Hey football fans, Lou from the Coast here, back for another go at picking more winners for you in college and pro football. Last week, I was 5-1, so let's keep the momentum going:
 
College:
 
Michigan State +3.5 over Notre Dame
Can you say overrated? Notre Dame laid an egg last week at home against Michigan, and that will continue this week at East Lansing against an underrated Michigan State squad. The Spartans blew out Pittsburgh on the road last week and they're looking to get back into the Top 25.

Cal -7.5 over Arizona State
Forget Cal's opening game loss in Knoxville, this team is the real deal. Arizona State is very talented but they'll be no match for Marhsawn Lynch and his Golden Bear teammates.
Iowa -20 over Illinois
It took Hawkeye's QB Drew Tate a little while to get going last week against Iowa State, but once he did, Iowa rolled to a 10-point win. Illinois might be the worst major conference team in the country. Actually, I'm being kind, the Illini are TERRIBLE! Iowa rolls.
 
NFL:

Baltimore -6.5 over Cleveland
Maybe the Ravens don't need an offense after all. Charlie Frye isn't much different from Chris Simms and Andrew Walter, which is a good thing for the Ravens' defense. McNair has been solid yet unspectacular thus far. If the other team can't score, it may not matter. Look for another Ravens blowout.

BEST Bet of the Week

New England -6.5 over Denver
Welcome back Jake Plummer, we sure missed you last year when you suddenly turned clutch. It's great for us gamblers to have you back where you belong. Remember who knocked off the Pats in the AFC playoffs last year after that bogus pass interference call. New England gets revenge here.

New Orleans +3 over Atlanta
Yes, Michael Vick seems to have finally figured out who he is, and it's been scary for opponents thus far. Drew Brees has led the Saints to two road wins and the emotion of the re-opening of the Superdome is too much to play against. Look for Reggie Bush to make a smashing Monday Night debut behind the backdrop of a rebuilt Superdome. Saints pull the upset.
 
See you next week right here in PressBox, the exclusive home of Lou from the Coast.

Issue 1.22: September 21, 2006