I hope everybody had a better Turkey Day than the Lions, who went down the toilet right after Ndamukong Suh decided to become a WWF bad guy. The Ravens took care of business in the Har-Brawl but we finished 1-2 overall. I took Houston earlier today in what seemed like a trap game but they proved to be too talented for Tulsa, winning 48-16. We’ll take the Holiday weekend to regroup. 
Here we go!……-Fireman Mike
The Hokies have historically gotten better as the season’s gone on under Frank Beamer, especially against the spread. They’re 8-2 against the number over the last three season in weeks 10-13, finishing strong only to implode in their Bowl Game. This isn’t a Bowl gam ebut it will virtually guarantee them a bid if they can pull off a win, something I expect to happen. Logan Thomas will enter next season as a legit Heisman candidate and while he’s definitely deserving the offense runs through RB David Wilson, a freak athleticall. Virginia doesn’t have much to answer the Hokies offensive attack especially if VT scores a few early. This one could be over in a hurry, regardless of where it’s being played.
Virginia Tech rolls, 37-13, and clinches a spot in the ACC Championship Game sponsored by the flying cows and Chic-Fil-a.
South Carolina -4 vs. ClemsonSorry Muck! The Gamecocks are loaded on both sides of the ball and while the Tigers have put together a tremendous year they’re also proving they’re the same old program that loses when it counts. This Clemson team has about three really good years ahead of itself -even with an outside National Title shot in its future- but 2011 is going to end on a note that they can use for motivation in the weight room over the summer. The game is going to come down to an SEC-sized-and-skilled line on both sides of the ball against one from the ACC. The difference is noticable and those concerns will have to be addressed through recruiting in the near future by Dabo Swinney. Connor Shaw has finally become comfortable in his role for SC which has brought better results in recent weeks. Those results will continue.
South Carolina wins a very entertaining game, 31-17, and also puts itself in position for a BCS berth.
Tampa Bay +3.5 @ TennesseeThese two teams are just about even in every category but Tampa Bay is simply playing better football at this point in the season. Both teams lost to playoff teams last weekend but the difference is that Tampa Bay learned something about itself in the process and the Titans go back to a quarterback that led them to a dismal seven points on offense against the Falcons. Josh Freeman and company are simply playing for pride but with a young QB and coaching staff many times that’s all the motivation you need. The Tampa defense is still formidable while the Titans offense is stuck in nuetral. This is going to be an ugly, low-scoring affair between two teams that struggled to form an identity in 2011.
Tampa wins on the field, 24-22, but we’ll take the points because they’re free.
Atlanta -9.5 vs. MinnesotaThe Vikings are without their offense, Adrian Peterson, due to a high ankle sprain and we’re going to realize he is just about as valuable to them as Peyton Manning is to the Colts. Granted, the Vikings defense still has a pulse but it’s certainly getting much weaker as the season boils down. Th efalcons on the other hand are in the fight of their life for a playoff bid and they realize the importance of picking up a game on the Lions while they have a chance.
Atlanta rolls to a 31-10 victory and there’s no need to worry about a ******** backdoor cover this week.
San Diego -6 vs. DenverI couldn’t be more sick of the Tim Tebow lovers out there but that’s not why I’m picking against the Broncos by any means. I’m taking the Chargers because they have a QB that can throw the ball -a spiral- more than 20 yards down the field without believing it being a minor miracle from God above when it’s caught. San Diego hasn’t been at their best of late but the pressure of a playoff race usually turns things around for Philip Rivers and company. When Tebow plays against a team with the inability to score points he can undoubtedly lead his team to victory. The Chargers aren’t that team.
San Diego wins 23-10 and is right back in the hunt for a division title, regardless of whether or not they truly deserve to be.
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