Sportsman of the Week Ending 9/24/2017

Conference play began in college football across the country, and while no games decided the title, many games left teams scrambling to stay in the hunt.  One was #4 Penn State.  With a tricky conference opener at undefeated Iowa, they needed to find a way to escape with a win.  And escape they did.  The game will most be remembered for the Nittany Lions touchdown as the clock struck zero to preserve their Big 10 title hopes.  But it was Saquon Barkley that was the star of the show.  In hostile territory against an aggressive defense, Barkley toted the rock 28 times while catching another 12 passes.  The result?  305 total yards (over 7 yards a play) and a touchdown.  And there were not many holes, he turned 3 yard losses into 5 yard gains, and 5 yard gains into 20 yard bursts.  Hurdling, going through tacklers, getting better as the game went on.  The first big Heisman performance happened, and it was our Sportsman of the Week Saquon Barkley who delivered to shot across the bow.

College Football Picks - 2017 Week Four

Nothing short of a trainwreck last week for JR

It's that time for conference play to hit full stride and there are a lot of great matchups this week.  One thing about conference play is that you have to go on the road for half of 'em.  So teams that have played solely within the friendly confines of their own stadium or a neutral site (e.g. Michigan, Southern Cal, Alabama) will find themselves venturing into hostile territory for the first time.  Teams with one early loss such as preaseason Top 5 Ohio State and Florida State will work to rebuild their resume, as a conference championship for either will likely end up in a playoff berth.

So now our weekly take on last week and this week, in five bullets


1) The SEC game of the week on CBS continues to produce crazy finishes.  You can't script it any better.
2) Nebraska is in a free fall.  It's hard to believe how quickly the program has fallen from elite.
3) The Pac 12 had a high rate of road victories last year in big games.  Will that continue?  Division favorites Southern Cal and Washington will face tough road tests
4) Mississippi State and Georgia appear to be the most likely teams to unseat Alabama in the SEC.  This weekend one will emerge.  I guarantee a Bulldogs win.
5) Oklahoma State and Oklahoma appear to be on a collision course for perhaps a Bedlam game, then rematch one week later in the Big 12 championship game. The Big 12 is deep though, with TCU, West Virginia, Texas (taking USC to the end), Kansas State, as well as Texas Tech and Iowa State looking good early. Because of the round robin of 9 games, maybe the toughest schedule to navigate.

Bulldog Babe just keeps nailing games correctly

And now for our picks.

This blog will typically pick the Texas Longhorns and Georgia Bulldogs by default.  Texas has a bye, but Georgia most certainly is a game of interest.  Last week we only had four games due to the Florida State vs. Miami matchup being rescheduled due to Hurricane Irma.  We might sneak in a six game week later.  So for this week's five games, we give you final scores, so you can do your own ATS and S/U comparison.

Our two analysts are J.R. Ewing, Texas Longhorns fan and general loud mouth.  And we feature big time Georgia Bulldog fan Bulldog Babe (BDB) (@bulldogbabexo) as a guest expert.

Last week
JR: 1-3 S/U, 0-4 ATS
BDB: 2-2 S/U, 3-1 ATS

Season to date:
JR: 7-7 S/U, 7-7 ATS
BDB: 8-6 S/U, 10-4 ATS

Both JR and BDB missed Louisville and LSU winning straight up.  Both got USC correct, with BDB adding a Florida win.  JR was absolutely miserable only getting USC as a winner, but missing the Texas cover

Spreads are from a great pick site, Capped Sports

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Game 1: North Carolina State (+12.5) at Florida State (Noon EDT)

JR Ewing:
It's a bit of a slow week in the ACC in terms of ranked teams playing each other.  This matchup is the most intriguing with Florida State having not played since the opening weekend due to Hurricane Irma and having lost their starting QB for the season.  It will be interesting to see if they're rusty.  Meanwhile North Carolina State comes into the game 2-1 having lost to a South Carolina team that might be better than we think.  That being said, Florida State wins this one, but within the spread. 
Florida State 28, North Carolina State 20

Bulldog Babe: 

Honestly NC State and Florida State isn't really a good competition because I think Florida State is the stronger team and they have more charisma than NC State does. Give me the 'Noles in this one.

Florida State 34, North Carolina State 17

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Game 2: Texas Christian (+12.5) at Oklahoma State (3:30 EDT) 

JR Ewing:
A big conference matchup early in the Big 12 will help sort out the pecking order.  Oklahoma State's spread offense has looked tough to stop as they rang up 49 points in a half last week at Pittsburgh.  TCU struggled early against SMU, but bounced back for an easy win.  This will be high scoring and closer than the final score indicates, but Oklahoma State wins by two TD. 
Oklahoma State 42, Texas Christian 28

Bulldog Babe:
TCU and Oklahoma State are two great teams, with their own strengths on each side of the ball. TCU dominated last Arkansas and I think that if they keep up their winning ways, they'll be in serious talks to be in the playoffs in my opinion. I think they'll win over OKST.
Texas Christian 30, Oklahoma State 20

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Game 3: Mississippi State (+5) at Georgia (7:00 EDT)

JR Ewing:
I might be looking forward to this game more than any this weekend.  Georgia was so impressive with a win on the road using their backup quarterback, now they come home between the hedges to open conference play against a strong opponent.  I was a Mississippi State doubter but they manhandled a good LSU team to win their opener.  This will be a physical matchup of athletes.  Georgia wins by a TD. 
Georgia 28, Mississippi State 21


Bulldog Babe:
Mississippi State and Georgia is gonna be another enjoyable game. Mississippi State is coming off a strong win against LSU and Georgia is coming off a dominant victory against Samford. Although everyone seems to be hyping Mississippi State, I think their offense won't be able to handle the strong Georgia defense, they will get after the quarterback and make sure the offense stays off the field. Give me Georgia in this one! 
Georgia 27, Mississippi State 20

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Game 4: Notre Dame (-3) at Michigan State  (8:00 EDT)

JR Ewing:
Notre Dame lost a key game to Georgia earlier in the year, but bounced back well against a mediocre Boston College team to win the next one.  Michigan State is coming off a bafflingly bad 2016 campaign and looks pointed in the right direction.  They always play the Irish tough at home.  I think they win a squeaker. 
Michigan State 31, Notre Dame 30

Bulldog Babe:
Notre Dame came out last week after a tough loss to Georgia and completely ran over Boston College. I think Notre Dame is one serious team and they have the chance to go undefeated, I think they'll steal the win this week. 
Notre Dame 37, Michigan State 20

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Game 5: Washington (-11.5) at Colorado (10:00 p.m. EDT)

JR Ewing:
Washington was the playoff team everyone thought shouldn't have been in the playoffs last year.  Part of it due to the late kickoffs that media don't necessarily watch before rubber stamping a Big 10 or SEC team instead. But I digress, this is a rematch of the Pac 12 title game which should be closer than people think.  Colorado can be tough to play at altitude and an improving team.  Washington escapes, but barely. 
Washington 31, Colorado 28

Bulldog Babe:
Washington and Colorado is an interesting matchup. I think after Washington was able to sneak their way into the playoffs last year, they're a force to be reckoned with. Give me the Huskies. 
Washington 31, Colorado 14

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BDB and JR want to offer their prayers for the victims of the earthquake in Mexico City and fellow Americans in Puerto Rico who were devastated by Hurricane Maria (as well as others still recovering from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma).  It's hard to celebrate too much these days with people suffering.  You are not forgotten.

Enjoy your football Saturday, America!

- JR and BDB

Sportsman of the Week Ending 9/17/2017

The pennant race is sharpening focus as some of the best teams from 2017 punch their ticket to the playoffs.  One of the teams that made the biggest moves was the Houston Astros, in acquiring Justin Verlander at the postseason roster deadline of August 31.  The former American League MVP and Cy Young Award winner has delivered as advertised, going 3-0 so far in 3 starts.  This week, he went 2-0, with 15 innings pitched, 4 hits, 1 earned run, and 19 strikeouts.  This was against two American League West opponents in Seattle and Los Angeles (Anaheim) in the playoff race.  His victory on Sunday clinched the first division title for the Astros since 2001, beginning what could be a Randy Johnson like postseason run.  It was his home debut.  But Verlander will be in Houston for two more years as long as they are willing to pay his salary.  His performance this week earns the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

College Football Picks - 2017 Week Three

Texas got a big game, but will they win?

The college football action stepped up a lot in Week 2, with several key matchups and all too early hot takes on coaches, teams, and conferences.  Unfortunately, one of the winners in Week 1 was Hurricane Irma, which derailed a number of games for Florida teams home or away.  Florida State vs Miami was a casualty this week as the game will be moved to October.  Otherwise, we can't wait for a college football weekend that ISN'T interrupted by a Hurricane!


So now our weekly take on last week and this week, in 5 bullets

1) Oklahoma has established itself as a college football playoff favorite.  As the Big 12 has 3 other Top 20 teams (one they would have to play twice), they will have the resume if undefeated, maybe even with a loss.
2) Don't count Ohio State out.  Remember when they lost to Virginia Tech at home and still won a National Championship?  Run the table, win the Big 10, and they're 90% in.
3) Is Georgia the second best SEC team? A true road win at Notre Dame (note that Alabama does not play non-conference games in true road fashion), they seem poised for a SEC East title
4) Clemson faces another tough contest, never count out a champion!
5) USC looks for revenge this week against the Texas Longhorns.  Looks like a mismatch on paper, but how to our expert pick it?

Bulldog Babe hitting 70% against the spread, whaaaattt???

And now for our picks.  This blog will typically pick the Texas Longhorns and Georgia Bulldogs by default.  Last week we skipped Texas due to soft matchup, this week we'll pass on Georgia.  Usually five games but this week we had Florida State vs. Miami queued up before the reschedule.  But for the four games, we give you final scores, so you can do your own ATS and S/U comparison!

Our two analysts are J.R. Ewing, Texas fan and general loud mouth.  And we feature big time Georgia Bulldog fan Bulldog Babe (BDB) (@bulldogbabexo) as a guest expert.

Last week
JR: 3-2 S/U, 3-2 ATS
BDB: 3-2 S/U, 3-2 ATS

First Week:
JR: 6-4 S/U, 7-3 ATS
BDB: 6-4 S/U, 7-3 ATS

JR succeeded with Oklahoma winning, BDB with Georgia.

Spreads are from a great pick site, Capped Sports

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Game 1: Tennessee (-4.5) at Florida (3:30 EDT)

JR Ewing:
I had a lot of questions about Florida and none were answered in their season opening loss to Michigan. They did have a lot of suspensions, but still.  With a much needed week washed out by Hurricane Irma, I'm not sure they will be much better.  Tennessee beat a scrappy Georgia Tech team in overtime and looks like it's improving.  I like the Vols on the road, low scoring.

Tennessee 20, Florida 10


Bulldog Babe: 

Tennessee and Florida, the nasty rivalry (in my personal opinion). Tennessee beat Florida last season after over ten years of trying and as much as it kills me to say it, it was impressive. I don't think it'll happen this year. Yes Florida has started off the season on a bad note, but up until last seasons they have always been strong against Tennessee and I think they'll come out on top.

Florida 27, Tennessee 17

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Game 2: Louisiana State (-7.5) at Mississippi State (7:00 EDT)

JR Ewing:
LSU looks like a team that could make a deep run through the SEC West.  Which of course goes through Alabama, but the bottom half (of a good division) is ripe for the picking for the Tigers.  Defense and athleticism give this one to the Bayou Bengals.

LSU 28, Mississippi State 10

Bulldog Babe:

LSU and Mississippi State is your typical SEC West battle. Two great teams with a great coaching staff. Both teams are undefeated and have had two great opening games, but there has to be a winne.

LSU 27, Mississippi State 20

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Game 3: Clemson (-3) at Louisville  (8:00 EDT)

JR Ewing:
This is a game I circled on my calendar at the start of the year.  Defending national champions (with a new QB, and that's big) vs. the defending National Champions (and a team that looked like playoff contenders until mid-season).  Last years game came down to the very end, with Clemson having last minute magic at home.  This year, it's Louisville that defends home turf with the veteran quarterback.

Louisville 24, Clemson 14


Bulldog Babe:

Clemson and Louisville is another great matchup! The defending champions vs the defending Heisman winner. That's bound for some excitement! Lamar Jackson has proven himself and he was more than deserving to be the Heisman winner last year and I believe he will make another statement against the defending national champions.

Louisville 27, Clemson 21

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Game 4: Texas (+15.5) at Southern California (8:30 EDT)

JR Ewing:
My Longhorns took care of USC last time they faced off (resulting in a National Championship), but this time, USC has the much better team.  Texas did look good against a bad San Jose State team after a perplexing Week 1 loss.  USC was also mediocre in Week 1 having to rally to beat Western Michigan. But USC gets its revenge, and it won't be close.

USC 41 Texas 14

Bulldog Babe:

Texas and Southern California is gonna be interesting. USC is undefeated, Texas is 1-1. I think that USC has the stronger team, mainly because of Sam Darnold. So far this season, he has thrown for four touchdowns and has 605 passing yards. While he has four interceptions as well, you can't help but take notice at those touchdown and passing yard stats.

USC 30, Texas 20

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BDB and JR want to offer their condolences for the loss of Troy Gentry of the amazing group Montgomery Gentry.  A true loss to country music and the arts. 

Enjoy your football Saturday, America!

- JR and BDB

Sportswoman of the Week Ending 9/10/2017

In a hyper-busy sports week featuring NFL Opening Weekend, the second week of NCAA College Football, and the MLB pennant chase, it's tennis we turn to this week.  If you were talking about American tennis in the past two decades, it was almost exclusively the Williams sisters or maybe Andy Roddick.  Well the United States Open showed that Americans may be back.  Sloane Stephens defeated Venus Williams on the way to winning the Open as an unseeded surprise.  The 24 year-old dropped three sets along the way, but defeated five out of seven matches against ranked opponents, ending with a defeat of 11 seed fellow American Madison Keys dropping just 3 games in the first set.  Is this Stephens break through to elite? Or just a solid week.  Time will tell, but Sloane Stephens is the Longhorndave Sportswoman of the Week!

College Football Picks - 2017 Week Two

JR is not happy about Week 1

Well week one was full of surprises.  Of the bad kind for teams in my state of Texas.  Longhorns, upset. Aggies, humiliating implosion. Bears, you can't be serious.  But it's still early, and anything is possible.  College Football isn't all about the playoffs only, but also about conference races, rivalries, upsets, and just entertaining games.  I promise the fans of all three above, there will be exhilarating times.  Just not last week.

So what else did we learn week one and what do we look for in Week 2?  Top 5 list (maybe this will be a regular feature)

1) Alabama is still Alabama and the team to beat
2) You can't tell conference strength by a few opening games. Settle down when you start saying "this conference weak because xyz".  It will all play out.
3) Florida State probably had the worst first week. Losing a game they hoped to win, and losing their starting QB.  Hoping he comes back strong (and don't be surprised to see the 'Noles be ACC contenders regardless).  Your QB isn't your team.
4) Oklahoma has the longest winning streak in the country.  After losing to Houston and Ohio State early last year, they've been undefeated. They visit Columbus, Ohio, this week.  Game of the week
5) Prayers for all those who will be impacted by Hurricane Irma.  The state of Florida will need your help, be safe!

Bulldog Babe tells it straight!

But to the picks.  This blog will typically pick the Texas Longhorns and Georgia Bulldogs by default.  Except the Longhorns have their one game against non FBS competition, so we'll defer on that one.  Five great games this week follow.  It's great that the new College Football Playoff has seemed to spice up the non-conference action.


Our two analysts are J.R. Ewing, Texas fan and general loud mouth.  And we continue to feature big time Georgia Bulldog fan (@bulldogbabexo) as a guest expert. Her spunk and personality fit right in on this analysis.


First Week:
JR: 3-2 S/U, 4-1 ATS
BDB: 3-2 S/U, 4-1 ATS

Both missed Maryland and South Carolina wins, but both picked Maryland to cover.

Spreads are from a great pick site, Capped Sports

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Game 1: Louisville (-9.5) at North Carolina (Noon EDT)

JR Ewing:
Both of these teams had forgettable week one games.  Louisville barely escaped a bad Purdue team.  North Carolina lost at home to Cal.  So what happens here?  Louisville with reigning Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson takes control.  Even given almost double digits on the spread, they win by more.

Louisville 31, North Carolina 17


Bulldog Babe: 
Louisville at North Carolina will be an interesting game, two ACC teams and we all know about the hype the ACC has been getting since last season. UNC lost against Cal last weekend and Louisville is coming off an opening win against Purdue. Does that mean Louisville will win? Not necessarily. I think UNC will pull this one out.

North Carolina 35, Louisville 27

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Game 2: Auburn (+5.5) at Clemson (7:00 EDT)

JR Ewing:
An intriguing game, you have the Clemson Tigers, which are coming off a National Championship, vs. the Auburn Tigers, who seemed to kind of emerge as the next best SEC team last year in a down year for depth. Last year, Auburn took them to the end, but Clemson appeared like the better team just waiting to explode.  This year, they do it more authoritatively.

Clemson 38, Auburn 21

Bulldog Babe:

Auburn at Clemson is gonna be another heavyweight battle just like last year, where Auburn almost prematurely spoiled the Clemson Tigers national title run. I think that Clemson is the stronger team on both sides of the ball and I'm simply not buying into the Auburn hype.

Clemson 20, Auburn 14

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Game 3: Georgia (+4) at Notre Dame  (7:30 EDT)

JR Ewing:
An intriguing game to say the least.  You have the young, rebuilding Bulldogs who by most counts are favored to win the SEC East.  And Notre Dame, for which "train wreck" was an understatement last year.  Both had impressive Week 1 wins.  By the spread, Notre Dame is merely favored by home field advantage.  I want to pick Georgia, but with a freshman QB starting in the Mecca of college football, I think Notre Dame wins.

Notre Dame 27, Georgia 14


Bulldog Babe:
Georgia at Notre Dame will be the game of the weekend, in my opinion. While everyone is favoring Notre Dame, I think Georgia comes out on top. Despite everything that went on in week one with Jacob Eason going down with a knee injury, I think the Dawgs will be okay in the hands of Jake Fromm. Georgia wins, 30-20.

Georgia 30, Notre Dame 20

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Game 4: Oklahoma (+7.5) at Ohio State (7:30 EDT)

JR Ewing:
Oklahoma is thirsty for revenge after being humiliated at home last year in this same matchup.  Ohio State didn't look overwhelming against a good Indiana team, while Oklahoma dominated a bad Tulsa team.  Oklahoma has a new head coach, and to go into the Horseshoe and win is a tall order.  But I'm playing a hunch here.  Oklahoma wins a barn burner

Oklahoma 31 Ohio State 30

Bulldog Babe:

Oklahoma and Ohio State is a Top 10 battle and I don't think it'll be much of a battle.  Even with Ohio State struggling against Indiana last weekend, you never know what will happen. Ohio State will win a close one.

Ohio State 27, Oklahoma 20

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Game 5: Stanford (+6.5) vs Southern California (8:30 EDT)

JR Ewing:
This may be the Pac 12 game of the year, and we're not even half way through September yet.  Road teams tend to do well in this series, and I liked Stanford's opening week performance better than USC.  I smell an upset, especially if you give me points.  I think Stanford methodically finishes off the Trojans for the win.  Straight up.

Stanford 31, Southern Cal 28

Bulldog Babe:
Stanford at USC is an Top 15 battle that is bound for some entertainment. After quite a scare last week for USC, I think the Trojans will show up and beat Stanford. Sam Darnold is a Heisman contender and I think he'll have one of his best games of the year this weekend (don't attack me if i'm wrong hehe). USC wins 24-20.

Southern Cal 24, Stanford 20

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Enjoy your college football weekend!

- JR and BDB

Sportsman of the Week Ending 9/3/2017

The 2017 College Football season started with a bang over the long weekend, however the most entertaining game was reserved for Sunday Night.  After a half of Texas A+M looking unstoppable in the running game, suddenly their offense stopped with a 44-10 lead.  And UCLA was just getting started.  Led by NFL prospect Josh Rosen, the Bruins made a record breaking comeback.  Well near record.  Rosen connected on 59% of his 59 passes, for a jaw dropping 491 yards and 4 TD, all in the fourth quarter.  His final 10 yard strike was on a fake spike (although the clock was stopped) with 43 seconds left (and no time outs). Rosen reminded NFL scouts of his huge potential, and left the Aggies with a long flight back to Texas.  And he is the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

College Football Picks - 2017 Week One

JR is back to make you money

That crisp cool air has moved in and we are ready to start 2017 College Football!  Okay, one of those two things are true.  Ready or not, College Football 2017 is here.  So many surprises await the next 15 or so weeks, including:

1) Has the SEC become a one trick pony with Alabama or is there a chance a second team makes the playoff?
2) Is the Big 10 really ready to establish itself as the best overall conference in 2017?
3) How will Lamar Jackson follow up his Heisman winning 2016 season?
4) Will new coaches at Texas and Oklahoma finally put the Big 12 back on the national map?
5) Is USC finally beyond its penalties and ready to legitimately contend for titles?
6) How will Clemson rebound with the loss of Deshaun Watson and other key players for their back-to back title runs?
7) Will Michigan regress with the loss of several upper classmen?
8) Is Notre Dame in a downward spiral or was last year a blip?
9) Will Miami reestablish itself as a national power?
10) Will Georgia or Tennessee finally break through in the national rankings?

Frankly, we probably don't even know what questions to ask, that's why college football is the most unpredictable sport in the country.  Along with the fact that there are 50+ games of highlights, upsets, tailgates, cheerleaders, bands, and campus fun.  Strap yourself in!

As always, this blog (via J.R. Ewing, our resident rich Texan drinking gambler) gives you picks each week.  Against the spread, because that's how we roll.

The lovely Bulldog Babe is here to tell you what's up

This year, we are excited to add Bulldog Babe (@bulldogbabexo) as a guest expert throughout the season (so long as her schedule allows).  Bulldog Babe is an amazing sports fan located in North Carolina, but bleeds Georgia Bulldog Red.  Follow her during a Georgia game and you'll know what I'm talking about.  She's intense. You also need to check our her NASCAR Blog (The Ladies in Black).

Instead of focusing on the five games I think give you the best angle (which by the way, carried you to a 3.8% profit last season), we're going to go to the three top marquee games of the week, plus Georgia and Texas.  Georgia for Bulldog Babe, and Texas because it's the greatest team in the greatest state.

Spreads are from a great pick site, Capped Sports

So for week one, here we go.  First team listed is the pick for JR Ewing.

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Game 1: Maryland (+18.5) at Texas (Noon EDT)

JR Ewing:
Lots of unknowns here. My Texas Longhorns are ranked, despite going 5-7 last season and swapping head coaches.  Maryland started last season 4-0, won 3 conference games (including Michigan State), and made a bowl game.  I'm cautiously optimistic that the Horns are ready to make a statement, however, 18 points given the unknowns is too much.

Texas 34, Maryland 17


Bulldog Babe: 
The Texas Longhorns are a force to be reckoned with, in my opinion. They have been getting stronger and I think they're gonna start the season off with a win against the Maryland Terrapins. While the late and great NASCAR broadcaster Steve Byrnes was a Maryland grad, you would think I'd automatically go with them but I think Texas takes this one.

Texas 24, Maryland 17

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Game 2: North Carolina State (-5) vs. South Carolina (3:00 EDT)

JR Ewing:
Two middling teams make this an intriguing Week 1 matchup.  ACC/SEC is always competitive as well.  I like the trending of NC State better than South Carolina.  It'll be close, but at home, the Wolfpack wins by a TD

North Carolina State 27, South Carolina 20

Bulldog Babe:

This is a tough one, but I think that NC State will take this one. South Carolina has declined over the last few years, but they're slowly getting back into the grind. While I think that, I also think NC State is gonna beat them.

North Carolina State 24, South Carolina 20

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Game 3: Michigan (-4.5) at Florida  (3:30 EDT)

JR Ewing:
This game has so many implications.  John Harbaugh has made no bones about wanting to raid other states for their High School talent, and here he is in the heart of Florida.  Meanwhile, Florida is coming off an SEC East Championship, but is also missing a number of players due to suspension.  Michigan seems to be poised for a win here, I think they get it.

Michigan 24, Florida 17


Bulldog Babe:
Florida and Michigan is always a great showing. The Wolverines are getting better with John Harbaugh as their coach, but Florida is known for success. Not this time! A lot of Florida's players have been suspended for week 1, most of those players who are starters. That opens the door for Michigan to steal a win and I think it will happen.

Michigan 27, Florida 17

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Game 4: Georgia (-14) vs. Appalachian State (6:15 EDT)

JR Ewing:
Georgia is poised to fill the void of SEC East strength.  With Tennessee perpetually falling short of potential, and Florida spinning its wheels, to me, Georgia is ready to make a leap.  Curiously tight spread being that the game is in Athens, even though Appalachian State is solid.  I just don't see it being that close.

Georgia 38, Appalachian State 14

Bulldog Babe:

Of course, I gotta go with my boys in UGA/App State. Jacob Eason's coming back & I have so much faith that he'll be better in year #2, so many returning defensive players, our two running backs returning, I have a good feeling for UGA.

Georgia 34, Appalachian State 17

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Game 5: Alabama (-7.0) vs Florida State  (8:00 EDT, Atlanta)

JR Ewing:
Alabama thrives in neutral site games to start the season.  They wisely angle for marquee neutral site games instead of doing home and home so that every other year they don't have to bite off a potential rabid crowd. But kudos for scheduling a Top 3 matchup.  But game one is about preparation and game plan without film, and Nick Saban can't be beat in that arena.  They've done this before, they'll do it again.  Great early season win.

Bulldog Babe:
Alabama is coming back with vengeance to win title #17 & FSU is coming off of a pretty decent season, going 10-3 overall & 5-3 in the ACC. Two strong teams, two champion teams. It won't be a cakewalk.

Alabama 27, Florida State 20

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Big thanks to Bulldog Babe for participating and enjoy the opening week of College Football!

- JR (and BDB).

Sportsman of the Week Ending 8/27/2017

The baseball pennant race continues to dominate the sports headlines, and our Sportsman of the Week has leapt from potential to reality in a week, or at least this month.  Former number 2 overall pick Byron Buxton (taken one spot after Houston Astros 2015 Rookie of the Year and 2017 All Star Carlos Correa) is meeting his potential.  And in the process, has the underdog Minnesota Twins in a position for their first playoff berth since 2010.  Over eight road games, Buxton went 11-33 (.333) with 5 HR, 11 R, 10 RBI.  He also chipped in two steals and made one of the defensive plays of the year (link).  Buxton may finally be ripening into one of the greats like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, or Aaron Judge.  But he for sure is our Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 8/20/2017

The Major League Baseball pennant race is heating up, as is the chase for individual glory.  It's individual glory that we focus on this week.  The best power hitter in baseball, Giancarlo Stanton, is on a tear and could approach 60 HR by seasons end.  He padded his stats this week, going 8 for 20, with 3 HR and an astounding 7 bases on balls.  In all six games this week, he reached base at least twice resulting in a .556 on base percentage, and .700 slugging percentage.  He started the week finishing off a six game home run streak, which ended Wednesday, but was picked back up later in the week with a home run.  If he gets to 60 or 61, many may regard him as the legitimate single season home run champion, as records posted in the 1990s and 2000s are widely regarded as Performance Enhancing Drug induced.  Stanton is great for baseball, and the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

Editors note: this is Stanton's second Sportsman of the Week, his first reads eerily similar for almost exactly three years ago to the day and similar stats!