Well, today is Friday so it is time for another round of My Weekend Sports Picks, but first, I must rant about Mother Nature and winter weather. Never have I ever been so frustrated by winter weather conditions and their effects on my plans than today. Apparently, the weather God’s forgot that Laura and I had plans to fly to DC for the weekend to visit my mom and George. The trip has been scheduled since November and every detail from the time we touched down to wheels up had been carefully planned.
What are the odds that one of the worst blizzards is scheduled to hit DC on the same weekend that we are planning to watch the Hoyas take on the 2nd ranked Wildcats of Villanova??? You would think not probably, right? I went to work this morning with a positive attitude and really thought I would be spending the weekend eating at my favorite DC establishments, watching two great teams battle on the hardwood, and hanging with my family. This outlook was warranted as the worst weather was not supposed to start until late afternoon/evening. Well, my mood quickly soured when I received a text from my mom at 7:36 a.m. It read, “I am so sorry, but your flight has been canceled.” I am pretty sure my jaw dropped about 4 ½ inches at this point and I can confirm that my eyes instantly welled up and I had to fight off the urge to bang my fists on the desk. I had to keep in mind that I was at work. I immediately logged onto the Delta website. I needed to see it to believe it. After all, the flight was not supposed to leave until 1 p.m.—5 ½ hours later; they could not be canceling it this early. Much to my dismay, the website confirmed my mom’s text. I was so frustrated I could scream. I broke the news to Laura and George that there would no longer be a Cullen gathering in the nation’s capital this weekend. It should be noted that we explored every possible option from Amtrak to driving the 14.5 hours to flying to Newark or Philly to get to DC. Unfortunately, with each alternative transportation method researched, the likelihood of getting to DC dwindled. At about 9:00 a.m. we called off the dogs and accepted the fact that Mother Nature had the cruel ability to create blizzards and disastrous winter weather; thus, leaving you helpless and unable to travel. As you can tell this was a pretty devastating day, so if my picks seem a little lackluster you know the reason.
Villanova at Georgetown: Why not start with the game that I was supposed to watch in person. Two teams within the Top 10 meeting head to head should result in a very competitive and exciting basketball game. Both teams have great guards in their starting five, but I expect Greg Monroe to be the difference maker. He is continuing to prove himself every week and this is another opportunity for him to do so on a national stage. Plus, the Hoyas need a win after South Florida pulled up a surprising upset earlier in the week. Hoyas 73 vs. Wildcats 68.
Michigan State at Illinois: Sparty should plan on picking up its second straight conference loss down in Champaign this weekend. Combine the loss of Kalin Lucas and a Big Ten road game and you have a vulnerable MSU team. Illinois is currently in the logjam for 2nd place in the Conference and a win would keep them right in the hunt. Purdue, Wisconsin, and Ohio State would appreciate an Illinois victory as well. Hopefully, the Orange Crush can bring its A game and take down the fighting Izzos. Illini 68 vs. Spartans 61
Texas at Oklahoma: This Red River Rivalry is always a spirited battle and will be no different this weekend. Texas has been reeling lately and can be shaky on the road. The Sooners have been a disappointment since the departure of Blake Griffin. It is time for Willie Warren and Tiny Gallon to step up and take down a ranked team. Sooners 76 vs. Longhorns 74
Gonzaga at Memphis: I just have a hunch that the Tigers may beat up on the Zags tomorrow. Memphis is very athletic and should be able to compete with the talented Gonzaga roster. Expect an up and down game with loads of offense and not a ton of defense. My kind of game! Tigers 78 vs. Bulldogs 71
Temple at Richmond: I do not know enough about these teams to pick a score but Richmond will shock the #18 Temple Owls this weekend.
Vanderbilt at Georgia: The Bulldogs will pull off another home upset of a ranked opponent. Expect the Commodores to travel back to Nashville disappointed.
I am refraining from picking the Wisconsin/Michigan game as I have a bit of a conflict of interest. My mind is telling me that the Badgers are prime for an upset, as the Wolverines play a lot better at home. They also have great talent in Manny Harris and Deshawn Sims that do not always show up on the road. However, my heart is telling me that I love the red and white and cannot pick against the Badgers. So, I am not going to do it. Go Bucky.
Super Bowl Pick: Indianapolis Colts. My only wish is that this game lives up to the hype. Two dynamic offenses that are each lead by outstanding quarterbacks should result in a high scoring, entertaining affair. Defensively, I give the edge to the Colts with or without Dwight Freeney. If he plays Indianapolis will have a much easier time putting pressure on Brees and disrupting the high flying scoring attack of the Saints. Furthering my argument is number 18 in blue and white; it would be really hard for me to pick against Peyton Manning, who with a victory will cement his legacy as one of the greatest, if not the best, quarterbacks of all time. Colts 31 vs. Saints 27.
Call your bookie immediately,
The Bean Spiller
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Jeannie you can feel better about missing this weekend in Dc in that I have been here since thursday and have had my flights cancelled on Sun. and now Mon. Next go at it is Tues. to get back to sunny FL. we have been trudging around unplowed streets and eating pretty good buffets at the marriott with guests and "overnight" employees who can't get home. most stores and restaurants on M St. are closed so no shopping and no great food. so...except for being very pleased to spend more time with George you haven't missed much being in WI. You are with Lo---what more do you want!!!! Seriously, we are warm, have food, beds to sleep in and the people at the marriott and all of Georgetown have been great during the blizzard. Now if US Air can get us out on Tues am.
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