Tuesday, September 10, 2019

2019 College Football Bowl Projections: Week 3 Edition

Here is my Week 3 edition of my 2019 College Football Bowl Projections.

College Football Playoff
Fiesta Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (2) Clemson vs (3) Ohio State
Peach Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (1) Georgia vs (4) Alabama


Rest of New Years Six Bowls
Cotton Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Boise State vs Michigan
Orange Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: Virginia vs Notre Dame
Rose Bowl: January 1st, 2020- 5:00, ESPN: Utah vs Wisconsin
Sugar Bowl: January 1st, 2020- 8:45, ESPN: LSU vs Oklahoma


Other Bowl Games
Bahamas Bowl: December 20th, 2019- 2:00, ESPN: UAB vs Northern Illinois
Frisco Bowl: December 20th, 2019- 7:30, ESPN2: East Carolina vs Army
New Mexico Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 2:00, ESPN: North Texas vs Utah State
Cure Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 2:30, CBSSN: Cincinnati vs Louisiana
Boca Raton Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 3:30, ABC: SMU vs Ohio
Camellia Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 5:30, ESPN: Buffalo vs Arkansas State

Las Vegas Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 7:30, ABC: San Diego State vs Oregon
New Orleans Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 9:00, ESPN: FAU vs Appalachian State
Gasparilla Bowl: December 23rd, 2019- 2:30, ESPN: Memphis vs Marshall
Hawaii Bowl: December 24th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: BYU vs Nevada
Independence Bowl: December 26th, 2019- 4:00, ESPN: Southern Miss vs Boston College
Quick Lane Bowl: December 26th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: Wake Forest vs Penn State
Military Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Navy vs North Carolina
Pinstripe Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 3:20, ESPN: Syracuse vs Iowa
Texas Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 6:45, ESPN: Iowa State vs Texas A&M

Holiday Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 8:00, FS1: Minnesota vs Stanford
Cheez-It Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 10:15, ESPN: Washington State vs Oklahoma State
Camping World Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 12:00, ABC: Florida State vs Baylor
First Responder Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 12:30, ESPN: Louisiana Tech vs TCU
Music City Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 4:00, ESPN: Virginia Tech vs Tulane
RedBox Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 4:00, ESPN: Maryland vs USC
Belk Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Miami vs Mississippi State
Sun Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 2:00, CBS: North Carolina State vs Arizona State
Liberty Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 3:45, ESPN: Houston vs West Virginia
Arizona Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 4:30, CBSSN: Wyoming vs Georgia Southern
Alamo Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Texas vs Washington

Citrus Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 1:00, ABC: Michigan State vs Florida
Outback Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 1:00, ESPN: Nebraska vs Kentucky
Birmingham Bowl: January 2nd, 2019- 3:00, ESPN: Pittsburgh vs UCF
Gator Bowl: January 2nd 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Northwestern vs Auburn
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: January 3rd, 2019- 3:30, ESPN: Western Michigan vs Fresno State
Armed Forces Bowl: January 4th, 2019- 11:30AM, ESPN: Purdue vs New Mexico
Mobile Alabama Bowl: January 4th, 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Toledo vs Troy

2019 WNBA Playoffs: First Round Predictions

Here are my predictions for the First Round of the 2019 WNBA Playoffs.

Wednesday, September 11th
(8) Phoenix Mercury (15-19) vs (5) Chicago Sky (20-14)- 8:00, ESPN2: The Mercury are a team that has dealt with some injuries and other issues that led to them getting the final playoff spot rather than a higher spot. The Sky are a team that really has taken a step forward this season and find themselves hosting a first round playoff game. Diana Taurasi is dealing with a hamstring injury and if she comes back she can give the Mercury a big boost to go with Brittney Griner and DeWanna Bonner. The Sky cannot be slept on thought with three All-Stars in Allie Quigley, Courtney Vandersloot, and Diamond DeShields leading the way. That said, the Mercury know what it's like to be in big games and the idea of Taurasi coming back is enticing so give me the more experienced team to advance.
Prediction: Mercury

(7) Minnesota Lynx (18-16) vs (6) Seattle Storm (18-16)- 10:00, ESPN2: The Sky deserve a ton of credit for getting to this spot with Maya Moore taking the season off. The Storm have had dealt with issues of their own such as Breanna Stewart missing the year with a torn ACL and Sue Bird missing the year with a knee injury. Sylvia Fowles, Odyssey Sims, and Naphesa Collier really have stepped up thoughout the season and head coach Cheryl Reeves is one of the best in the business. Natasha Howard and Jewell Loyd have had great seasons to help the Storm get to this spot. This was a tough call, but the best player on the court here is Fowles and she'll lead the Sky to a big road win to advance.
Prediction: Lynx

Friday, September 6, 2019

2019 College Football Bowl Projections: Week 2 Edition

Here is my Week 2 edition of my 2019 College Football Bowl Projections.

College Football Playoff
Fiesta Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (2) Clemson vs (3) Ohio State
Peach Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (1) Georgia vs (4) Alabama

Rest of New Years Six Bowls
Cotton Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Boise State vs Washington
Orange Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: Virginia vs Notre Dame
Rose Bowl: January 1st, 2020- 5:00, ESPN: Utah vs Wisconsin
Sugar Bowl: January 1st, 2020- 8:45, ESPN: LSU vs Oklahoma

Other Bowl Games
Bahamas Bowl: December 20th, 2019- 2:00, ESPN: FIU vs Northern Illinois
Frisco Bowl: December 20th, 2019- 7:30, ESPN2: Cincinnati vs Army
New Mexico Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 2:00, ESPN: North Texas vs Utah State
Cure Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 2:30, CBSSN: East Carolina vs Louisiana
Boca Raton Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 3:30, ABC: South Florida vs Ohio
Camellia Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 5:30, ESPN: Buffalo vs Arkansas State
Las Vegas Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 7:30, ABC: San Diego State vs Temple
New Orleans Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 9:00, ESPN: FAU vs Appalachian State
Gasparilla Bowl: December 23rd, 2019- 2:30, ESPN: Memphis vs Marshall
Hawaii Bowl: December 24th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: BYU vs Nevada
Independence Bowl: December 26th, 2019- 4:00, ESPN: Southern Miss vs Duke
Quick Lane Bowl: December 26th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: Pittsburgh vs Iowa
Military Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Navy vs Wake Forest
Pinstripe Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 3:20, ESPN: Syracuse vs Northwestern
Texas Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 6:45, ESPN: Iowa State vs Texas A&M
Holiday Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 8:00, FS1: Michigan State vs Arizona State
Cheez-It Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 10:15, ESPN: Purdue vs Oklahoma State
Camping World Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 12:00, ABC: Florida State vs Baylor
First Responder Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 12:30, ESPN: Louisiana Tech vs TCU
Music City Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 4:00, ESPN: Virginia Tech vs Tennessee
RedBox Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 4:00, ESPN: Penn State vs Washington State
Belk Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Miami vs Mississippi State
Sun Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 2:00, CBS: North Carolina State vs Oregon
Liberty Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 3:45, ESPN: Houston vs West Virginia
Arizona Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 4:30, CBSSN: Wyoming vs Georgia Southern
Alamo Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Texas vs Stanford
Citrus Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 1:00, ABC: Michigan vs Florida
Outback Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 1:00, ESPN: Minnesota vs Kentucky
Birmingham Bowl: January 2nd, 2019- 3:00, ESPN: Boston College vs UCF
Gator Bowl: January 2nd 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Nebraska vs Auburn
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: January 3rd, 2019- 3:30, ESPN: Western Michigan vs Fresno State
Armed Forces Bowl: January 4th, 2019- 11:30AM, ESPN: Maryland vs New Mexico
Mobile Alabama Bowl: January 4th, 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Toledo vs Troy

2019 College Football Week 2: Picks

Here are my picks for week two of the 2019 College Football season.

Friday, September 6th
William & Mary (1-0; 0-0) at Virginia (1-0; 1-0)- 8:00, ACCN
Pick: Virginia

Wake Forest (1-0; 0-0) at Rice (0-1; 0-0)- 8:00, CBSSN
Pick: Wake Forest

Marshall (1-0; 0-0) at (24) Boise State (1-0; 0-0)- 9:00, ESPN2: Freshman quarterback Hank Bachmeier showed a lot of poise last week in the Broncos comeback a week ago and he will lead the team to another big win.
Pick: Boise State

Sacramento State (1-0; 0-0) at Arizona State (1-0; 0-0)- 10:00, Pac-12N
Pick: Arizona State

Saturday, September 7th
Ohio (1-0; 0-0) at Pittsburgh (0-1; 0-1)- 11:00, ACCN: The Panthers looked really bad a week ago and this is a prime upset spot for an underrated Group of Five team.
Pick: Ohio

Cincinnati (1-0; 0-0) at (5) Ohio State (1-0; 0-0)- 12:00, ABC
Pick: Ohio State

Army (1-0) at (7) Michigan (1-0; 0-0)- 12:00, FOX: The Black Knights looked inept a week ago against a bad Rice team and it's probably because they were peaking ahead to this spot. Well, they're in for a rude awakening as the Wolverines will win a low scoring game.
Pick: Michigan

Rutgers (1-0; 0-0) at (20) Iowa (1-0; 0-0)- 12:00, FS1
Pick: Iowa

(21) Syracuse (1-0; 0-0) at Maryland (1-0; 0-0)- 12:00, ESPN: This is an obvious look ahead spot for the Orange as they host Clemson next week and are in the running to host GameDay. The Terps are strangely a favorite as they destroyed a bad FCS team and the Orange struggled offensively against Liberty. I'm taking the Orange here as they'll be more focused and quarterback Tommy DeVito will play better.
Pick: Syracuse

Old Dominion (1-0; 0-0) at Virginia Tech (0-1; 0-1)- 12:00, ACCN: No chance the Hokies lose to the Monarchs a second season in a row.
Pick: Virginia Tech

UAB (1-0; 0-0) at Akron (0-1; 0-0)- 12:00, CBSSN: Many folks like the Zips to pull off the upset, but I think the Blazers win a close one after barely beating a bad FCS team.
Pick: UAB

Kennesaw State (1-0; 0-0) at Kent State (0-1; 0-0)- 12:00, ESPN3
Pick: Kent State

Southern (0-1; 0-0) at Memphis (1-0; 0-0)- 12:00, ESPN3
Pick: Memphis

West Virginia (1-0; 0-0) at Missouri (1-0; 0-0)- 12:00, ESPN2
Pick: Missouri

Charleston Southern (0-1; 0-0) at South Carolina (0-1; 0-0)- 12:00, SECN
Pick: South Carolina

Vanderbilt (0-1; 0-1) at Purdue (0-1; 0-0)- 12:00, BTN
Pick: Purdue

Bowling Green (1-0; 0-0) at Kansas State (1-0; 0-0)- 12:00
Pick: Kansas State

Western Carolina (0-1; 0-1) at NC State (1-0; 0-0)- 12:20, ACCN
Pick: NC State

Northern Illinois (1-0; 0-0) at (13) Utah (1-0; 0-0)- 1:00, Pac-12N
Pick: Utah

Fordham (0-1; 0-0) at Ball State (0-1; 0-0)- 2:00, ESPN3
Pick: Ball State

South Florida (0-1; 0-0) at Georgia Tech (0-1; 0-1)- 2:00, ACCN
Pick: South Florida

Tennessee Tech (1-0; 0-0) at Miami-Ohio (0-1; 0-0)- 2:30, ESPN+
Pick: Miami-Ohio

(12) Texas A&M (1-0; 0-0) at (1) Clemson (1-0; 1-0)- 3:30, ABC: This game was close last year and I really am not convinced this will be that close this time around, but it could be a shootout. Give me Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne, and company to get the job done at home.
Pick: Clemson

Central Michigan (1-0; 0-0) at (17) Wisconsin (1-0; 0-0)- 3:30, BTN
Pick: Wisconsin

(25) Nebraska (1-0; 0-0) at Colorado (1-0; 0-0)- 3:30, FOX: This screams trap game and even Vegas knows it making the Cornhuskers only a 4-point favorite. That said, I like the Cornhuskers to perform better here against a Buffaloes team that's improved, but is inferior to the Huskers.
Pick: Nebraska

Southern Illinois (0-1; 0-0) at Massachusetts (0-1)- 3:30
Pick: Massachusetts

Charlotte (1-0; 0-0) at Appalachian State (1-0; 0-0)- 3:30, ESPN+
Pick: Appalachian State

Grambling (0-1; 0-0) at Louisiana Tech (0-1; 0-0)- 3:30, NFLN
Pick: Louisiana Tech

Richmond (1-0; 0-0) at Boston College (1-0; 1-0)- 3:30, ACCN
Pick: Boston College

Illinois (1-0; 0-0) at Connecticut (1-0; 0-0)- 3:30, CBSSN
Pick: Illinois

Eastern Illinois (0-1; 0-0) at Indiana (1-0; 0-0)- 3:30, BTN
Pick: Indiana

Southern Miss (1-0; 0-0) at Mississippi State (1-0; 0-0)- 3:30, ESPNU
Pick: Mississippi State

New Mexico State (0-1) at (2) Alabama (1-0; 0-0)- 4:00, SECN
Pick: Alabama

Murray State (1-0; 0-0) at (3) Georgia (1-0; 1-0)- 4:00, ESPN2
Pick: Georgia

UTSA (1-0; 0-0) at Baylor (1-0; 0-0)- 4:00
Pick: Baylor

Western Illinois (0-1; 0-0) at Colorado State (0-1; 0-0)- 4:00
Pick: Colorado State

San Diego State (1-0; 0-0) at UCLA (0-1; 0-0)- 4:15, Pac-12N
Pick: San Diego State

Northern Colorado (0-1; 0-0) at (22) Washington State (1-0; 0-0)- 5:00
Pick: Washington State

UL Monroe (1-0; 0-0) at Florida State (0-1; 0-0)- 5:00, ACCN
Pick: Florida State

North Carolina A&T (1-0; 0-0) at Duke (0-1; 0-0)- 6:00, ACCN
Pick: Duke

Gardner-Webb (0-1; 0-0) at East Carolina (0-1; 0-0)- 6:00, ESPN3
Pick: East Carolina

Maine (1-0; 0-0) at Georgia Southern (0-1; 0-0)- 6:00, ESPN+
Pick: Georgia Southern

Furman (1-0; 0-0) at Georgia State (1-0; 0-0)- 6:00, ESPN3
Pick: Georgia State

South Dakota (0-1; 0-0) at (4) Oklahoma (1-0; 0-0)- 7:00
Pick: Oklahoma

(18) UCF (1-0; 0-0) at FAU (0-1; 0-0)- 7:00, CBSSN: This could be a upset spot, but I don't see it. Give me the Knights.
Pick: UCF

Jackson State (0-1; 0-0) at South Alabama (0-1; 0-0)- 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: South Alabama

Wyoming (1-0; 0-0) at Texas State (0-1; 0-0)- 7:00, ESPN+
Pick: Wyoming

WKU (0-1; 0-0) at FIU (0-1; 0-0)- 7:00, ESPN+
Pick: FIU

Tennessee State (1-0; 0-0) at Middle Tennessee (0-1; 0-0)- 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Middle Tennessee

North Texas (1-0; 0-0) at SMU (1-0; 0-0)- 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: North Texas

Eastern Kentucky (1-0; 0-0) at Louisville (0-1; 0-0)- 7:00, ACCN
Pick: Louisville

BYU (0-1) at Tennessee (0-1; 0-0)- 7:00, ESPN: Both of these teams looked lousy a week ago in their defeats and I like the Vols to bounce back here and stay focused.
Pick: Tennessee

Coastal Carolina (0-1; 0-0) at Kansas (1-0; 0-0)- 7:00, ESPN+
Pick: Coastal Carolina

McNeese (1-0; 0-0) at Oklahoma State (1-0; 0-0)- 7:00
Pick: Oklahoma State

(6) LSU (1-0; 0-0) at (9) Texas (1-0; 0-0)- 7:30, ABC: This is for sure the best game of the weekend with GameDay on hand. Many folks (including myself), think the Tigers are the better team. My issue is that this game is a true road game against a team that's also very good. No one is picking the Longhorns to win this game, but hey I guess I'll be alone here. This feels like the Longhorns 2016 game versus Notre Dame all over again. And no, Texas is not back.
Pick: Texas

Tulane (1-0; 0-0) at (10) Auburn (1-0; 0-0)- 7:30, ESPN2
Pick: Auburn

UT-Martin (1-0; 0-0) at (11) Florida (1-0; 0-0)- 7:30, ESPNU
Pick: Florida

Buffalo (1-0; 0-0) at (15) Penn State (1-0; 0-0)- 7:30, BTN
Pick: Penn State

Nevada (1-0; 0-0) at (16) Oregon (0-1; 0-0)- 7:30, Pac-12N
Pick: Oregon

Western Michigan (1-0; 0-0) at (19) Michigan State (1-0; 0-0)- 7:30, BTN
Pick: Michigan State

Eastern Michigan (1-0; 0-0) at Kentucky (1-0; 0-0)- 7:30, SECN
Pick: Kentucky

Arkansas (1-0; 0-0) at Ole Miss (0-1; 0-0)- 7:30, SECN
Pick: Ole Miss

Stony Brook (1-0; 0-0) at Utah State (0-1; 0-0)- 7:30
Pick: Utah State

Liberty (0-1) at Louisiana (0-1; 0-0)- 7:30
Pick: Louisiana

Prairie View (1-0; 1-0) at Houston (0-1; 0-0)- 8:00, ESPN3
Pick: Houston

Miami (0-1; 0-0) at North Carolina (1-0; 0-0)- 8:00, ACCN: This is suddenly a big conference game. The Tar Heels had a surprising victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks, but I think that has to do with 'Cocks quarterback Jake Bentley being inept. The Canes rebound here and get an important road win.
Pick: Miami

UTEP (1-0; 0-0) at Texas Tech (1-0; 0-0)- 8:00
Pick: Texas Tech

Tulsa (0-1; 0-0) at San Jose State (1-0; 0-0)- 9:00
Pick: Tulsa

Arkansas State (0-1; 0-0) at UNLV (1-0; 0-0)- 10:00
Pick: Arkansas State

California (1-0; 0-0) at (14) Washington (1-0; 0-0)- 10:30, FS1
Pick: Washington

(23) Stanford (1-0; 0-0) at USC (1-0; 0-0)- 10:30, ESPN: It's unfortunate that neither team will have their starting quarterbacks for this game as the Cardinal's KJ Costillo is out with a concussion and the Trojans's JT Daniels tore his ACL and is out for the season. That said, pressure is on Clay Helton to win every game he can to save his job and I trust David Shaw more.
Pick: Stanford

Minnesota (1-0; 0-0) at Fresno State (0-1; 0-0)- 10:30, CBSSN: This is a tricky spot for the Gophers, who barely got by the Bulldogs a year ago. I like the Bulldogs for the upset.
Pick: Fresno State

Northern Arizona (1-0; 0-0) at Arizona (0-1; 0-0)- 10:45, Pac-12N
Pick: Arizona

Oregon State (0-1; 0-0) at Hawaii (1-0; 0-0)- 11:59: This game feels like a classic letdown spot for the Rainbow Warriors and for the Beavers to rebound from their week one loss against the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Pick: Oklahoma State

2019 College Football Week 2: Schedule

Here is the Schedule for week two of the 2019 College Football season (with announcers if necessary).


- Week 2
9/6- William & Mary at Virginia; 8:00, ACCN
9/6- Marshall at (24) Boise State; 9:00, ESPN2
9/6- Sacramento State at Arizona State; 10:00, Pac-12N
9/7- Ohio at Pittsburgh; 11:00, ACCN
9/7- Cincinnati at (5) Ohio State; 12:00, ABC
9/7- Army at (7) Michigan; 12:00, FOX
9/7- Rutgers at (20) Iowa; 12:00, FS1
9/7- (21) Syracuse at Maryland; 12:00, ESPN
9/7- Old Dominion at Virginia Tech; 12:00, ACCN
9/7- UAB at Akron; 12:00, CBSSN
9/7- Kennesaw State at Kent State; 12:00, ESPN3
9/7- Southern at Memphis; 12:00, ESPN3
9/7- West Virginia at Missouri; 12:00, ESPN2
9/7- Charleston Southern at South Carolina; 12:00, SECN
9/7- Vanderbilt at Purdue; 12:00, BTN
9/7- Bowling Green at Kansas State; 12:00
9/7- Western Carolina at NC State; 12:20, ACCN
9/7- Northern Illinois at (13) Utah; 1:00, Pac-12N
9/7- Fordham at Ball State; 2:00, ESPN3
9/7- South Florida at Georgia Tech; 2:00, ACCN
9/7- Tennessee Tech at Miami-Ohio; 2:30, ESPN+
9/7- Texas A&M at (1) Clemson; 3:30, ABC
9/7- Central Michigan at (17) Wisconsin; 3:30, BTN
9/7- (25) Nebraska at Colorado; 3:30, FOX
9/7- Southern Illinois at Massachusetts; 3:30
9/7- Charlotte at Appalachian State; 3:30, ESPN+
9/7- Grambling at Louisiana Tech; 3:30, NFLN
9/7- Richmond at Boston College; 3:30, ACCN
9/7- Illinois at Connecticut; 3:30, CBSSN
9/7- Eastern Illinois at Indiana; 3:30, BTN
9/7- Southern Miss at Mississippi State; 3:30, ESPNU
9/7- New Mexico State at (2) Alabama; 4:00, SECN
9/7- Murray State at (3) Georgia; 4:00, ESPN2
9/7- UTSA at Baylor; 4:00
9/7- Western Illinois at Colorado State; 4:00
9/7- San Diego State at UCLA; 4:15, Pac-12N
9/7- Northern Colorado at (22) Washington State; 5:00
9/7- UL Monroe at Florida State; 5:00, ACCN
9/7- North Carolina A&T at Duke; 6:00, ACCN
9/7- Gardner-Webb at East Carolina; 6:00, ESPN3
9/7- Maine at Georgia Southern; 6:00, ESPN+
9/7- Furman at Georgia State; 6:00, ESPN3
9/7- South Dakota at (4) Oklahoma; 7:00
9/7- (18) UCF at FAU; 7:00, CBSSN
9/7- Jackson State at South Alabama; 7:00, ESPN3
9/7- Wyoming at Texas State; 7:00, ESPN+
9/7- WKU at FIU; 7:00, ESPN+
9/7- Tennessee State at Middle Tennessee; 7:00, ESPN3
9/7- North Texas at SMU; 7:00, ESPN3
9/7- Eastern Kentucky at Louisville; 7:00, ACCN
9/7- BYU at Tennessee; 7:00, ESPN
9/7- Coastal Carolina at Kansas; 7:00, ESPN+
9/7- McNeese at Oklahoma State; 7:00
9/7- (6) LSU at (9) Texas; 7:30, ABC
9/7- Tulane at (10) Auburn; 7:30, ESPN2
9/7- UT-Martin at (11) Florida; 7:30, ESPNU
9/7- Buffalo at (15) Penn State; 7:30, BTN
9/7- Nevada at (16) Oregon; 7:30, Pac-12N
9/7- Western Michigan at (19) Michigan State; 7:30, BTN
9/7- Eastern Michigan at Kentucky; 7:30, SECN
9/7- Arkansas at Ole Miss; 7:30, SECN
9/7- Stony Brook at Utah State; 7:30
9/7- Liberty at Louisiana; 7:30
9/7- Prairie View at Houston; 8:00, ESPN3
9/7- Wake Forest at Rice; 8:00
9/7- Miami at North Carolina; 8:00, ACCN
9/7- UTEP at Texas Tech; 8:00
9/7- Tulsa at San Jose State; 9:00
9/7- Arkansas State at UNLV; 10:00
9/7- California at (14) Washington; 10:30, FS1
9/7- (23) Stanford at USC; 10:30, ESPN
9/7- Minnesota at Fresno State; 10:30, CBSSN
9/7- Northern Arizona at Arizona; 10:45, Pac-12N

9/7- Oregon State at Hawaii; 11:59

Thursday, September 5, 2019

2019 NFL Week 1 Picks

Here are my picks for week one of the 2019 NFL Season.

Thursday, September 5th
Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears- 8:15, NBC: The 100th anniversary season of the NFL kicks off with the oldest rivalry in the league. The Packers are looking to rebound from a disappointing 6-9-1 season from a year ago and have a new head coach in Matt LaFleur. The Bears are looking to build upon a 12-4 first season for Matt Nagy. Aaron Rodgers is someone that wants to come out and have a chip on his shoulder this season. Mitchell Trubisky wants to improve in his third season. The Packers offense goes as Rodgers goes and DeVante Adams is one of the best in the game at receiver. The Bears offense will have a little different look with rookie David Montgomery at running back. The Packers are improved defensively with the moves they made bringing in Preston Smith, Za'Darius Smith, and Adrian Amos. The Bears defense is still very good despite a downgrade in defensive coordinators with Chuck Pagano replacing Vic Fangio. That said, I like Khalil Mack to have a big game and sack Rodgers a few times to lead the Bears to an opening night win.
Prediction: Chicago 26, Green Bay 20.

Sunday, September 8th
Tennessee Titans vs Cleveland Browns- 1:00, CBS: The Titans are a team that many folks expect to take a step back this season. Meanwhile, the Browns are a team that many folks are high on. Odell Beckham Jr will probably play even though he's dealing with a hip issue and I do expect the Browns to come out with a vengeance and show everyone they're here and ready for a big leap.
Prediction: Cleveland 27, Tennessee 13.

Baltimore Ravens vs Miami Dolphins- 1:00, CBS: The Ravens are a team that won it's division a season ago and people are mixed on Lamar Jackson. The Dolphins are the consensus worst team in the NFL and they are clearly tanking for Alabama star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to take in the 2020 draft. Ryan Fitzpatrick is starting for the Dolphins, who always tend to surprise early in seasons and pull off home upsets. I think that tend continues and shuts up the tanking narrative for at least one week as they win a close one against a Ravens team I'm not sold on.
Prediction: Miami 24, Baltimore 23.

Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings- 1:00, FOX: The Falcons are a team that looks to rebound and make the playoffs after an injury plagued season a year ago. The Vikings also missed out on the playoffs a year ago and most people think they'll make the postseason. Stud receivers Julio Jones and Stefon Diggs are both questionable for different reasons for their respective teams, but the difference in this game is the Vikes pass rush dominating the Falcons offensive line and I think Kirk Cousins has himself a solid game.
Prediction: Minnesota 30, Atlanta 23.

Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets- 1:00, CBS: Both of these teams are sleeper picks to surprise folks and have a winning record and if either team is to do that, their second year quarterback must improve on their first year with Josh Allen and Sam Darnold respectively. The Bills defense is improved and I'm not sold on the Jets defense as a whole, but I don't love the either teams skill position guys except for Le'Veon Bell and Bills rookie running back Devin Singletary. Bell and Darnold I think will have nice games to give Gang Green a win.
Prediction: NY Jets 27, Buffalo 20.

Washington Redskins vs Philadelphia Eagles- 1:00, FOX: The Redskins are among the worst teams in the league this season, but their defense should be somewhat decent. The Eagles are a popular Super Bowl pick by media outlets, but I think there are better teams then them in both conferences. Carson Wentz will have a nice day as well as the Eagles defense against a subpar Redskins offense.
Prediction: Philadelphia 30, Washington 10.

Los Angeles Rams vs Carolina Panthers- 1:00, FOX: The Rams are a team thats trying to avoid the dreaded Super Bowl hangover. The Panthers season depends on the health of Cam Newton and whether his shoulder is right or not. I think Newton looks rusty in this game and the newly paid Jared Goff will have a field day against the Panthers secondary.
Prediction: LA Rams 24, Carolina 20.

Kansas City Chiefs vs Jacksonville Jaguars- 1:00, CBS: The Chiefs are a team that expectations are sky high for led by reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes. The Jaguars are a popular bounce back team after a disappointing 2018. Mahomes is a much better quarterback than Nick Foles, who hasn't done anything good in a non-Eagles uniform so I like the Chiefs in this one.
Prediction: Kansas City 27, Jacksonville 23.

Indianapolis Colts vs Los Angeles Chargers- 4:05, CBS: The Colts are obviously a team with lowered expectations after the stunning retirement of Andrew Luck. The Chargers are a team with high expectations, but are without Russell Okung, Derwin James, and Melvin Gordon. Those are all significant injuries and I think the newly paid Jacoby Brissett will lead the Colts to a monster upset as they'll remind the league that this is not a terrible team without Luck as they take advantage of the Chargers injuries.
Prediction: Indianapolis 23, LA Chargers 20.

Cincinnati Bengals vs Seattle Seahawks- 4:05, CBS: The Bengals are supposed to be among the worst teams in football in Zac Taylor's first game as coach. The Seahawks are a team I'm not particularly high on this season although they recently acquired Jadeveon Clowney from the Texans to improve their pass rush. I think the Seahawks are the much better team here and are my lock of the week.
Prediction: Seattle 26, Cincinnati 13.

New York Giants vs Dallas Cowboys- 4:25, FOX: This is normally a fun divisional rivalry, but this time around it's not even the best divisional rivalry in the division at the moment. The Giants are among one of the worst teams in football, although they have the best running back in the league in Saquon Barkley. The Cowboys are a team thats very good all around, but have a head coach thats a lame duck. Ezekiel Elliott got paid and he along with the vastly underrated defense will help lead the Cowboys to a much needed week one win.
Prediction: Dallas 24, NY Giants 16.

San Francisco 49ers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers- 4:25, FOX: Both of these teams want to surprise folks this season. Jimmy Garappolo is back at quarterback and he wants to prove doubters wrong. Jameis Winston is someone that wants to prove doubters wrong too as he's in a contract year. I expect a ton of offense in this game and for me it comes down to the quarterbacks and I trust Garappolo more than Winston.
Prediction: San Francisco 34, Tampa Bay 27.

Detroit Lions vs Arizona Cardinals- 4:25, FOX: This is the worst game of the Sunday slate and thats saying something because it's the debut of number one overall pick Kyler Murray. I do think Murray will show some flashes in this game and throughout the season, but his offensive line flat out stinks. The Lions are a team I think is overrated and may fire its coach after the season, but I do think they get off to a solid start with a win here.
Prediction: Detroit 27, Arizona 16.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs New England Patriots- 8:15, NBC: Here is the best game of the day to sick off Sunday Night Football. The Steelers are a team that is poised to do some damage with Ben Rothlisberger with a chip on his shoulder. Tom Brady and the Pats want to continue to show that they're still the Patriots and the defending champions at home and I expect a shootout and a Pats win.
Prediction: New England 33, Pittsburgh 26.

Monday, September 9th
Houston Texans vs New Orleans Saints- 7:10, ESPN: This is one of the best Monday Night Football openers I can remember. The Texans traded away Jadeveon Clowney, but acquired Laremy Tunsil to improve what was an awful offensive line. The Saints are a team that I think can make a run at the Lombardi Trophy this season. This screams shootout and I think the Saints get the win here at home.
Prediction: New Orleans 35, Houston 30.

Denver Broncos vs Oakland Raiders- 10:15, ESPN: The Broncos are a team with a new coach in Vic Fangio and want to surprise folks this season. The Raiders are just a circus led by Antonio Brown, who was first rumored to be suspended for his actions with GM Mike Maycock, but now head coach Jon Gruden came out and said he's playing. That does not change my opinion of this game and I think the Broncos come out and Von Miller and Bradley Chubb will get to Derek Carr and lead the way for a win.
Prediction: Denver 26, Oakland 20.

2019 NFL Awards Predictions

Here are my award predictions for the 2019 NFL Season.

MVP: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs: My pick would have been Andrew Luck had he not unexpectedly retired. So now, I decided to roll with Mahomes for a repeat. He is the best player in the entire league and he'll lead the Chiefs to a top 2-AFC seed again while putting up fantastic numbers yet again.
Runner up: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Offensive Player of the Year: Mahomes. See: MVP.
Runner up: Saquon Barkley, New York Giants

Defensive Player of the Year: Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams: This is Donald's award to lose as long as he remains healthy. He is an absolute monster in the Rams front seven and he'll take this award home for the third straight season.
Runner up: Khalil Mack, Chicago Bears

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Mike Montgomery, Chicago Bears: I had a lot of different guys I considered here, but I landed on Montgomery. He'll give the Bears offense a different look and will be a nice security blanket for Mitch Trubisky.
Runner up: Dwayne Haskins, Washington Redskins

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Devin Bush, Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers moving up to take this kid will be looked upon as a smart one. He will certainly help replace the production Ryan Shazier gave them.
Runner up: Quinnen Williams, New York Jets

Coach of the Year: Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints: This award is pretty wide open. Leading the Saints to the top seed in the NFC a year removed from that brutal no-call that cost them a Super Bowl trip will make voters go in this direction.
Runner up: Freddie Kitchens, Cleveland Browns

Comeback Player of the Year: Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles: This was a tough award to pick and I think Wentz comes back and puts together a solid season. Don't forget torn ACL's are tough to come back from and that is a two year injury to recover from so expect numbers almost similar to his 2017 season.
Runner up: Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys