Dave’s Dime
“Because Two Cents Just Isn’t Enough”

THE INTRO

WHAT A GAME!

Colorado got off to a quick start to take a 1 – 0 lead, but the Kings bounced back by the end of the period, making it 2 – 1 Kings. Colorado scored to tie it up, but the game didn’t stay tied long, as Pavol Demitra scored the go ahead goal early in the 3rd. Once again, Colorado tied it up with about 10 minutes left in the game. Remarkably, Pavol Demitra scored not only the game winner but his 3rd goal of a night, a hat trick, with only 3 minutes left on the clock to bring the Kings an outstanding and exhilirating win at Staples.

Wait a second…

Yeah, that was a really damn good game. But I DIDN’T SEE IT. I was too busy watching the game that all of you THOUGHT I was going to comment on, and have probably stopped reading at this point because you believe the Dime has turned in to a hockey column. No no, there was a game that had a bit more than 7 points in it Saturday night.

The Trojan’s 50 – 42 victory over the Fresno State Bulldogs last night was an absolutely incredible football game. I haven’t checked the papers yet, but I have a good feeling on what they and many smart asses on campus are going to say. They are going to talk about how weak our defense is, how Texas should be able to exploit it, and how they will be able to contain our offense. Giving up 42 points, even to such a high powered offense, is inexcusable.

Do me a favor. Shut up.

If what was supposed to happen on paper happened on the field week in and week out, there wouldn’t be sports. No, there would just be the BCS; a number crunching machine that doesn’t take seemingly useless things like EMOTION into account. Winning 33 straight games is difficult. Winning 33 straight games is even more difficult when every week you face a team that is putting their heart and soul, their very best into beating you, because they want to be the team that beat the champions, the team that broke the streak. People are STILL talking about Cal. that was 3 years ago, and it wasn’t the 2nd longest winning streak in NCAA history, either. Some games are going to get crazy, but all that matters at the end of the day is one thing; the W. All of you self proclaimed experts can go on as long as you want about how Texas is going to beat us, but until this Trojan team loses a game, I just don’t see how anyone can possibly bet against them. They are just magical, for lack of a better word. They just win football games.

3 more comments on this week’s game, then I actually have to move on to the PROS, which this column is SUPPOSED to be about. First of all, what made this game so special was that it was at home. I personally think this is the 3rd best game of the season, not the 1st. The difference? #1 was in Notre Dame, #2 was in Arizona. Here at home, we have been treated to a steady onslaught of offensive and defensive domination. Not on this night. On this night we met a foe as strong as we were on both sides of the ball. And for the first time this season, it wasn’t because Leinart was off, or (enter excuses here). No, this was just good football. And this time, we weren’t barking at television sets; we were there. Not since the Cal game last year has the Coliseum been treated to such an awesome game. Secondly, Reggie Bush. 513 all purpose yards. Soon to be heisman trophy winner. Best player in college, etc. Nothing I say here can be anything you haven’t already read or thought up yourself. Except for one thing. I triumphantly yelled that I wanted to have Reggie Bush’s children at the game yesterday. This recieved applause and laughter from my fellow students. I wasn’t kidding though, I really do. The only problem is, I’m pretty sure that even with the sex change operation, I don’t have too good a shot, considering my competition is one of the best looking groups of girls I’ve ever encountered – the entire USC female student body. So, I guess I’ll stick to being a man for now, and continue to leave you all with traumitizing mental images.

Lastly, Fresno State, I’m sorry. I said you guys would be pushovers, and an easy win. I was wrong. I’m sorry. There, I said it.

On the pro side of things, I’ll make this short, as this is already an outrageously long intro. Last week, Donovan McNabb threw away more than his game and his season. He threw away my week while he was at it. What would have been 8 – 5 – 1, $ 3 – 1 (pretty) quickly became 7 – 6 – 1, $ 2 – 2 (poor) in Donavan’s throwing one of the most boneheaded interceptions I have ever seen. Not good, Donavan, VERY bad.

THE RECORD

Last Week
With the spread: 7 – 6 – 1 (.538)
Without the spread: 8 – 6 – 0 (.571)
$$Money Picks$$: 2 – 2 – 0 (.500)
^^Zen Picks^^: 0 – 0 – 0 (N/A)

Season
With the spread: 73 – 67 – 4 (.521)
Without the spread: 89 – 55 – 0 (.618)
$$Money Picks$$: 15 – 13 – 3 (.536)
^^Zen Picks^^: 9 – 4 – 0 (.692)

LAST WEEK’S RECAP OF DAVE’S BRILLIANCE AND FOOLISHNESS
(Usually Foolishness)

Arizona 21 2 – 6 (+4.0) @ Detroit 29 3 – 5 (-4.0)
Yeah, even the LIONS can beat the Cardinals.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Detroit
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Detroit

Baltimore 3 2 – 6 (+7.0) @ Jacksonville 30 5 – 3 (-7.0)
“As is often the case with Jacksonville, I see them most certainly winning the game, but not winning it by too much. I’ll bet on the Ravens to keep it within reason.” – Sorry, Jax, forgot just how awful Baltimore was.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Baltimore
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Jacksonville

Houston 17 1 – 7 (+17.5) @ Indianapolis 31 8 – 0 (-17.5)
“So, yes, I’m giving up that many points (despite my Zen of Gambling mentor telling me not to do so) and taking the Colts.” – Who do I think I am, betting against my Zen book?
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Indianapolis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Indianapolis

Kansas City 3 5 – 3 (+2.0) @ Buffalo 14 3 – 5 (-2.0)
Heres another botched Zen pick. If the spread doesn’t look right, your supposed to go with that team. Stupid me.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *$Kansas City
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Kansas City

Minnesota 24 3 – 5 (+9.5) @ N.Y. Giants 21 6 – 2 (-9.5)
Not even the Zen book could have seen this one coming.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – NY Giants
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – NY Giants

Denver 31 6 – 2 (-2.0) @ Oakland 17 3 – 5 (+2.0)
Don’t need a zen book or a fortune telling book. Just look up moron loyal fan in the dictionary, and I’ll be there giving the huge thumbs up.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Oakland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Oakland

N.Y. Jets 3 2 – 6 (+9.0) @ Carolina 30 6 – 2 (-9.0)
“Carolina carries a 5 game winning streak into this game, and has become a legitimite NFC powerhouse. They are the real deal, and unfortunately for the Jets, I think they are going to be playing the role of punching bag this week.” – I’m good. Real good. But not “Damn I’m good”… this is the Jets after all, not rocket science.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – $Carolina
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Carolina

Green Bay 33 1 – 7 (+9.0) @ Atlanta 25 6 – 2 (-9.0)
Very rare win with the spread lose without it here. But, I guess in the end, I make money off of this pick.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Green Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Atlanta

St. Louis 16 4 – 4 (+6.5) @ Seattle 31 6 – 2 (-6.5)
“This game is always a good one, and so I’m not super sure on the 6.5 points. Still, you know my Seattle at home rule (they are 3 – 1 against the spread at home this year, so I’m not completely on my own here), so I’ll take em.” – Indeed.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Seattle

Washington 35 5 – 3 (+1.0) @ Tampa Bay 36 5 – 3 (-1.0)
Gruden goes for 2 and gets it to give the Bucs the 1 point lead, and screw me over. Normally, I’d whine, but I like Gruden and the Bucs, so instead I’ll just mutter to myself.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: TIE – *Washington
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Washington

Cleveland 21 3 – 5 (+8.0) @ Pittsburgh 34 6 – 2 (-8.0)
“Pittsburgh is quietly doing what it does so well; winning football games. Everyone is so caught up in the Colts that no one seems to notice that despite injuries, the Steelers keep winning. Are they the team to beat anymore? Maybe not. But after this week, they are going to be 7 – 2.” – Sometimes I’m okay at this.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Pittsburgh
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Pittsburgh

Dallas 21 5 – 3 (+2.0) @ Philadelphia 20 4 – 4 (-2.0)
This was just stupid. I’m still cursing and throwing things a week later. Credit Dallas on their awesome season thus far, though.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – $Philadelphia
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Philadelphia

DAMN, I’M GOOD

New England 23 4 – 4 (-3.0) @ Miami 16 3 – 5 (+3.0)
Despite downright awful play, the Patriots still find themselves winning their awful division. Fact of the matter is, Bilichick and Brady are proven winners, regardless of the circumstances. They won’t let the opportunity to get back over the .500 mark slip away here, and they will take down the Dolphins in Miami.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – $New England
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – New England
– There are few things I like more than being right. Food, girls, football, hockey, sleep. Scratch that, there are 5 things.

San Francisco 9 2 – 6 (+12.5) @ Chicago 17 5 – 3 (-12.5)
Chicago all of a sudden boasts a 4 game winning streak, and with one of the worst teams in the league on the menu this week, they should make it 5. However, I don’t think they are going to do so in monster fashion. SF has been playing relatively decent football, and I think they can keep it around 10 points.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *San Francisco
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Chicago
– Proud of this one, too.

THE PICKS

* – Indicates Upset Pick
$ – Indicates Money Pick
^ – Indicates Zen Pick

Arizona 2 – 7 (+10.0) @ St. Louis 4 – 5 (-10.0)
Arizonas second straight game on the road, that always takes a toll on teams. The Rams happen to be very good at home, and also happen to be coming off a demoralizing loss. The result? A big St. Louis victory.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: St. Louis
ICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: St. Louis

Carolina 7 – 2 (-2.5) @ Chicago 6 – 3 (+2.5)
Two of footballs hottest teams square off here, with Carolina carrying a 6 game winning streak and Chicago carrying one of 5 games. I do feel Carolina is a better team, as on top of their defense they have a very impressive offense. The Bears should not be able to keep up with them in this one.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Carolina
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Carolina

Detroit 4 – 5 (+8.0) @ Dallas 6 – 3(-8.0)
I don’t think there’s any question that Dallas is going to win. However, can they win by 8? Initially I was going to say no, but re-zoning in to my Zen training, I say that after Dallas got away with one and essentially stole the game last week, they will come home and put on a show for the home crowd, and actually earn this one.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^Dallas
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Dallas

Jacksonville 6 – 3 (-4.5) @ Tennessee 2 – 7 (+4.5)
Let me double check my records.

Yeah. Jacksonville is good and Tennessee sucks, alot.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Jacksonville
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Jacksonville

Miami 3 – 6 (+1.5) @ Cleveland 3 – 6 (-1.5)
Saban is running a great program in Miami, he just doesn’t have the talent on his team to win too many games. Fortunately, you don’t need talent to beat the Browns.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Miami
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Miami

New Orleans 2 – 7 (+10.0) @ New England (-10.0)
Yes, New Orleans sucks pretty darn bad. That much has been established. They are on a 5 game losing streak, and now they are heading into the defending Super Bowl Champion’s stadium. If you can’t get pumped up for this, you might as well hang up the cleats now. I don’t think they will win, but I do say they play their hearts out this week.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^*New Orleans
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New England

Oakland 3 – 6 (+5.0) @ Washington 5 – 4 (-5.0)
I’m sorry, fellow Raider faithful. I still bleed silver and black, but after a devastating one point loss last week, the Redskins are going to be itching to just pound the crap out of the next team they play, and the Raiders are just perfect for pounding.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^$Washington
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Washington

Philadelphia 4 – 5 (+7.0) @ N.Y. Giants 6 – 3 (-7.0)
I know I’m definitely getting a little too trigger happy with my money picks this week, but what can I say? Every game seems to fall right into a trend I like. It’s probably going to kill me, but oh well. Both teams are coming of demoralizing losses, but theres a difference; New York is much better, and they are at home. They will take care of the Eagles.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $N.Y. Giants
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: N.Y. Giants.

Pittsburgh 7 – 2 (-3.5) @ Baltimore 2 – 7 (+3.5)
Pittsburgh = Great football, Baltimore = Awful football. My brother’s $20 down on the Raven’s to win the super bowl ticket is worth less then the paper it was printed on (so sad that the poor paper was tarnished). This isn’t a money pick because for some reason Pittsburgh will probably only win by a field goal.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Pittsburgh
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Pittsburgh

Tampa Bay 6 – 3 (+6.0) @ Atlanta 6 – 3 (-6.0)
My first instinct said that the Falcons would win, but upon further review, I don’t think they will. Tampa has the defense to contain them, and after coming off of a huge exhilarating win against Washington, I think the momentum is going to carry over into this one.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Tampa Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Tampa Bay

Seattle 7 – 2 (-12.5) @ San Francisco 2 – 7 (+12.5)
While surprise teams in the NFC like the Cowboys, Redskins, and Bears and disappointments like the Eagles and Vikings steal all the headlines, the Seahawks just keep on racking up the wins. Sometimes its nice to stay under the radar.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Seattle

Buffalo 4 – 5 (+9.5) @ San Diego 5 – 4 (-9.5)
The league’s worst rushing defense VS. the league’s best running back. Reggie Bush’s incredible performance may be challenged in this one
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $San Diego
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: San Diego

Indianapolis 9 – 0 (-4.0) @ Cincinnati 7 – 2 (+4.0)
Could this game go Cinci’s way? Most definitely. They are at home, and have a great team. Still, Indianapolis has a better team, and I’m not sure I can pick against them this year until they falter.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Indianapolis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Indianapolis

N.Y. Jets 2 – 7 (+12.5) @ Denver 7 – 2 (-12.5)
And then theres the Jets, who I love, and the Broncos, who I hate. Does it matter? The Jets are on par with the Raiders this year (they have an excuse at least – they are injured), and the Broncos are near the tops in the league. The verdict? Another Jets pounding.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Denver
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Denver

Kansas City 5 – 4 (-6.5) @ Houston 1 – 8 (+6.5)
After dropping a game to Buffalo last week and seeing their division rivals playing in easy games, the Chiefs NEED a win this week, and I think they can get one without a problem against awful Houston.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Kansas City
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Kansas City

Minnesota 4 – 5 (+3.5) @ Green Bay 2 – 7 (-3.5)
I hate that this is the Monday game, because my week always seems to ride on this game, and I am completely torn. While 3.5 points is an awfully small window, I do feel that Green Bay is going to win, but barely – so I’m going to take the points in this one and keep my fingers crossed.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Minnesota
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Green Bay

What a week! Pretty much every game is money or zen, and 2 of my division rivals are money picks and I’m picking against the Raiders… this is one week I wouldn’t mind being totally wrong. Also is it a coincidence that last week no Zen picks = mediocre picking? We will see if this week’s Zen can rejuvenate me

KINGS HOCKEY

When King’s hero goaltender Jason Labarbara left the team for an unknown period of time to deal with family matters, he left Mathieu Garon between the pipes, who came in to this season with huge expectations surrounding him, but had failed to deliver. He had 5 games; two against very poor teams, and three against three of the top teams in the western conference. And, for the first time this season, the Kings got what they paid for out of him. Outstanding in net over the span of 5 games, Garon helped the Kings win 4 of them. It seems now that the Kings can do no wrong in the goaltending department, as many teams in the league are struggling to find one quality goaltender, all of a sudden we find ourselves with two. Coupled with the amazing play of the Conroy – Frolov – Demitra line (all three netting hat tricks this week), and strong play from the entire team, the Kings are looking more and more like a true competitor every week. But I’m trying not to get carried away – we’ll take things one game at a time.

By the way, hop on the bandwagon. If you wait til the end of the season, I’m not going to be too happy.

Enjoy your Sunday and the rest of your week! Love the Dime? Hate it? Please send feedback! For past issues of the DIME, visit my website: Dave’s Dime

MY TEAMS RECORDS
OAKLAND RAIDERS: 3 – 6 – 0
USC TROJANS: 11 – 0 – 0
LOS ANGELES KINGS: 14 – 6 – 1

TROJAN OUTSCORING O-METER
Season:
TROJANS 534
OPPONENTS 237

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