Explanation for Philies Collapse, College/Pro Picks, Eagles/Giants Preview

It is easy to point at the bullpen collapse when Gordon was on the DL as the reason the Phillies fail to get into the playoffs. And let’s be honest, the Phillies are as done as a brisket left in the oven two hours too long. You could also point to Jolly Chollie and his lack of ability as a valid reason why they came up just short. But the most important reason that nobody is talking about is that this team simply cannot win on getaway day. They are 1-9 in their last 10 series concluders. Ultimately I guess this falls on the Manager’s shoulders as he is the guy that has to make sure his team is ready to play. If they were just 5-5 in these games, they would be leading the wild card chase today. Just another reason this team is completely frustrating: ADD that keeps them from focusing for the whole series. I am guessing they need to go 12-4 in their last 16 to have any shot. And a sweep one way or the other in the Padre/Dodger series would help. Both events…unlikely.

As we head in to football weekend, you have to look no further than Saturday for a ton of big games. 7 games in which ranked teams are playing each other should be just wall to wall excitement. To date, my college selections against the spread are 5-5-1, with my NFL choices last week going 2-2. Mediocrity all around. Let’s see if we can’t pick it up a notch this week. Here are this week’s selections, along with my analysis of the Eagles/Giants game:

NCAA:

Kansas at Toledo. OK, I have no pick here, just the observation that this has to be the first game in NCAA history in which the two coaches weigh a combined 1,000 lbs. I think Vegas should issue odds as to which coach would win in a sumo wrestling match-up.

Pittsburgh (-2.5) vs. Michigan St. OK, It is about time somebody says it: John L. Smith is an overrated college football coach. Wannstedt seems to have the panthers headed in the right direction, and look for Tyler Palko and company take care of business in a big home game for both Pitt and the Big East conference.

Florida (-3.5) at Tennessee. Florida favored by more than a field goal in Knoxville? Vegas is trying to get you to take the home dog, so naturally you should lay the points and take the better team with the better coach and better quarterback and healthier squad.

Michigan (+6) at Notre Dame. Almost 80% of ND/Michigan games is decided by less than a TD. Look for Michigan to control the ball with Mike Hart able to gain big yards against a non-dominant Irish D.

Texas (-31.5) vs. Rice. Texas always blows away the teams that they are supposed to.

Clemson (+4.5) at Florida State. Florida St. is overrated. Clemson always plays them tough. Drew Weatherford is simply not progressing the way he should be. Take the points and the son in this family battle.

NFL:

The Eagles and Giants meet up Sunday in what I believe is a match-up of the two best teams in the NFC. The Boys in Blue need the game more than the Birds, and it promises to be a dogfight. Westbrook tweaked a knee in practice yesterday but appears to be OK. The Birds ability to run the ball to slow down the Giants pass rush (which was a bit sub par against the Colts last week), and their ability to stop Barber on the ground seem to be two keys to the game (not a surprise, it comes down to who can win in the trenches). The Eagles were built with this task in mind as their D-line may be the #1 strength of the team. The Giants O-line played really well last week, opening nice holes for the running game while giving Manning enough time to throw. Rod Hood should be OK replacing Lito Sheppard at corner (many think Hood is the better player), the question is whether Joselio Hanson is up to the nickel role. The game should come down to which team can make the most big plays. Final Score: Birds 20, G-Men: 17

Cincinnati (-10) vs. Cleveland. My pick for Super Bowl winner against my pick for 1st pick in the draft, at the good team’s house. Clearly, I have Cincy covering this one….

Green Bay (+2.5) vs. New Orleans. The Saints aren’t ready to win two in a row on the road.

Jets (+5.5) vs. New England. The Pats are overrated, the Jets are underrated, so take the points and the home dog.

Tampa (+5.5) at Atlanta. Maybe my favorite game on the board. A team that laid an egg last week against a team that played over its head. Tampa has always had the speed defensively to contain Vick. And do not get all excited about Vick. One game a season does not make.

Jacksonville (+2) at Pittsburgh. I hope we see a replay of the Monday Night game between these two several years ago when Jacksonville blocked a kick and returned it for a touchdown, and Cowher was so close to running on the field and tacking the Jaguar as he ran by him.