Weekend Picks: The Road to Vegas

You are in luck this week folks, because Stan is busy working off his "bookie" debt. Thus, you might actually have a chance to win some money, because it's Rupe's turn. Rupes figures that since it's a gambling post and all, that Rupes should speak in the third person, yo! This is a bit anti-climactic making all the picks today, because this is one of those weekends when Rupes is going to be too busy to follow much of anything.

So, while all you lucky clowns are lying on the couch nursing hangovers, Rupes will be sitting at a work conference in Washington D.C. Nevertheless, Rupes will get the wagers in beforehand and will proceed to annoy Stan for the scores all weekend. It's practically a weekend ritual at this point, that one of us sends the other about 65 text messages per Saturday and Sunday. And for the record, I'll give you the honest scoop on my wagers. You see, Stan likes to make his picks on Tuesday or Wednesday and change them up all the way until the game starts.

Hence, the back and forth and hence most of us hearing about his winning wagers, after the fact. Anyway, are you as sick of reading the word "Rupes" as I am of typing it? Good, let's get to the picks. And in honor of the newest live Phish release "Vegas '96", let's share in the groove and make some money together. Yup, anything for a shameless Phish plug, but anyway...

NCAA

Louisville (-3.5) over CONNECTICUT - The 'Ville took a beatin' early in the season, but they ain't all that bad. UCONN on the other hand, well they are really, really, really bad.

Michigan State (+17) over OHIO STATE - Hat tip for Stan. Yeah, it could happen, but that would mean East Lansing would burn. Although, I guess Sparty would enjoy that.

MARYLAND (-4.5) over Virginia - This one just seems like a "gimme" pick of the week. Virginia is a train wreck.

Michigan (-2.5) over ILLINOIS - The road to recovery continues. And sorry folks, but the Juice Williams era is coming to a screeching halt. Ladies and gents, please give a warm welcome back to the Top 25 for Michigan.

LSU (-11) over Auburn - BOUNCE. BACK.

Oregon (-11) over WASHINGTON - Dangerous territory, but for my money Oregon might be the 2nd best team in the country.

KENTUCKY (+6.5) over Florida - This one is Stan's pick...not mine.

NFL

Cardinals (+8.5) over REDSKINS - The quarterback situation is dire and uncertain, but I still like Arizona with 8.5. Edge is playing well, Boldin should be back, and Warner is going to try to make it Sunday.

Falcons (+8) over SAINTS - Tough pick here as the Saints look like they are ready to return to grace, but I like the Falcons with the 8 point cushion. I've alwasy been a huge Leftwich fan and he has the keys to the van now. Plus, Norwood looks like he is ready to break out.

DOLPHINS (+17.5) over Patriots - The Dolphins suck, but (17.5) is tough to swallow. I'm going with the Phins. This game has "random disaster" written all over it for the Pats. Can the Patriots really cover 16-0 ATS this season? There has to be one slip.

LIONS (-2.5) over Bucs - If the Lions were playing in Tampa, I wouldn't come near them, but they are coming off a bye wee, playing at Ford Field, Kevin Jones is back, and so is Calvin Johnson. I think they can sneak another win here.

COLTS (-3.5) over Jags - I think the Colts here are the lock of the week. With the exception of the Patriots, I'd probably take them -3.5 against anyone in the NFL.

As always, safe wagering...don't lose your legs like our friend Stan. And remember, keep it simple.