Sunday, October 26, 2014

Week 10 2014 College Football Predictions

Time is short today so here are the Bartendercabbie System picks for week 10 of the 2014 season. Last week "the System" was 7-3 with a 62-28 record for the year.

On to the work at hand......

1. FSU vs Louisville: This could be one that is dangerous to the Seminoles. Thursday night on the road against a team that can look good at times. Yes, might be a problem.  This, and the Miami game down the road, may be the only real challenges left for the "Noles. FSU does not face Duke this season. Go with the Florida team.

2. Tulsa vs Memphis: Memphis has a legitimate shot in the AAC and a (very) outside chance of finding themselves in the Top25. Tulsa is dismal. Maybe not quite SMU dismal but dismal none the less. Go with the Tigers.

3. Rice vs FIU: The Owls may be the only team in CUSA with an outside shot of taking Marshall down. They should win this one. Go with Rice.          

4. Auburn vs Ole Miss: The big game of the week likely. Ole Miss will be wanting to prove that their loss last week in Tigerland was an anomaly and Auburn is still string to prove they are the best of the best in the SEC. This could be a good one and could possibly  have "playoff" implications. Whoever loses will be on the outside looking in. Toss up and I will go with Ole Miss.

5. Arkansas vs Mississippi State: The Hogs got a much needed win Saturday albeit not a SEC victory. MSU may be the best in the land at this point although it must be noted that the Hogs are not a bad team. Just snake bit. I would pick the team from Mississippi here.

6. San Diego State vs Nevada: Toss up here. I will flip the coin and go with SDSU. Why? Hard to say.

7. Stanford vs Oregon: Oregon is a good football team and Stanford has shown themselves to be a decent group at times. Still, this is the upset of the week likely and I will pick Stanford to pretty much knock the Ducks out of contention for the college "playoff system."

8. Tennessee vs South Carolina: A lot was expected out of USC this season and it has just not panned out. These things happen to be sure. No one really expected too much out of Tennessee, they are still in "rebuild" mode I would guess. Can't use the disaster that was Kiffin as an excuse anymore though. That has been a bit ago and it is wearing thin. This game is another one of those toss ups and I will go with Spurrier's bunch.

9. Utah State vs Hawaii: These particular Aggies have shown themselves to be a pretty good Mountain West team and Hawaii has not been very good since the June Jones era. It is likely Norm will be gone after this season. Maybe they should ask Jones to come back? He sure didn't do much with the Dallas rich kids (SMU) though. Look for Utah State to take this one.

10. Houston vs South Florida: Houston seems to have turned a corner and now may prove to be a dark horse in the AAC. Or not. South Florida is just not a very good ball club although I do like the HC. He should have stayed where he was frankly. Go with Houston for the win here.

Have a good week and enjoy the games.


Sunday, October 19, 2014

BartenderCabbie System College Football Top 25 10/19/2014

The Seminole/Irish match up yesterday was a good one and no mistake. Notre Dame lost on the back of a semi controversial call against them in the last seconds or they would have had the FSU cold. Notre Dame is for real and will  move up in the rankings despite the loss. Question is; could the Noles and/or the Fighting Irish play with and have a better than even chance against the best of the best of the SEC? Probably so. It is entirely possible that one or both of them will meet an SEC opponent in the upcoming college football "playoff." Of course there are a couple of Big Ten teams to consider along with perhaps one out of the PAC 12 and one or two out of the Big Twelve. A lot of football left to be played before we get to that.....
 However this newfangled "playoff" works out we can be sure of one thing. It will leave some deserving teams out in the cold. Probably won't be much (if any) better than the much maligned and now defunct BCS.

On to the BartenderCabbie System Top 25....

1. Ole Miss: A trouncing of a lower middle of the pack SEC opponent keeps them in the number one spot.

2. FSU: Close call with the Irish. Not much left on their schedule.

3. Mississippi State: Idle.

4. Alabama: Redemption of sorts with them absolutely destroying the Aggies. Kiffin lives to fight another day? One can bet Nick won't put up with any losing ways..........

5. Auburn: Idle.

6. Notre Dame: This team is for real. Perhaps (just perhaps) ranked a bit low.

7. Oregon: The only PAC 12 team that matters as far as the national picture goes. Well probably. The PAC 12 has a lot of parity it seems.

8. Michigan State: A good ball team. Better than Ohio State at this point? Time will tell.

9. Ohio State: Moving up. Getting past the stigma of the early season defeat at the hands of a mediocre Hokie squad.

10. TCU: Better than anyone expected. Let one get away a couple of weeks back.

11. Kansas State: Snyder has a tough schedule remaining. If they run the table?.........

12. Georgia: Best of the second tier SEC teams.

13. Baylor: A lot of people not totally surprised that WVU topped the Bears. The BartenderCabbie system picked them for the win but it was noted that they did have trouble getting their offense started a while back against the Longhorns. Of course there was the huge comeback on the Frogs.......The Bears are a good team that can play with anyone on a good day but might falter to just above average teams on a bad one.

14. Oklahoma: Still in the Big Twelve race but likely knocked out of contention for the national "playoffs."

15. Arizona: Benefit of the doubt.

16. Arizona State: Ditto

17. West Virginia: Dana may keep his job if this continues.

18. East Carolina: A dangerous squad for anyone outside the Top 10. Perhaps a problem for a few in that are in that elite bunch.

19. Nebraska: Perhaps ranked a bit high here. Time will tell.

20. Minnesota: The Gophers are having a dream season as far as such things go. Can they sustain?

21. Marshall: See East Carolina. Same thing here. Only team left on the schedule who could give them problems would be Rice. The Owls would have to have an exceptionally good day and catch the Herd on a bad one.

22. Utah: Been a while but in the PAC 12 anything seems possible

23. USC: Better than when Kiffin was there. To be sure. 

24. Clemson: Had their troubles last Saturday. Wishy washy group.

25. LSU: Had a good game against a better than average Kentucky squad. Will they be able to continue forward?

Teams right on the edge.
1. Duke: Quietly building a good season. Well coached bunch.
2. UCLA: Perhaps. Can be dangerous to anyone on a good day.
3. Colorado State: Is this the best of the Mountain West? Hard to say. Toss up likely between the Rams and the Broncos.
4. Louisville: OK. Perhaps. Petrino does know how to win.
5. BYU: I'm not counting them out to fight their way back into the Top 25. Tough one with Boise coming up.

Teams with a shot of entry -  in no particular order
1. Houston: Improving it seems. QB change seemed to do wonders. Handled a better than usual Temple squad with relative ease.
2. Oklahoma State: Can be pretty good. Can be very bad.
4. Stanford: May yet make it in.
5. Boise State: Not a major player in the national picture for a couple of seasons but a very good Mountain West team. Dangerous.
6. Memphis: Look for the Tigers to make further moves in the AAC.
7. Arkansas: If they would quit shooting themselves in the foot this would be a good team. Needs a kicking game to be sure. Dismal.
8. Mizzou: Hard to gauge. Can look good. Can look bad.
9. Kentucky: Has a tough row to hoe the remainder of the season. If they bounce back they could conceivably make it in. Might surprise some folk before all is said and done.
10. South Carolina: I would not count out Spurrier's bunch just yet.
11. Texas Agriculture: They looked terrible against the Tide. Horrific. They are not that bad. Are they?
13. North Dakota State: Would have a shot if they played in the upper division. They don't.
14. Maryland: I don't know. They got some votes. The Turtles in the Big Ten just doesn't seem right to me.
15. Miami: Could make some noise before all is said and done.
16. Arkansas State: Perhaps if they run the table in the Sun Belt and some (quite a few) folks falter. Long shot. Probably the best of the SBC. Has a tough one with the Cajuns upcoming.
17. Wisconsin: A pretty good Big Ten team.
18. Georgia Tech: Probably not.
19. UCF: Good team in the AAC. Has a shot at the top spot in that conference and reaching a pretty decent bowl game.
20. PSU: Perhaps. Franklin is a good coach. Maybe next year?
21. Temple: Unlikely.
22. Rutgers: Ditto. 
23. Georgia Southern: Unlikely to be sure but they are 4-0 in conference play. Will be a good SBC team before all is said and done.

Have a good week and enjoy the games. 



 




Week 9 2014 College Football Forecast and Predictions

The big FSU/Notre Dame game is in the books with the Seminoles coming away with a victory albeit a controversial (perhaps) penalty in the last seconds against the Irish that would have put them in the W column. Looked like a legitimate penalty but it has become somewhat of an issue. Be that as it may, the Seminoles were victorious and will likely find themselves in the first spot in some of the national polls especially since Mississippi State had the weekend off. One thing is certain though, Notre Dame is back as a force to reckon with on the national scene and for the first time in years, is not over rated. A legitimate Top 10 team and no mistake.

One can say the same probably for the Tide. The loss to Ole Miss and the close call with the Hogs were put behind them in the utter demolishing of the Aggies. I expected victory but certainly did not see that coming. The loss margin should put the Texas team just out of the Top 25 this week.

The Razorbacks just can't seem to quit shooting themselves in the foot. Week after week. There were chances to win against the Aggies and of course the Tide. Last week they came roaring back on the Bulldogs in the second half after the mostly self inflicted disaster that was the first. If I was Brett I would have an open call for tryouts in the kicking game. The Razorback kicking game is a disaster. The worst in the country I'm sure. That, at least, would be a start. The team is snake bit.

Over in the Big Twelve, Baylor fell to an under the radar and pretty darn good WVU squad. Dana needs a good season to keep his job probably and this win was needed. Oklahoma State has been exposed. Just too much inconsistency in Stillwater.
One could say the same of the Sooners perhaps (or perhaps not). They have the most talent in the conference to be sure but something is a bit off this season and their second conference loss may put them out of contention for the Big Twelve title and almost certainly drops them from consideration to be included in the college football "playoff."
KSU is right there but there is a lot of football left to be played. The Wildcats are a good team but will be challenged for the remainder of the schedule. Texas up next for them......

Last week the BartenderCabbie System was 5-5 for a total this season of 55-25. On to the predictions for Week 9.....


1. Arkansas State vs Louisiana Cajuns: Another Tuesday night match up and it could be a good one. The Cajuns seemed to get back on track last week and the Red Wolves are probably the team to beat in the Sun Belt. Go with the team from Arkansas.

2. Miami vs Virginia Tech: Evenly matched? Hard to say. After the Hokies win over Ohio State put them on the radar early, their season has imploded. The Hurricanes may be better than some think and I will go with them for the win. Could be close. It is likely Miami will be the only team left in the ACC with a shot of knocking FSU down a peg. That one is down the road and will be one to watch.......

3. Texas vs KSU: KSU had a very good win over the Sooners and Texas found a way to knock Iowa State off in the last seconds. That one looked like it would go into overtime but, like the Hogs of the SEC, the Cyclones are snake bit. This will be a close game and KSU will come away with a victory.

4. Ole Miss vs LSU: Is this the week that the Rebs finally lose one? Probably not, but LSU is quite capable of pulling off the upset if Ole Miss falters any. That being said, go with the team from Mississippi.

5. Michigan vs Michigan State: One of the two games the Wolverines must win if Brady has any hope of keeping his job. They won't. Go with MSU here.

6. WVU vs Oklahoma State: Another good one? Depends on which OSU team shows up. Go with the team from West Virginia although the Cowboys probably won't get stomped like they did last week in their visit to Fort Worth.

7. Georgia Southern vs Georgia State: Although Arkansas State is the team to beat in the Sun Belt, Georgia Southern is right there in the mix. This team will be find success in this conference after moving up from the lower division. Go with GSU here.

8. Boise State vs BYU: This one is a toss up. The Broncos are a good Mountain West team and BYU could still, before all is said and done, find themselves back in the top 25. Well maybe not. The loss of their exceptional starting QB derailed them but they can be a pretty good team none the less. I will flip that coin and go with the Cougars.

9. FAU vs Marshall: Go with the Herd. They may well run the table in CUSA.

10. Memphis vs SMU: The Tigers need a victory to get back on track and there appears to be no better place to do so than at Southern Methodist. Go with Memphis here.

Have a good week and enjoy the games.


Thursday, October 16, 2014

Truth and Questions From The Cab #10 with Rule 5

Time is short so onto a bit of truth and a few questions. Bartendercabbie style........

1. Dumbass Sheila Jackson Lee is still a dumbass. She is in the trenches now leading us in the fight against the dreaded "eboler" virus. May God be with her and weave.

2. Melissa Harris-Perry is a racist fool.

3. The only way to rid the world of the plague that is ISIS (ISIL) is extermination and yes extermination means killing every last one who spits between two shoes. You know it. I know it. Won't be done though. You know that too. The only folk who likely have the stomach for such a job are those whacky (in their own right) mullahs in Tehran. We would never allow that of course......sanctity of human life and all that....

4. Is the cat out of the bag now and the Ebola virus here to stay to one degree or another? You know the answer to that don't you? I think you do.

5. Why is the southern border still not closed to all but legitimate business and tourist traffic?

6. I heard somewhere the that the Federal Govt. main job is to defend the nation. Yes I'm positive I have heard that. At some time or other.

7. Is it stupid to send American troops to West Africa to help "combat" Ebola? I'll take the liberty of answering that one. Yes. This might be the first and only time in my life that I would not hold a service member in low esteem for simply saying "I ain't going." "Fuck you." There is no discernible benefit here. None. 

8. Remember recently when some fruitloop or other said that we had an obligation to help Liberia due to our past history?  Because we are a "guilty" country - or something.  I think he should suit up, head out, and take up permanent residence.  Put his money where his mouth is. So to speak. Go on a humanitarian quest as it were. Of course that won't happen. A pusillanimous dolt like many (but by no means all)  hardcore leftists I would wager. But should he decide to sack up I say, "Delta is ready when you are."

9. There is a guy at work who is a young "liberal." You know, first job out of college and all that. The kinda guy who might not necessarily suck on a wing wong but probably would hold one for a little bit.The other day I asked him to stop"screeching" at me. I left out the "like a queen in a beauty shop" part. Saved myself a trip to HR most likely. Sometimes ya just gotta reign it in. Here and there as it might be.

10. Nigeria can hold deaths from Ebola to about 38 percent of the people unlucky enough to become so afflicted I hear. The U.S. should be able to do much better than that. What percentage we can do so is beyond an educated wager likely. Still, this has the potential to damage the economy and cause a certain amount of death. This might (or might not) get real ugly.  Will real ugliness come to pass? Your guess is good as mine. Already some folk have held children out of school because of this thing. Over reaction? You tell me. Keep in mind however that we have quite a large number of deaths from the flu yearly and, at times, businesses and schools here and there have to close and no one thinks that over reaction. Ebola appears (is?) to be much harder to contract (or so the experts tell us) but that does not mean a panic can and will not ensue over the disease and this panic may or may not be justified.

11. The learned folk at the CDC might not really know what they are talking about concerning this whole Ebola thing. In the least. Shocked?

12. I have been beating around the bush and if you must have it, have it then. Our national government has endangered the public by not immediately closing all traffic between various nations in Africa and this country. They have put us all in danger. They have failed in the defense of this nation and should be held accountable.  Borders on treason? No. It is treason. Unintentional treason, but treason none the less.  Don't want to sound alarmist and it is a probability that the virus will go underground (so to speak) and have very little affect. That means nothing and beside the point. The cat is out of the bag, the virus is here, and it was preventable. Period. It is almost as if the Cuban Navy (all two patrol boats still operational) shelled Key West and the fedgov did nothing in the way of response. Except talk and back peddle of course. That goes without saying. Always.

13. On a happier note; There are probably at least 10 teams in the college football ranks who still have a shot of reaching the upper division "playoffs" and ultimately appearing in the "big game at the end." I am looking forward to the drama. Pretty sure ND State will again be the champ in the division just a step lower. That might should go without saying perhaps. The Bison are one good football team.

14. For the first time in years I rooted for the Cowboys the other day. Romo suddenly looks like a competent QB and it is always nice to see Pete Carroll lose. He (Carroll) is a scumbag and there should be no dispute. That is probably about the extent of my interest in the NFL so far this season.

15. Will Brady Hoke last out the season? If his squad can beat MSU and the hated Buckeyes it may be a possibility. Slight? I wager Brady will find himself employed in the FCS or a less prestigious program before too long. Nothing wrong with that. Can happen to the best of them. Michigan fans, like so many others (Florida, Georgia, LSU Nebraska, Texas, USC, Notre Dame, etc. etc.), expect no less than to be in contention for the somewhat mythical national championship of college football. Folks will raise holy hell when a few bad seasons fall upon them. It happens to most, (except Saban who has apparently sold his soul to Old Scratch), at one time or another.

Enough already. How about some rule 5? Two or three Latin honeys OK with you? Nothing too risque mind. Just enough to bring wood to a young man.










Sunday, October 12, 2014

BartenderCabbie System College Football Top 25 10/12/2014

It looks like both the AP and USA today have moved the Bulldogs of Mississippi State into the number one slot above the Seminoles. They have played a tougher schedule and no mistake. This following may look like SEC bias but believe me, it is not. The BC System picks for 10/12/2014 are as follows.....


1. Ole Miss:  Can't argue with the success here. Scratch the opinion that the Tide would take two of three against the Rebs. Maybe not this year it appears. Did have some trouble with Memphis a couple weeks back.

2. Mississippi State: This is a good football team. Hands down. Interchangeable with their rival down the road perhaps. One of them certainly deserves to be ranked number one at this point.

3. FSU: When will Winston prove to be a liability? This team is dangerous but too many distractions with this young dude may prove to be too much at some point. Or not. He is ridiculous as one "Johnny Football" with some questions on possible and alleged criminal tendencies that young Johnny did not have (the autograph "scandal" notwithstanding). Not ranked number one due to weaker schedule.

4. Alabama: Need to get offense on track and correct the special teams blunders. Could easily have lost to the Hogs. Still a team (but not the team) to beat in the SEC. Kiffin a liability already?

5. Auburn: Good football team that had an off (a very off) day. Some questions though. KSU should have beat them right out of the starting gate.

6. Oklahoma: Despite the loss to the Frogs, the Sooners are still perhaps the team to ultimately beat in the Big Twelve. Will be challenged by a pretty good KSU squad upcoming.

7. Baylor: Or perhaps the Bears are the team to beat.

8. Oregon: Very good squad but do not seem to be a great team. Still I would not completely rule them out for the "big game at the end." They can catch fire quickly.

9. Notre Dame: Survived a scare against a very beatable (by much of the upper division) NC team.  To be fair, even the top teams have their scare it seems. Happens to them all nearly every year.

10. TCU: Good win over Oklahoma a couple of weeks back. Had the Bears on the ropes. Let Baylor finally get their potentially explosive offense in gear.

11. Michigan State: Right now the class of the Big Ten. Keep it up and they might make a football team.

12. Kansas State: This week upcoming will prove if they belong or not.

13. Georgia: Loss of star RB (not QB - h/t to Jayhawk) did not seem to much matter against a fairly decent Mizzou squad.

14. Ohio State: Well they do keep winning.

15. Texas A&M: Has talent, well coached and could make a major turn around. Has a fearless young gun behind center but it is a bit of a rebuild in College Station.

16. Arizona: Could be. Perhaps not.

17. Stanford: Ditto

18. East Carolina: A "mid major" looking pretty darn good. Could they play with the Top 10? Perhaps on a good day. A very good day.

19. Marshall: Will have to settle for the lower half of the Top 25 even if the table is run. Face no teams from the so called "power" conferences this season. That is a shame. This team might surprise a lot of folk likely. Good staff. Excellent man behind center. Appears to be a well rounded team and I would be surprised if they don't run the table in CUSA.

20. Arizona State: Graham is an ass but he does know a bit about winning.

21. Nebraska: Pelini will be gone. Mark it. The folk in Lincoln expect no less than competing for conference champion. Pine for the glory days these Great Plains people. That is why they left the Big Twelve. What? That's not the reason? Try to be honest with yourself.

22. Clemson: Clawing their way back in? Seems so.

23. Utah: Like much of the PAC 12 other than Oregon, it is hard to say whether they really belong or not. Benefit of the doubt here.

24. Arkansas: Despite the record. Lose next week though.....

25. USC: Maybe. Improved without Kiffin it seems. Funny, things are just a bit off in Lane's new home right about now. Yes, just a tad off. The whole Bama situation makes Nick mess his hair up a least twice (a la Mack Brown) on game day.

One the brink in no particular order
1. Minnesota: Seems to keep winning....
2. Wisconsin: A pretty good Big Ten team.....
3. Iowa: Another Big Ten team that could break in.
4. LSU: A rebuild year but dangerous to most on a good day.
5. Kentucky: Has done well so far. The road gets tougher. We will see what they are really made of. Directly.
6. Oklahoma State: I am just not convinced. Can be good. Can be horrific. A lot of football left to be played.
7. Washington: No one talking about these guys. Yet.

A few others that could break in - no particular order
1. Memphis: Jumped the gun a week back and ranked this squad. A tough team though and could certainly make noise in their weird conference.
2. Boise State: Run the table and they could get in.
3. Rutgers: Rutgers? Yes
4. Temple: Has a tough test coming up shortly with an apparently improving Houston team.
5. Utah State: Building a good season. Good wins against pretty good teams last two outings.
6. UCLA: Could turn things around.
7. Florida: Doubtful but possible. Coaching staff history after this season. Bet on it.
7. South Carolina: Same with the exception that Spurrier is going no where. Unless he just has had enough of course. Some of his assistants may find themselves looking for other digs though.
8. West Virginia: Might be a better team than folks suspect.
9. Colorado State: Overlooked. May be the best of the Mountain West. Or not.
10. Louisville: Petrino knows how to win before he leaves a program in shambles.
11. Duke: Good win last week.
12. Georgia Tech: Was undefeated until beaten by the above. Could make some noise in conference and find their way back in the rankings. Or not.
13. UCF: Under the radar this season. Pretty tough in conference it appears.
14. Virginia: Perhaps. Doubtful. 
15. Arkansas State: Likely the best of the Sun Belt. Run the table in conference, win a bowl game, have help from above and it is slightly possible. Well, probably not. This school seems to be the cradle of top notch coaches here of late.
16. Miami: With an ACC schedule anything is possible. Does face FSU down the road. Well coached but perhaps lacking in talent.
17. Air Force: Unlikely entry at this point but the best of the service schools this season. A tough team for a lot of squads on a good day.
19. Virginia Tech: OK. So they say. Did get some votes in the AP I believe.
20. ND State: Again best of the FCS could possibly fall into the rankings if they played in the "big time." They don't but there is more than one ranked team's coaching staff that would be wary of meeting this bunch. Maybe even a couple of three in the Top 10 who would be a bit "skeered" to face off with the Bison I would wager.
21. Mizzou: Would have to have a turn around. Well coached. 

See you next week.




Why I Like The Owls Chances in CUSA

Rice now stands at 3-3 (1-1 in conference) and has a possible (long) shot at the title in CUSA. The Owls started off the year at Notre Dame and Texas Agriculture and had somewhat commendable performances against these two Top 25 teams. True the Aggies have been exposed somewhat but still a very good team none the less. Out of the Owl's class to be sure. After these two brutal games against top notch opponents, Rice came home and was upended by a moving up from the lower division Old Dominion squad and folks began braying that this would be a losing season for the Owls. I disagree.
Truth be told, Rice was beat up after their first two outings and just were not ready for another game quite yet against anyone. The Rice squad is always undersized due mainly to the fact that the school (reportedly) does not compromise on the academic standards that all students must meet to be admitted to the university. To be blunt and honest, the dummy factor does not exist at the small university. Likely won't see much thuggishness over that way. Very few "fluff" courses at Rice to be sure.
Since the loss to ODU (which has done very little since beating the Owls) Rice has gone 3-0 for a record, thus far, of 3-3. They won't challenge Marshall, a Top 25 team, likely but it will be a shoot out between the Owls and probably Louisiana Tech for runner up. I like their chances.

Look for the Owls to appear again in the post season.

Week 8 2014 College Football Forecast and Predictions

There has been a lot of talk the last few years about the SEC being the dominant conference in college football. The conversation always causes a lot of hate and discontent. Why? The detractors always point out, and rightly so, the SEC tendency to schedule "cupcakes" in non conference play. The SEC, as egregious offenders as they may be, are not alone. Fact is, the SEC is the best conference in college play. Not to say that the best team in the country always resides in conference. All "power" leagues and sometimes one or more of the "mid majors" have at least one team that could challenge the top dogs in the SEC, but the southern group just always has at least 5 to 6 squads that would compete for top spot anywhere else.
 Take Arkansas for instance. If the Hogs were in say the Big Ten (ACC, PAC12, etc. etc.) they would be a contender for, if not the top spot, at least the second slot. Again this does not necessarily mean the SEC has the best team in the land. FSU may (or may not) again qualify for that position this season but the argument can be made (and is) that if FSU (Notre Dame, Ohio State, etc.) were in the SEC they would lose at least two and possibly more conference games.
If that doesn't qualify the Southeastern bunch for title of "best" in the land, I don't know what does.

Last week the BartenderCabbie System was 6-4 for a record thus far in the 2014 season of 50-20 straight up.

On to the predictions for week 7

1. Louisiana Cajuns vs Texas State: The Cajuns don't quite seem to be running on all cylinders this season while the Bobcats seem to be a fairly good Sun Belt ball club. It looks like Tuesday night Sun Belt action is with us again and I will take Texas State to win this one at home in San Marcos.

2. Temple at Houston: The Cougars had a nice win over a Memphis squad that is much better than they have been in years past. Houston made a QB change last week and it seemed to get them on track. This conference is wide open with ECU being ranked and Temple, Houston, UCF, Memphis, and perhaps Cincinnati all having a shot. This game should be a toss up between a better than expected Owl squad and a Cougar team that may (or may not) have found themselves. I will go with the Owls in a close one.

3. Baylor vs WVU: WVU is quietly building a good season and the Bears came roaring back to take one away from TCU last week. Baylor is the more talented squad but it would be a mistake to discount the Mountaineers here. Go with Baylor but it may be close. Depends really if the Bears can get their explosive offense in gear.

4. TAMU vs Alabama: The Aggies have been exposed. A lower top 25 team to be sure but certainly not what they were season last. Some would say the Tide has also been exposed but I would not quite go there. Yet.  This is certainly a "down" year for them (Kiffin strikes again?) but this "analyst" would not rule them out just right now from appearing in the big game at the end. This game could be a good one and the Tide will have to get their offense in gear and avoid the ridiculous miscues that plagued them in Fayetteville Saturday last to win. Go with the Tide in a close one.

5. Georgia vs Arkansas: The Hogs, despite their record, may well be a lower Top 25 team. Georgia is Georgia, a good team that will just not quite be there at the end. Put them in the Big Ten though and they would be "right there" but we already had that conversation I believe. At any rate the "loss" of their starting QB did not seem to be much of a bother for them last week at Mizzou and that is certainly a consideration here. That being said, this is the week that the Razorbacks will snap that SEC losing streak. Go with the Hogs.

6. Iowa State vs Texas: These teams may be pretty evenly matched if truth be told with Texas perhaps taking the edge in the talent department. Will be a good game (or at least a close one) most likely and I will go with the Longhorns for the win.

7. KSU vs Oklahoma: This one will say a lot about both teams that are right there in the hunt in the Big Twelve. The Sooners certainly had their struggles with the Longhorns but that is to be somewhat expected in that huge rivalry game. KSU had a week off to prepare and Snyder surely has his squad ready. Go with the Wildcats to pull off a minor upset here.

8. Stanford vs Arizona State: Who can figure this conference out? It appears to be a bunch of pretty good (but other than perhaps Oregon, far from really good) teams beating up on each other week after week with the outcome being utterly unpredictable. A lot of parity here it seems. This particular contest is another one of those games that looks to be a complete toss up so the coin will be flipped and I will go with the California team. Why? Don't know. The fact that Graham is a scumbag has little to do with it. The ASU kids can't help that he is the coach (until he leaves them in the lurch for "greener" pastures.)

9. Kentucky vs LSU: When was the last time the Wildcats were discussed as possible participants in the Top 25? Doesn't happen often to be sure. Don't think they will find their way in this week but they may well be on the cusp. The Tigers are having a down year (a rebuild) and of course the faithful are calling for Miles' head. I have heard Briles' name bandied around a bit......That being said, the Tigers have better talent but are reloading. The Wildcats are probably at the pinnacle and this will be their chance to make a statement of sorts in the SEC and take down the Tigers. Go with the Wildcats with the upset.

10. Notre Dame vs FSU: The "big one" they say. Don't know about that really. The Irish are somewhat over rated likely, although not grossly so as is the usual case. The Seminole schedule has been a bit weak (to say the least) and there is the ongoing Winston saga that sooner or later will prove the distraction that costs them. Will this be the week that the doubters (myself included) give the Irish the respect that the faithful believe they deserve or will it be the week that the FSU doubters get to say "told you so?" Hard to say. Notre Dame was certainly challenged by a below par North Carolina team Saturday and a couple of weeks back the 'Noles had all they could handle with, what has proven to be, a well below average Wolfpack squad. To think some of us were beginning to take NC State seriously at one point. Who will win this contest?  If I were a betting man I would go with FSU. So should you.

Have a good week and enjoy the games.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Bimbo Harris-Perry and Dumbass Sheila Jackson Lee Strike Again

I have refrained for a while about getting into anything other than my opium - college football. Love the game and my half baked, often slightly biased, and sometimes downright wrong analysis of of college teams and contests rivals that in win and loss predictions of so called "experts." Better than quite a few if truth be told. Be that as it may, that is not what I am wanting to speak of right about now.

There are a plethora of major problems in the nation and the world that deserve attention. (Some deserve to be ignored by the U.S but that is another story entirely.) ISIS and other assorted Mohammedan gangs are always an issue with this ISIS (ISIL) crew (among others) perhaps posing a real danger to the Western world (not to mention their immediate neighbors, "rival" religion, etc.) The Ebola thing has become a problem, Russia flexing her muscles, the open southern border, ineptness and idiocy from the federal level of govt, etc. etc. etc. is enough to wear on the nerves. Of course the non stop blathering on what passes for "news outlets" doesn't really help matters either.

Recently the Ebola thing has taken the headlines away from the Oklahoma beheading and even our continuing war with Islam. (What's that you say? Not at war with the religion of peace? My bad, as the kids say). Yes folks right now Ebola is the hot ticket on the news and luckily for those of us interested in good comedy - Dumbass Sheila Jackson Lee has spouted some priceless dumbassery on the subject.
 Her little speaking engagement at the Houston big airport on the "eboler" crises was above and beyond. Why Sheila does not have her own comedy hour somewhere is beyond me. After speaking at length about "eboler" (trying to portray herself as an expert of sorts), she then informed a grateful nation that we did not need to conduct a "witch hunt." Not quite sure what she meant there but, to give credit where credit due, at least Dumbass Lee was attempting in her own typical bizarre way to shed some light on the very serious subject of public health.

Now this Melissa Harris-Perry is something else entirely. Of all the idiots at MSNBC she wears the crown. Holds the blue ribbon so to speak. Think of one as liberal (or more) as Maddow but not endowed with near the intelligence. Think what you will about Rachel, but it would be hard for an honest person to consider her "dumb." Many do not like her but to dismiss her as stupid would be the prerogative of the blind to any objectiveness. There is no such problem when one speaks or thinks of this Harris-Perry. She is an idiot and there is no dispute. She reminds me a bit of leftist internet blogger and "podcaster" (whatever that is) D r i f t g l a s s  - a well spoken (written) fool.
Perry's latest rant dismissing the Oklahoma beheading as "workplace violence" (and nothing more) stinks of pig headedness.  She is right for certain that the incident was a case of "workplace violence" but it goes much further than that. It was a political statement by a supporter (wannabe) of ISIS. She is right up there with all the deniers that the shooting at Fort Hood a while back was a case of "workplace violence" with no pseudo religious/political overtones. Funny thing, I would imagine that this Harris-Perry garbage knows, deep down, that the attack was motivated by some sick religious fervor, but chooses to be obtuse and deny it (for ratings and notoriety likely).  Not only deny it but with her arrogance and effrontery imply (without saying it) that those who know otherwise are somehow evil and racist. Stupid woman this Harris-Perry and no mistake.

Between the ridiculous excuse for a journalist Harris- Perry and the comedic absurdities of Dumbass Sheila Jackson Lee, I would actually place Harris-Perry (What's up with that hyphenated name baby?)  above Lee in the dumbass category. Far above. Lee tends to think that her blathering means something and we, collectively, want and need to hear them for our own good while Perry is nothing more than a vicious, racist, fool.

Considering Harris-Perry a mere dumbass though might be a mistake. If she had a job that mattered (such as the one Sheila holds) she would be dangerous.

Thankfully she is just a forgettable dolt. Mere toilet paper as it were.

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Bartender Cabbie System Top 25 College Football 10/5/2014

Last week there was a huge shake up with more than one (to say the least) of the Top 10 falling into the "L" column and even more in the Top 25 finding themselves knocked out by previously unranked teams. "Historic day" some say. I would have to agree.....
Some of the rankings following may surprise by at the Bartender Cabbie System the "would a team win two of three" rule prevails early and mid season. 



1. Auburn: The Tigers take the place of FSU due, in part, to a tougher schedule. They have only been seriously challenged by a likely better than expected Kansas State team.

2. FSU: Trouble with NC State two weeks back who turned around  and got pummeled by Clemson. There are a few question marks yet about this FSU squad. Not many granted.

3. Alabama: Here is where it gets difficult. Bama? The team beaten by the Rebs is still in the top three? Yes. Two of three times the Ole Miss would likely lose to the Tide.

4. Ole Miss: This team is for real. Chinks in the armor perhaps judging by the Memphis game two weeks back. Probably the best QB in the college ranks at this time. The field general at BYU is out for the season and that solidifies Wallace one of the best if not the best.

5. Mississippi State: Well coached and a good team. No longer under rated. Over rated? We will see.

6. Michigan State: The team to beat in the Big Ten.

7. Oklahoma: Again the rule of two out of three applies to place the Sooners over the team that beat them.

8. Notre Dame: Hard fought victory of a pretty darn good Stanford squad.

9. Baylor: Had trouble getting the offense going against the Longhorns.

10. TCU: Very good win. Can they sustain?

11. Georgia: Keeps winning. When will the fall come really come for the Bulldogs? It is what they do.

12. Oregon: Will shake off the loss and be a force in PAC12 and perhaps on the national scene.

13. Ohio State: Back on track. Still a lot of time for an implosion. It could happen.

14. KSU: Really should have defeated Auburn out of the gate. May find themselves in the Top 10 if things go right. Could just as easily drop.

15. Texas Agricultural and Mechanical: A good team but could fall further.

16. Arizona: Could be for real. Been a while. Excellent win against the Ducks. 

17. East Carolina: The best of the AAC? Perhaps. Perhaps not. 

18. Stanford: Could still make some noise in the PAC12.

19. UCLA: Ditto

20. Oklahoma State: Keeps winning. Could very well move up. Not convinced quite yet. 

21. Arkansas: Forget the record. This is a good team. They may even stay in the Top 25 with an upcoming "good" loss to the Tide. A blow out loss would likely drop them from the standings. A win? Hmmmm.

22. Georgia Tech: Undefeated. Will face a pretty tough Duke squad next.

24. Clemson: Redemption of sorts with a blow out victory over the team that gave FSU fits.

24. Marshall: Yep. A good team that should run the table in CUSA.

25. Memphis: A tough team for anyone at this point. Ask Ole Miss and UCLA.

On the bubble and in no particular order
1. Louisville: Petrino knows how to win before he destroys a program. Unfortunate I know.
2. Rutgers: Some say this is a dark horse team and better than expected.
3. Mizzou: Has talent. Not quite what they were last season but a quality team none the less that could surprise some SEC folk on a good day.
4. Northern Illinois: The best of the MAC.
5. Wisconsin: Perhaps should still be included. Could still challenge in the Big Ten.
6. Northwestern: Continues to improve it appears.
7. LSU: Can they stop the implosion?
8. USC: Ditto. Still much better than when Lane was there.
9. Boise State: May need to run the table in conference.
10. Arkansas State: Would need to run table in conference.
11. South Carolina: Would have to have a major turn around.
12. North Dakota State: OK. They play in the lower division but there is a possibility that they would be a Top 25 team if in the upper class. A strong possibility. Likely again champion of the FCS.
13. NC State: Probably not. Coach Dave may soon find that he wishes he was back at the helm at NIU. He already might.
14. Virginia: Still a better team than they have had in the recent past. A fairly good season might save the coaching staff.
15. Virginia Tech: Beamer likely still secure. No one considers them a danger to break into the Top 10 for the past few seasons. Still a dangerous team for anyone. Ask the Buckeyes.
16. Miami: Would have to have a turn around. Well coached. Talent level suspect.
17. Temple: Really? Yes. Well, probably not.
18. Arizona State: Right on the cusp.
19. Duke: We will see what they really are made of next week.
20. BYU: Can they bounce back from their loss to the Aggies of Utah State and, even more importantly, the loss of their top notch QB?
21. Kentucky: When was the last time the Wildcats were even considered a prospect for the Top 25?
22. Nebraska: Bo will likely be pounding the pavement after all is said and done.
24. Washington: We will see. PAC12 is wide open.
25. Air Force: May need to run the table in conference. Might be capable of just that.
26. Nevada: If they shake off the loss and run the table it is a possibility. Slight. 
27. WVU: Dana has to win. It is possible still to ride that dark horse in the now wide open BIG Twelve.
28. Minnesota: Only hiccup was the blow out loss to TCU. Could be a dark horse to make a major move in the Big Ten. Northwestern, another dark horse, up next. 
29. ULM: Shake off loss and run the rest of the Sun Belt table. Never mind.
30. Utah: Perhaps.

Probably forgot somebody but if that be the case, they are a long long shot for the Bartender Cabbie Top 25. Someone always moves up or down though. Tough to predict this college football.