by CollegeSportsView.com

It was a tough October for our friend, Gil Lock, of Ryno Rife Sports Handicappers.  After removing his wife, Jill, from the weekly rotation of experts, Gil found things quite frosty in the bedroom.  At first, the couch seemed to agree with Gil as he turned in a perfect week.  Things looked even brighter after Jill’s replacement, Johnny Duduguanda, was 2-1 over the same period. “Things were pretty good for a week”, said Gil. “But, when we failed to fire in week two and turned in an 0-6 debacle, it was either Jill or the torpedo. Duduguanda had to go.”

We’ll see how wedded bliss affects the picks this week.

Locks of the Week- Season (42-28-4)

Gil Lock (14-9-1)
California – 14 1/2 over Washington State-  Cal has run up the score on every weak opponent they’ve faced and Wazzou is among the weakest.

TCU -4 1/2 over Utah- The biggest game on the schedule this week, even if the BCS computers won’t say so.  THe Frogs D will extinguish the Utes’ title hopes.

Northwestern +6 over Penn State- The Wildcats walk into Happy Valley and ruin JoePa’s 135th birthday.

Jill Lock (10-8)
Boise State-Hawaii over 65 1/2- After three weeks off, I’ll rely on my cutie-pies to get me back on the winning track. First up, Boise’s Coach Pete.  If only I’d met him before Gil.

Nevada -11 over Idaho- Cutie-pie number two, Colin Kapernick, runs all over the Vandals to give me a big win.

UNLV +18 over BYU- The Cougars have been miserable this year; can’t see them beating anyone by this much.

Pad Lock (16-7-3)

Florida -14 over Vanderbilt- Urban Meyer’s crew is no powerhouse, but they’re no slouch either. They should have no problem with a Vandy team that would struggle with the Elmwood Park Pee-Wee Bombers. Lay the points.

Oregon -35  over Washington -Washington ends its four game stretch vs the four nationally ranked Pac 10 powerhouses (Oregon State, Arizona, Stanford, and now Oregon). Hope the flight home shows a good movie, because that’s all Washington will enjoy on Saturday. Look for Oregon to flex it muscles on defense, and show off on offense. A deadly combo.

Arizona- Stanford Over 56-On the theory that good offenses score on good defenses.

by CollegeSportsView.com

Last week, we reported in this space that, after two winless weeks, Gil Lock of Ryno Rife Sports Handicappers removed his wife, Jill, from the regular rotation of experts and replaced her with a New Jersey torpedo, Johnny Dudaguanda.  “I knew she was going to be ticked but, hey, I have a comfortable couch.  Turns out that things got a little icier in the Lock boudoir as Jill failed to fire on her picks last week, falling short of the 2-1 mark Gil has mandated for her reinstatement.  To make matters worse, our hero turned in his second, consecutive, perfect week while Jill’s replacement, pork store denizen Dudaguanda, went 2-1 to hold his spot in the lineup.  Pad Lock went 3-1 as well, as the Lock contingent recovered from two mediocre weeks and registered an 8-2 record.  “I hope my fans appreciate the sacrifice I’m making.  Jill was a dancer in Las Vegas when I met her while this Dudaguanda guy shaves his back.”  Yes we do, Gil.  Just keep the picks coming.

Locks Of  The Week (40-20-4)

Gil Lock (14-6-1)

Washington +6 1/2 over Arizona-  Big Jake Locker fan this week.  Huskies head into the desert and walk out with a win.

Iowa – 6 1/2 over Wisconsin- My favorite scenario. Always looking for the kind of letdown waiting for the Badgers this week.

Indiana +13 1/2 over Illinois- Waffled on this pick, if only because, now, I have to watch two Big Ten games this week.  Yikes!

Johnny Dudaguanda (2-1)

Idaho -24 over New Mexico State-  Been following these New Mexico teams all year and they’re freakin horrible; just like Denville HS used to be when I was a kid.

San Diego State – 24 over New Mexico- See above.

Notre Dame -7  1/2 over Navy- Notre Dame coach, Brian Kelly, brings his Fighting Irish into the New York area for the first time and looks to make a strong impression on the Subway Alumni.

Pad Lock (13-6-3)

Western  Michigan -7 1/2 over Akron…. No offense, no wins,no chance… hey they’re not called the Akron zips for no reason.

TCU-Air Force Under 48 1/2…. TCU’s lockdown defense(9.3 ppg) is likely to control outgoing flights all day, but don’t expect their offense to “take off”. Air Force only gives up 19.4 ppg, themselves.

West Virginia -14 Syracuse…. Seems like ‘Cuse has taken a page out of Jimmy Boeheim’s playbook by scheduling cupcakes deep into the season. The Orange are a deceptive 4-2 with wins over Akron, Maine, Colgate and South Florida. The Mountaineers will let them know what it’s like to play a men’s team. Ride the Country roads….BIG.

East Carolina -12 1/2 over Marshall… Unless the Thundering Herd finds a way to get Matthew McConaughey to deliver the pre-game speech, expect ECU to roll.

by Eddie Mayrose

As soon as the dust settled on the South Carolina Gamecocks’ upset victory over previously unbeaten Alabama, the BCS spin doctors kicked into high gear while trying to protect what they perceive to be the integrity of the controversial system used to determine college football’s national championship.

Strength of schedule is the most common, and tired, argument offered as the reason schools from conferences that don’t automatically qualify for the BCS should not be part of the equation.  As if a one-loss team from the SEC merits more consideration than Boise State, a team that’s lost but once in three seasons while winning  both of its BCS Bowl games. Or a TCU squad that was two seconds away from playing for last year’s title.  Had Nebraska held on in the Big XII title game, the Horned Frogs would’ve squared off with Alabama instead of the overmatched Longhorns.  Then there’s Utah, sporting a 9-2 record against BCS opponents since 2007 and, before Saturday,  the last team to beat Alabama.

Until a playoff system is established, (don’t hold your breath), the championship of college football will always be tainted.  Worse, the current system is little more than a conspiracy among the BCS conferences to keep the television dollars in their own pockets while college football fans are cheated of the games they’d really like to see.  As for Boise, TCU, Utah and Nevada, they’ll have to keep smacking the overrated BCS schools around and hope that someone notices.

CollegeSportsView.com Top 25

1  Boise State  (5-0)
2  Oregon  (6-0)
3  TCU  (6-0)
4  Nebraska  (5-0)
5  Ohio State  (6-0)
6  Oklahoma  (5-0)
7  Utah  (5-0)
8  South Carolina  (4-1)
9  Alabama  (5-1)
10 Auburn  (6-0)
11 LSU  (6-0)
12 Stanford (5-1)
13 Nevada  (6-0)
14 Oklahoma State  (5-0)
15 Michigan State   (6-0)
16 Missouri  (5-0)
17 Arizona  (4-1)
18 Florida State  (5-1)
19 Arkansas  (4-1)
20 Wisconsin (5-1)
21 Iowa  (4-1)
22 NC State  (5-1)
23 Air Force  (5-1)
24 Kansas State  (4-1)
25 Oregon State  (3-2)

Five to Watch

Michigan  (5-1)
Florida  (4-2)
Northwestern  (5-1)
Texas  (3-2)
Miami (Fla)  (3-2)

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.

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.

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

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.

Season Record (31-24-1)

By Eddie Mayrose

Two Point Try A Shot At USC Football Coach

November 23, 1968.  Ohio State, on its way to a National Championship, squares off with arch rival Michigan at Ohio Stadium.  Late in the game, Buckeye fullback Jim Otis blasts over the goal line to put the home team up 48-14.  Yet, instead of opting to kick the extra point, Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes decides instead to attempt a two point conversion in order to hang the half century mark on his bitter enemy.  Asked after the game why he went for two, Hayes famously responded, “Because they wouldn’t let us go for three.”

Thought of that last Saturday when Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh left his offense on the field to go for two after a touchdown gave the Cardinal a 55-21 lead over USC in the fourth quarter.  Now, I have no idea what may have been Harbaugh’s motivation; for all we know, he may have a beef with Pete Carroll dating back to their days in the NFL.  But what Harbaugh actually accomplished was pushing his team’s incredible performance over the last two weeks out of the spotlight.  Instead of talking about the fact that Stanford rang up more than 100 points on two Top Ten teams in successive games, or trumpeting the Heisman candidacy of RB Toby Gerhart, who scored three times while running all over the Trojans or Stanford’s incredible, out-of-nowhere run that has them talking about a trip to the Rose Bowl, we’re scratching our heads trying to find a reason for the feud between the two coaches.  And that’s sad.

Games of the Week

Oregon at Arizona

-  Arizona is still alive in the Rose Bowl hunt but they’ll have to win out and get some help.  Oregon may have the services of RB LeGarrette Blount for the first time since the season opener.  Can’t see Oregon blowing this opportunity, especially considering they’ve already had their stumble vs. Stanford.  Still, the Pac Ten is a tough place to win on the road.  The pick here is Oregon 38-27.

St. Joseph’s Dallas Carter vs. Philadelphia City Six

- It’s Tournament time in the land of the cheese steaks for the Intramural Football Champions of Philly’s five major universities and Villanova.  St. Joe’s Dallas Carter heads into the title round at Drexel carrying the favorite tag based on a roster chock full of New York guys.  QB Danny Mayrose and WR James Lopez look to add a football crown to the victory list they’ve compiled since kindergarten and will turn to Joe Mreczko and rookie sensation Marc Strange for some much needed help along the way.  Asked for a prediction, the four concurred, “The Hawk Will Never Die.”  We’ll agree, especially if Mayrose and Lopez have their hands on the ball in crunch time.

CollegeSportsView.com Top 25

1. Texas 10-0
2. Florida 10-0
3. TCU 10-0
4. Alabama 10-0
5. Boise State 10-0
6. Cincinnati 10-0
7. Pittsburgh 9-1
8. Georgia Tech 10-1
9. LSU 8-2
10.Oregon 8-2
11.Ohio State 9-2
12.Oklahoma State 8-2
13.Stanford 7-3
14.BYU 8-2
15.Clemson 7-3
16.Iowa 9-2
17.USC 7-3
18.Wisconsin 8-2
19.Oregon State 7-3
20.Houston 8-2
21.Virginia Tech 7-3
22.Nebraska 7-3
23.North Carolina 7-3
24.Nevada 7-3
25.Navy 7-3

Five to Watch
Miami 7-3
Utah 8-2
Rutgers 8-2
Arizona 7-3
West Virginia 7-3

It wasn’t the best performance we’ve seen from the Locks but it still produced a winning weekend.  Jill turned in her first losing record, going 1-2, while nephew Pad and husband Gil logged 2-1 Saturdays.  Gil’s was especially sweet, as he had been coaxed out of semi-retirement by his nephew.  “I was happy to be back but I’m still not at the top of my game.  I picked Cincy-UConn under 52 and both teams almost went over by themselves.”

Well, there’s just no pleasing some people but, with a stellar record, the Locks have pleased more than not.  Let’s take a look at this week’s selections.

Locks of the Week

Jill (14-7)

Idaho-Boise State over 63-

I’m staying with Boise but only on the over as they let me down last week. I expect the Broncos to try and run it up on their in-state rival but Idaho can score, too, as eveidenced by the 45 points they scored vs. Nevada that sent Gil over the wall.

Utah + 17.5 over TCU- 

TCU is ranked fourth with an outside shot at the BCS Championship.  They’ve been killing teams lately but Utah’s lost just once in two years and they’ve already beaten Oklahoma.  I think the Utes lose here but not by double digits.

Oregon -17 over Arizona State-

Took a look at Arizona State’s record and, boy, do they give up a lot of points.  Oregon’s going to be real pissed after getting their Ducks knocked off last week and should win going away.

Pad (4-2)

Clemson – 6 over North Carolina  State-

Clemson is really starting to hit its stride and has its sights set on an Atlantic Division title.  NC State is really weak but, somehow, managed to beat Pitt.  That’ll remain their one upset as the Tigers keep rolling.

San Jose State-Utah State over 55.5-

Another case of “Arifemetic”.  Bothe teams can score, neither can defend.  Good bet that one of them will come close by themselves.

Western Michigan -10 over Eastern Michigan-

Eastern Michigan is 0-9 and will get no sympathy from its biggest rival.

Gil (9-11-1)

Cincinnati-9.5 over West Virginia (Friday)-

Playing a hunch here that Cincinnati will take advantage of its second straight week on National TV.  Would feel a lot better about it if they hadn’t given up 45 to UConn but I think that’ll be a wakeup call.

Missouri +2  1/2 over Kansas State-

The Big 12 North is a weak division but Missouri is one of its better teams.  They have more talent than K State so I’m picking the Tigers.

BYU -27 over New Mexico-

Went with Utah over New Mex last week and found out what a generous team they are.  BYU QB Max Hall should have a field day.

Season Record 27-20-1