Leaders

Our leaders come from this beautiful place. San Rafael, California is one of my favorite places in the world.

This is the farmer's market. It is incredible. Great eats... and soap. Love it.

The mission and downtown.

Two of our leaders reside in the beauty that is San Rafael, California.

But we have a mystery leader. One Sabrina Mango. She ran off a 6 and 0 day today. She is the girlfriend of one Matt Baker. I do not have a picture but I know she goes to school here.

I love the Arizona State campus. Such great architecture in my opinion. And I visit when the weather is below 100 degrees. What a day for Ms. Mango.

The Final Day

Well, I believe we will go down to the end as usual. Should there be a tie, I will contact the contestants and they will pick the winning team of the National Championship game and the total points to be scored. Should it go to points, the picker that gets closest to the final score will win.

Here are the final bowl game previews.

Seventeenth Bowl: Outback Bowl
Teams: Mississippi State v. Iowa
Sponsor: Outback Steakhouse
Setting: Tampa Bay, Florida
Consensus Vegas Line: Mississippi St. -7; Over/Under 40.5

Iowa is always in this game. They had a solid season like they always do in the Big Ten. Their stars are on defense. Mississippi State also had a solid year, especially with their wins against Auburn and their rivals Ole Miss. They have a running quarterback in Nick Fitzgerald that Iowa will have to contain with their linebackers.

Outback steaks stink. They are dry. Go to a local steakhouse and stay out of this awful chain.

Eighteenth Bowl: Citrus Bowl

Teams: Kentucky v. Penn State

Sponsor: VRBO

Setting: Orlando, Florida

Consensus Vegas Line: Penn State -6.5; Over/Under 47

Both these teams had nine wins but could not win games against powerhouses in their conferences. Penn State especially was embarrassed in big games. Kentucky features running back Benny Snell; Penn State features quarterback Trace McSorley. The team who gets a better performance from their defensive line should win.

We talked Orlando food already. Enjoy Disney.

Nineteenth Bowl: Fiesta Bowl

Teams: Central Florida v. LSU

Sponsor: PlayStation (Sony)

Setting: Phoenix, Arizona

Consensus Vegas Line: LSU -7.5; Over/Under 58

I would hate to be LSU here. Central Florida has not lost in two years, but because they don't play in a power five conference they are being portrayed as underdogs. LSU is known for defense and a rushing offense. Central Florida just wins. They changed quarterbacks in the middle of the year and still just win. 

If you go to the Phoenix area find a hole in the wall or food truck that serves a Navajo Taco. I once found a place in Tempe that has since disappeared that served the fry bread wonder tacos that are straight from heaven. 

Twentieth Bowl: Rose Bowl

Teams: Washington v. Ohio State

Sponsor: Northwestern Mutual

Setting: Pasadena, California

Consensus Vegas Line: Ohio State -6.5; Over/Under 57.5

The Pac-12 had a down year. Washington limped to the Pac-12 title with a final win over in state rivals Washington State and a victory in the Pac-12 title game against Utah. If the Huskies are to challenge, running back Myles Gaskin will have to find some running room. Ohio State lost only once but everyone hates them because of head coach Urban Myer. This will be his last game and quarterback Dwayne Haskins should dominate.

Interesting fun fact: during the depression my grandfather left north Texas and traveled to southern California. He worked at a Van De Kamps restaurant. I don't know if the one pictured was the one he worked at, but maybe it was. I wonder if they served beanie weenies?

Twenty-first Bowl: Sugar Bowl

Teams: Texas v. Georgia

Sponsor: Allstate

Setting: New Orleans, Louisiana

Consensus Vegas Line: Georgia -12.5; Over/Under 58.5

Georgia should kill us. (I say "us" because I graduated from Texas in 1991.) We had a decent season. We beat Oklahoma during the regular season. We finished second in the Big 12, but we lost to West Virginia, Oklahoma State, and embarrassingly Maryland for the second time in two seasons. So we have no business being in this game. Georgia has lost some players to NFL draft preparation, but quarterback Jake Fromm has plenty of weapons to use. Georgia had the athletes to stay with Alabama in the SEC championship and arguably should have won. They should have won the NCAA Title Game last year in this blogger's opinion. If Texas has a strength it is their wide receiver corps. Lil' Jordan (yes, that's his name and his mother is a great Twitter follow @queenchevy) Humphrey and Calvin Johnson are just fun to watch when they are involved in the offense sufficiently. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger went to my high school, Austin Westlake, but he is no Drew Brees or Nick Foles as of yet. Texas has some defensive talent but their are some injuries that will hurt us. Word is we are undersized and Georgia may run over us. It may be painful, and by the end of the night I may be watching Office reruns on Netflix. 

If you can't find good food in New Orleans you are not trying. I once went for the Final Four and ate alligator stew at a hole in the wall. It was pretty darn good. But whatever you have in the evening, do yourself a favor and wake up early and get some beignets at Cafe Du Monde. Get some of their coffee too. And then bring them to me.

Six Bowl Day (Also Known as New Year's Eve)

Oh my, are you ready for the next two days of bowls. We have 11 to watch. Eleven games to crown a Family Bowl Pool Champion. I am so excited.

Eleventh Bowl: Military Bowl
Teams: Cincinnati v. Virginia Tech
Sponsor: Northrup Grumman
Setting: Annapolis, Maryland
Consensus Vegas Line: Cincinnati -6.5; Over/Under 53.5

Quick previews here: Cincinnati has a great defense. Virginia Tech has a passing dominated offense. Look to see if the Bearkats can stop the trio of Virginia Tech wide receivers and get sacks.

Food? If you're in Maryland get some crab cakes. Delicious.

Twelfth Bowl: Sun Bowl
Teams: Pittsburgh v. Stanford
Sponsor: Hyundai
Setting: El Paso, Texas
Consensus Vegas Line: Stanford -4.5; Over/Under 52

Bryce Love will not play for Stanford. They feature a rather large wide receiver named J.J. Arcega-Whiteside instead. Pitt has two 1000 yard running backs, Darrin Hall and Qadree Ollison. They will battle it out in the scenic Sun Bowl where you can literally see Mexico from the stands. 

Food? From the actual Sun Bowl travel up Interstate 10 to Interstate 25 and head to the Hatch Valley. Find a quaint restaurant and order a glass of milk. You will then eat some of the hottest, spiciest food you will ever have in your life. It is oh so good, but I bet there are some dishes you won't be able to finish because of the spicy heat. Maybe my favorite food of all.

Thirteenth Bowl: Redbox Bowl
Teams: Michigan St. v. Oregon
Sponsor: Redbox
Setting: Santa Clara, California
Consensus Vegas Line: Oregon -2; Over/Under 47.5

The Ducks of Oregon feature a quarterback named Justin Hebert who has been hot lately. Michigan State disappointed this year. They struggled to score. However, they have a stout defense and usually perform well in bowl games. One of the lowest over/under predictions from Vegas. Look for a low scoring affair.

If you're in California, don't you have to try In-N-Out Burger? Evidently there is a secret menu. Lately they have turned up in Texas. I've never been to a Texas In-N-Out, but I've been to Palo Alto, California In-N-Out. Not great, but not bad. What's your favorite fast food burger?

Fourteenth Bowl: Liberty Bowl
Teams: Missouri v. Oklahoma St.
Sponsor: AutoZone
Setting: Memphis, Tennessee
Consensus Vegas Line: Missouri -9; Over/Under 72.5

From a low scoring game in California to a high scoring game predicted in Tennessee. Missouri is led by quarterback Drew Lock and Oklahoma State is led by Taylor Cornelius. Both teams have prolific offenses. Missouri is heavily favored, but Oklahoma State has Coach Mike Gundy and he usually has some fun up his sleeve to go along with the best coaching mullet in football.

Memphis = Barbecue. See previous posts on barbecue. 

Fifteenth Bowl: Holiday Bowl
Teams: Northwestern v. Utah
Sponsor: San Diego Credit Union
Setting: San Diego, California
Consensus Vegas Line: Utah -7; Over/Under 46

If you like smash mouth football this may be the game for you. Both Northwestern and Utah like to run the ball. They have serviceable quarterbacks. But, they rely on their defenses. Maybe first team to 20 wins.

The first time I had fish tacos I was in San Diego. It was a little dive next to Balboa Park. Now you can find fish tacos everywhere. With lent approaching, look for more chances to have fish tacos. There's a Mexican place I go to just down the street from my office that will begin serving them every Friday. Delicioso!

Sixteenth Bowl: Taxslayer Gator Bowl
Teams: Texas A&M v. North Carolina State
Sponsor: Taxslayer
Setting: Jacksonville, Florida
Consensus Vegas Line: Texas A&M -7; Over/Under 56

Is this thing called the Taxslayer Bowl or the Gator Bowl? North Carolina State is missing two of its best players who are sitting out because of the NFL Draft - one on offense, one on defense. Texas A&M features quarterback Kellen Mond who is from San Antonio. A&M has new coach Jimbo Fischer and a whole lot of positive mojo after beating LSU in a seven overtime thriller. North Carolina State has a chance to win 10 games and has quietly put together a solid season. Both teams can score. Take the over. I have no idea who will win. Vegas likes the Aggies by a touchdown.

I hear when in Jacksonville you have to visit the Metro Diner for chicken and waffles. Now I'm late to the chicken and waffle party but some people swear by it. We have a place close by called The South that features chicken and waffles. I prefer waffles to pancakes because as my son Joe says, the crannies catch the butter and syrup. I've been to The South one time and plan to go back. Judging by their parking lot though, I don't think they are going to make it. 

Good luck!

Our Leader

See the man on the left? He is currently leading the pool. Chris Ross, famed Bonsai Tree farmer (is that the right term?), has become the sole leader with a sterling 8-2 record. We have a break today and then on Monday we have a monster six game day. I'll be spending most of the day getting your preview ready. Until then, all hail the left coast master!

Current Standings Report

Of our three leaders, two reside in Jamestown, North Carolina. They live close to this:

This is the railroad bridge that you drive under to get to Jamestown proper. It lies very close to the residence of RC and Kathy Smith and Guilford Tech Community College. It is often mistaken as Lydia's Bridge. However, I believe this is Lydia's Bridge:

It lies 100 feet away. Now according to a rather weird website a ghost inhabits the original Lydia's bridge. Lydia was a hitchhiker killed in the 1920's. Her ghost will evidently ask you for a ride home and then disappear suddenly when you arrive at her house. The website's author uses some rather questionable logic to verify the existence of the ghost by reasoning that the state went to the trouble of expensively erecting the replacement bridge solely for the purpose of stopping people from picking up Lydia's ghost. I wonder if Lydia can pick football games as well as RC and Kathy Smith? Could it be that RC and Kathy picked up Lydia one night prior to submitting their picks and used her supernatural powers to see into the future? 

Day Three

We have four bowls on day three, including the national semi-finals. I'm not sure why they don't want these games on New Year's Day, but I guess they think Saturday will get them better ratings. Let's start the preview fun.

Seventh Bowl: Peach Bowl
Teams: Florida v. Michigan
Sponsor: Chick-Fil-A
Setting: Atlanta, Georgia
Consensus Vegas Line: Michigan -6; Over/Under 51 

These teams play often in bowl games. This year's version should be a defensive affair. Michigan should have the advantage with an experienced coach and quarterback. But the Gators have the SEC pedigree and should have more fan support at the venue. 

Do you like Chick Fil-A? My wife, children and I think there is a drug in the chicken that makes you crave it. I love waffle fries, too. What's your favorite fast food chicken? I think my children love the Whataburger chicken strips, but when it comes to the chicken sandwich, it's Chick Fil-A hands down.

Eighth Bowl: Belk Bowl
Teams: South Carolina v. Virginia
Sponsor: Belk
Setting: Charlotte, North Carolina
Consensus Vegas Line: South Carolina -4.5; Over/Under 54

My east coast readers should know more about this game than I do. Evidently the Gamecocks will be without their star wide receiver as he is another player who has decided to sit out the bowl game in order to get ready for the draft. Thanks money! Anyway, this should be about defense more than offense. Look for a grinder of a game to start the day.

Get a load of this. This is what they consider to be barbecue in North Carolina. There is a great debate between the Commissioner of this Bowl Pool and the Commissioner Emeritus as to what is and is not proper barbecue. What is pictured above is considered a delicacy by the Commissioner Emeritus. It is considered quaint local fare by the Commissioner. Oh well, should you find yourself stranded in Charlotte, try Bill Spoon's. Get this, they brag about serving macaroni and cheese with their barbecue in Charlotte...C'mon now, have some pride people!

Ninth Bowl: Cotton Bowl
Teams: Notre Dame v. Clemson
Sponsor: Goodyear
Setting: Arlington, Texas
Consensus Vegas Line: Clemson -12.5; Over/Under 56.5

Clemson has lost three players including their best defensive lineman to suspension due to performance enhancing drugs. They are still a double digit favorite to beat the Irish. The Tigers have a stud running back named Travis Etienne to rely on and a hotshot quarterback named Trevor Lawrence - but he is a freshman. Notre Dame has a stout defense and that mystique. So don't count them out if things don't go the Tigers' way from the opening kick. I smell a possible upset. I also smell...

Now folks, this is what barbecue really looks like. Try not to slobber over the image on your computer screen you could short out the machine. Texas is where you find the true deliciousness of brisket, sausage, and chicken cooked to perfection by people who understand food. If you are in the Arlington/Fort Worth area, amble over to Angelo's or Heim's for meat the way God intended it to be served and enjoyed.

Tenth Bowl: Orange Bowl
Teams: Oklahoma v. Alabama
Sponsor: Capital One
Setting: Miami, Florida
Consensus Vegas Line: Alabama 14; Over/Under 78

Nick Saban, the man I wanted as coach at Texas back in the late 90's pre-Mack Brown, is the heavy favorite again to raise the national championship trophy. His quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, has a high ankle sprain but the back-up Jalen Hurts has a 26-2 lifetime record and came off the bench to win the SEC title game, so give me a break. Alabama has studs at every position. They are fun to watch but, well, they always win. They are the UConn Women of college football. Oklahoma has an offense. Kyler Murray will be their quarterback. His dad was a stud at Texas A&M when I was in college and his uncle Calvin played baseball at Texas when I was in college. (He also played major league baseball for the Giants.) But, Oklahoma has a suspect defense. In fact, when they lost to Texas their defensive coordinator was fired. Unless Alabama falls behind and panics, they should win.

As the game will be played in Miami, I thought I'd ask if you've ever had a Cuban sandwich. I absolutely love them. That grilled bread and the flavors of the meats just speak to my Caribbean soul (I don't really have any Caribbean roots, but I do love these sandwiches). The Miami New Times says the best Cuban can be found at a place called Little Bread. I've never been to Miami. Who will take me?

Day Two Preview

We have another triple-header. The bowls are very dense this year so plan your television watching accordingly. For instance, I just finished a margarita (or several) with some nachos at a local eatery while I watched the Pinstripe Bowl and waited for Ana to get out of work. (She's not driving yet because of the eye surgery. Long story for another blog.)

Fourth Bowl: Music City Bowl
Teams: Auburn v. Purdue
Sponsor: Franklin American Mortgage Company
Setting: Nashville, Tennessee
Consensus Vegas Line: Auburn -3.5; Over/Under 55.5

The Music City Bowl features traditional SEC powerhouse Auburn and the Big Ten's Purdue. Purdue has a super fan named Tyler Trent who is fighting cancer. He was featured on the night when Purdue obliterated Ohio State during the season. Tyler will be at the game so Purdue has the intangible edge. Auburn should win behind veteran quarterback Jarett Stidham. We will see.

You ever find yourself in Nashville, head over to the Peg Leg Porker. Don't go to the Music City Bowl and waste time watching mediocre football. Watch it on television as you dine on God's gift to pork barbecue. Sorry North Carolina readers, but I literally died and went to heaven during the 20 minutes I ate the cuisine at this Nashville treasure. I was crushed when Joe decided not to apply to Vanderbilt just because I wouldn't have an excuse to visit him and go back to the Peg Leg Porker.

Fifth Bowl: Camping World Bowl
Teams: Syracuse v. West Virginia
Sponsor: Camping World
Setting: Orlando, Florida
Consensus Vegas Line: Syracuse -2.5; Over/Under 66

Syracuse plays the Mountaineers in the land of Disney. West Virginia lost the services of quarterback Will Grier who decided to get ready for the draft (eye roll). So Coach Dana Holgorsen, the biggest jerk in the Big 12, will have to play his back up quarterbacks. Syracuse lost two studs on their defensive line, but kept their star quarterback Eric Dungey. So who knows what will happen here. West Virginia should have played Oklahoma for a chance to go to the CFP but they lost games they should not have due to a weak defense. If they don't find some defense they could be in trouble in the sunshine state.

Do you like cajun seafood? Orlando is the home of Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. My college buds and I love Pappadeaux's. We went there to celebrate our graduations in one of the most epic celebrations Austin has ever seen. I love their whole menu. I know it's a chain but sometimes a chain can maintain a quality that is worth it to the middle class man. (You really can't go wrong with the pan seared tilapia, the oysters, or the coconut shrimp.)

Sixth Bowl: Alamo Bowl
Teams: Iowa State v. Washington State
Sponsor: Valero
Setting: San Antonio, Texas
Consensus Vegas Line: Washington State -2.5; Over/Under 57.5

San Antonio welcomes the Pirate, Crazy Coach Mike Leach, and his Washington State Cougars as they face off against the Iowa State Cyclones. Washington State features a strong passing game with quarterback Gardner Minshew (what a name). They were hot until they lost in their rivalry game against Washington in the Apple Cup game. Iowa State had their second straight impressive season. They feature running back David Montgomery and defensive end JaQuan Bailey. The Alamo Bowl is usually a wild affair so enjoy this as your night cap.

 If you go to San Antonio, eat one meal at Mi Tierra. It is open 24 hours so pick breakfast, lunch or dinner. My favorite meal is the Monterrey Special which features cabrito - goat, melt in your mouth deliciousness. It's not the greatest food, but the atmosphere is just quintessential San Antonio.

Enjoy your day!

Let's Start 2018-19!

It's a triple header of football bliss on the second day after Christmas to start our festival of prognostication. What follows is my traditional preview of each game with some interesting tidbits of culture surrounding the games, our country, or something off the top of my head. This year is a salute to food. Are you hungry? I hope so. Let's dive into some delicious football fare.

First Bowl: The Independence Bowl
Teams: Temple Owls v. Duke Blue Devils
Sponsor: Walk-On's Bistreaux and Bar
Setting: Shreveport, LA
Consensus Vegas Line: Temple -3.5; Over/Under 54.5

The Owls are the favorite with a veteran squad. Duke is limping into the game losing 4 of the last 6 and getting blown out in its last game. However, when Duke wins the turnover battle, they usually win.

We have a Walk-On's in San Antonio. They have a shrimp and grits meal that is oh so good. Shrimp and grits was made famous when a New York Times reporter raved about the dish in a review of a Chapel Hill, North Carolina, restaurant called Crook's Corner. RC Smith once told me this story over a meal at a restaurant in San Antonio, Texas, believe it or not. I have verified this account through the miracle of the internet at this link: https://www.peachdish.com/blog/WCtkxigAAMz95eP1/the-life--times-of-shrimp--grits. Have some soon. Enjoy our first game. I bet somewhere in Shreveport there is a place that serves some excellent shrimp and grits with a Cajun accent. MMMMMMM... I picked Temple. Most of you took Duke.

Second Bowl: Pinstripe Bowl
Teams: Miami Hurricane v. Wisconsin Badgers
Sponsor: New Era
Setting: New York City
Consensus Vegas Line: Miami -3; Over/Under 47

Weather may play a factor here. It is forecast to be in the 30's. Miami features a stout defense but have had quarterback problems. Wisconsin underachieved on defense but feature a solid offensive line, as usual, and a stout running game.

As far as food goes, the game is being played at Yankee Stadium. Now, I went to the original Yankee Stadium and had a quite memorable hot dog there. What is the best hot dog you have had? I can tell you I have had great hot dogs in my life and the best have been at major league ball parks. The best? A Wrigley Field center field bleacher hot dog. It was incredible. 2nd? A chili dog at the Atlanta Braves ball park on the night I saw Randy Johnson pitch a perfect game.What a memory that was! (I had to explain to my then boss what a perfect game was and why we could not leave during the 7th inning.) 3rd? The hot dog I had at Yankee Stadium: a Nathan's in a bun that was more like a split loaf of bread than a traditional bun.

Third Bowl: Texas Bowl
Teams: Baylor Bears v. Vanderbilt Commodores
Sponsor: Academy
Setting: Houston, Texas
Consensus Vegas Line: Vanderbilt -4; Over/Under 55.5

Baylor is inexplicably being allowed to participate in post season football. It's embarrassing. What's also embarrassing is that they have the son of the great Robert Brewer (A UT LEGEND) quarterbacking their team. Charlie Brewer can play but is inconsistent. Vanderbilt found a running game and an improved offensive line to end their year strong and become bowl eligible. Their defense is suspect. Bet the over!

Houston is the home to the Landry's group of restaurants. Landry's proper features seafood. I once watched the Final Four at Landry's and enjoyed a delicious dish of crawfish, boiled potatoes, and corn of the cob. Landry's also serves a crawfish bread that is to die for. Crawfish are also known as crayfish, crawdads, mudbugs, and freshwater lobsters. My mother can tell you a story of when we were driving through Louisiana when I was a young kid and we got served crawfish by a very kind restaurant owner. We have festivals down here that feature the crawfish. C'mon down anytime in the spring and let's feast!

Well, good luck gambling people. I look forward to the battle beginning tomorrow. I hope all of you have had a great Christmas!