I am still here in Vegas, having received text messages all night long wanting to know if I was on my way back to Steubenville since I won my bet with the Bears +3½.
Like the bunny that keeps going and going and going, I am no longer in Punxsutawney but have officially now entered the Twilight Zone.
Rod Serling, creator of that legendary TV show, may have said it better than I ever could. Here are a couple of his quotes, “It may be said with a degree of assurance that not everything that meets the eye is as it seems.”
Rod would open the program with this one that came to mind after the Broncos hit the 59 yard field goal to send the game to OT, “There is a fifth dimension, beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition.”
So where does that leave us as the Tebow miracle train keeps chugging along well?
As for myself, the Christmas season is here and gifts need to be purchased. I will stay in the Zone and take the money won with the Bears and parlay it all. Not half, but all.
I even may stop by the ATM, since I don’t get paid this week, draw a few out and add it on to my bet. Christmas comes early for me, if I am correct, laying the -6½ points on the road with the Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High.
If I lose there will be no presents and I will be penning my next column under the name of Ebenezer Scrooge.
We get our first taste of the College Bowl games this Saturday. I will try picking some winners, especially since I have no opinion on the Thursday night NFL game or the Saturday one.
I do like some Sunday games, but we’ll begin with three Bowls for this Saturday.
NEW MEXICO
University Stadium, Albuquerque, N.M.
Temple -6½ vs. Wyoming (48)
An 11 a.m. PT start. The Owls had a great season in the MAC finishing 8-4 overall and winning their last three games, covering two. Their last four games all went over the total. They head past the Mississippi for the first time and face the Cowboys who also had a great season, going 8-4 both SU and ATS. They stay West and the fan base will be theirs. By the way, the last five games Wyoming played went under the total. WYOMING.
IDAHO POTATO
Bronco Stadium, Boise, Idaho
Utah State -3 vs. Ohio U (57½)
A 2:30 p.m. PT start. The Bobcats won their last five before losing 23-20 to Northern Illinois for the MAC Championship, 23-20. Ohio finished 9-4 but only covered five times with two pushes. They did play west of the Mississippi beating New Mexico State in the opener, 44-24, a team Utah State beat 24-21 as a -13 point chalk. The Aggies’ two best games were a narrow loss at Auburn and their win over Nevada. State finished the season with five straight wins, but only covered twice. I prefer betting the total. UNDER.
NEW ORLEANS
Superdome, New Orleans
UL-Lafayette +5 vs. San Diego St (58½)
A late game (6 p.m. PT) in Cajun country could spell doom for the Aztecs, but I don’t think so. The Aztecs may have a defense that can handle the Ragin’ Cajuns. SAN DIEGO ST./UNDER 58½
NFL Sunday
Bears -4. The Seahawks come off the Monday night game and the weather will be cold. Lovie and his players are still scratching their heads wondering what just happened in Denver. Look for the Bears to rule their den. BEARS.
Patriots 6½ – best bet.
Cardinals -6½. The Browns travel East to West – a trend that has been holding up. Cards have won and covered their last three.
Chargers +2½. Another very good bet on the money line. San Diego is making its late run at a playoff spot. Bet the money line or take +3 if you find it.
NFL Monday
49ers -2½. A great bet as the hurt and old Steelers travel across the time zone and play the Niners in their last home game, Look for the San Francisco defense to put the hurt on Big Ben who is already in pain.