Star City Showstoppers

Quest for a Million

It’s everyone’s dream to be wealthy and successful. The key is to do what you are good at. What do I know at this point in my life? I am a college dropout in the air force that knows math and air traffic control. Oh wait, I also know sports. Sports are the only thing I have really been passionate about. I thought to myself a long time ago, “How can I make a living off sports when I am not big enough to play any at a high level?” Playing poker and loving the game gave me the opportunity I was looking for: gambling. Now, I know gambling isn’t the best way to make money, nor is it the safest. The more you gamble, the more you lose. However, the more you gamble, the more you win. It’s the cliché “live by the sword, die by the sword.” Seeing is this is something that intrigues me and something I feel pretty confident about, I am going to embark on a journey for a million dollars.

This quest will be a gambling brigade of all sorts. I will use any means necessary to win this million. Whether it is free betting through “Streak for the Cash,” poker tournaments, or golf course betting with friends, I will make this million. I noticed on my bravado site that I had $7.70 in my account. I figured that was the best place to start. So, this little bit of money is the starting point to this journey that will last as long as it takes. Putting a time limit on this would mean irrational decision-making and money lost. If there is one thing a gambler hates, it’s losing money. So, starting with the 7.70, I will double down. Ante up, and amass a total of a million or more. I will only limit myself to a few rules:

1.     All types of betting goes.

2.     I am able to take out half of my earnings every $1000, then $10000 when I get to that point.

3.     I am able to add up to $20 to my fund every month, unless I enter a poker tournament in which I can spend up to $120 dollars.

4.     I must report all betting on this blog.

5.     Have fun and accomplish my goal.

So with the rules and before my closing remarks, here is my first bet.

Miami Heat over the Spurs (Even) $7.70 to win 7.70

The Heat have won two in a row and been here four straight years. Though I am not a Lebron fan, one thing I will never be is a hater. I respect the game and respect his talent. It doesn’t hurt that he had to team up with four other stars to get to this point in his career. Win however you can right?

I hope to prove to myself and everyone else that I am able to succeed at something as obscure as gambling. I am willing to take suggestions and critics on my betting patterns and wages. Please feel free to comment or email the blog. SNPsports

NHL Playoff Predictions: Round One

It is time for what I believe to be the best playoff season of all the sports: Stanley Cup Playoffs. This year has brought many storylines from Bruins winning the President’s Trophy, Capitals not making the playoffs, a new playoff format, and the Avalanche playing through injury to go from last place to division championship. All that aside, its playoff time. Here are the Matchups:

Eastern Conference

Boston Bruins vs. Detroit Red Wings

Ryan: This is a very tough draw for the President’s Trophy winners. The Red Wings were all but out of the playoffs until a strong finish to claim the final spot. Now, Detroit is clicking at the right time. Boston has lost three out of four to Detroit and is going to need a strong performance from the powerplay, which was ranked third in the NHL. Detroit has playoff experience and is riding high, both of which will be too much for Boston.

Winner: Red Wings in 6

Matt: Somehow the fucking Red Wings were able to find themselves in the playoffs again. Luckily, for me as a Penguins fan, they aren't playing the Penguins. Detroit, no matter what kind of year they had is always a threat in the playoffs. Given, Boston did have a great year, winning the President's Trophy and looking to avenge their last year's final lost to the Blackhawks, but they'll have a tough road to get back there. This Detroit team hasn't changed much from last year and was one game away from beating eventual Stanley Cup champions, Chicago. I think Detroit has what it takes to make a big splash in the playoffs in their first year in the Eastern Conference and I think that they are able to slip past the top seed.

Winner: Red Wings in 7

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens

Ryan: This is a series I am looking forward to. Separated by just one point, the Lightning and Canadians look to pull away from one another and reach the second round. During the four previous meetings, the Lightning won three of them. However, two of the meetings were decided in a shootout and another in overtime. Needless to say, these two teams are very evenly matched. With such a close disparity, special teams will play a key role. The Lightning have not performed well on the penalty kill, allowing almost 20 percent.

Winner: Canadiens in 7

Matt: This should be a very interesting series. A young start up from Florida against the dynasty of the Canadiens. Stamkos will have a tough outing going against Canadien hero, Carey Price, but I see this series being very tight. I unforunately think it is a coin toss on this one and can go either way but in the end I'm going to have to go with history and that history lies with the Montreal Canadiens.

Winner: Canadiens in 6

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

Ryan: Columbus snagged the first wild card spot, but they are going to have a quick playoff appearance. Pittsburgh has won all five games against the Blue Jackets, and I don’t see this serious being any different. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Chris Kunitz and Co. will be way too much for Columbus to handle. One thing that will be interesting to see is how Marc-Andre Fleury will perform in the playoffs. Since winning the Stanley cup, Fleury has underperformed in the post season.

Winner: Penguins in 4

Matt: The Penguins weren't able to nab the top spot in the East but because of that they now get a much more favorable matchup against the surprise Columbus Blue Jackets. This is only the second time that the Blue Jackets have qualified for the playoffs and the first time since 2008-2009. The Penguins have absolutely dominated the Blue Jackets this season and I don't think the playoffs will be any different. Crosby is having a career year and is the front runner for the MVP and while Malkin is having an off year in terms of scoring, he is still being a play maker and all the other pieces for the Penguins are clicking. Penguins have no trouble with the Blue Jackets.

Winner: Penguins in 5

New York Rangers vs. Philadelphia Flyers

Ryan: Another equal matchup in the East, as both the Rangers and the Flyers won two out of four meetings. In the four meetings, the home team won each game. The old adage states that it’s not a series until you win on the road. The Rangers have won 25 games on the road this season compared to just 18 for the Flyers. In a series this tight, winning on the road will be crucial. I’m not seeing the Flyers being able to do that.

Winner: Rangers in 6

Matt: This will be a great series. Two rivals that hate each other, this series promises to be the most physical of the four in the East. I'll be watching this series for that reason alone, hoping for multiple fights to break out and hard hits all around. This will be a pure hockey series. That being said, this series could also swing either way. Both teams are looking good, but I think it'll ultimately come down to who is able to take the punches and as much as I hate to  say this, I think the Flyers have the edge there.
Winner: Flyers in 7 

Western Conference

Anaheim Ducks vs. Dallas Stars

Ryan: Like Boston Bruins, the Ducks drew a hard task against the Stars, after falling to them 1-2 in the three meetings this season. Dallas fought its way into the playoffs to get the last wildcard spot in the West while the Ducks won the conference with a strong finish. Both teams are high scoring, but the Stars have struggled in the goaltending department. Kari Lethonen has subpar save percentage and goals against averages. The Stars acquired proven goalie Tim Thomas via trade this year in hopes that his prescience will ignite a fire under Lethonen.

 Winner: Ducks in 5

Matt: Somehow the Ducks were able to creep up the standings and nab the top spot in the West after the Blues and Avs weren't able to hold on toward the end of the season. Last year the Ducks won their division as well, but fell short in the playoffs, losing in the first round to the Red Wings. Luckily, this year the Ducks won't able to deal with the playoff strong Red Wings, but instead land the Dallas Stars who were the surprise team of the season  after not making the playoffs since 2007-2008, Dallas has been able to turn it around and find themselves in the hunt for the cup. Don't overlook these Stars, I think they will put some fear in the Ducks, but ultimately, the Ducks should be able to pull through.
Winner: Ducks in 6 (QUACK, QUACK, QUACK)

San Jose Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings

Ryan: A California battle that looks to be a good one, the Sharks and Kings look to heat things up in the first round. The early season matchups were each decided by one goal, except for a 4-1 win for the Kings. Jonathan Quick is one of the NHL’s best goaltenders and is facing a tope ten scoring offense. The sharks have been able to score and defend, being top ten in the league in both goals for and against. The Kings have struggled to score this season, only netting 2.4 goals a game. Good goaltending can only take a team so far, then they need to put it in the net.

Winner: Sharks in 6

Matt: Pretty crazy to think that all three California teams made the playoffs this year. Guess hockey is alive on the West Coast eh? This should be a great series, the Sharks once again find themselves in the playoffs but facing a tough test in the Los Angeles Kings. Remember, this Kings team won it all two years ago. I think a lot of people forget this, because in LA, the Lakers rule the city. However, with the Lakers being terrible this year, I think the people of LA are just happy to have another team to cheer for besides the Clippers. I think the Kings are able to pull the upset, and move on.

Winner: Kings in 7 

Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild

Ryan: The Avalanche have surpassed all pre season expectations and then some. After finishing last in the Western Conference last year, the Avalanche win the Central Division. The road hasn’t been easy, as the Avalanche have played with many injuries throughout the year including Matt Duchene, who is set to return mid first round to early second round. The Wild barely made the playoffs this year, and poor performance on the offensive end and penalty killing is a major reason. The wild are in the bottom six in both categories. The young Avalanche team has soared at the end of the season, big thanks to great goaltending by Semyon Varlamov. This series looks to be a quick one for Colorado.

Winner: Avalanche in 5

Matt: Still really shocked that the Avs were able to find a way to win the first new Central title this year. At the beginning of the year, I thought my Hawks had it in the bag and late in the season I thought that the Blues were going to take it, but a late season choke by the Blues and a strong finish by the Avs had the Central division title going to  the Avs. Pretty crazy the turn around in Colorado backed by second year coach Patrick Roy. The Avalanche are dangerous and I think they will be too much for the Wild to handle.
Winner: Avalanche in 4

St. Louis Blues vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Ryan: St. Louis Blues were the number one seed and up nine points on the Avalanche in the Western Conference before a monumental collapse. Losing six straight, the Blues are just trying to gain traction. The reigning Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks are looking to win their third cup in five years. The Blackhawks have struggled to stay healthy, but have assured us all the Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews will be ready for the playoffs. A mixture of returning stars for the Blackhawks and a Blues team struggling to find its way will amount to a Blackhawks victory.

Winner: Blackhawks in 5

Matt: Both of these teams are limping into the playoffs. St. Louis blew a conference top spot and then blew a Central division title. St. Louis hasn't made the Division Finals in the playoffs since 1992-1993, while the Chicago Blackhawks have won two of the last four Stanley Cups. The Blackhawks are a playoff tested team while the Blues are not. It may seem a very simplification of the matchup but that is what it will come down too. The Blackhawks also get back their captain, Toews and their star, Kane, just in time for the first round matchup against their rivals. This one is also going to be physical but in the end I think the Blackhawks have the edge. 

Winner: Blackhawks in 6

Well there you have it, our first round predictions. Be on the lookout for round two.

Time to go Bowling! (Bowl Preview Part 1: 2013 Bowls)

Ryan: December brings the end to another great college football season. Each year, it seems like college football is able to encase many storylines, upsets, and heartbreak. This year proved no different. However, the end to the season brings us to Bowl Season. This time of year is special to all college athletes competing. The games are on national television which gives players the opportunity to play in front of all the country. One thing that the bowl games have done is diluted themselves with the additions of new bowl games. Since college athletics is more about money than anything else, anyone with a wallet can get their own bowl game. With 35 bowl games, more than half the teams in FBS make it to the post season. A stat like that means making a bowl game really doesn’t mean much anymore unless it’s the championship game, which is sad. But, enough of that, time for predictions

Matt: Well, the regular season is over and now comes one of the most exciting times of the year, BOWL SEASON! Now while we would love to cover every bowl in detail, some of them just aren’t of interest to us (see AdvoCare V100 Bowl), but we will be covering most of the bowls that include top 25 teams and covering all the BCS bowls, of course. There are a few games that we will be looking into before the New Year is upon us and here they are

Fresno State vs USC, Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl, December 21^st, 5:30 EST ABC

Matt: The winners of the Mountain West Conference, Fresno State versus the at-large bid out of the Pac 12, USC in the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl. Fresno State was one game away from being undeafted and possibly being a BCS-buster. However, with a loss to San Jose State in the last week of the regular season, Fresno State lost any hopes of finding themselves in a BCS bowl and now find themselves in a pre-2014 bowl against a interesting opponent out of the Pac 12. USC came into the season ranked 24^th in the preseason poll, and after firing their head coach after a 4-3 start, they went 5-1 and ended the season ranked 25^th. This should be an interesting bowl game to start the bowl season off. Fresno State has the number one passing offense in the nation while USC has one of the better defenses in the nation at 21^st. I think this will be a tightly contested bowl game, but in the end I think Fresno State’s still reeling from that loss against San Jose State and is able to take that rage and channel it into a win in this one.
Winner: Fresno State

Ryan: The Las Vegas Bowl is one of the better bowl matchups of the season, and it will jump start the entire bowl season. USC struggled in the early part of the season, dropping three of its first seven games. After the firing of coach Lane Kiffin, the Trojans turned it around to finish the season 5-1. Cody Kessler has taken over the starting quarterback role and hasn’t thrown an interception in his last four games. The Trojans are going to look for a big play to ignite an offense that has been lack luster much of the season. That big spark will most likely come from Marquis Lee. Lee has not had the year he hoped with the lack of production from the quarterback position, but he is looking to increase draft stock on national television. Fresno State also has a player looking to make a big impression. Quarterback Derek Carr has turned the Bulldogs into the best passing team in the country, throwing for over 4800 yards and 48 touchdowns. Now, the Bulldogs haven’t played many competitive games being in the Mountain West Conference. The only non-conference games they played were against Cal Poly, Idaho, and a one point win against Rutgers. The increase of talent the Trojans face and the fact that they haven’t lost two straight games all year gives them the edge. Trojans in a close one.

Winner: USC

Syracuse vs Minnesota, Texas Bowl, December 27^th, 6:00 EST ESPN

Matt: The only reason we look at this one is because our loyalties to the Big Ten. For Minnesota, this is their first bowl game since 2009 Insight Bowl where they lost to Iowa State. For Syracuse, the Orange find themselves in a bowl for the second straight year, a feat that hasn’t happened since the Orange went to three back to back bowls between 1996 and 1998. Neither of these schools pop out to me as football schools, in fact, as a Indiana fan, I always wanted to play Minnesota because they seem to be just as bad as us at football. However, Minnesota was able to rally around the fact their coach was sidelined after facing another seizure on game day and finish with a record of 8-4. Both of these schools are average in terms of numbers overall, both sitting in the 30s for rushing nationally and 100s for passing nationally in terms of offense. Minnesota carries the slight edge on the defensive side, and in my opinion benefit from a bit tougher schedule in the Big Ten compared to the ACC. I think this will be another tightly contested bowl game, but in the end I think I’ll have to stay loyal to my conference and loyal to my hatred for Syracuse (see NCAA Tournament 2013). Minnesota wins this one.
Winner: Minnesota

Ryan: The Texas Bowl pits two cold weather teams against each other. Oh, and these two both play in domes. What that has to do with anything, probably nothing. I just thought I would mention it. Minnesota has had an up and down year, winning four then losing two, twice this year. If we were going by pattern, they would obviously win the next game. Well we are which is why I have Minnesota.

Winner: Minnesota

Rutgers vs Notre Dame, New Era Pinstripe Bowl, December 28^th, Noon ESPN

Matt: Well, Ryan was totally wrong about Notre Dame, putting them in the National Championship, and I was right in thinking that they were just going to be alright. I think we can agree on that much. After losing to Alabama in the National Championship last year, Notre Dame did not come back on all cylinders and the loss of their starting quarterback really hurt them this year. They did have a solid win against Michigan State, but other than that, the Irish weren’t able to perform in big games, losing three of their four games to ranked opponents. Rutgers on the other hand, had much tougher year, finishing the season 6-6, only bowl eligible because they were able to beat South Florida in their last regular season game, after losing five out of their last six games before that. Rutgers joins the Big Ten next year, and they are going to find themselves in a world of hurt if they can’t beat teams like Connecticut, Houston, and Fresno State. Rutgers has a tough test here, against a decent Notre Dame team, and I don’t think they have what it will take to get past the Fightin’ Irish. Notre Dame wins this one, perhaps easily.
Winner: Notre Dame

Ryan: My Fighting Irish made me look silly by picking them to run the tables again. Was it just my love for them, or could they have done it. Let us take a closer look. The Irish lost to three ranked teams this year and a close game in Pittsburgh. The Irish could have won all those games. The game against Michigan was close the entire game, Oklahoma forced three quick turnovers which game them a lead they almost blew in the second half, the refs screwed Stephon Tuitt on an ejection call against Pitt, and a few bad calls late helped Stanford regain the lead. Now, all this is part of the game, and the Irish didn’t do what they needed to pull those games out. Now, they have one final game to pave the way for Everett Golson’s return. Notre Dame will travel to New York to play a Rutgers team that is flat out outmatched. Notre Dame’s front seven, even with the injuries it has suffered, will have its way with the Scarlet Knight’s offensive line. Quarterback Tommy Rees has played well this year, throwing for over 250 yards six times this year. Playing against a weak defense, he may just make it seven. I see the Irish destroying the Knights.

Winner: Notre Dame

Michigan vs Kansas State, Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, December 28^th, 10:15 EST ESPN

Matt: Whew, what a season for Michigan. Coming into the season ranked 17^th, predicated as maybe the one team that could stop Ohio State and come out of the Big Ten instead of them. High hopes for Devin Gardner as he takes over the QB position. All in all, none of these things happened and it was a rather disappointing season for Michigan, finishing 7-5 overall, and only winning 3 Big Ten games, two of them coming from the bottom of the Big Ten. Gardner’s numbers were nothing to write home about at 2960 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions with only 60.3% completion on his passes, and battling injury all season long. I’m sure it wasn’t the season that Michigan hopefully were looking for, once again losing to Michigan State and finally losing at home under Brady Hoke. On the other side of the ball, Kansas State did exactly what I thought they were going to do, finish in the middle of the Big 12. No real impressive wins for either of these teams, and their numbers are average. This game is a toss-up for me, but I’m once again going to go with my conference and have Michigan coming out to win this one and salvage some of their pride after a disappointing season.
Winner: Michigan

Ryan: This bowl is one of my favorites just because it is sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings. Kansas State and Michigan both lost star quarterbacks last year and have struggled because of it. The Wolverines looked to be a BCS contender early in the year, but a loss to Penn State in overtime started a streak of losing, losing five of their last seven games. A lack of talent at the coaching position as well as at quarterback proved to be too much adversity to overcome. Kansas State had a different start to the season, opening up with a loss to North Dakota State, and then losing three in a row to start Big 12 play. The Wildcats turned it around to win five of their last six games. Wide receiver Tyler Lockett is the big play man for the Wildcats, with over 1000 yards and 8 touchdowns. Neither of these teams are defensive threats, so this will be a high scoring game. The rushing attack of Michigan will be key for this game. If the Wolverines are able to pound the rock, then they win. I believe they will.

Winner: Michigan

Duke vs Texas A&M, Chick-fil-A Bowl, December 31^st, 8:00 EST ESPN

Matt: The last bowl we’ll cover before the New Year is the Chick-fil-A bowl, where no gays are allowed. Just jokes. This one should be interesting. How the mighty have fallen though. In what, I’m sure, is Johnny Football’s last game in an Aggies uniform, he’ll face the 2^nd place ACC Duke Blue Devils, one of the biggest surprises of the year. Once again, as an Indiana fan, I always assumed that Duke was just as bad at football as us, and I was partially right. This year is the first time that Duke has ever been ranked in the BCS standings, and their first appearance in the polls since 1994. Before last year’s Belk Bowl, they hadn’t been to a bowl since 1995, but now they find themselves in their second straight bowl game and this time as a ranked team going against another ranked team. After getting stomped by Florida State in the ACC championship, I think Duke’s spirits are a little down. And I don’t think their spirits are going to get any better as they take on the Aggies. I think Johnny Football is going to go out with a bang, after a disappointing season in which they were the one team that most people thought could contend against Alabama for the SEC title, they now find themselves in a bit less glorious spot, but I don’t think that’ll stop Johnny and Texas A&M from getting the job done, Texas A&M wins this one.
Winner: Texas A&M

Ryan: The Chick-Fil-A Bowl is a little misleading. Sure, both teams are ranked, but should they be. Texas A&M has a high flying offense that is tough to stop. The games they lost this year, they scored over 20 in all but one. With Johnny Manziel and Mike Evans on your team, there aren’t many college defenses that are able to contend. All four losses were to ranked teams as well. On the other side, there is Duke. Duke was a nice Cinderella story from the ACC, battling all year and making it to the ACC championship game. However, they just don’t have a great team. Florida State proved that by scoring 45 points on them and shutting them out (Duke scored on FSU second string defense.) Now the Blue Devils have to play on the big stage against another offensive juggernaut. I fear this Cinderella has day dreamed too long and is about to get smashed. Aggies BIG.

Winner: Texas A&M

Ryan: Well there are some of my predictions. PopcornKnife and I have nine different winners in this bowl season, so someone will definitely win. I, of course, won the regular season battle and will win this one as well. Stay tuned for more bowl game predictions after the holidays. Merry Christmas to all.

Matt: There you have it, our winners for some of the key bowl matchups before the New Year is rung in, make sure you tune in next time for our preview of the bowl games that take place in 2014. Here is a complete list of our predicted winners of the bowls.

DATE	TIME (ET)	MATCHUP	BOWL	Matt	Ryan
12/21	2:00 PM	Washington State vs. Colorado State*	GILDAN NEW MEXICO BOWL	Washington State	Washington State
12/21	3:30 PM	No. 20 Fresno State vs. No. 25 USC*	ROYAL PURPLE LAS VEGAS BOWL	Fresno State	USC
12/21	5:30 PM	Buffalo vs. San Diego State*	FAMOUS IDAHO POTATO BOWL	San Diego State	San Diego State
12/21	9:00 PM	Tulane vs. Louisiana-Lafayette*	R+L CARRIERS NEW ORLEANS BOWL	UL-Lafayette	UL-Lafayette
12/23	2:00 PM	East Carolina vs. Ohio*	BEEF 'O' BRADY'S BOWL ST. PETERSBURG	East Carolina	East Carolina
12/24	8:00 PM	Boise State vs. Oregon State*	SHERATON HAWAII BOWL	Oregon State	Oregon State
12/26	6:00 PM	Pittsburgh vs. Bowling Green*	LITTLE CAESARS BOWL	Bowling Green	Bowling Green
12/26	9:30 PM	Utah State vs. No. 23 Northern Illinois*	SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION POINSETTIA BOWL	Northern Illinois	Northern Illinois
12/27	2:30 PM	Marshall vs. Maryland*	MILITARY BOWL - PRES. BY NORTHROP GRUMMAN	Maryland	Marshall
12/27	6:00 PM	Syracuse vs. Minnesota*	TEXAS BOWL	Minnesota	Minnesota
12/27	9:30 PM	Brigham Young vs. Washington*	FIGHT HUNGER BOWL	BYU	Washington
12/28	12:00 PM	Rutgers vs. Notre Dame*	NEW ERA PINSTRIPE BOWL	Notre Dame	Notre Dame
12/28	3:20 PM	Cincinnati vs. North Carolina*	BELK BOWL	Cincinnati	North Carolina
12/28	6:45 PM	Miami (FL) vs. No. 18 Louisville*	RUSSELL ATHLETIC BOWL	Louisville	Louisville
12/28	10:15 PM	Michigan vs. Kansas State*	BUFFALO WILD WINGS BOWL	Michigan	Michigan
12/30	11:45 AM	Middle Tennessee vs. Navy*	BELL HELICOPTER ARMED FORCES BOWL	Navy	Navy
12/30	3:15 PM	Ole Miss vs. Georgia Tech*	FRANKLIN AMERICAN MORTGAGE MUSIC CITY BOWL	Ole Miss	Ole Miss
12/30	6:45 PM	No. 10 Oregon vs. Texas*	VALERO ALAMO BOWL	Oregon	Oregon
12/30	10:15 PM	No. 14 Arizona State vs. Texas Tech*	NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HOLIDAY BOWL	Arizona State	Arizona State
12/31	12:30 PM	Arizona vs. Boston College*	AdvoCare V100 BOWL	Arizona	Arizona
12/31	2:00 PM	Virginia Tech vs. No. 17 UCLA*	HYUNDAI SUN BOWL	UCLA	UCLA
12/31	4:00 PM	Rice vs. Mississippi State*	AutoZone LIBERTY BOWL	Mississippi State	Mississippi State
12/31	8:00 PM	No. 24 Duke vs. No. 21 Texas A&M*	Chick-fil-A BOWL	Texas A&M	Texas A&M
1/1	5:00 PM	No. 5 Stanford vs. No. 4 Michigan State*	ROSE BOWL GAME PRESENTED BY VIZIO	Michigan State	Stanford
1/1	12:00 PM	Nebraska vs. No. 22 Georgia*	TAXSLAYER.com GATOR BOWL	Georgia	Nebraska
1/1	12:00 PM	UNLV vs. North Texas*	HEART OF DALLAS BOWL - PRES. BY PLAINSCAPITAL BANK	North Texas	North Texas
1/1	1:00 PM	No. 19 Wisconsin vs. No. 9 South Carolina*	CAPITAL ONE BOWL	Wisconsin	Wisconsin
1/1	1:00 PM	Iowa vs. No. 16 LSU*	OUTBACK BOWL	LSU	LSU
1/1	8:30 PM	No. 15 UCF vs. No. 6 Baylor*	TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL	Baylor	UCF
1/2	8:30 PM	No. 11 Oklahoma vs. No. 3 Alabama*	ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL	Alabama	Alabama
1/3	7:30 PM	No. 13 Oklahoma State vs. No. 8Missouri*	AT&T COTTON BOWL	Missouri	Oklahoma State
1/3	8:30 PM	No. 12 Clemson vs. No. 7 Ohio State*	DISCOVER ORANGE BOWL	Ohio State	Ohio State
1/4	1:00 PM	Vanderbilt vs. Houston*	BBVA COMPASS BOWL	Vanderbilt	Vanderbilt
1/5	9:00 PM	Arkansas State vs. Ball State*	GODADDY BOWL	Ball State	Ball State
1/6	8:30 PM	No. 1 Florida State vs. No. 2 Auburn*	VIZIO BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP	Auburn	Florida State

College Football: Retrospect by Popcornknife (Matt)

Well, we made it through a whole season, and while we didn’t get to deliver our previews and picks every week to you, we still had a lot of fun and still picked every game of the season. Ryan ended up winning our regular season picking contest by having a record of 619-194 (.761 win percentage) while I went 602-211 (.740 win percentage). So for our first year of doing this, I think we did pretty well. Now to look at how we did overall in terms of picking winners in conferences as well as how we did picking the National Championship and Heisman. The Heisman hasn’t been announced yet, but considering neither Ryan and I had an of the six people invited, I think it’s fair to say that we aren’t going to get that one right. Anyways, let’s look at the conferences

ACC

Actual Winner: Florida State

Matt’s Predicted Winner: Clemson

Ryan’s Predicted Winner: Miami

This conference was pretty strange from what we thought was going to happen in it. Clemson looked great in the beginning of the year and so did Miami but in the end, Duke somehow was able to surprise the nation and win their division and Jameis Winston came out and looks like the front runner for the Heisman and is now leading his team to a National Championship. Ryan and I were way off on this one.

AAC

Actual Winner: UCF

Ryan and Matt’s Predicted Winner: Louisville

Who would have thought any other team than Louisville would win this conference coming into the season? I don’t think anyone, besides maybe UCF fans, would have predicted them winning the conference. Louisville looked great all year but that one slip up against the now inaugural AAC champions, UCF, cost them not only a shot at the National Championship, but a conference title. Ryan and I were off on this one too, but not by much.

Big 12

Actual Winner: Baylor

Matt: Texas

Ryan: TCU

I was a lot closer with this one than Ryan was. Texas was one win away from winning the Big 12 but was unable to stop the Baylor Bears and the Bears find themselves in a BCS game for the first time ever. Ryan’s prediction was way off, TCU didn’t even find themselves in the race for the Big 12 title.

Big Ten

Actual Winner: Michigan State

Matt and Ryan’s predicted winner: Ohio State

Well, the Buckeyes almost won this conference. After going undeafted all the way up to the conference championship, the defense of Michigan State was too much for them and the Spartans find themselves in the Rose Bowl against Stanford, while Ohio State find themselves in a BCS bowl but not the one they were hoping to find themselves in.

Pac 12

Actual Winner: Stanford

Matt and Ryan’s predicted winner: Stanford

Yes! We finally got one right. This one was pretty tough to predict coming into the season, but somehow Ryan and I found a way to get this one right. Stanford looked solid all year and could have found themselves in the National Championship, but unfortunately that loss against Utah and that loss against USC has haunted them and they finish short of their dream of making the National Championship.

SEC

Actual Winner: Auburn

Matt: Florida

Ryan: Alabama

I’m not even sure I want to talk about how far off I was with this conference. Florida was completely terrible this year, not even bowl eligible and my Hoosiers had a better record than them. Ryan was a bit closer, with only a miracle Kick Six possibility being the difference there, but I don’t think anyone predicted that it would be Auburn vs Mizzou for the SEC Championship at the beginning of the year.

National Championship

Actual: Florida State vs Auburn

Ryan: Notre Dame vs Alabama

Matt: Florida vs Ohio State

Once again, Ryan and I were pretty close to being 50% right on the matchup for the National Championship, with only a Kick Six and Michigan State standing between us and that 1 out of 2 right in the National Championship

Heisman

Actual: TBA

Ryan: Tommy Reese

Matt: Braxton Miller

Once again, we were pretty far off on this one. However, if Braxton Miller hadn’t got hurt in the beginning of the season, I still think he would have had a bit more buzz around him, but those couple weeks off really hurt his Heisman hopes and the fact that his team is not in the National Championship also hurts him now.

So there you have it, it’s been a great season of previewing college football. I hope you have had as much fun reading these as we have had writing them. It’s not over yet though! Look out for our bowl predictions coming out soon.

Rivalry Week (College Football Week 14 Preview)

Ryan: 565-175

Matt: 549-191

Purdue at Indiana

Matt: The Old Oaken Bucket Game. A game that I as an Indiana fan look forward to very much every year. When I first started as a student at Indiana University, this game wasn’t a game that took place the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It was a game that took place the first Saturday after that Saturday. When all the students were back from Thanksgiving break, and ever since they moved it to this game to the Saturday after Thanksgiving, I feel like it has lost a bit of it’s intensity. However, it is still a rivalry game and I’m sure both teams have this game circled. Both Purdue and Indiana have had seasons that they are looking forward to erasing, but I think Indiana’s season has a bit of a better overall look, looking back at it. Beating Penn State for the first time, and being a lot more competitive than in the past few years. However, there is no reason this team shouldn’t be bowl eligible and the one reason they aren’t is the defense. I’m really looking forward this game, and sure Purdue fans will tell you that they have the edge in this series, but in this game I think the Hoosiers have the edge and bring the Old Oaken Bucket back to where it belongs: Bloomington, Indiana
Winner: Indiana

Ryan: Though college football is coming to an end, I’m sure it’s one that these two teams are looking forward to. Both Purdue and Indiana have had terrible seasons and no post season play on the horizon. The last game is going to be the biggest of the year: The Old Oaken Bucket Game. Normally, there is a clear favorite to win it. This year, that is not the case. Both teams have shown that they cannot compete with the top tier in the Big Ten, getting destroyed by Ohio State and Wisconsin. Danny Ettling showed some improvement against Illinois, but he has a long way to go. The Hoosiers get Purdue at home this year, and I look for them to try and grab momentum early, airing it out with Nate Sudfeld.  In all but one of the Hoosiers offense, Sudfeld has failed to throw for over 250 yards. If the Hoosiers can’t get the passing game going, I see the Boilers being able to win it. Purdue has shown up for one game this year when Notre Dame came to town. If Purdue can bring the same intensity to Bloomington, they might just be able to take home the Bucket, which they have won two straight and 68 percent of the time. With that said, Boilers cap off their terrible season with a little white light.
Winner: Purdue

Minnesota at Michigan State

Matt: Michigan State is coming off another win against Northwestern, and they punched their ticket to the Big Ten title game as the representative for the Legends division. The Spartans have really had such a successful season because of their defense. One of the best defenses in the nation. Michigan State finishes their season against the Golden Gophers, another surprise team in the Big Ten. I think the Spartans finish strong and finish their season undeafted in the Big Ten and heading into Indianapolis hoping to pull off the upset and find themselves in a BCS bowl, perhaps, with a lot of luck and loses by other teams, the National Championship.
Winner: Michigan State

Ryan: Michigan State is kicking themselves for losing to Notre Dame earlier in the season. The Spartans are 10-1 and ranked thirteenth in the nation. If Michigan State hadn’t struggled at Notre Dame, a game in which they lost by four, then maybe they would have hopes of their own national title. However, Michigan State has put together a great year, one that will find them in the Big Ten Championship game against Ohio State. Not looking forward, the Spartans play a Minnesota team that has a lot to play for. The Gophers have embraced their coach and now with the ongoing seizure situation, have rallied to make this year mean something. Minnesota has flirted with the rankings, but after a loss to Wisconsin, they might just fall right out of it. The Spartans have relied heavily on defense this year, only allowing 12.5 points a game. Mix the Michigan State defense with a Minnesota offense that has only scored over twenty points three times in Big Ten play and you get a great matchup for Michigan State.
Winner: Michigan State

Ohio State at Michigan

Matt: At the beginning of the season, this game was going to be the one game that I thought Ohio State might have trouble winning, but after Michigan disappointing season, and Ohio State being undeafted and being dominate over just about every team they faced, it’s hard to see a way that Ohio State doesn’t win this. The one stat that does play a factor in this game is that Michigan has only lost once at home under Brady Hoke. However, this isn’t a game that I think the home advantage is going to be enough to overpower the Buckeyes. Braxton Miller and Carlos Hyde are running on all cylinders right now and if they want to find themselves in the National Championship game they’ll have to beat their old rivals and do it with some style. I think the Buckeyes will just do that and keep my hopes of predicting the National Champion alive.
Winner: Ohio State

Ryan: Michigan has been a huge disappoint this year, just not to me. At the beginning of the year, I was not sure what all the hype was about, and now I think just about everyone in the nation is with me. The Wolverines have lost four of their last six games, one of which was Brady Hoke’s first home loss against Nebraska. If that alone wasn’t enough, this week they host the number three team in the nation and their bitter rivals: Ohio State. The Buckeyes are coming into this game with a staggering 23 game winning streak. Ohio State has bigger fish to fry this year with the Big Ten Championship game against Michigan State and a possible National Title game, but they will make sure to punish the hated Wolverines. Braxton Miller exited Heisman talk when he got injured earlier in the season, but he hasn’t skipped a beat since his return. Ohio State ranks in the top ten in scoring offense and defense, which makes them a tough team to prepare for. Seeing is how Michigan has a terrible coach and team, that switches to an impossibility. The question at the beginning of the year was about Devin Gardner’s accuracy, which is answered with a big red “X.” Gardner is completing less than 60 percent of his passes and has thrown eleven interceptions. Ohio State is going to have a field day in Ann Arbor.
Winner: Ohio State

Alabama at Auburn

Matt: I am so excited about this game. It’s probably the biggest game of the year. It’ll not only determine who will be going to the SEC Championship game, but it could determine who find a spot in the National Championship game. Auburn is definetly the comeback team and the surpise team of this year. Going from 3-9 and not winning a single SEC game to going 10-1 and only losing to LSU thus far in the SEC. This game is going to be so intense, I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle it. Auburn’s offense is dynamic, Alabama’s defense is powerful. This game I think could go either way. I’m going to go with  Auburn though because Alabama’s ego and lack of tough opponents in recent weeks will come back to haunt them and Auburn will find themselves with much to celebrate at the end of the night.
Winner: Auburn

Ryan: An Iron Bowl has never meant this much since, well, never. This is the first time the Iron Bowl will decide who goes into the SEC Championship Game from the West. This game also has National Championship implications for both teams. Alabama has been the steady number one all year, but Auburn has put together a great season of their own. As if this game needed any more hype. Both teams put up thirty points a game, but the Crimson Tide once again have a stout defense, allowing less than ten points a game. Auburn is lucky to be here today, scraping by against Washington State, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and last week against Georgia. The Tigers winning margin in those games was a combined twenty-eight points. Alabama hasn’t won a game by less than ten except for the shootout against the Aggies. With all on the line this week, I look for Nick Saban to have the Crimson Tide on lockdown and ready to go. Saban has always prepared his teams for big games, and that is something Auburn will lack with a first year head coach. All the signs point to Alabama once again winning the West, and that’s where I am going as well.
Winner: Alabama

Clemson at South Carolina

Matt: A cross conference rivalry that I feel like in recent years a bit lopsided toward South Carolina, because South Carolina has been a powerhouse in football for quite some time while Clemson is just now coming into the spotlight. Both of these teams have had a bit of disappointing season, with national championship hopes in their eyes and now they need help from a lot of different teams if either of them wants to find themselves in the National Championship game. South Carolina’s big thing coming into the season was Jadeveon Clowney. With everyone picking him as the preseason Heismen winner, but he hasn’t really shown up this year. One could even argue that he hasn’t been the best defense player this year, let alone the player of the year. Regardless, this should be a pretty decent rivalry game but in the end I think that Clemson comes out on top on this one and in the hunt for a BCS bowl.
Winner: Clemson

Ryan: Clemson was a preseason top five team with all the aspirations in the world. One visit from the Seminoles changed all that. After getting blown out against Florida State, the Tigers lost all shot at a National Title. Now, the Tigers have to hope for an at-large BCS bid. Don’t get too ahead of yourselves Clemson. South Carolina is looking to finish the season with a huge rivalry win. Aside from losing to Georgia and a terrible loss to Tennessee, the Gamecocks have mustered out nine wins and looking to make it double digits. Connor Shaw has been the face of this team, throwing for almost 2000 yards and twenty touchdowns and only one interception. Shaw has also rushed for over 400 yards with four touchdowns. However, Shaw isn’t the only quarterback playing in this game. Tajh Boyd has over 3000 yards passing for the third straight season with 37 combined touchdowns. Boyd has always been a stat quarterback while at Clemson but was never able to win the big game. With one last game at Clemson, Boyd will look to put the team on his back against South Carolina. A big storyline coming into the season was how amazing Jadeveon Clowney was. Clowney was a man among boys, the most NFL ready player in college football, hands down the best player in the game. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Clowney has looked pedestrian at best this year, looking like he isn’t giving any effort. With only two sacks and less than fifty tackles this year, Clowney has disappointed. With Boyd wanting to leave on a high note and Clowney underperforming, I see Clemson with a great season finale.

Winner: Clemson

Notre Dame at Stanford

Matt: Stanford comes off a knockout victory over California but the loss against USC is still on their mind and I’m sure still hurting a bit. This was a Stanford team that was suppose to finally break through and find themselves in the National Championship game, and now they had to get help from Oregon (which they did) to find themselves in the Pac 12 title game. Stanford’s season, like a lot of the one lose teams, has been a bit of a disappointment. Now they welcome the Fightin’ Irish into their stadium in a rivalry game. I know I’ve been hard on Notre Dame all year, but they have fallen, but are still able to be ranked heading into their last game of the season. Now they have their toughest test of the year against Stanford and I just don’t see them pulling it off, Stanford is not going to let themselves slip against and lose a game that they should win. Stanford wins this one.
Winner: Stanford

Ryan: Earlier in the year, I predicted this game to decide who plays Alabama in the National Title game. Now, both teams are fighting for a decent bowl game, maybe a BCS game. Stanford clinched the Pac-12 North with Oregon losing to Arizona on Saturday. Even with the championship game spot, the Cardinal will want to finish strong against rival Notre Dame. The Irish have performed well this season, losing only to ranked Michigan and Oklahoma, and an upset against Pittsburgh. Notre Dame seemed to be hitting on all cylinders until they lost to the Panthers. Last week against BYU, Notre Dame sprung out to an early lead but faltered late, allowing BYU a chance to win. Stanford’s two losses came to Utah and USC, both teams unranked. Both teams have tailored their games knowing that the defenses are strong. Both defenses allow less than 23 points a game. Notre Dame lost a key part of their defense when Louis Nix had season ending surgery. In his absence, Stephon Tuitt has stepped up to the plate as the leader on the line. The big key for this game will be who can make the big play that sets the tone for the entire game. The Irish have a few big play guys in TJ Jones, George Atkinson III, and now Tarean Folston, who looks to be the running back of the future. Notre Dame does what it takes to win in Palo Alto.
Winner: Notre Dame

Texas A&M at Missouri

Matt: At the beginning of the year it was all about Johnny Football. Weather he could take his talents and will his team to the National Championship. However, it seems that dream is no longer possible and he’ll end his college career (my prediction, he hates being in College Station, and doesn’t want to spend another minute there) by hoping to find him and his team in a high end bowl game. That, however, will be a tough test considering the Aggies have to face Missouri. A game that at the beginning of the season, they didn’t think would be a tough test. This is going to be an interesting game, and Missouri is looking to punch a ticket to its first ever SEC title game after only joining the SEC last year. I think that is motivation enough for the Tigers to get past Johnny Football and find themselves in the SEC Title game, and maybe even the National Championship game.
Winner: Missouri

Ryan: Texas A&M has done everything to make itself meaningless in the SEC this year. The Aggies have lost three games in SEC play so far this year and may make that four this week against Missouri. Johnny Manziel has put up more impressive numbers this year, but has not come through when it matters. Though Manziel matched Alabama down the stretch, early interceptions cost him that game. With the game on the line against Auburn, ole Johnny Football couldn’t make a play. Last week against LSU, Manziel just looked awful. This week, the Aggies play a Missouri team with one of the best defensive lines in the game today. Missouri has come out of nowhere this year with ten wins and a chance to play in the SEC championship game. Missouri is in control of its fate. A win and they are in, a loss and they are not. It all looked like it was over for the Tigers when starting quarterback James was out for four games, but the Tigers held on to win three of the four. Missouri and Texas A&M both know how to score points, but the difference is on the defensive side of the ball. The Aggies have struggled all year, allowing over thirty points per game whereas the Tigers only allow nineteen. With the SEC on the line, I like Missouri to win.
Winner: Missouri

New Mexico at Boise State

Matt: I’m not going to say too much about this game, but I will say this. I’m thinking that Ryan is really excited that college basketball has started and he can put the Lobo’s football season behind him. A great rushing team, but that hasn’t been enough for the Lobos this year and they finish the season against a decent team in Boise State. Boise State shouldn’t have too much trouble with the Lobos. Boise State wins.
Winner: Boise State

Ryan: New Mexico has had a sad year. The Lobos entered the season hoping for a bowl game but have only won three games so far. Man factors have played into the Lobo’s upsetting season: no passing game, no defense, and no big playmakers. Kasey Carrier has struggled this year and will miss the final game with a concussion. Boise State isn’t having one of their Cinderella stories either. The Broncos are 7-4 and need a loss from Utah State in order to go to the Mountain West Championship. The Broncos are missing Kellen Moore this year, having to go between two quarterbacks, never finding one that sticks. New Mexico has also used two quarterbacks, but neither of which can throw the ball. This game looks to be a sloppy one with no defense and a lot of running.
Winner: Boise State

DATE	TIME (ET)	MATCHUP	TV	Matt	Ryan
Tuesday	7:00 PM	Western Michigan at No. 16 Northern Illinois		Northern Illinois	Northern Illinois
Thursday	7:30 PM	No. 24 Ole Miss at Mississippi State		Ole Miss	Ole Miss
Thursday	7:30 PM	Texas Tech at Texas	FOX Sports 1	Texas	Texas
Friday	12:00 PM	Iowa at Nebraska		Iowa	Iowa
Friday	12:00 PM	Southern Methodist at Houston		Houston	SMU
Friday	12:00 PM	East Carolina at Marshall	CBS Sports Network	East Carolina	Marshall
Friday	12:00 PM	Toledo at Akron	ESPN 3	Toledo	Akron
Friday	1:00 PM	Miami (OH) at Ball State	ESPN 3	Ball State	Ball State
Friday	1:30 PM	Bowling Green at Buffalo		Bowling Green	Bowling Green
Friday	2:00 PM	Massachusetts at Ohio	ESPN 3	Ohio	Ohio
Friday	2:00 PM	Eastern Michigan at Central Michigan	ESPN 3	Central Michigan	Central Michigan
Friday	2:00 PM	Texas State at Troy	ESPN 3	Troy	Troy
Friday	2:30 PM	Arkansas at No. 22 LSU	CBS	LSU	LSU
Friday	3:00 PM	Florida International at Florida Atlantic	FOX Sports 1	FAU	FAU
Friday	3:30 PM	No. 15 Fresno State at San Jose State	CBS Sports Network	Fresno State	Fresno State
Friday	3:30 PM	Miami (FL) at Pittsburgh		Pittsburgh	Miami (FL)
Friday	3:30 PM	Washington State at Washington	FOX	Washington	Washington
Friday	7:00 PM	Oregon State at No. 5 Oregon	FOX Sports 1	Oregon	Oregon
Friday	8:00 PM	South Florida at No. 18 UCF		UCF	UCF
Saturday	TBA	No. 25 Minnesota at No. 13Michigan State		Michigan State	Michigan State
Saturday	TBA	Purdue at Indiana		Indiana	Purdue
Saturday	12:00 PM	No. 2 Florida State at Florida		Florida State	Florida State
Saturday	TBA	No. 4 Baylor at TCU		Baylor	Baylor
Saturday	TBA	No. 14 UCLA at No. 23 USC		USC	UCLA
Saturday	TBA	Duke at North Carolina		Duke	Duke
Saturday	TBA	North Texas at Tulsa		North Texas	North Texas
Saturday	TBA	Virginia Tech at Virginia		Virginia Tech	Virginia Tech
Saturday	12:00 PM	No. 3 Ohio State at Michigan		Ohio State	Ohio State
Saturday	12:00 PM	Rutgers at Connecticut		Rutgers	Rutgers
Saturday	12:00 PM	Temple at Memphis		Memphis	Memphis
Saturday	12:00 PM	Kansas State at Kansas	FOX Sports 1	Kansas State	Kansas State
Saturday	12:21 PM	Wake Forest at Vanderbilt	ESPN 3	Vanderbilt	Vanderbilt
Saturday	12:30 PM	Maryland at North Carolina State	ESPN 3	Maryland	Maryland
Saturday	1:00 PM	Southern Miss at UAB		UAB	UAB
Saturday	2:00 PM	Air Force at Colorado State	ESPN 3	Colorado State	Colorado State
Saturday	2:00 PM	Colorado at Utah	Pac-12 Network	Utah	Utah
Saturday	2:00 PM	Wyoming at Utah State		Utah State	Utah State
Saturday	2:00 PM	South Alabama at Georgia State	ESPN 3	South Alabama	South Alabama
Saturday	3:00 PM	Tulane at Rice		Rice	Rice
Saturday	3:00 PM	Brigham Young at Nevada	CBS Sports Network	Brigham Young	Brigham Young
Saturday	3:30 PM	No. 1 Alabama at No. 6 Auburn	CBS	Auburn	Alabama
Saturday	3:30 PM	Penn State at No. 19 Wisconsin		Wisconsin	Wisconsin
Saturday	3:30 PM	Georgia at Georgia Tech		Georgia	Georgia
Saturday	3:30 PM	Idaho at New Mexico State	ESPN 3	Idaho	New Mexico State
Saturday	3:30 PM	Boston College at Syracuse	ESPN 3	Boston College	Boston College
Saturday	3:30 PM	Northwestern at Illinois	BTN	Northerwestern	Northerwestern
Saturday	3:30 PM	Louisiana Tech at UTSA		Louisiana Tech	Louisiana Tech
Saturday	3:45 PM	UTEP at Middle Tennessee		Middle Tennessee	Middle Tennessee
Saturday	4:00 PM	Arkansas State at Western Kentucky	ESPN 3	Western Kentucky	Western Kentucky
Saturday	4:00 PM	Iowa State at West Virginia	FOX Sports 1	West Virginia	West Virginia
Saturday	7:00 PM	No. 7 Clemson at No. 11 South Carolina		Clemson	Clemson
Saturday	7:00 PM	Notre Dame at No. 9 Stanford	FOX	Stanford	Notre Dame
Saturday	7:00 PM	Tennessee at Kentucky		Tennessee	Tennessee
Saturday	7:00 PM	Louisiana-Monroe at Louisiana-Lafayette	ESPN 3	Louisiana-Lafayette	Louisiana-Lafayette
Saturday	7:45 PM	No. 12 Texas A&M at No. 8 Missouri		Missouri	Missouri
Saturday	9:30 PM	Arizona at No. 17 Arizona State	Pac-12 Network	Arizona State	Arizona State
Saturday	10:15 PM	New Mexico at Boise State		Boise State	Boise State
Saturday	10:30 PM	San Diego State at UNLV		UNLV	UNLV
Saturday	11:00 PM	Army at Hawaii		Hawaii	Hawaii