Baum's (not so) can't miss picks of the week...October 3rd and 4th edition.

Hello everyone and welcome. Football season is upon us once again and that means time for some guessing and gambling. And because you are busy heating cheese dip and passing out at halftime, we here at PerformanceEnhancedBlogging are giving you five for-sure picks that will allow you to keep your sad and poorly funded little operation afloat for one more week.

The consistency and helpfulness of Baum's Picks has come under fire by some on the blog recently and a challenger has arisen. It is during times of competition and adversity that a man can truly show himself and others that of which he is capable. I trust this will be such a time.

Baum was 2-3 last week and is 9-11 on the year. He will start off 0-0 vs. The Truth.
Peyton Manning turned out to be, in fact, Peyton Manning and the Falcons refused to throw the ball down field. Meanwhile the Pac-10 continues to be a bettors worst nightmare. Here are this weeks picks (Sorry about three ACC picks, The Pac-1o continues to screw me over and nobody really cares about the Big 10...just nothing else I like):

1. Virginia Cavaliers @ North Carolina Tar Heels (-13)*
The Heels are coming of a road loss at Ga Tech. They played the option much better at home last year, but this year they could do nothing offensively or defensively. Expect Butch Davis to have UNC poised and ready to come out at home against Virginia, which largely counts as a Division II school this year. Tarheels will cover the necessary two touchdowns.

2. Virginia Tech Hokies @ Duke Blue Devils (+16.5)
Duke's only chance of covering is if the Hokies let up late. Don't count on Frank Beamer allowing this to happen...Hokies win by twenty.

3. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (-6) @ Mississippi State Bulldogs
The Jackets are coming off a 24-7 win vs. UNC where they played their best all-around game all year. Miss State is coming of a loss to LSU where they probably did the same. Tech won this in a blow-out in Atlanta last year, which is all well and good, but that means the Bulldogs have a little more of an idea of what to expect in Starkville this year. I don't like Tech to cover, this one will be decided by a field goal.

4. Cincinnati Bengals (-5.5) @ Cleveland Browns
As a Browns fan, this is not easy...or maybe it is. The Browns have no identity on either side of the ball. The Bengals are a miracle play against Denver from being 3-0 and are coming off a win against the Super Bowl Champs. Derek Anderson is the Browns starting QB, for now, but does it really matter? Bengals will win by the lake easily, take Cincy and lay the points.

5. Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots(-1.5)
The Patriots are still getting favored hear just on name alone I think. They did play the Falcons tough and took care of business, but there defense is less than fearful and with pressure early this year, Tom Brady has been less than stellar. The Ravens on the other hand, might be the team to beat in the AFC. The defense is just as nasty as always, and with Flacco winging it and a three-headed monster of McGahee, Rice and McClain coming out of the back field, the Boston front four will be begging for mercy. Baltimore wins by a field goal.






*Baum's lines are retrieved from Rivals.com through Yahoo!

If You Want REAL Winners; Listen to Me, Not Baum

Over the first few weeks of the season I would glance at my good pal Baum's "can't miss picks of the week" and at times I would just find myself laughing. How do you pick against Tom Brady and Peyton Manning in the same week? Those picks might even be worse than the Cleveland Browns performances so far this year. Baum, stop holding out hope. Derek Anderson is NOT the savior.

Enter me. I mentioned to Baum earlier in the year that we should make this competitive. He said no. He was scared. And after an 8-12 start on his part, I can understand why. Beginning this week, I will give you MY 5 picks of the week. Now, I'm not going to give you any guarantees or anything but I can promise you I won't do as bad as Baum. If I do, then I'll just blame the swine flu or Eric Mangina.

1. Virginia Tech (-17) at Duke
Coach Beamer and crew have played well all season except for maybe two quarters. They looked like they pulled all the pieces together last week when they absolutely clobbered Miami 31-7. Don't look for them to fall asleep against Duke this week. Virginia Tech covers the 17 points.

2. USC (-5) at California
Who would have thought that both of these teams are playing in a "must-win" game the first weekend in October? Well this game could very well be one of those situations. California got absolutely rocked last week by Oregon on the road. USC has looked great at times and bad at times. Losing to Washington and struggling in the 2nd half against Washington State. Look for the game to be close but my gut tells me that this is the worst USC team we have seen in Pete Carroll's tenure. However, USC still finds a way to win by 7.

3. Cincinnati Bengals (-6) at Cleveland Browns
This game actually scares me a little bit and I'll tell you why. By no mistake am I saying that the Browns are any good, but they have a chance to win this game. And by chance I mean, as much of a chance as Baum has at beating me this week. The thing that scares me is that it is hard to swallow the fact that the Bengals are legitimate. I want to believe it just seems too much like an oxymoron to me. Derek Anderson will try his best to give the Browns a chance to win. I'm going against my gut here, and am going to say..... Take the Bengals, AND the points.

4. New York Giants (-9) at Kansas City Chiefs
I know I'm picking a lot of road favorites to cover, which statistically is not a favorable choice, but the reality here is the Chiefs are almost as bad as the Browns. They got ran over last week by a Philadelphia Eagles team that is not as good as the New York Giants, especially on defense. Look for the Giants to continue their fast start and improve to 4-0. Giants win by at least 10.

5. Green Bay Packers (+3 1/2) at Minnesota Vikings
As if we aren't all intrigued by this matchup. Brett Favre finally gets his chance to play his former beloved Green Bay Packers. I'm emotionally invested in this game as I'm sure a lot of the fans that will be watching are. This is a toss up. Favre was miraculous last week with his 4th quarter comeback. How will he handle the nerves, and the pressure to win this game? Aaron Rodgers also has a lot to prove in this, did-we-forget, huge divisional rivalry. I'm pulling for Brett Favre to have a performance of the ages, but I'm betting on Green Bay to cover the points.


So there you have it folks. My introductory picks of the season. All I really care about is that I get more correct than Baum does, cause he stinks and he's a Browns fan. FHL.com.

Word.

Baum's can't miss picks of the week: Week 4

Hello everyone and welcome. Football season is upon us once again and that means time for some guessing and gambling. And because you are busy heating cheese dip and passing out at halftime, we here at PerformanceEnhancedBlogging are giving you five for-sure picks that will allow you to keep your sad and poorly funded little operation afloat for one more week.

Baum was 2-3 last week, making him 7-8 on the year.

1. Arizona State (+12) @ UGA
Georgia has scored points in bunches but the defense has been lackluster. Eventually Joe Cox and AJ Green won't be able to keep up. Luckily for them a mediocre Sun Devil team will not give them too much of a test, but will have some extra motivation looking to avenge a home loss to the Bulldogs last year. Georgia wins, but doesnt cover

2. Florida @ Kentucky (+21.5)
Kentucky is a huge home-dog to number one FLorida. But the Gators were exposed by a far weaker Volunteer team in the Swamp last week. The Wildcat's D is nothing like that of Tennessees but their offense can keep things close. Floirda wins by 19.


3. California @ Oregon (+5.5). Lay the points, take Cal...Jahvid Best is too good.

4. Atlanta Falcons (+4.5) @ New England Patriots
The Falcons are hot and playing well on both sides of the ball. Tom Brady is still shaky coming of a missed year. This one will be decided by a field goal, and Atlanta may win it outright.

5. Indianapolis Colts @ Arizona Cardinals (-2.5)
Don't get caught up in the hype. Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne will be too much for the Cards defense. Colts will win it 28-26.

Baum's can't miss picks of the weekend: Week 3

Hello everyone and welcome. Football season is upon us once again and that means time for some guessing and gambling. And because you are busy heating cheese dip and passing out at halftime, we here at PerformanceEnhancedBlogging are giving you five for-sure picks that will allow you to keep your sad and poorly funded little operation afloat for one more week.


Baum was 3-2 last week and is 5-5 on the year.



Week 2 Recap: Both the Buckeyes and the Gamecocks did well to cover and nearly each won their games. Notre Dame's offense continues to be explosive but not as explosive as the New Orleans saints who easily covered against the lowly Lions. The Hilltoppers ruined the cover by just more than a field goal.



1. Boston College (+7) @ Clemson Tigers

The Tigers are a very talented offense. They have the ability to score in bunches as they did last thursday. They come at Boston College after ten days off and back at home. BC has picked on some lowly team early, but if Daybo can stay away from the tricks and gimmicks, Clemson will win by double digits.

2. North Texas Mean Green (+38.5) at Alabama North Texas is bad and Alabama has looked sharp early. But even Florida Internationl only lost by 24. The Mean Green have already beaten what was a fairly good MAC team last year in Oxford, so look for them to cover.

3. Florida State Seminoles (+7.5) at Brigham Young Cougars
Florida States inability to stop the pass will seal their doom against the Cougar. Travelling cross country for this game will also play a part in the Seminoles poor performance. The ACC has struggled against pretty much every other conference this year, and this game will prove no different. Look for BYU to win big.





4. Utah Utes (+5) at Oregon Ducks
Without their star running back, Oregon's offense will continue to struggle. Utah is now the better team. Oregon barely fended off Purdue last week and will have just as much trouble with the Utes. This one will be decided by a field goal.



5. Minnesota Vikings (-10) at Detroit Lions
I hate to pick on the Lions but it is so easy. Look for the Vikings to use the exact same reciped agains Detroit as they did against the Browns...pound early and play keep away once you get the lead. Adrian Peterson's legs will run Matt Stafford in to making plenty of mistakes. Lay the points and take Minnesota.

Baum's can't miss picks of the week.

Hello everyone and welcome. Football season is upon us once again and that means time for some guessing and gambling. And because you are busy heating cheese dip and passing out at halftime, we here at PerformanceEnhancedBlogging are giving you five for-sure picks that will allow you to keep your sad and poorly funded little operation afloat for one more week.

All punches aside, Oregon and Boise surprised last week with a knock-down, drag-out defensive brawl. Maryland turns out to be much worse than anyone could have anticipated (along with many other ACC bottom dwellers, as three of them lost at home to CAA teams). Even if they could have pulled out a miracle, the Seminole's defense cost them any hope of covering the spread. Even with the awkward delivery [Miami's QB] shreded the FSU secondary for 330+ yards.

Baum is 2-3 after last week. I am sort of pressed for time so this will be quick. And here are the moneymakers:

South Carolina @ UGA (-7)
Joe Cox is not ready to run the Bulldogs. South Carolina plays them tough traditionally and is coming off a strong win. This one will be decided by less than a field goal. Take South Carolina plus the touchdown.

USC (-7) @ Ohio State
This game is a do-over for the Buckeyes. They lost some key offensive players, but Terrel Pryor continues to mature. USC lost several members on defense and is led by a freshman. Going east in to the Horseshoe is no easy task. Buckeyes will win it.

Notre Dame @ Michigan (Over/under 48 1/2)
These two offense still haven't found a rhythm. Jimmy Clausen will not have an easy time in the big house...this one should get sloppy. Go with the under.


South Florida Bulls (-25) @ Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Not a whole lot to say here. The Hilltoppers are real bad. The Bulls will cover easily.

Detroit Lions (+13) @ New Orleans Saints
This is the easiest pick this week. The Saints are a well-tuned machine and the Lions are, well, the Lions. Stafford is there to throw to Calvin Johnson but this is still a feeling out period. The Saints will win by more than two touchdowns.

Baum's can't miss picks of the week:

Hello everyone and welcome. Football season is upon us once again and that means time for some guessing and gambling. And because you are busy heating cheese dip and passing out at halftime, we here at PerformanceEnhancedBlogging are giving you five for-sure picks that will allow you to keep your sad and poorly funded little operation afloat for one more week.

Baum starts the season 0-0. And here are the moneymakers:

1. Oregon Ducks @ Boise State Broncos(-3) Over/Under 64

I'm only taking one from the Thursday night set because I am too ready to start the season and this is too good to pass up. If you can stay up and stand the seizure-inducing colors of Boise State's stadium, then you will get to chance to see two of the highest-powered offenses in the nation trade touchdowns. The Ducks averaged 42 points a game last year while the Broncos could only muster 39, so the scoring will score in bunches. Oh, but you know what you won't see? Defense. These teams combined to give up an average of 51 points per game last year (28 by Oregon; 23 by Boise), so seeing both teams score 32 shouldn't be a surprise anyone. Take the
over.

2. Buffalo Bulls (+8.5) @ UTEP Miners

RB James Starks for Buffalo is good. He is very good. He is the main reason they were able to win the MAC Championship last year. And Turner Gill is a very good coach, but a repeat as Mid-American Champs is very unlikely without Starks, who will have season-ending shoulder surgery soon.

This game is a replay of last year's season opener in Buffalo, when the Bulls stampeded to a 42-17 victory. Now the game has moved across the country, waaayyy down south near the border and Buffalo's star running back is gone. It is clear this game will not be a Bulls blowout, and they may even lose, but 8.5 points on year removed from a 25 point victory is too good to pass up. Take Buffalo and the points.

3. Maryland Terrapins @ California Golden Bears (-21)

This game is another replay of one that went the other way last year that is changing sites. Maryland was able to upset Cal at in College Park last year and must now travel all the way to the Pacific Ocean to lock-up again. California is greatly improved over last year's 8-4 squad and Maryland probably won't be able to win seven games again this year. But it is still early in the season and few teams look as sharp now as they will in October. Expect the Golden Bears to win in a possible route, but don't expect three touchdowns. Maryland and 21 will take it.

4. Kentucky Wildcats -15 @ Miami Redhawks

Kentucky is not going to blow many people out. But, reversely, Miami isn't going to beat many teams either. Miami hasn't won in Oxford since September 13 of last year, when they beat Charleston Southern by 11. Kentucky can beat up on lesser teams. Take the Wildcats, and lay the points.

5. Miami Hurricanes (+6.5) @ Florida State Seminoles

Is FSU ready to be meaningful again? This would certainly be a solid game to make a statement in. Well, they will win this game by a touchdown, but probably not be in the top 15 at the end of the year. It's the Noles by at least a touchdown.

New office pool: Over/Under 1.5 weeks that Vick flicks off Philly fans...I'm going under.

Everyone's favorite, dog-loving, No. 7 is back in the NFL. With the ever-classy Philadelphia Eagles. I see no way that this could go badly...



Finally a Super Bowl for Philly?[WDBJ7]