I've been doing write ups for football games since Week 2 of college football and the first week of the NFL season. (Sadly,) I haven't put any money on the games, but I am trying to find a job in sports, so I started doing it to work on my writing and hopefully land a job somewhere. I've done really well. Here's my record (in the "week: 12/24/11-12/26/11)
Enjoy! And definitely let me know your input and/or if anyone has any jobs in sports.
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Hey all,
I've been doing write ups for football games since Week 2 of college football and the first week of the NFL season. (Sadly,) I haven't put any money on the games, but I am trying to find a job in sports, so I started doing it to work on my writing and hopefully land a job somewhere. I've done really well. Here's my record (in the "week: 12/24/11-12/26/11)
I’ve talked to people who bet on games and usually most do well during the regular season, but lose it back during bowl season. You will not see me make too many Levin Locks. Bowl games are similar to rivalry games and playoffs. Anything can happen. Also, overs are a tougher play. You can read my intro if you want to know why. Although, it is much more difficult to predict college scores, I’ll take a shot on each game that I pick. Bowl games are tougher because some teams think they deserve better and come out flat (i.e. Utah beating Alabama in ’09, TCU against La Tech this year). Senior QBs will step up for their last ever college game. Some teams are playing for an interim coach, others are playing for a coach that either got fired or left to greener pastures (ASU). The players will probably play better for coaches that are interim coaches or playing for their job over coaches who are leaving the school by choice. There is a lot of psychology factored into these bowl games. So far, so good *knocks on wood.*
Bowl picks: 8-2-0
12/26/11
UNC vs. Missouri
It has not hurt Missouri that much that their star running back has missed the last two games. Remember the name Henry Josey for next year. UNC’s team is dilapidated from last year. They are still rebuilding. Although, their defense has held strong, they’re offense can’t compete. The Tigers win this 31-20.
Pick: Missouri -5
12/27/11
Western Michigan vs Purdue
The MAC always produces great QBs and I believe the conference might go undefeated in their bowls. They are already 2-0. I have been on Western Michigan’s bandwagon all year. What could be better than my favorite small school team playing in a bowl game? The fact that they are playing the the Little Caesars Bowl (PIZZA! PIZZA!). The Broncos have scored 60+ points 2 out of their last 3 games. They will be hot and ready. I believe that the only reason that Purdue is favored is because they play in one of the Big 6 conferences. Broncos over the Boilermakers 42-33. I probably should only pick the game, but he MAC conference could be this years version of last years C-USA (no defense).
Pick: Western Michigan +2.5 (Levin Lock) Pick: Over 60
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I’ve talked to people who bet on games and usually most do well during the regular season, but lose it back during bowl season. You will not see me make too many Levin Locks. Bowl games are similar to rivalry games and playoffs. Anything can happen. Also, overs are a tougher play. You can read my intro if you want to know why. Although, it is much more difficult to predict college scores, I’ll take a shot on each game that I pick. Bowl games are tougher because some teams think they deserve better and come out flat (i.e. Utah beating Alabama in ’09, TCU against La Tech this year). Senior QBs will step up for their last ever college game. Some teams are playing for an interim coach, others are playing for a coach that either got fired or left to greener pastures (ASU). The players will probably play better for coaches that are interim coaches or playing for their job over coaches who are leaving the school by choice. There is a lot of psychology factored into these bowl games. So far, so good *knocks on wood.*
Bowl picks: 8-2-0
12/26/11
UNC vs. Missouri
It has not hurt Missouri that much that their star running back has missed the last two games. Remember the name Henry Josey for next year. UNC’s team is dilapidated from last year. They are still rebuilding. Although, their defense has held strong, they’re offense can’t compete. The Tigers win this 31-20.
Pick: Missouri -5
12/27/11
Western Michigan vs Purdue
The MAC always produces great QBs and I believe the conference might go undefeated in their bowls. They are already 2-0. I have been on Western Michigan’s bandwagon all year. What could be better than my favorite small school team playing in a bowl game? The fact that they are playing the the Little Caesars Bowl (PIZZA! PIZZA!). The Broncos have scored 60+ points 2 out of their last 3 games. They will be hot and ready. I believe that the only reason that Purdue is favored is because they play in one of the Big 6 conferences. Broncos over the Boilermakers 42-33. I probably should only pick the game, but he MAC conference could be this years version of last years C-USA (no defense).
Pick: Western Michigan +2.5 (Levin Lock) Pick: Over 60
10-3 If you've followed me all year. I decided to get liberal with my locks (pretty much they're plays I love). Overall, I have about the same record for my locks and regular plays, so probably don't read too much into it.
Toledo vs. Air Force
Air Force has 7 wins. Two of those wins came over teams that are not Division 1A. The 5 other wins came over Navy, New Mexico, Army, UNLV, and Colorado State. These 5 teams wins came over teams who had a combined 14 wins. 4 of the 14 wins by Air Force’s opponents were by the teams listed (so, someone was going to get the victory). Another 3 of those 14 wins were accounted for by those teams beating teams that are not Division 1A. The other 7 wins were 2 against the WAC, 2 against the Sun Belt, 2 against C-USA, and Northwestern. The moral of the story is that Air Force is not very good. Toledo’s only 4 losses were by 5 to Ohio State, Northern Illinois by 3, Boise State, and Syracuse by 3 in OT (*cough* refs blew the game *cough* *cough*). After saying I don’t like taking overs or making games a lock in bowls games here is another over and lock. You know Toledo is good enough to score at least 35 and Air Force will score 28. So let’s hope for another TD. 41-30.
Pick: Toledo -3 (Levin Lock) Pick: Over 70
California vs. Texas
I told my friend at the beginning of the year that Texas would be in for another tough year if they did not score 40+ against Rice the first game of the year. I was partially right (if I want to say it optimistically or you could say I was partially wrong). Texas managed (not so pretty) wins. They loss to all the teams that they were suppose to and they beat all of the teams that they were suppose to beat. I expect 9 wins next year and this could be the game that gives the young Longhorns the confidence that they need going into next year. Almost like the under play here. Longhorns 27 Golden Bears 13.
10-3 If you've followed me all year. I decided to get liberal with my locks (pretty much they're plays I love). Overall, I have about the same record for my locks and regular plays, so probably don't read too much into it.
Toledo vs. Air Force
Air Force has 7 wins. Two of those wins came over teams that are not Division 1A. The 5 other wins came over Navy, New Mexico, Army, UNLV, and Colorado State. These 5 teams wins came over teams who had a combined 14 wins. 4 of the 14 wins by Air Force’s opponents were by the teams listed (so, someone was going to get the victory). Another 3 of those 14 wins were accounted for by those teams beating teams that are not Division 1A. The other 7 wins were 2 against the WAC, 2 against the Sun Belt, 2 against C-USA, and Northwestern. The moral of the story is that Air Force is not very good. Toledo’s only 4 losses were by 5 to Ohio State, Northern Illinois by 3, Boise State, and Syracuse by 3 in OT (*cough* refs blew the game *cough* *cough*). After saying I don’t like taking overs or making games a lock in bowls games here is another over and lock. You know Toledo is good enough to score at least 35 and Air Force will score 28. So let’s hope for another TD. 41-30.
Pick: Toledo -3 (Levin Lock) Pick: Over 70
California vs. Texas
I told my friend at the beginning of the year that Texas would be in for another tough year if they did not score 40+ against Rice the first game of the year. I was partially right (if I want to say it optimistically or you could say I was partially wrong). Texas managed (not so pretty) wins. They loss to all the teams that they were suppose to and they beat all of the teams that they were suppose to beat. I expect 9 wins next year and this could be the game that gives the young Longhorns the confidence that they need going into next year. Almost like the under play here. Longhorns 27 Golden Bears 13.
As I said, my locks are pretty bad right now. I like alliteration, so maybe I should call it "Liberal Levin Locks Love Losing".
Still 12-4.
FSU vs. ND
The two prestigious football programs will fight it out in the Champs Sports Bowl. FSU hasn’t given up more than 19 points in a game since October 8th. ND averages 35.5 points per game in their victories, but a mere 20.5 points per game (ppg) in losses. In those losses, they have given up 29.25 ppg. FSU hasn’t scored more than 23 in their last 3 games. I think Notre Dame loses this game. Let’s take the Seminoles over the Fighting Irish 27-20. I have a feeling I’ll go 0-2 or 2-0 in this pick.
Pick: FSU -3 Pick: Under 46.5
Washington vs. Baylor
The only analysis for this game should be two letters and a number. RG3. Washington gives up 45.6 ppg in their losses. Overall they give up 33.3 ppg. Baylor averages 48.3 ppg in their victories and 43.5 overall. So, that means we can chalk up at least 40 points for Baylor in this game. Baylor on the other hand gives up 34.75 ppg in their victories, 35.7 ppg overall. Washington averages 31.5 ppg and 22.8 in their losses. So, we can also give Washington at least 28. Plus, this game is in Texas. I will be liberal with this lock, just because I like the Baylor pick so much more than the over, but Baylor is the college version of New England. You just always have to take the over.
As I said, my locks are pretty bad right now. I like alliteration, so maybe I should call it "Liberal Levin Locks Love Losing".
Still 12-4.
FSU vs. ND
The two prestigious football programs will fight it out in the Champs Sports Bowl. FSU hasn’t given up more than 19 points in a game since October 8th. ND averages 35.5 points per game in their victories, but a mere 20.5 points per game (ppg) in losses. In those losses, they have given up 29.25 ppg. FSU hasn’t scored more than 23 in their last 3 games. I think Notre Dame loses this game. Let’s take the Seminoles over the Fighting Irish 27-20. I have a feeling I’ll go 0-2 or 2-0 in this pick.
Pick: FSU -3 Pick: Under 46.5
Washington vs. Baylor
The only analysis for this game should be two letters and a number. RG3. Washington gives up 45.6 ppg in their losses. Overall they give up 33.3 ppg. Baylor averages 48.3 ppg in their victories and 43.5 overall. So, that means we can chalk up at least 40 points for Baylor in this game. Baylor on the other hand gives up 34.75 ppg in their victories, 35.7 ppg overall. Washington averages 31.5 ppg and 22.8 in their losses. So, we can also give Washington at least 28. Plus, this game is in Texas. I will be liberal with this lock, just because I like the Baylor pick so much more than the over, but Baylor is the college version of New England. You just always have to take the over.
Jmt-probably one of the reasons, I think I'll go 2-0 or 0-2 hah I went to the UF/FSU game and FSU's offense is terrible. How were they a national title contender at the beginning of the year? (I know, because they're young).
migger-hindsight is always 20/20. Big 6 school (or should I say Big 5 because I don't count the Big East)>every other conference. Owell.
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Jmt-probably one of the reasons, I think I'll go 2-0 or 0-2 hah I went to the UF/FSU game and FSU's offense is terrible. How were they a national title contender at the beginning of the year? (I know, because they're young).
migger-hindsight is always 20/20. Big 6 school (or should I say Big 5 because I don't count the Big East)>every other conference. Owell.
Simple analysis here. Iowa State played 7 teams in the top 25, while Rutgers plays in the Big East. And you know how much I love Freshman Jared Barnett, especially compared to Junior Steele Jantz. Iowa State takes this one handily 30-13.
Pick: Iowa State -1.5 (Levin Lock)
Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest
Which record would you take 2-6 or 5-3? I’ll take 2-6 in the SEC over 5-3 in the ACC any day. Wake got trounced at home to Vanderbilt the last week of the season and lost to a Big East team (the first game of the season). The Bulldogs beat the Demon Deacons in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl in a low scoring affair 21-3.
Pick: Mississippi State -6.5 Pick: Under 48 (Levin Lock)
Iowa vs. Oklahoma
I thought Iowa was absolutely terrible and this game could get ugly quickly and would probably stay ugly, but after looking at Iowa’s schedule their losses have come by an average of 8.6 ppg. Big Time Bob received this name sarcastically for his skills in the bowl games. Sooners 41-21 Hawkeyes.
Simple analysis here. Iowa State played 7 teams in the top 25, while Rutgers plays in the Big East. And you know how much I love Freshman Jared Barnett, especially compared to Junior Steele Jantz. Iowa State takes this one handily 30-13.
Pick: Iowa State -1.5 (Levin Lock)
Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest
Which record would you take 2-6 or 5-3? I’ll take 2-6 in the SEC over 5-3 in the ACC any day. Wake got trounced at home to Vanderbilt the last week of the season and lost to a Big East team (the first game of the season). The Bulldogs beat the Demon Deacons in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl in a low scoring affair 21-3.
Pick: Mississippi State -6.5 Pick: Under 48 (Levin Lock)
Iowa vs. Oklahoma
I thought Iowa was absolutely terrible and this game could get ugly quickly and would probably stay ugly, but after looking at Iowa’s schedule their losses have come by an average of 8.6 ppg. Big Time Bob received this name sarcastically for his skills in the bowl games. Sooners 41-21 Hawkeyes.
I couldn't watch the Iowa State game. Can someone tell me why Steele Jantz came in (not that it matters now)? If I was watching I would've went big on Rutgers in the 2nd half. Jantz could be the 2nd worst QB in NCAAF next to McEntee (the youtube sensation) for UConn. Damn, really pissed I missed that chance. You can go back in my blogs and see how much I hate him. Argh....Anyways on to tomorrow's games.
Texas A&M vs. Northwestern
The first half line is A&M by 6.5, while the game line is 10. I’m going with the first half line anyways. This game should have a lot of points, but it will have been over a month since these teams last played and I think that slows down the offenses a bit (aka no lock). Aggies beat the Wildcats 37-33.
Pick: Texas A&M first half -6.5 Pick: Over 66
Georgia Tech vs. Utah
This season Utah beat the teams they should have beaten and lost to the ones that they should have lost to. I thought Georgia Tech was good, but they might just end up being pretty good. With that said the Utes should lose to Georgia Tech. No idea the score. I could see it in the 40s or in the 60s. I do like this play a lot, but my ‘Note To Self’ one week was: “If the Vegas line seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Pick: Yellow Jackets -3
Illinois vs. UCLA
My first hunch was Illinois because the Big Ten is better than the Pac 12, but then I thought UCLA had more pride to play for than Illinois. In the end, the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl doesn’t deserve a winner. Both of these teams are fighting for some form of life. Neither of these teams have a coach nor do they have an offense. Both of these teams will be lucky to get 20 points. Out of fear of this game going to multiple OTs as they swap FGs (first half line is 23.5), I won’t make this a lock, but in all honesty I would not be surprised if this game is stopped halfway through because people are fearful that football might be set back 10 years. In the end, I’ll take UCLA (because the game is played in California) with a final score of 4-2. Can we just watch these teams play basketball instead or even field hockey (useless fact of the day: neither team has a D1 field hockey team)?
Pick: Under 47
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17-6 (OU remaining today)
I couldn't watch the Iowa State game. Can someone tell me why Steele Jantz came in (not that it matters now)? If I was watching I would've went big on Rutgers in the 2nd half. Jantz could be the 2nd worst QB in NCAAF next to McEntee (the youtube sensation) for UConn. Damn, really pissed I missed that chance. You can go back in my blogs and see how much I hate him. Argh....Anyways on to tomorrow's games.
Texas A&M vs. Northwestern
The first half line is A&M by 6.5, while the game line is 10. I’m going with the first half line anyways. This game should have a lot of points, but it will have been over a month since these teams last played and I think that slows down the offenses a bit (aka no lock). Aggies beat the Wildcats 37-33.
Pick: Texas A&M first half -6.5 Pick: Over 66
Georgia Tech vs. Utah
This season Utah beat the teams they should have beaten and lost to the ones that they should have lost to. I thought Georgia Tech was good, but they might just end up being pretty good. With that said the Utes should lose to Georgia Tech. No idea the score. I could see it in the 40s or in the 60s. I do like this play a lot, but my ‘Note To Self’ one week was: “If the Vegas line seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Pick: Yellow Jackets -3
Illinois vs. UCLA
My first hunch was Illinois because the Big Ten is better than the Pac 12, but then I thought UCLA had more pride to play for than Illinois. In the end, the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl doesn’t deserve a winner. Both of these teams are fighting for some form of life. Neither of these teams have a coach nor do they have an offense. Both of these teams will be lucky to get 20 points. Out of fear of this game going to multiple OTs as they swap FGs (first half line is 23.5), I won’t make this a lock, but in all honesty I would not be surprised if this game is stopped halfway through because people are fearful that football might be set back 10 years. In the end, I’ll take UCLA (because the game is played in California) with a final score of 4-2. Can we just watch these teams play basketball instead or even field hockey (useless fact of the day: neither team has a D1 field hockey team)?
Thank goodness this game is on at the same time as the UCLA/Illinois game (who thought this game would be the one to watch out of two games that were on at the same time). Collaros might start over the best name in sports history (Munchie Legaux-pronounced Leggo!). But simply put, the SEC is better than the Big East. 27-20. For the sake of an argument I have been making all year (SEC>Big East) I will be overly confident and make this a Lock.
Pick: Commodores -1.5 (Levin Lock)
Virginia vs. Auburn
Could you imagine how bad of a game this would have been last year? I will continue my obsession of SEC football and take Auburn in a close one 17-13 (or second guessing myself 27-21).
Pick: Auburn -3 Pick: First half under 24.5
I wrote all of these at the beginning of the bowl season. The UCLA game I might not touch.
Good luck all and happy New Year to all!
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Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt
Thank goodness this game is on at the same time as the UCLA/Illinois game (who thought this game would be the one to watch out of two games that were on at the same time). Collaros might start over the best name in sports history (Munchie Legaux-pronounced Leggo!). But simply put, the SEC is better than the Big East. 27-20. For the sake of an argument I have been making all year (SEC>Big East) I will be overly confident and make this a Lock.
Pick: Commodores -1.5 (Levin Lock)
Virginia vs. Auburn
Could you imagine how bad of a game this would have been last year? I will continue my obsession of SEC football and take Auburn in a close one 17-13 (or second guessing myself 27-21).
Pick: Auburn -3 Pick: First half under 24.5
I wrote all of these at the beginning of the bowl season. The UCLA game I might not touch.
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