Because I respect your opinion so much OMT, I would like to hear your reasoning on your ND pick. Stanford has big time revenge for this game and ND has smallish cornerbacks who will be challenged by the tall receivers from Stanford. The Cardinal have allowed less than 3 yards per rush this year and the potent USC offense is included in that stat. What matchups do you see that makes you willing to lay 4 1/2. I appreciate the wonderful work you are doing in this forum. Thanks.
Vegasvice:
Although Stanford QB Edwards and RB Lemon have put up good numbers, most were against a beaten down San Jose State team, a BYU team that was down to it's #3 QB and an injured Washington team playing it's #3 QB. True they played well against USC following their bye week but they played that game at an ultra high level and surprised the Trojans early in building a sizeable lead. They didn't score in the second half of that game. Second, all their games have been at home. This is their first road game. They will find a Notre Dame team with far better athletes in the trenches, other then the Trojans, then they have faced too date. Last week's win over Washington was less then impressive as they were tied 7-7 before opening up a lead off Washington mistakes. Revenge from last year's 57-7 thrashing is more easily attainable at home then in South Bend with the Irish coming off an embarassing loss to a very good Purdue team. Coach Willingham won his first meeting against his former school at home 31-7. With last week's loss and his former school coming to town, I expect Notre Dame to be both mentally and physically prepared. This Stanford team is not as good as it's current statistics show due to it's opponents, again other then the Trojans. The Irish were able to beat Michigan 28-20 and dominate the same Washington team at home 38-3. Physically, their will be some areas, such as wide receiver, that the Cardinal will hold an edge, but overall, as a team and coaching staff, Notre Dame holds a distinct advantage. Now, all that being said, as I always mention, they still have to play the game and if you feel strongly about Stanford, please hold to your convictions. This may not answer all your questions, but I hope it provides some insight of value to you. Best of luck this coming weekend and throughout the season.
Although Stanford QB Edwards and RB Lemon have put up good numbers, most were against a beaten down San Jose State team, a BYU team that was down to it's #3 QB and an injured Washington team playing it's #3 QB. True they played well against USC following their bye week but they played that game at an ultra high level and surprised the Trojans early in building a sizeable lead. They didn't score in the second half of that game. Second, all their games have been at home. This is their first road game. They will find a Notre Dame team with far better athletes in the trenches, other then the Trojans, then they have faced too date. Last week's win over Washington was less then impressive as they were tied 7-7 before opening up a lead off Washington mistakes. Revenge from last year's 57-7 thrashing is more easily attainable at home then in South Bend with the Irish coming off an embarassing loss to a very good Purdue team. Coach Willingham won his first meeting against his former school at home 31-7. With last week's loss and his former school coming to town, I expect Notre Dame to be both mentally and physically prepared. This Stanford team is not as good as it's current statistics show due to it's opponents, again other then the Trojans. The Irish were able to beat Michigan 28-20 and dominate the same Washington team at home 38-3. Physically, their will be some areas, such as wide receiver, that the Cardinal will hold an edge, but overall, as a team and coaching staff, Notre Dame holds a distinct advantage. Now, all that being said, as I always mention, they still have to play the game and if you feel strongly about Stanford, please hold to your convictions. This may not answer all your questions, but I hope it provides some insight of value to you. Best of luck this coming weekend and throughout the season.
OMT. Thanks for the great analysis on ND-Stan game. I am a 50 something long time handicapper like you and live in Las Vegas. I wasn't leaning either way on the game but when you feel strongly enough to have a bettable opinion on a game I take notice since you have all the attributes of a great handicapper, including the discipline to be selective with your plays and keep your units to 1* unless there is something particularly special about a game. Good luck to you this weekend.
Stanford has revenge as a factor, but the bottom line is, ND dominated the last two years. Stanford is still smarting over ND's fake punt late in LY's game after the outcome was already decided. ND has a legitmate shot for a bowl game in '04 and must win games vs this level of competition and has so far. This is basically the same Stanford def that ranked last in pass yardage allowed in '03. ND QB Quinn threw for 400 yds LW vs PU. Stanford's QB Edwards is only a soph and I don't know how many games he started on the rd LY as a fill in, but if the case, 1st time starting QB's on the road in college ball usually don't fare very well. I think TY Will has a grudge against his former team as evidenced by their lopsided wins the last 2.
ND looks to have improved since last year and the 02 and 03 recruiting classes of Ty Will are now in place....has Stanford improved that greatly this year to keep it within a TD? My money is also on ND.
OMT, I look forward to your thoughts each week. They are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
ND looks to have improved since last year and the 02 and 03 recruiting classes of Ty Will are now in place....has Stanford improved that greatly this year to keep it within a TD? My money is also on ND.
OMT, I look forward to your thoughts each week. They are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
I will have no additional plays for this weekend. The summary of my plays is as follows:
2* California +9.5
1* Notre Dame -4.5
1* Arizona +11
Win or lose this weekend, I will be away for awhile due to personal reasons. I would like to thank everyone for their gracious comments and well wishes. Wishing each and everyone of you continued success this football season. It has been a pleasure sharing my thoughts with you. My best wishes to all of you.
2* California +9.5
1* Notre Dame -4.5
1* Arizona +11
Win or lose this weekend, I will be away for awhile due to personal reasons. I would like to thank everyone for their gracious comments and well wishes. Wishing each and everyone of you continued success this football season. It has been a pleasure sharing my thoughts with you. My best wishes to all of you.
