Blog Posts

2021 Army - Navy!

12/11/2021

Army will honor Task Force Dagger, special forces deployed to Afghanistan right after 9/11

There’s Rivalry Week and then there’s the biggest rivalry of all. Forget the Iron Bowl (and that was a great game), or the Big Game, Bedlam or the Good Old fashioned Hate. Those are all great rivalries.

But for pure pageantry, intensity, traditions and history, nothing compares to the Army Navy game. A game so big it gets its own weekend.

The uniforms are the best. This year the army will honor Task Force Dagger, special forces deployed in Afghanistan right after 9/11.

Navy will honor their f18 carrier pilots with their Fly Navy uniforms. It's not related to the upcoming remake of Top Gun is it?

It even has its own drink – the Army Navy cocktail.

Orgeat? Not sure I have ever seen it. I'm sure Nick is well supplied though.

There is the Navy Army cocktail version to using rum of course

Navy will honor their F18 Super Hornet pilots

She was a little easier on the eyes

Not sure I have the ingredients for this years game but I'll be sure to get some for next year.

As for the game itself - for history buffs, it’s the WWI of football games – pure trench warfare. Two bitter enemies grinding it out down the field. Ok, so there are a few aerial attacks too but so did WWI.

Navy +7.0 vs Army (East Rutherford, NJ) – All three service academies run the triple option. All three are fantastic at running the ball. Army just happens to be a little bit better. Army ranks 2nd overall in rushing offense (Air Force is 1st) while navy is 11th.

Army is also better at stopping the run tanking 11th versus Navy’s more meager 38th.

But how much is due to the schedule? While Army was facing such “stout” defense as UConn, Western Kentucky, Wake Forest and UMass, Navy was playing in the American Conference against the likes of Cincinnati, Houston, Marshall along with Notre Dame.

Every team, save one, that Navy has played is going to a bowl. The Middies schedule was the third hardest this year. Army? Try 93rd.

History will have something to do with this game. You know it will be a low scoring game. But did you know that it has gone under 15 straight years? And seven of the last 10 games have been decided by a TD or less.

I’ll take the Midshipmen (I always do Dad) but no quatloos. Still not sure if the Big Al rule covers Navy. I lean to the under 35.0 too.
Sing second Navy!

2021 Week 14 - Championship Week and the Amazing Coaching Carousel

12/3/2021

I was yelling Go Green when this happened on the Jumbotron at Auburn. Tiger fans seemed quite puzzled

It’s championship week!

But before we get into that, a shout out to Dr Big Guy for the great time at the Iron Bowl. From the War eagle and F16s prior to the game, the super cool light show at the end of the third quarter to the final play, it was an exciting game even if the outcome wasn’t quite what we were hoping for. As the game wound down, Dr Big Guy and the Swag Man headed down to the tunnels hoping to storm the field but Bama rallied back and won in triple OT. Crap

Meanwhile, the Big Guy and I were on the other side of the field enjoying highlights of the MSU Penn State game. Periodically, during time outs they would show live look ins of the the Land Grant Trophy game. Got to watch two Spartan scores including the game clincher. There must have been closet Spartan fans in the broadcast booth.

And, has there ever been a weirder coaching carousel season? Normally this would be the week when it starts but this year it go started well before the season end. And normally, losing coaches get fired for the not enough wins and too many losses only to be replaced by coaches from smaller schools or coordinators from the larger schools.

This year we got a coach was replaced for not getting a simple shot (Washington State) others just up and quit even if they went to the Orange Bowl two years ago and are headed to their fourth bowl in five years (Virginia)

The SEC, bless their hearts, doesn’t care about two or three years ago. Just ask Dan Mullen at Florida (SEC East champs 2020) and Ed Orgeron (National Champs 2019)

But what makes this year really weird is head coaches at the top Power Five programs leaving for other Power Five programs. I can’t recall the last time an Oklahoma coach left to coach another school but that’s what Lincoln Riley did when he left for USC. Say what you will about how it’s a great fit for Lincoln but in the end I still think he didn’t want to head to the SEC meatgrinder. He’s leaving the best program in the Big 12 for perhaps third or fourth best team in the SEC.

But that leaves unexplained why Brian Kelly left a sweet situation in Notre Dame (schedule full of ACC teams, PAC 12 teams and service academies, an exclusive NBC contract, national recruiting landscape) for the same SEC Lincoln is avoiding. Who leaves Notre Dame anyway? I can’t recall it ever happening.

The best part is that Luke Fickell, who was waiting for either the ND or Ohio State to open up was passed over for the Domer top job. After screwing around with State after Dantonio retired, I’m just smiling. Justly deserved there Luke.

And the carousel keeps spinning. Every day brings a new turn. I’ll have a full recap when things settle down – usually around the Super Bowl.

The Roadrunners have just enough defense to contain WKU

OK - It’s time for Championship Week! Plenty of great games starting starting with tonight’s action:

UTSA +3.5 versus Western Kentucky – UTSA was 11-0 going into last week with a chance to sneak into a NY6 bowl. Then they crapped the bed against North Texas, getting smoked by the Mean Green 45-23. UTSA is still a good team. It just goes to show how difficult it is to go undefeated.
Western Kentucky and QB Billy Zappe are going to throw it all over the yard. They lead the nation in passing and have won seven straight since losing to UTSA back in early October.

Vegas wants you to believe that Western is going to play the revenge angle, that it’s tough to beat a team twice in a season and that UTSA is stumbling down the stretch. Don’t believe it. At home in the AlamoDome the Roadrunners will limit the Hilltoppers passing attack just enough to get the win. I’ll lay a quatloo in the money line at +140

Overs are fun - Gooooooo!

Utah -2.5 versus Oregon – Another, you can’t beat a team twice trap. Utah soundly beat Oregon two weeks ago. Nothing has changed and Oregon really is stumbling down the stretch. I’ll lay the points for a quatloo.

Kent State vs Northern Illinois over 74.5 – yet another rematch game. Back in the beginning of November these two went full MACtion, scoring a combined 99 points. Now Vegas is only asking for 74.5. Sure why not, overs are fun.

UL Lafayette money line over Appalachian State – Another rematch. ULL destroyed App State 41-13 back when we were in Maui. Staying with a theme here. Despte Ragin Cajun heading up to Gainesville to coach the Gators next year, I’m still taking ULL on the money line at +125

Pitt plays defense - WtF does not

Houston vs Cincinnati under 53.0 – Unders are hard. A turnover back in your red zone or heaven forbid, overtime and it’s gone. But Houston plays good defense, even better than Cincinnati. Houston will want to prove that tomorrow. They lead the AAC in turnovers so expect Cincy to play a little conservative too.

Pitt -3.0 vs Wake Forest – Both teams can rack up the points. But Pitt plays defense, WtF doesn’t. The Panthers make just enough stops to get the cover.

Iowa money line vs scUM – I’ll be rooting for Iowa anyways. Why not cash in at +340. It’s not like I’ll be happy if the Hawkeyes merely cover.

And for the other games I’ll do a money line parlay at +194 with:

Oklahoma State over Baylor
San Diego State over Utah State
Georgia over Bama – bye bye Tide to the CFP

And for all the games, spreads, picks and much much more, here is the 2021 Week 14 Bettors Guide

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Remember - the 2022 GO JUMBO trip is Oct 29 at the Westgate SuperBook

2021 Week 13 - Rivalry Week Part 2

11/27/2021

Weird things can happen in the Iron Bowl. Remember the Kick Six?

What better way to celebrate the Holiday Season than to go to a football game. And not just any game - the Doofus clan is off to the Iron Bowl!

Auburn +19.5 vs Alabama – The Tigers are on a three game skid with the latest, a loss to lowly South Carolina. Meanwhile Bama is still in the CFP with the entry pass to be determined in the SEC Championship game.

When Auburn plays to their potential, they have beaten teams like Ole Miss and Arkansas. It’s a huge rivalry game so I’ll be a good guest and root for the home team and take the points. No quatloos though.

Oregon -6.5 vs Oregon State – It was one of the best games last year. Oregon State scored a late TD on a QB sneak with the backup QB to upset the Ducks.

Oregon is beat up and was just squeaking by in games until it caught up with them last week in a beat down by Utah. The CFP is out but the PAC12 championship game and a chance to knock off Utah is there if Oregon wins the game.

I’m taking Oregon in a revenge setting at home. Oregon State does not travel well going 1-4 on the road. No quatloos though. Oregon is way to shaky to bet on.

Oklahoma State's defense is legit!

Oklahoma State -4.0 vs Oklahoma – It’s pure Bedlam. Oklahoma State’s defense in the real deal. It’s #1 in sacks and tackles for loss, #2 in scoring defense and #3 overall. The offense is kicking in at the right time, rolling over TCU and Kansas.

The Cowboys are in the Big 12 championship no matter what. Oklahoma needs a win here and some help.

It won’t happen, OSU stuffs the Sooners. I’ll lay the points for a quatloo.

Wisconsin -7.0 vs Minnesota – As good as the Cowboys defense is, the Badgers is even better, ranking #2 overall. Wisconsin’s offense has finally started to wake up too, averaging 41 PPG over the last three games.

With Iowa’s win over Nebraska last night. Wisconsin needs to win to get to Indianapolis.

They’ll get the win. I’ll lay the points for a quatloo.

Want some fun? Watch the Flash Attack

Some other games I’ll be investing in;

I’ll start with a three game parlay @ +478
Kentucky ML @ Louisville – Both teams can run. Kentucky is better at stopping it
Texas A&M -6.5 @ LSU – defense travels they say. A&’s defense stuffs the reeling Tigers
Virginia ML vs Va Tech – Va Tech is reeling too. The Hokies have owned the Cavs, winning all the games save one since 2003. Virginia will bomb away to exact some sweet revenge.

Western Kentucky ML @ Marshall – The winner gets UTSA in the CUSA championship game. Spartan fans saw it first hand, Western Kentucky has 300 yards passing before the teams is even gets off the bus. Marshall won’t be able to keep up.

Kent State -1.0 vs Miami (OH) – The Flash Attack is pure high tempo fun. Miami has the best run defense in the MAC but it won’t be enough. KSU wins and gets to play Northern Illinois in Detroit.

Army +3.5 @ Liberty – Liberty’s defense has gone bye bye. Flames QB Malik Willis is getting a ton of looks by the NFL but he won’t be on the field much. Army leads the nation in time of possession. The Knights will pound away for the win.

And for all the games, times, spreads, picks and much much more here is the Week 13 Bettor Guide

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Remember - the 2022 GO JUMBO trip is Oct 29th at the Westgate SuperBook

2021 Week 13 - Rivalry Week Part 1

11/24/2021

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. The Doofus clan is headed down for plenty of food, boardgames and, of course, football!

It’s Rivalry Week too with lots of great games on tap starting Thursday with:

Mississippi ML @ Mississippi State – Forget the NFL, this will be the best game to watch on Thursday. Ole Miss has one of the best scoring offenses in college football but can’t stop the pass. Mississippi State has one of the best passing games in college football but can’t run or control the clock. Expect plenty of yards and points.

Ole Miss is healthy with the better quarterback and record. I’ll take the Rebs on the money line at +110

The action moves to Friday with:

Better hurry up and finish that Bloody Mary - it's game time!

San Diego State -ML @ Boise State – I had to do a double take at the kickoff time, Noon ET? That means 9:00 am local! Wolf down those pancakes and down those Bloody Marys Aztec fans! You’re already late for getting to the game.

SDSU has a way of playing tough in close games and finding a way. They are 10-1. Boise started out rough but is on a five game winning streak of their own. I’ll take the Aztecs at home for the money line at +115.

Kansas State ML @ Texas – Have the Longhorns given up on the season? Since collapsing in the second half against Oklahoma, Texas has lost six straight. I’m not about to get in front of that pitiful parade of the pathetic. The Wildcat QB Skylar Thompson may be hurt but Texas will find a way to lose.
I’ll take Kansas State and the money line at +130

Then there’s a cornucopia of rivalry contests on Saturday, starting at Noon with

Every..single..time!

Ohio State -8.5 vs scUM – Michigan will get crushed. It’s what Harbaugh does. Every year is the year that Michigan will finally get by the BuckNuts and every year Lucy pulls the football. I laugh, you laugh, all of college football laughs. Just a great way to start off the Holiday Season!

I’m in for a quatloo

Georgia Tech +35.5 vs Georgia – It’s a good old fashioned hate. Tech fans know what State fans go through. Georgia will say that Florida is their real rival and Tech is just an annoying little brother. Unlike State, Tech has not been very competitive against the Dawgs.

Will Georgia be focused for this game? Their place is virtually locked into the CFP. They be caught looking ahead to knocking Bama out of the playoffs. Not enough to lose but perhaps enough to not cover. I’ll take the Wreck and he points.

Michigan State +1.0 vs Penn State – It’s a contrived rivalry from when Penn State joined the Big Ten. Should be a good game though.

MSU’s pass defense bend but don’t break defense never even bent against Ohio State, OSU just launched bombs and scorched MSU. Mental breakdowns, injuries and lack of talent in the secondary finally caught up to the Spartans.

But I’m always hopeful. The Spartans play better at home and Penn State doesn’t have the WRs that OSU does. Plus K9 will get his touches since he won’t be down five TDs. No quatloos though.

Florida State ML @ Florida – Two teams headed in opposite directions. FSU is 5-2. UF is 2-5 and just fired their head coach. The trend is your friend. I’ll take the Noles on the money line at +120

More to come!

2021 Week 12 - The Big Ten Playoff Continues

11/19/2021

Go Green!!

The Big Ten continues its Big Ten round robin CFP Play In games. The winner of the MSU OSU game takes the lead in the Big Ten east but there are still more tests next week For State its Penn State. For Ohio State it’s scUM.

And another Game day appearance for the Spartans. I wonder which archrival Desmond picks. Not that it matters – he’s a moron.

Michigan State +19 @ Ohio State – Yeah, I know, the Spartan pass defense sucks statistically – dead last actually. But the stat is a bit misleading. They have played bend but don’t break with teams passing down the field. But if they make stops in the red zone like against Miami (FL) they win. If they don’t, like against Purdue – they lose. It’s the key to the game. Will the BuckNuts get FGs or TDs.

And K9 shines in the big moments. Just ask scUM. Last time they saw him it was from the back as he scored his 5th TD.

Solid teams can keep it close against Ohio State. Penn State kept it within kept it within 9 , Nebraska also kept it within 9 and Minnesota within 14. State should be able to keep it within 19. No quatloos though. I never bet the Spartans.

And this one is for you Chris. We were watching this one with the gang under the Outdoor Ampitheatre

Can Cincinnati handle a passing attack?

Of course, that wasn't the only State win in the Shoe - who can forget Renaldo Hill's pick in 1998. So I'm saying there's a chance!

Some other games of interest -

SMU +10.5 @ Cincinnati – Look, I’m all in with Cincinnati going to the CFP if they win out, including a win over Houston in the American Championship. But they really haven’t been putting teams away. And looking at their record, other than Notre Dame, they have yet to beat a team that has a win over a Power Five team, that includes you Indiana.

Cincinnati is legit though. They rank 6th in scoring defense and QB Desmond Ritter has been improving as the season goes on. That said, they have yet to face a team that can throw like SMU.

The spotlight will be on for the BearCats in what should be the 2nd best game of the weekend. I’ll take the Mustangs and the points but just a quatloo. SMU has gagged in these spots in the past.

Arkansas is too one dimensional

Arkansas +21.5 @ Alabama – If Bama plays like it did against LSU, hello Cincinnati to the CFP. But if they play they way they are capable then they should win easily. Arkansas has a solid defense but does not get to the QB. The offense is one dimensional too, relying on the run. Saban is a smart coach. He’ll give the green light to Bryce Young and then force the Hogs to play catch up.

I’ll lay the three TDs but no quatloos.

I will lay some quatloos on these games though

South Florida over 60.5 @ Tulane – Two of the worst defenses in college football. USF is 115th is scoring defense. In Div 1A play, they are getting beat, on average 38-27. Tulane is even worse at 119th, losing by an average 38-27. That makes the average score against, let’s see, carrying the one, divide by two and, oh yeah, 38. Which means that the score should be, um carry the one and - equals 76. Not sure they will get to 76. The USF QB has been throwing at a 50% clip over the last two games with 4 picks but they should let up 60 combined.

Clemson won't be able to keep up with the flying Deacons

Wake Forest ML +170 @ Clemson – Clemson’s defense will keep them in the game but the offense won’t be able to keep up. WtF wins this one outright.
Rock gets to crow again

UT San Antonio -4.5 vs UAB – This game is for the CUSA West title. The Roadrunners are doing it with offense and defense ranking 12th points scored and 19th in points allowed. UAB has a solid defense but not enough offense to keep pace. UTSA is having a magical season going 10-0 so far. The magic continues at home.

UL Lafayette ML +165 @ Liberty – Apparently the odds makers are not impressed with Louisiana. They are going for their 10th straight victory versus a 7-2 record for Liberty. The Ragin Cajuns win the game outright behind their much better defense and excellent running game.

Baylor ML +100 @ Kansas State – Baylor has found something with their tandem RBs Abram Smith and Tretan Ebnar. The Bears have the nations 4th best rushing attacked. Kansas State is statistically very good against the run but the last time they faced a good running team they lost by 13 to Iowa State. Baylor is better than ISU.

Meet your next Lion - Kayvon Thibodeux

Oregon ML +135 @ Utah – The talking heads will have you believe that the Ducks peaked with their won over Ohio State back in September and the Utah is the hotter team. That since QB Cameron Rising was inserted as QB the Utes have gone 6-1 crushing the likes of UCLA, USC, and Arizona State. All true but The Lions next #1 draft pick, star pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeux will be a huge challenge for Rising. And the Utah defense is not quite the defense of years past. I’ll go with the money line here as Oregon stays in contention for the CFP.

And for a what the heck parlay +189
Western Kentucky ML vs Florida Atlantic
Minnesota ML @ Indiana
Wisconsin ML vs Nebraska
Miami (FL) ML vs Virginia Tech

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Remember - the 2022 GO JUMBO trip is Oct 29, 2022 at the Westgate SuperBook

2021 GO JUMBO Recap

11/18/2021

The Spartans blew by Maryland

I know, the recap is late this year. The Man said I had to reprioritize. I hate the Man.

But the good news is - GO JUMBO is back baby! After a one year hiatus featuring GO MICRO, the gang returned for another great weekend of cigars, adult beverages and football!

I was concerned the SuperBook would fill up early as in prior years so I made way down around 6:00 am. In the past I would usually have to end off a few others to grab the best tables. Not this year. There was no one there.

I texted Pat and Woz to let them know I had arrived. They got down to the book in a leisurely 30-45 minutes later. We were still the only ones in the SuperBook

Two more TDs for K9!

We began FFDY as we always do, catching up, swapping lies, giving out our best predictions of the weekend and telling the same old stories. By the way, we are all healthy sans a little extra Covid weight, families are fine and our kids are all above average. Perhaps a blended above average for me, I’ll let them figure out the stratification.

We reached full attendance when Chuck, Berj and Trent sauntered down. The mystery guest Pete promised never showed for reasons that remain a mystery.

The gang was ready for some football. But not before Pete made a huge gaffe. We were waiting in the line to make our investments when Pete mentioned that he was taking the under Clemson UConn game. Whaaaat? That is a direct violation of the Big Al Rule. He tried to weasel out of it by saying he wasn’t betting on the Huskies, just the score. I knew better and it would come back to haunt us.

First up was the Spartans hosting Maryland. You saw it, we predicted it (but did not bet on it). Sparty roasted the Terps. The game was never really in doubt. We jumped to a 27-7 lead and never looked back. It took awhile, but K9 notched 143 yards and 2TDs. Do that again next week against the BuckNuts and you can give him a ticket to New York – first class!

Fortunately, Big Al didn’t rain brimstone and fire on the Spartans for Pete’s transgression. In fact, he did a head fake. Pete took the under 61.5 while Woz was able to get the over at 60.5. Final score 40-21. They were both winners!

But he did take it out on our other betting Saturday. By the time the afternoon games were done I was 3-7 and down nearly a Mega Bet. Pete was about the same. Not sure why I was catching his fury. I didn’t make the bet. But Big Al always told us we are responsible for our friends when they come over. A loophole they have been exploiting for years.

The Cup of Infamy was overflowing - as usual

The Cup of Infamy documented our failures. It was overflowing with ineptitude. A fellow punter noticed our cup and asked if he could have it. He was up quite a bit on the day and needed some bad bets for tax purposes. He sure came to the right spot. We gave him the cup and told him to come tomorrow as would have even more ill fated wagers.

Pat was making some good choices though. He strolled back from the casino saying he was up quite a bit on the day on slots. We then went with Trent to the bar outside the Sportsbook for some nice cigars Trent had purchased. We celebrated the Spartan win and hoped for better wagering the rest of the weekend.

It must have worked. Big Al finally relented by the time the evening games rolled around. I finished with a bang going 7-1, going from down a Mega to up a Mini Mega. The last game of the evening put me over the top, Utah State with the Money Line. Thanks Dad.

We were doing a great job getting and, more importantly, using our free drink coupons. So good that the bottle of Bulleit bourbon Pat and I had purchased had gone unopened. Berj was practically begging us to open it so he could give it a try but we decided to wait until Sunday.

Sunday started out the same way Saturday did. I figured that NFL Sunday is always more packed than College Day Saturday so I came down at 6:00 am again, a little worse for wear. Same result. I was the only one there until Woz and Pat arrived around 6:45.

We once again had the best tables in the house. The crowd may have been below average but they did give some cheers that remined us of the old days when the Lions and Steelers went into OT. The place was going nuts. The potential winning kick by Detroit had the place in a furor.

It was missed of course. An absolute pathetic attempt. One that had us speculating if the kicker would even be on the plane ride home. The Lions ended up kissing Duffy’s sister with a tie.

Loved the post season qualifier

The tie did negate one prop bet though. Before the game you could bet 5-1 for the Lions to go winless. Buried in the small print was one really dumb qualifier. Post season games do not count.

With Detroit no longer going to be the first team to go 0-17, we finally relented and opened to Bulleit. Good stuff. I like the bourbon much better than the rye. Others disagree but like Pat, often wrong, never in doubt. Combined with the free drink coupons we were meticulously getting and using, we were having a grand old time.
With no Big Al rule in play, the betting was much better despite one teller who kept pissing me off. She was new, English was a second language at best and we were both wearing masks. Not sure why she thought I wanted to parlay a Colts bet. “You want parlay?”” “No, I just want the under” “OK and Colts too?” We kept going around and around until I just about shouting, nearly triggering a visit from the manager.

I don’t know what it was but every time I would go up to the tellers, she was the next available. It got to the point where I would let the guy behind me go first. She was a moron.

I had a great Sunday going 7-3 up a Mega Bet for the weekend. And according to Bruce math I was still ahead since I used points for the hotel and the airfare.

We still had our share of bad bets though. The guy looking for lost wagers - we had another full cup for him. He was quite pleased with the cup from the day before. Apparently we we had over two grand in bad bets. Big Al has a way of doing that.

Pat finished off the Bulleit Bourbon during the Executive Committee meeting

As the afternoon wore on Pete Pat and I convened a meeting of the Executive Committee. We were discussing a motion that we had already decided on for next year’s GO JUMBO date. The Chair did not recognize the intruder but did propose a motion, seconded by Pat that Trent was permanent Asshole. The motion passed unanimously. As did the motion setting the time and place for the 2022 GO JUMBO trip.

It’s OCTOBER 29, 2022 at the Westgate SuperBook. The Spartans will be playing Penn State. Should be a great game. It will be another great weekend!

Epilogue – Last night Jonny E texted me wondering where everyone was. He and Mrs. E were in Vegas and wanted to get together. Typical John, a few days late and a bunch of dollars short. I told him about next year’s date, he put it into his calendar hopes to be there.

We are also expecting a few more no shows from this year to come next year too. We could be having record attendance!

GO JUMBO!

2021 GO JUMBO!!

11/13/2021

The gang was all smiles in the SuperBook. I was finishing up a spreadsheet

It’s GO JUMBO!!!

The gang has already assembled and celebrating a Spartan basketball win in the SuperBook. I’m still on my way to Vegas.

was unassigned for a few weeks, laying low hoping the Man wouldn’t notice. But they found me last week and put me on the road. When I mentioned it would cost me a few days in Vegas I was given the sad puppy, suck it up buttercup look.

So I’ll be arriving long after the party is over, cigar stubs snuffed out, the drink coupons for the day exhausted and the discussion on who to take on Saturday has finished being debated. In some ways the Second Best F’ing Day of the year.

But I’ll be their bright and early for FFDY! Woz will be their early too to save the best tables and tell BeDDy we are back! And back with a gusto. After last year’s GO MICRO, demand has been building and attendance will be superb. Might have to grab a couple extra tables this year.

And what is GO JUMBO without betting on football? Chris wanted to know if I was going to do a recap after the Purdon’t win last week. I told him that I’ve already forgotten about that game. In fact, the entire weekend’s action. It was the worst of the season. I’m hoping I got my bad picks out of the wat. Time to move forward.

Just as soon as Rock gets me to buy into WtF - UNC 58 Wake 55

But not before a shout out to Dwink and his Knights. The Air Force Army game was one of the better one’s last week and Woz’s reverse bet on the under paid off.

No congrats are in order for Rock though. Just when I buy into WtF they drop a loogie against UNC. Fun game though!

So much for last week. This is the Big weekend. The payoff for all the games watched and pretend bets made. Time to make huge returns on my football investments.

The Big games this week – other than the Spartans who I refuse to bet on after the 2015 debacle against Nebraska and a worse one against Ohio State in 2017. Spartans will win and win big because I refuse to jinx them. Besides, I’m anxious enough during the game without putting some of the kids’ cash on them too.

So here are the games I will be investing in:

Tyler Van Dyke has the canes winning

Minnesota +6.5 @ Iowa – How is Iowa favored by 7.0? they barely score 7 points in a game. In fact, they have only scored 31 points over the last three games. All the Goofers need to do is score a TD and they have the cover. They will get that TD. Might put a small wager on the money line too.

Purdue @ Ohio State over 61.5 – Ohio State’s offense is about to get back on track after stalling a bit against Nebraska. Purdue just showed Spartan fans how effective their aerial attack is. OSU has a better defense but will still let up points.

Miami (FL) -5.0 @ Florida State – The Canes have found their groove. With Tyler Dyke replacing the injured D'Eriq King, they have won three straight over NC State (they are dead to me), Pitt and Georgia Tech. FSU is not totally bad but has lost two straight to Clemson and NC State. It’s a small spread considering how much better the Canes are playing. It’s still a rivalry game too so Miami (FL) will be focused.

Western Kentucky -18.5 @ Rice – Spartan fans saw it firsthand, The Hilltoppers passing attack is every bit as good as Purdue’s. WKU is ripping apart the CUSA. Rice is getting ripped apart in the CUSA. Don’t be surprised in the Pillpoppers have the cover at the half. I night make a half time wager too.

Georgia State plays some solid defense

Georgia State +10.5 @ Coastal Carolina – Coastal is not the same after losing QB Grayson McCall. The Panthers have a fairly decent defense and keep this one close. I’m also taking a look at the under 52.5 too.

Fresno State -24.5 vs New Mexico – New Mexico gets pummeled by the better teams in the MWC. They lost to Air Force Colorado State and San Diego State by an average of 35-8. Fresno State is among the best in the MWC, it’s at home and the Bulldogs are smarting after losing to UNLV last week.

Hawaii -3.0 @ UNLV – The Rebels are just plain bad, Their one win? Against New Mexico last week. Hawaii is having a bit of an off year but is still better than UNLV.

Utah State is rolling

Utah State +4.5 @ San Jose State – This is the year that the other Spartans were going to make a push to among the big boys in the MWC. Hasn’t quite worked out that way. The passing game regressed this year. Utah State has quietly taken the lead in the West division. The offense has been a killer. I’ll take the points and put a bit on the money line too.

Houston -25.5 @ Temple – Temple is a train wreck. They have lost their last four games by an average of 45-7. Houston can match that.

UTSA -33.0 vs Southern Miss – The Roadrunners are rolling over everyone. They have scored 44+ points for the last four games. Southern Miss has yet to beat a Div 1A team. The home team goes for style points in front of their fans.

he Dores don't score

New Mexico State +51.5 @ Alabama – Yeah, the Aggies suck but not 51 points suck. The last time these two played Bama won by 52. This year’s NMSU is better than that one and this years Tide team is not quite as good. Nothing like being up 51-0 as the bus rolls into town.

Kentucky @ Vandy under 52.0 – The Commodes don’t score. Kentucky likes to run. Points will be at a premium.

Arkansas @ LSU under 59.0 – LSU is playing for Big Ed. The defense has stepped up, holding Bama to 20 points last week. The Hogs prefer low scoring games too.

Georgia -20.5 @ Tennessee – Pat will take Tennessee. He loves the Vols. Too bad they always lose on Vegas weekend. Don’t be Pat! Go with the winners. UGA covers.

And for all the game, spreads picks and much much more hers is the official 2021 GO JUMBO Bettors Guide

2021_go_jumbo_bettors_guide.pdf
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GO JUMBO!!

2021 Week 10 - Egregious oversight

11/6/2021

WtF is blowing by the competition

I have been remiss. In an egregious oversight I have consistently neglected to mention a team. Rick finally called me out on it.

Wake Forest is playing damn good football. Perhaps their best ever. The made the top 10 for the first time ever. Even better, they made #9 in the initial CFP rankings. The offense is amazing. The Deacs have scored at least 35 points in every game. The highlight came when the scored 70 points on Army yet with only 17:17 in time of possession.

But that game also underscored WtF’s main issue. The defense allowed 56 points to Army – Army! The Cadets are lucky to score 56 points in a month.

The finishing stretch will be interesting. North Carolina this week will test the defense. NC State is flaky and can knock off anyone. Win out and put 35 on Clemson’s defense and you deserve to be in the CFP.

Will they? There’s a traffic jam in front of them. As far as the initial rankings, at #1 - it’s Georgia’s sandbox this year and your invited for a play date. Just don’t being your best toys because the Dawgs are going to keep them when Mom shows up to take you home.

But the Deacs need to tighten up the defense

Alabama at #2. Nope. They have to win out including a win over Auburn in the Iron Bowl and Georiga in the SEC championship. Not going to happen. There’s a slot opening near you.

State at #3 is a bit premature. Win out, including wins over Ohio State and the Big West champ and, yeah, Sparty deserves the #3 slot, even #2. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, they need to beat Purdue this week. Joe is nervous, you should be too.

Oregon at #4? Maybe. It shows the Committee was more interested in head to head than the overworked phrase “Body of Work” Sure they beat Ohio State in the Shoe but they also slipped against a mediocre Stanford. It’s taking a bit too much to get by other average Pac 12 teams too.

Ohio State controls their destiny. Win out, and they will be favored to do so , and they are in.

Cincinnati is the team that got screwed. Undefeated with a win over #10 and they are not in? Win out and at least two, maybe three, slots opening in front of them (a Big Ten team, Bama maybe Oregon) and they sneak into #4.

Wake? Sorry Rick, they need a ton of help. Playing defense would be a good start.

Will TCU take down the statue too?

Two more coaches we let go this week, Tim Arth at Akron and Gary Patterson at TCU. Getting let go at Akron is no big deal. They are the Lions of college football, the graveyard of coaching.

Patterson exiting TCU is a travesty. He made that program. Based on his success they went fro the WAC to the CUSA to the MWC and finally a powerhouse in the Big 12. His best year was 2010 when he went 13-0, beat Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl, finished #2 in the polls and was national coach of the year. They put a statue up in front of the stadium in 2016 for crying out loud. Now he’s gone. So much for loyalty.

And fear Kansas State, that’s two weeks in a row they beat a team (Texas Tech and TCU) and the coach was fired after the game. Watch out Kansas.

There’s only one game featuring two ranked teams:

Auburn containing the Ole Miss offense caught my attention

Auburn +3.5 @ Texas A&M – Two flaky teams. Good, but you never know what you are going to get.

But they are both on a roll. Auburn has won has won four of five with the lone loss against Georgia. The defense just contained dangerous Ole Miss offense.

No let down after beating Bama for A&M, they have won the next two. The come in rested after a bye last week.

I’ll take the Tigers and the points but no quatloos. Neither team is consistent enough to bet on.

Some other games I’ll investing a few quatloos in:

Cincinnati -22.5 vs Tulsa – Think the Bearcats are just a bit pissed about the CFP rankings. Me too. Cincy rolls Tulsa to get some style points.

SMU -5.5 @ Memphis – Cincinnati was down graded because they supposedly didn’t play enough Top 25 teams, The Committee then doesn’t put #23 SMU and #20 Houston in the Top 25 rankings. It’s a conspiracy Man.

The Mustangs, feeling dissed, bounce back from last weeks loss to Houston on a last minute Kick Six and gut the Tigers.

The Roadrunners are for real

Pitt -23.0 @ Duke – Another rebound game. Still, QB Kenny Picket threw for over 500 yards in the loss to Miami (FL) least week. He’ll light up the pathetic Blue Devil secondary.

Ohio State -15.5 @ Nebraska – Just outside the Top 4 CFP rankings, the BuckNuts will go for the style points too. Nebraska is due to give up on the season.

UTSA -11.0 @ UTEP – Another team dissed by the Committee. #16 UTSA were left off the Top 25 rankings.

The 8-0 Roadrunners are for real and are a covering machine – 7-1 ATS. I’ll lay the points.

Air Force is more than just a running team this year

Air Force over 37.0 – Just following a rule of thumb. If the Over/Under is below 39 take the over. Yeah I know, historically these two play games in the high 20’s but this year they both have a semblance of a passing game. Army just put up 56 on Wake Forest. Air Force is averaging 29 points PPG. It won’t be MACtion type scoring but it will be fun.

Looking at it, my bookie put me down for the under. I’d complain but he would kneecap me.

Kentucky +1.0 vs Tennessee - #18 Kentucky getting points at home vs an unranked Tennessee? Something fishy going on here. That’s all right I’ll go fishing. The Wildcats will control the clock and pound away at a suspect Vol run defense.

I’ll go with a couple money line parlays too.

MLP1 - +101
Fresno State over Boise State
Oregon over Washington

MLP2 - +109
UL Lafayette over Georgia State (W)
Houston over South Florida
Iowa over Northwestern
Oregon State over Colorado

And for all the games, spreads, picks, times and much, much more here is the 2021 Week 10 Bettors Guide

bettors_guide_2021_week_10.xlsx
File Size:	4567 kb
File Type:	xlsx

The 2021 GO JUMBO Trip is next week!!

See you there. And don't forget your drink coupons

Michigan State 37 Michigan 33 - Relentless

10/31/2021

Paul is staying home

Relentless. That’s what was on the back of the Spartan helmets. For all the hype videos and uniform reveals it was the one word tucked where you you might have noticed, that made all the difference.

It was a term that was attributed to the Wolverines and their running game coming into the game. They kept pounding away at opponents until the finally submitted in the fourth quarter. But that was not they way it played out in this game.

In fact, much of how the game was supposed to play out didn’t quite happen. Michigan was supposed to grind away and then hit underneath routes. State was going to stop the run and force QB McNamara to beat them with his arm.

What Michigan running game?

State contained the run but never really stopped it. But in one of many twists, McNamara played lights out. He was accurate at every level.

In another twist, his favorite WR was a freshman, from East Lansing no less, Andrel Anthony. Michigan had more than twice as many yards passing than rushing and scored all their TDs through the air. Anthony had two of the Wolverine three TDs.

State was supposed to have the better passing game with Thorne throwing to Reed and Nailor. Yet Thorne two picks in the first quarter putting the Spartans in a two score hole early on.

But State was relentless. They kept chopping wood, not letting early set backs get in their way.

Relentless. State never went away from the run game like Michigan did. K9 secured, not only invite to New York, but the aisle seat, with his 5 TDs and 197 yards, the most ever by a Spartan against Michigan.

Save me the aisle seat

Instant classic. Instant legend.

Relentless. Thorne never gave up on the pass. He matched K9 in yardage, hit timely passes and threw no more picks.

Relentless. While State coaching staff stuck to their game plan and a balanced offense, the Michigan staff panicked. The defense couldn’t get players onto the field resulting in numerous penalties.

The offense, despite McNamara’s huge day inexplicably changed QBs. McCarthy’s last two drives ended in a fumble and an interception.

Relentless. The defense, needing stops in the fourth quarter, forced Michigan to abandon the run on the last two series resulting in a punt and this

Ball game!!

That's 10-4 since Mike Hart's little brother comment

And if we are little brother then Michigan is Fredo to our Michael. Take care next time you go fishing Wolverine fans.

It's not over. It will never be over!

2021 Week 9 - Little Sister Comes Calling

10/29/2021

It always means more

It’s the biggest week of the year. That time of year when scUM fans come in over confident and leave looking for another excuse as to what happened. They get more creative every year. Whether it's the timekeeper or the crown of the field, I find a lot of things they do amusing. .

Michigan State +4.5 vs scUM – Last year State had an easy time blowing past the vaunted Don Brown defense. It relied on press man coverage which even a pedestrian QB like Rocky Lombardi had no trouble trashing.

This year scUM has Mike “I keep forgettin’” MacDonald as DC. The former Ravens LB coach has upgraded the defense and varied the looks.

But State upgraded at QB too and that should be the difference. scUM will grind it out on the ground but their QB is limited. He struggles making reads and is a liability throwing past the sticks. Everything is underneath.

Peyton Thorne has shown a much better ability to throw it downfield which will open up the running game. Not only is Thorne an upgrade but State is better at WR too. Jayden Reed and Jalen Nailor will be the difference.

Nick is down three bottles of bourbon to me so far this year. Make it four. State makes a few more plays for the win. At least Nick and I will have a great time consuming the winnings.

East Beach Command is full of revelers this weekend

Georgia -14.0 vs Florida (Jacksonville, FL) – Another huge rivalry game. More intense, more heated than MSU scUM? Nah, there’s nothing like having to face your co-worker and that jerk neighbor for a year after a loss to make a rivalry all that more important. The only game that comes close is the Iron Bowl.

But bigger? You bet. Frat Beach at East Beach Command is a sight to behold. The partying starts on Thursday and continues through the weekend with a short bus stop at the actual game itself.

And there’s a little less on the line this year. For years, the Cocktail Party decided the SEC East. Florida lost the invite and comes in with three losses. Meanwhile Georgia comes in with their best team in a generation.

Florida can step it up when needed. The three losses were by a combined 16 points. All have been one score games.

Doesn’t matter. UGA is playing at a whole different level this year and is looking for revenge after losing last year 44-28. The Dawgs are going to put a beat down on the Gators. I’ll wager a mini Mega on it.

Matt Corral's ability to scramble will be the difference

Kentucky +1.5 @ Mississippi State – Kentucky is coming off a bye after a not so bad loss to Georgia. The other MSU had a bye week too beating Vandy 45-6.

Two very similar teams. Good defenses and ball control offenses. Kentucky just does it better. Have the Wildcats as part of a three team upset parlay. I’ll put another quatloo on them as a money line side bet at +100

Ole Miss +3.0 @ Auburn – The Big Guy and Dr Big Guy will be in the stands. Not sure they are going to like the outcome. Tiger QB Bo Nix has a way of blowing big games.

On the other hand, Rebel QB Matt Corral is a Heisman candidate who finds ways to win games. But he is hobbled.

I’ll be betting big on this game if he were fully healthy. As it is I have the Rebels as part of that upset parlay. I’ll put a quatloo on them too but I’ll take the points just to be safe.

OSU will run by PSU

SMU pick ‘em @ Houston – It’s the third leg of the three team upset parlay. When the line opened, the Mustangs were getting four. By the time I made the bet it was down to two.

Houston has a pretty good defense. Statistically it’s the best in the American. But they haven’t faced anything like what SMU is going to throw at them. SMU QB Tanner Mordecai is tossing TDs like they were beads at Mardi Gras.

I’ll put another quatloo on the Mustangs straight up too.

Ohio State -19.5 vs Penn State – Game Day would have been here if Penn State didn’t drop a massive turd at Illinois. 9 overtimes of pure boredom later and the Nits come to the Shoe beat up and demoralized.

PSU QB Sean Clifford was hurt coming into last weeks and came out in even rougher shape. Just in time to face a Buckeye defense finding its footing.

OSU's offense is the best in the business. This one has blow out written all over it. I’m in for a Mini Mega on the Bucknuts.

Tanner Mordecai will light up Houstonbbbbbbbb

Baylor -2.5 vs Texas – Texas struggles against the run exactly what the Bears do best. Now it looks like the Horns will be missing their top tackler LB Demarvion Overshown.

Texas has a pretty good RB too in Bijan Robinson but he will have a tougher time against Baylor defense. Put me down for a quatloo on Baylor.

Some other investments this week:

Underdog Money Line Parlay
Iowa over Wisconsin
SMU over Houston
Ole Miss over Auburn
+930

Favorites drop the points parlay:
Middle Tenn State -13.5 vs Southern Miss
Georgia State -6.0 @ Georgia State
+272

Dogs take the points parlay
UL Monroe +27.5 @ App State
UTEP +11.0 @ Florida Atlantic
+265

Western Kentucky UNC Charlotte Under 73.0 for a quatloo

And for all the games, spreads, picks and much much more here is the 2021 Week 9 Bettors Guide

Remember the GO JUMBO trip is two weeks away at the Westgate SuperBook

And don't forget your drink coupons!