This could be our year

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

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

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

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

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

From Boomer Sooner

Sooner or later we gonna win

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

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

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

From Rockin Reb

Pour me another, brother

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

I reckon we fire ole Botch

From Rocky Top

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




From Bayou Bengal

No smile for Miles

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

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

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

As always, GEAUX TIGERS.

From Mister Touchdown (TD)

The beat goes on, baby

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

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

Your GREAT EIGHT™ for Week Fourteen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MAKE MO' MONEY with MARK™

RIVALRY WEEK CAN BE SO MUCH FUN

Enjoy your holiday get-together

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

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

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

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

Mo Wins. Mo Money

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

FROM THE MAIL BAG....

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

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

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

WHAT WE LEARNED IN Week Twelve...

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

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

Happy trails to you...

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

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

Bama's odd couple

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


THE GREAT EIGHT™ for Week Thirteen...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MAKE MO' MONEY with MARK™

MORE PICKS. MORE WINS!

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

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

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

BIG GAME IN THE RED STICK

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

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

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

Straight From The Bayou

Jambalaya jammin'

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

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

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

Gonna party in da Bayou

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

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

THE GREAT EIGHT™ for Week Twelve

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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