Gil Lock Returns For NFL Postseason
Back by popular demand, Gil Lock of Ryno Rife Sports Handicappers ventures out of his collegiate 
comfort zone to bring you his opinions on this weekend’s divisional round. Those that followed Rife With Opinions during the college football season remember that Gil came under a bit of fire as he struggled for much of the campaign. He finished with a strong bowl season, however, and is willing to share his thoughts on how this weekend’s NFL playoff games will unfold. Here we go.
New Orleans Saints – Arizona Cardinals Under 57
(Saturday 4:30 EST-FOX) Classic contrarian pick here, with a little logic thrown in for good measure. Drew Brees hasn’t played for real in almost a month. He may take a quarter or so to get going while I don’t think the Cardinals will have as much success once New Orleans gets a look at the Green Bay game film.
Indianapolis Colts – 6 1/2 over Baltimore Ravens
(Saturday 8:00 EST-CBS) The Colts have put themselves squarely behind the eight ball by forfeiting their last two games. If they don’t win it all, they’ll never hear the end of it. Baltimore’s secondary isn’t what it used to be, even at full strength, let alone with Ed Reed nursing a sore groin. Peyton Manning should devour the Ravens’ blitzes while Joe Flacco struggles to keep up.
Dallas Cowboys + 2 1/2 over Minnesota Vikings
(Sunday 1:00 EST-FOX) This one will break the heart of my good friend F-r-a-n-k Tufano, but I don’t see the Vikings recovering from their stumbling finish. Dallas may be the hottest team in football right now and absolutely has the better QB. Look for a big day from Jason Witten.
New York Jets +7 1/2 over San Diego Chargers
(Sunday 4:30 EST-CBS) Now, before Fireman Ed offers to take me out to dinner, let me say that San Diego wins this one. I just don’t think they have the firepower to run away and hide from the Jets’ defense. The Chargers incredibly tall receivers will force the Jets into adjustments that should open up the running game for San Diego.
By Eddie Mayrose
Jets Say Farewell To Giants Stadium Demons At Cincinnati’s Expense
It was right out of Meadowlands history. The former defensive coordinator turned head coach 
brandishing a style of smash-mouth football behind a dominating offensive line and a punishing defense on a cold, windswept December evening. A raucous crowd firing up the home team on its way to a playoff berth and a shot at the Super Bowl. Only, this time, it wasn’t Bill Parcells leading the Giants during their heyday. Instead, the New York Jets; yes, those Jets, turned in the kind of dominating performance their fans hadn’t seen since Klecko and Mehl hung up their cleats all those years ago. Behind first year Head Coach Rex Ryan, who, himself, had given them up for dead just two weeks earlier, Gang Green turned the final game at Giants Stadium into a coming-out party for what many hope to be a new era for the Jets. That it took twenty five years to get here didn’t seem to bother any of the faithful Sunday night.
While many have pointed to the Jets’ good fortune in facing two teams, (Indianapolis and Cincinnati), with no motivation, Big Rexy’s boys will offer no apologies as participants in the Super Bowl tournament. Even though it’s a long shot to think they would have beaten the Colts had Peyton Manning and Company turned in a full day’s work, the Bengals absolutely came to play last week until their spirit was broken by the suffocating Jets’ defense in the first quarter. Carson Palmer was an abysmal 1 for 11 and the former Chad Johnson couldn’t catch a cold. Instead, the Jets dominated every facet of the game behind the tried and true formula for playoff success: Rushing and Defense. Piling up 257 yards on the ground while allowing just 61 bodes well for New York in this week’s rematch. Cincinnati can take heart in that they’ll be welcoming back a number of starters but, unless their names are Unitas and Butkus, it may not be enough.
New York Giants Shame Their Own Tradition
At the beginning of the season, who’d have believed that the unyielding and overpowering shutout to 
close Giants Stadium would be turned in by the Jets while the Meadowlands’ main tenants went meekly into the off-season?
The type of performance given by the Giants over the last two weeks is one that surfaces every year. At the end of each season, we see teams quit on their teammates, coaches and fans; embarrassing themselves professionally in the process. That, this time, it occurred with a team on the brink of the playoffs and just two years removed from a Super Bowl title is as amazing as it is sad.
Big Blue’s total lack of effort in being outscored 85-16 over its final two games is a sign that a huge overhaul is necessary. The process started Monday with the firing of Defensive Coordinator, Bill Sheridan but should not include, for now, the Head Coach. What Tom Coughlin needs to realize, however, is that, somewhere along the way, he’s picked up a number of whiners and weak links that need to be banished no matter what their previous record of success. Blind loyalty for past achievements is a potent formula for getting yourself fired. He can start with DE Osi Umenyiora, who got into it with Sheridan during training camp, went home for a nap and a ba-ba and was awful, thereafter. The Jints have enough talent to rebound in 2010. However, with two playoff teams already in the division and Mike Shanahan arriving in Washington, they’d better be quick about it.
Magic Johnson Denied Courtside Seats By New York Knicks
The New York Daily News reported that NBA legend Magic Johnson had his request for complimentary tickets denied by Knicks’ brass; reportedly due to critical comments Johnson made about former Knicks’ boss, Isiah Thomas. Based on that, I’m wondering how anyone gets in the building.
NBA Commish Must Ban Arenas For Life
Washington Wizards’ teammates Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittendon are alleged to have drawn guns on each other in the Wizards’ locker room over a gambling debt; something Arenas has confirmed. 
Apparently, it was Arenas’ idea of some sort of prank. He’s been suspended indefinitely as D.C. police continue to investigate.
There is no gray area here for Commissioner David Stern as to his course of action. This was no courtside melee that spilled into the stands and endangered ticket holders; something for which Ron Artest lost a season. This was a real, live, life-or-death situation created by two idiots with no regard for the value of a dollar, let alone a life. How would you like to be the clubhouse guy for Washington? Young guy, going about your business and all of a sudden you’re in the middle of a shootout. Think I’m exaggerating? Once you’ve actually become unbalanced enough to draw the weapon, how far, actually, is the next step to fire it?
The NBA averted the worst event in its history by an eyelash. Should Arenas or Crittendon be allowed back, the league will be as culpable as the players when, not if, it happens again. Sadly ironic that it happened with the Wizards, a team whose name was changed from the Bullets because its late owner, Abe Pollin, was concerned about the violent image the name projected among D.C. youth.
NFL Playoff Predictions
Green Bay 31 Arizona 23: Bobby Carr, Joe Berg and Lynn Dickey rejoice.
Dallas 27 Philadelphia 13: Tell your father-in-law to kiss your arse, young Flanagan.
Patriots 26 Ravens 21: Is there any way both teams can lose? Won’t even watch this game.
Bengals 17 Jets 9: Condolences to Lou Ricciardi, Jack O’Sullivan and Mike Walsh.
By Eddie Mayrose
Does BCS Stand For “Boise Can’t Stay”?
Fans of the College Football Bowl season were spared a post-season stinker last Saturday when Oklahoma State was drubbed by Oklahoma 27-0 and saw its BCS aspirations dashed. Those in the know expected that
State would receive a bid to the Fiesta Bowl; creating a matchup with one of the Big Ten’s overrated, weak sisters, Iowa or Penn State. Representatives of the Fiesta Bowl were prepared to snub an undefeated Boise State squad for the second consecutive year and completely ignore the Broncos’ heroics in their 2007 Fiesta victory over Oklahoma; possibly the best Bowl Game ever played.
It’s a ridiculous system employed by the NCAA when it comes to football. There are playoffs at every level except the highest, where multiple teams with unbeaten records are denied an opportunity to play for a title. That one of College Football’s most successful teams needed help to get an invite over a school with three losses is as ridiculous as it gets. We’ll count our blessings, however, that things broke the right way and saved Fiesta Bowl officials from their own stupidity.
Conference Championship Weekend
Five of the six BCS conferences will have their championships decided this weekend; three in conference title games and two by way of convenient scheduling. Only the Big Ten, wrapped up a few weeks ago by Ohio State, won’t crown a champ on Saturday. In addition, Army and Navy will battle for the Commander-in-Chief Trophy in Philadelphia while Johns Hopkins travels to Delaware for the Division III quarterfinals. Johns Hopkins? Read on.
SEC Football Championship: Florida vs. Alabama
This is the one we’ve waited for all year as the two schools have been ranked 1 and 2 for most of the 
season. The anticipation seems to have distracted fans from the fact that both have suffered lapses; especially the Crimson Tide. Florida football fans expect the world from QB Tim Tebow but will have the title delivered by the Gators’ dominating defense, especially if ‘Bama RB Mark Ingram can’t rebound from the bruised hip that limited him to just 39 yards vs. Auburn in the Iron Bowl.
Florida 23 – Alabama 13
ACC Football Championship Game: Clemson vs. Georgia Tech 
Both teams come off disappointing losses in intra-state rivalry games; perhaps caught looking ahead to this rematch. Georgia Tech knocked off Clemson in Week 2 on a last second field goal that gave the Yellowjackets a 30-27 win. Clemson will look to RB C.J. Spiller to pull the upset but Tech’s Josh Nesbitt will lead his squad to the Orange Bowl.
Georgia Tech 34 – Clemson 27
Big 12 Football Championship Game: Texas vs. Nebraska
Heisman front runner Colt McCoy should have no trouble continuing the recent Texas football tradition 
of playing for a National Championship. While Nebraska has played well recently in capturing the Big 12 North title, they’ll be no match for the Longhorns. Texas, currently enjoying its second week atop the CollegeSportsView.com Top 25, has barely been challenged in the Big 12 all season. Saturday will be no different.
Texas 48 – Nebraska 20
Pac Ten Football Championship: Oregon vs. Oregon State
This year, the Civil War will determine who goes to the Rose Bowl. Ducks’ QB Jeremiah Masoli has emerged 
as the league’s most important offensive player after leading blowout wins over Cal and USC. A slip vs. Stanford served as a wakeup call, one that rang the alarm bell for Oregon’s run to Pasadena. Their gutty, overtime win over a desperate Arizona squad on the road last week served notice as to the team’s resilience. That they’ve managed to navigate such a tough conference without their best player, LeGarrette Blount, spells big trouble for Ohio State on New Year’s Day. Besides, is there a college football fan anywhere that’s not waiting to see Oregon’s Rose Bowl uniforms?
Oregon 38 – Oregon State 34
Big East Football Championship: Cincinnati vs. Pittsburgh 
While Pitt took one on the chin vs. West Virginia last week in the Backyard Brawl, the loss had no impact on its Conference Title chances. Cincinnati QB Tony Pike returned to the starting lineup and celebrated with a school record six TD passes. However, Cincy has surrendered quite a few points over the last two weeks and can’t help but be distracted by Head Coach Brian Kelly’s flirtation with Notre Dame. Dion Lewis runs wild as Pitt heads south for the Orange Bowl.
Pittsburgh 31 – Cincinnati 28
Army-Navy 
It’s a good thing that the tradition is the big sell in this matchup as it’s been a long time since Army’s been able to compete in this one. Navy’s ground attack, behind sophomore OT John Dowd, will be too much for the Cadets to handle as the Middies grab their eighth straight victory in the series. No matter the outcome, don’t miss the singing of the Alma Maters after the game as it’s the best moment of the College Football season. Always emotional, it’ll be the last game for the Army seniors while just a bowl game remains for the Annapolis grads before many find themselves in harm’s way. Godspeed. John Dowd
Navy 37 – Army 10
NCAA Division III Quarterfinals: Johns Hopkins vs.Wesley
It’s been a wild ride over the last two weeks as Johns Hopkins has knocked off two previously unbeaten 
teams on its way to the third round of the D-3 playoffs. Operating behind an offensive line led by junior guard Ryan Lino (right), the Blue Jays have gained more than 400 yards in each game with a balanced attack run by QB Hewitt Tomlin. RB Andrew Kase has posted consecutive 100 yard games, as has WR Dan Crowley. Their last minute heroics vs Kentucky’s St. Thomas More in Saturday’s 31-29 victory put K Alex Lachman in position for a game winning 42 yard FG as time expired. They’ll have their hands full this week, however, taking on a Wesley team ranked third in the nation. If Lino and Company can continue their dominance and give Tomlin enough time to throw, Crowley should turn in another big game and it’s on to the Final Four for the Hops.
Johns Hopkins 26 – Wesley 24
CollegeSportsView Top 25
1. Texas 12-0
2. Florida 12-0
3. TCU 12-0
4. Alabama 12-0
5. Boise State 11-0
6. Cincinnati 11-0
7. Oregon 9-2
8. Ohio State 10-2
9. Georgia Tech 10-2
10.Pittsburgh 9-2
11.Virginia Tech 9-3
12.BYU 10-2
13.Oregon State 9-3
14.Miami 9-3
15.Iowa 10-2
16.LSU 9-3
17.Penn State 10-2
18.West Virginia 8-3
19.Houston 10-2
20.USC 8-3
21.Nebraska 9-3
22.Central Michigan 10-2
23.California 8-3
24.Oklahoma State 9-3
25.Stanford 8-4
Five to Watch
Johns Hopkins 10-2
Navy 8-4
Mississippi 8-4
Northwestern 8-4
North Carolina 8-4
Gil Lock Shown The Door At Thanksgiving Dinner
The turkey wasn’t the only casualty at the table this week when the Lock family sat down for their holiday 
meal. Jill and Pad decided that it was finally time to show the door to their beloved husband and uncle, Gil. Apparently taking their cue from the administration at Notre Dame, they decided to let Gil know a little of what Charlie Weis has been going through in South Bend. The clincher was his third consecutive 1-2 weekend that continued to drag down the family record; one that featured Jill’s perfect 4-0 a week ago. It wasn’t pleasant; Gil was in a cold sweat through most of the meal, but it was necessary. After all, 1-2 is not what the Locks expected.
Locks of the Week
Jill Locks (20-8)
Nevada-Boise State over 72.5-
These are two offensive machines that have been very good to me all year. Boise needs to keep winning in order to secure a BCS bid and Nevada is on an eight game win streak.
North Carolina -5 over North Carolina State
- The Tar Heels may be playing better than anyone in the ACC right now as Butch Davis has his team clicking on all cylinders headed into the bowl season.
Clemson +2 1/2 over South Carolina
- I’m thinking Clemson is a dog because the games at South Carolina and they might be caught looking ahead to the ACC title game. However, the wheels have come off of the Gamecock’s wagon over the last month and they won’t have enough to stem Clemson’s momentum.
Pad Locks (6-4)
Arkansas State-North Texas over 53.5
- My weekly dose of “Arifemetic” as a tribute to my fallen uncle. Both teams stink and neither has a good defense.
Arizona -2 1/2 over Arizona State-
Arizona has got to be pretty pissed at blowing their shot at the Rose Bowl last week. They’ll take it out on an Arizona State squad that is clearly overmatched.
Texas Tech – 22 1/2 over Baylor
- Since losing QB Robert Griffin, Baylor has lost 6 of 7 and hasn’t even competed over the last two weeks; being outscored by Texas and Texas A&M by a combined 85-17. Things won’t be easier this week as Texas Tech looks to pad its Bowl resume.
Season Record (37-28-1)
By Eddie Mayrose
Lock Family Continues Winning Ways Despite Gil’s Bungling
It was another 5-4 week for the Locks as they continue to produce winning Saturdays; albeit by the closest of margins. Once again, 
however, it was the vaunted Gil Lock of Ryno Rife Sports Handicappers who dragged down the rest of the team. But for his season long ineptitude, the Lock team would be clipping along at a success rate of sixty-seven percent.
“I just haven’t been a good judge of pace”, said Gil in a hapless attempt to exp[lain his miserable record. “I can’t put a finger on the hot team or player. It’s affecting my whole life. I can’t even shop anymore.” Asked to explain, Gil started to ramble. “The other day at the supermarket, I bought enough groceries for a month. At the checkout, I noticed an enormous bag with a big handle, put everything in it and left the store. Turns out it was the manager’s hat. He was so pissed, he banned me from the store; even after I tried to smooth him over with some cash I’d won in Atlantic City. It’s been an ugly year.”
Ugly, maybe. But at least his family has been there to prop him up. There’s still a few weeks left for Gil to straighten things out. Here’s how he plans to start.
Locks of the Week
Gil Locks (10-13-1)
Iowa -10 over Minnesota
- In just two short weeks, Iowa football fans have seen their boys blow a shot at the BCS title game as well as the Rose Bowl. They’ll take out their anger on a Minnesota football team that struggled last week with South Dakota State.
Notre Dame -6 over Connecticut
- Haven’t backed Notre Dame football all year but something’s got to give for poor Charlie Weis. The much maligned defense of the Irish actually looked a little better last week and UConn football isn’t exactly run and shoot.
Rutgers -8 over Syracuse
- Say this for Rutgers football: They may play a high school schedule to start the year but they always finish strong. Bad news for Syracuse, one of the worst teams in the nation.
Jill Locks (16-8)
LSU +3 over Mississippi
- LSU’s two losses came in close games against the nation’s #1 and #3 teams. Ole Miss, on the other hand, has failed to deliver on its pre-season promise. LSU big.
Nevada – 31 1/2 over New Mexico
- Here’s some “Arifemetic” for you. Became a believer in Nevada after they cruched Fresno, a very good team. They’re playing great right now; averaging 50 PG over their seven game winning streak while New Mex has scored just 16 TOTAL over their last four.
TCU – 31 1/2 over Wyoming
- Every week I look at the TCU line and think it’s too big. Last week I even went against them as they destroyed a good Utah team. I won’t be fooled again.
South Florida – 11 1/2 over Louisville
- Ever heard of “The Ville”? Neither had I until I saw the ridiculous moniker across the chests of the Louisville players last week. The only thing more ridiculous is the notion of Louisville as a Division I football team. South Florida has had a tough season but has managed to work its way through injuries to post a very good record.
Pad Locks (6-3)
UTEP – 6 1/2 over Rice
- While UTEP has lost three straight, they’ve scored more than 30 points in each game; led by the nation’s second leading rusher, Donald Buckram. Rice comes in at 1-9 averaging just 17 PPG while allowing 41. “Arifemetic” strikes again.
Ohio – Northern Illinois over 43.5
- Uncle Gil has always been a MAC football fan and it’s rubbed off on me. Both teams come into the game with 7-3 records averaging better than 24 PPG. Simple “Arifemetic” says this one’s going over.
Oregon -5 over Arizona
- Can’t believe that Oregon will let this one slip away. Arizona spit the bit last week as far as a Pac Ten title is concerned and will have to rally to get ready for a Ducks’ team that should be welcoming back LeGarrette Blount.
