Matt Leinart Likes Them Young

Some pics got out on the innerweb of Arizona Cardinals QB Matt Leinart and some “young” ladies drinking.  Turns out the chicks in the pictures are underage co-eds from Arizona State University.

Pictures courtesy of TheDirty.

Oh Matt, I respect you more than you know.

This is the type of offseason conditioning program I could go for.

How much do you enjoy the Super Bowl?

Well it’s finally that time again. The time when every American with a pulse crowds around the television set. No, I’m not talking about the finale of American Idol. I’m talking about the Super Bowl. Aka: The most watched sporting event in the USA. It’s Super Bowl week, so let the hype begin. Every sports talking head in the country has some angle they are pushing. There is a “new”, “breaking” story every 15 minutes. Basically the whole lead up to the event is way, way overhyped. But that leads to a question - how much do you enjoy the Super Bowl?

Is watching the Super Bowl something you truly enjoy? Or do you watch it because everyone else is watching it? To determine just how much you enjoy the Super Bowl, I listed 3 related activities below. List in order which you would most prefer to do. Here are my answers:

* Watch the Lingerie Bowl.

* Watch the Super Bowl (game only, no commercials)

* Watch the commercials from the Super Bowl

The proper way to make sure you are honest with yourself as you answer this question is to imagine the following. You are sitting at home with nothing going on. Someone hands you 3 DVDs with the following titles:
* 2008 Super Bowl Game
* 2008 Lingerie Bowl
* Commercials from the 2008 Super Bowl
Which would you watch first if given the choice?

For me it’s a no brainer. The Lingerie Bowl probably gets watched 2 or 3 times before anything else. Then I probably slip through the commercials to see what was funny. And only then would I put in the game…and I’d still probably fast forward through a lot of the slow parts.

Not sure what this says about me, because I am a huge sports fan. But the Super Bowl just doesn’t live up to the ungodly hype it receives. I think unless you have a dog in the fight (Pats fan or Giants fan), it’s just not that interesting.

Now test yourself. Which would you watch first? Is the Super Bowl most important to you?

Sports Predictions for 2008

A few random thoughts on the upcoming year in sports:

* Patriots win the Super Bowl. I know it’s not a very original prediction, but damn if they just look too good right now. And as much as I’ve got no reason to like the Pats, I’m just not a fan. Although I will say I’m a fan of Tom Brady & Randy Moss. Both of those guys are at the top of their game, so I’ve got to give them the respect their due. Who could screw up this prediction: NY Giants. If the Jints make it to Arizona I expect a repeat of their week 16 game, so I think anything could happen.

* Memphis cuts down the nets at the Final 4. I think a great PG is the difference in the NCAA tourney, and Rose is a great one for Memphis. I think they’ll come into the tourney with 1 or 2 losses, and then run the table as a #1 seed. I think it’s a big advantage to them that they get to return to San Antonio for the 2008 Final Four. Last year they lost a close game to Ohio State in the Regional Finals in San Antonio. Who could screw up this prediction: UNC has a strong team across the board, and Roy knows how to win a championship. Indiana has got a tenacious coach in Sampson and superstar in Eric Gordon. I see Gordon taking his team on his back, like Dwayne Wade did for Marquette. Also, don’t forget about DJ White. I also Texas (strong PG) and Tennessee (Lofton’s sharpshooting) could be contenders.

* Tiger Woods wins 3 out of 4 majors. He’s due at Augusta and I think he’ll make quick work of Torrey Pines. So that leaves him to win a 3rd at either Royal Birksdale or Oakland Hills. And I’m not shocked if he wins both of those and completes the Grand Slam. The last couple of years have brought huge changes in Tiger’s personal life, so I think the relative quiet of 2008 is going to get him winning big again.

* US team wins the Ryder Cup at Valhalla. I think the recent President’s Cup showed some good pairings for the US squad, so they’ll be ready to roll in Louisville. Coach is the resident golf guru, so he’ll probably have more educated thoughts on these last two prediction.

* I like the Suns over the Pistons in the NBA Finals. Phoenix is a great team and has been oh so close for the last few years. I think this year they catch a few breaks in the playoffs and get to the Finals. The Celts are the trendy pick in the East, but I’m just not sold on their big 3 in the playoffs. Will their D and PG hold up during the pressure of the playoffs? I say no. Who could bust up this prediction: Spurs are obviously still the class of the West, and Utah & Dallas cannot be overlooked. In the East, you’ve still got to consider King James a contender in any series. But I think the Suns get it done.

* Roger Federer wins the US Open and at Wimbledon…and a bunch of other tournaments. Bond’s the tennis guru, so I’ll leave any deeper analysis to him.

* I like the Detroit Tigers to win the World Series. I think they already had all of the pieces, and adding Willis and Cabrera just put them over the top. Plus, they’ve got the postseason experience. Who could blow this prediction: You can never count out the Red Sox, and I think the Yankees will finally play strong in the postseason.

* I think the Texas Longhorns hoast the trophy in college football. Mack looks serious heading into 2008, hiring Will Muschamp away from Auburn to energize the D. Also Colt McCoy comes back from a up/down 2007 season. And UT will play a tough schedule that’ll get them ready for the Orange Bowl. Who could rain on my precition: USC is going to be really strong. Their QB position will be solid with both Sanchez & Mustain fighting for the alpha dog spot. Their defense is stout, especially at the LB spots. So I expect them to make it to Miami as well.

* I think Roger Clemens finally retires. And proof comes out that he was a steriod user.
* I think Barry Bonds finally gets cleared of charges.
* I think Michael Phelps wins 6 gold medals in the Olympics.
* I think I watch of sports in 2008.

What are your bold sports predictions for 2008?

NFL Conference Championship Picks

Well, I stunk it up again last week.  I’ve gone cold.  But I can still be of use.  I promise…

San Diego at New England -14 (47) - Over

You don’t think Belicheck is gonna throw the house at a gimpy Rivers.  And, sorry, I’m not sold on Volek.  San Diego is just happy to be there.  It’s gonna be cold.  New England rolls.  Big.

Giants +7.5 at Green Bay (41) - Over

The match up of teams I always go against and get burned.  I guess I’ll take the points.  I do like the over.

 Prepare yourself to be absolutely bombarded by the Favre/perfect record hype the next two weeks.

Divisional Playoffs - The Picks

2-6 on wildcard weekend.  Ouch.  I’m undaunted.  And quite excited about the second round…

Seattle +8 at Green Bay (43) - Over

I love Seattle here.  Granted, all season long I’ve been going against Green Bay when they give over a touchdown and I’ve been burned just about every time.  No matter.  If you can have a trap game in the playoffs, this is it for the Packers.  The whole world is looking ahead to next weekend - which could be the greatest conference championship weekend ever.  I have a feeling the Pack might lose outright.  I liked the over a lot more at 40.5.  Not sure why it opened that low.  Somebody got fired for that.

Seattle = Ralph Macchio  Green Bay = Kobra Kai

Jacksonville at New England -13 (49.5) - Over

Way too trendy to hop on the Jags.  New England is well rested and they’re at home and they’ve been here before and they will be a machine Saturday night.  I see this getting out of hand early.   To quote the great Chuck D:

Don’t believe the hype.

San Diego at Indy -9 (46) - Under

Nobody is talking about Indy, the defending champs.  It’s all Favre and Brady and Romo and Jessica.  Dungy likes this.  So does Manning.  And I cannot wait for the AFC Conference Championship.  Talk about intense.  San Diego is gonna fold up like a soggy west coast burrito.

Giants at Dallas -7.5 (46.5) - Over

I refuse to believe in the Giants.  Refuse.  Owens will play.  The Cowboys will dance.  And Eli will catch flies.

He’s got a mouthful of ‘em.

NFL - Wildcard Playoff Picks

15-17 last week.  Brings the regular season to a close at 239-215-38.  At $100 per game, you’d be out exactly $130.  Less than $10 a week to bet every side and every total for every regular season game.  What a bargain.  Things I learned:

1.  It’s a bitch making picks every week.  Especially if you’re out of the country or your router breaks or if the game is meangingless and both teams stink.  Excuses, excuses.

2.  It’s a lot easier to make picks when actual money isn’t on the line.  Sunday mornings, as I lined up my actual bets, I’d look back over my picks and cringe at the thought of actually betting on the Dolphins or the Panthers or the Rams.

Now they all matter.  To the picks…

Washington +3.5 at Seattle (40.5) - Under

Washington has some serious mojo going.  And Seattle’s not as tough at home as they used to be.  Three and a half is such a creepy number.  21-17 or 17-14 - that half point comes in to play more than you think.  I’ll be honest.  I don’t love this game.  I’m taking an unproven quarterback (Collins - below) on the road in the playoffs in a hostile environment.  Five minutes before I typed this, I had Seattle and the over.  Don’t bet with confidence.

Could you pick him out of a lineup?  I couldn’t, but I’m taking the points.

Jacksonville at Pittsburgh +2.5 (40) - Over

Crazy to think Pittsburgh is getting points at home.  But Jacksonville has had success at Heinz Field, winning the past two times they’ve played there.  I’m playing Pittsburgh on principle and the fact that they’re “due.”  This is a very dangerous thing to do.  I am confident in the total play.  Roethlisberger has been there and done that.  As you can see here:

I’m jealous for all sorts of reasons.

Giants at Tampa Bay -2.5 (39.5) - Over

This line and total haven’t moved an inch since they opened.  I’m not sold on either team.  Tampa has been burning me all season and Jeff Garcia should be relatively fit.  I have a mental picture of Eli on the sideline with flies buzzing in and out of his mouth after he just threw his second pick-six in the first quarter.  That’s what I’m betting on. 

Take away the beer, the sports jacket, and the girl and this is what you’ll see Sunday afternoon.

Vince and the Titans +10.5 at San Diego (40) - Over

Everything, I mean everything, points to a San Diego blow out.  Vince and Albert Haynesworth, far and away the two most valuable players for the Titans, aren’t healthy.  San Diego has been a cover machine the past few weeks, regardless of the line.  The Titans could barely handle Indy’s second team.  But I’m sticking to my guns.  Vince lives for situations like this.  He’s been doubted the majority of his college and pro career.   Keep doubting him.  It makes Coach money.

Wish I could have found a bigger picture.

NFL Week 17 Picks

I’d like to apologize the legions of my loyal readers.  I was out of the country for a couple weeks and thanks to O’Hare and a faulty router, I was unable to get my picks online last week.  No excuses.  I actually did better than .500, but for the sake of integrity, I’ll list all of last week’s games as a push and give a load of juice to the gambling gods.  224-198-38 on the season.  Just about even for the year, little above.  Week 17 is funky…

Patriots at Giants +14 - (46.5) - Under

The Pats can make history and not cover.  This should be boring. 

Bills +7.5 at Philly (37) - Over

For the most part, the Bills have been kind to old coach this year.

Carolina at Tampa Bay +3  (36) - Under

Ugly.  Ugly.  Ugly.  Does anyone think the Bucs will do any damage in the playoffs?

Cincy at Miami +2.5 (46.5) - Under

Total seems astronomically high.  Moneyline the Dolphins.  You don’t hear that every day.

Detroit +4 at Green Bay (39.5)  - Over

Blah.

Jacksonville +6.5 at Houston (41) - Over

Classic week 17 game.   Guess I’ll take the points.

Seattle +1 at Atlanta (3 - Under

Think the Falcons are ready for the season to be over?

San Fran at Cleveland -10 (40) - Over

A game that matters, finally.  Cleveland gets angry.  Leaving their fate in Vince’s hands.

New Orleans at Chicago +2 (40) - Over

Too cold for the Saints.  Another yawner.

Dallas +9 at Washington (39) - Over

Washington wins and gets in the playoffs, but that’s too many points.  In Brad we trust.

Pittsburgh at Baltimore +3.5 (35) - Over

Simple.

Vikings at Denver +3 (42) - Over

Mile High makes the difference.

San Diego at Oakland +8 (43) - Over

Play the total with confidence.

St. Louis at Arizona -5.5 (4 - Under

Is it me, or do these teams play ten times a season?

KC +6 at Jets (34) - Under

Ugly.   Yuck.  Ugly.

Vince and the Titans at Indy +7 (39) - Over

Game of the week.  Vince and the Titans make the playoffs, but they don’t cover.  And Cleveland wept.

Week 15 NFL Picks

13-16-3 last week.  Pretty blah.  212-180-22 for the season.  Up about a grand.  Will give more details and pictures and fun stuff next week.  Old Coach is busy. 

 Lull before the playoffs…

Cincy -8.5 at San Fran (42.5) - Over

Arizona at New Orleans -3.5 (4 - Over

Atlanta +13 at Tampa Bay (39) - Under

Ravens -3.5 at Miami (3 - Under

Buffalo +5.5 at Cleveland (43) - Over

Green Bay -9 at St. Louis (45) - Over

Jax +3.5 at Pitt (37) - Over

Jets at New England -23 (45) - Over

Seattle +7 at Carolina (37.5) - Over

Vince and the Titans at KC +4 (34) - Over

Indy -10 at Oakland (45.5) - Under

Detroit +10 at San Diego (45.5) - Under

Philly +10 at Dallas (49) - Over

Skins +4 at Giants (36.5) - Over

Chicago +10.5 at Minnesota (43.5) - Over

NFL Week 14 Picks

12-18-2 last week.  Canceled my trip to Vegas.  Got killed on the totals.  But the golden lock finally hit.  All business this week.

 Carolina at Jax -10.5 (3 - Under

Dallas -10.5 at Detroit (51.5) - Under

Miami +7 at Buffalo (36) - Under

Giants +3  at Philly (42.5) - Over

Green Bay at Oakland +10 (40.5) - Over

Chargers pick em at Vince and the Titans (40.5) - Over

Rams +7.5 at Cincy (47.5) - Under

Tampa Bay -3 at Texans (40.5) - Under

Arizona at Seattle -7 (44) - Over

Vikings -7 at San Fran (39) - Over

Pitt at New England -13 (49) - Over

Cleveland -3.5 at Jets (47.5) - Over

KC +6.5 at Denver (37) - Over

Indy at Baltimore +9 (42.5) - Over

New Orleans -5 at Atlanta (42.5) - Under

Week 13 NFL Picks

I hope everyone is paying attention out there.  Because I’m moving to Vegas very soon.  Coach went 15-1 on his totals last week.   You read that right:  15-1.  Think about that for a second.  Or longer.  That is insane.  I wouldn’t be surprised if Jimmy the Greek exhumed himself to congratulate me.  9-7 on the sides - overall I’m 187-146-15 for the season.  Playing $100 a game, you’d be up roughly $2500.  Just for listening to me and watching football.  It’s really very simple.  To quote Carl Spackler, I have to laugh.

I did miss another golden lock.  But only by 20 points or so.  Whatever.

Also, I forgot to post before the Cowboys/Packers last night.  I think it’s fair to push both sides.  Actually, I’ve been better than .500 this season, so I’m doing the book a favor.  As far as they know.  The picks…

Atlanta +3 at St. Louis - 40.5 - Over

That’s right, look away.

Buffalo +5.5 at Washington (37) - Over

I don’t love Buffalo.  I don’t care for this game.  But I’m here to serve.

Detroit at Minnesota -3 (45) - Under

Minnesota is sneaking up on people.  Decent defense, good O-line.  Detroit is finally playing like Detroit.  This one’s simple.

Houston +3.5 at Vince and the Titans (42.5) - Under

Loyal readers know my theory on Vince as a dog vs. Vince as a favorite.  Sadly, that might be out the window.  Vince hasn’t been good on either side, lately.  Haynesworth is back.  He should clog it up and make this one go comfortably under.

Jacksonville +7 at Indy (45) - Under

Nobody except New England should give that many to Jacksonville right now.  They’ve got the whole mission from God thing going.  Indy is banged up and living off last year’s reputation.  Play what you want to win.

Jets -1 at Miami (3 - Under

New low for the Jets?  Catching points from an 0-11 team?  Yikes.

Chargers at KC +6 (37.5) - Over

Play both sides with confidence.

Seattle +3 at Philly (42) - Over

McNabb will get pelted by snowball covered battery.  This much I know.  If it’s a clean enough hit and he has to leave the game, Feeley might ruin this pick for me.

San Fran +3 at Carolina (35.5) - Under

This is not the Caroline/a Neil Diamond had in mind.  What’s the opposite of sweet?

 

Cleveland +1 at Arizona (52) - Over

This line confuses me.  I’d make it my golden lock, but it seems too obvious.  If you asked me to guess this line before it came out, I’d say Cleveland by four or so.  Strange days, indeed.

Denver at Oakland +3.5 (42) -Under

This one is tough.  I don’t think Denver’s that bad.  I don’t think Oakland is that bad.  Make sense?

Tampa Bay +3  at New Orleans (42) - Under

New Orleans stinks.  Tampa, with or without Garcia, does not.

Giants -1.5 at Chicago (41) - Over

Bears are frauds.  They had no business winning last week.  I don’t think Hester will touch the ball Sunday.  Unless he picks off Eli.  So maybe he will touch it. 

Cincy +7 at Pitt (45) - Under

Coach’s moneyline special of the week.  Cincy is gonna come on strong down the stretch.

New England -20.5 at Baltimore (50) - Over

I can’t help it.  I’m sorry.  I can’t.