LEO’S LOSERS : WEEK 7
By Leo Haggerty
Week 6 was another good news and bad news week similar to Week 5. Bad news was the Week 6 record was 8-8. Good news is the right eight won so put more pesos, but not many, in the bank.
Leo’s Lock was correct (5-1 overall) for two big Benjamins. Leo’s Losers was a modest 3-2 (16-14 overall) for another $75 in the black. Leo’s Others took the biggest hit going a terrible 4-6 (35-25 overall)and costing me $120.
That leaves Week 6 with $155 on the plus side. Add that to the previous winning of $680 and, after Week 6, the pot grow to $830.
Hopefully, this week is a little better. Week 7 is below for your enjoyment.
LEO’S LOCK
Northwestern (+4 1/2) loses to MICHIGAN STATE
This on pains me because I really respect both head coaches. Wildcats HC Pat Fitzgerald has done wonders in Evanston with the Purple & White. Spartans HC Mark Dantonio has had MSU overachieving for years. If this game was at Northwestern I would probably change my tune but the contest is in East Lansing. Sparty, 28-20, to stop a 3-game losing skid.
LEO’S LOSERS
NCAA
Southern California (-8) loses to ARIZONA
Yes, I had USC as my Leo’s Lock last week but the Trojans have to go to the desert to take on the Wildcats. Please take note. Washington came into Tucson and barely escaped with an overtime win. The Men of Troy are nowhere near the Huskies and look for UA HC Rich Rodriquez to have the Arizona offense hitting on all cylinders. Zona, 33-24, as the Cats Bear Down.
TEXAS TECH (+1) loses to West Virginia
How about if we just shut off the clock and say first one to 50 wins. Both teams know how to put points up on the board in droves and quickly. I realize the Red Raiders are at home but I believe the Mountaineers are on a collision course with Baylor for the Big 12 Championship. WVU, 55-49, in an old fashioned Texas shootout.
ARKANSAS (-8) loses to Mississippi
If Ole Miss can put together a full game, they would be in the Top Five in the country. Hogs HC Brett Bielema has turned Fayetteville into Wisconsin South running behind a mammoth offensive line like he had in Madison. I think the Rebels pull this one out with Mississippi QB having a big game. Ole Miss, 36-33, in OT.
NFL
CHICAGO (-3) loses to Jacksonville
Ok, I’m officially on the Jaguars bandwagon. The win over Indy in London solidified my feeling that Jacksonville has turned the corner. Jags QB Blake Bortles has finally developed some consistency and is getting time from his offensive line to make plays. Also, the Jaguars defense is starting to jell. The Monsters of the Midway will make it interesting in the Windy City but, with the Chi-town QB position in a state of flux, it will be too little and too late. Jags, 21-20, stopping Da Bears on a late drive on downs.
OAKLAND (-1) loses to Kansas City
Let me remind you of last year. It was right about this time that the Chiefs, given up for dead after an extremely slow start, began their 10-game winning streak. I know the Raiders have been on a roll this season but Kansas City HC Andy Reid has a way of getting his teams up for big games in the regular season. It won’t be a blowout but Silver & Black HC Jack Del Rio will roll the dice at the end of the game and this time it will come up snake eyes. Chiefs, 23-21, in a thriller.
LEO’S OTHER
NCAA
Connecticut (+19 1/2) loses to SOUTH FLORIDA
Temple (+3 1/2) loses to CENTRAL FLORIDA
MARYLAND (-6 1/2) loses to Minnesota
North Carolina (+7 1/2) loses to MIAMI-FL
Nebraska (-3) loses to INDIANA
Missouri (+13) loses to FLORIDA
Wake Forest (+21) loses to FLORIDA STATE
NFL
Cincinnati (+9) loses to NEW ENGLAND
MIAMI (+7 1/2) loses to PITTSBURGH
Cleveland (+7) loses to TENNESSEE
