Spooky's so i met this girl first week of october express

[Spooky]

Six-pack for Friday

NFL trends for Week 4........

-- Giants covered 12 of their last 14 road games.

-- Saints covered eight of last nine in the Superdome.

-- Tennessee covered 18 of last 25 road games.

-- Washington covered one of last seven at home.

-- Detroit is 10-4-1 vs spread as a double digit underdog.

-- Broncos covered one of their last eight home games.

[Spooky]

SPOOKY'S FAB FIVE FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009

TGIF everyone.

1. Quick Hits

Today is "O" day in Copenhagen. The 2016 Olympics Games will be awarded. Chicago is hoping their "O's," Obama, Mrs. Obama and Oprah will carry the day.

The Colorado Rockies clinch a playoff spot. The Governor of Colorado declares that in honor of the team October will now be known as "Rocktober."

Not to be outdone the Governor of New York declares the Mets season "Rockbottom."

The Mets will lower all ticket prices for next season.

Eddy Curry of the Knicks is hurt already. God I missed the Knicks.

At least 100 NFL players will wear pink spikes Sunday to support breast cancer awareness.

2. Half Empty or Half Full?

With the regular season coming to an end, baseball Commissioner Bud "rose colored glasses" Selig is thrilled that baseball will draw around 75 million fans. Selig called it "stunning" and a "testament to the huge popularity of the sport." Then again, 20 teams suffered attendance drops, and overall baseball had its biggest loss in
attendance in over half a century. (6.5%) So it's all how you look at things. Next season, will be the true test. Especially with season ticket holders.

3. Red White and Pinstripe

So if someone asks you which baseball team is "America's Team" what's your answer? Sacred Heart University took a national poll and the Yankees were the overwhelming winners. 41.6 per cent chose the Yanks, 16.3 per cent voted for the Red Sox. Interesting to note that the
Toronto Blue Jays got at least one vote. Get those voters an atlas. 8 teams that actually play in America were shutout.

4. Quote of the Day
"I wish I could do a research study, because in 15, 20 years you're going to see a new generation of basketball players from this country. This is going to be a nation rich with basketball talent from the kids who watched that team."
Former Temple guard Pepe Sanchez, who is from Argentina

5. The Name Game

There's a Western Hockey League team in Canada called the Brandon Wheat Kings.They're in Brandon Ontario. The newest member of the team is a Brandon native named Wheaton King. So Wheaton King plays for the
Wheat Kings. Talk about a one-man team.

Happy Birthday: Dodgers base stealer supreme, Maury Wills. 77.

Bonus Birthday: Kelly Ripa. 39.

Today in Sports: Sandy Koufax sets a World Series record by striking out 15 Yankees in game 1. The Dodgers go on to sweep the Yankees as Koufax wins World Series MVP. 1963.

Bonus Event: Alas, there are no more tripleheaders in baseball. In the first and only 20th century Major League tripleheader, the Reds take two of three from the Pirates. It was a one day series. 1920.

[Spooky]

College Football Write Up for Week 5


Friday's games

Pitt hammered Louisville 41-7 LY, snapping 7-game series skid, but Pitt lost its first game 38-31 last week, giving up 530 yards at NC State. Pitt has given up 65 points in pair of road games. Cardinals lost their last two games, at Kentucky (31-27), Utah (30-14). Panthers are 5-3 in last eight games as road favorite. Louisville is 4-2 as home dog this decade, but 4-8 vs spread in game following a loss.

BYU won its last nine games over Utah State, taking last two by total of 72-14; Cougars gave up 77 points in last two games, allowing 7.5 ypp to Colorado State's freshman QB last week. Mountain West home favorites are 1-4 vs spread in non-league games. WAC road dogs are 8-5. Aggies are 11-5 in last 16 games as road dog, losing away games by 18-8 points this season. BYU is 9-4 in last 13 tries as home favorite.

Saturday's games

Top games

South Florida had biggest win in program history last week, now visits Syracuse with frosh QB Daniels making second career start. USF is 4-0 vs Syracuse, winning by average score of 35-8 (4-0 vs spread). Orange are 3-0 vs spread in lined games, splitting pair of 3-point decisions vs a pair of Big 11 teams (Minnesota/Northwestern). USF played three stiffs before the FSU win.

Wisconsin is 12-2 in last 14 games vs Minnesota, winning last five by an average score of 40-25; Badgers covered seven of last ten in series, scored 31+ in last nine series games. Gophers are 3-5 in last eight tries as home favorite, Badgers are 1-5 as road dog under Bielema- this is first start on road for jr QB Tolzien. Wisconsin is 4-0 but allowed 30+ points last two games against I-A opponents.

Home side won four of last five NC State-Wake Forest games; Wolfpack is 1-5 in last six visits to Wake, losing last three by 14-8-20 pts. Wake is 11-8 vs spread in last 19 home games. State had 208 rushing yards, 322 passing in last weeks' 38-31 win over Pitt- they're 7-3 vs spread on road under O'Brien, but this is their first road game this year. Deacons lost a fumble on 4-yard line in OT at BC last week, costing them a 27-24 loss.

Visitor won all four Florida State-Boston College games; Seminoles won last two visits here, 28-17/27-17. FSU is erratic as hell, losing at home to South Florida last week, after pounding BYU in Provo the week before. Eagles survived OT vs Wake Forest last week; they converted just 6 of last 26 on 3rd down. Home teams are 5-2 vs spread in ACC league tilts.

Home side won six of last eight Vanderbilt-Ole Miss games; Rebels lost three of last four meetings after winning seven of previous eight- they've lost last two trips to Nashville-- last time they won at Vandy by more than five points was '98. Ole Miss is 3-9-1 vs spread as road favorite since 2001/ Vandy is 7-10 vs spread in last 17 games as home underdog. Underdogs covered seven of first ten SEC league games.

Washington lost last three games vs Notre Dame 33-7/36-17/38-3; they gave up 571 rushing yards last two weeks, losing 34-14 at Stanford last week. Huskies are 1-8 vs spread in last nine games as road dog, Irish are just getting by, winning last two games by FG each- their last three tilts were decided by total of 10 points. ND is 8-14 as home fave with Weis.

Georgia is playing fifth straight BCS foe; they're 3-1 despite being -9 in turnovers, running ball for just 112.5 ypg. Dawgs won last three games vs LSU by average score of 43-23- they're 1-6 vs spread last seven tries as home favorite. Tigers is 4-0, but had to stop Miss State twice inside 1-yard line in last minute to seal 30-26 win- they're 0-4 vs spread in last four regular season games as an underdog.

Navy won last six games vs Air Force, even though they were underdog in five of them; only one of the wins was by more than 7 points. Falcons lost last three visits here by 11-3-3 points- dogs are 4-1 vs spread in last five games played here. Air Force scored two defensive TDs in win over San Diego State last week (26-14); they had two punts blocked for TDs in LYs 33-27 home loss to the Middies.

First road start for freshman QB Jones; Oklahoma hasn't given up point in two games since BYU loss, but they've only played Idaho St, Tulsa. Sooners covered last five tries as road favorite. Miami got waxed in the rain in Blacksburg last week; they're 2-1 as home dog this decade. 'canes scored 71 points in wins vs Florida St., Ga Tech, but Harris completed just 9-25 last week. Sooners covered eight of last 11 outside of Big 12.

Michigan won six of last seven vs Michigan State, winning last three in East Lansing by 4-7-3 points. Wolverines are 4-0 but this is first start on road for frosh QB Forcier, who has achy shoulder. Michigan was 1-3 as road dog LY after covering seven of previous nine as AU. Spartans lost last three games by 2-3-8 points- they're 13-25-1 in last 39 games as HF.

UCLA won last five games vs Stanford, taking last two played here by 30-27/45-17 scores; Bruins won LY's game 23-20, scoring with 0:10 left in game. Cardinal won both '09 home games, scoring 42-23 points; they ran two kicks and a punt back for TDs in last two weeks. UCLA had an extra week to prepare after 3-0 start where they allowed 12.7 ppg, with eight INTs. Bruins are 7-4 vs spread in last 11 games as a road dog.

Texas A&M is quietly off to 3-0 start, scoring 45 ppg with a balanced attack, running ball for 246.7 ypg, passing for 330.3- they're moving up here in competition vs Arkansas team that gave up 87 points in losing its first two SEC games (52-41/35-7). Hogs covered three of their last 11 non-SEC contests. SEC teams are 6-2 vs spread in non-league games on road. Big 12 teams are 17-15 against the spread in non-league games.

Auburn won last four games vs Tennessee, surviving 14-12 struggle LY, holding Vols to 8-24/67 passing. Suddenly explosive Tigers scored 45.3 ppg in winning first four games under Chizik, but this is their first road game. 2-2 Vols passed for exactly 93 yards in both losses, 277-222 in its wins. Auburn is +7 in turnovers, but they did allow 30 points each in last two wins (41-30 vs West Va, 54-30 vs Ball State).

USC won last five games vs Cal Bears, taking last two in Berkeley by 35-10/24-17 scores. Tough week for USC, with RB Johnson crushing his larynx in accident in weight room; he will survive, not sure if he'll play again. Trojans defend well, allowing 10 ppg in 3-1 start, but they've lost six fumbles, which has hurt. Cal got crushed 42-3 in Eugene last week, giving up 236 yards on ground, completing 13-36 passes on sunny day.

Other games

-- East Carolina is 3-9 as road favorite since 2002; they won three of last four games vs Marshall, winning by 13-3-19 points. Herd is 9-2-1 as a home underdog this decade.

-- Northwestern lost its last two games, allowing 37-35 points; they've turned ball over three times in each of last three games. Purdue is 6-4 in last ten games as home favorite.

-- Underdog covered last five Clemson-Maryland games; Tigers won last two visits here, 28-24/30-17. Terps are 0-3 vs D-I teams, allowing 52-32 34 points. Home teams are 5-2 vs spread in ACC games so far.

-- Home team seven of last nine Virginia-North Carolina games; last two played here were both decided by two points. UNC is 9-17 as home fave this decade. Cavaliers are 0-3 in '09, losing by 12-16-3 points.

-- Central Michigan won last two games vs Buffalo, 55-28/27-25; CMU won its last two games vs D-I foes, scoring 29-48 points- they're 3-6-1 as road favorite since '06. Buffalo is 14-18 as home dog since 2001.

-- Ball State was 12-0 at one point LY; they're 0-4 now, including loss to I-AA New Hampshire. Cardinals are 7-3 in last 10 games as a home dog. Toledo allowed 31+ points in all four games (2-2) this season.

-- Kentucky was down 31-0 in first quarter at home to Florida last week, now Alabama comes to town; Tide won its first four games by average score of 40-13, but this is first true road start for QB McElroy.

-- Miami O lost last three games to Cincinnati by 25-point average; Red Hawks are 0-4 this year, losing by average score of 44-11. Big East road teams are 8-4 vs spread this season in non-league games.

-- Temple beat Eastern Michigan 55-52 LY in game where EMU threw 76 passes. Eagles are 4-7-1 in last 12 tries as home dog. Temple ran kick back for TD and had a defensive TD in their last game, a 37-13 win.

-- Army covered three of last four tries as home favorite; they blocked two Tulane kicks in 44-13 road win LY. Conference USA teams are 3-8 vs spread as a non-conference road underdog so far this season.

-- Virginia Tech comes off big wins vs Nebraska/Miami, tries to avoid a letdown vs Duke team they've beaten eight times in row by average of 23 points. Blue Devils are 4-15 as home dog since 2005.

-- Mississippi State was stopped on 1-yard line in last minute vs LSU last week, now has to stop Georgia Tech option attack that ran ball for 317 yards vs UNC last week, but lost its only road game, at Miami.

-- First road game for Penn State team that was 4-1 as road favorite LY; Lions lost to Iowa again last week, are 9-7 vs spread after a loss. Illinois is 5-5 as home dog under Zook- they lost 30-0 to Ohio St. last week.

-- Last three Northern Illinois-Western Michigan games were decided by four or less points; NIU is now 1-10 as home favorite after losing 34-31 to Idaho as a 15.5-point home favorite last week.

-- Bowling Green lost last three games, getting crushed 49-14 at home by Boise last week. Falcons are 5-13 vs spread in last 18 games as favorite at home. Ohio is 8-5-1 in last 14 games as road underdog.

-- Nevada won last four games vs UNLV by average score of 32-16, but Wolf Pack is 0-3, allowing 35-35-31 points. Last three UNLV games were decided by combined total of six points.

-- Idaho was underdog in first four games, is still 3-1; Vandals are 4-2 in last six games as home dog. Colorado State is also 3-1, with +7 turnover ratio; since 2003, Rams are 1-8 vs spread as a road favorite.

-- Iowa State had 462 passing yards in 38-30 loss at Kansas State; ISU is 3-1, scoring 34-31 points in winning its last two games. K-State is 0-2 vs D-I teams, scoring total of 24 points (7-31 on 3rd down).

-- Home team won four of last five Oregon St-Arizona St games; Beavers lost last two visits here, 27-14/44-32. Sun Devils lost tough 20-17 game at Georgia last week- they're +10 in turnovers, 8-4 as home favorites.

-- Oregon beat Washington State 53-7/63-14 last two years; Ducks beat Cal 42-3 at home last week- they're 16-7 in last 23 games as home fave. Since 2004, Washington State is 8-13 as a road underdog.

-- Baylor lost star QB Griffin (ACL) last week; his backup is banged up too; Bears covered four of last five as home favorite. Kent State is 1-2 vs D-I foes, losing 34-7 at Boston College (+21), 34-14 to Iowa St (+3).

-- Central Florida is 4-0 vs Memphis, winning last two played here by 38-17/56-20 scores. All four UCF games this year were decided by seven or less points- they're 6-4-1 vs spread in last 11 games as a home fave.

-- New Mexico is awful, losing only road game 41-6 at A&M; Lobos are 22-15-1 as road dog this decade. Texas Tech is off pair of tough losses at Texas, Houston- they're 25-16-1 as home favorite this decade.

-- Indiana got hosed in 36-33 loss at Michigan last week; they outgained Big Blue 467-372, had 197 rushing yards, so they're not bad. Ohio State won 38-0/30-0 in two games since losing at home to USC.

-- Tulsa won four of last five games vs Rice, crushing Owls LY, 63-28; faves are 3-0 vs spread in Tulsa's lined tilts this year. Rice is 0-4, giving up 44 ppg in losses by 20-45-17-19 points (1-3 vs spread).

-- SMU lost last two visits local rival TCU by 44-0/21-7 scores. Horned Frogs had huge win for league at Clemson last week, have tough trip to Air Force next. Mustangs are 12-8-1 in last 21 games as a road dog.

-- San Diego State is 0-3 vs D-I opponents, all on road; they're minus-8 in turnovers last two games. Aztecs are 8-3 last 11 games as home fave. New Mexico State beat rival Lobos last week; they're 10-17 as road dog.

-- Houston had huge win over Texas Tech last week; three of their last four games with UTEP were decided by five or less points. Cougars are 4-8 in last 12 games as AF. Miners' last two losses were 34-7/64-7.

-- Iowa had huge win at Penn State last week, has Michigan on deck, so major trap game for team that allowed 30 points last three games- they're 5-9 in last 14 games as HF. Sun Belt road dogs are 6-10 this season.

-- Long road trip for Wyoming team that is 3-11 in last 14 games as road dog. Florida Atlantic is 0-3 this year, allowing 49-38-27 points. Sun Belt home teams are 5-1 vs spread in non-league games.

-- Florida Int'l covered five of last seven tries as road dog; they lost four of last five vs UL-Monroe, losing at ULM by 8-14 points, with a win in between. Warhawks covered just three of last 13 as home favorite.

[Spooky]

Spooky's helpful tips for Saturday, October 3

Bunch of pigs

The NFL has its first confirmed case of Swine Flu. Houston rookie tight end Anthony Hill was hospitalized this week with the H1N1 virus. The Texans (-9) are heavy favorites against the Raiders Sunday, but also have been monitoring other sick players. It would be a good idea to watch the team for last-second scratches.

"So we have one confirmed case of swine flu on our team and he's doing much better today," coach Gary Kubiak told the Associated Press. "We had a few guys feeling ill yesterday but they all came back today.”

50-50 shot

Clinton Portis might want to see a fast end to the Jim Zorn era in Washington. The new head coach has struggled to mesh with Portis and it’s no surprise he is off to the worst start of his career – 183 yards on 47 carries through three games. Portis, who is battling bone spurs, now is listed as questionable and is said to be “50-50” to play against the horrible Buccaneers. Backups Ladell Betts and Marcus Manson scare no one and it’s getting more and more tempting to look at under 37 total points as a solid play.

Terrapins, Tigers slow to score

When Clemson plays Maryland, one thing is certain: not a lot of points are scored. The teams have combined to go under the total in seven of the past eight meetings – once each year since 2001. Maryland is yielding more than 38 points per game, but has held the Tigers to 17 points or less five of the past seven years. The total is posted at 46.5.

Smooth Sailing

Navy hasn’t just won its past six straight against rival Air Force. It’s done it five times as an underdog, going 6-0 ATS during that span. The Midshipmen, however, enter this year’s matchup as 2.5-point favorites against the Falcons, which will be led by quarterback Tim Jefferson, who missed last week’s game against San Diego with an ankle injury.

Cristal clear

Chicago goaltender Cristobal Huet didn’t exactly get a resounding vote of confidence from his coach after allowing four goals on 24 shots in a season-opening loss to Florida. Joel Quennneville refused to name a starter for Saturday’s game against the Panthers following the defeat, and Huet is coming off the worst statistical season of his career. Florida is listed at +129 in the rematch with total of 5.5.

Avalanche of success

Even in a down year, the Colorado Avalanche still had the Canucks’ number. The Avalanche took seven of 10 from Vancouver last year despite finishing last in the Northwest Division. Colorado opened the season with a 5-2 win over a solid San Jose team and got 38 saves from new goalie Craig Anderson. Conversely, the Canucks got a shaky start from Roberto Luongo who coughed up four goals on just 22 shots in a 5-3 loss at Calgary on Thursday. Colorado is posted at + 129 with an over/under of 5.5.

Ice cold

The last thing Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels needs is a start against the Marlins. Hammels (10-10, 4.25 ERA) hasn’t pitched like an ace this season, especially against the fish from Florida. In 17 1-3 innings against the NL East foe this year, he has given up 10 earned runs on 16 hits, including five home runs. Florida is +185 with a total of 8.5.

Bitter beer face

When Milwaukee and St. Louis get together, the one thing the teams know how to do is play tight, low-scoring games. Ten of the team’s 15 matchups have gone under the total this season, including eight of their past 10 meetings and four straight. The Brewers also don’t figure to score much off St. Louis starter Kyle Lohse, who has dominated them this season. St. Louis is listed at -158 with an over/under of 9.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"It just revitalized my life. When you're more relaxed and you're happier, then everything else kind of comes a little bit easier, too.”

Pro golfer Greg Norman late last year on his marriage to former tennis star Chris Everet. The pair announced their separation on Friday after only 15 months.

[Spooky]

Daily Sports Roundup for Saturday, October 3

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: Pac-10 rivals California and USC do battle, and the National Hockey League offers up its first Saturday slate of the season.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .

No. 24 California hosts No. 7 USC on Saturday night as they try to recover from a shocking defeat in their last contest. The Golden Bears were pounded 42-3 at Oregon last weekend, as quarterback Kevin Riley went just 12-of-31 for 123 yards passing with no TDs. The Trojans got past Washington State in their last game, but didn't cover the big spread in the 27-6 victory. The oddsmakers have USC as the 4.5-point road favorite for Saturday's matchup, with the total at 47.5.

No. 3 Alabama (-16) is at Kentucky on Saturday, with No. 4 LSU at No. 18 Georgia (-3), UC Davis at No. 5 Boise State (no line), No. 6 Virginia Tech (-16.5) at Duke, No. 8 Oklahoma (-8) at No. 17 Miami, No. 9 Ohio State (-18) at Indiana, and No. 10 Cincinnati (-29) at Miami-Ohio. The Bearcats boosted their record to a perfect 4-0 by beating Fresno State 28-20 last week. The RedHawks, meanwhile, remain winless at 0-4 after they lost to Kent State 29-19 last time out.

Both No. 1 Florida and No. 2 Texas are idle this week; the Gators return next week against LSU, while the Longhorns have Colorado next up on their schedule.

As well, there are a pair of Canadian Football League games on tap for Saturday, with Montreal at Toronto and Hamilton at Calgary. The Alouettes are 10-favorites against the Argos, and the Stamps are favored by 6.5 points over the Tiger-Cats.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

Royals ace Zack Greinke (16-8, 2.06 ERA) will try to add to his Cy Young credentials on Saturday as his team continues their series in Minnesota. Also on the American League slate: the Angels at Oakland, Toronto at Baltimore, the Yankees at Tampa Bay, Cleveland at Boston, Texas at Seattle, and the White Sox at Detroit. Alfredo Figaro (2-1, 5.74 ERA) is penciled in as the Tigers' starter.

Over in the National League on Saturday it's Arizona at the Cubs, Milwaukee at St. Louis, Houston at the Mets, Washington at Atlanta, Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, San Francisco at San Diego, Florida at Philadelphia, and Colorado at the Dodgers. Jorge De La Rosa (16-9, 4.45 ERA) is expected to take on Clayton Kershaw (8-8, 2.89 ERA) in that contest between playoff-bound NL West teams.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

All 30 teams will be in action around the National Hockey League on Saturday, starting with the two matchups over in Europe - Chicago at Florida, and St. Louis at Detroit. The rest of the busy slate: Vancouver at Colorado, Carolina at Boston, Tampa Bay at Atlanta, Toronto at Washington, Ottawa at the Rangers, Pittsburgh at the Islanders, Philadelphia at New Jersey, Montreal at Buffalo, Minnesota at Columbus, Nashville at Dallas, San Jose at Anaheim, Calgary at Edmonton, and Phoenix at Los Angeles, with Wayne Gretzky no longer the Coyotes' bench boss.

[Spooky]

Okay here are a few for today.

My kid is going to the Florida Atlantic game this afternoon and Howie has the boys ready. I used to get some great info on the team but this is just what I have heard. Great practices this week and Wyoming had to go a long way into the heat and humidity of South Florida.

A couple more later but this should be the majority.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

FLORIDA ATLANTIC -4

LSU +4

UCLA +5

PENN STATE -7

TEXAS EL PASO +15

HURRICANE FOOTBALL +8

[Spooky]

Weekend List of 13: Random thoughts on an up and down weekend

13) Padres fired GM Towers, Blue Jays fired GM Ricciardi; San Diego has already traded its best pitcher, Toronto didn't trade theirs. My take is that Towers has the bigger gripe in getting bounced.

12) NBA is using 62 replacement referees, five of whom never even had worked in an NBA summer league game. They should have to lower the ticket prices if any part of their product is intentionally sub-standard.

11) 30 of 32 NFL teams have a WR who either a) was a first round draft pick or b) has had a 1,000+-yard receiving season in the NFL. Two clubs that don't have a guy like that? Bears and Rams.

10) Bronx Bombers had seven sellouts this season, compared to 58 last year, despite having a much better team this year and playing in smaller, brand-new stadium this year. Why? The average ticket there was $41.40 last year-- this year, the greedy bastards charged an average of $72.97.

9) Vancouver Canucks lost their last seven season openers, longest such streak in the NHL.

8) Watching Matt Hasselbeck and the QB from Hawai'i take vicious hits while running the ball, I'm reminded that QBs need to slide to get the hell out of harm's way. Its not un-manly, its smart.

7) Down in Orlando, Stan Van Gundy ripped Vince Carter's defense, on the second day of training camp. This might not end well.

6) San Quentin State Prison in California has a ratio of one armed guard for every four prisoners. Just thought you'd like to know.

5) BJ Upton became first Tampa Ray to hit for the cycle Friday nite; he had the cycle by the 5th inning, which has to be close to earliest ever. How many guys even get four ABs in the first five innings of a game?

4) For whatever reason, I've already seen Colorado Buffaloes play three times this season-- it doesn't look good for Coach Hawkins- they're slow on defense, especially in the secondary-- thats bad news in the Big 12.

3) Congrats to Rio Janeiro for being host of the 2016 Olympics; oddly, they are first South American city to host an Olympics. Thats going to be a very tough home court for Brazil's basketball team, for sure.

2) There are over 400 tents outside Kentucky's basketball arena, waiting for tickets for Wildcats' first basketball practice. Allen Iverson wouldn't be impressed, but I am.

1) My favorite play-by-play announcer in any sport in Mike Emrick, who does NHL games on Versus; the man's love of hockey is obvious, and there isn't a self-promoting bone in his body. He's tremendous.

[Spooky]

Spooky's helpful tips for Sunday, October 4

Browns are black and blue

The Cleveland Browns announced this week that quarterback Derek Anderson would start under center against Cincinnati. But it remains to be seen who will line up behind him. Rookie running back James Davis was placed on the IR Saturday and starter Jamal Lewis is listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury. Running back Chris Jennings was just signed off the practice squad and should backup Jerome Harrison. Cincinnati is a 6-point favorite and the total is 37.5.

Backfield bonanza

The Browns aren’t the only team with running back woes. The defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers are expecting to be without starting running back Willie Parker against the San Diego Chargers Sunday night. Last week, former first-round pick Rashard Mendenhall was benched for not knowing the playbook, but is now expected to take the majority of the carries. Hope he studies up. Pittsburgh is a 6.5-point favorite and the total is 42.5.

Baby bears

The Arizona Diamondbacks are out of the playoff chase, but they are determined to go out with a bang against the Cubs. The teams have combined to go over the total in four of their five meetings this season, with three being victories by the Diamondbacks of at least five runs. Arizona is listed at +184.

No ordinary Joe

Angels pitcher Joe Saunders is ready for the postseason. Saunders (15-7, 4.62 ERA) is undefeated in his past seven starts, compiling a record of 6-0 and allowing three or fewer earned runs in each outing. For Saunders to finish strong against the A's, he has to keep the ball in the yard. Before the All-Star break, he gave up 21 home runs in 18 starts. Since then, he’s allowed just eight gopher balls in his past 12 outings. The Angels are posted at -129 with a total of 9 runs.
Starter by committee

Opposing Saunders for the Athletics will be … the team’s bullpen. Oakland announced it would not use a starter for the final game of the year, but instead either Brad Kilby or Jerry Blevins will get the nod, followed by various relievers. The approach to pitching will be similar to what is done in an All-Star game, minus the talent. Oakland is posted at +121.

No rest for the weary

While Oakland is finding ways to take it easy on its pitchers as the season winds down, Pittsburgh is pushing its hurlers on short rest. Jeff Karstens (4-5, 5.37 ERA) will take the mound on just three-days rest against the Reds Sunday, replacing the injured Kevin Hart. Karstens gave up only two runs over five innings against the Cubs in his most recent start. Pittsburgh is listed at +166 with 8.5-run total.

Catchings is key

Tamika Catchings will decide which team wins the WNBA Finals. Catchings fouled out with about three minutes left in an overtime loss to the Mercury in Game 1. But in Game 2, she was on the court till the final buzzer, finishing with 19 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds in a nine-point Fever win. With the series shifting to Indiana Sunday, the Defensive Player of the Year should shine on her home floor. The Fever are three-point favorites with the over/under set at 179.

On the Mark

Mark Martin continues to prove age is just a number. The 50 year old claimed his career-best-tying seventh pole of the season and will start at the front of the field at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Price Chopper 400 at Kansas Speedway Sunday. Martin also leads the Chase for the Sprint Cup in points and is a good value at +500 to win.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"When you put him on the field in a one-on-one workout session he'll make every throw for you. But when it comes down to making things happen in the heat of the battle and rallying the troops around you and making a case for the team, that's where maybe things aren't where they need to be."

Quarterback Jeff Garcia on former Raiders teammate JaMarcus Russell, who has an NFL-worst 39.8 passer rating

[Spooky]

Sunday's List of 13: Wrapping up a college football Saturday

Florida Atlantic cost the Express a really awesome day on Saturday. USC finally looked like the USC team we have come to know and love and the Hurricanes keep suprising and getting it done. But a great day nonetheless in the old Bookmaker account.

13) Best finish of day was in Muncie, IN, where Ball State scored with 0:42 left, went for two and got it, taking a 30-29 lead, but Toledo threw a 51-yard TD pass just fifteen seconds later, and won the game 37-30.

12) Miami upset Oklahoma 21-20, handing banged-up Sooners a second loss in this young season. Tough opponent for Jones' first road start as Oklahoma QB. Sooners will struggle to make it to New Years Day bowl.

11) Notre Dame won another close game, outlasting Washington 37-30 in OT. Clausen was 23-31/422 passing in a game with ton of twists and turns in it. Huskies are vastly improved over last season.

10) Michigan scored two late TDs to force OT in East Lansing, but the Spartans prevailed in overtime, beating Michigan for second year in row for first time since 1967. Win snapped three-game Michigan State skid.

9) As for teams that couldn't stand prosperity this week, how about the Houston Cougars, who lost 58-41 at UTEP after beating Texas Tech and Oklahoma State in their last two games. So much for being ranked.

8) Auburn went to Knoxville an unbeaten, unranked underdog to Vols, but came home a 26-22 winner. Tennessee fans can whine all they want about struggling QB Crompton, but they have more issues than just QB, as Auburn hung 459 yards on the Volunteer defense.

7) Perennial underachiever Clemson is 2-3, losing 24-21 at a Maryland that had been 0-3 against D-I competition- Terps' only win had been in OT against I-AA James Madison.

6) Then there is Florida State, which is now 5-6 in its last 11 games vs I-A teams after their 28-21 loss at Boston College. The way competition is for players in Florida, there will FSU boosters calling for a change in coaches, which is a sensitive issue, given all Mr Bowden has done there.

5) There is something to be said for checking strength of opponents in handicapping games; Arkansas came to Dallas on two-game skid, but the two losses were Georgia/Alabama. Texas A&M had drilled three stiffs, but after grabbing early 10-0 lead, they got squashed 47-19 by the Hogs at JerryWorld. Seriously, Michigan didn't want Ryan Mallett?

4) Purdue led Northwestern 21-3 with 11:52 left in first half, but never scored again and lost 27-21 to the Wildcats. Boilers lost five fumbles, as they continue to flounder in Coach Hope's first year as head coach.

3) South Florida was sloppy, losing three fumbles the week after biggest win in school history, but they forced seven Syracuse turnovers, pulled away late from the Orangemen, 34-20.

2) The epidemic of unsportsmanlike penalties after touchdowns has to stop. Its almost like officials penalize anyone who shows enthusiasm of any type, even if its a go-ahead score in the last minute of play. The lack of common sense shown by officials is ridiculous. Let the kids play.

1) What began as a horrifying week at USC ended well, with Trojans a 30-3 winner in Berkeley, as Stafon Johnson tweeted happily from LA throughout the game. The young man seems to be doing well after his weightlifting accident Monday left him in surgery for seven hours.

[Spooky]

NFL

DETROIT LIONS/CHICAGO BEARS OVER 42 POINTS