For the sake of tracking the performance of my picks, I will use this unit system and start off with 100 units for the month of January.
January 4, 2011
Arkansas (+120) vs. Ohio State for 5 units!!
If you watched the bowl games on New Years Day, you would understand why I am so confident in this pick. It's yet another SEC vs. Big Ten matchup, different SEC team, same result. Ryan Mallett is one of the best, if not the best quarterback in college football, and he will pick apart the slower Ohio State defense just like Andrew Luck did to Virginia Tech last night. Ohio State is surrounded with distractions, which I feel will impact their play tonight as well. Arkansas' defense will give up some points to the Buckeyes tonight because they are not one of the SEC's best in this department, but it will not matter because the speed of the Arkansas running and passing game on offense will make Ohio State's defense look like they are standing still. Call this pick biased for my home conference the SEC if you will, but considering the recent history in games between these two conferences, especially Ohio State, I will bet the max and take my odds.
January 3, 2011
Virginia Tech (+4.5) vs. Stanford for 2 units
Both teams come into this game very hot and both teams are coached by two of the best coaches in college football. I think this game will be very exciting and close and hence why I like taking +4.5 in this situation. Virginia Tech hardly ever gets blown out, and I like Frank Beamer coming out with a great defensive scheme to slow down Andrew Luck. Tyrod Taylor has progressed nicely throughout this season, and he'll be able to make some big plays against the weak Pac-10 defense. Take the points, sit back, and enjoy a close one.
Stanford Wins 40-12 (Loss -2 units; Total: 108 units)
January 2, 2011
Seahawks (+170) vs. Rams for 4 units
There is one key to this game that leads me to believe Seattle will get this big win at home and make the playoffs at 7-9, QWEST Field. Seattle is one of the toughest stadiums in the NFL for an opposing team and with a rookie QB (Sam Bradford), I don't think he is able to handle the pressure and have a good game. Seattle will do just enough in this game at home to get the win, and the crowd will definitely help them on defense by causing havoc and false starts. I think you'll have a low-scoring game in which Bradford makes a late mistake costing the Rams the game and the Seahawks winning the NFC West division.
Seahawks Win 16-6 (WIN +7 units; Total: 110 units)
January 1, 2011
Wisconsin (+3.5) vs. TCU for 3 units
Outside of Oregon and Auburn, Wisconsin is the hottest team in college football. Their power-running game will be way too much for the smaller TCU defense. TCU will put points on the board, but they won't be able to produce enough stops to beat the Badgers in Pasadena this afternoon. Wisconsin quarterback Scott Tolzien is also one of the most efficient quarterbacks in college football and will not make the mistakes that could give TCU a chance in this game.
