The Art of Sports Betting

During my first official "21" Vegas trip in 2006, I made one sports bet. I put $250 on the Wake Forest basketball team to cover thirteen points against a measly division two opponent. The next two and a half hours were that of misery, and the gambling gods (Barles Charkley and Jichael Mordan) teaching me a lesson. Wake won by exactly thirteen so I was lucky to get my money back. What I lacked in financial gain that day, I made up for in sports betting know how. Its now nearly 4 years to the day since the "Mistake Forest" fiasco,. I've made hundreds of additional sports bets since, and have done pretty well. As I look to return to Vegas this week for New Years, I look to continue my success by following my two rules.

#1: Know Your Opponents' Opponents

Essentially, do your homework. Make sure you know at least a few things about both teams via research. All I knew about that Wake Forest game was the spread, and that I have never heard of the other team. What I didn't know was that Wake was a notoriously slow starting team, they had a key injury on their bench, and the other team was in the top 10 shooting the 3 in Division II. Simply knowing one strength and weakness of each team will make your bet that much stronger. Such is why betting in sports ultimately makes you a better sports fan. It forces you to know facts or watch games you normally wouldn't, and gives you a better understanding of the sport in general.

#2: Be Wary of Allegiance and Marquee Matchups

Betting on your favorite team is bad juju. Just leave it at that and move on. Trying to watch a game where you've placed a bet on your team is like Kwame Brown's inside game. It sucks. Also. too much emotional investment can lead to dumb bets. Staying away from marquee games isn't a necessity, but more a warning. If both teams do a number of things well and people of the media think its going be a "great game," stay away. You're much better off to be a spectator and hope for a good game. Teams always circle the "big" games on their calendar, their preparation is greater, and the hype bigger. All the makings for an upset or letdown.

Going with your gut instinct, and always gambling within your means are important aspects to remember as well. The legal team here at The Finerside is not strong enough yet to not warn you about betting your mortgage based on my Bowl Picks. However, if you are using my picks you would be 6 - 3 right now with a little extra cash in your pocket for those 'Car Bombs' on New Years. Obviously anything can happen which, a la Herm Edwards, is why you play the games in the first place. Take my advice though, and you'll soon discover it pays to know, and knowing is half the battle. Thanks G.I. Joe.

TOP 5 : EXPERIENCES

Traveling full time for work, one of the biggest draws is continuously getting the chance to do things I'll never get to do again. It's one of those things that makes thinking about what's next for me career wise hard, because I don't want to give it up too soon. Kind of like Brett Favre retiring. But if I did stop touring tomorrow these are 5 things, sports related (there could be children reading), that I won't ever forget.

5. Free.99 $$$

One of the perks, especially when working sporting events is your contact usually has all the access to tickets and credentials. In the past, this has meant both the nose bleeds and field passes. Other times you just have to find your own way in. Most notably the Florida - Miami game in 2008. While working with Alltel, I had reasoned the game wasn't worth $100 for the ticket, especially when we would be trying to get to Tampa that night. But I couldn't say no to free entry. Ticket: No. Being escorted in by a member of the bomb squad: Yes. What student employee is going to say no to a man with a gun.

4. Meet and Greet

This one would probably be higher, had I ever had the opportunity to really meet someone great. If this were a music blog, I could go on and on about all of my adventures with the bands on the Warped Tour. I have had my share of sports run ins though, and it's always exciting. Besides. How many people do you know that asked both Barber twins what the key is to telling them a part?

3. Sight Seeing

I may not get to choose my destinations, but that doesn't mean I can't decide how I get there. If that means driving out of the way to see a new team, a short flight on a day off, or a road trip so be it. I take full advantage of the fact that I essentially travel for free, and if there's a game, or museum, I am there. Sometimes it's just too damn cold to work, and you have to call it quits and head to the football hall of fame. Shit happens.

2. Where's the Bathroom

On a normal tour, you work an event and then retreat to your hotel. On Warped Tour, you work all day and sleep on a bus. Where do you shower or poop you ask? Simple. The venue or arena you're working in front of. I have officially showered, pooped, and walked through more closed off areas in 26 different arenas and stadiums. Most notably, the American Airlines Arena three days after the Heat championship. Its kind of intimidating showering in a stall when the shower head is 9 ft in the air.

1. Play Ball!

For someone who's ever played a sport, the thought of making it to the pros, real or not, has always been a dream. So the chance to play baseball in a MLB stadium was the definitive sport experience. Especially when it normally costs about $5000 for one of those fantasy camps. The Twins were on the road, which meant the Metrodome was all ours. Everyone chipped in to turn the lights on, and for one 2 hour window, the league had more kids of emo and punk descent then it did Dominican. My two highlights: One hopping a ball to the outfield wall. Watching a kid fall off the wall in to the seats after trying to stage a photo of catching a home run ball. Classic.

As I look to return to the road at the end of January 2011, hopefully I'll be able to add more to this list. Who knows. Maybe this year I'll end up as part of the halftime show at the Super Bowl.

TOP 5 : GAMES

In my 25 years, there have been a lot of games. For every twenty you go to, you might see one or two that are memorable. These are the best games I have seen in person.

5. 2009 Thanksgiving Day

This is before the Cowboys were 1 - 7, and the Raiders were showing signs of life for the first time in years. Yea the game was lopsided, but being part of the spectacle of the inaugural Thanksgiving Day game in the new stadium was worth every penny. The best part may have been that all of my coworkers came with. We partied, tailgated, and, before I forget, managed to get down to watch the game from the sidelines. Everything about the atmosphere was amazing, and might not be topped until I spend my life savings one year on a court side, Christmas Day Lakers game.

4. When the Saints Go Marching In

I already wrote in detail about my experience at the Saints game earlier this year on "Who Dat," so I wont get into it too much. But the atmosphere was electric. Something tells me if the Saints had lost that game, or later on in their playoff run, not much would have changed. Everyone would have talked about how exciting it was, and Bourbon St. would have been a party just the same. I'm sure their all much happier the way everything worked out.

3. Naming Rights

Growing up, I was always a huge UCLA fan. I attended summer camp there for 7 years, where I met the late legend John Wooden a handful of times. So the chance to attend the court dedication renaming it in his honor was a must. With close to 50 years of UCLA basketball alumni present. The hour long ceremony was intense, culminated by a pretty insightful speech by Wooden. Then there was the game. While newcomer coach Ben Howland was still in his infancy, and hadn't quite yet built the teams that made 3 consecutive Final Fours, the Bruins won a tight one over highly ranked Michigan St. No one could bring down the Wizard of Westwood on this night.

2. The First of Many

Growing up my favorite sport was hockey. Loved everything about the game and it didn't hurt that this was around the time that the Kings traded for the greatest to ever play, Wayne Gretzky. So the first game I ever attended that I can remember was a Kings game. Approximately twenty rows up behind the net, I couldn't get enough. Startled by the sound of the siren from the first goal, I'll never forget my dad's words when I complained. "Son. That's the greatest hockey player of all time. We are not leaving." A hat trick and an assist later, the greatest of all time didn't disappoint.

1. "Kobe. To Shaq!"

Game 7 of the 2000 Western Conference Finals is one of those moments I will never forget. Jumping in place for half an hour with my dad after the game had ended was something I'll never forget. The Lakers" path to their first of three championships was a bumpy one, but worth all the drama. I have seen a handful of game winners, walk offs, and buzzer beaters in my day and nothing ever comes as close to the excitement in Staples that night.

Plenty of games I've attended have had amazing finishes, or holy shit moments, but not quite the same feelings as these. Come back tomorrow to read about my top 5 sports experiences from the road.

TOP 5 : STADIUMS

If you have been following along since the beginning, you'd know I have been to plenty of stadiums. What started out as an occurrence on Warped Tour, with half of the venues taking place at a pro facility, I find myself always looking for an excuse to get to a game on the road as I continue to travel. For example, flying from Raleigh, NC to Philadelphia to attend my first Eagles game simply because I had a few days off. It doesn't take much. Here are my number one stadiums ranking down to the best. Let's begin.

5. Staples Center

Call me a homer, or whatever else you want, but Staples is one of the premier places to watch a sporting event. Completed in 1999, it essentially set the benchmark for what the current sports arena should entail. The thing I like most is how well they incorporated all of the history from Great Western Forum into the new building. Mix in the brand new L.A. Live area adjacent to the stadium, and the whole thing has become an experience instead of just a sporting event.

4. Joe Louis Arena

Had I actually been able to attend a game here, it may have been placed higher. Same goes for the number 3 pick as well. Still, walk through the front door and you know right away why Detroit is Hockeytown. The sheer amount of of history seen walking through the door is enough to knock you off your feet. If that doesn't get you, perhaps the 11 Stanley Cup banners hanging in the rafters will. A rarity, especially in a city that hosts all four major sports, hockey is the clear cut number one, and their museum of a building is a tribute to that.

3. Lambeau Field

Late August, 2008. My coworker and I find a parking spot, walk over to the field, and what do we find. Packer fans. About 2,000 of them. Its 10:30 at night, about 30 degrees out, and there are a few thousand people watching drills, and talking with players. Isolated at the top of the country, getting to Lambeau feels like you just completed a sports pilgrimage. The oldest operating stadium in the NFL, its nothing flashy. No worry. The stadium stands as an lexicon of sport, and represents a lot more than just a football team.

2. Wrigley Field

Growing up in an urban sprawl where everything has its own place, Wrigley has always amazed me. One second you're walking a normal city block, the next you're standing in front of one of the most iconic building in sports. Everything on the inside is a throwback to the past. Sitting there, you just get the biggest sense of nostalgia, that you're potentially sitting in a seat that someone youre age sat in 60 years prior. Attending on of the stadiums newest features, night games, I have to get back soon for a day time double header.

1. Cowboys Stadium

Jerry's World. The Palace Outside Dallas. Whatever you want to call it, this place is unreal. (Especially from the sidelines at the inaugural Thanksgiving Day game!) No stone was unturned, or penny wasted when building this modern marvel. The jumbo tron is big and beautiful, as is pretty much everything else. While it may be void of nostalgia, don't put it past Jerry Jones to just go out and buy some. Cowboys Stadium is truly a sight to behold, and the gold standard for the upcoming decades.

So there you have it. There are plenty of stadiums I haven't been to yet that would probably make the list, and a few notables left off. I chose Wrigley, and left out Fenway, because I haven't seen a Red Sox game in person. I am indeed that little kid that still gets amped about every sporting event I attend, and look to one day cross them all of my list. Come back tomorrow for my top 5 games attended.

TOP 5 : SPORTS MOVIES

In celebration of the countdown til Christmas, I'll be doing a top 5 countdown every day this week. In honor of "The Fighter" being nationally released this weekend, Top 5 sports movies is up first.

5. CADDYSHACK
I love comedy. So of course "Caddyshack" is going to make my list. Easily the best sports comedy of all time, 31 years later it's the most quotable as well. Walk out on to any golf course and you'll find at least one person rambling about being a Cinderella story, or someone "being the ball." Try to find a funnier character in a sports film than Bill Murray's. Not possible. Continuing on three decades of success and acclaim, this one is a true classic.

4.THE NATURAL
From a film standpoint, this may be the best on the list. Rather than everything just happening on screen like some sports movies, everything is framed perfectly, culminating in the iconic last scene of the ball crashing through the lights. I also always liked that it wasn't a stereotypical underdog story. Instead you have a gifted athlete learning from his mistakes, and reclaiming his spot at the top.

3. WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP
Lower on most lists, I love this movie. With the exception of  "Caddyshack", most sports movies you watch once from time to time to refresh your memory. That, or you have that one friend that has never seen it, at which point you make them physically sit down and watch. The best part about this movie is how real it in relation to everyday guys. Not everyone can be undersized and make a NCAA football team like Rudy, but anyone can head down to the park for pickup basketball.

2. RAGING BULL

One thing I always look for in a sports movie is how real the sports portion is. Does it seem too scripted and choreographed, or does it feel like you're actually there? Raging Bull is the epitome of movie sport in this sense. There's no underdog, happy go lucky story here. It's real. It's graphic. Until whenever the next Manny Paquiao fight takes place, this is as close to boxing as you could hope to get.

1. ROCKY

The gold standard. The casting, imaging, etc. Everything is seemingly perfect in this movie. The quintessential underdog story, it's hard to not want to jump on your feet in the final sequence. It's even the reason why thousands of people, myself included, have ran up a set of stairs in Philadelphia pumping their fists and dancing around like idiots at the top. When it comes to sports film, there is no better.

So there you go. Is the list perfect? NO. There's another twenty movies or so that I could see myself replacing a movie in this list with. I almost put "Jerry McGuire" on the list just to talk about how I was at a bar with Cuba Gooding Jr. this weekend. I feel like it does do a good job of representing every side of sports cinema though. In regards to "The Fighter" which I saw this weekend, go see it. Its a very real representation of what it takes to be a boxer, and a very different twist on the classic underdog story that should win Christian Bale an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Thanks for reading and make sure to comeback tomorrow as I count down the Top 5 stadiums I have ever been to.

LETS GO BOWLING PART 2

Welcome back! Now that I have had 24 hours to collect myself, here is the second half of the bowl schedule preview. Once again every game will recieve the rating of Finer, Not So Finer, and If Nothing Else is On (NEO). GO!

Holiday Bowl Nebraska (10-3) vs. Washington (6-6)  SO FINER

These two teams already met once in Seattle this year, and Wisconsin dominated. However, there are still reasons to watch as both teams have NFL caliber players including Washington QB Jake Locker. Regardless, the game shouldn't be close. Washington lost by 35 at home, so a neutral stadium can't help.

Meineke Car Care Bowl Clemson (6-6) vs. USF (8-4)  NOT SO FINER

If you find yourself watching this game, you really need to prioritize your life goals. Both teams have a top 25 defense, and a bottom third offense. ZZZzzZZZzz. I'll go with USF simply because I have seen them once before in 2008, and their stadium is one of only a handful in NCAA football that serves alcohol.

Sun Bowl Miami (7-5) vs. Notre Dame (7-5)  SO FINER

This is another game that comes at the bottom of the "So Finer" ranking. Miami should have been better, and ND overachieved. If Miami was healthy and stable, I would take them. However, their QB play has been shaky all year long, and they will have an interim head coach. The Fighting Irish have enough momentum to squeeze out a win.

Liberty Bowl Georgia (6-6) vs. UCF (10-3)  NEO

Not enough happening here to tune in, but I would definitely check in for a moment if you have one. Both teams are evenly matched at QB, but Georgia has A.J. Green, the nations top wide receiver. UCF plays solid defense, but Green is too much for anyone to handle a la Calvin Johnson. Bulldogs by a touchdown.

Chick-fil-A Bowl Florida State (9-3) vs. South Carolina (9-4)  SO FINER

A resurgent FSU team takes on better than their record shows South Carolina team. Both teams lost their conference title games which should be motivation to bring their 'A' game. An even match up, the difference may come down to the head coach. Look for Steve Spurrier to have a few tricks up his sleeve, and find a way to get a South Carolina win.

TicketCity Bowl Northwestern (7-5) vs. Texas Tech (7-5)  NOT SO FINER

Not a whole lot going on here. TTU has fallen from grace the last couple years, and Northwestern has nowhere to fall from. Too so so teams may make for a close game, but don't be fooled into watching. TTU is closer to home and has a tested Taylor Potts at QB over a Northwestern freshman, so I'll jump on the Red Raider train.

Outback Bowl Florida (7-5) vs. Penn State (7-5)  SO FINER

Two big time teams culminating two down years. Both teams don't do anything particularly well, but should be a physical contest. Florida is playing in its backyard, and the inspiration of Coach Urban Meyer might be enough to win a close one. If you're betting the spread though, take Penn State.

Capital One Bowl Alabama (9-3) vs. Michigan State (11-1)  SO FINER

This should be a top 5 game this bowl season. Both teams should be disappointed how things turned out this season, and should be playing with a lot of tenacity. Despite their three losses Alabama still fields a strong veteran team, the majority of which was there last year for the championship. I don't think they can cover ten points against MSU, but the 'Bama running game should get them the win. "Roll Tide!"

Gator Bowl Michigan (7-5) vs. Mississippi State (8-4)  NEO

Both teams were disappointing this season, especially Michigan after its hot start. There isn't too much to look for here except for Michigan QB Denard Richardson potentially running wild. That and Michigan's Rich Rodriguez coaching for his job. GO BLUE!

Rose Bowl TCU (12-0) vs. Wisconsin (11-1)  SO FINER

Definitely game 1A this season, right behind the National Championship. David and Goliath. Literally. TCU's team is quick. A top ranked defense, with dynamic offense. Wisconsin is composed of massive, bruising players, with a top ranked rushing offense. The world may close in on itself when these two battle at the Rose Bowl. Especially after TCU silences all the critics and wins won for the ages.

Fiesta Bowl Connecticut (8-4) vs. Oklahoma (11-2)  NEO

OU has had a lot or reasons to be worried about returning to the Fiesta Bowl. This year though, they should embrace it. Connecticut has a solid run game, but a troublesome O-line. Oklahoma should have no problem throwing the ball, and getting out in front early.

Orange Bowl Stanford (11-1) vs. Virginia Tech (11-2)  SO FINER

My number 3 this bowl season, when it comes to games you should be watching. Stanford is a complete team, headed by number one QB prospect Andrew Luck. VT is riding an eleven game win streak, and if not for an embarrassing loss to James Madison week 2, would most likely be ranked 4th or 5th in the final standings. Still, I look for Luck to pick apart a so so Hokie secondary, and secure the win.

Sugar Bowl Arkansas (10-2) vs. Ohio State (11-1)  SO FINER

Despite there questionable schedule and history against SEC teams, OSU is a tough, veteran team. The true matchup here is at QB: OSU's Terrell Pryor is a dual threat, while Arkansas' Ryan Mallet is a strong, pro passer. Bot sure who I would pick straight up, but if you were looking at the point spread I would take Arkansas,

GoDaddy.com Bowl Miami of Ohio (9-4) vs. Middle Tennessee (6-6)  NOT SO FINER

Unless the GoDaddy girl is at midfield, butt naked, in 3-D, don't watch this game. Let me put it on record that I was actually at a Middle Tenn. game this year and have no clue how their bowl eligible. That said, unless the line is something absurd, I would bet my life savings on Ohio.

Cotton Bowl LSU (10-2) vs. Texas A&M (9-3)  NEO

Not a lot of excitement here. Texas A&M plays decent defense. If LSU can establish the run early though, game over. Les Miles is a savy enough coach, that he should be able to procure a LSU victory. 

BBVA Compass Bowl Kentucky (6-6) vs. Pittsburgh (7-5)  NOT SO FINER

Nothing to see here except for the last of Dave Wannstedt and his mustache paroling the Pitt sidelines. Vegas has Pitt at a -3 line, so I'll just go with them on that and move on.

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl Boston College (7-5) vs. Nevada (12-1)  SO FINER

BC's offense is horrendous. Nevada's defense is horrendous. So why watch? BC has the #1 ranked rush defense in the nation, and Nevada has the #3 rushing offense. Should be entertaining, at least for a half. Still, BC's offense is so bad that whatever Nevada's offense can muster up should be plenty to win.

BCS national championship game Auburn (13-0) vs. Oregon (12-0)  SO FINER

Finally the big one. This game has "epic" written all over it, with the potential of reaching a shootout into the 40's. Heisman winner Cam Newton is a bigger, more pass ready version of Mike Vick. Oregon's offense is like nothing seen before. Both teams are at the top of the list in offense, and top 20 in defense. Regardless of who wins, this game should be close all the way through. I'll stay true to the Pac 10, and take Oregon and the points.

So there you have it. I take no responsibility for those betting their mortgage on TCU beating Wisconsin, or Oklahoma to destroy Connecticut. Doesn't mean I cant though. But seriously. If you have $100 to spend, put it down on that Ohio game. You wont be disappointed. I think.

LET'S GO BOWLING PART 1

After a two week break, college football returns to the spotlight as the bowl games get under way this Saturday. What once started with a few games and a lifetime of tradition, has now ballooned into a 35 game cash grab. So it is my official duty to preview every game, and let you know whether you should be watching, or saving yourself three hours of your life. Here is the first half of the games on the schedule, the second half coming tomorrow. As always we will be using the Finer, Not So Finer, and If Nothing Else is On (NEO) rating scale. Here we go.

New Mexico Bowl: BYU (6-6) vs. UTEP (6-6)  NOT SO FINER

Two lucky-to-be-here teams square off in the battle for Albuquerque. BYU has been awful, but UTEP is that much worse. Look for the 27 yr old, fathers of six from Mormon Country to walk all over the boys from El Paso.

Humanitarian Bowl Fresno State (8-4) vs. Northern Illinois (10-3)  NEO

Fresno State enters its 11th bowl in 12 seasons, but NIU has other plans. A tough loss in the MAC title game kept them out of a bigger bowl. Although not an intriguing matchup, the line is only 1 so look for a close one.

New Orleans Bowl Ohio (8-4) vs. Troy (7-5)  NOT SO FINER

Both teams are a calamity of errors, and each team's strength is the opposite side of the ball as the others. Ohio's extra win is enough of a reason to say they win this one.

Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl Louisville (6-6) vs. Southern Miss (8-4)  SO FINER

Admittedly this one falls at the low end of the 'So Finer' rating, but both teams are former rivals, and each has some NFL ready players on both sides of the ball. That said though, both teams have their issues. I was at a Louisville game in person this year and know what the fans were saying about them. So with that I'll take Southern Miss +3.

MAACO Las Vegas Bowl Boise State (11-1) vs. Utah (10-2)  SO FINER

This game is an absolute must see. Both teams had undefeated seasons derailed late, and are out to prove themselves one last time as part of their current conferences. Utah will be without their starting QB though, and BSU's Kellen Moore should put on another offensive display. BSU should win big.

Poinsettia Bowl Navy (9-3) at San Diego State (8-4)  SO FINER

A home game for SDSU, they put their prolific pass offense against Navy's fifth rank rush offense. Navy is in its eighth straight bowl, while SDSU  is back for the first time since 1998. With that as motivation, a home crowd, and the fact that Navy cost me a parlay early in the season, I'll take SDSU to bring the Aztec faithful a win.

Hawaii Bowl Tulsa (9-3) at Hawaii (10-3)  SO FINER

Another home game atmosphere, this should be a true shoot out. Both teams cant throw the ball enough, and defense is non existent. I'll take the mighty Rainbows to win this one at home, if for no other reason because of Tulsa's jet lag and "Island Fever."

Little Caesars Pizza Bowl Florida International (6-6) vs. Toledo (8-4)  NOT SO FINER

Not only does FIU have Isiah Thomas for a head basketball coach, they're in their first bowl game ever too! Both teams have split four games the last two years, and that's everything meaningful I have to say about that. I'll go with Toledo and move on.

Independence Bowl Air Force (8-4) vs. Georgia Tech (6-6)  NEO

The good: Both teams are ranked two and one in the nation, respectively, in the run offense. The Bad: Their defenses are terrible against the run, and neither offense can throw the ball to save their life. In contrast to Navy, Air Force won me a few parlays so ill take them in a real barn burner.

Champs Sports Bowl NC State (8-4) vs. West Virginia (9-3)  NEO

NC State has been an upstart, but will need a more than good performance from their QB play to have a chance. WVU makes up 1/3 of the Big East Champions, and has a defense that hasn't allowed more than 21 points all season. Look for WVU to score enough, and turn it over to the defense to do the rest.

Insight Bowl Iowa (7-5) vs. Missouri (10-2)  SO FINER

Despite the record, Iowa was a top ten team before everything just fell apart. Both team are fairly sound on each side of the ball, and should match up well. However, Iowa has had some key offensive suspensions that will hurt their production. I'll take Missouri in a close one.

Military Bowl East Carolina (6-6) vs. Maryland (8-4)  NOT SO FINER

I was at the ECU game when they upset NC State, and know that they can put points up on the board, and avg. almost 450 yards a game. Problem is they also allow almost 450 yards a game too. Maryland was the ACC Cinderella this year and should have no problem putting this one away.

Texas Bowl Baylor (7-5) vs. Illinois (6-6)  NOT SO FINER

Both teams lost three of their last four, and don't do anythng particularly well. Each team however does have one dynamic offensive piece that could be entertaining. Baylor for the win.

Alamo Bowl Arizona (7-5) vs. Oklahoma State (10-2)  SO FINER

Despite Arizona losing four in a row, this could be entertaining if they decide to show up and return to early season form. Oklahoma State was supposed to have a down year, but was a big surprise behind an explosive offense. AZ is hit or miss, while OSU's offense is a sure thing. OSU for the win.

Armed Forces Bowl Army (6-6) at SMU (7-6)  NEO

The third and final bowl home game (SMU), both teams strong point on offense is the others weakness on defense. This could make the game entertaining, but not must see TV. I'll once again go with the home team.

Pinstripe Bowl Kansas State (7-5) vs. Syracuse (7-5)  SO FINER

If for no other reason to watch, the game is being played at Yankee Stadium. Both teams are back in a bowl for the first time in a few years, and their will be a continuous battle with Syracuse's better than average defense, and the Kansas State run game. What should be a close game, I'll take Syracuse in front of a dominantly home crowd.

Music City Bowl North Carolina (7-5) vs. Tennessee (6-6)  NEO

A preseason powerhouse, UNC was undermined by an agent scandal, and will also have key injuries. Despite that, and what should be a crowd heavily dressed in Orange, UNC has won four in a row. They also have a major advantage at QB which should get them a win.

35 GAMES IS A SHITLOAD OF RESEARCH. COME BACK TOMORROW FOR THE SECOND HALF OF WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING THIS BOWL SEASON.

WHO DAT

          Yesterday, the New Orleans Saints beat back the St. Louis Rams 31 - 13. While the outcome is no surprise, the Rams are no slouch, and should be commended for their turnaround season to this point. Despite a 6 - 7 record, they're still in contention to win their division and rookie QB Sam Bradford should be a shoe-in for Rookie of the Year. The Rams aren't expected to contend for a title any time soon, but they have hit the ground running in the rebuilding process. Hopefully in their three and a half hours on the field yesterday they were taking notes. Who better to learn from then the Saints? In the last decade they have gone from lovable losers, the 'Aints, and a fan base known for wearing bags on their heads, to Super Bowl champs. More importantly they have gone from a city on the brink of livelihood, to one making strides in picking up the pieces and rallying around itself.
          In 2006, I had the chance to take part in a volunteer day in a neighboring parish to New Orleans while traveling with the Warped Tour. Hurricane Katrina was nearly a year removed but its after effects still loomed large. As we rode in on the bus, every house still showed signs of water damage. Every other house showed structural damage, and every third house was simply deserted, boarded up, or flattened. As I got off the bus with my friends, we were introduced to Jim. Presented with six able bodied 20 something year old guys our job was as follows: mow the lawn, dig a hole and plant a tree. That's it. It took an hour. With five hours left to go it was clear why we were there. Jim signed up for the volunteer day so he would have someone to talk to, plain and simple. He spent money out of his own pocket to buy some beer, and we spent the whole afternoon learning his story and just talking. In comparison some of the other teams spent the day completely rebuilding houses or landscaping, and I left with the feeling that we had accomplished just as much. Fast forward to January 10th of this year, the time is approximately 5PM and the Superdome is rocking. The Arizona Cardinals are headed home while the Saints are moving on. Players are high fiving fans everywhere, standing on benches, and yelling at the top of their lungs. I'm right there. Someone grabs a lineman's hand as he passes by and pleads, "FINISH THIS. WE NEED THIS!" All of the talk about this being the Saints year begins to ring true, as the party spills out on to Bourbon St. Three weeks later the Saints completed their Manifest Destiny at the expense of the Colts, and for at least a night, or ten given the way they party on Bourbon, all of the weight was lifted from the city of New Orleans. We had moved on from New Orleans about three hours west, but the jubilation was no less. Five years later and the city and the team had turned it around, albeit may take another five before a full recovery. (Many of the outlying parishes still show signs of a time when people were more concerned with finding food or water, and search parties, then who won on Sunday.) No less, the Saints have put the city on their back. They have given hope. They have made them winners. They have provided four months of meaningful Sundays, rather then relying on one eventful Tuesday in February.  They have left everyone saying "WHO DAT? ... DAT THEM SAINTS!"

B(c)S

In the 1998 - 1999 college football season, the NCAA made the move to the current BCS system. It was described as a new intricate system combining an expansive computer algorithm with human polls to determine the top 10 teams in college football. Namely, if for nothing else, its sole purpose was to accurately name the top two teams to play for the National Championship. It's just too bad that this is its biggest fault. This year is hard to argue, with Auburn and Oregon clearly being the top teams, although I'm sure there are plenty TCU faithful that would argue and how can you blame them. Back to back undefeated regular seasons, and the team they put out on the field this year might as well be the most complete team in college football. Yet they don't realistically get a look until people lose in front of them. Since its inception, the BCS has had 7 years of doubt come bowl selection time, and oddly enough the two title contenders that face each other one month from today know that pain all too well. A 2001 Oregon team was left at home for a Nebraska team that didn't even win its own conference. A 2004 undefeated Auburn was left at home, replaced by Oklahoma, who casually strolled out against USC and dropped a close one: 55 - 19. Couple that with a decision to have co-champs in 2003, which is as exciting as kissing your sister, and you begin to wonder if it really works. Now, a decade later, new info came out this week that suggests whether or not the system can even be trusted. Bob Kustra, president of Boise State, doesn't need a reason to talk down to BCS officials. So when someone unaffiliated with the selection process noticed an error that ultimately led to Boise jumping to number 10 over LSU he went off, and rightfully so. Imagine if Boise played in a BCS recognized conference, or hadn't lost to Nevada. It would most likely result in some match-ups being switched around, and a few, very pissed off school officials. Obviously a playoff would leave no doubt and appease more people than it would disappoint, but it seems so far off as certain higher up individuals continue to make as much money as they do in the current system. Never mind the fact that with all the fanfare behind such a spectacle they could expect to make five times as much in revenue. A few weeks ago, Ohio State pres. Elwood Gee made the comment that teams such as Boise State and TCU don't deserve a chance to play for a national title when they are, "playing the sister's of the poor" every week in their current conferences. Let it be noted that Gee is a rather large supporter of the BCS, and his Buckeyes have benefited greatly from its system over the last decade. It should also be noted that three of their first four games were against sub-division teams, and five of their first six were at home. He should be one to talk about another programs schedule. Hopefully, one day, its He and Buckeye Nation that find themselves left out, and then, and only then, the BCS may just seem like a bunch of BS.

INTRODUCTION

My name is Jon and I LOVE sports. You know that. What you don't know is I'm 25, born/raised/reside in Santa Monica, Ca. I bat right, throw right, but shoot left. Yea, I played hockey too. My teams are the Lakers, Dodgers, L.A. Kings, and the Eagles. I travel full time for work as an event and promotions marketer, and wouldn't trade it for anything unless your business card says ESPN, or at least comes with my own parking spot. Covering approximately 125,000 miles on the road, I have been to 49 of 50 states. 24 MLB stadiums, 23 NFL stadiums, 17 NHL arenas, 11 NBA arenas, and more college campuses than my liver cares to remember. The last three years I have seen the runner up or champion, or both, play during the regular season in each of the four major pro sports. To say I follow sports is an understatement. Saying that's an understatement is an understatement. With that I give you my blog. An insightful look into everything going on in sports, looks back on my own experiences as well as while they're happening when I return to the road at the end of January 2011. Talking sports has always come easy, hopefully writing sports follows suit. Enjoy.