Last week 2-3, 60-82-4 for the season, lets see if we can finish the regular season on a strong note. With most if not all the playoff bound teams locked into position this looks like a great week to load up on those teams just playing for pride.
First off though let’s hit some of the bowl’s…
Got to take the Deacs -1 against UCONN in the Tire Bowl
I really love Miss St +3 vs. Central Florida in the Liberty Bowl, should be plenty of cowbell on Beale St this evening.
Considering about half of the players for FSU will be suspended for the Music City Bowl I must take Kentucky -10 as it is becoming increasingly obvious that Bobby Bowden has lost control of not just his team but his facilities.
In a tale of two Tigers I like Auburn -2 ½ in Chic Fil-A bowl against a Clemson club that truly is not ready for the physical play Auburn will being to the table.
In the Granddaddy of them all I see USC -14 against a Illinois team that just will not be able to contend with a completely healthy Trojan team.
In the Fiesta Bowl OU -8 is the obvious choice against a WVA team that is still reeling from the resignation of Rich Rodriguez.
And I will take Cinderella Kansas +3 vs. a VPI squad that is offensively challenged to say the least.
In pro ball…
I generally stay away from our Hometown Heroes, but the Panthers +3 against a Tampa team with nothing to play for looks enticing.
Baltimore +3 vs. Pittsburg looks good for the same reason as above.
The Skins should be sky high for the Cowboys since a win will put Washington into the playoffs. And with T.O on the shelf and Romo likely to play very little if at all I see the Skins easily covering -9.
The Titans also should be sky high for the Colts since they too can clinch a playoff birth with a win. Look for the Titans to easily cover -5.
And lastly it’s “Hell Week†and for that reason only I like Oakland +8 ½ vs. San Diego.
But wait were not done yet, how’s some college hoops sound??
Auburn -13 vs. Towson
Gonzaga -2 vs. Tennessee
In a bit of a scheduling quirk WVA & OU meet not only in the Fiesta Bowl but also on the hardwood. Much as I like OU laying the points on the gridiron I like WVA getting -7 on the hardwood.
( In addition to his duties with greensborosports.com Paul T. Lambeth II is also the longtime host of The Classic Corner on WSGE 91.7FM in Dallas NC, his show can be heard via the web Sunday’s from 10a-2p at www.wsge.org)