Lockdown: Updated count

By Nate Sandstrom

After blowing the Eagles-Giants game big-time last week, it looks like I am hanging up the "lock" predictions for the season (though I'll take the points in my pool in both games this weekend). I'm not sure if Mark will have any picks this weekend.

It looks like we both finish up for the year on the 100 per game system that avoids exotic bets (i.e. parlays, teasers, etc.) We both fought off mid-season swoons, with Mark closing with eight straight wins ATS and me finishing 9-2-1 ATS.

Here's a look at the final count for those keeping count at home:

ATS
Nate: 27-21-2 (+390)
Mark: 17-10 (+600)

Money line upsets:
Nate: 4-11 (+170)
Mark: 1-5 (-190)

Hey, you can't picks like these for free everywhere.

So, what else is in the news?

You'll probably hear even less from me than you have been in the less month into March, I'm switching to full basketball, hockey and baseball mode. See you at spring practices and the draft!

Oh, heck, one more prediction. Josh McDaniels were be nearly as bad a hire for Denver as Gene Chizik was Iowa State (FYI: Chizik went 5-19, 2-14 in the Big 12 and lost to an FCS team during his two-year tenure in Ames).

Playoff Lockdown

By Nate Sandstrom


Philadelphia at New York Giants (-4)

Philadelphia seems to be a trendy pick all of a sudden, but before you join the herd let's think about the following items:

1) Despite wins at Minnesota last week and in their last trip to the Meadowlands, the Eagles have often struggled on the road this season (see loss at Washington, tie at Cincy).

2) As mentioned, the Eagles D held New York in check last time they played, but the Giants have had the edge overall in recent meetings, winning the previous three.

3) Minnesota outgained the Eagles by 80 yards on the ground, and they abandoned the rush attack early.

Sorry phickle Philly phans, but your roller coaster season is about to plunge. Feel free to resume your calls for Andy Reid's head, Donovan McNabb's head and start crying again.

The Giants will get their ground game going early and be able to hit slant routes to battle the blitz. It may not be a full-fledged blowout, but I expect New York to be in control the whole time.

Pick: New York 27 Phialdelphia 13

Final Top 25 poll

By Nate Sandstrom

Another college football season is in the books and overall I rate it unspectacular in comparison with some recent years. Maybe that's partly because I've never been an avid follower of the Big 12 South or the SEC and those two divisions/conferences were involved in the biggest games each Saturday this season.

I think the greatest moment is probably Michael Crabtree's catch over Texas that cost the 'Horns a shot at a national title. Other moments/points I will always remember were Ole Miss stopping Tim Tebow on a fourth and one to preserve an upset, Georgia Tech gashing Georgia's defense in third quarter of that rivalry game, that tipped Allen Everidge interception that Michigan ran back for a TD (which began the Badgers' lost season), how awful the Clemson offense was in the season opener agaist Alabama and Pittsburgh stopping West Virginia's final drive to win the Backyard Brawl for the second straight year.

Last but certainly not least is the way in which Utah sliced Alabama's defense on their first drive in the Sugar Bowl and cruised to a 21-0 lead. I was so impressed with the win, which I essentially count as a road game, that I am joining 16 other AP writers in putting the Utes #1.

For all the teeth-nashing about not having a college football playoff, this is only the second time I remember ranking a team #1 that did not get a share of the national title (1994 Penn State is the other).

I'm still not going to yell for a playoff, but if something playoff-like is installed, here's what I would like to see:

Play all bowl games as normal, and make sure they are all done by New Year's Day (there were only like five New Year's game this year, it was awful). Then select four teams that won their bowl games and have a mini-playoff. It would still be done by Jan. 15, before spring semester begins at most schools.

For what it is (or isn't) worth, here are my final rankings (W-L, pvs rank):
1) Utah (13-0, 10). Most impressive of any of the BCS teams in their bowl game.
2) Florida (12-1, 1). Clutch takeaways give Gators official title.
3) USC (12-1, 5). Also a dominating bowl performance, but it was a home game.
4) Texas (12-1, 3). McCoy should've been Heisman; led another clutch drive in Fiesta Bowl.
5) Oklahoma (12-2, 2). You can't get inside the six twice and come away with no points.
6) Alabama (12-2, 4). #1 rankings seems like a long time ago.
7) TCU (11-2, 14). Knocks Boise from ranks of undefeated and came closest to beating Utah.
8) Boise State (12-1, 8). Another great year, including win at Oregon.
9) Penn State (11-2, 6). What if Iowa missed that kick and PSU's secondary was in title game?
10) Ohio State (10-3, 9). Think Bucks are looking forward to hosting USC next Sept.?
11) Texas Tech (11-2, 7). Disappointing Cotton Bowl, but at least they've kept their coach.
12) Oregon (10-3, 13). Just another 10-win season in Eugene.
13) Georgia (10-3, 16). Despite rocky times, end their season with a New Year's win.
14) Mississippi (9-4, 17). Beat Florida, Texas Tech and LSU in banner year.
15) Oklahoma State (9-4, 11). A young team that will try to avoid step back next year.
16) Virginia Tech (10-4, 23). At least they snapped ACC's 8-game BCS losing streak.
17) Cincinnati (11-3, 12). Wish they could have that Orange Bowl over.
18) Oregon State (9-4, 21). Three losses to teams in my Top 12.
19) Pittsburgh (9-4, 19). Bowl game shutout a sour end.
20) Iowa (9-4, 20). May have been best team in the Big Ten.
21) California (9-4, NR). Good season in what could have been a down year.
22) Missouri (10-4, NR). Second straight year with double-digit wins, but still underacheived.
23) Nebraska (9-4, NR). Maybe there is a 'D' in Lincoln.
24) LSU (8-5, NR). Peach, er, Chik-Fil-A bowl provides some redemption.
25) Georgia Tech (9-4, 15). Despite blowout bowl loss, Paul Johnson led Jackets to a great year.

Now, with 2008 in the books, we can all look to 2009. NationalChamps.net, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and SI.com already give you a look — and it's about the same as this year.