No crab for you..sadly. Mrs. Holliday hustled into the room on Thursday night to check the score of the Rams vs. Niners game. Her interest was very self-focused, as she asked for an update on my 49ers play. As you’ll note from last week’s column, San Francisco was tagged as my “Uber Eats” play of the week, meaning Mrs. Holiday and I were going to enjoy a roasted crab dish we love, in honor of a memorable dinner, and a roasted crab dish we shared at Thanh Long in San Francisco.
But the Niners weren’t covering. It wasn’t all dire though, as she plunked down to watch Brock Purdy and the offense start what we hoped would be a long and fruitful drive; one that ended with a TD and the points we needed to cover the three points. As we watched Purdy badly overthrow Juaun Jennings leading to that “nail-in-the-coffin” interception. It was over. The crab will have to wait for another week. I did end up 2-1 ATS with my picks last week. I guess if I was going to lose one, that was the one to lose, as the Winner’s Edge handicapping team had a Best Bet on the other side of my play, a bet they won on the Rams. So it wasn’t all bad.
This week, the Uber Eats pick will be smoked brisket and sweet tea (spiked with vodka) if the Cowboys can do their part and help that Under cash. Mrs. Holliday and I enjoyed a brisket meal at Off the Bone BBQ in Dallas, fairly recently, that was heavenly.
Good luck.
Last Week: 2-1 ATS
Season Record: 30-14-1 ATS
College
SMU vs. Penn State
Get ready to get chilly SMU. Really chilly. The temps are going to be downright frigid when this one kicks off, with some swirling snow. That is not going to play to the Mustangs advantage. Penn State’s strong D, and efficient offense will be on display. SMU managed to slide into one of those last CFP spots and had a good year, but the way this one breaks down for me, they’re going to be overmatched in a very difficult road environment.
Play: I’m on Penn State -8.5
Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State
The diabolical transfer portal timing has impacted both teams in a pretty significant way in this bowl game. Neither will have the services of their starting QBs, who have bounced looking for greener pastures. In addition to their QB heading out, Fresno also lost two top receivers, and defensive starters. That level of attrition is going to be hard to overcome. Toss in this NIU team is stacked with seniors who will be highly motivated to win their final collegiate game, vs. a team they should beat.
Play: I’m on Northern Illinois -3.
NFL
Cowboys vs. Bucs
I had this one circled to keep an eye on last week, before both played their Week 15 games. I thought if they can both, or at least one of them, put up some points, we should get a nice Total that sets up for a possible Under play. And the Bucs came though for us, hanging 40 on a good Charger defense, and the Cowboys pitched in as well, with a 30-point effort. That resulted in a 48.5 number on this matchup, the highest Total of the week. I like the set-up for this Under. The Dallas defense is playing better. The Bucs are back from the West Coast fresh from popping off. Both teams need this win, even the Cowboys who are still competing hard. Both teams can run the ball, chewing the clock. I’m on the Under.
Play: I’m on the Under