Pro Primer/College Review - December 8, 2013

College Games

1. Congratulations to Michigan State for taking down the Big Bad Buckeyes.  What a show as they rallied back to win the game.  We'll see later tonight how the bowls shake out for Ohio State.  Maybe Ohio State should regard both Michigan teams as serious threats each year.
2. Congratulations to Baylor, the new Big XII champions. With a win over Texas, their title is uncontested.  They had more than two times the yards of the Longhorns.  What a way to say goodbye to their old stadium.
3. Congratulations to Auburn who beat Mizzou in an SEC title game more like a shootout.  I really thought they might not be ready for the Show-Me State, but I was proven wrong.  Now Auburn must prepare for FSU who handily beat Duke in the ACC title game.

There are a number of games to preview today, ladies and gentlemen.  Here we go.

1. Let me say, oops! about expecting the Texans to win against the Jags on Thursday night.  I bid a fond adieu and wish Coach Kubiak good luck after his firing.  Football is a business.
2. Indianapolis plays Cincinnati in Cincinnati; I don't see the Colts winning this one either.  Luck is going to get smacked around like a toy with the Bengals' defense.
3. The Dirty Birds take flight to Lambeau Field.  The Packers find a way to win without Aaron Rodgers under center.  It's cold outside, and the Falcons are a warm-weather team.
4. Cleveland at New England will be an offensive showcase for Pretty Boy and his young receiving corps unless they are all stricken with the dropsies.  The Pats are undefeated at home this season so far for six games.  Make it seven games around 3:45 EST.
5. Oakland Raiders cross the continent to play the NY Yets who have a decent home record and want to break even.  Raiders have an abyssmal road record that will get better today when the Yets cannot win in front of the home crowd.
6. Detroit Lions roar into Eagles' aerie.  The Eagles are so-so at home, but Nick Foles has been a beast so far.  Stafford, Megatron, and the Lions' defense have to produce some really good numbers on both sides of the ball to knock them out of the perch.  I'm not sure that will happen, but it's a nice wish for a Cowboys fan. Push.
7. The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field today.  Coach Tomlin had that nasty fine after his mistake; however, both records will be even once the game settles.  Steelers and Dolphins will both be 6-7 on the season as the Steelers try to improve their standings in the AFC North.  I don't think they'll catch the Bengals this year.
8. Pillow Fight Game: Buffalo Bills journey south to Tampa Bay.  The Buccaneers are leading the series, but ball protection is key to this game for both teams.  Bucs win.
9. Unfair Fight: The KC Chiefs, led by Andy Reid, go to FedEx Field for a tussle with the Redskins and Robert Griffin, III.  Coach Reid knows how these guys play.  Coach Reid's team wants to stop the streak of losses.  The Chiefs win this one.
10. The Minnesota Vikings won't improve their road record in Baltimore.  Even though Flacco has almost as many picks as touchdowns, the Ravens rise to the occasion and beat up on their fellow purple people.
11. Because the Tennessee Titans dare to show their faces in Denver, they will be helped to big old serving of beatdown.  The Broncos are undefeated at home and plan to keep it that way thanks to General Peyton and the gang.  The Titans want to keep their playoff hopes alive.  They should have stayed home.
12. An NFC West battle will be fought when the St. Louis Rams play the Arizona Cardinals.  The Cardinals own the edge in the last head-to-head match-ups since 2001.  The Rams have beaten them three straight times to close the gap.  The Cards figure it out and beat the Rams today.
13. The NY Giants go west to see Philip Rivers and the Chargers.  In a game featuring disappointing teams and play, it makes the Lady feel a bit pushy today. Nah, the Bolts win.
14. Seattle cruises into San Francisco's Candlestick Park, but the Niners are ready for them this time.  The Seahawks' only loss is on the road.  The Niners have beaten the Seahawks the past five times when the game is in San Fran.  Niners send them home plucked and packing.
15. Carolina wants its stingy defense to shut down Drew Brees and the Saints at the Superdome. What an incredible match-up to be had tonight, ladies and gentlemen.  The Panthers have an eight-game winning streak.  The Saints are undefeated at home this season.  They play two times in a three-week period.  Look for a surprise ending for this game.  The Panthers will actually beat the Saints in the Superdome tonight.
16. Monday Night Football has the Cowboys at Soldier Field playing the Bears.  The 'Boys road record could be better, but Josh McCown and the Bears have a chip on their shoulders after the loss to the Vikings, of all teams.  The Bears edge the Cowboys this time, unfortunately. This time K Robbie Gould pulls one out for the team.

Lady Grid out.