THE KING

COACH K-3/31

NCAA
3* SDSU/Baylor under 135.5
2* SDSU +2, Old Dominion +2

NBA
5* Jazz +6
2* Bobcats/Lakers under 192
1* Jazz ML +215

ON THE CLOCK-NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Mr. Thursday Night

With the 23rd pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select……………

Everyone's favorite team had another excellent 2008 season despite missing the playoffs and losing their franchise QB in week 1. Matt Cassel led the Pats to a fine 11-5 record that wasn't quite good enough for the playoffs in the tough AFC.

Last season the Pats had the 10th overall pick via trade and selected Jerod Mayo, LB Tennessee. Mayo did make an impact in New England recording 128 tackles as a rookie. With Mike Vrabel now gone, expect Mayo to explode further in 09. Other than Mayo, I would call the 08 Pats draft class their worst since Bill Belichek took over.

This season the Pats have 4 of the top 58 picks so they will be able to fill many holes. At some point they might take a QB now that Cassel is gone but in the first round I'd look for them to go with another LB or a CB. When you are as good as New England is, you often have very few problem areas so if someone falls to your slot that you really like, it is ok to go ahead and take the best player avaliable regardless of position. I think here the pick is Vontae Davis, CB Illinois.

With the 22nd pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings are on the clock...........

ON THE CLOCK-ATLANTA FALCONS

Dr. Donovan

With the 24th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select……………

The Atlanta Falcons were the clear-cut off-season winners of 2008. Not only did they get their future QB and the 2008 Rookie of the Year, Matt Ryan, they also acquired RB Michael “The Burner” Turner and immediately changed their offense. The Falcons made it to the playoffs and were bounced out early by the Arizona Cardinals but they were still one of the Cinderella stories of the year.

The Falcons have a couple of spots they really need to address in this draft. On the whole the Falcons should focus on the defensive side of the ball. After losing a couple key LBs, they could use their 1st round pick in this areas. I see the Falcons looking at a couple of guys. LB Aaron Maybin from Penn State has seen his stock rise and fall in the last couple of months. Some think he is a top 15 pick but I’m not quite sold that he has done enough to deserve that. I see him falling to the Falcons and if that happens they could get a guy that could be plugged into LB right away. Michael Johnson from Georgia Tech is another LB/DE that the Falcons could fall in love with.

Although I think he will be gone in the top 15 picks, TE Brandon Pettigrew from Okl. St. would be a perfect fit for the Falcons if he drops to them. Offensively they would be set and could focus the rest of the draft on defense and the center position. C Max Unger from Oregon is also a guy that interests me for the Falcons.

With the 23th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select……………

COACH K-3/28

NCAA
4* Pitt +3.5 and UConn/Mizz Under 156.5 (5.5pt teaser)
3* Pitt -2
2* UConn/Mizz under 151, UConn -5 (buy half)
1* Nova/Pitt over 141

Mixed Teaser
2* UConn pk/Jazz -3.5 (5.5pt teaser)

COACK K-3/27

NCAA
2* Michigan St -1, Louisville -9, Gonzaga +8.5
1* Oklahoma pk

NBA
2* Bucks +12.5, TWolves/Cavs over 190
1* Mavs -4, Thunder +5.5, Bucks/Magic over 198, Raptors/Thunder over 201

BOXING
2* Chambers (-120)

MR. THURSDAY NIGHT-3/27

There are some terrific NCAA tournament games on the docket tonight, two of which I have no opinion on. UNC/Gonzaga seems like easy money with UNC-8. As Coach K pointed out to me early today, he is shocked the money is only 54% on UNC. The other game I have doubts about is Oklahoma -1 vs Syracuse. I think this will be a helluva ballgame that could go either way.

I suspect Louisville will win tonight however it'll be tight late. Arizona really hasn't beat anyone yet this tournament but they are talented enough to hang in there. Ultimately, L'ville's depth will win out as Buddinger, Wise and Hill for U of
A will have to play nearly 40 minutes at a high level. I also think Kansas is just too young and inconsistent to defeat a mentally tough MSU squad.

ARIZONA +9 VS LOUISVILLE

MICHIGAN ST. -1 VS KANSAS

FRIDAY AGAIN

FRIDAY

COACH K IS ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!

Apparently stationed deep within a cave somewhere in the Rocky Mountains, Coach K is stuck with a huge snow storm currently impacting the Denver area. He did however send these locks in via morse code.

DUKE -2
PURDUE +7
TEASER: PITTSBURGH -1 AND MISSOURI +10

MEMPHIS/MISSOURI UNDER 143

BULLS -5.5

SLAPSHOT BOB-3/26

PHILIDELPHIA FLYERS (PUCKLINE -1 1/2 +140) VS ATLANTA THRASHERS

BONUS PICK: VILLANOVA +2 SUCK ON THAT MILK JUGS MUELLER!

THE MADNESS RESUMES-3/26

By Mr. Thursday Night

There are three games I like tonight. Keep in mind it is THURSDAY, which is of course the day yours truly has mastered aka owned for the better part of 8 years. I do not have an opinion on Pittsburgh -7 vs Xavier but do like the following:

UCONN -6.5 VS PURDUE

MISSOURI +4.5 VS MEMPHIS

VILLANOVA +2 VS DUKE

Lock these suckers up in your stainless steel, 6 inch wide safe and throw away the key. Also, I am not certain what the number is but anything over -5 and I'm taking the Blazers to romp the Suns tonight in Portland.

NFL or FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE?

By Dr. Donovan

The NFL has apparently decided to add another F to the leagues title over the last few years. The NFFL will stand for the National Flag-Football League after a host of rule changes keying on the safety of its players.

One of the rule changes prohibits the wedge on an onside kick. Ok so the players aren’t able to run full speed while the kick cover team sits and waits to be trampled. That’s fine and I can see that except for the rule was changed a couple years ago as teams were required to put at least 4 men on each side of the ball to prohibit 10 men from creating a wedge. What next? The NFL will see that onside kicks are impossible to recover for the kicking team and come up with another idea.

The rules I don’t agree with are some that have made the NFL one of the most exciting and physically brutal games to watch in the past 30 years. The “Hines Ward Rule” states that offensive players can’t deliver a blindside hit downfield on defenders. I admit some players take it to far but this is the only chance the offensive players get to lay out the defense after taking hits the whole game. Have you ever heard of, “head on a swivel”! Poor 300 lb defensive lineman and linebackers are getting pummeled out there. Aren’t we missing something? Use common sense if the player uses his helmet to lead or cheap shots a player while he’ in the air.

Another rule can be called the “Eric Smith” rule after the brutal hit from NY Jets S Eric Smith on Cardinals WR A. Boldin. With the new rule, a player cannot hit a defenseless receiver with anywhere in the head with his forearm or shoulder. It still includes helmet-to-helmet hits as well. I am not as heated about this rule as some of the others because I agree that anytime someone gets hit in the head, the player risks paralysis or major head trauma. Taking your head off should not be a player’s goal. Once again I think the league needs to make sure they are using common sense with this and not calling 15-yard penalties for a player accidentally “bumping” someone’s helmet. We can all distinguish from a dangerous hit and ones that can’t be prevented.

The last rule is the biggest bunch of BS I've heard from the league since Defensive players couldn’t hit QBs above the waist. Now the league is installing yet another rule for their little princess quarterback Tom Brady (see Tuck Rule). The “Tom Brady” rules states, “If a pass rusher, who is blocked into the quarterback’s legs or into the ground on the way to the quarterback, continues to run or drives forcefully into the player, he’ll draw a 15-yard un-sportsmanlike-conduct penalty and be subject to a fine”. Hmmm….another rule to protect the league’s darlings. I admit that some things must be put in place for QB safety to prevent cheap shots, blindsides and broken vaginas but this rule was ONLY put in place because Mrs. Brady went down with an injury in week 1 last year on a FLUKE play. No one, including Pats coach Bill Bela-cheat, was considering this hit on his Bette Midler loving QB to be dirty or intentional. Now we are all going to see offensive lineman push Des in the back if they get beat on a blocking scheme to hopefully throw him into the QB and gain a 15 yd. personal foul. Like we don’t see enough holding calls already, we are probably going to up the penalty stats next year as well.

Instead of turning the league into powder puff and stealing some of the league's flavor, lets install some of these brilliant rules to go along with the new ones.

1. Every player must bring a baked good before each game to share with an opposing team member. Snicker-doodles and cupcakes are preferred.

2. For all nationally televised games, team uniforms will be tighter around the mid-riff area to define a players twigs and berries.

3. Defensive players must hop on one foot and put both hands behind their back when attempting a tackle. (and must hop back and forth in a diagonal line)

4. Instead of sudden-death overtime, each team will have a skip-off. The team that looks more graceful will be declared the winner.

5. Finally, all coaches and players from each team, along with referees, will share one shower after the game and indulge in a harmless game of “pick it up!”.

C’mon guys, players like Dick Butkus and Ronnie Lott are called “Grid-Iron Men” for a reason

ON THE CLOCK-MIAMI DOLPHINS

Dr. Donovan

With the 25th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select……………

The Miami Dolphins were one of the toasts of the NFL last year going from worst to first after installing a successful college offensive strategy for their own and acquring former NY Jets QB Chad Pennington. The Wildcat offense, run by RB Ronnie Brown and a host of others, took form when they slaughtered the New England Patriots in week 3. The Dolphins have had a successful off-seaon thus far resigning OT Vernon Carey, LB Channing Crowder and SS Yeremiah Bell. They also picked up former Arizona Cardinal CB Eric Green.

The Dolphins could still use some help on the defensive side of the ball. You may see Miami go after another CB by drafting CB Darius Butler from Uconn, who is steadily rising up the draft boards or CB DJ Moore from Vandy. You could also see them go after a DE and draft DE Robert Ayers from Tennessee. I like the Dolphins to take a strong look at DE Larry English from Northern Illinois or DE Paul Kruger from Utah. If they decide to go offensive, you may see WR Percy Harvin to help compliment Teddy Ginn. Harvin has been the fastest riser on the board after his pro-day and may not be there.

It was a miracle season for the Dolphins after acquiring QB Chad Pennington and the Wildcat offense but if you know one thing about the NFL, it doesn’t take teams long to catch up with new schemes. In fact, I will bet we see 2 or 3 other teams using this offense at some point in the season in 09. This year we will see if the Dolphins are pretenders or contenders. My vote: Pretenders!
With the 24th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select……………

UPDATE ON COACH K'S DISAPPEARANCE

Denver, CO

HC&P has learned from a source close to the investigation that the Colorado State Troopers have focused their case on Slapshot Bob regarding the disappearance of disgraced handicapper Coach K. According to our source, Slapshot Bob has becoming increasingly disgruntled lately and was having a difficult time accepting Coach K picking 64% winners. Apparently this issue dated back to a confrontation in 1996 when Coach K threw down a vicious 360 windmill dunk on Slapshot Bob's forehead on Coach K's backyard court in the Midwest. When attempted to be reached for comment, Slapshot Bob shouted "Obama" and quickly hung up the phone. Meanwhile, the search continues. Yesterday an uncomfirmed report surfaced that Coach K was spotted in Colorado Springs and was taking notes at a Division III baseball practice apparently to prepare for an upcoming wager. Stay tuned to HC&P for breaking news on this developing situation.

SLAPSHOT BOB-3/24

Both of these teams are in a race for the playoffs in the tight Western Conference. According to Slapshot Bob, the Blues will ride hot goaltender Chris Mason to victory tonight in St. Louis.

ST LOUIS BLUES (PUCKLINE -1 1/2, +170) VS LOS ANGELES KINGS

WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNERS

By: Cooby L

Well folks, its about that time of the year for Cooby L. to jump back on board of the gambling train. After an 8 year hiatus, I have observed the first 2 rounds and am ready to pass my knowledge onto you amateurs. Here's what I got for Thursday:

Arizona v Louisville (Louisville -9) - Arizona is cute. Barely make the tourney, plays a rotten Utah team only to follow that up with an even worse Cleveland St team. You morons may look at this team as an "underacheiving" team but I am here to tell you not to fall into that trap this weekend. Louisville has looked average at best so far and their best is yet to come. 9 is a lot of points in a Sweet 16 game but this is a no brainer. Don't fall into the Wildcat trap. Louisville by 16.

Syracuse v Oklahoma (Oklahoma -1) - The most intriguing match up on Thursday, I see this as a battle to the end. Can Syracuse stop B Grif? Absolutely not. But outside of him and Willie Warren, Oklahoma has nowhere else to turn. Warren is a cold blooded Freshman and I don't think the pressure will get to him but Oklahoma just does not have enough talent. Syracuse will rely on Deven-hood, Rautins' 3's and one of the best point guards in the nation, Jonny Flynn to help them eke out an 82-78 victory.

Kansas v Michigan St (Michigan St -2) - Another very interesting match up in my opinion. The biggest question here is will Kansas lack of experience cost them in the end? My prediction is no. Michigan St has shown this year that they have the talent to reach the Final 4 but they are far too inconsistent. Kansas is playing some of the best ball in the nation. Michigan St will have no answer for Aldrich or Collins. The game will be close until MSU goes on a scoring drought midway through the 2nd half. Kansas wins by 8.

Gonzaga v UNC (UNC -8 1/2) - UNC is the biggest lock of the day. With Lawson getting healthier by the minute, the Zags stand no chance. There is far too much talent on this UNC team. Also, Psycho T is not going to end his career against a team like Gonzaga. Expect 27 points, 13 rebounds, 38 pulling down of his shorts, and 10 shots from his hip that makes you want to vomit. So there it is folks. Take it as you please.

COACH K MISSING

Denver, CO

A state-wide man hunt is currently underway in an attempt to locate disgraced HC&P gamer Coach K after his first ever 10* selection (Gonzaga) crashed and burned unlike any other. Possible locations for Coach K vary widely however we have one unconfirmed report that he was seen at the Light Hitting Lounge in Pueblo, CO. Authorities have already checked in on all the gambling rehab sites in Colorado and at this point believe Coach K is on the loose making ill-advised wagers somewhere in the Rocky Mountains. If you see Coach K, please call the local police. Do not approach. He is believed to be gay and extremely homo.

DR. DONOVAN'S ELITE 25

1. Michael Crabtree- WR Texas Tech
2. Eugene Monroe- OT- Virginia
3. Matt Stafford- QB Georgia
4. Aaron Curry- LB Wake Forest
5. Brian Orakpo- DE Texas
6. Jason Smith- OT Baylor
7. Rey Maualuga-LB USC
8. Malcolm Jenkins- DB Ohio State
9. Knowshown Moreno- RB Georgia
10.Brandon Pettigrew TE- Oklahoma State
11.Jeremy Maclin- WR Missouri
12.Mark Sanchez- QB USC
13.BJ Raji- DT Boston College
14.Everette Brown- DE Florida State
15.Chris Wells- RB Ohio State
16.Brian Cushing- LB USC
17.Vontae Davis- Illinois
18.Michael Oher- OT Mississippi
19.Andre Smith- OT Alabama
20.Hakeem Nicks- WR North Carolina
21.James Laurinitis- LB Ohio State
22.Aaron Maybin- LB Penn State
23.Percy Harvin- WR Florida
24.Patrick Chung- S Oregon
25.Max Unger C- Oregon

ON THE CLOCK-BALTIMORE RAVENS

Dr. Donovan

With the 26th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select……………

The Ravens had a better than expected season last year. They plugged in a rookie QB with a makeshift wide receiving core and an aging defense and made it to the AFC Championship game. The Ravens made a ton of changes this off-season losing a few key members of their defense starting with the defensive coordinator and guru Rex Ryan. They also lost the mad-backer Bart Scott and veteran CB Chris McAllister who have both been a big part of their defensive success. The 2 biggest moves for the Ravens however came in the signings of their own players. They re-signed LB Ray Lewis, who looks to finish his career in purple and black, and they franchised LB Terrell Suggs to keep the core of the defense in tact.

The Ravens haven’t had a solid #1 receiver since they came into the league. The WR position is always an option especially now that QB Joe Flacco seems to be their guy for a number of years. Personally I don’t think this is a vital need for them in the 1st round especially how deep this year’s WR core is. I think the best option for the Ravens is a DE or a LB to fill Bart Scott's position. A young LB, to learn for a couple of years under one of the decade’s best linebackers and leaders, would be the best move for the team. Someone like James Laurinaitis or Aaron Maybin from Penn State would fit well with the Ravens game plan. If the Ravens decide to go with a defensive end, Michael Johnson from Georgia Tech is an athletic specimen and reminds me a lot of Jason Taylor. WR Percy Harvin from Florida is moving up the draft board after his pro day and the Ravens might not be able to resist if the Dolphins pass him by and he’s still there at pick 26.

With the 25th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select……………

COACH K-3/21

Gonna keep this short. My first ever 10* play is going today. This one is going to be over 10 minutes into the game just like the Nova game this morning. Everything, and I mean everything is lined up for this play and it all points to a BLOW OUT!!! I have that feeling today boys and that's all I'm gonna say....

10* Gonzaga -10
3* UConn -10, Purdue +2
2* UConn/A&M under 136.5

SLAPSHOT BOB-3/21

Sorry, I've been gone for a while gents, time to get back to our winning ways.

NEW YORKS RANGERS (PUCKLINE, -1 1/2 +170) VS BUFFALO SABERS

**Also of note, the MGM in Las Vegas has released their early odds for Lindgren Cup 4 (Slapshot Bob vs Mr. Thursday Night NHL 09 online for PS3). With Mr. Thursday Night closing in on his third consecutive title, Bob reamins a huge underdog with little value.

SLAPSHOT BOB 55 TO 1 TO WIN LINDGREN CUP 4 VS MR. THURSDAY NIGHT.

LOCK OF THE DAY-3/20

By Mr. Thursday Night-The king returns to re-claim his crown. With Pointspread Pete apparently lying in a dumpster somewhere and Coach K taking a big dump on everyone's bracket, Mr. Thursday Night is here to save the day once again. This one folks is a no-brainer.

FLORIDA STATE -2.5 VS WISCONSIN

COACH K-3/20

All I can say is that is not the way I had hoped to kick off the tourney. Just a horrible play on my part taking the Illini as a 4*. The numbers lined up and the matchups were there, but in the end it was just a bad play on my part. Our 4 day winning streak came to an end last night but I really feel we will get back on track today. From what I heard, Vegas took a beating yesterday by the public. If that tells me anything at all it means that we are in good shape for the rest of the tourney because the public rarely knocks out Vegas this time of year. Just like yesterday I will be releasing plays throughout the day so make sure to check back. Good Luck!

March Madness
3* Tennessee -2
2* Mizzou -6.5/Utah St +11 (5.5pt teaser), NDSU/Kansas over 145
1* NDSU +10.5, Cuse/SFA under 132

**UPDATE**
3* Utah -1
2* Wisconsin +3, ETSU +21
1* Xavier -10

MEET COACH K

*This is the first in a series of profiles of the handicappers who make up Hot Chicks & Picks.com.

Coach K grew up in the upper midwest in a family of 4 which includes a legendary father, a big, fat, lazy dog and a younger brother with roughly 1/3 of Coach K's athletic ability. Despite being vertically challenged, Coach K was a star athlete, even earning all-state football honors on the biggest underacheving team in his high school's history.

After a brief college athletic career, Coach K moved onto softball where he became a light hitting left fielder with a below average throwing arm. While in college, Coach K went through a brief stage in which he actually though he was Eminem's brother. This caused great hardship for both his family and friends. The low point of this phase was when Coach K was in a car with his friends in downtown Minneapolis after a Yankees/Twins game. Coach K had a few 40s at the game and decided it would be a good idea to shout rap lyrics out the window while bouncing the car up and down.

Coach K was always plagued by injuries and at this point it is doubtful that he can make scrambled eggs without pulling a hamstring. Through it all, Coach K has always been a huge supporter of Michigan athletics, to the point in which several times I thought I would have to fist fight him. Recently Coach K has moved out of the midwest and to a new city with his girlfriend, of whom he clearly outkicked his coverage.

Coach K is the man responsible for turning on Mr. Thursday Night to sports gaming. In 2002, Coach K alerted Mr. Thursday Night of a "lock" in the SMU/San Jose St. tilt. While it hardly turned out to be a lock (required a meaningless INT return in the final minute for the cover), it ended up being, as usual, a winner. Hot Chicks & Picks is grateful to have Coach K on board as a handicapper and as a friend. His sparkling record speaks for itself.

COACH K-3/19

Good morning gentlemen! I hope you are as excited as I am to get this thing kicked off. I will be releasing plays throughout the day as I see the line movements and where the money continues to come in. For our early games I am releasing a couple of plays. Please check back because I think I may have a 4* or 5* bomb for later!!

March Madness
2* BYU -3
1* LSU -2

*UPDATE*
Here is the bulk of our plays. More updates later.

March Madness
4* Illinois -4.5 (buy half)
3* UCLA -2.5/UConn -14.5 (5.5pt teaser)
2* BYU -3, Washington -5.5 (buy half), Purdue -3/Gonzaga -7.5
1* LSU -2, UCLA -8

NIT
2* Rhode Island +1

COACH K-3/18

Decent day yesterday nailing another 3* and picking up 4.5 units giving us our 3rd winning day in a row. Our March total is now at 43.7 units. These NIT/CIB games are hard to cap because I cannot be completely certain on the motivation of all these teams. Are they excited about playing still? Do they feel these tourney's aren't worth playing since they aren't the "Big Dance"? So what I did last night was just keep it to 2 plays and hit both. We are going to stick to the same formula and try to pull out some more profit. Good Luck!

NCAA
2* Pacific -4, Va Tech/Duquesne over 152
1* Providence/Miami over 147

Mixed Teaser
3* GTown +8.5/Celtics +1

NBA
2* Thunder -1.5
1* Blazers/Pacers under 203.5

SLAPSHOT BOB-3/18

Overall record: 8-4

All 8 wins have been underdogs, including some BIG winners: +230, +115, +170, +200, +120, +200, +150, +130.

That means if you'd wager 100 matchsticks on every pick, you'd be up 915 matchsticks at this point.

TONIGHT'S PICK: CALGARY FLAMES (PUCKLINE, -1 1/2 +155) vs. DALLAS STARS

FIGHT TROJANS FIGHT

ON THE CLOCK-INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Dr. Donovan

With the 27th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select……………

We have been able to pretty much pencil in the Indianapolis Colts for a play-off birth every year over the last decade. The Colts are undergoing a lot of changes lately but with Peyton at the helm and healthy, I would still bet on them being one of the top teams in the AFC. If there are 3 things we know in life are a constant it’s death, taxes and the Colts not missing on their 1st round pick.

Since 1998 these are some of the Colts 1st round picks, QB P.Manning, RB E James, WR R. Wayne, DE D. Freeney, TE Dallas Clark, S Bob Sanders, RB Joseph Addai and WR Anthony Gonzalez.

Sweet Mary mother of baby Jesus, Tony Dungy and Bill Polian are 1st round draft genius’s. If I was the Lions I would hire Dungy just to sit in their War Room on draft day.

This year after losing Dungy as head coach, the Colts lost a key member of there team and arguably the best QB / WR tandem of all time when they lost Marvin Harrison. Harrison is at the end of his career however and Reggie Wayne has become Manning’s go to guy at the WR spot. The question for the Colts with the 27th pick will be if they decide to replace Harrison for a #2 WR or will 2007’s 1st rounder, Anthony Gonzalez move into the #2 spot.

I personally think they will go with a DT with the first pick even though I don’t know much about Jim Caldwell, the new head coach. The Colts could get the #2 DT Peria Jerry at the #27 spot possibly and if he is not there they could go with LB Clay Matthews from USC or LB James Lauranitis if he is still available, which he very well could be.

If the Colts decide to go with a WR, expect them to get a possession guy in Kenny Britt from Rutgers or possibly Percy Harvin from Florida .

With the 26th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select……………

NCAA TOURNAMENT

BY COACH K

Well gentlemen, the Big Dance is almost upon us so I thought I’d write a little bit
on how I go about filling out a bracket. While there are obvious differences when choosing the outright winner of the game for bracket purposes and choosing which team is going to cover the posted #, you will find they are not that different.

Last year there were 20 games played in the first round that did not involve a 1, 2, or 8/9 seed. In all 20 of the games, the outright winner covered the spread. The favorites won 14 while the dogs took home 5. The last game was a pickem b/t St. Mary’s and Miami with the winner obviously covering the line. Of all 31 games with a line of 0.5 or more, the favorites went 21-10 ATS in the first round. The #1 seeds went 5-3 ATS in the first 2 rounds.

Just going on last year’s trend what can we learn? Clearly the favorites are being undervalued for some reason or another. Could it be that America is so caught up with Cinderella that they are looking to back the dogs at every chance they get? ESPN sure loves to try and predict where the upsets will come from. You’ll probably hear about 10 different teams that ESPN tells you can fit the glass slipper…Let me guess, already you’ve heard VCU, WKU, Portland St, Sienna, Arizona, Miss St, Cornell, Maryland, Temple… How about we just list all of the 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 seeds?! Will there be upsets, yes. Will there be surprises, yes. Will there be blowouts, yes. They don’t call it March Madness because it’s entirely predictable.

However, if we look at the past we can better predict the future (I think our government forgot this lesson we all learned in 7th grade US history when our teacher explained this concept). Here are some stats that may help you while filling out your brackets. These are simply wins and losses, ATS is not configured and I'm sure you've seen them before and will see them a few more times but anyways...

1ST ROUND (since 2000)
1/16- #1 seeds are 36-0
2/15- #2 seeds are 35-1
3/14- #3 seeds are 34-2
4/13- #4 seeds are 28-8
5/12- #5 seeds are 23-13
6/11- #6 seeds are 24-12
7/10- #7 seeds are 24-12
8/9- #8 seeds are 19-17

2ND ROUND:
#1 seeds move on 87% of the time

Any #10 or #12 seed that wins in the first round advances over 50% of the
time to the Sweet 16

Only 6/368 teams that have advanced past the 2nd round were #13 or above

SWEET 16
3 of the 4 #1 seeds will move on to the great 8 traditionally

Only 22 teams (since ’85) lower than an #11 seed have gone on to the Elite 8

ELITE 8
Only 2 of 96 Final Four teams have been seeded lower than #8.

Last year was the only year for all four of the #1 seeds to reach the Final 4

FINAL 4
No team below a #6 seed has ever reached the championship game

CHAMPIONSHIP
For 20 straight years the champ has been a #4 seed or higher

#1 seeds have won 14 times
#2 seeds have won 4 times
#3 seeds have won 3 times
#4 seeds have won 1 time (1997)
#6 seeds have won 1 time (1988)

Average # of wins by seed for the entire tourney:
#1- 13.7
#2- 9.6
#3- 7.3
#4- 6
#5- 4.6
#6- 5
#7- 3.5
#8- 2.7
#9- 2.3
#10- 2.5
#11- 2
#12- 2
#13- 1
#14- 0.7
#15- 0.2
#16- 0

Now, let’s talk about what everyone and their grandma wants to talk about…the sleeper teams or our Cinderella! There are a few key factors when trying to predict this year’s Cinderella and again, we look to the past to help us out. When we think of the George Mason’s, Gonzaga’s, Davidson’s, Southern Illinois or Butler’s; what do they all have in common? For the most part all of those teams dominated their conferences. When you look back at those teams they all won and won big. Davidson’s average score last year was 78-63. Any team winning by double digits is a safe team to back as your sleeper because it shows their wins are convincing. Last year the highest MOV looked like this: 1) KU 2) Memphis 3) NC 4) UCLA. Wasn’t that your Final 4 as well? Do ya think this statistic might be weighted fairly heavy when trying to predict the brackets? It is for me!!

Our second factor is ball security. This can be synonymous with guard play. Let’s look at Davidson last year. They ranked #11 in the country in turnover efficiency, yielding less than 12 per game. Of the 8 teams in the Elite 8 last year only Louisville (126) wasn’t ranked in the top 80 for TO efficiency. Teams that take care of the ball are going to win. Teams that don’t might out talent someone in the first round, but they’ll have a hard time making it much further. On a side note, be careful when backing teams that are guard oriented since they will most likely rely on being able to hit their shots from the outside. While they could easily rip off 2 wins in a row behind their hot shooting, a Final 4 berth is not as likely. An off night and the season is over. Look for teams that get a balance of their scoring from the post to help off-set a poor shooting night.

The third factor we need to look at is coaching. Are we dealing with a coach who hasn’t been to the dance before or have they been there a few times. The average number of appearances for coaches in the dance is about 5 times. When you look at the Final 4, these coaches average about 9 tournament appearances and the championship game coaches average about 11 tournament appearances. Clearly coaching experience matters when going deep into the tourney. Don’t overlook the 1st time head coach who has been there as an assistant or even a player though!

On a similar note to coaching experience is team experience, however I do not put much weight into this one because teams from the bigger conferences make the tourney year in and year out, but still fail to get out of the 1st round on a regular basis. It is obviously a plus if the team has been to the tourney and knows what to expect versus a team that has never been there before but again, I do not weigh this as heavily.

The last factor we need to look at is the superstar angle. Stephon Curry ring a bell? The vast majority of teams that make it to the Elite 8 and above have a player (if not 2) that can take over games. When things get rough, teams need to be able and climb on their superstar’s back and ride them to victory. Teams that do not have this element rarely move on past the sweet 16, but don’t think that just because a team has a superstar they are guaranteed to go deep…

Good luck with your brackets and hopefully I’ll be able to pull out some more ATS winners throughout the way!

COACH K-3/17

Happy St. Patty's Day everyone...early play in the NBA. Take the Warriors -1.5 for 2*. We might upgrade this later, but it looks like the number is going to move so let's get it early and maybe look for a middle opportunity later tonight if we don't get down even more.

**UPDATED**
NCAA
3* Liberty -3 (buy half) this could get to 3 on it's own so wait till tip
2* New Mexico -7.5
1* Oakland -4, Wyoming -2.5

NBA
2* Warriors -1.5, Cavs -6, T'Wolves +11
1* Warriors -2.5, Spurs/T'Wolves over 191

SLAPSHOT BOB-3/17

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING (PUCKLINE -1 1/2, +230) VS TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
OTTAWA SENATORS (PUCKLINE -1 1/2, +230) VS BUFFALO SABERS

COACH K-3/15

We bounced back with a 6-1 day, nailing our 5* and sweeping the top plays (4-0) for a profit of 15.8 units! March total is now sitting at 38.7 units after 2 weeks!

NCAA
3* Duke -5.5 (buy half)
2* Purdue -5.5 (buy half)
1* Miss St +7, Purdue/Ohio St under 125.5

MACK DRAFT 1.0

Dr. Donovan
March 14th 09

Round 1

1. Detroit (0-16) -Matt Stafford QB Georgia
Like most people, I’m struggling to figure out if the Lions go with a big name QB or a safe and solid OT. Know matter what the experts think, it’s all about how high the Lions are on Stafford. I like Stafford here and with the depth at OT; they can still get one later in the 1st round or even 2nd. This pick will also rely on what Denver decides to do with Cutler.

2. St. Louis (2-14) - Eugene Monroe OT Virginia
Most people have Jason Smith as the top OT (including myself earlier in the off-season) in this year’s draft but Eugene Monroe has shown me more and comes from a big time program that puts out a history of good offensive lineman. The Rams are close to pulling the trigger on the sexy pick in Crabtree but instead are smart to draft an offensive lineman.

3. Kansas City (2-14) – Aaron Curry LB Wake Forest
This pick is a no brainer to me. Curry can change the face of a defense by himself and with Herman Edwards running the 3-4 I think this is the guy he’s been waiting for.

4. Seattle (4-12) – Jason Smith OT Baylor
Seattle needs to buff up the offensive line big time and Jason Smith will help out immediately. They also are thinking about Crabtree here after going through the WR woes they had last year but realize it isn’t a vital need after signing Whosyourmomma.

5. Cleveland (4-12) – Malcolm Jenkins FS/CB Ohio State
Cleveland needs a tough young corner and Jenkins can come in a start in year one and make an impact. Their defense was like Swiss cheese last year and will hopefully make that their focus in this entire draft. Most have Jenkins at the FS position because of his combine numbers but he is still a good enough athlete on the field to play corner for now.

6. Cincinnati (4-11-1) – Brian Orakpo DE Texas
With OTs Monroe and Smith off the board already the Bengals will have to wait to fill there biggest need at offensive tackle later in the draft. They will NOT risk drafting another guy with a “buyer beware” tag (OT Andre Smith) unless they forgot what got them here in the first place. They instead go with a versatile guy who can play both the DE and the LB positions.

7. Oakland (5-11) - Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech
The Raiders just can’t resist and why would they. Crabtree could be the next great receiver in this league. Al Davis just added another big name guy to a struggling offense. At least they shouldn’t have any problems selling seats in Oakland.

8. Jacksonville (5-11) - BJ Raji DT Boston College
Jacksonville should thank their lucky stars that BJ Raji fell to them. They desperately need a 4-3 DT and this is the best guy for the job.

9. Green Bay (6-10) – Everette Brown OLB/DE Florida State
This guy reminds me of last year’s Vernon Gholston but without the “Buyer beware” label. This is the perfect guy to play in the 3-4 defense opposite of Aaron Kampman who had 10 sacks last year despite double teams almost every down.

10. San Francisco (7-9) – Mark Sanchez QB USC
After San Francisco brought in Kurt Warner for an interview, it showed me the 49ers want a QB and want one now. Unless they see something in a QB in the later rounds I believe the 49ers go with the USC QB.

11. Buffalo (7-9) – Brandon Pettigrew TE Okl. St.
Some think Pettigrew will drop in the first round but if Buffalo is smart they will look at this guy and pull the trigger. With TO coming to the Bills I’m not sure if they stay on the offensive side of the ball anymore but this athlete is to good to pass up.

12. Denver (8-8) – Rey Maualuga LB USC
Depending on his pro-day, Maualuga should raise his draft stock back up. After getting hurt in the combine, he dropped significantly and most don’t think he can be a 3 down LB. I think he is one of the only LBs in this draft that was made for it.

13. Washington (8-8) – Andre Smith OT Alabama
Even though Andre Smith has obvious issues he is still a physical freak. He has the intangibles to be one of the greats in this league for a long time if he wants to. There in lies the problem. After what he’s pulled in the last year, it’s hard to see the personal motivation. That’s the ONLY reason he drops this far.

14. New Orleans (8-8) – Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia
Reggie Bush was having a great season last year until the injury. His biggest downfall is that we don’t believe he can carry the RB load. He showed us again he is better as a 1-2 punch and Moreno can be the other half. If the Saints don’t go with a cornerback, this is their guy.

15. Houston (8-8) – Brian Cushing LB USC
The Texans are one or two guys away from being a contender in this league. With the offense looking better and better each year, the Texans know that the only way they get over the hump is on defense. Look for them to bolster the D in the first few rounds especially.

16. San Diego (8-8) – Michael Oher OT Mississippi
Oher is the 4th OT in the top 20 to go in this year’s draft. The Chargers have been on the brink of the Superbowl for the last 4 years and with time not on their side, they elect to bolster the line and help their offense.

17. New York Jets (9-7) – Tyson Jackson DE LSU
The Jets need a WR and I could very well be wrong this pick as I think they look at WRs Jeremy Macklin from Missouri or Hakeem Nicks from North Carolina but with Rex Ryan being a player away from having a solid defense, I believe the Jets grab their WR in the 2nd round and take Jackson.

18. Chicago (9-7) – Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri
The Bears haven’t had a name brand WR in years and now that the running game looks set they elect to go with Maclin. This guy brings a lot to the table and can be a playmaker for a long time in this league.

19. Tampa Bay (9-7) – Josh Freeman QB Kansas State
I can see the Bucs going 2 ways with this pick. They could either grab RB Beanie Wells or go with a QB. With a new head coach I think its more likely that they draft a new QB and Josh Freeman is #3 on my list and the only other QB I would even consider in the first round.

20. Detroit - from Dallas (9-7) – William Beatty – OT Connecticut
After drafting the future in Matt Stafford, the Lions need to get some guys to protect him. Teams will be coming at him at all directions and this pick has to be a tackle. After getting a good LB they can grab a CB in the 2nd round.

21. Philadelphia (9-6-1) – Robert Ayers DE Tennessee
I can see the Eagles trying to go for the defensive side of the ball with this pick. Even though Chris Wells is still available and the Eagles need another RB, Reid likes to draft the most important needs first and this includes a pass rushing DE.

22. Minnesota (10-6) – Darius Butler CB Connecticut
Vikings CB Antone Winfield’s contract expires next year and the Vikings need an impact guy in the secondary right now. The LB and DL positions are good but they could be great if the Vikings can find good players in the secondary in this draft.

23. New England (11-5) – James Laurinitis LB USC
Some experts seem to think Laurinitis will drop to the 2nd round after having a below average combine but I don’t see the Pats passing this guy up. All in all, Laurinitis is a football guy and Bellichek knows one when he sees one.

24. Atlanta (11-5) – Vontae Davis CB Illinois
Getting Davis here is a steal for the Falcons. These next 5 teams have huge holes at the CB position and we could very well see a trade with this pick. Otherwise this is a no-brainer for the dirty birds.

25. Miami (11-5) – Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina
Nicks is a playmaker and a great hands catcher. Miami needs someone to compliment Ginn Jr. and with Chad Henne probably starting within the next few years, the Dolphins need more weapons in the receiving core.

26. Baltimore (11-5) – Aaron Maybin DE/LB Penn State
Although Maybin has dropped significantly in this draft, I still think he is the kind of guy defensive teams love. He can move around and pass rush that’s what the Ravens will continue to do (even after losing defensive mastermind Rex Ryan) if they are smart. This guy is the perfect fit and will have a chance to be groomed by Ray Lewis.

27. Indianapolis (12-4) – Peria Jerry DT Ole Miss
The Colts take a long hard look at a WR here to fill the void left by 11 year vet Marvin Harrison but elect to draft a more pressing need at DT. Jerry is the 2nd best DT in this draft and can fit the Colts 4-3 scheme well.

28. Philadelphia - from Carolina (12-4) – Percy Harvin WR Florida
Philly needs another weapon for Donovan McNabb beside DeSean Jackson. I can see them taking TE Jared Cook or an OT but I believe they go with a guy who is a playmaker and can return kicks as well. Coaches love 2 for 1 guys!

29. New York Giants (12-4) – Sean Smith CB/SS Utah
This pick depends on if the Giants think Ahmad Bradshaw can shoulder the load when Jacobs goes down, which he most likely will. I can see the Giants grabbing a WR before a RB with this pick but they can also get a decent WR in the 2nd round. They instead go with a guy who may be able to play the SS position or CB, which is a more pressing need at this point.

30. Tennessee (13-3) – DJ Moore CB Vanderbilt
This is most likely CB Nick Harper’s last year with the Titans and they need to fill a void when he is gone. Moore is a guy who can be groomed for a year and play the Nickel position as well. I would say they go with DT but they can get one in the late 2nd round.

31. Arizona (9-7) – Chris Wells RB Ohio State
The Cardinals will not pass up on Wells if he is still here at #31, which doesn’t seem likely. If Wells is gone they would most likely draft RB McCoy from Pitt. but Wells is the 2nd best RB in this draft hands down.

32. Pittsburgh (12-4) – Duke Robinson G Oklahoma
The Steelers don’t have any pressing needs so they will draft the best player that can help them in the future. The champs need to up the quality of their offensive line and Robinson is the best guard in the draft.

COACH K-3/14

Coach K is hitting the slopes again today but we'll be updating his card throughout the day.

5*-Tennessee -3.5
3*-Utah State +1, Purdue -3.5, USC +2
2*-Mississippi State +3.5, Temple -4.5, UNC -9

POINTSPREAD PETE-3/14

After a 4-1 night going with the dogs, Pointspread Pete returns to the pound with these surefire winners. Woof! Woof!

FLORDIA STATE +9
USC +2
BAYLOR +5
SYRACUSE +7.5

NOT NICK SABAN

POINTSPREAD PETE RETURNS-3/16

Pointspread Pete is back from illness and is ready to drop bombs on your moms, fuck car alarms! Pete thinks the dogs will be barking tonight!

BAYLOR +4
NOVA +4.5
ASU +1
USC +6
BC +10

COACH K-3/13

Well we had a rough one yesterday and ended up dropping 13.1 units. I want to apologize first off for throwing half our 5* play on Ohio as well as 3*. I went back and tried to figure out why it was such a bad loss and figured out I overlooked a pretty big match-up criteria. To keep it short, Ohio really only has one "big" that they would run their offense through at the high post while BG had 3 "bigs" to front him and play behind. In this situation, Ohio is not able to effectively run their offense b/c they could not enter the ball either the low or high post and if they did, they were not able to kick it out or swing it. Not putting enough attention to this fact clearly cost us and cost us BIG TIME!! The other half of the wager went as planned as West Virginia won outright by DD as a 5pt dog. Again, I'm sorry for that and will definitely do my best to earn our units lost back today!

I feel we have an amazing match-up taking place right away this morning with Minnesota and Michigan St and look to take advantage of the extra points we are getting. I am releasing a 5* right away this morning as well as a few other bombs to get us started. LET'S GO!!

NCAA
5* Minnesota +8
4* North Carolina -5.5/S. Carolina +3.5
1* Minny/MSU over 123, S. Carolina/Miss St over 150

ON THE CLOCK-PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Dr. Donovan

With the 28th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select……………
For the last 5 years, the Eagles success has relied on the play of Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook and they’ve been a contender when both stay healthy. Unfortunately that doesn’t happen very often. The Eagles surprised some people being only 1 game away from the Super bowl last year. This team may have the best position in the draft and that’s good because they have tons of options with 2 first rounder’s at #21 and #28.

Philly needs to upgrade tons of areas in this draft. Look for the Eagles to make a run at bringing over WR Anquan Boldin. The Eagles have 2 first rounders and this would entice the Cardinals more than any other team. Overall, look for the Eagles to improve the offensive and defensive line early as Andy Reid’s draft history shows he doesn’t jump at skill position players before building from the inside unless there is a vital hole. On the offensive line they did acquire OT Stacy Andrews from the Bengals in Free Agency but could still improve at G and C. They need skill position players as well in TE, WR and RB as they lost Cory Buckhalter to Denver through FA. Also, with the face of the defense, SS Brian Westbrook gone, the Eagles could use a safety and nickel corner as they lost Lito Shepard to the Jets.

I see Philly trading one of these 1st rounder’s to AZ for Boldin but if that doesn’t happen, the Eagles will need to grab a WR somewhere in the draft. I don’t see them choosing a WR in the first round 2 years in a row after drafting WR Desean Jackson last year but they may have their shot at Florida WR Percy Harvin or Rutgers WR Kenny Britt who I like a lot. I personally wouldn’t be surprised if they pick one of the RBs in Knowshon Moreno or Beanie Wells if one is left but Reid’s draft history shows that they won’t pick a RB in the 1st round.

With the other pick at #28, I can see the Eagles trying to grab an OL or DL. Connecticut OT William Beatty would be a great pick or OG Duke Robinson from Oklahoma . You may also see them go with the physical freak, DE Michael Johnson, from Georgia Tech as he would fit the mold for Reid’s fast athletic DEs in the past. I can’t see them choosing a SS or TE until the 2nd or 3rd round but South Carolina ’s TE Jerad Cook could be another great weapon for McNabb and could improve that offense immensely.

What’s the over/under on Philly fans booing whoever they get in the first round...............twice!

With the 27th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select……………

COACH K-UPDATED AGAIN

Fellas, here is everything. We had a decent morning/afternoon and are up 5.7 units so far and would be much higher if the Hawkeyes would have given any effort at all to stay within 11. Arghh!! Oh well, a profitable day so far with some BOMBS coming tonight!! If I catch some info on a few late games I'll have that posted in the comments section. FYI, I have canceled the UNLV play. Something isn't right but I don't like SDSU so we are passing. Good Luck!!


NCAA
5* WV +10/Ohio +6.5 (5.5pt teaser)
3* WV +5 (buy half), Ohio +1, NCST +2.5, Kentucky -1.5/Iowa +11 (5.5pt teaser)
2* Va Tech +3.5, New Mexico St. +1, Marquette +3, Indiana +9, Virginia +5, Vandy -3, USC -1, Kentucky -5 (2H), So MIss/UAB under 132.5, TCU +10
1* Kentucky -7.5, CMU -2, Duquesne +3.5, La Tech +1, UAB -9, CMU/Ball St under 115, Indiana/Penn St over 122.5, Clemson/GT over 143, Boise St/New Mexico St over 158, Xavier/St Louis over 57 (1H), Miami/Va Tech under 62.5 (1H), Ole Miss/Kentucky under 66.5


NBA
3* Cavs/Suns over 218
2* Suns +4.5, Spurs/Lakers over 194

SLAPSHOT BOB-3/12

NEW YORK RANGERS (Moneyline, +115) VS NASHVILLE PREDATORS

COACH K-3/12

**PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE OTHER PLAYS FROM COACH K FOR TODAY IN THE COMMENTS OF THE PREVIOUS COACH K POST**

Here are the plays I've played and a few added.

NCAA

NCAA
3* Kentucky -1.5/Iowa +11 (5.5pt teaser)
2* Va Tech +3.5, New Mexico St. -1, Marquette +3
1* Kentucky -7.5, CMU -2, CMU/Ball St under 115, So MIss/UAB under 132.5, Indiana/Penn St over 122.5, Clemson/GT over 143, Boise St/New Mexico St over 158, Xavier/St Louis over 57 (1H), Miami/Va Tech under 62.5 (1H), Ole Miss/Kentucky under 66.5
2* Kentucky -5 (2H)

NBA
3* Cavs/Suns over 218

**UPDATE**
Adding
NCAA
3* NCST +2
2* Indiana, UNLV -3.5, Virginia +4.5, USC -1
NBA
2* Suns +4.5

ON THE CLOCK-NEW YORK GIANTS

By Mr. Thursday Night

With the 29th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft the New York Giants select.....

2009 was a disappointing season for the Giants. Despite winning the NFC East the Giants were dumped in their first playoff game at home against the Eagles. The G-men also had off the field issues with star WR Plaxico Burress. Burress does not figure to be back next season. Also gone is backup RB Derrick Ward although Ahmed Bradshaw should be able to fill that role. The Giants have however had one of the better off-seasons this winter signing several key free agents including Rocky Bernard and Chris Canty.

The jewel of the 2008 draft class for New York appears to be 1st round safety Kenny Phillips. Late sexy picks WR Mario Manningham and QB Andre Woodson don't figure to have huge impacts anytime soon.

The Giants are use to drafting late and this year will be no different. I suspect the Giants will try to fill their hole at WR either via trade or with their first round pick. Look for NY to perhaps deal their 1st rounder for Arizona's Anquan Boldin. If the Giants hold onto their pick, they may offer at a WR or LB. Possibilities include Ohio St WR Brian Robiskie and Maryland fast rising WR Darrius Heywerd-Bey. Also in the mix figures to be USC LB Clay Matthews.

With the 29th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles are on the clock!

COACH K RECORD UPDATE

After having our first day with a loss in this great month of March, we bounce right back and pick up 8.9 units going 3-1 on our top plays including a 4* bomb to end the night!! I've updated all records and totals from Day 1 and since March 1st.

Since posting here at HC&P:
5* 3-1 +9.5 units
4* 8-1-1 +27.6 units
3* 26-17-1 +25.35 units
2* 84-82 -12.4 units
1* 105-93 +2.7 units
TOTAL: 226-194 +52.75 units

Since March 1st:
5* 0-0
4* 4-0 +16 units
3* 11-6 +12.2
2* 38-24 +17.4
1* 17-20 -5
TOTAL: 70-50 +41.6 units

HC&P POWER RANKINGS-3/11

1. COACH K
2. POINTSPREAD PETE
3. MR. THURSDAY NIGHT
4. SLAPSHOT BOB
5. MR. MIDWEST

A big shake-up in these updated rankings. Coach K and Pete and neck and neck after tearing up the college ranks the past 3 weeks. Mr. Thursday Night slides due to inactivity. Slapshot Bob has been hot lately and is poised to make a move up the standings. All things told, the top 4 all are in the black.

POINTSPREAD PETE-3/10

Fellas, Sorry for not posting any plays in the last week or so, been really busy and really sick. Finally starting to feel better and its a good time to because this weekend is one of the best for watching basketball next to the opening weekend of the NCAA tourney in my opinion.

PSP's updated record 15-10 +9.9 units
I'll try to keep this updated more regularly for all you haters.

NDSU-4.5
Summit League Championship being played in sioux falls, sd, so there should be plenty of bison fans there to support them unlike Oakland. The bison won by 10 at home and lost by 1 at oakland. Should be a close game throughout but see the bison covering the small number with free throws at the end.

Western Kentucky -5
The hilltoppers won both meetings this year by 8 at home at 3 at S. Ala. I watched the whole game last nt between S. Ala and UALR and both teams were awful. I thought I was watching a high school game. I do think Ronnie Arrow will have this team in the dance in the future, it won't be tonight and the hilltoppers will be dancing.

Cleveland St +6.5
This is going to be a great game. Period. Horizon league championship to go to the big dance being played at Butlers home court. Butler won both regular season games by 2 at home and at Cleveland St. I think this game will be the same and come down to the final minute. I feel like getting that many points is a gift especially when Butler is trying to beat them for the third time.

LA Clippers +11
This is strickly a play against the public. Everyone and their mom in LA will be there to watch Lebron and cheer him on. Well, I'm sure he was out smoking dope and drinking patron on his two day's off in LA with B Diddy. I'll take the points.

ON THE CLOCK-TENNESSEE TITANS

Dr. Donovan
Lead NFL Draft Expert

With the 30th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Tennesee Titans select…….

The Titans are coming off a stellar year. They dominated defensivley all year long until their undefeated streak came to an end at the hands of the New York Jets (who seem to have there number over the last 5 years). They ended up as the #2 seed in the AFC and this off-season they made some big moves including re-signing their QB Kerry Collins, who still seems to have something left in the tank. Let's not forget Vince Young is still on this team as well. They also improved at the WR position after getting Nate Washington from the Steelers.

On offense, the Titans running game is the focus of their success. Look for the Titans to build depth at the WR position or OL in the later rounds of the draft (as these aren't vital needs). The Titans have a couple of glaring needs on the defensive side of the ball however. They lost their best defensive player and brick wall in the middle with Albert Haynesworth going to free agency and now the Titans need someone to plug up that hole in the middle. They also need to fill the CB position as Nick Harper is 34 years old and in the final year of his contract.

I can see the Titans getting a DT in the 2nd round, as the position isn't that deep this year and you won’t see many going in the top 2 rounds. I think DT's Ron Brace from BC would be a good fit for the team along with Evander Hood from Missouri in the 2nd round. If they choose a DT in the first they could most likely get Fili Moala from USC or Peria Jerry from Ole Miss if he is still there. I see the Titans going after a CB in the first round however. They can get a solid corner in Alphonso Smith from Wake Forest or even DJ Moore from Vanderbilt. The New York Giants are ON THE CLOCK!

SLAPSHOT BOB-3/10

PHILIDELPHIA FLYERS (PUCKLINE -1 1/2, +170) VS BUFFALO SABERS

COACH K-3/10**UPDATED**

Good morning gentlemen. We had another great night cashing another 3* and picking up 6.6 units on the night. So far, we have shown a profit every day in March. Our March total is now up to 38.9 units!! I wanted to get out a few early plays for the conference tourney games and post a couple of NBA plays that are going to move pretty quick. I will definitely be adding to the card later. Good Luck!!

NCAA
2* EMU +3, Depaul +9
1* EMU/CMU under 116

NBA
2* Bobcats +6, Mavs +7

Fellas, Here is the updated card. This will most likely do it for tonight but if I come across anything I'll update it in the comments section. We started off pretty decent going 3-1 for our morning/afternoon plays and hopefully we'll continue this evening. I was never able to get the confirmation I was looking for on upgrading NDSU to a 5* play but we did add them to a teaser so hopefully we can squeeze out 6 units with the Bison. Good Luck!!

NCAA
3* NDSU -3.5 (buy half)
2* Depaul +9, Butler -5.5, GTown/St Johns over 121
1* Eastern Mich +3, Idaho St. +5.5, Rutgers +10.5, EMU/CMU under 116

Mixed Teaser
3* NDSU +1.5/Pacers +9 (5.5pt teaser)

NBA
2* Bobcats +6, Mavs +7, Clippers +11.5, Knicks +4 (buy half),
1* Jazz/Pacers under 215, Thunder/Kings under 207, Clippers/Cavs over 193.5

ON THE CLOCK-ARIZONA CARDINALS

Mr. Thursday Night

With the 31st pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals are on the clock!

The Cardinals enjoyed the most successful season in franchise history this past year with a division title and a trip to the Super Bowl. The Cardinals are in uncharted waters this year as they usually are selecting within the first hour of the draft. Just like any good team, the Cards roster is likely to get raided by other NFL squads. This will create holes that will need to be addressed in the draft.

Last season the Cardinals had an excellent draft getting future Pro Bowl corner Dominic Rogers-Cromartie in the first round, future starter Calais Campbell in the 2nd, Early Doucett in the 3rd and a steal with Tim Hightower in the 5th.

The Cardinals are in a good spot in that they have very few holes and can go ahead and take the best player on the board with their first pick. They are set at corner with DRC and recent free agent signing Bryant McFadden. I suspect the Cards will go with either a RB to fill the spot of the departing Edge James, OL to add some depth or LB. Look for the Cards to grab either Pitt RB LeSean McCoy, Oklahoma gaurd Duke Robinson or Ohio State LB James Laurinatis.

With the 30th pick in the NFL draft, the Tennessee Titans are on the clock!

SLAPSHOT BOB-3/9

CAROLINA HURRICANES (puckline -1.5, +200) vs. NY RANGERS

COACH K-3/9

Gonna keep this short as I'm pressed for time. With nothing really jumping out as a play we can unload on, we'll keep it low key tonight and look to take advantage of more conference tourneys getting under way tomorrow.

NCAA
2* VCU -3.5, North Texas +4, Tenn-Chat +8.5/Niagra +9.5 (5.5pt teaser)

NBA
3* Nuggets/Rockets under 198.5
2* Wizards +4, Blazers +3
1* Heat -5, Hawks/Hornets over 188

ON THE CLOCK-PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Dr. Donovan
This is my first installment of “On The Clock” which is a breakdown of every team’s current situation and a quick look at their draft needs and possible options. I will start with the #32 pick, which is the Steelers and go all the way to the Lions at #1. I will be using my “team insiders” for some of the teams as well. Please feel free to chime in with your insight as well. Enjoy!

With the 32nd pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, your Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock!!

Obviously a Superbowl win is the goal for every team going into the year. The Steelers continue to make all the right moves as 5 of their last 6 1st round picks are significant contributors to their recent success.

The Steelers still have some needs going into the season this year though. They just lost CB McFadden to the Cardinals and will be definitely looking for another CB in the draft. They could also use another WR to compliment H. Ward (and take his place in the future) and S. Holmes as they lost their #3 WR in Nate Washington. Besides the CB position, their stellar defense is kept pretty much in tact. They also are bringing back their offensive line, although, they could upgrade it with more quality players such as with the Guard or Center position.

I see the biggest need for them to be at CB. Look for them to pick up CB/S Sean Smith of Utah or CB Alphonso Smith from Wake Forest. You may also see the Steelers bolster their OL with G Duke Robinson from Oklahoma or C Max Unger from Oregon. If they decide to go with an offensive skill position with their 1st round pick, which I think is highly unlikely, you may see a WR such as Darrius Heyward-Bey from Maryland or Percy Harvin from Florida.

The Steelers are in a good position with the last pick and will let other teams dictate who they draft. Expect them to take the best player available out of the CB, OL or WR position.

With the 31st pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, your Arizona Cardinals are on the clock!!

NHL POWER RANKINGS-MARCH

BY MR. THURSDAY NIGHT.

With less than a month left in the regular season, it's time to see how the top teams stack up.

1. SAN JOSE-This might finally be the year the Sharks break through. If Jumbo Joe shows up in the playoffs, I think you'll see them in the finals.
2. DETROIT-The defending champs have been coasting lately but they'll get it cranked up just in time for the playoffs. Big questions still remain in goal.
3. NEW JERSEY-The Devils will have a well rested Martin Broduer this spring and unlike past New Jersey teams, these guys can score.
4. CALGARY-The Flames were big winners at the deadline, have a great leader, a terrific 1st line and excellent goaltending.
5. WASHINGTON-Led by the best player in the world, the Caps are a dangerous team. However questions in goal, an average at best defense and overall team softness cause concern.
6. PHILADELPHIA-The Flyers are yet to pick a goalie for the playoff run however this rough and tumble team is built for the playoffs.
7. CHICAGO-The young Hawks have had an outstanding season and are primed for a nice playoff run. They're still probably a year away from being legit contenders.
8. BOSTON-I am not sold on the Bruins who lead the NHL in points at press time. Huge questions in goal also plague the B's.
9. VANCOUVER-This team will always have a shot with Luongo in goal. The addition of Mats Sundin has helped but I don't think they have enough offense for a deep run.
10. PITTSBURGH-The Penquins are getting healthy at the right time and have finally broken out of their year long slump. Nobody wants to see these guys in the 1st round.

LOCK OF THE DAY-3/8

ILLINOIS STATE -3 VS NORTHERN IOWA.

NFL FREE AGENCY REPORT

Dr. Donovan
Lead NFL Draft Expert


Although free agency is far from over, there area couple things that interested me about this year’s off-season. Kurt Warner is back with the Cardinals for 2 more seasons. This was a good move for both Warner and the Cardinals. Warner hasn’t finished many complete seasons without injury in his career and even though he had a stellar 2008 season, chances are he can only go down from here.

The Giants really bolstered their defense through free-agency picking up a slew of good defensive players including DT Rocky Bernard, LB Michael Boley and DE Chris Canty. This tells me that they are going offense heavy in the draft. They will definitely have one of the best sack-happy defensive lines in football next year if they stay healthy. The NY Jets also vastly improved their defense by getting arguably the best defensive player in free-agency in LB Bart Scott. They also filled other huge holes at CB by gaining Lito Shepard in a trade with Philly and signing free agent and former Raven SS Jim Leonhard. I can’t wait to see this defense next year. Denver wins the “Desperation is a stinky cologne” award by signing 12 free agents including SS Brian Dawkins, WR Jabar Gaffney, RBs JJ Arrington, Correll Buckhalter and Lamont Jordan. It is safe to say they won’t be picking up a RB in the first couple rounds of the draft this year but they did fill some holes through FA (or should I say “temporarily plug”).

Some of the bottom teams in the league last year plan to build through the draft apparently. The St. Louis Rams signed 1 player in FA and the Lions, Browns and Bengals did next to nothing. While I do believe that most teams over pay for about every FA, I do think it is a good chance to fill some gaps on your team with veteran players. Some teams like the Washington Redskins need to stop the madness. Over the past 10 years they have splurged over FAs and it has done nothing for them, but teams like the Rams and Bengals need to become players or hope their draft picks can come in and make an impact right away.

The big winner so far this year in FA has got to be the Giants. I will be looking forward to seeing the NFC East again this year as most teams in that division have already improved their defenses immensely. The big losers this off season so far are the Buffalo Bills. I won’t be surprised when we hear in 2 years that the Bills are moving to another city as the media blames TO for demolishing the entire franchise. Buffalo, “Get your popcorn and suitcases Ready!!”

COACH K-3/7

Well, we cashed another 4* last night and took home 3 more units bringing our March total up to 21.4 units. Our 3* and above run continues as we've nailed 12 out of our last 13 and look to add to that today! I said last night that we'd be dropping some bombs today and I have found a few spots to do just that! Our Bucks play this morning has seen the line go all the way up to 7.5-8. This is the exact same thing we saw with the Nuggets on Thursday night, so even though most of the value is gone at those #'s, don't be surprised to see another easy victory here. I will most likely add to our card as I continue to confirm our plays but here is what we have going so far....Good Luck!!

NCAA
4* ASU -6.5
3* Maryland -1.5
2* Samford +4, Wyoming +5.5, Radford -2, Western Carolina +4, Cleveland St pk, Texas/KU under 139
1* Iowa St -3.5, Texas A&M +2, Tulsa -8

Mixed Teaser
5* Bucks -2/ASU -1

NBA
3* Bucks -5.5, Pistons +3
2* Sixers -5
1* Bucks -6.5

LOCK OF THE DAY-3/7

BY MR. THURSDAY NIGHT-Penn State travels to Iowa this afternoon to close out the Big Ten regular season schedule. The Lions are looking to secure a NCAA birth while the Hawks finish out another dreadful season. Senior day won't be a factor since Iowa only has one senior who contributes. The Hawkeyes are favored by 3 so this line does seem fishy since Iowa is in 10th place while Penn State currently sits in 3rd. We're banking on Penn State winning outright. PENN STATE ML (+135) @ IOWA.

COACH K-3/6

Well our streak of 3* plays and above came to an end last night, but we are still 12-2 our last 14. Overall we had another profitable night bringing our March total to 18.4 units. We had a successful mixed teaser last night and I'm going to be giving out another tonight. Let's cash this baby!! Hope everyone has a wonderful evening. Good Luck!!

NCAA
2* Columbia -2, Tenn Martin -4, James Madison/Will & Mary under 130
1* Ill Chicago +5, ND/St. Johns over 143

Mixed Teaser
4* Jazz -3.5/Notre Dame -5.5

NBA
2* Raptors +1, Hawks +2.5, Nuggets/Jazz under 210

LOCK OF THE DAY-3/6

2 TEAM NHL PARLAY:

BUFFALO SABERS (ML) VS PHOENIX COYOTES
MONTREAL CANADIENS (ML) VS ATLANTA THRASHERS

This one will pay about +135.

SLAPSHOT BOB-3/6

ANAHEIM DUCKS (PUCKLINE -1 1/2 (+190)) VS DALLAS STARS

SLIPKNOT CONCERT REVIEW

All I can say is MOTHER OF GOD. This was my 4th Slipkot show and while they definately have mellowed a bit, they still bring it everynight and sounded much more together as a band than the first time I saw them live 8 years ago.

COACH K-3/5

The sweep continues!! We cashed 2 more top plays making it 10 IN A ROW, taking home 6 more units last night! Overall we are up 17.8 units in March.

There isn't a whole lot out there tonight and with the amazing run we've been on, I don't want to press. If you saw the line moves today, you couldn't help but notice the Nuggets move from -4.5 to -7.5. In basketball 4-7 are key #'s, just like 3,6 and 7 are in football. The outfits hammered this yesterday as soon as the line was put up and moved it out to 5.5-6. Then they hit it again this morning at 6 and pushed it to 7. Around 3:30 Denver time, I got word they were hitting it again which pushed it over 7. Clearly all of the value has been taken out of this line, but when we see such large action by the outfits don't be surprised to see the Nuggets cruise to an easy victory in this one. The thing holding me back from playing them straight up is their tendency to stumble in the 4th quarter and let teams back in the game. Normally, I would like to tease them down in this case with another strong play and stamp a 4* or 5* on it, but I'm having trouble finding anything worthy of playing them with that merits more than a 3*. Also of note is the outfits hit the Heat and Nets already for tomorrow's action, so if you like either play I'd get on it early, but if you like the other side you can wait out a better #. Good Luck!

NCAA
3* Dayton/Xavier under 130
2* Temple -7, Nevada -9.5, Miami OH -8.5, Providence +11, Idaho -4, Dayton +11,
St. Joes/Temple under 62 (1H)
1* Ohio/Akron under 127, Zona/Cal over 143

Mixed Teaser
3* Nuggets -2/Nevada -4 (5.5pt teaser)

NBA
2* Mavs +6.5

LOCK OF THE DAY 3/5

BY MR. THURSDAY NIGHT-With Coach K and Pointspread Pete handling the hoops action, I'm going to stick with hockey again and offer this 3 team parlay which will pay around +155.

WASHINGTON CAPITALS (ML) VS TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
BOSTON BRUINS (ML) VS PHOENIX COYOTES
SAN JOSE SHARKS (ML) VS MINNESOTA WILD

POINTSPREAD PETE 3/5

PENN STATE +1 VS ILLINOIS

TONIGHT IN PHOENIX

SLAPSHOT BOB-3/5

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (+120) VS FLORIDA PANTERS

BOOM GOES THE BILL GUERIN DYNAMITE.

SOMEONE GRAB A FIRE EXTINGUISER!

Now is the time to act, people. Coach K, Mr. Thursday Night and Pointspread Pete are firing on all cylinders. Since Hot Chicks & Picks opened about a month ago, all 3 expert handicappers are in the black when counting units. Mr. Thursday Night has clearly established himself as the NHL expert, making Slapshot Bob put his stick between his legs and run for cover. Coach K is offering up multiple college basketball winners every single night and Pointspread Pete has been hammering the college ranks with daily locks that you can feel free to pass along to your mothers. They're that good. Whether you need money for spring break, are saving up money for an engagement ring or just need some extra cash for your gay porn addiction, Hot Chicks & Picks is the place to call home. And remember kids, sports gaming is only legal in the state of Nevada!

COACH K-3/4

Updated overall record +20.55 units:
5* 3-1 75% +9.5 units
4* 4-1-1 80% +11.6 units
3* 19-11-1 63% +22.05 units
2* 55-63 47% -28.6 units
1* 94-80 54% (includes the system plays 43-25) +6 units

I made a little bit of a mistake in my previous math stating that we were up 42.95 units on our 3* and above, but it is actually 43.15 units so I was off by 0.2. You can see that we are not able to hit our goal of 53% in the 2* plays through 3.5 weeks but we have seen a higher percentage hitting since I made my adjustments. We will need to hit around 60% of our 2* plays over the next 100 to bring us back in the black. And if history tells us anything, I believe by the end of of March or early April we should be right back to where we want to be.

What's on tap tonight? We look to cash our 9th top play in a row this evening!! I stepped out big time last night and was able cash both of our 5* wagers as well as the 3* and tonight I'm going to be stepping out again!!

NCAA
4* Mizzouri -3 at bodog (buy half) This might get to 3 on it's own with all the OU action
2* Kentucky -17.5, BYU -8, Western Mich -0.5/Boston College +7.5 (5.5pt teaser), A&M/Colorado under 128, FAU +13.5
1* UAB/Utep over 147.5, Kentucky/Georgia over 133

NBA
3* Mavs -2.5 (buy half)
2* Celtics -7, Suns +3
2* Thunder -4.5
1* Cavs/Bucks under 198, Spurs/Mavs under 189

POINTSPREAD PETE-3/4

Pointspread Pete is calling this his biggest play so far!

MISSOURI -4 VS OKLAHOMA

LOCK OF THE DAY-3/4

BY MR. THURSDAY NIGHT-Take the Buffalo ML vs Montreal and Detroit ML vs Colorado. This 2 team parlay will pay around +190. Other leans tonight include Oklahoma +4 at Missouri and Minnesota -2 vs Wisconsin.