I just realized that for some reason, my Dec. 31 article did not post until today. Strange. Please know that I certainly wrote it on Dec. 31 and thought it had posted.

There may have been a glitch with B/R. In any event, please trust me that I did not intend to "cheat" in any way.

On to tonight's pick! I like the UCLA Bruins giving 15 to Oregon State.

Why? Well, if UCLA wins by as many points as Oregon State had losses in the Pac-10 last year, then the Bruins would cover. Did that make sense?

What I'm trying to say is that the Beavers went 0-18 last year in conference, and while they are improved this season, home losses to Yale and Montana State tell me they still aren't ready to compete with top-tier programs.

UCLA is a top-tier program, and should roll tonight in the conference opener.

Today's Pick: UCLA -15; 2 units

Season Record: 25-16 (61 percent); +13.4 units