Spiral Notes

By Jeremy
Last Week: 12-3
Against-the-spread: 10-6
Season Total: 105-54
Season ATS: 88-65
Lock-of-the-week: 5-5
I continue to dominate in every category except the lock, whch has been a disaster all year. Whatever.
Cincinnati(1-8-1) at Pittsburgh(7-3) -10
The Bengals have been playing better, up until they suspended Ocho-Cinco. Dumb. Steelers 41, Bengals 21
Houston(3-7) at Cleveland(4-6) -3
Two middle-of-the-pack teams that are playing well right now. Browns 10, Texans 6
San Francisco(3-7) at Dallas(4-6) -10.5
Tony Romo alternates with me between stud and mega-douche. This week he took a homeless dude to the movies, so: Cowboys 38, Niners 28
Tampa Bay(7-3) at Detroit(0-10) +9
Is this the week for Det to pick up a win? No. Buccs 28, Loins 16
NY Jets(7-3) at Tennessee(10-0) -5
The best team(and defense) in the league versus Favre. I feel one of his signature 9-Interception games coming on. It's my Take-it-to-Wendover-Lock-of-the-Week: Titans 41, Jets 24
Buffalo(5-5) at Kansas City(1-9) +3
Bills 30, Chefs 27
Chicago(5-5) at -St. Louis(2-8) +8.5
Bears 27, Rams 17
New England(6-4) at Miami(6-4) -2.5
Dolphins 29, Pats 24
Minnesota(5-5) at Jacksonville(4-6) -2.5
Jags 20, Vikes 12
Oakland(2-8) at Denver(6-4) -9.5
Broncos 34, Raiders 23
Carolina(8-2) at Atlanta(6-4) -1
Falcons 14, Panthers 7
NY Giants(9-1) at Arizona(7-3) +3
Giants 21, Cards 16
Washington(6-4) at Seattle(2-8) -3.5
Washington 32, Hawks 23
Indianapolis(6-4) at San Diego(4-6) -3
Bolts 16, Colts 14
Green Bay(5-5) at New Orleans(5-5) -3
Pack 32, Saints 26

Spiral Notes

By Jeremy
Last Week: 9-5
Against the Spread: 8-5
Season Total: 93-51
Season ATS: 78-59
Lock-of-the-Week: 5-4
NY Jets(6-3) at New England(6-3) -3.5
Pats 30, Jets 21
Baltimore(6-3) at NY Giants(8-1) -6.5
Giants 18, Ravens 6
Chicago(5-4) at Green Bay(3-5) -3.5
Packers 17, Bears 12
Denver(5-4) at Atlanta(6-3) -6.5
Falcons 30, Broncs 29
Detroit(0-9) at Carolina(7-2) -14
Panthers 37, Loins 25
Houston(3-6) at Indianapolis(5-4) -9
Its my take-it-to-Wendover-lock-of-the-week: Colts 30, Texans 9
Minnesota(5-4) at Tampa Bay(6-3) -4
Buccs 37, Vikes 31
New Orleans(4-5) at Kansas City(1-8) +5.5
Saints 37, Chefs 32
Oakland(2-7) at Miami(5-4) -10.5
Phins 33, Raiders 25
Philadelphia(5-4) at Cincinnati(1-8) +9
Eagles 36, Bengals 26
Arizona(6-3) at Seattle(2-7) +3
Cards 21, Hawks 16
St. Louis(2-7) at San Francisco(2-7) -6.5
Niners 30, Rams 27
San Diego(4-5) at Pittsburgh(6-3) -5
Steelers 35, Bolts 31
Tennessee(9-0) at Jacksonville(4-5) +3
Titans 23, Jags 15
Dallas(5-4) at Washington(6-3) +1.5
Upset Special #1: Washington 22, Cowboys 15
Cleveland(3-6) at Buffalo(5-4) NL
Upset Special #2: Browns 16, Bills 13

NFL playoff picks (if season ended today)

Another week, another box of stolen pens. We've got a lot of the same possible potential matchups this week, which really tests my writing acumen. I've really got to spice it up. I'll give it a shot.

It's about time for the Packers to make a run if they really want to make the playoffs. It's getting annoying how they keep losing these close games. You know, close games that Favre-ruh used to win. But how sweet would it be for the Cowboys to fall short of the playoffs? Tony Homo has to turn things around and keep lil' bitch T.O. happy in the process. Good luck with that.


Here's the bracket, and the breakdown:

AFC

Byes
1-Titans
2-Jets

4-Broncos
5-Ravens

Same matchup here as last week, and while the Broncos continue to pile up impressive offensive stats, the Ravens could match them there. Baltimore is all of the sudden a dark horse for a Super Bowl run, with rookie Joe Flacco finally giving the Ravens the offense that is five years overdue.
Ravens 23, Broncos 20

3-Steelers
6-Patriots

The Patriots are too up-and-down with Matt Cassell. He looked awesome against the Jets last week with 400 yards, but mainly because they fell behind so far early on. I just don't think they've got a playoff run in them without Tom Brady.
Steelers 27, Patriots 16

NFC

Byes
1-Giants
2-Panthers

4-Bears
5-Bucs


Another first-round matchup that mirrors last week's. After the teams' efforts in Week 10, I don't think much will change in my predictions. Kyle Orton proved that he's not 100 percent yet as the Bears squeaked by the Lions. The Bucs needed to rally as well to win in K.C. That's winning ugly. Sorry, Ditka.
Bucs 17, Bears 14

3-Cards
6-Redskins

The Cards can roll up impressive numbers against crappy teams from the NFC West, but I don't trust them when they play a defense with a pulse. That means the Redskins. Kurt Warner out in early 2nd quarter with a concussion, the 20th of his career, and then the Redskins hold on.
Redskins 19, Cards 17

AFC

2-Jets
3-Steelers

The Jets are finding ways to win and getting into a nice little groove. Sometimes it's impressive, other times not. That said, the Steelers are too tough defensively to allow much to the Fighting Favres. Defense wins in the playoffs, and the Jets don't have much.
Steelers 20, Jets 13

1-Titans
5-Ravens

I don't think anyone is convinced the Titans are that great. I'm in that camp. They win with their defense ... sound familiar? The Ravens wrote the book on stout D/crappy offense, except this year they actually have some game on the offensive end. I like the Ravens to hold their own and hold off the Titans.
Ravens 16, Titans 10

NFC

1-Giants
6-Redskins

The Giants are the best team in football. I know, gutsy. Too much firepower here for the solid 'Skins, who could otherwise make a nice run with a better draw. Just don't give Plax the glory cause he's a whiner.
Giants 31, Redskins 16

2-Panthers
5-Bucs

The Panthers luck out here by staying away from the Redskins, playing the Bucs in an NFC South slugfest. I'm gonna go with my instinct on this one and say the Panthers would prevail.
Panthers 23, Bucs 14

Conference title games

1-Giants
2-Panthers

Eli Manning takes the Giants back to the Super Bowl. The Giants are even better than they were a year ago. They're peaking right now and will be tough to beat in the playoffs if they can keep it up. Maybe they're hitting their stride too early, like the Pats of last season.
Giants 31, Panthers 7

3-Steelers
5-Ravens

This result really depends on the health of the Steelers. If Big Ben and Fast Willie can come in healthy, I like their chances. Sorry, Mewelde Moore. Big Ben just always finds a way to get it done. And the Steelers D will force the rookie QB into a few mistakes.
Steelers 26, Ravens 13

Super Bowl

Giants
Steelers

This one would come down to the defenses, and the Giants D would be more likely to stop the Steelers. Combine that with bowling ball Brandon Jacobs, and the Giants would coast to back-to-back titles. Believe it. Fucking Eli.
Giants 24, Steelers 10

BCS picks

Thank you, Iowa. Get Penn St. outta the damn national title hunt. When the Bucky Badgers are having this bad a year, no one in the Big Ten deserves to be in the title game. Especially with the eggs Ohio State laid the past two years. Now we need Oklahoma to knock off Texas Tech next week and Alabama to lose a couple, cause the Tide really haven't beaten anyone. Seriously, its best win is against LSU last week in Death Valley. The next best are against Georgia and Clemson, two teams that were supposed to be The Shit coming into the season, but have failed to do shit.

Here are the weekly BCS nuggets:

National title game: Florida vs. Oklahoma

It's the title game everyone wants to see. Well, at least this guy. Give it up. Given, Okahoma has a couple big ones left, against Texas Tech and then in the Big 12 title game. If they lose that one then we've got a certified goat rodeo. Meanwhile, Florida is looking great, and it'll be great to see them kill 'Bama in the SEC title game.
Florida 34, Oklahoma 31

Fiesta Bowl: Texas Tech vs. Utah
The Fiesta Bowl has the first pick after everyone fills their No. 1 slots. So why pick Utah? Proximity doesn't hurt, as the Utes showed they could travel well in '04. Texas is out because they wouldn't want an All-Big 12 matchup. That leaves Ohio State as perhaps the top candidate, since they won't want to pick the shit-ass Big East rep. Utes, Buckeyes. Buckeyes, Utes. Yeah, probably not gonna happen, but what the hell. Dance for me.
Texas Tech 42, Utah 17



Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Texas
Three teams from the Big 12? Is that even legal with just five BCS games? I have no idea, but if it isn't, it should be. This would be a much better matchup than a potential Alabama matchup vs. Georgia, Boise State, Ohio State or any of the other crap out there. Let's make it happen. It'll be Texas' statement blowout.
Texas 38, Alabama 22

Rose Bowl: USC vs. Penn State
The Grandaddy of Them All gets their coveted Pac-10 vs. Big Ten matchup. Thanks Penn State. Actually, it projects to be one of the better bowl games, so good for them. Still, the Trojans would have too much firepower for Penn State and the Big Ten would once again end the season in shame.
USC 31, Penn State 17

Orange Bowl: Wake Forest vs. Cincinnati
The ACC champ is guaranteed to play here, against basically the last pick of the BCS process, so the Orange Bowl is officially fucked. Surprise, cockfags. So you've got two teams that nobody gives a shit about in a bowl that otherwise could serve a purpose for two solid teams: Ohio State vs. Boise State? Georgia-Ball State? Any combo that lies therein. Lots of possibles. But instead, shit.
Wake Forest 33, Cincinnati 27



Playoffs (if such a thing existed)

1- Oklahoma
8- Cincinnati

4- Alabama
5- Penn St.

3- USC
6- Utah

2- Florida
7- North Carolina

Semis

1-Oklahoma
4-Alabama

3-USC
2-Florida

Finals

1-Alabama
3-Florida

Champ

Florida

College Prediction Slices

1. Alabama (Mississippi State)- I haven't figured out why, but I really don't want the Tide ebbing and flowing into the championship game. Or on my pants. I think it's the period color of their unis. Tide 45, Rebels 17

2. Texas Tech (Bye)- Harrell and Crabtree get a well-timed reprieve before heading into a season-ending gauntlet stretch at Oklahoma, against Baylor and a possible Big-12 Championship matchup against Chase boys at Missouri.

3. Texas (at Kansas)- Colt McCoy somehow lost traction in the Heisman race despite throwing for five TDs and 300 yards last week. Who the fuck votes on this? Lee Corso? Longhorns 55, Jayhawks 35

4. Florida (South Carolina)- I hate it when people bitch about running up the score. It's not Urban's fault the 'vaunted' SEC defenses can't stop his team. The Gators are averaging more than 43 points per game against the sieves in their conference.

5. Oklahoma (bye)- If the Boomers can figure a way to win out, they deserve a shot at the title...even if we all know they'll choke when they get there. On the docket: Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and maybe Missouri.

6. USC (at Stanford)- I would never root for Pete Carroll's merry band of douches, but I will say this: That Veronica Vaughn is one nice piece of accceeee. Profs 41, Cardinal 21

7. Utah (at SDSU)- I'm praying to Jehosifat that Utah doesn't draw a Big-12 team if they play a BCS game. In my head, that plays out pretty similar to last year's Georgia-Hawaii game. Utes 38, Tropical Warriors 17

8. Penn State (Indiana)- The Fighting Joe Pas may have bit the dust against Iowa, but they're still gonna make the Rose Bowl...which is better than the Big 10 deserves this year. Lions 54, Hoosiers 12

9. Boise State (at Idaho)- Now I know what the rest of college football feels like when Utah ends up going undefeated. Broncs 54, Vandals 7

10. Georgia (at Auburn)- I just want the Dogs to keep losing. It's really nothing against them. I just love seeing Scott try to act the role when they get their ass worked like Tashina. Dogs 16, Tigers 14

11. Ohio State (at Illinois)- Terrelle or Juice? What the fuck is an Illini? ? 24, Buckeyes 23

12. Missouri (at Iowa State)- I'm trying to decide who is more fit: Chase Daniel or Vader Time? Tigers 45, Cyclones 21

13. Oklahoma State (at Colorado)- I'M A MAN!!! I'M 23!!! Cowboys 31, Buffaloes 17

14. Ball State (at Miami, Ohio)- I'm feeling a 15-point win for the Cardinals. Cards 31, Redhawks 16

15. Michigan State (Bye)- State controls its own destiny and can somehow earn a berth to the Rose Bowl if they beat Penn State next week. So that means the illustrious BCS matchup in Pasadena could pit Michigan State against Oregon State. Fucking riveting.

16. North Carolina (at Maryland)- One ESPN columnist said the Heels deserve a BCS matchup more than Utah. I don't have a rebuttal. Just this: You are a fucking idiot. Terps 27, Heels 24

17. BYU (at Air Force)- BYU doesn't like fun. So I don't like them. Falcs 31, Cougs 27

18. TCU (Bye)- Some poor Pac-10 team is gonna get the shit beat out of them in the Las Vegas bowl.

19. Florida State (BC)- The Seminoles are gonna have to earn some scalps in the coming weeks. First the Eagles, then the Terps, then the Gators. The good news? I can make fart noises with my mouth. Seminoles 24, Eagles 23

20. LSU (Troy)- Where is Ryan Perriloux when you need him? Tigers- A lot, Trojans- A little.

21. Pitt (at Cincinnati)-Sadly enough, this game might decide another BCS berth. Fuck this year. That is, unless Utah somehow lucks out and draws one of these shitbirds.

22. Cincinnati (Pitt>- Cincy should sneak away with the win. Bearcats 20, Panthers 13

23. Tulsa (at Houston)- The Hurricane screwed the pooch. Now they're playing for the rights to go to the Meineke Who Gives a Shit Bowl. Golden Hurricane 38, Cougs 24

24. Wake Forest (at NC State)- It looks like I'm done here. Pack 14, Deacs 13

25. South Carolina (at Florida)- What do you tell a team before playing the Gators? I would tell them to stock up on KY, cuz it's gonna hurt.

Spiral Notes

By Jeremy
Last Week: 9-5
Against-the-spread: 3-10
Season Total: 84-46
ATS Season: 70-54
Lock-of-the-Week: 4-4
I don't deserve to analyze after last week's disaster.
Denver(4-4) at Cleveland(3-5) -3.5
Browns 15, Broncs 10
New Orleans(4-4) at Atlanta(5-3) -1
Falcons 20, Saints 12
Tennessee(8-0) at Chicago(5-3) +3
Upset Special #1: Bears 26, Titans 22
Jacksonville(3-5) at Detroit(0-8)+6.5
Jags 16, Loins 3
Seattle(2-6) at Miami(4-4) -8.5
Phins 14, Hawks 8
Green Bay(4-4) at Minnesota(4-4) -2
Upset Special #2: Pack 35, Vikes 31
Buffalo(5-3) at New England(5-3) -3.5
Its my take-it-to-Wendover-lock-of-the-week: Pats 36, Bills 24
St. Louis(2-6) at NY Jets(5-3) -8.5
Jets 36, Rams 21
Baltimore(5-3) at Houston(3-5) +1
Ravens 27, Texans 24
Carolina(6-2) at Oakland(2-6) +9.5
Panthers 31, Raiders 22
Indianapolis(4-4) at Pittsburgh(6-2) NL
Steelers 34, Colts 26
Kansas City(1-7) at San Diego(3-5) -15
Bolts 27, Chefs 10
NY Giants(7-1) at Philadelphia(5-3) -3
Eagles 17, Giants 16
San Francisco(2-6) at Arizona(5-3) -9.5
Cards 24, Niners 14

NFL picks (if season ended right now)

Since everyone's talking about my BCS college football picks, I'm going to go ahead and deliver NFL playoff predictions as well. These are based on if the season ended today. Mad ups to the CBS people for actually doing the legwork so I can deliver my witty banter. Let's get it on:

First round

Byes
1-Titans
2-Steelers

3-Jets
6-Patriots

Uh, will Tom Brady be back? Who am I kidding, he might not be back for the start of '09. Then again, Saint Favre/brats/cheese curds hasn't really been lighting it up with the Jets. They've been winning, in Packers fashion from last season -- with Favre-ruh playing ball control. Screw it, I'm going Pats. They'd find a way.
Patriots 20, Jets 16

4-Broncos
5-Ravens

It's gunslinger Jay Cutler vs. Ray Lewis' killer defense. Aside from that late rally against the awful Browns (and their shitty CB that couldn't cover a retard), the Broncos have been on the downswing. The Ravens wouldn't be putting up a lot of points, but they wouldn't need 'em.
Ravens 16, Broncos 13

Byes
1-Giants
2-Panthers

3-Cardinals
6-Redskins

The 'Skins can and usually will grind it out with anyone (Steelers not included), and the Cards are the default winner of an awful division. The Cards are a nice story and all with a stout offense, but the 'Skins would grind this one out.
Redskins 23, Cardinals 19

4-Bears
5-Buccaneers

Sorry, but why is Rex Grossman still alive. I don't care if he was a Super Bowl (losing) QB. If Kyle Orton is in there, the Bears have a chance. If not, a rookie RB and a crop of crap WRs aren't gonna get it done. Either way, it'll be tough to get much vs. the Bucs. The Bucs, with the emergence of Antonio Bryant, just have more firepower.
Bucs 17, Bears 10

Conference semis (re-seeding)

Pats vs. Titans
Still not convinced the Titans are that good. They're winning ugly, which is all you really need to do. But that catches up to you in the playoffs. At least against a playoff-tested team.
Pats 22, Titans 13

Ravens vs. Steelers
The Steelers dominated the 'Skins despite losing Big Ben. That's how good they are. If they can do that against the 'Skins, they can find a way to win against a rookie QB.
Steelers 17, Ravens 7

Redskins vs. Giants
NFC East battle in the 2nd round. This would be a good ol' fashioned slobberknocker. Actually not really. Eli and the Giants have too many weapons. I mean, Plax has been nonexistent this season and they haven't missed him. Their running game alone wears teams down, and wuss Eli Manning just has to complete a couple passes. Done.
Giants 27, Redskins 13

Bucs vs. Panthers
Another interdivisional contest. What the hell is going on here? Well, I'll tell you what's going on: a Panthers beatdown. They're playing some of their best ball with Steve Smith back on his game and the two-headed attack of Jonathan Stewart/DeAngelo Williams.
Panthers 30, Bucs 21

Conference title games

Pats vs. Steelers
The Pats can't make it to the Super Bowl without Brady. Just not gonna happen. They'd be lucky to get this far with Matt Cassel. This is where it ends. Caveat: Big Ben has to be healthy. Byron Leftwich isn't getting them this far.
Steelers 17, Pats 14

Panthers vs. Giants
Trying to think of a good reason the Panthers will knock off the Giants here. Let's just say Eli will throw three picks and Steve Smith breaks a couple of big plays. Yeah, I like how that sounds.
Panthers 26, Giants 17

Super Bowl

Panthers vs. Steelers
The Panthers' run ends here and Big Ben gets his second title. At least in my fantasy world. If these two do play it'll probably be a boring Super Bowl. And we'll get lots of Jerome Bettis thrown at us. Enjoy.
Steelers 23, Panthers 9

College predictions

Rory totally wants me to blow BJ and, considering how he keeps coming through in the clutch and keeping the Utes undefeated, I might just have to do the dirty deed.

A thrilling win for the Utes keeps them undefeated at 10-0 and still getting no respect from the national media. We get it voters. All you want to see are big stats and bright flashy colors. Just don't you dare vote those haters from Boise into a BCS game ahead of Utah. They play shit teams week-in and week-out. I realize this is the same argument many use for the Utes, but Utah will have beaten Michigan at The Big House, Oregon State, TCU and BYU. I think that's a step up from Oregon, Fresno State and Hawaii, don't you?

Speaking of good non-BCS teams, I heard something from Tony Kornheiser last week that almost made me shit myself. In talking about the validity of Utah and TCU, Kornheiser said that if those teams wanted to compete in a BCS bowl game, they should just get accepted to a BCS conference. Umm...okay...where can I find a Pac-10 application form there Tony?

Anyways, that's my rant and here are my picks for the week:

1. Alabama (at LSU)- Everybody is picking LSU here, but the Tigers have played like shit in big games this year. Nope, the Tide keeps rolling for its coach in a brawl. Bama 24, LSU 21

2. Texas Tech (Oklahoma State)- Is this the week Harrell and Co. come crashing down? The experts say yes, but when have they ever been right? Tech 34, OSU 28

3. Penn State (at Iowa)- Can the Fighting JoePas keep it up against a unheralded Iowa team? The answer lies in the Hawkeyes' D and Shonn Greene's legs. Lions 35, 'Eyes 20

4. Texas (Baylor)- Horns have a gimme this week before taking on Mangyna and the Jayhawks. Horns 54, Bears 1

5. Florida (at Vanderbilt)- Urban has his boys playing like freaks right now and I have trouble seeing how some preps who scored 1400 on their SATs are going to take them out. Gators 42, Commodores 14

6. Oklahoma (at Texas A&M)- Coach Sherman has his hands full. Sooners 56, Aggies 27

7. USC (California)- The Condoms will skate through the remainder of their season on reputation and a patsy schedule. God, I wish Utah played in the Pac-10 this year. Profs 48, Bears 28

8. Utah (TCU)- This is gonna be a tough one for Utah, but I see them pulling it out on a late Brian Johnson-led drive. Utes 13, Horned Frogs 10

9. Oklahoma State (at Texas Tech)- A win would vault the Cowboys back into the thick of the BCS.

10. Boise State (Utah State)- Common opponent with Utah. Okay, so that means the Broncs need to win by more than 48 points to legitimize their claims. Broncs 42, State 28

11. Ohio State (at Northwestern)- The Buckeyes are still in the mix for the Rose Bowl. Buckeyes 28, Cats 21

12. TCU (at Utah)- That kicker has to be feeling like shit right now.

13. Georgia (at Kentucky)- The Bulldogs lost by 39 points last week and only dropped six spots. This is stupid. Dogs 42, Cats 34

14. Missouri (Kansas State)- The Tigers got a scare against Baylor a week ago. Daniel and Co. need a solid finish if they are to play for a BCS berth against the Big-12 South winner. Tigers 32, Wildcats 28

15. BYU (SDSU)- Randall Brown would be proud. Cougs 62, Aztecs 13

16. LSU (Alabama)- Even with a win here, the Tigers are going to need some help down the road if they are to get to the SEC title game.

17. Ball State (Northern Illinois)- Apparently, Ball State already played. I guess I missed it. Cardinals 45, Huskies 14

18. Michigan State (Purdue)- As absurd as it sounds, the Spartans can make the BCS if they win out. Granted they won't win out (they play the Boilermakers at home, then go on the road to Penn State), but it's still a nice little snippet. Makers of Boil 22, State 21

19. North Carolina (Georgia Tech)- The Heels are a sham and Paul Johnson is going to expose them this week. Jackets 28, Heels 24

20. Georgia Tech (North Carolina)- The Jackets are going to be my pick in the ACC for as long as Johnson is there.

21. Cal (USC)- It's sad that this is as tough as it's going to get for the Trojans.

22. Florida State (Clemson)- The Noles need to start picking up some speed for their showdown with Urban's posse. Noles 35, Tigers 28

23. Maryland (Virginia Tech)- Let's be honest. The Terps aren't worth a shit. They somehow worked their way into the polls by beating illegitimate, bottom-wrung Top-25 teams and know it's catching up to them.

24. Northwestern (Ohio State)- I used to think Northwestern was a school where smart people go. Then Shaun Johnson got in.

25. West Virginia (Cincinnati)- Pat White and the Mountaineers control their own fate in the run for a BCS berth. Volunteers 35, Bearcats 21

BCS picks

OK, let's try this on. Now that the BCS is releasing its rankings every week, let's project the various BCS bowl games and, for pickled shits, what the world would be like if we had a college football playoff. Let the fun begin:

National title game: Penn State vs. Florida
The fighting JoePas will breeze into the title game thanks to a soft Big Ten (what the hell, Badgers?). At least they'll rid us all of another Ohio State embarrassment. Florida, meanwhile, is getting hot at the right time. The Gators will roll over Florida State in the season finale and a possible undefeated 'Bama in the SEC title game to make a jump in the polls. They'll have to fight off Oklahoma, which will have a similar jump after some tough late-season games.

Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma vs. Utah

Wishful thinking, probably, but Utah is golden as long as it can win out. If Utah isn't here then it'll be Boise State/BYU. If Utah falls this spot will likely go to Boise State, but BYU might even get enough of a jump after Utah beat TCU if it can beat Utah in the season finale. Will it be enough to bump Boise? Oklahoma has a brutal late-season sked, with games against Texas Tech, Oklahoma St. and then the Big 12 title game, if the Sooners get there.

Orange Bowl: Florida St. vs. Texas Tech
That's what I hate about these crap conference tie-ins. You've got better games out there and available that just won't ever happen. But you've gotta accommodate the crappy ACC/Big East winners. Bogus. And we won't be lucky enough to see Texas Tech vs. Alabama and Florida St. vs. West Virginia because then the bowl that hosts the latter would bitch. One more reason for a playoff.

Rose Bowl: USC vs. Texas

Who wouldn't want to see a rematch of the Vince Young/Bush-Leinart classic, sans those key players? Texas is one play from being in the national title game, but will be shut out of the Big 12 title game. But you can't shut them out of the BCS. With Penn State going to the title game, the Buckeyes may want a rematch. But it won't happen, thankfully. Ohio State is screwed in that respect, but then again it should have beaten Penn State.

Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. West Virginia
I mean, really, who cares. Alabama will win, in ugly SEC fashion, a dominant win with something like a 24-10 final, and I know I won't be watching. Then we'll all whine that the system stinks, it sucks.



Playoff style (six conference winners plus two at-large teams):



1-Penn St.
8-West Virginia

4-USC
5-Alabama

3-Oklahoma
6-Florida St.

2-Florida
7-Utah

Semis:
Penn St
USC

Oklahoma
Florida

Final:

USC
Florida

Champ:
Florida

Spiral Notes

By Jeremy
Last week: 10-4
Against-the-Spread: 6-6
Season Total: 75-41
Season ATS: 67-44
The bookies finally got their shit together last week. Expect more of the same.
NY Jets(4-3) at Buffalo(5-2) -5
Bills 23, Jets 14
Detroit(0-7) at Chicago(4-3) -12.5
Bears 45, Loins 24
Jacksonville(3-4) at Cincinnati(0-8) +7.5
Jags 38, Bengals 24
Baltimore(4-3) at Cleveland(3-4) -2
Browns 27, Ravens 24
Green Bay(4-3) at Tennessee(7-0) -4.5
Titans 27, Pack 14
Tampa Bay(5-3) at Kansas City(1-6) +9.5
Buccs 20, Chefs 8
Arizona(4-3) at St. Louis(2-5) +3
Cards 24, Rams 15
Houston(3-4) at Minnesota(3-4) -5
Vikes 24, Texans 17
Miami(3-4) at Denver(4-3) -4
Its my take-it-to-Wendover-lock-of-the-week: Broncs 38, Phins 24
Atlanta(4-3) at Oakland(2-5) +3
Falcons 36, Raiders 33
Dallas(5-3) at NY Giants(6-1) -9
Giants 36, Cowboys 29
Philadelphis(4-3) at Seattle(2-5) +7
Eagles 22, Hawks 20
New England(5-2) at Indianapolis(3-4) -6.5
Colts 19, Pats 16
Pittsburgh(5-2) at Washington(6-2) -2
Washington 39, Steelers 29
Later.