That didn't last long

Less than one week after becoming everybody's BCS Cinderella darling, the South Florida Bulls were handed their first loss last night by unranked Rutgers. Rutgers pulled out a 30-27 win behind a fake punt for a first down and also took a fake field goal in for a touchdown.

The Cleveland Indians also gave up a game to the Bosox as their lead in the ALCS fell to 3-2. Cleveland brought out the big guns to try and mindfuck Boston starter Josh Beckett by getting his ex-girlfriend, and country music hottie, Danielle Peck to sing the National Anthem before the game. Anybody who's ever dated knows a trick like this can go one of two ways: Either Beckett gets flustered and nervous and gets absolutely destroyed by the Cleveland hitters, or, in order to make the ex regret walking away, he gets psyched up and throws his best stuff all night long. Unfortunately for Cleveland, and Boston haters the world over, Beckett didn't let this ploy get in his head and threw 11 k's in 8 innings while only allowing 5 hits and 1 run. Beckett has started both Boston wins so far in the ALCS.

In other baseball news, Yankees manager Joe Torre refused the Yankees offer of $5 million to manage the pinstripes for another year. After taking the Yanks to the playoffs all 12 years he was at the helm, maybe there just wasn't enough challenge in New York anymore. If Torre wants a challenge, there's an opening in Pittsburgh. Hell, all you'd have to do is win 80 games and you'd be a city hero. Think about it Joe, think about it.

The NFL has a couple solid games this weekend to go along with alot of crapfests. Pittsburgh travels to the mountains to take on Denver in Mile High, in a Sunday Night rematch of the 2005 AFC Championship game that sent the Steelers to their first Super Bowl since 1995 and their first title since 1979. Beginning of this year, this game was a serious cause for worry, but the Broncos have struggled this year, with their only 2 wins coming by way of last second field goals against Oakland and Buffalo. Denver will have their star pothead/babymaker Travis Henry, but he should struggle against the staunch defense Pittsburgh is playing this year. Denver has also been giving up alot of yards on the ground, which could lead to another big day for Fast Willie.

The MNF game is another good matchup as the underappreciated Jaguars will try to prove they're one of the AFC elite as they welcome the Colts to Jacksonville in an AFC South matchup. Indy's improved defense should prevent a rematch of the 375 yard rushing yards beatdown the Jags put on Indy last fall on way to a week 14 44-17 win. And although the game will definitely be closer, the Jags have an excellent chance at getting another win on Sunday.

Onto our picks. Last week we didn't do so hot, going just 4-7-2 overall. Actually, that's downright pathetic, but luckily on our gambling picks we went 3-1 with the only loss coming from the shit sandwich the Cardinals served up against the Panthers and their senior citizen QB. I'm also counting the teaser as a win, even though the Rams failed to cover. When I went to place the bet though, the Rams were not available as teaser game, so I had to settle for a smaller payout on the 2-team teaser which ended up coming through for us.

Falcons +8 over SAINTS - Nothing about the Seattle game convinced me the Saints have gotten any better, the Seahawks just really really suck
GIANTS -9 over 49ers - The Giants are playing really well right now, they're looking like they could be an NFC contender this year
REDSKINS -8.5 over Cardinals - The Redskins are looking good, and the Redbirds are onto their 3rd string QB with Leinart and Warner both hurt
TEXANS +1 over Titans - The Texans have been slumping, but I think they turn it around against the Titans and the banged up Vince Young
Ravens -3 over BILLS - How bad are the Ravens this year? We're about to find out
COWBOYS -9.5 over Vikings - Big win for the Purple Jesus and the Vikings last week, but I think the Cowboys bounce back after getting a beatdown from the Patsies last week
JETS +6.5 Bengals - The Bengals are looking a last place AFC North finish right in the face, I'll take the points
Bears +6 EAGLES - These two teams have been up and down all year, so again I'll take the points
Rams +8.5 over SEAHAWKS - Holmgren is going to single-handedly set walruses back 10 years in their struggle for coaching equality
JAGUARS +3 over Colts - I don't know, I just have a feeling. Other than Tampa, the Colts haven't really impressed me much

Season: 41-38-9

Money Picks*

Patriots -16.5 over DOLPHINS - Patriots have covered the spread in every game so far this year. What makes you think anything is going to change against the shitty Dolphins
BUCS +2.5 over Lions - This one seems like a no brainer, which scares me a bit, but we're doing it anyway
RAIDERS -2.5 over Chiefs - Priest Holmes might play for the Chiefs after 2 full years out for a neck injury. I don't think he does anything the Raiders can't stop though
Steelers -3.5 over BRONCOS - I know, I know. Never bet on your own team, but Pitt shouldn't have any trouble covering this spread

Season: 10-13

* Note: 5 out of 5 doctors recommend NOT following this advice. If you value your money at all, you should seriously consider NOT betting on the advice of an anonymous internet blogger.