And then there were five...

After a couple of weak first halves, most of the D1 undefeated schools bounced back to keep their W/L records clean.  USC, Alabama and VA Tech all looked like they were playing JV teams.  But Texas, UCLA and Georgia had to break a sweat.  The most impressive turnaround has to go to Texas.  They were down 28-12 to OSU at the half but rallied to win 47-28.  Vince Young posted 267 rushing yards, 239 passing and 2 TDs.  Unless Hollywood Lienart's celebrity friends get to vote on the Heisman, Young's got a good shot at walking away with it.  One thing's for sure...it's gonna be an expensive NFL draft this year.
...
Ace & Hot Rod had a good call with the moneyline on UCLA/Stanford yesterday.  Even though the sports hacks are talking about Stanford's great midseason turnaround, the Bruins would have been pretty embarrased losing to a team that got beat by UC Davis this year.  Lucky for Ace, Hot Rod & the UCLA talent, they pulled out a close one in overtime.
...
UGA wasn't so lucky and they can kiss their longshot at a national championship goodbye.  They're gonna have to hope Bama loses so they can duke it out for redneck bragging rights in the SEC. 
...
Looks like Ted Bruschi is suiting up today for the Pawts.  Buffalo didn't stand much of a chance anyway.  But with the "heart and soul" of the Patriots D wearing pads (even if he doesn't start) they'll be fired up and hungry for blood.  The spread is a little heavy at -9, but New England should cover it.
...
NFL lines aren't as tight today as they've been lately.  Should be some good value lines out there.  I know Ace & Hot Rod's are doing the math right now.  So check back before kick off to see which way the wind is blowing.
...
Saint Liam won the Breeder's Cup yesterday.  Guaranteed most of the chumps who walked away with some green picked him because they've got some Irish Catholic blood in the family. 
...
Casey Martin is throwing in the towel.  He's struggled ever since a judge said he could use a golf cart to get around the course in events when the PGA and some of the slobs on tour thought that was cheating.  But this kid played in constant pain.  Pretty impressive even if you're one of those pricks that thinks golf ain't a sport.
...
And while we're talking about sports and non-sports, the dickweeds over at Fox Sports put out a Top 10 Most Feared People in Sports list.  Only problems is poker, competitve eating, pool and felonies aren't sports.  And who the hell in the US knows anything about cricket?
...
Keeping up with the NBX Broad of the Day is definitely a sport.

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Ace and Hot Rod's Value Line (10/30/05) 

We're liking the over (over/under: 36, over: -110) in the Tampa Bay/49ers game today.**

• T.B.'s coming off a bye week and Simms completed 60% of his passes in their (27-13) win over Miami 2 weeks ago.
• 9ers: worst pass defense in the NFL (allow 328.5 yards/game) and worst scoring defense (allow 35.3 points/game). T.B.'s passing offense is 23rd but they could have a breakthrough game against the 9ers.
• T.B. has the 5th best rushing offense in the NFL and the 9ers allow an average of 124.2 rushing yards/game.
• 9ers turnover margin: -8 (3rd worst in the NFL) and have issues on offense and defense (9ers: 4th worst pass offense, worst pass defense, and worst scoring defense).  T.B. has a turnover margin of +6 with the best rush defense and 3rd best scoring defense and could put some defensive points on the board today.
• 9ers: average total this season: 40.5.
• 9ers: 8-1 o/u last 9 at home and 5-1 o/u last 6.
• T.B. average total is low at 31.33.  However, they were able to score 27 points against Miami (a much better defense than the 9ers)  2 weeks ago and should be able to run and pass the ball very effectively today.
• The 9ers need a win desperately, are a home dog and Nolan just might find a way to put a few points on the board.

**Up to game time, picks can change with shifting lines, injuries and arrests.  So check back just before the game/event starts, or subscribe to the RSS feed so you get the updates automatically. **

 

Patience pays off

Ace & Hot Rod took a risk last night going with the under (61, +100) in the Colorado State/UNM game.  It paid off when CSU won 35-25.  That should tell you something about the NASA scientists who set the O/U lines...they are good.  But Ace & Hot Rod did their homework and saw the opportunity when Joey Public was lining up heavy on the Over when it was at 60.  The stats on the teams showed a square line with green on the table.  But instead of rushing to the bookie, they waited to see where the lines ended up.  The books moved the O/U to 61 to balance out their exposure and my boys pounced.
...
Two lessons for you to think about over your Wheaties this morning...

1. Do your homework.  It didn't matter in school, but slack on your arithmetic now and it'll cost you. 
2. Patience can really pay off when the bookmakers are looking to balance their load.  Plenty of action out there today.  So pick your spots, stay away from Joey Meathead and respect the number crunchers in The House.

...
Action in the Breeder's Cup today if you like the ponies.  No sport on earth has people making stupider laydowns.  Give your horse a cute name and the broads will be lining up around the block to lose dough on him just for fun.  Name him after a drink or a poker hand and the boys will just hand over their bankrolls.  So if you know something about horses, loads of green on the table.  Old Sweet Lou thought he was pretty good at picking winners til I took a broad I know to the track.  This little honey had never been to a race but used to shovel shit at a stable when she was a kid.  Swear to god, she won green in 7 out of 8 races by watching 'em walk in the paddocks before the race.  Never seen anything like it but it sure humbled my ass.
...
Vijay got humbled yesterday too.  Went home from work early after missing the cut for the second week in a row.  With his tail between his legs, Vijay might be the next Dave Duvall.  We'll be keeping an eye on value lines against this guy if he doesn't call it a season and head back to the beach.
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Couple of retired athletes throwing punches at The Man this week...Lance Armstrong got snubbed by the Frogs this week when they announced the '06 Tour route.  You'd think after all these years the French would know better than to piss off the Texan.  He came out swinging in the presses making them wish they'd kept quiet.
...
The washed up, overweight addict that used to be the best soccer player in the world is protesting GW Bush next week in Cuba.  Maradona doesn't matter much to us but the guy is a god to futbol fans.  So he'll be firing up anti-American el hooligans everywhere.
...
The NBX Broad of the Day will humble you.

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Ace and Hot Rod's Value Line (10/29/05) 

We're liking UCLA (moneyline -252) at Stanford today.**

• UCLA's 7-0, currently 6th in the BCS, and beat Cal by 7 points three weeks ago.  Stanford's 4-2 and has only had one impressive game this year (45-35 win over AZ State last week).
• UCLA has outscored opponents by an average of 17 points per game this season and turns the ball over less than any other team (0.6 per game).
• UCLA's 7-3 in last 10 favored on the road.  Stanford's 3-7 in last 10 as a home dog.
• UCLA ATS: this season (5-2); last 18 lined games (14-4); last 7 away lined games (6-1).
• Offensive Stats: total yards (UCLA 25th, Stan 99th); passing yards (UCLA 24th, Stan 80th); rushing yards (UCLA 38th, Stan 95th); points scored (UCLA 5th, Stan 51st).
• Average points allowed per game by defense: UCLA 27.4, Stanford 29.0.
• Both teams have similar stats home/away, offense/defense and Stanford fans aren't the most rowdy fans out there.  Home field advantage shouldn't play a major role in this one.

**Up to game time, picks can change with shifting lines, injuries and arrests.  So check back just before the game/event starts, or subscribe to the RSS feed so you get the updates automatically. **

Chasing skirts

Annika, Wie and the other LPGA chicks looking to play with the men have got some of the boys pretty scared.  But somehow a Frenchman is the one taking on the fight.  Jean Van de Velde says he's gonna "wear a kilt and shave my legs" to get into the Women's British Open next year. 
...
I'm sure a lot of the men on tour will be quietly cheering for this guy's brave move.  But it wasn't principles or guts that led him to this little publicity stunt...it was fear of losing to a girl.  After Van de Velde's legendary choke in the '99 British Open, this guy showed that he can lose to anyone.  The world already thinks French men are pansies.  So if he loses to a chick, his new nickname will be Le Mangina.
...
Maybe they should let him play.  The guy clearly cracks under pressure and the whole world watching will have him bouncing shots off the grandstands and rocks by the 3rd hole.  This Le Prick has lost me some green in the past.  So I wouldn't mind seeing him suffer on the links and then disappear from the game in disgrace.  Au revoir, chump.
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The Cowboys are looking for a kicker that doesn't choke...and a CFL fan just knocked one through the sticks from 50 yards for $1 million Canadian bucks (about $7,549 in US dollars).  Might as well give the kid a shot.  At the very least it's some new meat for Parcells to chew.
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The Tijuana Dragons' newest player, Dennis Rodman must be running out of his millions.  Sounds like he's hoping to get more than just donkey shows out of the deal too.  The Worm's agent said, "Hopefully, an NBA team can see he can still play.  He's in the best shape of his life at 44."  Who the hell would ever sign this washed up punk?  If anyone thinks this guy's got a chance of playing in the NBA again and wants to put a little action on it let Uncle Lou know.
...
Lots of action this weekend and we went over some of the value lines on the NBX Sports Action Show yesterday.  Plenty of college football and NFL green on the table if you find the light spreads and home dogs that can cover.
...
Whatever you do, don't cover the NBX Broad of the Day.

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Ace and Hot Rod's Value Line (10/28/05) 

We're liking the under (o/u: 61, under: +100) for the Colorado State/New Mexico game tonight.**

• Average total points scored in New Mexico's home games this year: 52.
• Average total points scored in Colorado State's road games this year: 59.
• Average total for all of New Mexico's games this year: 58.6.
• Average total for all of Colorado State's games this year: 58.8.
• Average combined scoring per game for these 2 teams: 60.7.
• Average combined points allowed for these 2 teams: 56.9.
• 78% of the action's on the over for this game.  We think it's a square line and are going the other way.

**Up to game time, picks can change with shifting lines, injuries and arrests.  So check back just before the game/event starts, or subscribe to the RSS feed so you get the updates automatically. **

 

White Sox win & Houston runs Lidge out of town

This summer when the the White Sox were throwing away their huge lead in the AL Central, we all thought they'd be sitting out the post season.  The only guy that thought they could keep it together and win the World Series was Steve Perry.  Then the playoffs rolled around and they really stepped it up.  Great for us because we raked in some green on their solid starters and bullpen.
...
Astros and White Sox were pitching duel shutouts last night until the 8th when Dye knocked Harris in with a single off Lidge.   So the White Sox swept em.  No surprises there.  After the White Sox took two at home and beat the hell out of Oswalt Tuesday, everyone but the Houston face painters knew Chicago would win Game 4.  But a lot of guys lost some green on the runline.  And I don't think anyone thought it would be a 1-0 win.  Obviously Ace & Hot Rod got kicked in the nuts going with the over last night.
...
Could be worse, you could be Brad Lidge today.  This guy is taking the heat for 3 losses in the post season.   Sorry Lidge, but you are the new Bill Buckner.   Better hope Houston wins the World Series soon or your name will be a punchline.  And speaking of punching...I'd like to beat the hell out of Steve Perry this morning for getting that shitty "Don't Stop Believing" song stuck in my head.  Reminds me of old Lou's younger days trolling for tail in the Vette.
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Couple of touchy subjects in the news this week...Sheryl Swoopes came out of the 6ft closet.  Everyone is bending over backwards to show they are OK with a tall, hot chick saying she's a lesbian.  I don't remember the same noise about any LPGA, field hockey or softball players coming out.  But who gives a shit?  Good luck to Swoopes and her lesbian Love Boat.  Out of curiosity, I would like to see some pictures of her partner...hot?  Or not?  Any of you dickweeds know?
...
Nobody's going out of their way to kiss Air Force football coach Fisher DeBerry's ass.  DeDuke, the problem isn't that you don't have enough black players...it's that you don't have enough good players.  I mean what 18 year old kid with a dreams of the NFL and a few alumni booster bucks in his pocket after visiting a D1 school would pass that up to join the military?  Improve the daily schedule and co-eds and you might have a better chance recruiting some talent, dipshit.
...
The NBX Broad of the Day is full of talent.

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Ace and Hot Rod's Value Line (10/27/05) 

We're putting 3 units on Spadea (-160) over Llodra at the ATP Grand Prix in Lyon, France.**

• Spadea has won 2 of the last 3 between these two players.
• Spadea: currently ranked 66th, was ranked 19th last year and is 20-24 this year.
• Llodra: currently ranked 98th, was ranked 45th last year and is 9-21 this year.
• Spadea is coming off a huge upset over Ljubicic [Ljubicic is currently ranked 8th, 51-19 this year, and Ljubicic almost beat Nadal (ranked 2nd) last weekend].
• Spadea is playing very well right now and his confidence level must be very high.

**Up to game time, picks can change with shifting lines, injuries and arrests.  So check back just before the game/event starts, or subscribe to the RSS feed so you get the updates automatically. **

 

Astros blow their chance

Yesterday I said the Astros would need a lead and 7 innings out of Lee Harvey Oswalt to avoid skidding towards a sweep.  Four innings into it he looked great and they were up by 4.  But the guy really shit the bed in the 5th and gave up 5.  Watching Oswalt's collapse on the hill, it looked like every guy at the plate had been told what was coming.  Either the White Sox had his number or some heavies came up with a number he couldn't refuse to lob a few meatballs.
...
14 innings and 17 pitchers into the game, Blum finally whacked a solo home run.  This guy's been riding the bench for the whole post season, but what a clutch shot.  With a 3 game hole, the Astros are definitley coming up short on the trophy.  Chicago's got the big mo' and Big Freddy Garcia on the mound.  Early lines this morning had Houston as a home dog.  So we'll wait this one out until later today to make the call.  If the Astros are a heavy dog, they could be the smart green.
...
Vinny's mojo is gone...and it ain't coming back.  Yesterday, I talked about Testaverde's piss poor game on Monday night and said he might be backing up Bollinger in 2 weeks.  But I forgot to point out that this is exactly what I predicted would happen from the first day this old dog showed up for practice.  One win when he's rested and ready...then a lot of green to be made betting against him.  Most guys at the professional level have at least one good game in them.  So the first time out they'll probably make good on your action.  But after the adrenaline wears off and the 41 year old joints start to ache, the smart green is against them.  Remember it, dickweeds.
...
Jose Cortez signed with the Eagles a day after Parcells canned him for being a "terrible" kicker.  He'll be filling in for Akers and then take over as a kickoff specialist.  Good for you Jose.  Reid is a no bullshit coach who treats his guys fair.  Parcells on the other hand needs anger management and medication.  The only downside is giving up BBQ for cheesesteaks. 
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Wie in the PGA...the teeny bopper signed on for the Sony Open in January.  She only missed the cut in this tourney by a stroke in 2004 when she was 14.  It'll be her first time as a pro with the boys.  So could be one of those chances to win green on a debut performance.  We'll have our eyes on the lines in a couple of months.
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If this trailer's rockin...it's because Tonya Harding and her boy toy are beating the hell out of each other.  This chick is 100% Grade A redneck.  I hope she books more foxy boxing matches, cuz this crazy hick cooz can win us some green.

Nothing hick about the NBX Broad of the Day...

 

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Ace and Hot Rod's Value Line (10/26/05) 

We're liking the over (o/u: 8.5, -105) in Game 4 tonight.**

• Astros last 7 at home: 5 (over), 2 (under).
• White Sox last 5: 5 (over), 0 (under).
• Garcia: 18-17 (o/u).  9 or more runs scored in 16 of last 25 starts.
• Backe: 12-15 (o/u).  9 or more runs scored in 14 of last 25 starts.
• Combined season ERA's for these two pitchers: 8.63.

**Up to game time, picks can change with shifting lines, injuries and arrests.  So check back just before the game/event starts, or subscribe to the RSS feed so you get the updates automatically. **

 

BCS is BS

The new BCS rankings hit the fan yesterday.  I don't know who is better USC or Texas.  But I do know some pinhead grad student computer model giving 1 of 6 undefeated teams the top spot is bullshit.  My sources tell me the formula goes something like this: 
...
(# of full color pages in USA Today Sports Section) x (Harris Poll members who played football = 2)
/ (ratio of hot/fat cheerleaders) x (Booster Club star player car allowance) = BS Ranking
...
The hacks are already complaining about what happens when Texas, USC and Virginia Tech all finish the year undefeated.  Who plays the Rose Bowl?  Are we just gonna let HAL decide?  Now Sweet Lou doesn't want college football to drag on until Summer.  So a March Madness style tourney is out of the question.  But is it too much to ask that all the undefeated teams get a crack at the title?  I mean you can't do better than undefeated. 
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The Astros are in a pissing match with Selig over the roof on the Minute Maid Park dome.  Houston wants to keep the lid on the place so it's loud enough to drown out everyone booing their bullpen.  Their home record with the roof on shows it is a home field advantage.  But they're gonna need a lead and a solid 7 innings out of Oswalt tonight if they want to avoid a 4 game sweep.  If there's a game Houston could win, it's tonight. 
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If you watched MNF last night, you know why the Jets are second guessing their decision to bring Testaverde back out of retirement.  Four turnovers, a big deficit on the scoreboard and an achilles problem put Vinny's ass on the bench.  From there he saw his replacement Bollinger hustling to get the team back in the game.  Bollinger's got a long way to go, but don't be surprised when he gets the start in 2 weeks.  If Vinny is back in the pocket, it'll be easy green betting against this old dog.
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Cowboys coach Parcells is on the warpath.  First he's punching his staff on the sidelines.  Now he's shit canned his "terrible" kicker for one bad kick.  Missing a clutch 29 yard game kick stinks.  But you can't just blame the kicker for all of the Cowboys problems Sunday.  Grow a pair, Bill.  The buck stops with you, dickweed.
...
The NBX Broad of the Day hates excuses.

So where's the Smart Green today...
   
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Ace and Hot Rod's Value Line (10/25/05) 

We're liking the White Sox (runline +1.5, -130) in Game 3 tonight.**

• Garland's well rested.  (Season: 19-10, Road: 8-4) and the White Sox are 21-12 in his starts.
• Garland's coming off a road win (5-2 over the Angels, 9.0IP, 2.00 ERA).
• Oswalt's been on fire lately but we've seen that anything can happen once the Astros relievers  take over.  The White Sox bullpen has been solid.
• Hitting Stats: White Sox (18th), Astros (27th).
• White Sox have won 9 of last 10 and their one loss was by 1 run.
• White Sox: 52 road wins this year and won 14 of last 15 on the road including 9 straight.
• Astros: 5 of last 9 games have been decided by a single run.

**Up to game time, picks can change with shifting lines, injuries and arrests.  So check back just before the game/event starts, or subscribe to the RSS feed so you get the updates automatically. **

 

Close finishes and big lessons

It came down to the wire yesterday in the World Series, NFL and golf.  You can blame bad luck, blown calls or players on the take.  But none of that helps you keep your pockets full of green.  So you really need to pick your spots wisely and exploit the value lines when they come up.  Ace & Hot Rod gave us a good example yesterday with their pick of the over in Game 2.  Great laydown that covered easily.  But why didn't they throw darts all over the NFL?  Few value lines popped up.  Unless you personally stuffed a player's pockets before the game, how could you call that Lucas Glover and the White Sox, Seahawks, Eagles, Vikings, Lions, Bears, and Giants would pull out such close wins?  The lesson is this, dickweeds...In poker if you want to be a better player, you should fold more.  If you wanna win more sports betting laydowns, pick your spots and find the value lines.
...
Michael "Wise Guy" Jordan should have learned that lesson a long time ago.  This guy beat around the bush last night on 60 Minutes.  If you read between the lines, you heard a guy admit he was wililng to bet on anything.  Betting the O/U on how fast the bartender will serve up another round is fine but I wouldn't call it a value line.
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MLS Shit-storm... Enough bookie school for today.  Let's talk about the shit storm little Freddy Adu has stirred up in the MLS.  I know most of you don't give a rats ass about soccer.  But a lot of green is won and lost on this game around the world every day.  And no sport has more face painters and nationalistic sucker bets.  So lots of easy green on the table.  Freddy got benched for slapping his coach around in the press.  The 16 year old superstar is itching to move to Europe but can't legally until he's 18.  Public bitchfests about your coach show the kid has learned all he needs to about "football".  The Euro pricks are constantly fighting with their coaches in the papers after every game.  So once Freddy hits is legal for export he'll fit right in.
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Strugglin Texans... The Astros better get their starters and relievers back in the game before tomorrow night in Houston.  You know the team is in trouble when they still hope to start the Rocket if they go to game 5.  I think you have better odds of signing Contreras this week than of getting a good 5 innings out of the Rocket.  Reliever Brad Lidge is just hoping to sit out the rest of the games quietly after giving up another clutch game winning run.  Then again, maybe he's making a lot of green on the side when he lobs those meatballs across the plate.  The live in game betting you'll be doing soon on the NBX Sportsbook will keep it interesting when this guy is on the hill for a big game.  I see a lot of people lining up to kick this dog.
...
The NBX Broad of the Day will be happy to relieve you.

So where's the Smart Green today...
   
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Ace and Hot Rod's Value Lines (10/24/05) 

We're liking the Falcons (moneyline -345) over the Jets tonight.**

• Offense: Falcons (8th), Jets (30th).
• The Falcons and Vick are tough to beat at home (4-1 for last 5 home games).
• Atlanta's fans are loud and make it tough on visiting offenses.
• Turnover Margin: Falcons (+6), Jets (-2).
• Testaverde was sacked 7 times and threw 2 interceptions last week against the Bills.

And, we're liking the over (o/u: 39.5, -110) in that game.**

• Falcons average total score this year: 44.5 points per game.
• Falcons last 4 games total scores: 65, 59, 40, 40.
• Falcons 4 of last 5 home games: total score 40 or above.

**Up to game time, picks can change with shifting lines, injuries and arrests.  So check back just before the game/event starts, or subscribe to the RSS feed so you get the updates automatically. **

 

 

Hamstrung

Don't get me wrong.  The Rocket's an incredible pitcher.  Trouble is your starting pitcher's gotta be able to pitch more than 2 innings in Game 1 of the World Series.  Ace and Hot Rod nailed it by taking Chicago last night.  Clemens has lasted an average of 4 innings in his last four games.  You can have an ERA of zero, but throwing heat for the first 4 innings doesn't equate to winning games.  He's still a young guy but he's gettin up there when it comes to competing at the highest level of any sport.  Roger, walk away while you can still walk.  Go out on top... 43 years old with the best ERA in Major League Baseball.  Let the young cannons you mentored beat themselves up out there.  Relax and go have some fun with the 18 million you made this season.  You've earned it.

Speaking of beatings... there were some awful ones in college football yesterday and unfortunately there was also a death.  Lesson of the day: if you're gonna stand around a goal post that's getting ripped down, make sure you're too drunk to know what hits you.

#1 and #2 in college football both proved it yesterday.  And, Ace and Hot Rod did a nice job calling the under on the Texas Tech/Texas game.  Value lines are getting tougher and tougher to find, but they're out there if you're doing your homework.

Today I'm hearing the Saints may have played their last game in New Orleans.  And, Mayor Nagin's pushing to get the Browns if they relocate.  I'm not convinced that finding a new franchise should be high on your list of priorities right now my friend.  If I were you I'd be focused on trying to find a long term solution for keeping my sinking, below sea level city from turning into Atlantis.  Besides, if I were one of the lucky few in New Orleans, who still have a job, I sure as hell wouldn't be spending dough to watch the Browns shit the bed.

The NBX Broad of the Day never shits the bed.

So where's the Smart Green today...
   
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Ace and Hot Rod's Value Line (10/23/05) 

We're liking the over (7, -115) in Game 2 of the Series.**

• Buehrle in 7 of last 10 decisions: 8 or more runs scored per game.
• White Sox last 5 at home: average of 8.2 runs scored per game.
• Pettitte last 3: average of 10.7 runs scored per game.
• Last night: 8 runs scored despite solid pitching.
• Last 7 games between these two teams: 5 (8 or more runs scored), 2 (7 runs scored).

**Up to game time, picks can change with shifting lines, injuries and arrests.  So check back just before the game/event starts, or subscribe to the RSS feed so you get the updates automatically. **

 

Low expectations

Hopefully you listened and took Kansas City over Miami in the hurricane bowl yesterday.  Miami is still riding the credibility they built when they beat down Denver in week 1.  But the bookmakers are gonna start lowering expectations on this sorry ass team.

Nobody has lower expectations than Coach Saban.  After Ricky's second game out of the gate last night Saban said, "Ricky's doing just great.  Ricky's doing fine."  Guess that 2-4 record is just great too, huh.  With 11 carries for a total of 7 yards (average of .64 yards/carry), Ricky is on track to break 100 yards in the 2007/2008 season.  Get 'em tiger.
               
NBA Commissioner Stern has got some pretty high expectations for his new dress code.  He thinks dressing these guys like working stiffs is gonna stop them from beating the shit out of people in the stands.  Sharpest dressing guy I ever known is John Gotti...
             
Game 1 tonight with Contreras and Clemens on the hill.  The White Sox have had some time to rest their big heads and get their little heads serviced.  So they might come out a little rusty tonight.  But with Contreras throwing heat they'll have time to wake up.  Clemens will produce for a few innings.  But the old man's prune juice will have him hitting the button on his Life Alert before he can get the job done.

The NBX Broad of the Day will have you crying for help.

So where's the Smart Green today...

   
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Ace and Hot Rod's Value Lines (10/22/05)

We're liking the White Sox moneyline (-130) over the Astros.**

• Contreras is pitching and the White Sox are 23-12 when he starts.
• Contreras has gone 7, 8 and 9 innings with solid ERA's in his last 3 starts.
• The White Sox are 9-1 in their last 10.
• Clemens will start strong but the Astros are 16-18 when he starts.  That tells us the Astros bullpen has a tough time sealing the deal.
• White Sox are 5-0 in the last 5 where they were the chalk.

Take the under (7, +105) in the White Sox/Astros.**

• Chicago is 3-8-1 O/U in their last 12.
• Chicago is 1-4 O/U in their last 5 games against Houston.
• Houston is 1-4 O/U in their last 5 games.
• Clemens is 11-23 O/U this season.
• Contreras is 9-26 O/U this season.
• The White Sox and Astos are two of the toughest teams to score on in the MLB.

**Up to game time, picks can change with shifting lines, injuries and arrests.  So check back just before the game/event starts, or subscribe to the RSS feed so you get the updates automatically. **