ATS Picks

[GatorGrad]

Been busy w/ work lately, so not too much thought into this...but here goes nothing!

BC
Oregon St
Miss St
Cal
USF
Kantucky
Clemson
Mizzou
Oklahoma
Georgia
Zook
Ohio St

[Blue Hen]

got 'em

'not much thought' might just be the winning formula this year, GG


We've got 23 entries, so far, with many good posters not heard from yet. Get your picks in by Wednesday, fellers.

[GatorGrad]

I think bowl games are the toughest to read in all of sports. There's a month off, kids thinking about the NFL, coaches leaving for other jobs in between, etc. Teams have plenty of time to implement new schemes, plays, or get better or worse. There are a lot of distractions such as exams and holidays, and changes, from the regular season routine. I would never bet real money on bowl games. These extra factors are minimal during the regular season IMO when you can get a much better "feel" for the flow of the season and what might happen on the field. I'm certainly not saying it's easy to predict regular season games, but if my life depended on it, I would much rather predict regular season games over these bowl games.

[Blue Hen]

Absolutely agree, GG. It's the nature of these, basically, exhibition events that makes picking them a crapshoot and a bunch of fun ! You mention all the head coaching changes...we'll, think about the hundreds of assorted assistant coaches that are scrambling around looking for jobs, having to move families, yet still , strangely, have recruiting duties assigned by their present employing school. How seriously focussed or worried are they about winning a 'car care' trophy, or 'corn chip' trophy or 'credit card' trophy etc. ? The winning teams in these PSEGs don't get paid any more money than the losing teams. They are guaranteed their payout when selected for the games. Coaches value these things as opportunities for experimentation , evaluating talent, and ....basically extra practice time for the next regular season.............just like in the NFL exhibition season...only in big time college football, the exhibition season, strangely , follows the regular season rather than, logically, preceeding it.

[Hubbs]

Not gonna change my pick back Hen (thanks by the way) but I wouldnt go near that game with money. Clemson looked good but now that the LBs may not qualify expect Ben Tate and his 5 ypc average to exploit Clemson. Only safe bet is maybe the over 47. Sounds like alot but I got a hunch that both teams score 24+ points now. IF THE RUMORS ARE TRUE ABOUT THE ACADEMIC ISSUES.

[Blue Hen]

,,yeah, another factor in bowl picking. It's that time of the year for suspensions, flunk outs, arrests, etc.

[GatorGrad]

OK...then change my pick from Clemson to Auburn!

War Eagle!

:)

[Blue Hen]

done

[Hubbs]

Auburn is putting in the spread with slow footed B. Cox at QB. He isnt getting any reps in the practices under franklin and I dont expect Auburn to do too well. Clemson made sense until they lost there seniors at LB and their starting OT. For the money players Id stay away from this one. Didnt mean to impead your judgment Gator.

[GatorGrad]

No worries, Hubbs...there's no money here it's all in good fun...so I'll stick with the SEC on this one, even though Clemson IS my favorite ACC team.