The Weekend Wagering Smorgasbord

It's the calm before the storm; the hours and minutes that preciously tick away until the weekend arrives. However, lately I've been occupying my time just fine...wagering on Baseball games and playing a little bit of online blackjack. And so, if you'll excuse me for just one second I've got split a pair of 8's. Just kidding...about the splitting part, but maybe not about the blackjack.

Anyhow, as usual things didn't go so bad last weekend, but not so good either. Strikes and gutters as they say. My big play of the weekend was Michigan and for once they actually delivered for me. However, I missed a couple nail biter parlays that would've forced me into early retirement or a higher tax bracket. Yet, again that's why you seldom hear the stories about the young, rich and famous Brat Pack Gambler. Those people are usually backed by a trust fund and/or cocaine money.

Moving on, let's just roll into the picks. And for the record, I'm off to a good start with Boise State (-11) last night.

NCAA

West Virginia (-7) over SOUTH FLORIDA
The Friday night lights. Normally, I am beyond hesitant to wager against a home DOG. And I've seen a little bit of South Florida and them boys are no joke. However, I've seen enough Slaton and White to know they are the Creme de le Creme, Jeter and A-Rod...as their coach would say.

VIRGINIA TECH (-17.5) over North Carolina
I seldom rally around Virgina "YOU MADE ME DO THIS" Tech and they've done very little to warrant the pre-season hype. However, Butch Davis just does NOT have North Carolina back to the level he'd hoped for and they are lousy on the road (see South Florida last week).

CENTRAL MICHIGAN (-3) over Northern Illinois
Fear the Chippewas!!! And thank me later. Mount Pleasant going off!!!

California (+5) over OREGON
Balls deep. I'm gonna regret this, but I'm still just not sold on Oregon. Who have the beaten? And don't give me Michigan...they still stink.

GEORGIA TECH (+3) over Clemson
Scary. Tech was screwed me once already this year, but I've got a hunch on this one. Send me an email on Monday to remind me what a lousy decision this was, as a reminder to never bet on Georgia Tech again.

KENTUCKY (-22.5) over Florida Atlantic
I seldom use the term "lock", but this is as close as it gets. Parlay it, hammer it, tease it, BANG IT.

Oklahoma (-21.5)over COLORADO
The Sooners are the team I am riding from here on out. I'll be sure to tell you what it feels like to go 11-1 with one team ATS. There is still room on board the Sooner wager bandwagon, I'd suggest grabbing a seat.

USC(-20) over WASHINGTON
Like I would let a Saturday night game go un-touched? Especially when it's the Trojans? Puh-lease. I hate giving up 20 points, but why not? Actually, I'd suggest the teaser.

NFL

Philadelphia (-3) over NEW YORK GIANTS
McNabb is BACK. Of course, everything could be an aberration considering it was the Lions.

MIAMI (-4) over Oakland
Joey Porter guaranteed the victory.

DETROIT (+3) over Chicago
Homer pick my ass. How the hell is Brian Greise going to help out? It's like the Bears have talked themselves into this "oh, we have a proven winner on the bench" philosophy. If the dude couldn't bump Rex Grossman from the top line for the past few years...what does that really say about him?

MINNESOTA (+2) over Green Bay
I just am not sold on the Packers. The Chargers did everything they could to basically gift wrap that game. We are also going on a three game hot streak from Favre. Aren't we due for the shit stew?

BUFFALO (+4) over New York Jets
Are the Bills really that bad? I think we'll find out this weekend.

Stan (-15) over Rupert (Fantasy Football)
It's the first match-up between Rupes and I in our friends and enemies league. 10 man league, 5 years of existence, 3 death threats, 2 titles between us and a lot of rivalry. He's bringing friggin' Peyton Manning, but I can counter with McNabb. Of course, I am using Kenny Watson as a filler for the death of Steven Jackson, but I do have T.O and Chad Johnson. Rupes counters with Deion Branch and some dude named Jeff King. I'll stop now.

Lastly, I'm a huge fan of the TEASER. It's basically my insurance policy to cover my ass. I better knock on wood, but I find it hard to lose a 3 TEAM, 10 POINT TEASER in the NFL. Maybe I'm a bit naive. Anyhow, the gem for this week to clear your bank account on is the Colts, Chargers and Cowboys...all at home. After the TEASE here is what you've got.

COLTS (+.5) over Broncos
CHARGERS (-2.5) over Chiefs
COWBOYS (-2) over Rams

As always, play at your own risk and gamble responsibly. Make it a GREAT weekend and I'll leave you with the classic Deion Sanders Video "Must be the Money." Hat Tip to the Fanhouse for originally posting this months and months ago...