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By Dave Consolazio, December 29, 2005 10:00 am

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

THE INTRO

So here we are; the last weekend of the regular season, the last day of 2005, and the last time we will get to see Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart in Trojan jerseys. So lets get right to it; there is champagne to be drinking!

Oh, and just letting you know now; I’m not funny this week. Sorry. Too football oriented; hopefully you all still enjoy it anyways!

Today’s lucky numbers are: 1 11 23 24 31.

I played these with my last $1.50 at Morongo last night on Keno (yes, Keno) and they hit… $350 on a 50 cent bet!

USC TROJANS VS. TEXAS LONGHORNS

Current Spread: USC (-8.0) Texas (+8.0)
Poll Results: USC 5 – Texas 0, both w/ and w/o the spread

I will try not to take it personally that only FIVE people responded to the poll, and move on gracefully. All month I’ve been thinking of all the ways I’m going to break down the numbers on this game, and try to figure out who is going to win, and have some sort of really good reason as to why I feel that way. But thats the thing about college football that makes this game so necessary to be played out; you just can’t get a fair comparison of these teams based on the numbers, because both teams faced 12 completely different teams, 12 completely different offenses and defenses. Sure, I can give you the numbers:

Total Yards Per Game:
USC 587.8 (1st in NCAA)
Texas 516.9 (4th in NCAA)

Passing Yards Per Game:
USC 323.5 (6th in NCAA)
Texas 243.1 (51st in NCAA)

Rushing Yards Per Game:
USC 264.3 (4th in NCAA)
Texas 273.8 (3rd in NCAA)

Points Per Game:
USC 50.0 (2nd in NCAA)
Texas 50.8 (1st in NCAA)

We can also talk about stength of schedule; the Trojans on paper had a much tougher schedule, but again considering that the teams played no like opponents, its hard to say what USC would have done against Ohio State or Texas Tech, or what Texas would have done against Notre Dame, Oregon, Fresno State, or UCLA. Granted, USC and Texas would have likely won in all of these matchups; but we could have at least been able to compare margin and strength of victory, etc. In any case, there is no reason for Texas fans to believe their defense can’t stop SC, and there is no reason for SC fans to believe that they can’t stomp right over the defense and stop Texas en route to victory.

So, who do I think is going to win? The Trojans. Convincingly. I’ve seen every game they’ve played this year; I’ve seen what their offense is capible of. The only way they can be stopped is if they are shaken up by the crowd; but thats not going to be the case at this Rose Bowl. Pete Carroll has had a month to prepare for this game. It will be Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart’s final game. As seen above, Texas is NOT known for its passing, and the Trojans do have a very sound rushing defense. If they can take the early lead and force Texas to pass, the game could get out of hand in a hurry. This may be a close game. It may be a Texas victory. But I don’t think either will be the case; I think that Carroll will find an answer to Vince Young, and even Texas’s strong defense won’t be able to cover all of the dimensions of the Trojan’s offense.

Score Prediction: Trojans 42, Longhorns 17

PICK WITH THE SPREAD: USC
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: USC

THE RECORD

Last Week
With the spread: 11 – 4 – 1 (.733)
Without the spread: 12 – 4 – 0 (.750)
$$Money Picks$$: 1 – 0 – 1 (1.000)
^^Zen Picks^^: 3 – 2 – 1 (.600)

Season
With the spread: 131 – 102 – 7 (.562)
Without the spread: 157 – 83 – 0 (.654)
$$Money Picks$$: 31 – 21 – 5 (.596)
^^Zen Picks^^: 26 – 13 – 1 (.666)

LAST WEEK’S RECAP OF DAVE’S BRILLIANCE AND FOOLISHNESS
(Usually Brilliance?!?)

Atlanta 24 8 – 6 (+3.0) @ Tampa Bay 27 9 – 5 (-3.0)
I’ll take a tie over a loss, I suppose.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: TIE – ^$Tampa Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Tampa Bay

Buffalo 27 4 – 10 (+13.0) @ Cincinnati 37 11 – 3 (-13.0)
NO ONE saw this one coming… and if they did, I bow to them.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Cincinnati

Dallas 24 8 – 6 (+5.5) @ Carolina 20 10 – 4 (-5.5)
Not quite what I was expecting, but it was a win where it counts.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Dallas
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Carolina

Detroit 13 4 – 10 (+2.5) @ New Orleans 12 3 – 11 (-2.5)
“I’m really not sure at all in this one, but I just get the feeling that Detroit is going to win. I mean, they have to; it is really embarassing how bad they are, the least they could do is beat New Orleans.” – And they did; BARELY.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Detroit
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – *Detroit

Jacksonville 38 10 – 4 (-6.0) @ Houston 20 2 – 12 (+6.0)
Yeah, this wasn’t rocket science.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Jacksonville
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Jacksonville

Pittsburgh 41 9 – 5 (-6.5) @ Cleveland 0 5 – 9 (+6.5)
“Pittsburgh is just a flat out better team than Cleveland.” – Told ya so.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Pittsburgh
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Pittsburgh

San Francisco 24 2 – 12 (+10.0) @ St. Louis 20 5 – 9 (-10.0)
St. Louis is an embarassment to themselves and football in general.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – St. Louis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – St. Louis

Tennessee 10 4 – 10 (+5.5) @ Miami 24 7 – 7 (-5.5)
“Miami is a real surprise this season, making a 2 -12 calibur team into a 7 – 7 team. In their last home game of the season, look for them to win their 5th (!!!) straight game against the weak Titans.” Yep… too easy.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Miami
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Miami

Philadelphia 21 6 – 8 (+1.0) @ Arizona 27 4 – 10 (-1.0)
“After losing to the Houston Texans, Arizona is the laughing stock of the league right now. If that doesn’t get you motivated to try to redeem yourself this week, then not too much will.” – Am I too good, or what?
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – ^Arizona
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Arizona

Indianapolis 13 13 – 1 (+7.5) @ Seattle 28 12 – 2 (-7.5)
“Against Indi’s practice squad, this one is going to be UGLY.” – Not as ugly as I thought, but an easy win all the same.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – $Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Seattle

Oakland 3 4 – 10 (+12.5) @ Denver 22 11 – 3 (-12.5)
Lets just move on, please.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – ^*Oakland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Denver

Chicago 24 10 – 4 (-3.5) @ Green Bay 17 3 – 11 (+3.5)
“Regardless of how motivated they are, I don’t see Chicago dropping this one.” And they didn’t.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Chicago
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Chicago

Minnesota 23 8 – 6 (-1.0) @ Baltimore 30 5 – 9 (+1.0)
Not only did they lose me this pick, they lost me $20, too!
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – ^Minnesota
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Minnesota

New England 31 9 – 5 (-5.0) @ N.Y. Jets 21 3 – 11 (+5.0)
“Beginning of the season, I’da guessed this game would play a key part in deciding the division’s winner. Fast forward to now, and the superior team is pretty clear cut.” – No surprises here.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – New England
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – New England

DAMN I’M GOOD

San Diego 7 9 – 5 (+1.0) @ Kansas City 20 8 – 6 (-1.0)
Here is an interesting game. I think the Chargers are a great team, better than the Chiefs, and they just beat the best team in the league last week. But that’s the thing; I don’t know if they have anything left. Both teams are going to want this win very badly, but in Kansas City, I think San Diego is ripe for a let down.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – ^Kansas City
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Kansas City
- This was a bold pick, I like it.

N.Y. Giants 20 10 – 4 (+3.0) @ Washington 35 8 – 6 (-3.0)
This is a toughy, and has the makings to be a damn good game. Both teams are riding 3 game winning streaks. While New York has the better team, Washington has 91,000 fans on their side; and they need this game a bit more than the Giants do. I say they take it.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – ^Washington
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Washington
- Same here, just another good strong pick.

THE PICKS

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

Saturday

Denver 12 – 3 (+7.0) @ San Diego 9 – 6 (-7.0)
Denver can rest all of its players, and San Diego has nothing left to play for but pride in their home stadium. They should do their fans a favor and slaughter the resting Broncos. Its a shame for San Diego, too; they are going to be one of the best teams of all time NOT to make the playoffs.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: San Diego
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: San Diego

N.Y. Giants 10 – 5 (-7.5) @ Oakland 4 – 11 (+7.5)
If theres one bright spot to the season, its that its finally over. Next year should be better for the Raiders; with Collins gone, and Curry and Moss back healthy. As for this season? Look for much of the same to continue with a huge loss to the Giants this week.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $N.Y. Giants
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: N.Y. Giants

Sunday

Arizona 5 – 10 (+7.5) @ Indianapolis 13 – 2 (-7.5)
I really have no idea what to expect in this game; it all comes down to whether or not Indianapolis tries. However, seeing as they only lost to Seattle by 15 with their backups, I figure I’ll take my chances with them this week, and hope Peyton and the gang come out for a drive or two.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Indianapolis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Indianapolis

Baltimore 6 – 9 (-1.0) @ Cleveland 5 – 10 (+1.0)
Baltimore remembered how to play football a little too late this year. Still, they are certainly good enough to beat the Browns in their final game of the season.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Baltimore
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Baltimore

Buffalo 5 – 10 (+1.5) @ N.Y. Jets 3 – 12 (-1.5)
Buffalo is a better team, and I wonder how much the Jets really want to win with such a deep draft coming up this offseason.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Buffalo
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Buffalo

Carolina 10 – 5 (-4.0) @ Atlanta 8 – 7 (+4.0)
Carolina is the better team, and they should have no problem taking care of the disappointing Falcons this week.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Carolina
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Carolina

Cincinnati 11 – 4 (+7.0) @ Kansas City 9 – 6 (-7.0)
This should be a good game, again depending on how hard Cincinatti is actually trying. I think that the Chiefs will win it regardless, but not by a touchdown.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Kansas City

Detroit 5 – 10 (+15.0) @ Pittsburgh 10 – 5 (-15.0)
With a win here, Pittsburgh makes the playoffs. Detroit will want so badly to play the spoiler, but they just aren’t in Pittsburgh’s league. The Steelers will likely win in a blowout, but I still like the Lions to keep the game within 2 TDs.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *^Detroit
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Pittsburgh

Miami 8 – 7 (+4.5) @ New England 10 – 5 (-4.5)
Miami has had a fantastic run, winning 5 straight to prevent a losing season. Dolphins fans couldn’t ask for more. Well, I suppose they COULD ask for an upset in New England, but thats just not reasonable.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: New England
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New England

New Orleans 3 – 12 (+13.0) @ Tampa Bay 10 – 5 (-13.0)
As much as the Saints will want to play spoiler here, they are far out talented by the Buccaneers, and at home, the Bucs should have no problem beating the Saints. Still, the Saints somehow always manage to make a game out of it, so I’ll take them with the 13 points.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *New Orleans
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Tampa Bay

Seattle 13 – 2 (-2.0) @ Green Bay 3 – 12 (+2.0)
In what may be Favre’s last game, look for the Packers to win it in front of the Lambaeu faithful, only because the Seahawks won’t give a damn. They will, however, get Alexander his TD so he can break the all time single season record.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Green Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Green Bay

Houston 2 – 13 (+1.0) @ San Francisco 3 – 12 (-1.0)
Houston will not win this game; they’d be damn fools if they did. They’ll find some creative way to lose to lock up Reggie Bush next year, or at least his trade value, which they could probably put together an 8 – 8 team with. Funny that San Fransisco’s upset against the Rams last week coupled with a win here moves them up about 6 picks in the draft order. I suppose they won’t want to win, either. Should be… fun.elves.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $San Fransisco
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: San Fransisco

Tennessee 4 – 11 (+5.0) @ Jacksonville 11 – 4 (-5.0)
This week is so hard to pick, as usually the obvious Jacksonville pick becomes confusing with the likelihood that they will be resting their players. Still, I have trouble picking the Titans against anyone.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Jacksonville
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Jacksonville

Chicago 11 – 4 (+3.5) @ Minnesota 8 – 7 (-3.5)
Minnesota choked against the Ravens last week, and the Bears play a similar style of football, except they play it better. Look for the Bears to win this one easily – assuming, of course, that they play their starters.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Chicago
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Chicago

Washington 9 – 6 (-7.0) @ Philadelphia 6 – 9 (+7.0)
Coming off an impressive win against the Giants, and riding a 4 game winning streak, the Redskins got hot at just the right time; and they should head into the playoffs with a five game winning streak.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Washington
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Washington

St. Louis 5 – 10 (+12.5) @ Dallas 9 – 6 (-12.5)
12.5 is alotta points, but then, St. Louis is really, really bad. So I’ll take the Cowboys at home to rout them.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Dallas
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Dallas

I have a feeling this week isn’t gonna go too well… but hopefully I’m just imagining things.
KINGS HOCKEY

The good times keep on rolling for the Kings, who have won 7 of their last 10, and have regained first place in the Western division. The true test, however, is now upon them. Western rival Dallas Stars, who are only one point behind the Kings but have played 4 less games, play the Kings tonight and than again on the 2nd of January. If the two teams split the series, not too much changes. But if one team can win both games, they could do some serious damage to their division rival. Should be two very intense games, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a few Kings victories.

Love the Dime? Hate it? Please send feedback!
For past issues of the DIME, visit my website: Dave’s Dime
Have a great weekend everyone!

MY TEAMS RECORDS
OAKLAND RAIDERS: 4 – 11 – 0
*USC TROJANS: 12 – 0 – 0*
LOS ANGELES KINGS: 24 – 14 – 2

TROJAN OUTSCORING O-METER
Season:
TROJANS 600
OPPONENTS 256

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By Dave Consolazio, December 22, 2005 10:00 am

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

THE INTRO

Well, for those of you that still read the Dime in color, the first thing you’ll notice is the festive Christmas decor this week. Happy Hanukka and Happy Kwanzaa as well, but I’m in the Christmas mood, so sue me. Kwanzaa… do I have any readers that celebrate Kwanzaa? Being politically correct is so hard these days… As for the other reason I changed colors this week, my Oakland Raiders’ team colors are just too depressing; we suck, but not quite enough to be in the hunt for Leinart. Go figure; we can’t even get sucking right. On the bright side of things (unless you root against me, of course, which recent studies show is the case for 74% of you – you know who you are), I had a strong week last week to rebound from the hideous showing of a few weeks back. So lets hop right into it; surely there’s some last minute shopping or wrapping or cooking that you should be doing instead of reading this thing.

USC TROJANS VS. TEXAS LONGHORNS

Current Spread: USC (-8.0) Texas (+8.0)

Pick and analysis… coming next week!

*Lets try a poll!*

Email me back; Who do you take with the points, and who do you take without them?

THE RECORD

Last Week
With the spread: 10 – 6 – 0 (.625)
Without the spread: 11 – 5 – 0 (.688)
$$Money Picks$$: 4 – 0 – 0 (1.000)
^^Zen Picks^^: 5 – 1 – 0 (.833)

Season
With the spread: 120 – 98 – 6 (.550)
Without the spread: 145 – 79 – 0 (.647)
$$Money Picks$$: 30 – 21 – 4 (.588)
^^Zen Picks^^: 23 – 11 – 0 (.676)

LAST WEEK’S RECAP OF DAVE’S BRILLIANCE AND FOOLISHNESS
(Usually Brilliance?!?)

Tampa Bay 0 9 – 4 (+4.5) @ New England 28 8 – 5 (-4.5)
Yeah… umm… can I just take this one back?
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Tampa Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Tampa Bay

Kansas City 17 8 – 5 (+3.0) @ N.Y. Giants 27 9 – 4 (-3.0)
“Last week’s close call against the Eagles made the Giants look vulnerable, and they are likely going to want to rid themselves of that look. What better time to do it against a tough team at home?” – Indeed.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – N.Y. Giants
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – N.Y. Giants

Denver 28 10 – 3 (-7.5) @ Buffalo 17 4 – 9 (+7.5)
Damn you Zen… sure, I went 5 for 6 with Zen picks, but of all the games to be wrong on, why Denver?
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – ^*Buffalo
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Denver

Arizona 4 – 9 (-1.0) @ Houston 1 – 12 (+1.0)
Wait, so now they are trying to win? I’m really confused…
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Arizona
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Arizona

Carolina 27 9 – 4 (-7.5) @ New Orleans 10 3 – 10 (+7.5)
“Coming off of an extremely tough loss in Tampa Bay, look for Carolina to exact its revenge in a big way in this one.” – Told ya.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – ^$Carolina
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Carolina

Philadelphia 17 5 – 8 (+3.0) @ St. Louis 16 5 – 8 (-3.0)
A wins a win, even if no one cares.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Philadelphia
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Philadelphia

San Diego 26 8 – 5 (+7.5) @ Indianapolis 17 13 – 0 (-7.5)
Well, so much for the perfect season. That’s okay, Colts; you still get the Super Bowl trophy as your consolation prize.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – ^*San Diego
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Indianapolis

Seattle 28 11 – 2 (-7.5) @ Tennessee 24 4 – 9 (+7.5)
‘”even a half hearted effort should be enough to cover the spread here.” – No, apparently it isn’t.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Seattle

San Francisco 9 2 – 11 (+14.5) @ Jacksonville 10 9 – 4 (-14.5)
“Jacksonville doesn’t blow teams out. While San Fran may be an exception, I think they will be pretty emotionally drained from last week’s battle against the Colts, and they will probably take it easy. Taking it easy should still result in an easy win, but not a 14 point one.” – Spread easily covered this one, huh?
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – ^*San Fransisco
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Jacksonville

Cincinnati 41 10 – 3 (-7.0) @ Detroit 17 4 – 9 (+7.0)
“After having far too close a game with Cleveland last week, look for the Bengals to come out and really pound the Lions in this one.” – Is 24 points a pounding? I think so.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – $Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Cincinnati

Cleveland 9 4 – 9 (+3.0) @ Oakland 7 4 – 9 (-3.0)
Next.. just… skip… ahead… NEXT.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Cleveland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – *Cleveland

Dallas 7 8 – 5 (+3.0) @ Washington 35 7 – 6 (-3.0)
“Dallas always beats Washington, regardless of the quality of each team, it is that simple.” – Simple? No, guess not.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Dallas
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Dallas

Atlanta 3 8 – 5 (+3.0) @ Chicago 16 9 – 4 (-3.0)
“Chicago is a better team than Atlanta, and on top of that, they are an angry team after taking a rare loss in Pittsburgh. They won’t lose this one at home.” – No, they won’t.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – ^$Chicago
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Chicago

Green Bay 3 3 – 10 (+3.0) @ Baltimore 48 4 – 9 (-3.0)
I seriously couldn’t have been more off on this pick if I had tried to be.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Green Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Green Bay

DAMN I’M GOOD

N.Y. Jets 20 3 – 10 (+7.5) @ Miami 24 6 – 7 (-7.5)
No way Miami can have the gas in its tank after that emotional win over San Diego to take on the always-pesky division rival Jets. They should win, but I don’t think they can do it in big-margin fashion.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – ^*N.Y. Jets
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Miami
- Ah yes, the spread sure does make a difference.

Pittsburgh 18 8 – 5 (-3.0) @ Minnesota 3 8 – 5 (+3.0)
Its been a really good run for the Vikings; 6 wins to be exact. But other than the Giants, none of the teams they have faced have really been all that good. The Steelers are very good, and they are going to end the streak this week, just as they ended the Bear’s last week.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – $Pittsburgh
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Pittsburgh
- Money picking against such a hot team? Gotta tip my cap to myself on that one.

THE PICKS

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

Saturday

Atlanta 8 – 6 (+3.0) @ Tampa Bay 9 – 5 (-3.0)
Atlanta is a good team, but they aren’t a great team. Not that Tampa Bay necessarily is, but they have the recipe to beat Atlanta; a strong running game and a strong defense. Not to mention, they have to be pretty angry after that Patriots game fiasco, and they should come out hungry in this one.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^$Tampa Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Tampa Bay

Buffalo 4 – 10 (+13.0) @ Cincinnati 11 – 3 (-13.0)
Buffalo has nothing but pride to play for, while Cincinnati is fighting for a first round bye. Playoffs are a bit stronger in the motivational department, and at home, the Bengals should pound the Bills.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Cincinnati

Dallas 8 – 6 (+5.5) @ Carolina 10 – 4 (-5.5)
Dallas has shown flashes of brilliance, and flashes of complete disaster all season. I don’t think they will beat the consistantly strong Panthers, but I do think they will make a game out of it.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Dallas
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Carolina

Detroit 4 – 10 (+2.5) @ New Orleans 3 – 11 (-2.5)
I’m really not sure at all in this one, but I just get the feeling that Detroit is going to win. I mean, they have to; it is really embarassing how bad they are, the least they could do is beat New Orleans.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Detroit
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Detroit

Jacksonville 10 – 4 (-6.0) @ Houston 2 – 12 (+6.0)
I always say that Jacksonville plays nothing but close games. Still, I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt in this one, and keep my fingers crossed that they win by the touchdown they need.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Jacksonville
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Jacksonville

N.Y. Giants 10 – 4 (+3.0) @ Washington 8 – 6 (-3.0)
This is a toughy, and has the makings to be a damn good game. Both teams are riding 3 game winning streaks. While New York has the better team, Washington has 91,000 fans on their side; and they need this game a bit more than the Giants do. I say they take it.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^Washington
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Washington

Pittsburgh 9 – 5 (-6.5) @ Cleveland 5 – 9 (+6.5)
Pittsburgh is just a flat out better team than Cleveland. They play the same type of football, except Pittsburgh plays it better. So yeah, I’ll take them.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Pittsburgh
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Pittsburgh

San Diego 9 – 5 (+1.0) @ Kansas City 8 – 6 (-1.0)
Here is an interesting game. I think the Chargers are a great team, better than the Chiefs, and they just beat the best team in the league last week. But that’s the thing; I don’t know if they have anything left. Both teams are going to want this win very badly, but in Kansas City, I think San Diego is ripe for a let down.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^Kansas City
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Kansas City

San Francisco 2 – 12 (+10.0) @ St. Louis 5 – 9 (-10.0)
St. Louis has no defense, but San Fran has no offense. And on the other side of the ball? Yeah, St. Louis should blow them out.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: St. Louis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: St. Louis

Tennessee 4 – 10 (+5.5) @ Miami 7 – 7 (-5.5)
Miami is a real surprise this season, making a 2 -12 calibur team into a 7 – 7 team. In their last home game of the season, look for them to win their 5th (!!!) straight game against the weak Titans.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Miami
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Miami

Philadelphia 6 – 8 (+1.0) @ Arizona 4 – 10 (-1.0)
After losing to the Houston Texans, Arizona is the laughing stock of the league right now. If that doesn’t get you motivated to try to redeem yourself this week, then not too much will.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^Arizona
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Arizona

Indianapolis 13 – 1 (+7.5) @ Seattle 12 – 2 (-7.5)
Indianapolis is benching all of its key players, as they have already clinched home field throughout the playoffs. The Seahawks haven’t. And they are at home. Against Indi’s practice squad, this one is going to be UGLY.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Seattle

Oakland 4 – 10 (+12.5) @ Denver 11 – 3 (-12.5)
Okay, okay, I know the Raiders suck very badly. But this game is going to be like a Super Bowl game to them; the chance to screw Denver up, screw them out of a bye or a game at home in the playoffs, that is going to drive the Raider’s to play their hearts out. Will they win? Very unlikely. But I think they can make a 10 point game out of it.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^*Oakland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Denver

Sunday

Chicago 10 – 4 (-3.5) @ Green Bay 3 – 11 (+3.5)
Playing against a hated rival like the Bears has got to get the Packers all riled up. Plus, coming off of that huge loss Monday night, they are gonna come out strong this Sunday. Oh, you didn’t think I was actually going to pick them, did you? Regardless of how motivated they are, I don’t see Chicago dropping this one.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Chicago
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Chicago

Minnesota 8 – 6 (-1.0) @ Baltimore 5 – 9 (+1.0)
Baltimore wins 48 – 3, and is strutting around town. Minnesota is coming off a streak crushing loss to Pittsburgh, at home no less. Hmmm… do I smell a Zen pick?
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^Minnesota
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Minnesota

Monday

New England 9 – 5 (-5.0) @ N.Y. Jets 3 – 11 (+5.0)
Beginning of the season, I’da guessed this game would play a key part in deciding the division’s winner. Fast forward to now, and the superior team is pretty clear cut. I’d love to see the Jets pull the big upset here, but it just isn’t going to happen.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: New England
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New England

KINGS HOCKEY

Here’s something we haven’t seen in a few weeks; a positive update! The Kings have been playing very well, having won 5 of their last 7 despite injuries and tough teams on the road. It has been fun to see us actually score goals! Even though they lost Friday night, the big Frolov Demitra Conroy line was reunited… I hope it stays together this time, and Murray doesn’t stupidly break it up again.

Side note. I am in love with actress Elisha Cuthbert. First of all, she is stunningly beautiful, but secondly and even more importantly (yes, more important!), she is a KINGS fan! A serious one too! How exciting is that? I will marry this girl someday*! If you’re a single girl reading thing column, don’t be heartbroken; I’m still available for dating. You just have to understand that it can only be a short term thing, as I will eventually find true love with Elisha**.

*Yes, I know that its never going to happen in a million years.
**Again, I know, but leave me with my dreams.

Love the Dime? Hate it? Please send feedback!
For past issues of the DIME, visit my website: Dave’s Dime
Have a great weekend everyone!

MY TEAMS RECORDS
OAKLAND RAIDERS: 4 – 10 – 0
*USC TROJANS: 12 – 0 – 0*
LOS ANGELES KINGS: 22 – 14 – 1

TROJAN OUTSCORING O-METER
Season:
TROJANS 600
OPPONENTS 256

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By Dave Consolazio, December 15, 2005 10:00 am

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

THE INTRO

I’ll tell you what I am, ladies and gentlemen. A cranky loser. No, this isn’t a sad cry for help, its just the truth. Take a look at last weeks record if you don’t believe me on the loser part. And as for cranky, well, how would you feel if you had a sore throat and your father and brother chuckled and told you at 11 o’clock at night that there were games on Saturday this week, and that I had to type up the Dime TONIGHT? My confidence is shot! I can’t go on! Oh, woe is me! (/End dramatic whining)

Everyone is entitled to a bad week, but my showing was nothing short of embarassing. Thank God you aren’t paying for a subscription, or you would have cancelled. And thank goodness most of my “readers” don’t really even read the thing, otherwise they would stop “reading” all together. I kid, I know that you my loyal readers would not turn your back on me after one bad week (again keeping in mind that its a FREE column and most of you are my friends), but nonetheless I will try and win this week for everyone’s sake (mainly mine; confidence is at a premium here).

I know you’re all just dying for me to break down the big game, but patience! Good things come to those who wait (or, look past the adage; good things don’t come from those who are bitter and have sore throats).

Anyhow, lets just get on with the damn thing. If I’m anything like one of my Zen book teams, I should “bounce back with a big week” here.

THE RECORD

Last Week
With the spread: 6 – 9 – 1 (.400)
Without the spread: 11 – 5 – 0 (.688)
$$Money Picks$$: 0 – 4 – 1 (.000)
^^Zen Picks^^: 1 – 1 – 0 (.500)

Season
With the spread: 110 – 92 – 6 (.545)
Without the spread: 134 – 74 – 0 (.644)
$$Money Picks$$: 26 – 21 – 4 (.553)
^^Zen Picks^^: 18 – 10 – 0 (.643)

LAST WEEK’S RECAP OF DAVE’S BRILLIANCE AND FOOLISHNESS
(Usually Brilliance?!?)

Chicago 9 9 – 3 (+4.0) @ Pittsburgh 21 7 – 5 (-4.0)
“This has all the makings to be a Zen upset. Struggling team thats lost 3 straight faces seemingly unstoppable team with 8 straight wins at home. Upset written all over it.” – Then why, oh why, didn’t I just pick it?
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *$Chicago
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Chicago

Cleveland 4 – 8 (+12.0) @ Cincinnati 9 – 3 (-12.0)
“While Cleveland does have a pretty good defense and part of me says that they can keep this game close…” – Again, I’m just setting myself up for failure.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Cincinnati

Indianapolis 26 12 – 0 (-7.5) @ Jacksonville 18 9 – 3 (+7.5)
Barely inched this one out, but I’ll take em any way they come.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Indianapolis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Indianapolis

Oakland 10 4 – 8 (-2.5) @ N.Y. Jets 26 2 – 10 (+2.5)
Well you see… the thing with this one is… I mean… you know… I… don’t want to talk about it.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – $Oakland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Oakland

St. Louis 13 5 – 7 (+7.0) @ Minnesota 27 7 – 5 (-7.0)
A month and a half ago, my old roomate Kai and I joked about how great it would be if his Vikings and my Raiders went on 6 game winning streaks and got back into the playoff hunt. We had a laugh. He’s still laughing. I’m crying.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Minnesota
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Minnesota

Tampa Bay 20 8 – 4 (+5.0) @ Carolina 10 9 – 3 (-5.0)
No, they don’t care that they are on the road. No, they don’t need your lousy points. And yes, they did make a damn fool out of me.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Carolina
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Carolina

N.Y. Giants 26 8 – 4 (-3.5) @ Philadelphia 23 5 – 7 (+3.5)
I’m at a loss for words (for me, thats awfully rare). How…? Why…? A win is a win, blah blah blah, but…
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – $N.Y. Giants
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – N.Y. Giants

San Francisco 3 2 – 10 (+16.0) @ Seattle 41 10 – 2 (-16.0)
“San Fran seems like the right pick here with all these points. But I don’t think they are; Seattle is great, and even greater at home, and a 28 point victory seems perfectly reasonable here.” – 28? I meant 38, honest.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Seattle

Washington 17 6 – 6 (-3.0) @ Arizona 13 4 – 8 (+3.0)
“Yes, Washington is the better team. Yes, Washington will win this game. No, no one will be watching or caring.” – Care or not, I’m still right.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Washington
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Washington

Baltimore 10 4 – 8 (+14.0) @ Denver 12 9 – 3 (-14.0)
Very icky game for Denver, but it gets the job done… for THEM, not for ME.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – ^Denver
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Denver

Kansas City 28 8 – 4 (+3.0) @ Dallas 31 7 – 5 (-3.0)
Oh KC, how I hate you so.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: TIE – *$Kansas City
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Kansas City

Miami 23 5 – 7 (+13.0) @ San Diego 21 8 – 4 (-13.0)
“Hell, they might not even MAKE the playoffs if they slip up.” – Slip up? How bout a landslide?
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – $San Diego
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – San Diego

Detroit 13 4 – 8 (+5.5) @ Green Bay 16 2 – 10 (-5.5)
The spread kills me? Thats a first.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Green Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Green Bay

New Orleans 17 3 – 9 (+10.0) @ Atlanta 36 7 – 5 (-10.0)
Wrong again, no close one here.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *New Orleans
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Atlanta

DAMN I’M GOOD

Houston 1 – 11 (+6.5) @ Tennessee 3 – 9 (-6.5)
Ok, so Tennessee should win this game, at home, against the weakest team (and likely future home to Reggie Bush) in the league, but they are not a touchdown better than anyone. They’ll win, but not with the points. (De ja vu…)
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Houston
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Tennessee
- The diamond in the rough that was last week.

New England 7 – 5 (-3.5) @ Buffalo 4 – 8 (+3.5)
Ok everyone, this is revolutionary, as it marks my maturity as a gambler/columnist/whatever it is that I am. Every week I just make a pick because I’m feeling it. And pretty much every week, I’m wrong. I feel that Buffalo is going to win. Know it in my blood. But, the numbers just don’t agree. And so, in a terribly disciplined move, I’m taking the Pats.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – ^New England
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – New England
- I’m just pleased with how much I’ve grow up.

THE PICKS

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

Saturday

Tampa Bay 9 – 4 (+4.5) @ New England 8 – 5 (-4.5)
Ooooh, no one can beat New England in the snow. That is, old New England. This team, however, is a mediocre team with a record inflated by it’s weak division. The stronger Bucs will “do the impossible” and “upset” the Pats in this one.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Tampa Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Tampa Bay

Kansas City 8 – 5 (+3.0) @ N.Y. Giants 9 – 4 (-3.0)
Last week’s close call against the Eagles made the Giants look vulnerable, and they are likely going to want to rid themselves of that look. What better time to do it against a tough team at home?
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: N.Y. Giants
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: N.Y. Giants

Denver 10 – 3 (-7.5) @ Buffalo 4 – 9 (+7.5)
Buffalo is playing it’s second straight game at home, where they play well, and they are coming off of a blowout, meaning they are hungry for redemption. Zen pick? You got it. Buffalo won’t win, but they will make it a TD or closer… I hope.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^*Buffalo
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Denver

Sunday

Arizona 4 – 9 (-1.0) @ Houston 1 – 12 (+1.0)
If you saw the field goal that Houston’s kicker missed last week, you’d know that they don’t want to win anothe game this season. And thats fine. I like Reggie Bush, too. But I’m certainly not going to bet on a team that has no interest in winning.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Arizona
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Arizona

Carolina 9 – 4 (-7.5) @ New Orleans 3 – 10 (+7.5)
Coming off of an extremely tough loss in Tampa Bay, look for Carolina to exact its revenge in a big way in this one.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^$Carolina
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Carolina

N.Y. Jets 3 – 10 (+7.5) @ Miami 6 – 7 (-7.5)
No way Miami can have the gas in its tank after that emotional win over San Diego to take on the always-pesky division rival Jets. They should win, but I don’t think they can do it in big-margin fashion.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^*N.Y. Jets
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Miami

Philadelphia 5 – 8 (+3.0) @ St. Louis 5 – 8 (-3.0)
I honestly have no idea. I’ll take the Eagles though, who showed a lot of heart against the Giants, and if they show that kind of intensity against the Rams, they will breeze to victory.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Philadelphia
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Philadelphia

Pittsburgh 8 – 5 (-3.0) @ Minnesota 8 – 5 (+3.0)
Its been a really good run for the Vikings; 6 wins to be exact. But other than the Giants, none of the teams they have faced have really been all that good. The Steelers are very good, and they are going to end the streak this week, just as they ended the Bear’s last week.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Pittsburgh
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Pittsburgh

San Diego 8 – 5 (+7.5) @ Indianapolis 13 – 0 (-7.5)
Last weeks Miami upset was the worst thing that could have happened for the Colts. Now, instead of being the game that it was “Okay for the Chargers to lose”, they are a must win opponent. Will San Diego pull it off? I don’t think so. But I do think they will give Indy their biggest test yet. Next week’s match up against the Seahawks is going to be huge too, but they’ve gotta beat the Chargers first, if they want to keep the undefeated season hopes alive.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^*San Diego
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Indianapolis

Seattle 11 – 2 (-7.5) @ Tennessee 4 – 9 (+7.5)
Seattle has won 9 straight, and probably can’t wait for the (super bowl preview?) matchup against the Colts next week. But, they do have to wait. Still, even a half hearted effort should be enough to cover the spread here.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Seattle

San Francisco 2 – 11 (+14.5) @ Jacksonville 9 – 4 (-14.5)
Jacksonville doesn’t blow teams out. While San Fran may be an exception, I think they will be pretty emotionally drained from last week’s battle against the Colts, and they will probably take it easy. Taking it easy should still result in an easy win, but not a 14 point one.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^*San Fransisco
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Jacksonville

Cincinnati 10 – 3 (-7.0) @ Detroit 4 – 9 (+7.0)
After having far too close a game with Cleveland last week, look for the Bengals to come out and really pount the Lions in this one.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Cincinnati

Cleveland 4 – 9 (+3.0) @ Oakland 4 – 9 (-3.0)
This is DEFINITELY a “who cares?” game, but I kind of do. I just can’t pick Oakland with a straight face, even against lowly Cleveland; hopefully they prove me wrong?
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Cleveland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Cleveland

Dallas 8 – 5 (+3.0) @ Washington 7 – 6 (-3.0)
Dallas always beats Washington, regardless of the quality of each team, it is that simple. Why? Thats like asking why’s a tree good? How’s a rainbow made? It just IS. (Kudos to those of you who know the movie I’m quoting). In any case, the numbers favor them too, and I’ll take em.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Dallas
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Dallas

Atlanta 8 – 5 (+3.0) @ Chicago 9 – 4 (-3.0)
Chicago is a better team than Atlanta, and on top of that, they are an angry team after taking a rare loss in Pittsburgh. They won’t lose this one at home.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^$Chicago
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Chicago

Monday

Green Bay 3 – 10 (+3.0) @ Baltimore 4 – 9 (-3.0)
Who knows, or cares? When Week 15’s Monday Night Football matchup has two teams that combine for 7 wins, you know your in for a bad game. I’ll take Green Bay, as their numbers are a bit better, and everyone knows how much Favre loves his monday night magic.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Green Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Green Bay

KINGS HOCKEY

Not a whole lot to add from this standpoint, still hate Armstrong (though he did have a good game Friday) and Coach Murray. But, I guess I’m just going to have to come to terms with the fact that one of the best lines in hockey is permanantly disband. I could certainly get over it with alot more ease if the Kings continue playing with the tenacity that they did against the Ducks Friday night, where they won in a shootout 4 – 3. But I’m not getting too excited, they were coming off a loss against the league’s very worst in the Washington Capitals. Who knows what to expect? All I do know is, if Murray doesn’t learn how to coach before the end of the season, whatever playoff dreams I had built up in my head will quickly turn in to nightmares.

Love the Dime? Hate it? Please send feedback!
For past issues of the DIME, visit my website: Dave’s Dime
Have a great weekend everyone!

MY TEAMS RECORDS
OAKLAND RAIDERS: 4 – 9 – 0
*USC TROJANS: 12 – 0 – 0*
LOS ANGELES KINGS: 19 – 13 – 1

TROJAN OUTSCORING O-METER
Season:
TROJANS 600
OPPONENTS 256

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By Dave Consolazio, December 8, 2005 10:00 am

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

THE INTRO

Ladies and Gentleman, I am done with my first semster of the year, and man oh man does it feel good. You know what else feels good? Having 3 of the last 4 Heisman trophies sitting in our Heritage Hall. Huge congrats to Reggie Bush; his accomplishments this season have been nothing short of remarkable, and its been an awesome ride. I’ll jump right into it this week, as I’ve got lots to do; break down the Heisman, complain about the Kings, brag about last week, and give myself something to brag about next week.

HEISMAN REVIEW

#1 REGGIE BUSH:

The Vote – 784 1st place votes, 89 2nd, 11 3rd.
The Season – 1658 yards rushing (3rd best in the nation), 8.9 yards per carry, 15 TDs, 31 catches for 383 yards recieving (2 TDs), 23 kick returns for 391 yards, 2432 all purpose yards.
Why He Won – He was, as the lopsided voting showed, quite simply the best player in college football. There was and should be no controversy about it. What seperated him from the pack was his uncanny ability to have huge games when they mattered most; see Arizona State, Notre Dame, Fresno State, and UCLA. These widely publicized wins made sure to earn him all the credit he deserves.
Notes – 85% of first place votes highest percentage all time, named on 99% of ballots (884 out of 892), highest percentage in history. MY question, who the hell didn’t vote for him in the top 3?

#2 VINCE YOUNG
The Vote – 79 1st place votes, 613 2nd, 145 3rd.
The Season – 2769 yards passing (3rd best in the nation), 63.9% completion percentage, 9.72 yards per completion, 26 TDs, 10 interceptions, 850 rushing yards (6.3 per carry), 9 rushing TDs, 3619 total yards.
Why He Lost – Reggie Bush. That’s it. The guy couldn’t have humanly put together much more of an impressive season than this; and it just came at an inopportune time. Almost any other year, its his.
Notes – Highest percentage of 2nd place votes in history. This guy is the real deal, make no mistake about it. All of us around here are biased towards Leinart, but Young’s super super slight drop off in passing ability is made up for and surpassed with his running game (Leinart only has 34 yards, sorry everyone). He deserved the Heisman Trophy; in a world without Reggie Bush.

#3 MATT LEINART
The Vote – 18 1st place votes, 147 2nd, 449 3rd.
The Season – 3450 yards passing (4th best in the nation), 65% completion percentage, 8.82 yards per completion, 27 TDs, 7 interceptions, 6 rushing TDs, 3484 total yards.
Why He Lost – Opposite reason Reggie won; his poor starts in big games. Yes, he did lead the team to victory, but Bush is dominating the field left and right, and he is overthrowing people, losing his footing, making poor decisions. He was completely overshadowed by Reggie in the big games mentioned above.
Notes – Highest percentage of third place votes in history. Next month’s bowl game will be the first game ever to feature two Heisman trophy winners on the same team. Leinart’s numbers were great, and shouldn’t be taken for granted due to Bush’s success.

#4 BRADY QUINN
The Vote – 7 1st place votes, 21 2nd, 128 3rd.
The Season – 3633 yards passing (3rd best in the nation), 64.9% completion percentage, 8.97 yards per completion, 32 TDs, 7 interceptions
Why He Lost – Just the wrong damn year to be a quarterback. As if competing with Bush isn’t bad enough, try taking on the two undefeated teams leaders as well? Statistically he was great, but there was just no room this year.
Notes – With these kinds of numbers next year, look for Quinn to be back with a vengence in next years Heisman race.

#5 MICHAEL ROBINSON
The Vote – 2 1st place votes, 7 2nd, 49 3rd.
The Season – 2097 yards passing , 51.8% completion percentage, 7.71 yards per completion, 16 TDs, 9 interceptions
Why He Lost – He was just the 5th man. You can see from his numbers that despite his leadership, in a room full of leaders, he stood no real chance at making a splash.
Notes – He has led Penn State through an outstancing season, but he was really just a Heisman filler this year. Whoever voted him in as 1st and 2nd need to be hunted down – there was so much talent in this room.

That’s my Heisman wrap-up. I’ll cover the big bowl game when it gets nearer.
THE RECORD

Last Week
With the spread: 10 – 6 – 0 (.625)
Without the spread: 12 – 4 – 0 (.750)
$$Money Picks$$: 5 – 1 – 0 (.833)
^^Zen Picks^^: 2 – 2 – 0 (.500)

Season
With the spread: 104 – 83 – 5 (.556)
Without the spread: 123 – 69 – 0 (.641)
$$Money Picks$$: 26 – 17 – 3 (.605)
^^Zen Picks^^: 17 – 9 – 0 (.654)

LAST WEEK’S RECAP OF DAVE’S BRILLIANCE AND FOOLISHNESS
(Usually Brilliance?!?)

Atlanta 6 7 – 4 (+3.0) @ Carolina 24 8 – 3 (-3.0)
Yeah, just not the right team to pick an upset against.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Atlanta
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Atlanta

Buffalo 23 4 – 7 (+3.0) @ Miami 24 4 – 7 (-3.0)
“Statistically, this game is exactly even.” – It sure was! Too bad I was on the wrong end.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Miami
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Miami

Cincinnati 38 8 – 3 (+3.5) @ Pittsburgh 31 7 – 4 (-3.5)
“I buy into every bit of the hype surrounding the Bengals. They are one of the AFC’s best, and with a win today, they can prove it.” – and they did.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – *Cincinnati

Dallas 10 7 – 4 (+3.0) @ N.Y. Giants 17 7 – 4 (-3.0)
“Should be an absolutely great game, and I’m angry I’m missing it as we speak to type this up. After losing to Seattle and being embarassed on a national level last week, look for the Giants to destroy the Cowboys to try and regain that aura of strength they were walking around with.” – Not quite destruction, but it will do.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – ^$N.Y. Giants
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – N.Y. Giants

Green Bay 7 2 – 9 (+6.5) @ Chicago 19 8 – 3 (-6.5)
This was just a stupid pick, and Chicago made me pay for it like I deserved
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – ^*Green Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – **Green Bay

Jacksonville 20 8 – 3 (-2.5) @ Cleveland 14 4 – 7 (+2.5)
Vegas must know something I don’t with this spread, but Jacksonville is really strong, and I’m not convinced that Cleveland has the slightest chance of winning this game. Less then a field goal? Very interesting.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – $Jacksonville
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Jacksonville

Minnesota 6 – 5 (-3.0) @ Detroit 4 – 7 (+3.0)
Let the good times roll. Minnesota picked the right time for a hot streak as the weak teams keep rolling in.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – $Minnesota
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Minnesota

Tampa Bay 10 7 – 4 (-3.5) @ New Orleans 3 3 – 8 (+3.5)
“Tampa Bay is a much better team than New Orleans, and I think Gruden can keep them focused enough to just come out and beat this team hard.” – Correct
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – $Tampa Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Tampa Bay

Tennessee 3 3 – 8 (+15.0) @ Indianapolis 35 11 – 0 (-15.0)
Picking against the Colts? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – ^*Tennessee
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Indianapolis

Arizona 17 3 – 8 (-3.0) @ San Francisco 10 2 – 9 (+3.0)
Blahhhhhhh
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *San Fransisco
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *San Fransisco

Washington 24 5 – 6 (-3.0) @ St. Louis 9 5 – 6 (+3.0)
“I’ll take the Redskins here since they should be a little hungrier for a win, coming off of a series of tough losses. ” – There you have it.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Washington
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Washington

Denver 27 9 – 2 (-1.5) @ Kansas City 31 7 – 4 (+1.5)
This one really caught me off guard, really great statement game for the Chiefs.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – $Denver
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Denver

Oakland 10 4 – 7 (+10.0) @ San Diego 34 7 – 4 (-10.0)
“48 – 10 pops into my mind for some reason” – At least I got the 10 right.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – San Diego
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – San Diego

Seattle 42 9 – 2 (-3.0) @ Philadelphia 0 5 – 6 (+3.0)
“Seattle is the best team in the NFC, statistically and literally. They are just too damn good to drop one against emotionally and physically battered Philidelphia this Monday night.” – Yeah, thats dominance.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – $Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Seattle

DAMN, I’M GOOD

Houston 15 1 – 10 (+7.0) @ Baltimore 16 3 – 8 (-7.0)
Baltimore is not 7 points better than anyone, I’m sorry. However, they are a few points better, and should get the win.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Houston
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Baltimore
- I’ve stil got a soft spot for these.

N.Y. Jets 3 2 – 9 (+9.5) @ New England 16 6 – 5 (-9.5)
I was thinking the Jets w/ the points, but I remembered that New England just lost to Kansas City, and is going to be hungry as hell to come home and pound the Jets. I can’t see them matching the intensity, and I can see them dropping hard.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – ^New England
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – New England
- Big Zen pick here

THE PICKS

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

Chicago 9 – 3 (+4.0) @ Pittsburgh 7 – 5 (-4.0)
This has all the makings to be a Zen upset. Struggling team thats lost 3 straight faces seemingly unstoppable team with 8 straight wins at home. Upset written all over it. There’s a problem. Chicago is just flat out better than Pittsburgh. Zen be damned, I’m taking the points and the game.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *$Chicago
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Chicago

Cleveland 4 – 8 (+12.0) @ Cincinnati 9 – 3 (-12.0)
While Cleveland does have a pretty good defense and part of me says that they can keep this game close, the (hopefully better) other part of me says that nothing should hold them back from spanking their rivals really good this Sunday.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Cincinnati

Houston 1 – 11 (+6.5) @ Tennessee 3 – 9 (-6.5)
Ok, so Tennessee should win this game, at home, against the weakest team (and likely future home to Reggie Bush) in the league, but they are not a touchdown better than anyone. They’ll win, but not with the points. (De ja vu…)
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Houston
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Tennessee

Indianapolis 12 – 0 (-7.5) @ Jacksonville 9 – 3 (+7.5)
I respect Jacksonville as much as anyone – they are vastly improved and will be a serious contender for years to come. But never have I seen a team that just so systematically annihilates teams the way the Colts do. Last time they won by less then 8? September 25th. This game very well may be close and an upset is not out of the question; but enjoy betting against the Colts. I’ll stick with em.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Indianapolis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Indianapolis

New England 7 – 5 (-3.5) @ Buffalo 4 – 8 (+3.5)
Ok everyone, this is revolutionary, as it marks my maturity as a gambler/columnist/whatever it is that I am. Every week I just make a pick because I’m feeling it. And pretty much every week, I’m wrong. I feel that Buffalo is going to win. Know it in my blood. But, the numbers just don’t agree. And so, in a terribly disciplined move, I’m taking the Pats.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^New England
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New England

Oakland 4 – 8 (-2.5) @ N.Y. Jets 2 – 10 (+2.5)
Every time I make the Raiders a money pick, they win. Well, rejoice Raider fans. Its hard to believe that there is a team more lowly than us, but the Jets are most certainly that. Should be exciting to see Tuiasosopo take some snaps, but the real story to watch is LaMont Jordan, who should enjoy demolishing the team that stupidly let him get away.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Oakland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Oakland

St. Louis 5 – 7 (+7.0) @ Minnesota 7 – 5 (-7.0)
5 game winning streak for the Vikes?? This is absolutely insane. And whats more insane, its about to be 6. What an amazing jump back into the playoff race by this Viking team. St. Louis’s last ranked defense could do without this game.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Minnesota
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Minnesota

Tampa Bay 8 – 4 (+5.0) @ Carolina 9 – 3 (-5.0)
Both of these teams are great, and this should definitely be a good matchup. I do think that Carolina is just a tad stronger, as the record and numbers indicate, and at home should be able to win it in a good one. While I think its gonna be a fieldgoal, I’m gonna give Carolina the benefit of the doubt and give up the points.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Carolina
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Carolina

N.Y. Giants 8 – 4 (-3.5) @ Philadelphia 5 – 7 (+3.5)
This spread is a joke. Not only is New York going to win, but they are going to probably try and top that 42 – 0 Seattle victory on Monday. Zen says that teams coming off huge losses play their hearts out the following week. The problem? This team has no talent left on it.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $N.Y. Giants
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: N.Y. Giants

San Francisco 2 – 10 (+16.0) @ Seattle 10 – 2 (-16.0)
Almost fell into the trap here. Seattle only won their last meeting by two, and their side of the spread is greatly inflated due to the prime time blowout they dished to the Eagles last week. San Fran seems like the right pick here with all these points. But I don’t think they are; Seattle is great, and even greater at home, and a 28 point victory seems perfectly reasonable here.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Seattle

Washington 6 – 6 (-3.0) @ Arizona 4 – 8 (+3.0)
Yes, Washington is the better team. Yes, Washington will win this game. No, no one will be watching or caring.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Washington
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Washington

Baltimore 4 – 8 (+14.0) @ Denver 9 – 3 (-14.0)
I want to take the two touchdowns, I really do. But the Broncos just got embarassed last week, and need a really bad team to just beat the tar out of in front of the home crowd. Whats this? Baltimore? Yeah, they should do just fine.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^Denver
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Denver

Kansas City 8 – 4 (+3.0) @ Dallas 7 – 5 (-3.0)
Poor Dallas – such a promising start to the season has whittled away, and their steady onslaught of tough opponents continues this week. They will not beat the Chiefs, who are a better team then them, and should be giving up 3 points, not getting them.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *$Kansas City
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Kansas City

Miami 5 – 7 (+13.0) @ San Diego 8 – 4 (-13.0)
San Diego is a serious force, and only a rediculously strong AFC is the reason they aren’t being talked about with serious playoff hopes. Hell, they might not even MAKE the playoffs if they slip up. But, they aren’t going to, not this week anyways.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $San Diego
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: San Diego

Detroit 4 – 8 (+5.5) @ Green Bay 2 – 10 (-5.5)
Bleh. No way on earth that ESPN or the NFL could have known the lousiness of this game when they scheduled it way back in September, but this is a Sunday Night Snoozefest. Green Bay should win this one by the necessary TD; they are a better team than the vastly-underachieving-all-season-offensively Detroit Lions.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Green Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Green Bay

New Orleans 3 – 9 (+10.0) @ Atlanta 7 – 5 (-10.0)
New Orleans has absolutely nothing to lose here, and I think they are going to do what they do from time to time, and that is suprise spread makers with a decent game. Atlanta should win by about a TD, but I’ll take the 10 points.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *New Orleans
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Atlanta

KINGS HOCKEY

Well, how do you want to spin it? We’ve won 2 of our last 3!! …But lost 5 of our last 7. I blame the King’s struggles on two people; Coach Andy Murray and forward Derek Armstrong.

MURRAY – The team lost two straight, and was having trouble scoring. So what does he do? He breaks up Demitra/Frolov/Conroy, the 2nd or 3rd best and most productive line in hockey, to try and even out the attack. The result? More losses. You don’t break up a line that scores you 3 goals a game because they have an off day or two. This is the only team in the league, in my opinion, that would so readily break up such a perfect line. Fortunately, he remedied this today – only due to an injury. The guy who was with Conroy and Demitra got injured, so Murray reluctantly put Frolov back on the line – and it was productive. The Kings won 3 – 1. Beyond his stupid decision to break these guys up (now mind you, I like the balanced attack theory. But try DOUBLE SHIFTING, or changing personel on the other lines. Don’t break up the one thing that DOES work), Murray’s bigges fault comes in his apparent love affair with one Derek Armstrong.

ARMSTRONG – I don’t question the guys got heart. Or works hard at practice. Hell, I’ve got heart too. You know what else Armstrong and I have in common? Neither of us skate, pass, shoot, stickhandle, or check well. Thats why I played GOALIE. Armstrong, on the other hand, is a pathetic excuse of a forward. Our losing started when he returned from injury. Whatever line he is on is rendered useless; he takes the puck and passes it to the other team, gets checked off of it, falls down. He’s awful. And he’s getting more ice time than the 10 times more talented (and 10 times more bankroll consuming) Jeremy Roenick. Why? Because he has heart? This isnt a ****ing Miss America contest, this is hockey. Put this guy on the fourth line or send him back to the minor leagues where he belongs.

But hey, I’m an optomist. 2 out of 3, right? The cup is MORE than half full!

By the way, Christmas gift idea for all of you; get me an Armstrong jersey, a blow torch, and some protective goggles, and I’d be one damn happy camper.

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: 4 – 8 – 0
*USC TROJANS: 12 – 0 – 0*
LOS ANGELES KINGS: 18 – 12 – 1

TROJAN OUTSCORING O-METER
Season:
TROJANS 600
OPPONENTS 256

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By Dave Consolazio, December 1, 2005 10:00 am

(Sorry for the extremely late column. It has been an extremely busy week academically, so I hadn’t had any time to work on it previous to yesterday, which as you all know, was a pretty wild day/night. So, I started this this morning. As usual, I swear on whatever you want me to swear on that I haven’t changed picks because of scores or anything like that. Last I saw Buffalo is leading Miami 14 – 0, note that I have Miami! Thanks for understanding!)

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

THE INTRO

66.

But lets go one thing at a time. Lets not forget that besides the fact that the Trojans pounded the living snot out of the Bruins, I pounded the living snot out of the spread last week. 12 – 3 – 1, with the spread, is absolutely insane. Vegas was like the Bruins of spreads last week. Does that last sentence even make sense? No, none. But who cares? Its official – I’m kinda good at picking games, and the Trojans are kinda good at football. Hell, I want to talk pros more, but I’m just itching for some Bruin bashing.

I hope someday to be a successful sports broadcaster, and unless I do so in the column setting, I am going to make a career out of being biased and fair. I think thats fantastic. But right now, I’m not a professional, and so I’m going to enjoy every minute of it and take you who weren’t lucky enough to be sitting next to me through some of the highlights of the things I screamed (and those of you who know me know that my screaming certainly projects, and I was only 20 rows from the field at the 50 yrd line) at the game yesterday. After all, what better way to relive yesterday? I can recap the game all I wan’t, but you’ve all seen that. Here goes (in order)

“CHANT START: HEIS-MAN, HEIS-MAN, HEIS-MEN” (After his run out of the endzone), “CHANT START: BRUINS SUCK! BRUINS SUCK!” (This one was actually spread stadium wide, right after our 2nd TD was scored), “YOU GUYS F—ING SUCK!” “EVEN YOUR BAND SUCKS!” “YOU GUYS WERE SUPPOSED TO GOOD!” “F— UCLA!” “CHANT START: NA NA HEY HEY GOODBYE” “YOU GUYS ARE WORSE THAN ARKANSAS!” “TOO BAD YOU DONT GET POINTS FOR TRYING… OR SUCKING!” “WE BROKE THE SCOREBOARD!” (When the scoreboard malfunctioned), “HAVE FUN AT THE TYSON CHICKEN BOWL OR WHATEVER F—ING BOWL YOUR GOING TO” “HAVE FUN AT THE OIL OF OLAY BOWL!” “HEY! F— UCLA!” (Me and buddies decided to give UCLA a standing O when they scored), and then one more hey hey goodbye song at the end.

Professional? Naaa. But I’m a hell of a fan. Hope you all enjoyed the game; I know from the football standpoint it wasn’t great, but its the last time the Coliseum will house that offense, which will go down as one of the greatest all time. I will go over my heisman pick next week (Bush) but give Vince Young the love he deserves as well, and I will go over my bowl prediction (USC) in detail when the time comes. But for now, lets pick some games!

THE RECORD

Last Week
With the spread: 12 – 3 – 1 (.800)
Without the spread: 12 – 4 – 0 (.750)
$$Money Picks$$: 3 – 0 – 0 (1.000)
^^Zen Picks^^: 4 – 2 – 0 (.666)

Season
With the spread: 94 – 77 – 5 (.550)
Without the spread: 111 – 65 – 0 (.631)
$$Money Picks$$: 21 – 16 – 3 (.568)
^^Zen Picks^^: 15 – 7 – 0 (.682)

LAST WEEK’S RECAP OF DAVE’S BRILLIANCE AND FOOLISHNESS
(Usually Brilliance?!?)

Atlanta 27 6 – 4 (-3.0) @ Detroit 7 4 – 6 (+3.0)
Win 1 came easy enough
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Atlanta
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Atlanta

Denver 24 8 – 2 (+2.0) @ Dallas 21 7 – 3 (-2.0)
A bit closer than I anticipated, but I loved heading into the weekend 2 – 0.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *$Denver
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Denver

Carolina 13 7 – 3 (-4.0) @ Buffalo 9 4 – 6 (+4.0)
Why couldn’t it be -3.5 instead?
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: TIE – Carolina
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Carolina

San Fransisco 22 2 – 8 (+7.0) @ Tennessee 33 2 – 8 (-7.0)
I guess I’m still giving SF a little too much credit.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *San Fransisco
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *San Fransisco

New England 16 6 – 4 (+3.0) @ Kansas City 26 6 – 4 (-3.0)
“One of the few picks I’m confident with this week.” – Guess there shoulda been more than a few
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – $Kansas City
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Kansas City

Cleveland 12 4 – 6 (+4.5) @ Minnesota 24 5 – 5 (-4.5)
“Statistically, Cleveland is the favorite here. But that doesn’t matter. For whatever reason, the Vikings have just been winning every game they’ve been playing. Motivated my a bad division and super bowl champion QB Brad Johnson, the Vikes are hot, and Cleveland shouldn’t be able to slow them down. ” – And they didn’t.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – ^Minnesota
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Minnesota

San Diego 23 6 – 4 (-3.0) @ Washington 17 5 – 5 (+3.0)
“One of the main reasons why I’m so successful these days is because I’m not only looking at the numbers, but I’m looking at the emotions, too. Washington is coming off of a heartbreaking loss, and the Chargers are coming off of a blowout victory. They are ripe for a letdown game in Washington. While SD is the much better team, upsets make the NFL, and this is going to be one of them” – Washington took them into OT, so I certainly wasn’t way off. Unfortunately for me, Ladanian single handedly tied and won it for SD.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – ^*Washington
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Washington

St. Louis 33 4 – 6 (-3.5) @ Houston 27 1 – 9 (+3.5)
“Even without Bulger, St. Louis should definitely be good enough to beat Houston, who can’t beat much of anyone. Especially after losing to Arizona last week, St. Louis should be hungry and excited to face such a bad team this week.” – What can I say, I’m good
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – St. Louis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – St. Louis

Miami 3 – 7 (+7.0) @ Oakland 4 – 6 (-7.0)
“Miami had a terrible loss last week, and Oakland had an emotional win. That means, by Zen standards, that Miami should win the game Sunday. I don’t think they are talented enough to do so, but I do think they can keep it close.” – Zen was right, oh, and my Raiders suck.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – ^*Miami
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Oakland

Jacksonville 24 7 – 3 (-3.5) @ Arizona 17 3 – 7 (+3.5)
“What is there to say? Jacksonville will probably win by like 2 and screw me over on the spread, but point is, they will win. And for 3.5 points, I’ll take my chances.” – And I couldn’t go wrong this week.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Jacksonville
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Jacksonville

Green Bay 14 2 – 8 (+4.0) @ Philidelphia 19 4 – 6 (-4.0)
“Without McNabb and without Owens, I still feel that they can beat this weak GB team and give their fans a rare something to cheer about.” – Of course they can.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – ^Philidelphia
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Philidelphia

New Orleans 21 2 – 8 (+2.5) @ New York Jets 19 2 – 8 (-2.5)
“What an awful, awful game this will be. I had New Orleans typed in, but I’m gonna change it to the Jets.” – Shouldn’t have done that. Was right about the awful game part, though.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – ^New York Jets
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – New York Jets

Pittsburgh 7 – 3 (+7.0) @ Indianapolis 10 – 0 (-7.0)
“Bet on Indianapolis as often as you can. They have proven Zen wrong time and time again, and they just consistantly win football games by alot. Will they go undefeated? Maybe, maybe not. But I certainly don’t think this is the week they are in jeopardy.” – Nope, it isnt.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – $Indianapolis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Indianapolis

DAMN, I’M GOOD

Baltimore 29 3 – 7 (+9.0) @ Cincinnati 42 7 – 3 (-9.0)
This is a Zen pick through and through. Baltimore coming off an impressive win against Pittsburgh can certainly win WITH 9 points, right? Wrong. They are due for a let down, and Cincinnati will want to bounce back strong after last weeks emotional loss. At home, they take care of Baltimore without trouble.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Cincinnati
- Really tough to give up 9 points, I’m pretty proud of myself on this one.

Chicago 13 7 – 3 (+3.0) @ Tampa Bay 10 7 – 3 (-3.0)
One of the biggest surprises of this season has been the Chicago Bears, who are now owners of a 6 game winning streak. Tampa Bay slipped up, but is now back on track with a 2 game winning streak. This should be a good game, but the Bears defense is just impenetrable right now, and I don’t see the Buccaneers finding a weakness.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Chicago
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Chicago
- Just a good, sound ‘upset’ pick

New York Giants 21 7 – 3 (+5.5) @ Seattle 24 8 – 2 (-5.5)
Out of nowhere, Seattle has the best record in the NFC. Many would argue, though, that the Giants are the team to beat. This game will say alot. I’m not giving up 5.5 points to a team as talented as the Giants, but I will say Seattle holds on to win it at home.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *New York Giants
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Seattle
- Easily the game of the week, as NYG’s Feely misses on game winning opportunities 3 straight times. Not how I forsaw it, but same result.

THE PICKS

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

Atlanta 7 – 4 (+3.0) @ Carolina 8 – 3 (-3.0)
My first of many upsets, I feel like Atlanta is a strong team that just hasn’t been able to get wins against the better teams in the league, and they are due for one. @ Carolina would be a very impressive victory.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Atlanta
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Atlanta

Buffalo 4 – 7 (+3.0) @ Miami 4 – 7 (-3.0)
Statistically, this game is exactly even. I guess I’ll take Miami solely on the grounds that they are at home, and Buffalo plays most of its good football at home, not on the road.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Miami
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Miami

Cincinnati 8 – 3 (+3.5) @ Pittsburgh 7 – 4 (-3.5)
I buy into every bit of the hype surrounding the Bengals. They are one of the AFC’s best, and with a win today, they can prove it.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Cincinnati

Dallas 7 – 4 (+3.0) @ N.Y. Giants 7 – 4 (-3.0)
Should be an absolutely great game, and I’m angry I’m missing it as we speak to type this up. After losing to Seattle and being embarassed on a national level last week, look for the Giants to destroy the Cowboys to try and regain that aura of strength they were walking around with.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^$N.Y. Giants
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: N.Y. Giants

Green Bay 2 – 9 (+6.5) @ Chicago 8 – 3 (-6.5)
Upset of the year, and I’m calling it! Chicago has to go into Pittsburgh next week, which will be remarkeably tough. Playing a 2 – 9 lousy GB team at home, I can’t help but think they can’t be worrying too much about this game. I respect Chicago alot and think they will make a huge splash in the playoffs this year, but everyone makes a mistake sometime. I say this week.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^*Green Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: **Green Bay

Houston 1 – 10 (+7.0) @ Baltimore 3 – 8 (-7.0)
Baltimore is not 7 points better than anyone, I’m sorry. However, they are a few points better, and should get the win.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Houston
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Baltimore

Jacksonville 8 – 3 (-2.5) @ Cleveland 4 – 7 (+2.5)
Vegas must know something I don’t with this spread, but Jacksonville is really strong, and I’m not convinced that Cleveland has the slightest chance of winning this game. Less then a field goal? Very interesting.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Jacksonville
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Jacksonville

Minnesota 6 – 5 (-3.0) @ Detroit 4 – 7 (+3.0)
Let the good times roll. Minnesota picked the right time for a hot streak as the weak teams keep rolling in.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Minnesota
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Minnesota

Tampa Bay 7 – 4 (-3.5) @ New Orleans 3 – 8 (+3.5)
Tampa Bay is a much better team than New Orleans, and I think Gruden can keep them focused enough to just come out and beat this team hard.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Tampa Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Tampa Bay

Tennessee 3 – 8 (+15.0) @ Indianapolis 11 – 0 (-15.0)
With @ Jax in the cards for the Colts next week, this game at home against the Titans has the chance to be overlooked just a little. In a bold move, I’ll take the Titan’s 15 points, and just prey they make at least some sort of a game out of it. Colts should win by 14, though.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^*Tennessee
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Indianapolis

Arizona 3 – 8 (-3.0) @ San Francisco 2 – 9 (+3.0)
Honestly, who cares? I have no idea. Stats tell me nothing, Zen nothing. San Fran because they are home, and I’ll take the points too.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *San Fransisco
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *San Fransisco

Washington 5 – 6 (-3.0) @ St. Louis 5 – 6 (+3.0)
Yuck, two very disappointing teams that you never know what to expect from. I’ll take the Redskins here since they should be a little hungrier for a win, coming off of a series of tough losses.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Washington
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Washington

Denver 9 – 2 (-1.5) @ Kansas City 7 – 4 (+1.5)
Denver is quietly dominating this season, winning 9 of its last 10 games, and is one of the AFC’s many fantastic suprise teams. They are stronger than KC, and can overcome the crowd and win no problem in this one.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Denver
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Denver

N.Y. Jets 2 – 9 (+9.5) @ New England 6 – 5 (-9.5)
I was thinking the Jets w/ the points, but I remembered that New England just lost to Kansas City, and is going to be hungry as hell to come home and pound the Jets. I can’t see them matching the intensity, and I can see them dropping hard.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^New England
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New England

Oakland 4 – 7 (+10.0) @ San Diego 7 – 4 (-10.0)
48 – 10 pops into my mind for some reason. I certainly hope it isn’t accurate, but I would not be shocked if it was. What a disappointing season, I really thought we had at least an 8 – 8 team on our hands.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: San Diego
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: San Diego

Seattle 9 – 2 (-3.0) @ Philadelphia 5 – 6 (+3.0)
Seattle is the best team in the NFC, statistically and literally. They are just too damn good to drop one against emotionally and physically battered Philidelphia this Monday night.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Seattle

Division rival week… every game anything can happen. I can easily go 4 – 12 and wipe out all my hard work from last week! But I certainly hope not.

KINGS HOCKEY

Okay, so the Trojans are going to the Rose Bowl, my spread winning percentage is up to a super-impressive 55%, surely the Kings are doing great, too! …Not quite. The Kings have pretty much fallen off the map since my last column, losing 5 of their last 6, and 4 straight. The problem? Just picked the wrong time to go on a slump. Few teams in the league can play all 82 games of the regular season at the highest level; slumps happen. What you hope for, however, is that during these slumps you can still find ways to win games here and there so the results aren’t totally catostrophic. Well, the Kings decided to slump at the toughest point of their schedule, and you aren’t going to beat great teams playing bad hockey. Dallas is now in 1st place by 2 games and they have played 3 games less than us so far. Things are looking grim, but I am (and I hope you are) keeping fingers crossed that they can turn things around and start winning again very soon.

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: 4 – 7 – 0
USC TROJANS: 12 – 0 – 0
(Perfect regular season! Congratulations Trojans!)
LOS ANGELES KINGS: 16 – 11 – 1

TROJAN OUTSCORING O-METER
Season:
TROJANS 600
OPPONENTS 256
(The 66 made this an even 600 on the season, not bad huh?)