Penn St. -19.5 
I’ve now seen Penn State enough to know they are not quite good enough to beat the elite teams, but are much better than their weaker opponents. Both teams are at 2-2 and the line is 19.5 points for a reason. Thinking these two teams have anything in common is the equivalent of thinking the knockout from your hometown is anywhere near as hot as the knockout on South Beach. Not even close. State College is hungry for a big-time effort from the Nittany Lions so lay the points and prepare yourself for a big exit from the month of September.
Feels good to get one in the W column. A good Sunday and we will be back in the black.
Notre Dame -14
Who ordered the offense? Because here it is. The Dean doesn’t like playing Over/Unders, but if I did this would be one of them. Purdue is giving up over 28 points per game so far this year. Even I-AA Indiana St. put up 35 points on the Boilermakers. Purdue’s only chance is to score with the Irish today, and I just don’t see that happening. Again, its like the hottie from your hometown, maybe her hometown innocence can keep her in the arena with the hottie from South Beach, but she’ll be left far behind before by the time its all said and done. ND’s offense got on track last week in the second half of the Michigan St. game and Purdue has shown nothing that resembles a viable defense. Take ND at home, give the points and make it a 4-star selection.
Vegas and the Crowd were dead on with this game.
Rutgers -3.5 
OK, everyone lets settle down. I am well aware of the current earnings and if you are going to watch the scoreboard then this isn’t the place for you. Its not where you start but where you finish. The Dean has been a little off recently, for reasons I will share in the future. But understand its all about the process . . . the results will come.
That is a good segue into tonights game. Both these teams have come from nowhere to be respectable, Rutgers even broke the Top 25. That could be a sign that Rutgers may have a let down, but I am putting stock in Coach Sciano to not let that happen. The Scarlet Knights experienced that sort of let down last year after becoming bowl eligible, and I am willing to wager that he won’t let it happen again. Combine that with Rutgers running game and South Florida’s so-far weak stats against the run and the Scarlet Knights are your 2-star pick for the night giving the points.
This game is a good example of why you don’t place your wagers evenly across the board. What a fun game this was, just too bad the outcome was what it was. I get a kick out of rooting for a team all night, and then for one play rooting for the other team. No one was pulling for the Bulls to get that 2-pt conversion more than The Dean, as OT was the only hope of a Scarlet Knights cover. Oh well, on to the next!
Auburn -14 
Auburn embarrassed South Carolina last year on a Saturday night in Auburn. This year they will embarrass South Carolina in Columbia on a Thursday night. The Gamecocks’ QB for the past two games, Syvelle Newton, is a converted WR and despite his 5 TD tosses last week against Florida Atlantic, he simply does not have the ability to make the throws necessary to keep this game close.
Auburn will play physical and unlike last week against LSU, should have no issue running or passing the football. The Dean set his own line for this game higher than where the line currently rests (-14) and much higher than where it opened (-7.5). Anytime Vegas asks for less then you would be willing to give, go for it and go for it big!
Make the Tigers of Auburn a 5-star pick tonight and get ready for the weekend.
This was quite a game. South Carolina ran 0 offensive plays in the 3rd quarter; Auburn caused a turnover and during the runback, turned the ball back over to SC. The SC TE drops a sure TD that would have tied the score, and Tommy Tuberville is beginning to look like the luckiest guy in the world. Is it just me or does it seem like he gets outcoached much more than he outcoaches?
Southern Miss -6
Having not seen either team play with my own eyes, I am left to analyze box scores and do score-comparison, a very tricky endeavor. These two teams did play a common opponent, the Florida Gators. Both lost, but So. Miss. kept it competitive through three quarters and they were able to run the ball, averaging almost 5 yards per carry. UCF on the other hand got obliterated by the Gators, down 34-0 at the half and were outgained by almost 500 yards. One bright spot, I think, is that the Golden Knights did cause four turnovers.
In addition, So. Miss has a win against NC State, while UCF’s lone win is against Villanova. I would be more comfortable having seen either of these teams play, and that is why the stars will only be two. Take the Golden Eagles and give the points.
Only real mistake here was making it a 2-star. Had you placed your wager on 9/25, you could have gotten this So. Miss. -4.5 . . . just saying.
Saints +4 
I have been spending my time trying to find reasons for putting the Saints helmet on my site. Call it one man’s small tribute to one of the most amazing towns in the world. New Orleans is my second favorite city in the US and a place that wins me over every time I appear and breaks my heart every time I leave. But enough of that for now. I already know that the events of last year are being touted to push the agenda of a football game, and that just is what it is. Lets focus on what we can, contributing time, money or positive energy to the Mississippi Delta and picking a winner in tonight’s game.
This line opened with Atlanta giving 3 points to New Orleans, which was on the money with The Dean’s own line. The line was stagnant all week and I was going to be forced to put up the Fleur d’Lis at the possible sacrifice of a game. As good fortune would have it, the line moved to Saints +4 thus affording me and my conscience the opportunity to take the Saints. I wholly anticipate a competitive and emotional game, one that when pressed for a winner must declare Atlanta.
It is well within reason, however, to forecast this game being settled on a last second FG and the Falcons escaping with a 3-pt win, and us escaping with a 1-star win. Take the Saints and the points, and enjoy the game.
Don’t be disappointed because we didn’t go big on this game. Just because the outcome was as it was, don’t forget the issues that were a concern prior to the game. Its a win after a tough weekend and there is a lot of action right around the corner.
Broncos +6.5
Both of these teams have some clubhouse controversy, or so it is reported. The Broncos are supposedly dealing with a QB controversy though when Jake Plummer is your QB, controversy can’t be far behind. The Patriots meanwhile are still dealing with fallout from the Deion Branch trade. Apparently this move had not sat well with Tom Brady.
That being said, where does The Dean feel drawn this evening? To be honest, this game isn’t shouting anything in particular to me. I am making the Broncos a 2-star pick because I would rather be getting points than giving them with this match-up of AFC Playoff expectants.
I should really have more confidence in the Broncos against the Patriots. They seem to have their number.
Two of today’s picks had fairly drastic movement during the week. This again highlights the need to be paying attention all week long and to hop on a game when you have confidence. If you wish to have success you must be willing to take calculated risks. The line movement did not change the team in either of the picks, but the same teams (Lions and Jaguars) were at more attractive lines at the start of the week. Tip: Set your own line before seeing the weekly lines. Look for differences that are in your favor and go after them while the gettin’ is good.
Lions -7
The Lions failed The Dean last week, but so did Connecticut. That didn’t keep me from hopping back on the Husky train yesterday and it’s not keeping me off the Lions’ either. This is the week that Roy Williams had meant to guarantee victory and 40+ points. The Lions offense is not as bad as they have shown the first two weeks and the Packers are as bad as they have shown. Brett Favre’s struggles in domes are well documented and it will continue today. Make this a 5-star, take the Lions and give the points.
A lot of people lost on this game. Not an excuse, just saying.
Texans +4 
The Redskins are favored on the road? Not buying it. The Texans are good on offense and bad on defense, but the good news is the Redskins are poor on offense. The Texans will win some games this year and this will be one of them. Out-right winners are always fun and The Dean likes Houston at home getting the points.
I think spite got in the way of my thinking here. The Redskins still are the second most overrated team in the NFL.
Jaguars +6.5
Everyone loves the Jaguars defense. No reason not to, but they are facing a different offense this week than either the Cowboys or the Steelers. That being said, The Dean told you last week that the Jaguars have designs on the Division this year and here is their first opportunity to set the tone. You could have had this game at +9 if you took it earlier in the week. If you are waiting until now to place your wager, you will have to accept the 6.5 and be happy about. Be 4-stars happy and take the Jags and the points.
The question this game brings to the fore is “when do you stop betting on a team?”. As mentioned previously, the Jaguars should have been a wager placed earlier in the week.
Eagles -6
There may not be a better team ready to bounce back from a tough loss than the Eagles. This group of players has been together for a lot of years and the biggest joke going in the media is that the Giants loss could be devastating. Not even close. McNabb does not get fazed and now gets to take his precision offense to play a bad 49er team. Just what the doctor, or in this case The Dean, ordered. Make this a 5-star taking Philly and giving the points, this is a nice chance to take a very good team against a very bad team at a reasonable line.
Like I said, the Eagles are not a team to doubt.
West Virginia -21
East Carolina will be fired up and WVU will start to get everybody’s best effort because they are no longer a team that just Morgantown knows about. This is a legit college football powerhouse right now.
Navy racked up over 400 yards rushing vs. ECU. West Virginia scores over 40 points every game. If the Mountaineers limit the Pirates to 17 points or less this should be an easy cover. Lay the 21 and toast West Virginia after they come through for you again.
Frustrating . . . just plain ol’ frustrating. We’ll get our fair share of these games over the course of the season.
Kansas St. +14
The Dean likes when a program is coming off maybe it’s biggest win in year and has to travel the following week to play a bad team. The Dean also likes that Louisville’s QB is out and he is one heck of a player. Take the 14 and enjoy.
This was the right call, outcome be damned. Sometimes the right call doesn’t guarantee you a win. Had you seen this game you would know of what I speak. The Wildcats had more opportunities than a bad team should get, and Louisville was just conservative enough to keep it around the line. Oh, well at least this wasn’t as bad a ‘good-call-gone-bad’ game as the Penn St./Ohio St. game.
Connecticut +1
Going to get back on the Huskie train this week. One item The Dean always looks for in scouting out games to take is an underdog that I believe is going to win outright. Last week against Wake Forst, UConn ran 84 plays. Let me say that again so it sinks in, 84 f’n plays! They managed 13 points. That won’t happen again. Indiana is 2-1 on the year with a loss to I-AA Southern Illinois. Their head coach had brain surgery last week and while some would play the inspiration card, I am playing the disorganization card.
Take the point and the Huskies on the road in Bloomington as a 4-star.
I must say this was a great call, but what an ubelievably difficult game to watch. Unlike past Husky QBs, this current version, D.J. Hernandez, is no better than a decent high school QB, at least where I come from.
Mississippi -2.5
Mississippi has struggled so far this year and their 1-2 record reflects that. Wake Forest has struggled this year, but their 3-0 record does not reflect that. Today the Demon Deacon bubble bursts. Mississippi had coaching changes in the off-season and rust is coming off their offense. The home field and home cooking will treat the Rebels well. Give the points, take Ole Miss and make this a 4-star selection to round out your Saturday.
Perhaps I should stop hating on the Decons . . . NO! They are no good, but neither are the Rebs.
Virginia +16.5
I’ve felt like a man without a country the past few days. Its only been since Monday that there was action to take, but it sure felt like an eternity. I’ve been so desperate I was down at the Little League field trying to wager on a fall Tee-Ball league. But Thursday night is here and its time for some more legit action, action that doesn’t raise the suspicions of the tee-baller’s parents. Speaking of which, The Dean was able to catch not only the eye but the also the number of one of the kid’s moms. Not sure of her marital status, but I am sure of mine.
Enough frivolity, lets get down to business. Tonight’s ACC match up opened with Virginia catching 15 points. The line jumped to 17 and as of this writing is down to 16.5. My feelings on this game have not moved with the modest swings. It is also important to note my feelings on this game are not strong in either direction. I have not seen UVA play this year, but their record and their status are not impressive. I have seen Georgia Tech play and while I believe they are a solid squad, it is difficult for me to understand the large line. When a game is as unmoving as this one, and there is little information for me to dissect, I like to take a look at the more subtle items and ones that could tip the scales in either team’s favor.
When I think Thursday night ACC games I think two things, 1) Competitive games and 2) UVA beating Florida St back in 1995. Now I know that the only thing that Cavalier team has in common with this Cavalier team are the helmets, I just can’t shake it. Combine that with the fact UVA has not covered a line this year and the Yellow Jackets haven’t been impressive enough to warrant such a large line, and I am advising you take the points and the Cavaliers as a 1-star pick.
Another lesson on timing. If Virginia was your team you had a chance to get them at 17 which would have you given you a push. If Georgia Tech was your team, you had opportunities to get them as low as -15. Sometimes it pays to be early sometimes it pays to wait. This was a toss-up and was very deserving of the 1-star rank whichever way you would have gone.
Jaguars +3
So is it good to have 11 days betweeen games? How about 8 months? The Steelers haven’t laced them up since their Thursday night win at home against the Dolphins. Ben Roethlisberger hasn’t played since the Super Bowl. This line opened at Jacksonville giving 3 points and has now done a complete 180 and the Steelers are giving 3 points. Is a QB that hasn’t played in 8 months worth a 6 point swing? My guess is the swing is a combination of Big Ben being back (nice alliteration, huh?) and Vegas evening out the wagers after every Steeler fan in the country got all hyped at the announcement that Ben is playing. Personally, I liked the Jaguars a little when they were giving the three, I obviously like them more that they are getting three.
There is a stat out there about Bill Cowher on Monday nights (18-7), a trend about home teams on Monday nights and another stat (that impresses me more) that the Jaguars are one of only three teams that Bill Cowher has a losing record against. As a coach of mine once said, “stats are for losers” so lets not hang our hats on the above.
The Jaguars come into this year with a lot of pundits saying they are an underrated, underappreciated team. They get lost in their division because everyone sees the Colts and no one else when the look at the AFC South. However, the Jags enter this year with designs on the division and they got off to a good start last week against the Cowboys.
The Steelers are also 1-0 and looked about the same as last year in their win against the Dolphins. They play tough, they play well and they capitalize on the other teams errors. But are you really impressed with a win over the Dolphins? Really?! No disrespect to the Steelers or to Ben, but at this juncture of the season I will take Byron Leftwich over Ben, especially when Byron is getting points at home.
My respect for the Steelers alone is keeping this a 3-star selection. All that being said, The Dean says to take the Jaguars and the points tonight at home in what should be a very competitive game.
Did I say this game was going to be competitive? The defenses were at their best. Ben will get better, its been a long time since he’s played.
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