Week #2

I began the year with a solid week hitting 3 of 5 picks. Not surprisingly my bias revealed itself well as I hit all 3 predictions involving SEC schools and then missed the other two. Maybe I should reconsider diversification? That kind of average won't win much money, but it will keep you in the black. On the other hand, George Washington only correctly called 2 of his 5 games.

The coin and I have very different opinions this week. Here we go with a look at 5 games from week 2.

West Virginia (-8) at East Carolina -- MY PICK: WVU, GEORGE'S: WVU; Coach Skip Holtz led his underdog East Carolina Pirates to a win over Virgina Tech in the big upset of week #1. I don't see it happening again. The Mountaineers also got off to a strong start last week. You know the running game will be there led by North Fort Myers own RB Noel Devine. However, run-first QB Pat White actually looked really good throwing the ball for 5 TDs. He could be a Heisman winner with a few more games like that.

Cincinnati (+21.5) at Oklahoma -- MY PICK: OKLAHOMA, GEORGE'S: CINCINNATI; This is one of those games where the line is too low. The odds makers are showing respect for the decent program that has been emerging at Cincinnati in the past few years. However, this Oklahoma team is too good for them, especially at home. And Cincinnati will not have their star from 2007 QB Ben Mauk who recently was denied another season of eligibility by the NCAA. I really like Sooners QB Sam Bradford and RB DeMarco Murray. This is Oklahoma's chance to grab some 1st place votes in the polls with a big rout.

Central Michigan (+24) at Georgia -- MY PICK: GEORGIA, GEORGE'S: CENTRAL MICH; Pretty much the same thing as above. I think the line is low out of respect to the Central Michigan Chippewas who are led by do-it-all QB Dan LeFevour. In 2007 LeFevour became only the 2nd player in Division 1A history to pass for 3000 yards and run for 1000 yards in the same season. That's impressive but he won't be playing Eastern or Western Michigan this week. Look for big games out of Georgia QB Matt Stafford and RB Knowshon Moreno as UGA gets ready for the brutal SEC schedule.

Georgia Tech (+7) at Boston College -- MY PICK: GEORGIA TECH, GEORGE'S: BOSTON COLLEGE; First year coach Paul Johnson has brought a totally new offensive system to Georgia Tech. And after 5 years of Chan Gailey, they needed it! The Yellow Jackets will run the ball in a multi-option system. Last week numerous contributors led to an eye-popping 350 yards on the ground. On the other hand, Boston College is seeking an identity. They lost their star QB Matt Ryan to the NFL draft. Can career backup senior QB Chris Crane fill the void? This game will tell but until then, I'll take the points.

Mississppi (+7.5) at Wake Forest -- MY PICK: OLE MISS, GEORGE'S: WAKE FOREST; I guess I'll make this pick my upset special. I like Mississippi coach Houston Nutt's track-record for overachieving so much that I think I'll be riding the Rebels and new QB Jevan Snead a lot this year. On the other hand, Coach Jim Grobe has amazing amazingly turned the basketball crazy Wake Forest into a solid football program led by the smart play of QB Riley Skinner. It's a feel-good story but give me the SEC team anytime!

JTB YEARLY RECORD: 3-2
GW YEARLY RECORD: 2-3