Sportswoman of the Week Ending 6/8/2025

It was a crazy week of sports.  French Open.  NCAA Baseball tournament.  Stanley Cup and NBA Finals.  MLB in midseason form.  But a sport that got the best rating in its history takes center stage.  Softball's Women's College World Series captivated the nation, in addition to the state of Texas.  As Big 12 Texas Tech and their all-world pitcher faced off against Texas, old Southwest Conference (and Big 12) rival who battled through their conference without winning either the regular season or tournament.  In a thrilling three game series that brought tons of eyes to the sport, Texas won WCWS Game 1 defeating Tech superstar NiJaree Canady on a clutch 2-run single in the bottom of the sixth.  Tech answered with a 4-3 win holding on in Game 2.  But Texas delivered the death blow scoring a mind blowing 5 in the first inning and coasting to a girlpile for the Longhorns first National Championship.  Behind it all?  Superstar starter Teagan Kavan who outshined her Red Raiders counterpart.  Kavan set a record with 31 2/3 WCWS innings with no earned runs.  Started both the Longhorns wins in Finals Game 1 and 3.  Finished the season 28-5.  To loosely quote Yogi Berra (at the time regarding Bob Gibson), "I understand how she won 28.  I have no idea how she lost 5."  Kavan is now a Longhorn Legend and the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 12/24/2017

'Tis the Bowl Season and while many of the games among higher ranked teams begin this week, last week featured several great games (and a few blowouts).  While some curmudgeons posit that there are too many bowls, don't tell that to teams that are just glad to play one more game this year, and for many, in their life.  South Florida ended a successful 10-2 season with a dramatic 38-34 Birmingham Bowl win over Big 12 opponent Texas Tech.  And they were led by a senior quarterback who literally did it all.  Quinton Flowers overcame a slow start to throw for 311 yards and 4 TD.  None were bigger than a 26 yard toss with under 20 seconds left after Tech had scored less than 80 seconds earlier.  Flowers was also the Bulls leading rusher with 106 yards on 14 carries and another TD, thus having a hand in all five of his team's touchdowns.  While Flowers may not project to the NFL as a passer, don't count him out on potentially switching to an all purpose back or defensive player.  He's a darn good football player and the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

J.R. Ewing College Football Picks: 10/15/2016

I'm tickled blue to pick two teams from Texas this week!

I just keep winning.  Another 3-2 week ATS which means profit.  Profit is good.  Greed is good.  Love the greed!


Summary:
Previous Week: 3-2 (+80)
Season: 18-11-1 (+$590)

Lines are provided by VegasInsider.com and these bets are also registered on CappedIn.com.

Hard to believe we're in Week 7, but glad to know we're not even half way through October yet.  So much more football to play starting this week!  Here's another set of winners!


Texas Tech (Pk) vs. West Virginia (Noon EDT)

I love a good pick'em game, and I love offense.  Texas Tech is another team I pick frequently because they can beat any spread easily.  In this case, they just need to win.  They do that well at home.  West Virginia hasn't beat a point spread since Week 1.  Seems like Tech wins this one with lots of tortillas thrown around.

Nebraska (-3) at Indiana (3:30 p.m. EDT)

Let's pump the brakes on Indiana for a minute.  This line has dived from a TD to a FG and I don't see a resurgent Nebraska team coming off a bye week to have a slip up.  They should outclass the Hoosiers and win by a TD or even double digits.  Remember, Indiana lost to Ball State and Wake Forest.

Alabama (-13) at Tennessee (3:30 p.m. EDT)

I'm still drunk on Alabama success.  Rode them to an easy win last week (okay, by a couple of points).  Tennessee is banged up and came off a devastating loss at Texas A+M.  This after pulling some close games out.  This one could get ugly.  And they never beat Alabama.  Tide Rolls by 3 TD or more

Texas (-13.5) vs. Iowa State (7:00 p.m. EDT)

Intriguing matchup between two teams combined 3-8.  Both coming off disappointing losses.  As a Texan, I sense a circling of the wagons for the Longhorns.  They lost to Oklahoma but pushed a good team to the end.  Iowa State has been a hard luck team, blowing leads to Oklahoma State, Baylor, and TCU and covered four straight games.  They take a dip here and the Longhorns win by 3 TD or more.


Ohio State (-10) at Wisconsin (8:00 p.m. EDT)

Ohio State has been covering like mad, only missing a misaligned ATS against a good Indiana team.  Wisconsin has grinded out some wins, but this level of talent will be an upgrade.  Seems like if it's close the Buckeyes could win by two TD.  They'll cover the 10 points.

Given some even lines I wouldn't be surprised at a push, but the wins keep coming!  Have a great weekend!

-JR

J.R. Ewing College Football Picks: 10/8/2016

I'm making money.  You should too.

Business is booming.  A second big week of wins, going 3-2 ATS last week (3-1 after a bad Friday pick).  I'm starting to feel the games, especially which ones to stay away from and which to jump on.


Summary:
Previous Week: 3-2 (+80)
Season: 15-9-1 (+$510)

This week's theme, finding games that should be near pick'em, but one team is being given about a TD.  I don't like picking games more than 8 or 9 points (because wins then are subject to loss via late touchdown).  So here are this week's winners

Pittsburgh (-6.5) vs Georgia Tech (12:30 p.m. EDT)

Okay, for this pick, I'm going with the TD favorite.  Not quite a TD that is.  I still am a Georgia Tech doubter.  Pittsburgh is a grinding team that should be able to win this at home by 10 points or more.  Even a TD win at the end gets this cover.

Tennessee (+6.5) at Texas A+M (3:30 p.m. EDT)

This is about the time that Texas A+M schedule gets tougher and they start to drop SEC games.  Tennessee has had big game after big game every week and maybe this one they will start better.  I see this as a toss up, so give me 6.5 points and I'll take it.

Alabama (-14) at Arkansas (7:00 p.m. EDT)


I admit I have a problem.  An Alabama problem.  I just can see more scenarios where they beat the spread than not.  They don't always, but this game seems like one they can take control of.  So tee me up again, I'll take the Tide and give the two TD

Texas Tech (+7.5) at Kansas State (7:00 p.m. EDT)

Texas Tech video game offense can render any game into a pick'em.  Kansas State nearly picked up a win at West Virginia, but I don't like this matchup with Red Raiders speed as much as that one.  Tech's defense will give up points, but I think win the game (or at least lose by a TD or less).

Florida State (+3) at Miami (8:00 p.m. EDT)

Florida State is much more battle tested than the Canes.  This is just another big game in a series and I think the rivalry inspires them to step up their game.  Home field at Miami is not what it used to be, and I think Florida State is angry after last week's disappointment and gets the job done.

Good luck to your team, and enjoy your college football Saturday!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 9/11/2016

College football slowed down a little bit in Week 2, with fewer key national matchups, but one emerging star accelerated.  Arizona State's Kalen Ballage put on a barrage of touchdowns against a paper weak Texas Tech defense.  To the tune of eight touchdowns.  That ties an NCAA record.  What's more amazing was on offense, he only touched the ball 15 times.  That's a .533 TD percentage!  Unheard of for anyone getting more than 3 or 4 touches.  Overall the Sun Devils scored 68 points in a 13 point win against a bowl team from a respected conference.  Ballage had eight touchdowns coming into the game in two full seasons plus a game.  He has put the nation on notice, and is the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

College Football Picks - 10/31/2015

I am dressed up like an Oil Barron for Halloween

Happy Halloween to all the spooks, ghosts, and goblins out there.  Last week wasn't too shabby as a recovered some of my gambling losses.

Week of 10/24
Winnings last week: +80 (3-2)
Winnings to date: -$170 (17-17-1, 4.4% loss) - Just the houses take.

This week I found a number of games that I liked but didn't quite make this (see at the end).  But here are the J.R. Ewing winners mostly from the SEC and Big 12.

Auburn (+7.5) vs. Mississippi (11:00 am CDT)

I like being given a touchdown plus at home in the SEC West.  Ole Miss has lost (straight up) its last two road games, I see the Tigers circling the wagons and at least keeping it close.

Texas Tech (+2.5) vs Oklahoma State (2:30 pm CDT)  - Pick of the Week

Oklahoma State has skated through the season so far without facing any of the big boys and has an undefeated record to go with it.  Lubbock is a tough place to play, this will be the Cowboys biggest challenge and I see Tech winning in a shootout (what would you expect with Red Raiders vs. Cowboys).  As a side bet, take the over on 77.5

Georgia (+2.5) vs Florida (2:30 pm CDT) - Jacksonville

Another game where I like getting point.  Before the season, experts would have had Georgia a double-digit favorites.  Now on a slide and without their star RB, the Bulldogs are getting points.  Both sides have very green QBs in a large stage.  I see the more experienced coaching staff of Georgia coaxing them to a victory.

Texas (-4) at Iowa State (6:00 pm CDT)

Everyone knows I have a bias here, but the Cyclones have only won three Big 12 games the past 2+ seasons and most of those were against Kansas.  The Longhorns are improving every week with Heard at QB and an improving running game.  I could see it being about a TD, but I could also see it being about 3 TDs.  Heck, the Longhorns could win in overtime and cover this.

Notre Dame (-10.5) at Temple (7:30 pm CDT)

With all due respect to Temple, this is a big step up in competition.  Also of note, the crowd will probably be split pretty evenly given the Irish's popularity in major east coast metropolitan areas (like Philadelphia.  Notre Dame is so well coached, they'll roll up their sleeves and take care of the Owls by 2 TD or more.

Other teams I like: Houston (-10.5), California (+4), South Carolina (+15.5), Washington State (+10.5).  Just didn't have enough room!

No tricks above, only treats!  Enjoy your Saturday!

College Football Picks - 10/10/2015

Saved the season last week

First we'll start with the bad.  The week of 9/26.  Straight disaster as it was a 1-4 performance.  I just about took out a second mortgage on South Fork.  But alas, I recovered (didn't have time to fully blog) with the below (timetag verifies).  Yessir, 5-0.  Yee Haw!

However, here are his picks this week: KSST (+7.5), Houston (-7), TCU (-15), Oregon (-7.5), Clemson (-1).

— lhd_on_sports (@lhd_on_sports) October 3, 2015

KSST kept it close vs. OSU, Houston blew out someone, TCU destroyed Texas, Oregon rolled, and Clemson won by more than 1 just barely.

So a summary (all bets are $110 to win $100)

Coming into the week:
Winnings to date: $60 (5-4-1, 5.4% profit)

Week of 9/26
Winnings 9/26 week: -$340 (1-4)
Winnings to date: -$280 (6-8-1, 17% loss)

Week of 10/3
Winnings last week: $500 (5-0)
Winnings to date: +$220 (11-8-1, 10% profit)

But none of that is why your ready my blog.  Here we go for this week's picks:


Oklahoma (-16.5) vs. Texas (11:00 am CDT) (Dallas)

Texas looks somewhere between inept and just plain bad.  They have covered this game two straight years being double digit underdogs.  But I just don't see a team that can run with the Sooners.  Until the defense steps up, they're going to give up more points than their fledgling offense can generate.  Sooners big.


Georgia (-2.5) at Tennessee (2:30 pm CDT)

You feel like Charlie Brown with the football with Tennessee.  They play competitive but can't get the "W".  Georgia is beat up (physically and emotionally) after the loss to Alabama so you think this might be a trap game.  Georgia always bounces back well from SEC losses under Richt and is just plain better.  Go with the Dawgs.


Texas Tech (-11.5) vs. Iowa State (2:30 pm CDT) - Pick of the Week

The Red Raiders have had a tough schedule, playing Arkansas, TCU, and Baylor in consecutive weeks.  They lost but hung with the latter two.  Their offense can put up points, no doubt.  Iowa State doesn't seem to have the offense to match and their defense isn't shut down, either.  Seems like a 2 TD win at least in Lubbock.

California (+7.5) at Utah (6:00 pm CDT)

The Utes are no longer flying under the radar nationally.  Neither is undefeated Cal, who has racked up some impressive wins at Texas and Washington.  Road teams in the Pac 12 are winning at an impressive rate, so with the 7 point spread, seems like a juicy pick.  This is a bit of a hunch, but I like playing hunches!

TCU (-9) at Kansas State (6:30 pm CDT)

TCU rounded into form last week answering a lot of questions that plagued them early, particularly on defense.  Kansas State is tough at home, but TCU seems poised to get on a big Big 12 run up to the showdown with Baylor.  I think they win this by more than the points against a banged up Wildcat offense.

Lots of Big 12 action above, it's an intriguing conference with explosive offenses.  See you on the flip side!

Week 10 Upset Specials

This is getting ugly.  Another 0-3 week, this week the teams didn't even really cover (maybe UTEP).  So down to -$8,700.  I'm going to have to start selling oil fields if I don't turn this around.  The good news is, a couple of hits, and the debt goes away.  Again, the strategy is pick TD or more underdogs straight up for $1G, three a week...

Last week I stayed in Texas, I'm looking at more Texas teams this week again...

Mississippi State (+7, +250) vs. Texas A&M
Taking the SEC home team laying points last week killed me, but this team is ranked.  A&M struggled at Ole Miss on the road, MSU might be chippy after last week.  Maybe I'm the last guy buying into A&M, but I'll take a gamble this week.

Texas (+7, +225) at Texas Tech
Texas variability is wide.  They might show up this week after the near escape in Lawrence.  I've seen nothing to justify this pick, but it's rare that Texas gives points to Tech, even in Lubbock.  So I'm going to take it.

Tulsa (+9, +310) at Arkansas
Okay, not Texas but neighboring states.  Not sure where Arkansas is at, but loss to Ole Miss at home and now Tulsa comes a calling which hasn't lost since Labor Day.  I have a feeling Tulsa might have more to prove.

Interesting fact about these games, all started well below a TD and grew, as if odds makers knew they'd be close, then bettors took the lead on the favorites.

I really need to hit two of these to get back in the game.