Back In The Saddle!!!!

After bouncing back with an impressive Twins victory last night, I am ready to delve into this night's college football matchup between the Oklahoma State Cowboys versus the Aggies of Texas A&M. After playing total creampuffs in their respective early season games, this is the first conference game for both teams.

Upon seeing various lines ranging from Oklahoma State -2.5 to -3.5, I cannot get a real feel on the game. Furthermore, I am relying soley on my models since I have yet to see either team play. While the numbers and homefield advantage suggest Okie State makes sense here, I am going to play the total (over/under for any neophytes out there).

With the total nestled at a lofty 66 points, I am taking the under. Despite both teams possessing explosive offenses, this is the first conference game and is being played in prime time on ESPN. Their recent two contests have resulted in the total going way over, however, these matchups were later in the season. Now for the release.....Over 66 for the total.

After a rare loss last night, I find myself in the unenviable position of trying to pick a winner in tonight's action on the basepaths. Despite needing a win to stay within striking distance of the Rays for best record in the American League, the Minnesota Twins laid a major egg last night. General handicapping 101 suggests taking superior teams coming off a loss when they still have something to play for. As a wiseman once told me "only a jackass bets on the favorite the night after they clinched something of importance".

After adhering to this time tested discipline of taking a team coming off a loss, I fond myself on the wrong end of a lobsided contest last night. However, in an effort to maintain my strict discipline I am testing the gods of baseball and coming back once again with the Twins tonight. With Scott Baker taking the mound, the Twins put forth a pitcher with a 8-3 record vs. the Royals in his previous 11 starts. Furthermore, after allowing 10 runs in each of their prior games, the Twins find themselves in need of a strong pitcher performance and in a hurry.

Without providing any of my labor intensive historical data, I will instead release a blank check in the form of the Minnesota Twins -105 over the Royals tonight. Again, this one looks too easy but I just can't help myself.

Fiscal Discipline?

After releasing the Bears last night, Propick Sports is now 5-0 in our last 5 games. With such a stellar recent history, one might expect us to take it easy and wait until the weekend to release some College and NFL winners. In theory that might make sense but at Propick we only know one speed and winning is addictive.

Twins -118 over the Royals. While the Yankees are taking the most heat for their recent malaise, the Twins have been inconsistent as of late. With the potential for home field advantage throughout the American League Playoffs, expect the Twins to right the ship tonight after dropping last night's opener to the lowly Royals. At -118 this line smells really bad. Even though the Twins are on the road this line should be more like Twins -140. In any event, when I throw you a bone don't ask questions, just say thanks and move forward. Twins -118 over the Royals.

After watching the Fed pump money into our failing economic system on a continual basis, members of the Dallas Cowboys decided to get into the act. After a putrid 0-2 start, the Cowboys decided to celebrate after their impressive (and only) win of the season. Furthermore, after rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant refused to carry Roy Williams' shoulder pads as part of a rooking hazing tradition back in the summer, teammates decided it was only fair for Bryant to pay the tab. Despite receiving a hefty guaranteed signing bonus, I do not think Dez Bryant had any idea what to expect when the bill came. What a few thousand dollars maybe? How about $54,896.00. In an effort to one up their Wall Street counterparts, several members of the Cowboys took home bottles of wine (bull market?). Who knew that this group of NFL brutes had such an affinity for fine wine? In any event, when Dez Bryant goes broke in a few years we can all trace it back to a random Monday night in September.

Bears vs. Packers.......

After a red hot undefeated Sunday, I am looking to extend this winning streak for as long as humanly possible. Tonight's contest features one of the surprise teams of this early NFL season, the Chicago Bears, against the NFC team most people believe will represent their conference in the Superbowl, the Green Bay Packers. Even more intriguing is the quarterback matchup between Jay Cutler and Aaron Rodgers.

While both teams are 2-0, the Bears win over Dallas on the road last week, has seemed to attract a new legion of Bear supporters. Meanwhile, despite dismantling the Buffalo Bills last week, many view tonight's road game as the true litmus test for both the Packers ad Aaron Rodgers.

After evaluating my model and forecasting various scenarios- turnovers, etc., the conclusion I reached was: Packers are 5 points better than the Bears, even on the road. However, what my model failed to incorporate was the enormous importance of the divisional home underdog theory. This theory is time tested and impossible to ignore especially this early in the season. With that said, take the Bears and the points tonight. Bears +3 over the Packers.

More Winners......

Crushing it! As my fans know full well, always ride a hot hand. In an effort to line people's wallets during these tough economic times I am releasing Sunday's NFL winners now.

Bengals -3 over Carolina. The road favorite is always a dangerous play but this scenario is appealing to me on many levels. First off, the Bengals have two top cornerbacks who can go man coverage while they stuff the box and beg Panthers rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen to beat them through the air. Even with a strong running back tandem, this strategy will make it difficult for Carolina to put points on the board. Conversely, the Bengals can score with anyone and should have no trouble covering this spread.

Cowboys +3 over Texans. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me a dozen times shame on me. Maybe its my overriding obsession with the coaching genius known as "Wadeface". More likely its my not being able to fathom the Cowpokes going 0-3. I expect a less than stellar performance out of the Texans this week. Meanwhile, this should be an impressive outing by Miley Cyrus-scratch that, Tony Romo. I can hear it now: Romo critics are silenced after tony leads his troops to a 1-2 start. How bout them Cowboys??????

Chiefs +3 over Niners. My initial reaction was similar to everyone else's- the Niners are the better team. However, coming off a draining loss in which they outplayed the Superbowl Champion Saints, the Niners have the unenviable task of travelling to Arrowhead stadium. While the Chiefs are a work in progress, they have a huge home field advantage and the public is loaded up on the Niners. Worst case scenario I see this as a field goal loss for the Chiefs, thus assuring a push at the very least.

It's All About The U..........

Tonight's college football matchup features two high profile teams and a coach with a seventies porn style stache. When the Miami Hurricanes visit the Pittsburgh Panthers and their head coach Dave Wannstedt, they will do so with an awfully large chip on their collective shoulders.

Two weeks ago, in what was supposed to be a game for the ages, Miami got "waxed" by a superior Ohio State Buckeye team. Furthermore, quarterback Jacory Harris had a nightmare of an afternoon with four interceptions (not all his fault) and watched any shot at contention for the Heisman Trophy or his team playing in the National Championship Game, fade before his eyes.

Enter the Pitt Panthers who are 1-1 but yet to face the type of team speed the will encounter tonight. Despite possessing a top flight running game along with a star wide receiver, the Panthers are starting a true freshman at quarterback. In addition, Pitt will also be without the services of one of their star defensive lineman. Although I hate the road favorite in this type of game, "not all road favorites are created equal". The release....Miami -3.5 over Pittsburgh.

Monday Night Football......

After last weeks thumping at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks, the San Francisco 49ers have been left for dead. Most people's choice for division winner and dark horse pick to make a run in the playoffs, looked as if they were completely ill prepared for their opener in Seattle. Furthermore, with Seattle cutting several key players prior to their opener, this made the niners lackluster performance even more perplexing.

Enter the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints. After defeating a Vikings team in one of the least entertaining games in ages, the Saints find themselves fully rested for their trip to the bay. When breaking down the two teams respectively, this game appears to be a mismatch on many levels. Furthermore, in the case of 49er quarterback Alex Smith, this is less about performing well than it is about not making mistakes. As for the Saints, despite looking rusty offensively in their home opener, no one questions their firepower and leadership under Drew Brees.

With the line staying firm at New Orleans -6 and almost 75 percent of the gaming public on the Saints,I have absolutely no other choice than to fade public sentiment. This harkens back to my steadfast belief that "if all of my friends are on the same side of a bet, its a sure loser". After all, what are the chances of all the dopes I know striking it rich tonight? The answer: not very good. Tonight I recommend holding your nose(s) and taking the 6 points with the 49ers in their home opener. Tonight's team will in no way resemble the shitshow last seen in Seattle.

Free NFL Winners.....

Without any must watch games on the college football front this weekend, I have decided to focus on the NFL. Despite only being one week into the season, we already are hearing the phrase "must win", with regards to the: Jets, Colts, Chargers, and Cowboys. While this situation appears to be exaggerated by fans and the media alike, it is imperative for the aforementioned teams to get back into the habit of winning. Now for the releases.....

Cowboys -7.5 over Chicago. Battle of "Wadeface" vs. "Jayface". I will side with the innocuous, often confused head coach over the petulent quarterback everytime. This is the type of meaningless September game where Wadeface and his fearless leader Tony Romo (aka- the Miley Cyrus of the NFL), come up big!

Packers -13 over Buffalo. This is the type of game where Super Bowl caliber teams make a statement. While spotting another NFL team nearly two touchdowns is borderline lunacy, sometimes rules are meant to be broken. The Packers were subpar on the offensive side of the ball last week against a solid Eagle defense. As for the Bills, Trent Edwards and the offense were as efficient as Antonio Cromartie and birth control devices. The Packers will win this game going away.

Falcons -6.5 over Arizona. Remember the wildcard playoff game two years ago where the Cardinals beat the Falcons? Either way none of that matters now because instead of Kurt Warner under center, the Cardinals have journeyman Derek Anderson. Furthermore, the Cardinals have lost a lot on the defensive side of the ball while the Falcons have improved themselves across the board. Factor in a tough loss at Pittsburgh for the Falcons last week, a long cross country flight for the Cardinals and you have all the trappings of a 27-13 type of game. Regardless of the exact score, the Falcons will win the game and cover the six and a hook.

*A Cautionary note to everyone leaning on the Patriots this weekend. 1) Everyone, including many Jet fans are picking the Pats to win the game. 2) The head coach/quarterback matchup is so overwhelmingly in your favor, it almost seems to be a trap. Finally #3, on the cover of Sports Illustrated is none other than Tom Brady and his new locks. Being a superstitious handicapper, this one has me headed for the hills.

Dirty Thirty......

Congratulations to coach Urban Meyer for reaching another significant milestone in his distinguished career. Coach Meyer did not win another big game or sign another top recruit (although this will surely follow). This most recent accomplishment involves off the field behavior by one of his talented, yet socially challenged players.

Tailback Chris Rainey's recent text to his girlfriend "Time to Die", was not only inappropriate but the fact that he tried to laugh it off as no big deal is further evidence that this guy needs a psyche ward and the Gators need some character on their squad. With good samaritan Tim Tebow long gone in Gainesville, more attention can be paid to coach Urban Meyer's contribution to the Gator program, which involves thirty of his players being arrested since his arrival a few years ago. As the media focused on the good (Tebow), only once did they really highlight the bad and this was a result of an act so savage, that it had to be highlighted.

Brandon Spikes attempt to gouge a Georgia running back's eye out last year was not dealt with until the media created enough of an issue that, out of embarrassment alone, coach Meyer was forced to address the issue. As usual, Meyer came down hard and swift(not exactly), with a first half suspension of Spikes in a game against Vanderbilt. Well done coach, the world needs more leaders like you. What does this all mean? Absolutely nothing. Until a player actually kills someone, expect nothing to change under Urban Meyer's watch. Hoewever, if this team starts losing, expect to see major scrutiny come his way because after all losing is the only thing that can cost Meyer his job.

Hard Knocks.....

After taking a cursory glance at today's early lines in the bases, I will take the Nationals +165 over the Braves. While the Braves need this game to keep up with the Phillies and maintain their slim lead in the wildcard race, Nats pitcher John Lannan has historically crushed me whenever I bet against him. If you can't beat em, join em.....The release: Nationals +165 over the Braves.

Following a lackluster offensive performance by the Jets in their season opener, media outlets across the country have all but proclaimed this team dead. Comments ranging from "if Jets fans want to be entertained for the next 16 weeks, perhaps they should watch rewinds of hard knocks" to "Rex Ryan is a clown and Mark Sanchez is a poor man's Matt "Matty Ballgame" Leinart. Rest assured Jets fans, this is exactly the type of commentary you want to hear. While the Jets may never have been as good as their preseason (manufactured) hype, they probably aren't nearly as bad as their detractors are making them out to be.

Free College Football Winning Picks!

After guaranteeing my loyal fans a "blank check" this weekend, I have delivered. Not only were the three college releases all winners but more importantly these games were never in doubt (Michigan trailed by a field goal but was catching 4 points)before a dramatic last minute drive. I informed my subscribers that this was a moneyline play. As I scour the NFL lines now and await to evaluate games that my model highlights, I will check back 9am EST Sunday morning.

"Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing"! Carpe Diem. Propick is off to take care of some other business, white stretch limo style.

OHIO STATE VS. MIAMI

In what might be the best college football weekend of the year, Propick has decided to spend the week (after my Monday night success) in the bunker and get down to business. Usually I avoid handicapping the marquee matchups and focus on the hidden gems that fly under the radar. Without further adieu, here are this weekend's college winners.

Ohio State -8.5 over Miami. Much has been made about the "Return of the U". However, despite their athleticism, this team has a penchant for making mistakes and are playing a team looking to make its case for being #1 in the country. Ohio State has the experience, athletes, coaching, and above all a huge home field edge. Cannot see this game being any closer then a ten point Ohio State victory.

Michigan +4 over Notre Dame. This game means the world to Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez. Despite winning their home opener, Notre Dame looked very average on offense and I expect Michigan to have no problem putting up points of their own. This game feels like a toss up/slight edge Michigan. Take the four points and move on.

*Bonus release. This is a "strong lean" despite contradicting our proprietary model.
Alabama -11.5 over Penn State. There is no doubt that defending National Champion Alabama is the better team. However, as seen by Penn State's gritty performance in their Gator Bowl victory over LSU last year, there are still plenty of top flight athletes on the Nittany Lions roster. Although the Crimson tide lost eight players on their defense to graduation, make no mistake about it-this defense is loaded! While our model suggests Alabama should be an 8.5 point favorite, there are other factors at play such as: freshman quarterback for Penn State in is first big road game and the fact that Bama has a decided home field advantage.

Boise State......

After leaning towards Virginia Tech all week, I have changed my tune. With the line moving from Boise State -3 to +1, all signs point to the wiseguys backing the Hokies. That being said, the Hokies lost alot of personnel in their defensive backfield which should create some serious matchup problems. The release: Boise State +1 over Virginia Tech.

As a little Labor Day Bonus play I am releasing the Padres -130 over the Dodgers (*Note there was a pitching change which has resulted in the line coming down). While the current ten game losing streak the Padres are experiencing concerns me, I adhere to the belief that "these guys have to win sometime". Why not tonight against an anemic Dodgers offense? Take the Padres -130.

Paris Hilton Of The NFL........

In a move that should surprise absolutely no one, the Arizona Cardinals are desperately trying to move quarterback Matt "Matty ballgame" Leinart. After a luckluster four seasons, Leinart has is best known for his offseason antics involving a beer bong, hot tub, and multiple coeds. While that performance was no doubt impressive, his NFL career has been anything but that. Considering Leinart had Kurt Warner as his mentor along with Larry Fitzgerald and a talented core of receivers at his disposal, it is unlikely he will find his mojo on a new team. Rest assured Leinart fans, there will always be a place for him on reality television.

In a show of support for Matty "dancing with the stars" Leinart, tonight's inaugural college football release is: USC -20.5 over Hawaii. Despite laying a big number on the road, this is more about how bad the rainbows are, as opposed to the dominance of USC. Years ago I never would have laid this type of lumber but times have changed. USC does not have the long cross country trip that used to affect many other teams. Furthermore, Hawaii has been brutal the past two years and only return twelve starters for last years subpar squad. USC will suffer some growing pains under Lane Kiffin this year but this will not be the case tonight. The play......USC -20.5 over the Rainbows.

*complimentary MLB release. Over 8 in the Yankees-A's game. The Yanks can hit and while the A's lack offensive firepower, it is about 100 degrees in New York and Yanks pitcher CC Sabathia weighs close to 300 pounds. You figure it out. There should be plenty of scoring today.