The end is near for the regular season edition of Baby's Losers. Fear not, we will declare a winner and wipe the slate clean in preparation for the Bowl Season that starts soon.
Of all the nutty luck, Thanksgiving proved to give the experts here more trouble than any week so far.
No doubt the complete surrender of Spurrier's Gamecocks to Clemson, Kansas' upset of Missouri, Ga Tech running over Georgia on the road, and Oregon State finally coming apart in The Civil War did not help anyone who chose them to win.
Still, we do not have a clear cut BCS Title game among the top football teams. This situation has happened before (see picture above from 1979), and will happen again.
This final week of the regular season features the Conference Championship Games of Saturday, The Army–Navy clash, and several other closely matched contests.
BABY'S LOSERS FOR DEC. 6
1) THE ACC CHAMPIONSHIP: BOSTON COLLEGE VS. VIRGINIA TECH IN TAMPA– This is a rematch of a game won earlier by Boston College. The problem with this game is that Georgia Tech is obviously the best team in the ACC right now. Baby's Loser, Va Tech.
2) THE BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP: MISSOURI VS. OKLAHOMA IN KANSAS CITY– Poor old Mizzou, the past two seasons they've had the best teams seen around the Show–Me State in decades, and they don't have a BCS Bowl to show for it. They still won't. Baby's Loser, Missouri.
3) THE ARMY VS. THE NAVY IN PHILADELPHIA– One takes sides with this game as a child. Just about everyone in the country has an opinion on who will win this game. The Black Knights have improved this season but Navy will be ready. Baby's Loser, The Army.
4) SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA @ UCLA– It has been said that "anything can happen in a rivalry game." While Tricky Rick has restored some old Bruin pride in Westwood, he and Norm Chow just don't have the answers for this behemoth. Baby's Loser, UCLA.
5) ARIZONA STATE @ ARIZONA– As good as it gets in desert warfare. The Sun Devils are finally on the roll Dennis Erickson knew they were capable of performing. Down in Tucson, Mike Stoops has built a winner on rugged defense. Baby's Loser, Arizona State.
6) CINCINNATI @ HAWAII– Arrogant and powerful, Coach Brian Kelly's Bearcats have already won the Big East Title and appear headed to the Orange Bowl. Hawaii has a reputation of providing tough competition out in the islands. Baby's Loser, Hawaii.
7) SOUTH FLORIDA @ WEST VIRGINIA– Before Cincy took over the Big East, this was supposed to be the game of the year in the league. Now, each is 7–4 and battling for Bowl positioning. Expect a terrific battle between George Selvie and Pat White. Baby's Loser, South Florida.
GAME OF THE WEEK
8) THE SEC CHAMPIONSHIP: ALABAMA VERSUS FLORIDA IN ATLANTA– Two coaches that have won national titles and take a hands–on approach to coaching. Florida has been awesome and Alabama has been outstanding. Let's go with No. 1. Baby's Loser, Florida.
RACE FOR THE TITLE
NAME LAST WEEK MISSED FOR THE YEAR/PCT
1) "12" 4–4 CAROLINA, GEORGIA, MISSOURI, OREGON STATE 94–26, 78%
2) TIMOTHY 4–4 CAROLINA, GEORGIA, MISSOURI, OREGON STATE 91–29, 76%
BABY TATE WENT 4–4, MISSING CAROLINA, GEORGIA, MISSOURI, AND OREGON STATE FOR 89–31 AND 74% FOR THE YEAR.
Kent finished No. 1 for the week with a 7–1 record, missing only Kansas over Missouri. Brad did the Blue Devil Nation proud by going 6–2. At 5–3 were Robert, Kenneth (who also stated Wake Forest would upset Vanderbilt), Daniel, and Cliff. Franklin led the way for the Mendoza Line at 4–4 but deserves a Mulligan for Oregon/Oregon State.
Also at 4–4 were Trey (I wonder if he had his wife pick for him?), Kristofer, Michael, Irish Michael, Issac (No doubt he's glad he did the real picks after he did his wishful picks), and longtime participant MiamiMitch. Adam came in at 3–5 as did last week's leader, Red Raider. I'm sure he'll take the Texas Tech win over Baylor as a consolation prize!
A tough week. Thanks to everyone who played, and good luck to everyone next week!
41 comments Last one added 6 months ago — Leave a Comment
12 7 months ago
My answer to the poll question: Florida and Texas.
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12 7 months ago
In an attempt to edit my comment, I accidentally deleted it instead. Unfortunately in doing that I deleted yours and Red Raiders comments along with mine. Please accept my sincere apologies. Here are my picks, once again:
Winners:
Winners:
1. Boston College
2. Oklahoma
3. Navy
4. USC
5. Arizona State
6. Cincinnati
7. West Virginia
8. Alabama
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BabyTate 7 months ago
Thanks for that update, I'll contact Red Raider and advise him to repost.
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Cliff Teague 7 months ago
VaTech loses in a game that should include a different Tech
Missouri can't handle the Sooners
Army drops one to Navy
UCLA can't slow down USC
AZ State loses
Hawaii ain't the same without June
USF can't handle WV
Florida gets frustrated against Bama's D
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BabyTate 7 months ago
Thanks Cliff, I agree about Ga Tech.
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Kent Moore 7 months ago
--Losers--
Boston College
Missouri
Army
UCLA
Arizona
Hawaii
South Florida
Alabama
If Oklahoma and Alabama both lose, Florida and Texas should be picked based on ranking, but everyone would want Florida vs USC. Penn State could make a case as well but that would fall on deaf ears.
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BabyTate 7 months ago
Kent, congratulations on last week. I see you have Arizona to lose, that could be the difference maker.
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Nick The Only 7 months ago
Losers:
Virginia Tech
Missouri (could make it interesting)
Army
UCLA (by a lot)
ASU
Hawaii
WVU
Alabama (by a lot)
Poll: Florida and Texas
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BabyTate 7 months ago
Appreciate it Nick. I was curious about how you would see a Missouri–Alabama game based on those comments of the losers. Do you think Chase Daniel would be too much for Alabama?
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Nick The Only 7 months ago
I think Bama could handle Mizzou because I don't Mizzou has a good enough defense to hang with Bama.
The big misconception regarding Florida v. Alabama is that Bama is the more physical team. In fact, Florida has the bigger offensive line and averages almost 40 yards more per game rushing. Just because Florida spreads people out doesn't mean they are not physical. Tebow is bigger than any of Bama's running backs (by more than 20 lbs). Florida often runs right up the middle with great success. Florida has run for over 300 yards in 3 straight games and run for 3+ TDs in 9 straight games.
Everyone touts Bama's defense (ranked 3rd nationally), but Florida's defense is just as good (4th nationally). The difference in this game is that Florida's offense is much better than Bamas (in fact, two touchdowns and extra points per game better) and Florida's special teams is also a cut above Bama's special teams.
Two even defenses and one grossly mismatched offense = a win for Florida.
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BabyTate 7 months ago
Thanks Nick, that's a good analysis of the SEC Title Game.
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JoeGator Gator 7 months ago
Saban has done a brilliant job in bringing Bama back to being a big-time program, but Bama still lags a couple years behind Florida in overall team development. Florida may be the college fastest team ever assembled, and the Georgia Dome is a fast track. Toughness? Both teams are very tough, indeed.
However... Too many weapons (at every position), too much team leadership, too much experience, and again, far too much team speed... Florida by 21+ (could be a complete blowout if Florida gets a two+ score lead in the 1st quarter and Bama is forced out of their ball-control game plan).
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Brad Frank 7 months ago
My LOSERS for this week:
1. Virginia Tech
2. Missouri
3. Army
4. UCLA
5. Arizona State
6. Hawai'i
7. South Florida
8. Alabama
You were right about Todd Reesing and Kansas last week. Had I picked the Jayhawks, I would have went 7-1 for Thanksgiving Week.
Big game for the Dukies tonight!
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BabyTate 7 months ago
You did great last week. We're not finding any takers on the Army.
Thanks for the comment.
Yes, tonight is one of 3 or 4 this year as the underdog.
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Trey Jones 7 months ago
BT...
So much for marital bliss... my better half no longer has game picking privileges!
Here I go...
1) THE ACC CHAMPIONSHIP: BOSTON COLLEGE VS. VIRGINIA TECH IN TAMPA
AKA the Mysto Bowl - you just don't know which team will show up... BC cruises to victory - VT tanks
2) THE BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP: MISSOURI VS. OKLAHOMA IN KANSAS CITY
The Okies have been known to have a bit of a problem with post season play... However, this time all goes well for the Sooners. Missouri crashes back to reality - again.
3) THE ARMY VS. THE NAVY IN PHILADELPHIA
OK, I have been plugging for the service academies all season long - at the expense of my winning percentage... I learned my lesson picking Army to win games in the past... Navy wins this one.
4) SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA @ UCLA
Hmmmm... Is it brain hiccup time for USC again? Probably not so I say UCLA ends the season with another notch in the loss column.
5) ARIZONA STATE @ ARIZONA
I gotta go with the Sun Devils.
6) CINCINNATI @ HAWAII
What a difference a year makes... Hawaii tanks
7) SOUTH FLORIDA @ WEST VIRGINIA
My brain says WV but I gotta pull for the Bulls. I know they have one more good game in them.
GAME OF THE WEEK
8) THE SEC CHAMPIONSHIP: ALABAMA VERSUS FLORIDA IN ATLANTA
This game will be a great contest on multiple levels. I have been impressed with Florida's blocking against ranked defenses - and by blocking I mean everybody blocking - linemen, wideouts, and Tebow! The real test for the Tide will be coming up with a plan to pressure Tebow AND keep the flanks covered to bottle up the outside runs - boiled down... that means NOT getting tied up by the Gator wideout blocking schemes.
Alabama's offense looks solid but venerable should the inside running game get bogged down. Florida's secondary seems to be talented enough to keep the big plays to a minimum and provide enough of a coverage delay to allow the D line to force a few mistakes.
We'll see...
Gators make it to Miami Gardens. Alabama loses a heartbreaker.
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BabyTate 7 months ago
Those are great pick choices and an outstanding analysis.
Good luck Trey !
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Isaac Luber 7 months ago
Not much excitement for me this weekend, as their is no chance for the NC now, but still some exciting games. Losers:
1) BC. The favorite/ranked team always gets knocked off in the ACC, and I expect it to happen again.
2) Mizzou. OU's in the NC. Against who? Find out from my final pick.
3) The Army. Navy's clearly better, but maybe Army could keep it close with Navy like Notre Dame did with superior Syracuse. haha.
4) UCLA. At least now we can have a fun Rose Bowl, even though it would be a win whether we played Oregon State or USC.
5) Arizona. Arizona is better, but I have to pick against them for 2 reasons. 1: I need to pick an upset, and Bama vs. Florida isn't an upset no matter who you pick. 2: My oldest brother went to Zona, and we always taunt each other, so I hate Arizona.
6) Hawaii. Cincy's looking good. Looks like they've won the Big East.
7) South Florida. They stink, WVU's pretty good. Enough said.
8) This game will be a blowout, no contest. The winner of this is easily in the NC alongside Oklahoma. My loser: Alabama. Florida wins by 20+ baby!!! WOOHOO!!! Its over! UF blows out Bama, who has been a pretender all season and will finally be proven one!
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Cliff Teague 7 months ago
Sort of like Penn State was/is.
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BabyTate 7 months ago
Issac, you have some interesting upsets in there with Boston College and Arizona going down. I like your reason for picking Arizona State!
Florida by 20 over the #1 team in the country? If that is so, the Gators may end up #1 in the final poll with Oklahoma #2.
Thanks Issac!
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Isaac Luber 7 months ago
Cliff, are you a troll like Calvin, too? Wow...the trolls really like me.
BT, thanks. I think UF is much better than Bama. I have to pick some upsets...or else it won't be fun. UF over Bama isn't an upset in my mind, though.
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Cliff Teague 7 months ago
Not a troll, I don't have a problem with you picking UF over Bama, it is the easy pick. Picking Bama would be picking the upset. I even like Penn State, I was hoping they'd win out and we'd win out so we could have a rematch of the Goal Line Stand Sugar Bowl. Anyway, even if UF wins Bama hasn't been a "pretender" this year, they've taken on all comers and come away with a W, something no other "major" college can say. Maybe they haven't gotten the style points UF has, but Bama's offense isn't built to run up the score and continually kick a team they have obviously beaten. Good luck on your picks, but no way Bama loses by 20+.
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JEN YATES 7 months ago
This is the first time i have been on here and probley the last but let me say that calling alabama a pretender is F***ED UP THEY HAVE COME ALONG WAY.... if you truly love football and watch it then you should be able to admit that even if you like the other team better there should be no putting down these guys have practiced they have played and they have made it to a great spot ... if they lose they lose and hold their heads up high because they made it this far which is more then they have in the past years.. so just don't be so damn hateful towards the teams you know those boys have feelings too. and they are the ones out there getting hammered not YOU
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12 7 months ago
Isaac, do you still think this Alabama team is a pretender? Or has reality set in and made you a believer? Bama was one sack away from a win, hardly a blowout, and one of the best games I have ever seen. The hardest hittting game of the year by far. I've pulled for your Penn State team all season, niw how about giving my Bama team the respect they deserve. ROLL TIDE!
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Michael Collins 7 months ago
Losers:
Va Tech
Missouri
Army
UCLA
ASU
Hawaii
S. Fla.
Alabama
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BabyTate 7 months ago
Alabama to fall. Thanks for those predictions Michael, could be a home run this week for you.
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Daniel Howie 7 months ago
Clearly the polls were swayed by Mack Brown's lobbying during Thanksgiving Week. How else do you explain OU losing 6 votes in the USA Today poll, and being flipped in the Harris Poll AFTER beating Oklahoma State in Stillwater by 20 (or, if you don't want to count that last TD, 13)? The computers voted the Sooners #1. Do they realize something that biased, flawed humans don't? Time will tell. I like your reasoning, BT, on this subject.
Anyway, here are my winners:
1. ACC Champion is Virginia Tech. I'm not sold on BC. The real loser is America for not getting to see the Yellow Jackets in the title game.
2. Big 12 Champion is Oklahoma. I've been hearing about comparisons to 2003 already. This year is a different scenario. That year, we (team and fan base) got really arrogant, our QB injured his throwing thumb during the game, and our defense was outcoached by Bob's teacher, Bill Snyder. This year we know we've been given a gift, and if we don't perform, it'll be a decade before we get another chance in a tiebreaker situation. Hopefully the Sooners expect a revenge-filled Tiger team after their beatdown we handed them in last year's Big 12 Championship. I know that they lost a heartbreaker to KU, but I still wouldn't discount the Tigers. The key is to jump on them early and keep the home crowd from being a factor.
3. Navy. The real winner is America for both teams' service to this country.
4. USC becomes the Pac-10 Champion with a stifling defense and just enough offensive firepower to beat their crosstown rival.
5. Arizona wins the Territorial Cup. ASU has won against the worst of the Pac-10 and the Wildcats are not part of that group anymore. They're going bowlin'!
6. Cincinatti- I sincerely hope that Cincy doesn't admire the Hawaiian scenery TOO much, and forget to play football. For that reason, I'll say that it'll be closer than it should be.
7. West Virginia- Since it's in Morgantown, I'll say that despite Bill Stewart's inexperienced coaching, Pat White gets it done for Senior Day/Night.
8. Alabama- Far too many people are writing off the #1 team in the land. Isaac may be right, and the Tide could be pretending. If that's the case, then yes, it will be a blowout. But I don't see that happening. The Tide roll on to Miami for a crimson v. crimson national championship showdown.
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BabyTate 7 months ago
Missouri 2008 is a lead–footed team that doesn't have the team speed to keep up with Oklahoma, they are no comparson to the cat-quick Kansas State team of 2003. If Mizzou beats OU, it will be because OU is totally unprepared, looking ahead, and not focused on the game at hand. It would be another blow to Bob Stoops' coaching ability most recently at work versus Bill Stewart's Mountaineers in the Fiesta Bowl 11 months ago. You know the story. I can't see that happening here.
I agree with you about a lot of the comments you've prepared, that is excellent work.
Texas can't go to the BCS Championship because they lost the head to head with Texas Tech and according to Mack Brown, that is all that matters, head to head. So, according to Texas, Texas Tech must go to the BCS Title game.
Appreciate the input!
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RedRaider Red 7 months ago
I was wrong to believe that last week was the last "losers" article by BT. Glad to know that isn't the case.
So here we go:
1) Virginia Tech
- Deja Vu here as last year BC bt. VTech in the reg season and then lost to them in the ACC CG. Not happening again. But then again, this is the flip-a-coin-to-decide-the-winner ACC. How I wish Georgia Tech played in this game. But then again, I also wish Texas Tech played in the Big 12 CG!
2) Missouri
- Sorry, I just don't see it.
3) The Army
- Navy is the better team this year.
4) UCLA
- Had fun reading about the "time-out controversy".
5) Arizona State
- Last year the home team won. Repeat.
6) Hawaii
- Is this their 13th regular season game? Why? Seriously.. I want an answer.
7) South Florida
- Both teams are pretty mediocre this year. West Virginia gets revenge.
8) Alabama
- I'm sorry I just don't see it happening. I don't think this will even be close. If I'm proven wrong, I'll have the UTMOST respect for Alabama.
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BabyTate 7 months ago
Red Raider, I agree with your ACC Championship logic totally.
Hawaii= Because everyone wants to go there and play.
"12" stated he accidently deleted a comment by you at the top, just recheck and see.
Thanks Red Riader, rest up that football powerhouse. It's a long off season and you'll want to destroy whomever you face in the grand old Cotton Bowl to make it a happy one.
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Josh Rosenberg 7 months ago
I think I accidentaly deleted m predictions while trying to make a reply so here's them again:
Loser's:
BC
Oklahoma
Army
UCLA
Arizona State
Hawaii
West Virginia
Florida
BCS Title game: Texas vs. Alabama
USC is stuck with the Rose Bowl
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BabyTate 7 months ago
What is all of this deleting comments?
Thanks Josh, Alabama is sitting pretty today.
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Robert 7 months ago
Man, this season has flown by.
My winners:
Boston College
Oklahoma
Navy
USC
Arizona
Cincy
South Florida
Nick Saban
Poll question:
Who should play for it? Florida and Texas
Which game would I rather watch? Florida and USC
-Man, I'd love to buy a TV ad during that one.
Florida's explosive offense vs. USC's killer defense would be one for the DVR.
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BabyTate 7 months ago
Robert, you've got a good slate there. Great point about Fla vs. Sou Cal.
Thanks !
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GoBears 2008 7 months ago
Losers:
1. Virginia Tech
2. Mizzou
3. Army
4. UCLA
5. ASU
6. Hawai'i
7. South Florida
8. The BCS - bad joke, please keep reading . . . Alabama. Bama allowed over 200 yards rushing to LSU: what will Tebow and company rush for (even without Harvin)?
BCS title game: UF and OU, but I'd really like to see Meyer's spread vs. USC's extremely stingy D.
What if UF beats OU, but by less than 10, and Texas plays Alabama in a bowl game and beats them by a larger margin than Florida did?
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BabyTate 7 months ago
Alabama has never beaten Texas. Bad match up for the Tide based on past experience.
Looks like Texas is headed to the Fiesta Bowl to play Ohio State unless Mizzou upsets Oklahoma.
Appears the Bama-Fla loser goes to the Sugar Bowl to play Utah.
Good spelling for our 50th state. Hardly anyone uses the accurate spelling you provided.
So, you say Alabama will lose. Just could be. Thanks for the input, and Go Bears !
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Timothy Croley 7 months ago
I'm really getting nervous now!
Losers:
1) VaTech - I never understood what a Hokie was anyway
2) Missouri - they are old news. OK must prove they should have gone over TX to the title game
3) Army - by the flip of a coin
4) UCLA - USC in the home colors rocks the rose bowl
5) Arizone - Erickson & Co. will win the big rivalry game
6) Hawaii - the Bearcats are looking to up their bowl bid
7) USF - gotta go with Pat White, after all, he is from "just down the road" in Sweet Home Alabama!
8) Florida - Bama continues down the steady road of taking care of business and moves on to glory land once again
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BabyTate 7 months ago
Thanks Timothy, glad to get your picks, you've been such a trooper all year long.
Here is my take on your predictions:
2- How slow is Missouri? Are they really that lead-footed or do those black pants with gold shirts just make them appear that way?
5– Wow!
8– I agree. Why is this considered such a stretch? Every week Alabama has gone about their business while others were shining stars one week, bums the next. I will be shocked if Alabama loses the game.
Don't forget, we're doing the Bowls also! You have a reputation to protect!
BT
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Ryan Raber 7 months ago
BT-
Back from vacation, so ready to offer up some ho-hum picks.
1. Va Tech- the compression in the top of the ACC standings is truly remarkable. BC defense has been very stout down the stretch.
2. Mizzou- Though I would sorely like the upset, fact is ou is superior in this one. Shame a team that beat BOTH of them by double digits has to watch it.
3. ARMY- Navy is fired up abot their post season- which is almost becoming routine for them. (Then again, the field is out to 68 teams these days...)
4. UCLA- it wouldn't matter if USC wore tutus and left their helmets at home.
5. Arizona- ASU seems to have righted the ship. maybe they slip into a bowl with a win over rival.
6. Cincy- no reason they should lose. No reason for them to be UBER focused either, and just maybe the jetlag messes them up a bit.
7. USF- what a difference a year makes...
8. Bama- though I would probably take them and the points, I think Florida may be running too hot right now.
my response got SO long, I made it into an article... let me know your thoughts...
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BabyTate 7 months ago
The Army to lose. South Fla to lose. Nice move on VPI. Natch I disagree with #8.
Shock City is your #5, but, nothing can compare to your Cincy losing at #6. If you are right about that the Brian Kelly-Love– A–Thon needs to be re-evaluated on a national scene. I'll tell you, Cincy waltzes around like the second coming of the old Miami Mafia of 1981 to 1994, pointing at players and laughing. They might need to be brought down a peg or two. Hawaii might get into a fight with them. Hawaii likes to fight, they fought Alabama out in the middle of the field a few years back.
Great picks and thanks a lot Ryan !
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Cliff Teague 6 months ago
How about a final Baby's Losers column to let us all know how everyone did?
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BabyTate 6 months ago
Watch for Baby's Bowl Losers, coming out on Dec. 15th. We'll cover the last week of the regular season.
Thanks Cliff
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