November 7, 2009

MAILBAG

Berger,

Great job on the recent turnaround! I'm glad you saw the value on the Ducks at Autzen last week, great pick! I believe I have the lock of the year with Houston -1.5 this week at Tulsa. Look for another 500 yards passing from Casey Keenum en route to a two score (minimum) beating of Tulsa. Also like OU -4.5, USC -10, and the Ducks to continue to cover against Stanford.

Good luck,

Brian in Bridgetown

Brian,

First of all, thank you. Our recent success is a very welcome change from the misery that was earlier this season. We'll do what we can to keep things going.

We'd like Houston a lot more if, even for a second, they thought about playing any semblance defense. Keenum, yes, he's fantastic. But the Cougars can't stop anyone and Tulsa can be tough at home. We'll stay away.

As much as it pains us, USC is probably a pretty solid play. Arizona State quarterback Danny Sullivan is totally inept, which doesn't bode well considering the Trojans will likely be focused and hungry coming off their humiliating defeat at the hands of Oregon.

SUPER PLAY OF THE DAY

Ohio State has allowed seven points in their last two games and are the only team in Division I this season to have three shutouts. Throw in the fact that the Buckeyes are misusing the talents of Tyrell Pryor on offense, and they don't figure to score too much against an underrated Penn St defense either. Though the public is betting this total down from the opener around town of 40.5, we still think there is some good value here. Penn St. - Ohio St. under 38

OTHER PLAYS

Troy St. -24
Florida St. +9.5
Fresno St. -7


MOST ABSURD THING OF THE WEEK

The ever likable Urban Meyer complaining that SEC officials missed a late hit on Florida QB Tim Tebow during the Gators' game against Georgia. In the same game, of course, Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes was caught on camera trying to gouge the eyes of an opponent. Spikes was not flagged on the play but will serve a one-game suspension for his actions. Still, if there was ever a week to remain mum about what was or wasn't called by official, you'd think this would be it. Stay classy, Urban.

GAME WE WOULDN'T WATCH IF IT WAS IN OUR BACKYARD

Ironically, it almost is: Colorado St at UNLV. The Rebels had 44 yards passing last week and 11 punts. The 3,500 folks who drive out to lovely east Las Vegas to see this one should all be ashamed of themselves.

AWESOME VIDEO OF THE WEEK

We at The Playhouse have never hidden our feelings for soccer: We find it entirely hideous. It's a cross between watching old people eat and taking a shower with one of your grandparents. It will never become a major sport in this country.

Soccer's defenders, of course, insulate themselves from such criticism, offering the pathetic explanation that Americans aren't sophisticated enough to grasp the many intricate nuances of the game. We're more likely to believe that Americans won't ever find time in their day to watch a game played by dudes who are only slightly more physically imposing than George Will.

More games like this, however, and, soccer fan, you could be on to something.