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By Dave Consolazio, October 27, 2005 10:00 am

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

*Sorry for the late Dime, I am sending this out having not seen a single score; Yesterday was exhausting, I had to get some sleep and then finish up the Dime this morning. Enjoy!

THE INTRO

What a day yesterday was! Well, lame ending. Started off strong with a massive Trojan victory. Carried over into the Kings game that I went to, where the Kings won 5 – 2. Was supposed to end the night with a big party, but unfortunatly, the party was too big for its own good, and there wasn’t nearly enough room to fit inside the place. (Too bad you’re so popular, Shruti. Happy birthday!) So, I report to you still on a bit of a high from yesterday, as 2 out of 3 certainly isn’t bad.

Well, I strung together my second straight winning week, and dominated on money picks to put myself at .500 on the season, meaning those of you betting on my picks (0 of you, I hope) have now broken even! As for overall with the spread, I am just one off of being .500 there as well. Lets see if I can pull it off this week!

Quote of the week: “take me off your list. you are completely ordinary at sports betting. I can and do much better than you.” – (Unhappy recipient)

- Its too bad, I’m just starting towin, too. But then again, he can and does much better than me, so perhaps I should just accept that. On the bright side, at least I recieved some feedback.

Not too much to report in the Trojan’s section… we completely crushed Washington State, and with Texas having some trouble against Oklahoma State, I certainly hope that the BCS computers can un-screwup the NCAA pecking order and put us back at #1 where we belong. Until we are beaten for it, that spot is rightfully ours.

THE RECORD

Last Week
With the spread: 8 – 6 – 0 (.571)
Without the spread: 9 – 5 – 0 (.643)
$$Money Picks$$: 4 – 1 – 0 (.800)
^^Zen Picks^^: 2 – 1 – 0 (.666)

Season
With the spread: 50 – 51 – 1 (.495)
Without the spread: 60 – 42 – 0 (.588)
$$Money Picks$$: 9 – 9 – 1 (.500)
^^Zen Picks^^: 6 – 1 – 0 (.857)

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

Kansas City 30 4 – 2 (-2.0) @ Miami 20 2 – 4 (+2.0)
No suprises here at all. Unless you haven’t followed football for a decade and think Dan Marino is still QBing for the Dolphins. Then I guess it would be a bit of a suprise.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – $Kansas City
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Kansas City

Detroit 13 2 – 3 (+2.0) @ Cleveland 10 2 – 3 (-2.0)
Jeff Garcia’s heroics not only win Detroit the game, but just may give them a much needed boost into their next 10 games (then again, this IS Cleveland…)
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Detroit
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – *Detroit

Indianapolis 38 6 – 0 (-14.5) @ Houston 20 0 – 5 (+14.5)
Houston came ever so close, but Peyton and the gang say “Zen be damned” as they cruise into their bye week undefeated.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – ^*Houston
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Indianapolis

New Orleans 17 2 – 4 (+3.0) @ St. Louis 28 2 – 4 (-3.0)
The New Orleans Saints are useless regardless of whos in or whos out. They continue to plague me, and I pray that they fire their head coach soon (of course, rumor has it he may be the Raider’s next head coach, so on second thought… keep him.)
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *New Orleans
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *New Orleans

Pittsburgh 27 3 -2 (+2.5) @ Cincinnati 13 5 – 1 (-2.5)
“Cincinnati is the real deal this year. They are strong on both sides of the ball, they make the fewest turnovers and force the most turnovers. They are one mistake away (against Jacksonville) from being 6 – 0. They take this one in Cinci.” No, they don’t. In fact, they don’t even come close.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Cincinnati

San Diego 17 3 – 3 (+4.0) @ Philadelphia 20 3 – 2 (-4.0)
A blocked FG away from being right on both counts, but honestly, I’ll take the San Diego loss and the spread win any day of the week.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – $*San Diego
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *San Diego

San Francisco 17 1 – 4 (+11.5) @ Washington 52 3 – 2 (-11.5)
“San Fransisco ALWAYS gets blown out, and Washington never blows anyone out. So, which trend gives first? I say its Washington’s. They are a far superior team, at home, and they shouldn’t have too big of a problem putting up a 14 or 21 point lead and holding it.” – Right on!
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Washington
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Washington

Dallas 10 4 – 2 (+3.5) @ Seattle 13 4 – 2 (-3.5)
It took a Bledsoe blunder for the Seahawks to win here, but they do. Unfortunately for me, they didn’t bother with the spread.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Seattle

Baltimore 6 2 – 3 (+1.0) @ Chicago 10 2 – 3 (-1.0)
“Chicago’s playing its second straight home game against its second straight lousy opponent. Everything adds up to a Bears victory here – but then, I’m picking them, and that throws the equation off.” – Apparently it doesn’t. Well done, Dave.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – $Chicago
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Chicago

Denver 23 5 – 1 @ N.Y. Giants 24 3 – 2 (Pick’em)
2nd straight week I’m one point on the wrong side of a pick’em. My only money pick loss of the week, but any time the Denver Broncos lose, its a moral victory for me regardless of who I picked. On a side note, Eli and the Giants are perhaps stronger than what I give them credit for.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – $Denver
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Denver

Tennessee 10 2 – 4 (+3.0) @ Arizona 20 1 – 4 (-3.0)
Guess Vegas knew something I didn’t… Arizona takes it in a snooze-fest.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Tennessee
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Tennessee

N.Y. Jets 14 2 – 4 (+7.0) @ Atlanta 27 4 – 2 (-7.0)
Vick completes only 11 of 26 passes thrown, for only 116 yards, no TDs, and 3 interceptions. On the ground, with the exception of one 16 yard run, he otherwise rushes a total of 2 yards on 8 attempts. And, the Falcons cover the spread. Woe is the New York Jets.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Atlanta
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Atlanta

DAMN, I’M GOOD

Green Bay 20 1 – 4 (-1.0) @ Minnesota 23 1 – 4 (+1.0)
“When one team is coming off getting beaten in a blowout is facing a team that just blew their opponent out, always take the team that was blown out last week. They, after all, have more to prove this week, and can catch their over-confident opponents offguard. So says the book of Zen. GB wins 52 – 3, Minnesota loses 28 – 3. So, I take the often-leave-much-to-be-desired Vikings in this one.”
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – ^*Minnesota
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – ^*Minnesota
- According to the ESPN online poll, 82.1% of voters picked Green Bay to win this game. Hey voters – YOU LOSE.

Buffalo 17 3 – 3 (+3.0) @ Oakland 38 1 – 4 (-3.0)
This pick will confuse you – I had to talk myself OUT of picking Buffalo. That’s right. After the San Diego mistake, I was convinced not to do the same again. I checked the numbers, and it turns out that Buffalo has the worst running defense in the league. No Randy Moss, the Raiders should do a nice bit of running this Sunday. They should also be able to stop Buffalo’s weak offense. And the records of the teams are no indication; Buffalo’s wins were against the Jets (2 – 4), the Dolphins (2 – 4), and the Texans (0 – 5). The Raiders have played 5 games this season, none against an opponent under .500. Also take into consideration the zen rule of weird looking spreads; why would a 1 – 4 team be favored against a 3 – 3 team? They are not as bad as their record says they are, and they will get the win here.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – $^Oakland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Oakland
- I was right on all counts here – Raiders dominated on the ground and on defense.

THE PICKS

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

Arizona 2 – 4 (+7.5) @ Dallas 4 – 3 (-7.5)
Dallas has had an awfully tough string of games, facing Oakland, Philidelphia, NY Giants, and Seattle. Now, comfortably back at home against a weak team, I think they are definitely going to cover the spread and take care of the Cardinals handily.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Dallas
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Dallas

Chicago 3 – 3 (+3.0) @ Detroit 3 – 3 (-3.0)
This pick makes me really uncomfortable – both teams usually cover the spread, but neither does so convincingly very often. I’m going to take Detroit, because I think with Jeff Garcia leading them they are the slightly better team. Plus, they are at home. But, I wouldn’t bet too much more than a nickel on this one.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Detroit
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Detroit

Cleveland 2 – 4 @ Houston 0 – 6 (Pick’em)
The numbers add up in Cleveland’s favor, but when your dealing with the worst team in the league, the numbers will always add up against them. This is Houston’s 3rd game at home in 4 weeks, and this crowd and city is just itching for a win. I think they are going to come out with the same intensity that they did against the Colts, and considering that the Browns are about 10 times weaker, actually pull off their first win here.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Houston
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Houston

Green Bay 1 – 5 (+7.5) @ Cincinnati 5 – 2 (-7.5)
Cincinnati is not going to be upset again – at least, I hope not. At home again, they should definitely be able to get the win against a reeling Green Bay team. I don’t think it is going to be a blowout, though – I will take the touchdown spread.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Green Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Cincinnati

Jacksonville 4 – 2 (-3.0) @ St. Louis 3 – 4 (+3.0)
Jacksonville is the better team on both sides of the ball, and should DEFINITELY get the win in St. Louis. The only reason I’m not making them a money pick is because the damn Rams always seem to find a way to win at home, and I don’t trust Jacksonville enough to make sure that possibility doesn’t come true
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Jacksonville
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Jacksonville

Minnesota 2 – 4 (+7.0) @ Carolina 4 – 2 (-7.0)
WWZD? Or, what would ZEN do? Dave would pick the Vikings with the TD to cover the spread, coming off that awesome game last Sunday. But this isn’t Green Bay, and this isn’t at home. Carolina is a much better team than the Vikings, and whether I like them or not, they are probably going to lose this game convincingly.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^Carolina
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Carolina

Oakland 2 – 4 (-2.0) @ Tennessee 2 – 5 (+2.0)
Tennessee Titan’s Coach Jeff Fisher referred to the Raiders as the “Best 2 – 4 team I’ve seen in 10 years”. While I don’t have an elaborate enough knowledge of 2 – 4 teams to tell you whether or not that statement is true, I can tell you that the Raiders are a better team than the Titans. The passing games should be plentiful, and LaMont Jordon should have another strong week to start a (and I can’t believe I’m saying this) Raider’s winning streak.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Oakland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Oakland

Washington 4 – 2 (+3.0) @ N.Y. Giants 4 – 2 (-3.0)
This is a very tough game to pick, as both these teams always seem to not only win the game, but cover the spread while they are at it. Interestingly enough, I’m changing my pick at the last minute to the Redskins. It should be a battle in the air all day, as the Giants have an excellent passing offense as well as the worst passing defense in the league. The deciding factor here should be Clinton Portis, who should tip the scales enough for a Washington victory.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^*Washington
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Washington

Kansas City 4 – 2 (+4.5) @ San Diego 3 – 4 (-4.5)
San Diego is coming off an absolute heartbreaker in Philidelphia… LaDanian Tomlinson was rendered completely useless for the first time in ages. In front of the home crowd, San Diego has a ton to prove today. The numbers don’t matter – San Diego needs to just come out and pound the Chiefs. And I assume they will.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^San Diego
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: San Diego

Miami 2 – 4 (+2.0) @ New Orleans 2 – 5 (-2.0)
Two of the most useless teams in the NFL, I’ll take the Dolphins, simply because every time I take New Orleans, they lose. Then again, every time I take the other team, they win. Did I mention the Dolphin’s numbers add up to victory? Wonder if that will make any difference in my weekly cursed game.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Miami
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Miami

Philadelphia 4 – 2 (+3.0) @ Denver 5 – 2 (-3.0)
I was getting ready to type Denver into the box, as they are at home and always win at home. But I stopped and looked at the numbers, and I do not see anything that suggests that the Broncos can stop the Eagles’ passing game. The Eagles have a great run defense, so they could very well hold Denver’s rushing yards down. This could be the beginning of the Broncos’ yearly slide, and I’m going to go against my original instinct and say that it will be.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^*Philidelphia
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Philidelphia

Tampa Bay 5 – 1 (-10.0) @ San Francisco 1 – 5 (+10.0)
One of the true suprises this year has been the wild success of this young Buccaneer team, who should be undefeated, but slipped up against the ailing Jets. No matter, everyone has a bad game (besides the Colts, maybe), and the Bucs got theirs out of the way. San Fransisco’s streak as a punching bag should continue through this week.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Tampa Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Tampa Bay

Buffalo 3 – 4 (+7.0) @ New England 3 – 3 (-7.0)
New England isn’t the team it used to be. They aren’t a sure thing every week anymore. This week’s matchup is just what the doctor ordered. The league’s worst passing game, and one of the league’s worst road teams. Not to mention, team leader Tedy Bruschi’s returning to the football field from last year’s supposedly career-ending stroke. If that can’t get you pumped up in your own stadium against an awful team, you must not have a pulse.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $New England
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New England

Baltimore 2 – 4 (+8.5) @ Pittsburgh 4 – 2 (-8.5)
8.5 seems like an awfully large number of points to give up. But, Baltimore is really a complete bust this year. The only way they can make it a game is if they get Jamal Lewis back in form, and thats not going to happen against the Steelers. I guess I’ll take the blowout.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Pittsburgh
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Pittsburgh

Some rediculously high spreads this week… should be interesting.

PLAYOFF BASEBALL COMMENTS

WORLD SERIES 2005 CHAMPIONS:
CHICAGO WHITE SOX OVER HOUSTON ASTROS IN 4
What can I say? Have to give credit where it is due. The White Sox came out and played four great games of baseball, and did just enough to win each one of them. After the Yankees dominated the late 90s (Series winners in 96, 98, 99, and 2000), baseball has taken a turn towards the underdogs – perhaps crediting the league for its diversity, as “anyone can win” becomes a reality. We’ve seen first timers Arizona Diamondbacks (01) and Anaheim Angels (02), and two long streaks snapped by the Boston Red Sox (86 years, 04) and now the White Sox (87 years, 05). What magic is in store for us next year? The only sure thing is my dominance in fantasy baseball (champion 5 years running, now).

KINGS HOCKEY

Eh, might as well make this a weekly staple. Has nothing to do with football and is bound to be skipped by 94% of my readers, but to those loyal 6%, keep up the good work! Hypothetical question for those of you that don’t follow hockey;

You have two goalies, Goalie A and Goalie B. When Goalie A starts the game, you have won 2 games and lost 4, and you have been outscored 19 to 23 (-4 differential). When Goalie B starts, you have won 6 games and lost 0, and you have outscored your opponents 24 to 9 (+15 differential). You have a choice to make, who do you want to start, Goalie A or Goalie B?

Actually, thats not hypothetical. That is the true story of the Kings right now. “A” is Mathieu Garon, “B” is Jason LaBarbara. Seems like common sense that they start LaBarbara, doesn’t it? Well, hopefully Kings Coach Andy Murray makes the connection and starts keeping LaBarbara in net. Only time will tell.

The Stats (Thank you Brian):
LaBarbara: 6 – 1, 1.70 GAA, .938 Save Percentage
Garon: 2 – 3, 3.43 GAA, .869 Save Percentage
Enjoy your Sunday, Halloween, and the rest of your week! Love it? Hate it? Please send feedback! For past issues of the DIME, visit my website: Dave’s Dime

MY TEAMS RECORDS
OAKLAND RAIDERS: 2 – 4 – 0
USC TROJANS: 8 – 0 – 0
LOS ANGELES KINGS: 8 – 4 – 0

TROJAN OUTSCORING O-METER
Season:
TROJANS 398
OPPONENTS 164

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By Dave Consolazio, October 20, 2005 10:00 am

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

THE INTRO

First off, I’d like to welcome all of you who are recieving this column for the first time. Hopefully you enjoy deleting it weekly as much as all of my regulars do. If that becomes a hassle, let me know, and I’ll gladly take you off the list; but give it a shot. It’s free after all, and I put lots of work in to it.

I’m coming off not only my longest issue ever, but my most successful week this year, boasting winning records in every field. Of course, the story of the week has to be the success of my Zen of Gambling book, which debuted last week and was right on all 4 picks that it influenced. And whats more, I lost 2 games by 1 point and 1 game by half a point. I was a collected field goal away from being 11 – 3. Perhaps it truly is enlightning – lets see if it can carry over into this week, or if it was simply an amazing fluke. Well, I’m not even going to bother trying to match up to last weeks column in length – I’m not coming off of the biggest college football game of the year, after all. But, we still have the NFL and the World Series to talk about, so lets get right in to it.

Sigh of relief, Trojan fans. Leinarts back. We’ve been able to win without him playing well, but if he really is back, prepare for alot of blowouts as the season goes on. As for worries about our defense, remember, this was the idea – they stop the opponent a few times, we score every time. As long as our offense is clicking as it should be, our defense shouldn’t be called upon to win football games too often, if ever. Interesingly enough though, we’ve failed to cover the spread 4 straight weeks now; last year we covered it almost weekly.

THE RECORD

Last Week
With the spread: 8 – 6 – 0 (.571)
Without the spread: 10 – 4 – 0 (.714)
$$Money Picks$$: 2 – 1 – 0 (.666)
^^Zen Picks^^: 4 – 0 – 0 (1.000)

Season
With the spread: 42 – 45 – 1 (.483)
Without the spread: 51 – 37 – 0 (.580)
$$Money Picks$$: 5 – 8 – 1 (.385)
^^Zen Picks^^: 4 – 0 – 0 (1.000)

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

Atlanta 34 3 – 2 (-3.5) @ New Orleans 31 2 – 3 (+3.5)
“This is one of the few games I’m flat out going against my Zen book on. It states that you should take the team that just got pounded into submission last week, as they will be more likely to play their hearts out.” – Too bad, that would have been 5 – 0 with the Zen. Half a point hurts, though.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Atlanta
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Atlanta

Carolina 21 3 – 2 @ Detroit 20 2 – 2 (Pick’em)
Another rediculously close one. Unfortunately for me, I was one point in the wrong direction.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Detroit
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Detroit

Cincinnati 31 4 – 1 (-3.0) @ Tennessee 23 2 – 3 (+3.0)
Told you this one would be a piece of cake.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – $Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Cincinnati

Cleveland 3 2 – 2 (+4.0) @ Baltimore 16 1 – 3 (-4.0)
Numbers don’t matter when both teams suck, I guess.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Cleveland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Cleveland

Jacksonville 23 3 – 2 (+3.0) @ Pittsburgh 17 3 – 1 (-3.0)
Great money picking Dave, battered up team VS. strong young team. Brilliant.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – $Pittsburgh
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Pittsburgh

Miami 13 2 – 2 (+4.0) @ Tampa Bay 27 4 – 1 (-4.0)
Miami started off strong, but it looks like they are going nowhere fast. As for Tampa Bay, they are one of the league’s biggest surprises.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Tampa Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Tampa Bay

Minnesota 3 1 – 3 (+1.5) @ Chicago 28 1 – 3 (-1.5)
I’m not happy that the Zen pick screwed a team I like out of a win, but then, it makes me look good that I got it right, huh?
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – ^Chicago
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – ^Chicago

N.Y. Giants 13 3 – 1 (+4.0) @ Dallas 16 3 – 2 (-4.0)
To quote Ross Williamson, my buddy Sam’s roomate; “Jose F***ing Cortez, are you kidding me?” (Referring to Dallas’s field goal kicker, who sucks, but kicked the game winning field goal anyways). Dallas wins, but not convincingly enough to cover the spread.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Dallas
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Dallas

Washington 21 3 – 1 (+6.0) @ Kansas City 28 2 – 2 (-6.0)
“This spread is ridiculous, in my opinion. And because of that, I’m going to go with the philosophy that Vegas WANTS me to think this way, and go the opposite way.” – Thank, ZoG!
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – ^Kansas City
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – ^Kansas City

N.Y. Jets 17 2 – 3 (+3.0) @ Buffalo 27 2 – 3 (-3.0)
“Everything in my heart says the Jets are going to win. But the numbers completely disagree.” – Again, the ZoG comes up big.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – ^Buffalo
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – ^Buffalo

San Diego 27 2 – 3 (-2.0) @ Oakland 14 1 – 3 (+2.0)
“I’ll be honest with you, San Diego is probably going to win this game.” – Then why didn’t you pick them, you moron?
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Oakland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Oakland

St. Louis 28 2 – 3 (+12.5) @ Indianapolis 45 5 – 0 (-12.5)
“There’s a reason the spread is this far apart: St. Louis can not stop the pass, and a guy named Peyton Manning, he’s GOT the pass. And the Colts defense is so strong this year that they can actually STOP a team like St. Louis. So yeah, I’ll give the 12.5, and hope for the best.” – After going down 17 – 0, the Colts went on an offensive fluery, and covered the spread for me.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – ^Indianapolis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Indianapolis

DAMN, I’M GOOD

New England 20 3 – 2 (+3.0) @ Denver 28 4 – 1 (-3.0)
This isn’t the New England team we all have grown accustomed to. This team had trouble beating a Vickless Falcon team. They are not strong on defense. They have no running game. Denver, as much as I hate their guts, is putting together an excellent season. And at home, they are as sound as they come. Spells bad news for the defending super bowl champions.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – $Denver
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Denver
- Just picking the team I hate most against the defending super bowl champions and winning with it makes me pretty proud.

Houston 10 0 – 4 (+8.5) @ Seattle 42 3 – 2 (-8.5)
The first of two large-spread games, and I’m giving the points in both of them. Seattle has played very well this season, and is phenomenal at home. As for Houston? They’ve done nothing this season to convince anyone that they are capable of winning. Their losing ways will continue with a Seattle slaughter here.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – $Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Seattle
- “Seattle slaughter” is what made this a great pick.

HOUSTON ASTROS OVER ST. LOUIS CARDINALS IN 6
Picking against the dominant Cardinals never feels quite right. But I am a firm believer in the “pitching wins championships” theory, as proven by the Johnson Schilling 1 2 punch in 2001. As for the Astros, they pack a 1 2 3 punch in Clemens Pettite Oswalt, and with Brandon Backe pitching insanely well at home over his career (10 – 3, 3.12 ERA) it may very well just be an unhittable staff. Houston wins convincingly.
- Ok, so it isn’t football, but its impressive nonetheless, I got it to the number of games! Not bad huh?

THE PICKS

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

Kansas City 30 4 – 2 (-2.0) @ Miami 20 2 – 4 (+2.0)
This game was played on Friday. I had it picked before that, and even had it jotted down as a money pick. I’m going to give you that commentary – those of you that know me know that I’m an honest person, and that I wouldn’t cheat. Those that don’t… get to work on a time machine, travel back to Wednesday, and ask me who I’m taking in the Chief’s game and how confident I am.
“Sure, Kansas City has lost 2 games, but both to very respectable teams, the Eagles and the Broncos. Miami is not a respectable team – they are going in the right direction, but are not capible of playing with a team like Kansas City just yet. The Chiefs should win this one without a problem.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Kansas City
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Kansas City

Detroit 2 – 3 (+2.0) @ Cleveland 2 – 3 (-2.0)
Detroit burned me by one point last week, and I’m hoping that trend doesn’t repeat itself. This one is pretty much a pick’em in my book, but the numbers and my heart both point at Detroit victory.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Detroit
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Detroit

Green Bay 1 – 4 (-1.0) @ Minnesota 1 – 4 (+1.0)
When one team is coming off getting beaten in a blowout is facing a team that just blew their opponent out, always take the team that was blown out last week. They, after all, have more to prove this week, and can catch their over-confident opponents offguard. So says the book of Zen. GB wins 52 – 3, Minnesota loses 28 – 3. So, I take the often-leave-much-to-be-desired Vikings in this one.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^*Minnesota
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: ^*Minnesota

Indianapolis 6 – 0 (-14.5) @ Houston 0 – 5 (+14.5)
Read the above commentary on the Minnesota game. Almost every single rule in my Zen book applies to this game. David Vs. Goliath theory (pick David w/ the spread), Blow out VS. Blown out (as mentioned above), Huge spread differential after a Monday night performance by the favorite (14.5 is pretty heavy), Underdog preparing and taking this game like its the super bowl while favorites take the game for granted. Do I believe all this? Not really, Indianapolis has the best defense and the 6th best offense in the league, next to Houston’s worst offense in the league and 29th ranked defense. This game should be about 70 – 3 for Indi. But the Zen book is hot, and after a 4 – 0 debut, I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt. It can afford to be wrong once, I suppose.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^*Houston
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Indianapolis

New Orleans 2 – 4 (+3.0) @ St. Louis 2 – 4 (-3.0)
I’ve changed this pick about 5 times, as both teams are 2 – 4 for a reason; they seem to find pleasure in screwing themselves out of wins. However, the final decision is based on Bulger being out. After seeing Jamie Martin COMPLETELY blow the game against the Colts, I’m going to say he doesnt have what it takes and give NO the ever so slight edge.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *New Orleans
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *New Orleans

Pittsburgh 3 -2 (+2.5) @ Cincinnati 5 – 1 (-2.5)
With Roethlisburger back, the Steelers are not going to be easy to beat. But Cincinnati is the real deal this year. They are strong on both sides of the ball, they make the fewest turnovers and force the most turnovers. They are one mistake away (against Jacksonville) from being 6 – 0. They take this one in Cinci.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Cincinnati

San Diego 3 – 3 (+4.0) @ Philadelphia 3 – 2 (-4.0)
Donovan McNabb is not 100%, and it has shown with his poor play. Tomlinson IS 100%, and that too has shown with his brilliance. San Diego’s defense often makes its fans cringe, but I think it will be able to hold fort long enough for Brees and Tomlinson to tear up Philidelphia’s defense.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $*San Diego
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *San Diego

San Francisco 1 – 4 (+11.5) @ Washington 3 – 2 (-11.5)
San Fransisco ALWAYS gets blown out, and Washington never blows anyone out. So, which trend gives first? I say its Washington’s. They are a far superior team, at home, and they shouldn’t have too big of a problem putting up a 14 or 21 point lead and holding it.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Washington
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Washington

Dallas 4 – 2 (+3.5) @ Seattle 4 – 2 (-3.5)
Two strong teams here, but Seattle is just a bit stronger. This game COULD go either way, but for whatever reason, Seattle ALWAYS wins at home. Maybe its sleeping in their own beds all week? Well, they won big at home last week, and I believe that they just might do the same again this week.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Seattle

Baltimore 2 – 3 (+1.0) @ Chicago 2 – 3 (-1.0)
Every week I get my Baltimore pick wrong, so I don’t know why I’m making this one a money pick. Still, Chicago’s playing its second straight home game against its second straight lousy opponent. Everything adds up to a Bears victory here – but then, I’m picking them, and that throws the equation off.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Chicago
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Chicago

Buffalo 3 – 3 (+3.0) @ Oakland 1 – 4 (-3.0)
This pick will confuse you – I had to talk myself OUT of picking Buffalo. That’s right. After the San Diego mistake, I was convinced not to do the same again. I checked the numbers, and it turns out that Buffalo has the worst running defense in the league. No Randy Moss, the Raiders should do a nice bit of running this Sunday. They should also be able to stop Buffalo’s weak offense. And the records of the teams are no indication; Buffalo’s wins were against the Jets (2 – 4), the Dolphins (2 – 4), and the Texans (0 – 5). The Raiders have played 5 games this season, none against an opponent under .500. Also take into consideration the zen rule of weird looking spreads; why would a 1 – 4 team be favored against a 3 – 3 team? They are not as bad as their record says they are, and they will get the win here.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $^Oakland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Oakland

Denver 5 – 1 @ N.Y. Giants 3 – 2 (Pick’em)
The Giants have played very well… against teams that they should play well against. Dejavu, here come some numbers again. Their three wins are against St. Louis, New Orleans, and Arizona, who combined come together for a whopping 5 – 12 record. Denver, on the other hand, plays well against everyone. After their first game slip up (which is standard in football), they have won 5 straight, against legitimite teams too (Combined record of 18 – 10; 5 of those losses coming from the Broncos). They are the better team, and they are much to my dismay the real deal. They will win this one.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Denver
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Denver

Tennessee 2 – 4 (+3.0) @ Arizona 1 – 4 (-3.0)
This game really racks my brain, as both teams suck, and are equally capible of losing this game. Trust me, I think the cup is half full, but in this game, theres no winner, theres just more of a loser. And more of a loser, as indicated by their record, is the Arizona Cardinals.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Tennessee
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Tennessee

N.Y. Jets 2 – 4 (+7.0) @ Atlanta 4 – 2 (-7.0)
Everytime I have to pick a Jets game, I shake my head at what could have been this season, as injuries have plagued them like no other. But, what could have been doesn’t change the fact that they are a complete mess right now, and the Falcons shouldn’t have too much of a problem cleaning them up.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Atlanta
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Atlanta

PLAYOFF BASEBALL COMMENTS

WORLD SERIES 2005
HOUSTON ASTROS OVER CHICAGO WHITE SOX IN 6
Great game today, as what should have been a pitchers duel turned into a slugfest early, including Roger Clemens getting injured, which could potentially devastate the Astros. But I don’t think so. Chicago ended up winning it 5 – 3, but I believe that their success will be short lived. Don’t get me wrong; I think they have a fantastic ball club, and actually, these teams match up perfectly; they get hits when they need them and have absolutely dominating starting pitchers. Pettite and Oswalt are just a bit stronger than Buerhle and Garland in my opinion, and thats going to make the difference in this series. In what should be 6 exciting games, Houston takes the series and gives Biggio and Bagwell that championship they so desperately deserve. This series also gives Roy Oswalt the chance to permanently add his name into the elite category of pitchers in the league.

KINGS HOCKEY

Just one quick note on the Kings. This Wednesday and Thursday, the Kings played back to back games against two of their toughest rivals, the Colorado Avalanche and the Dallas Stars. It is extremely difficult to win on back to back nights. Its even more difficult to do so on the road. And against two strong rivals? But the Kings did it, one in comeback fashion (scoring four unanswered goals to come back from a 4 – 1 defecit and win the game 5 – 4 against Colorado), and one in blowout fashion (crushing the Stars 7 – 2). If you aren’t a hockey fan, maybe you oughta give it a try; it looks like hockey is back in a big way in LA.

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

MY TEAMS RECORDS
OAKLAND RAIDERS: 1 – 4 – 0
USC TROJANS: 7 – 0 – 0
LOS ANGELES KINGS: 6 – 2 – 0

TROJAN OUTSCORING O-METER
Season:
TROJANS 343
OPPONENTS 151

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By Dave Consolazio, October 13, 2005 10:00 am

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

THE INTRO

Shoot, last Sunday was one of the poorest displays of picking football that the world has ever seen, and I had all sorts of clever ways to belittle myself lined up. Yet in the aftermath of today’s Trojans game, I could have gone 0 for 14 last week and still had a huge grin on my face. Still, lets not let me completely off the hook. My “money picks” (picks you are supposed to feel confident laying money down on) are now at a laughable 3 of 10 correct. Last week was so poor, in fact, that I was prompted to buy a book about sports gambling called the “Zen of Gambling”. It gives me all sorts of tricks to the trade. It also gives me the best places to crunch the numbers on the games, which I actually did this week. I’m aware that letting you in on this is most certainly setting myself up for public humiliation, but that’s why I’m here! If I were picking for pride, I’da stopped at week one. The ZoG says that everyone has cold streaks, and that as long as you are over 50% at the end of the year, you make money in the end. Does it count as a cold STREAK if your entire career is cold? Hmmm… well, lets see how my newly enlightened self does this week.

Well, I just witnessed the greatest college football game of my young life. I’ll be honest with you, I had trouble believing that the ASU game could ever be surpassed, but it only took us two weeks. For those of you that saw it, there’s no need to recap, and for those of you who didn’t, words will do it no justice. So I will stick

Last week’s 0 for 3 betting on the advice of an undefeated guy was a pretty good story. This week may top it. I dropped $55 on this one today, all thanks to the ZEN OF GAMBLING. Here are all the reasons the Trojan’s were supposed to come out convincingly victorious:

*Notre Dame is coming off a blowout win. Trojans were coming off a lackluster win against a lousy team. ZoG states that you should always take the team that’s coming off of the bad game, as they have more to prove and the spread will be in your favor.
*The Trojans were not unanimously voted as the #1 team in the nation this week, with Texas grabbing 2 #1 votes. This should make the Trojans angry and give them more to prove, making them come out even hungrier, according to ZoG.
*Notre Dame was too overconfident all week. Overconfidence almost always ends in disaster.
*The public was betting on the Irish. What the public bets on is what you should bet against, as the public always loses in the long run (this is why casinos make money)
*Notre Dame was coming off a week off, way too much time without football too match the intensity for the rivalry of the Trojans so they should have been blown away early.

Sorry, Wayne Allen Root (author). There’s an even stronger Zen then yours, and that’s the
David Consolazio Sure To Lose In An Absolute Thriller Zen
Last 3 Trojan games I’ve put money on:
2004 VS. Cal
2005 @ ASU
2005 @ ND
All brilliant games. All Trojan victories. All Trojan failure to cover the spread. All exciting to the max. All forcing Dave to order off the McDonald’s Dollar Menu during the week following.

THE RECORD

Last Week
With the spread: 6 – 8 – 0 (.429)
Without the spread: 6 – 8 – 0 (.429)
$$Money Picks$$: 0 – 1 – 0 (.000)

Season
With the spread: 34 – 39 – 1 (.466)
Without the spread: 41 – 33 – 0 (.554)
$$Money Picks$$: 3 – 7 – 1 (.300)

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

Baltimore 17 1 – 2 (+1.5) @ Detroit 35 1 – 2 (-1.5)
“This game makes me very uncomfortable, as I don’t feel that either team has been playing to its potential yet this season.” – Well, perhaps the Lions just got started.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Baltimore
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Baltimore

Chicago 10 1 – 2 (+3.0) @ Cleveland 20 1 – 2 (-3.0)
“Pretty much everything I’ve read says that Cleveland is the pick here, but I disagree.” – Smart, Dave. Its that brilliance that got you where you are today.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Chicago
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Chicago

Miami 14 2 – 1 (+2.5) @ Buffalo 20 1 – 3 (-2.5)
I’m not going to dog myself on this one, I still think I made the right pick! Damn Dolphins.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Miami
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Miami

New England 31 2 – 2 (+3.0) @ Atlanta 28 3 – 1 (-3.0)
Gee, knowing that Mike Vick wasn’t playing just MAY have made me pick this one a little differently. “Questionable” my… deep breaths. Feel the Zen, Dave, feel it.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Atlanta
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Atlanta

New Orleans 3 2 – 2 (+3.0) @ Green Bay 52 0 – 4 (-3.0)
“Going into Green Bay and winning isn’t as big of a deal as it once was. I really don’t think that Green Bay is an 0 – 5 team, and they are certainly due for a victory. However, New Orleans has shown little flashes of brilliance here and there, and I’m not going to pick against them, even though it may end up coming back to haunt me.” – Haunt me? This one flat out embarrassed me.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *New Orleans
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *New Orleans

Tampa Bay 12 4 – 0 (-3.5) @ N.Y. Jets 14 1 – 3 (+3.5)
“While the story of 42-year-old Vinny Testeverde overcoming the undefeated team that drafted him is a heartwarming story, I’m not gonna let my heart talk me out of what I know is the right pick. Tampa Bay should stay undefeated in this one.” – Why is it that when I go with my heart, its wrong, and when I go against it, its right???
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Tampa Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Tampa Bay

Tennessee 34 1 – 3 (+3.0) @ Houston 20 0 – 3 (-3.0)
“Tennessee deserves a little bit more respect than they are being given this week, and I think they are going to go out and prove it.” – I thought right! Certainly a rarity this week.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Tennessee
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – *Tennessee

Indianapolis 28 4 – 0 (-14.0) @ San Francisco 3 1 – 3 (+14.0)
“Peytons back. San Francisco just lost to Arizona. I’m going to go ahead and put the two together and say that Indianapolis is going to remain undefeated. Will they win by more than 14? Absolutely. I’m thinking it should be right around 41 – 10.” Not quite 41 – 10, but still good enough for me.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Indianapolis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Indianapolis

Carolina 24 2 – 2 (-2.5) @ Arizona 20 1 – 3 (+2.5)
“Arizona is coming off a nice win in Mexico (that sounds weird…), but Carolina is also coming off a nice win against Green Bay. While they aren’t nearly as good as they are supposed to be this year (some were picking them to go to the super bowl), I still think that Carolina is good enough to take down the Cardinals.” – Alright!
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Carolina
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Carolina

Philadelphia 10 3 – 1 (-3.5) @ Dallas 33 2 – 2 (+3.5)
I… don’t… understand……. Must… gather…. coherent thought… can’t……
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – $ Philadelphia
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Philadelphia

Cincinnati 20 4 – 0 (+2.5) @ Jacksonville 23 2 – 2 (-2.5)
“My best friend Sam Saig guarantees Jacksonville victory in this one. Looks like Vegas agrees with him. Unfortunately, I don’t.” – Unfortunate indeed, good call my friend.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Cincinnati

Pittsburgh 24 2 – 1 (+3.0) @ San Diego 22 2 – 2 (-3.0)
San Diego’s offense looks pretty unstoppable, but this week they are going against one of the league’s best rushing defenses. I think Pittsburgh has what it takes to win, but if I’m wrong and San Diego gets another convincing win here, they can start pleading their case of being one if the top contenders in the AFC.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Pittsburgh
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – *Pittsburgh

DAMN, I’M GOOD

Seattle 37 2 – 2 (+3.0) @ St. Louis 31 2 – 2 (-3.0)
This is probably just my heart talking. Seattle is winless on the road, St. Louis is undefeated at home. It seems on paper to be a very easy pick. I’m not sure if its because I like Seattle and hate St. Louis, or whether I have a gut feeling. But I can justify this pick since I really don’t feel like St. Louis can stop Shawn Alexander, and Seattle really is the better of the two teams.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – *Seattle
- 119 yards and 2 TDs on 25 carries. Told you they couldn’t stop Alexander!

Washington 19 3 – 0 (+7.0) @ Denver 21 3 – 1 (-7.0)
Wait… Washington is undefeated? All of a sudden the team I was laughing at a few weeks ago appears to have a significantly better chance of making the playoffs than my Raiders. Unfortunately, their streak is going to end in Denver – but not as convincingly as Vegas seems to make it out to be. Denver wins, but not by too much.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Washington
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Denver
- Nailed this one. Feels good, considering I did have a LOSING record this week.

THE PICKS

* – Indicates Upset Pick
$ – Indicates Money Pick
^ – Indicates Zen Pick
(A Zen pick is a pick that I would have picked differently in the past, but am now ‘enlightened’)

Atlanta 3 – 2 (-3.5) @ New Orleans 2 – 3 (+3.5)
This is one of the few games I’m flat out going against my Zen book on. It states that you should take the team that just got pounded into submission last week, as they will be more likely to play their hearts out. I say, Mike Vick should be back, and rules don’t apply to him. And even if he isn’t, I still think that backup Matt Schaub has enough to beat the emotionally and literally battered Saints.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Atlanta
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Atlanta

Carolina 3 – 2 @ Detroit 2 – 2 (Pick’em)
Either team can win this ball game. Wow, very perceptive of me – ITS A PICK’EM. No spread, toss a coin. Or crunch the numbers, and see that Carolina’s defense is NOT what it was hyped up to be, and Detroit at home is very sound. And then take the better team.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Detroit
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Detroit

Cincinnati 4 – 1 (-3.0) @ Tennessee 2 – 3 (+3.0)
No need for number crunching or Zen on this one. Even I can figure this one out. While they burned me last week, the Bengals are still a great team, and Tennessee is a significant drop-off from Jacksonville. They should win convincingly here.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Cincinnati

Cleveland 2 – 2 (+4.0) @ Baltimore 1 – 3 (-4.0)
While neither team will impress you to death, Cleveland can at least string together a drive or two. Baltimore possesses the worst offense in the league, and what’s worse, their highly touted defense is a complete no-show this year. I’m going to have trouble picking them until they can show me ANYTHING on EITHER side of the ball.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Cleveland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Cleveland

Jacksonville 3 – 2 (+3.0) @ Pittsburgh 3 – 1 (-3.0)
Even battered and bruised, the Steelers are a damn strong team. Jacksonville is putting together a pretty impressive season themselves, but I believe that going into a very tough Pittsburgh stadium is going to be too tough a challenge for the Jaguars.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Pittsburgh
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Pittsburgh

Miami 2 – 2 (+4.0) @ Tampa Bay 4 – 1 (-4.0)
This one has defensive battle written all over it. Two run-based teams playing against two run-strong defenses. Miami has looked strong at certain points, but I think their lack of talent is starting to catch up to them. Tampa Bay should be able to overcome them at home, though not by much. I’m tempted to take the 4 points, but I’ll put my faith in the Bucs.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Tampa Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Tampa Bay

Minnesota 1 – 3 (+1.5) @ Chicago 1 – 3 (-1.5)
I like Minnesota. I think Chicago is useless. I’d like to think that every game is the game that the Vikings are going to pull it all together. But, honestly, I’m not too sure this is the game they’ll do it in. If they do, fantastic, I’ll take the loss. But Chicago at home isn’t the ideal place to get started, especially when you can’t stop the run.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^Chicago
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: ^Chicago

N.Y. Giants 3 – 1 (+4.0) @ Dallas 3 – 2 (-4.0)
Both of these teams have impressed early on in the season. Dallas is coming off a fantastic win against the NFC’s best, and they are at home in this one. I think they have what it takes to stop the high powered Giants offense (that doesn’t feel right typing, yet it is statistically accurate) and pull off the W at home.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Dallas
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Dallas

Washington 3 – 1 (+6.0) @ Kansas City 2 – 2 (-6.0)
I’m going completely with my Zen book on this one. It states that when the spread looks completely messed up, don’t think Vegas made a mistake – its YOU that’s missing something. Well, Kansas City has looked AWFUL, and Washington has played four strong games this year. This spread is ridiculous, in my opinion. And because of that, I’m going to go with the philosophy that Vegas WANTS me to think this way, and go the opposite way.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^Kansas City
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: ^Kansas City

New England 3 – 2 (+3.0) @ Denver 4 – 1 (-3.0)
This isn’t the New England team we all have grown accustomed to. This team had trouble beating a Vickless Falcon team. They are not strong on defense. They have no running game. Denver, as much as I hate their guts, is putting together an excellent season. And at home, they are as sound as they come. Spells bad news for the defending super bowl champions.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Denver
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Denver

N.Y. Jets 2 – 3 (+3.0) @ Buffalo 2 – 3 (-3.0)
Everything in my heart says the Jets are going to win. But the numbers completely disagree. While the Bills do have an awful pass defense, the Jets have an awful pass offense. And as for the running battle, Buffalo dominates completely. Plus, they are at home. So, I’ll take the smart pick, and save my stupid heart for the pick below.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^Buffalo
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: ^Buffalo

San Diego 2 – 3 (-2.0) @ Oakland 1 – 3 (+2.0)
I’ll be honest with you, San Diego is probably going to win this game. Neither team can stop the other’s highly powered passing game, and San Diego has a little X-Factor that goes by the name of LADANIAN TOMLINSON. However, a few things. First of all, the Raiders have been great against the run this year. Second, its in the black hole. Third, I still feel that on paper the Raiders are one of the teams to beat in the West, and that their schedule made it awfully difficult for them to start the season off strong. And fourth? The Zen book tells you never to bet blindly with your heart, but it doesn’t take into account just how big my heart is! (And the bonehead comment of the year award goes to…)
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Oakland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Oakland

Houston 0 – 4 (+8.5) @ Seattle 3 – 2 (-8.5)
The first of two large-spread games, and I’m giving the points in both of them. Seattle has played very well this season, and is phenomenal at home. As for Houston? They’ve done nothing this season to convince anyone that they are capable of winning. Their losing ways will continue with a Seattle slaughter here.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Seattle

St. Louis 2 – 3 (+12.5) @ Indianapolis 5 – 0 (-12.5)
My first impression was to go with St. Louis. But then I realized that first impressions can be and often are deceiving. There’s a reason the spread is this far apart: St. Louis can not stop the pass, and a guy named Peyton Manning, he’s GOT the pass. And the Colts defense is so strong this year that they can actually STOP a team like St. Louis. So yeah, I’ll give the 12.5, and hope for the best.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^Indianapolis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Indianapolis

Only two upsets this week. How interesting. Win or lose, I’m just glad to see the Raiders again! After the bye AND the plane ride home from ASU, I’ve miss them!

PLAYOFF BASEBALL COMMENTS

Well, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a more clear cut act of referee’s favoritism then I’m seeing in the White Sox / Angels series right now in the White Sox favor. Sure, the occasional game is often blown by a referee, but the Angels have seen two games ruined by umpires. The completely absurd call in game 2 that accused Josh Paul of catching the ball on a bounce was ridiculous, and that may have been topped by the catcher’s interference non-call in game 4. What would have been bases loaded one out quickly became bases empty 3 outs because the umpire did not notice that Finley had struck Pyrzinski’s glove. The biggest shame here is that the White Sox are playing a damn good series, especially their starting pitching. While the series very well could be 3 – 1 in favor of the Angels, it could also be 3 – 1 LEGITIMATELY favoring the White Sox. Thanks to the umpires, Angel fans will always have a case, and regardless of who wins the series, it will be tarnished by these hideous game-altering miscalls

As for the Astros Cardinals series, it is going exactly as I’ve predicted it would (me… right?). Astro’s starting pitching dominating even the incredible Cardinal’s offense. I’d be awfully naive to say this ones anywhere close to over… but I’m a naive guy, and I say its 3 short games away from being over.

What an incredible starting pitching duel a White Sox Astro’s series would be! Not to mention, the White Sox haven’t won a series since 1917, and the Astros have never won one, so it would be cool to add either team to the memory bank of WS champs. However, lets not get ahead of ourselves… if last year taught us anything, its that ANYONE (the cursed Red Sox) can overcome ANY deficit (Down 3 – 0!).

KINGS HOCKEY COMMENTS

Well, early into the new season, I’m pretty damn pleased with this team. There is an awful lot of hockey to be played, and I’m not saying we’re going anywhere huge this year. But our 3 – 2 record could very easily be 5 – 0… a very poorly reffed game against Dallas and a few crucial mistakes against the Wings cost us a couple of wins. Don’t get me wrong, I understand that referees and mistakes are a part of the game. But I’m very pleased with our first five games; the new team looks awesome – Pavel Demitra and Dustin Brown are punishing the opposition, and guys like Roenick, Frolov, and Conroy still haven’t hit their peaks yet. Most importantly, I’m pleased in general that hockey is back and flourishing! And to all of you who let me know that you ARE hockey fans in LA, FIGHT ON!

Enjoy your Sunday and the rest of your week! If the Raiders and the Kings can both pull off wins tomorrow, I think they’d lock this up as my favorite weekend of all time, after that Trojan game. If they both lose… it’ll still be in the running! Please send feedback! For past issues of the DIME, visit my website: Dave’s Dime

MY TEAMS RECORDS
OAKLAND RAIDERS: 1 – 3 – 0
USC TROJANS: 6 – 0 – 0
LOS ANGELES KINGS: 3 – 2 – 0

TROJAN OUTSCORING O-METER
Season:
TROJANS 292
OPPONENTS 127

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By Dave Consolazio, October 6, 2005 10:00 am

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

THE INTRO

What a week! Hockey is BACK, playoff baseball is in full swing, and somewhere in the midst of all that, I’ve still got a football column to write! I did include my baseball playoff predictions below my picks, just for the fun of it. It is a great time to be a sports fan (well, its a great time to be ME anyways, last I checked no one in Los Angeles actually cares about hockey) and I’ll get right to it this week. Go Kings! (The ones from LOS ANGELES, not the BASKETBALL TEAM, thank you)

The Trojans looked pretty bad at points today, but still ended up winning convincingly once they settled down. I really don’t know what to tell you – it seems that they have an ON/OFF switch handy, and I certainly hope it stays in the right hands, because there really is no room for a loss with undefeated Texas and Virginia Tech right on our heels fighting for those two precious national championship spots.

Guess I didn’t get right into it after all. I’ve got a story. Dad calls me up Thursday, telling me about this guy Colin Cowherd on ESPN radio who picks nothing but winners. He only picks college games that he’s positive will win, and so far he is 8 – 0 this season. He picked three games this Saturday, so Dad and I agree to put $20 on each game. After all, we win 2 out of 3, we’re set right? Wrong. Texas Tech fails to cover the spread against Nebraska, UCLA beats Cal, and Oregon of all things beats Arizona State IN Arizona State. The poor guy goes 0 and 3, and loses my father and I $60. The moral of the story – Don’t gamble? All streaks come to an end? Theres a first time for everything? …No, its just that me and my father are simply two unlucky people. Thats why I call the guy “poor”; He’d be 11 – 0 if it wasnt for the two of us.

THE RECORD

Last Week
With the spread: 7 – 7 – 0 (.500)
Without the spread: 10 – 4 – 0 (.714)
$$Money Picks$$: 1 – 1 – 0 (.500)

Season
With the spread: 28 – 31 – 1 (.475)
Without the spread: 35 – 25 – 0 (.583)
$$Money Picks$$: 3 – 6 – 1 (.333)

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

San Diego 41 (+5.0) @ New England 17 (-5.0)
“I really do think that San Diego has a shot here. New England is battered up, San Diegos got LT.” – Maybe next time I wont second guess myself.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – New England
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – New England

Denver 20 (+4.0) @ Jacksonville 7 (-4.0)
Here’s the second game of the week that I picked against my gut on, and yeah, it came back to haunt me. Tough loss for Jacksonville.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Jacksonville
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Jacksonville

Houston 10 (+10.0) @ Cincinnati 16 (-10.0)
Cinci stays undefeated, but not in the dominant fashion I expected, and yet again, I lose a pick that I guarenteed. Undefeated team against winless team at home, but its not enough to win by 10. This is gonna be a long season.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – $ Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Cincinnati

Indianapolis 31 (-6.5) @ Tennessee 10 (+6.5)
Finally, Peyton shows sign of life, and the undefeated Colts actually look comfortable for a change.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Indianapolis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Indianapolis

Philidelphia 37 (+2.5) @ Kansas City 31 (-2.5)
Very convincing comeback win for Phili, and perhaps equally telling collapse for Kansas City.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Philidelphia
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – *Philidelphia

Detroit 13 (+6.5) @ Tampa Bay 17 (-6.5)
“I’m not sure that Tampa Bay is going to win by a touchdown, but they most certainly are going to win.” – Again, should of gone with my gut.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Tampa Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Tampa Bay

St. Louis 24 (+3.0) @ New York Giants 44 (-3.0)
Great game for Eli, laughable game for the Rams.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – New York Giants
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – New York Giants

Buffalo 7 @ New Orleans 19 (Pick ‘Em)
“I am going to go with my gut here and take New Orleans, even though my brain tells me that the right pick is Buffalo.” – Look, it actually paid off.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – New Orleans
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – New Orleans

Seattle 17 (+2.0) @ Washington 20 (-2.0)
“While they always seem to find a way to lose on the road, I’m going to assume that won’t be the case today, and take Seattle.” – I assumed incorrectly.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Seattle

New York Jets 3 (+7.5) @ Baltimore 13 (-7.5)
The Jets are in a LOT of trouble this season unless Vinny Testaverde can pull a miracle season out of his…. hat.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *New York Jets
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Baltimore

Minnesota 10 (+5.5) @ Atlanta 30 (-5.5)
Haha, well I went with my gut on this one, and maybe I shouldn’t have. How many games does Vick have to win until he gets respect?
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Minnesota
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Minnesota

San Fransisco 14 (+3.0) @ Arizona 31 (-3.0)
Great, I was right. Too bad the game means nothing.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Arizona
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Arizona

DAMN, I’M GOOD

Dallas 13 (+3.0) @ Oakland 19 (-3.0)
“Oakland is actually going to win a football game! They are absolutely itching for a win, in Oakland, against a team that isnt a division rival or super bowl winner or runner up. Oakland is going to win this game, and do so convincingly. And I’m going to be on a plane home when they do.”
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – $ Oakland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Oakland
- Not as convincing as I expected, but good enough to land in the damn I’m good category.

Green Bay 29 (+8.0) @ Carolina 32 (-8.0)
Carolina has not shown me nearly enough to give up 8 points, but GB hasn’t shown me nearly enough to believe they can win. So…. GB w/ the spread, Carolina w/o it.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Green Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Carolina
- Nailed this one. It’s always fulfilling to get these right.

THE PICKS

* – Indicates Upset Pick
$ – Indicates Money Pick
(I’ll be including the team’s overall records next to their names from here on, so those of you that don’t follow the NFL closely have an idea of how the teams are doing.)

Baltimore 1 – 2 (+1.5) @ Detroit 1 – 2 (-1.5)
This game makes me very uncomfortable, as I don’t feel that either team has been playing to its potential yet this season. However, I feel that Baltimore can run the ball down Detroit’s throat, and force the already struggling Harrington into a few mistakes to cost the Lions the game.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Baltimore
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Baltimore

Chicago 1 – 2 (+3.0) @ Cleveland 1 – 2 (-3.0)
Pretty much everything I’ve read says that Cleveland is the pick here, but I disagree. I think Chicago’s defense is strong enough to stop Dilfer and the gang, and their running game will be strong enough to pound out the victory.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Chicago
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Chicago

Miami 2 – 1 (+2.5) @ Buffalo 1 – 3 (-2.5)
In Buffalo, Buffalo is supposedly a very tough team to beat. But I really haven’t seen enough out of JP Losman this year to believe he has what it takes to add a passing attack to McGahee’s running game. Miami on the other hand has done pretty much everything right. I’m by no means jumping on the bandwagon, but I am taking them in this one.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Miami
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Miami

New England 2 – 2 (+3.0) @ Atlanta 3 – 1 (-3.0)
Let’s face it; this isn’t the New England team that has won the Super Bowl 3 of the last 4 years. There are familiar faces, but not enough of them are on defense. On the flip side of the coin, this is the Atlanta team that just seems to always win. They couldn’t stop Ladanian Tomlinson, and I’m not convinced that they can stop Mike Vick either, even if he is battered up.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Atlanta
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Atlanta

New Orleans 2 – 2 (+3.0) @ Green Bay 0 – 4 (-3.0)
Going into Green Bay and winning isn’t as big of a deal as it once was. I really don’t think that Green Bay is an 0 – 5 team, and they are certainly due for a victory. However, New Orleans has shown little flashes of brilliance here and there, and I’m not going to pick against them, even though it may end up coming back to haunt me.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *New Orleans
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *New Orleans

Seattle 2 – 2 (+3.0) @ St. Louis 2 – 2 (-3.0)
This is probably just my heart talking. Seattle is winless on the road, St. Louis is undefeated at home. It seems on paper to be a very easy pick. I’m not sure if its because I like Seattle and hate St. Louis, or whether I have a gut feeling. But I can justify this pick since I really don’t feel like St. Louis can stop Shawn Alexander, and Seattle really is the better of the two teams.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Seattle

Tampa Bay 4 – 0 (-3.5) @ N.Y. Jets 1 – 3 (+3.5)
While the story of 42-year-old Vinny Testeverde overcoming the undefeated team that drafted him is a heart-warming story, I’m not gonna let my heart talk me out of what I know is the right pick. Tampa Bay should stay undefeated in this one.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Tampa Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Tampa Bay

Tennessee 1 – 3 (+3.0) @ Houston 0 – 3 (-3.0)
Winless Houston is the favorite, seeing as they are at home against a pretty weak Tennessee team. But I’m not buying it. Tennessee deserves a little bit more respect than they are being given this week, and I think they are going to go out and prove it.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Tennessee
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Tennessee

Indianapolis 4 – 0 (-14.0) @ San Francisco 1 – 3 (+14.0)
Peytons back. San Fransisco just lost to Arizona. I’m going to go ahead and put the two together and say that Indianapolis is going to remain undefeated. Will they win by more than 14? Absolutely. I’m thinking it should be right around 41 – 10.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Indianapolis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Indianapolis

Carolina 2 – 2 (-2.5) @ Arizona 1 – 3 (+2.5)
Arizona is coming off a nice win in Mexico (that sounds weird…), but Carolina is also coming off a nice win against Green Bay. While they aren’t nearly as good as they are supposed to be this year (some were picking them to go to the super bowl), I still think that Carolina is good enough to take down the Cardinals.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Carolina
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Carolina

Philadelphia 3 – 1 (-3.5) @ Dallas 2 – 2 (+3.5)
This is the only pick I’m confident with this week (and judging from my money pick record, maybe you should avoid it like the plague). Philadelphia is simply a much better team than Dallas, and they proved that they are never out of a game with their excellent comeback on Kansas City last week. Besides, if Dallas can’t beat the RAIDERS, how on earth can they beat these guys?
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $ Philadelphia
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Philadelphia

Washington 3 – 0 (+7.0) @ Denver 3 – 1 (-7.0)
Wait… Washington is undefeated? All of a sudden the team I was laughing at a few weeks ago appears to have a significantly better chance of making the playoffs than my Raiders. Unfortunantly, their streak is going to end in Denver – but not as convincingly as Vegas seems to make it out to be. Denver wins, but not by too much.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Washington
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Denver

Cincinnati 4 – 0 (+2.5) @ Jacksonville 2 – 2 (-2.5)
My best friend Sam Saig guarentees Jacksonville victory in this one. Looks like Vegas agrees with him. Unfortunately, I don’t. After getting pounded by Denver last week, their going to need a very big game to make sure the same doesn’t happen against Cincinnati, and I don’t think they have it in them. We shall see.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Cincinnati

Pittsburgh 2 – 1 (+3.0) @ San Diego 2 – 2 (-3.0)
San Diego’s offense looks pretty unstoppable, but this week they are going against one of the league’s best rushing defenses. I think Pittsburgh has what it takes to win, but if I’m wrong and San Diego gets another convincing win here, they can start pleading their case of being one if the top contenders in the AFC.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Pittsburgh
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Pittsburgh

Only 4 road favorites, and only 2 games with spreads over 4. I’ve got 8 upsets. Should be quite a week!

PLAYOFF BASEBALL PREDICTIONS
*Already happened, not a prediction

Round 1 -
*CHICAGO WHITE SOX OVER BOSTON RED SOX IN 3
Huge upset here. The White Sox suprised pretty much everyone but themselves in sweeping the defending world series champions. With just the right dose of hitting, pitching, and magic, this will be a fun team to watch in the next round.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM OVER NEW YORK YANKEES IN 4
The Angels are not afraid to play in Yankee stadium, and they have proven that time and time again. They’ve got “it”. Don’t know what IT is, but they’ve got it, and the Yankees don’t. I think they’ll finish it up tonight.

*ST. LOUIS CARDINALS OVER SAN DIEGO PADRES IN 3
No suprises here. What little chance the Padres may have had cracked with Peavys rib. For the second straight year, the Cards are the NLs team to beat.

HOUSTON ASTROS OVER ATLANTA BRAVES IN 4
With an almost unstoppable pitching staff, the Astros will find their way into the NL championship game once again, and this time I believe it will be a successful trip.

Round 2 –
LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM OVER CHICAGO WHITE SOX IN 7
These are two teams that should match up absolutely perfectly for a great series that will take seven games to decide. The Angel’s playoff experience will pay huge dividends in this one.

HOUSTON ASTROS OVER ST. LOUIS CARDINALS IN 6
Picking against the dominant Cardinals never feels quite right. But I am a firm believer in the “pitching wins championships” theory, as proven by the Johnson Schilling 1 2 punch in 2001. As for the Astros, they pack a 1 2 3 punch in Clemens Pettite Oswalt, and with Brandon Backe pitching insanely well at home over his career (10 – 3, 3.12 ERA) it may very well just be an unhittable staff. Houston wins convincingly.

As for the world series? I’ll let you know next week where I stand on that pick!

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

MY TEAMS RECORDS
OAKLAND RAIDERS: 1 – 3 – 0
USC TROJANS: 5 – 0 – 0
LOS ANGELES KINGS: 1 – 1 – 0

TROJAN OUTSCORING O-METER
Season:
TROJANS 258
OPPONENTS 96