The Money Bet of the Century, week #5- Back with a Vengeance!

Much like when Mike Price left The Washington State head football coaching job.....or when William Seward thought that buying the state of Alaska was a good idea (ha).... it is important to remember that we all make a mistake once in a while. The MBOC has let you down, my fellow friends. So this week I will include cute co-eds from the respective schools instead of the schools logos. Apology accepted...ha ha.

Besides, we are going to make it up to you this week. This week's Money Bet takes out to the majestic, wind-swept plains of East Lansing, Michigan for this week's 'Un-rivalry' between Michigan and Michigan State. I say Un-rivalry, because as much as Michigan State probably would like to consider this their big rivalry, Michigan looks at them like their red-headed step-child.



As you might have read about this year, Michigan State is off to a snake-bitten start. Their hapless season is off to a 1-3 start, with their only win an ass-pounding victory over Montana State in early September (Sorry, Miles...I know you went to school at Montana State). Since that 44-3 triumph for Sparty, it has been a tumultuous trail of tears. Close games against the Chippewas of Central Michigan (Loss: 27-29) and everyone's favorite Catholic, Notre Dame (Loss: 30-33) have the Spartans feeling like the wallflower at an orgy. A deep search into the 2009 history of these teams, shows a very weak secondary that has allowed a BIG-10 record 10 touchdowns heading into it's 5th game of the year. And yet, Michigan State was supposed to have a solid season, despite the team being young (47 Freshman and 25 Sophomores). Kirk Cousins, Michigan State's QB isn't looking like a running threat either, with a -12 yards rushing after 4 games. Going 17 of 34 for 201 yards (stats from the Wisconsin game) AIN'T gonna get the job done against Big Blue.


But before you think this is a guaranteed lock for Michigan, last week the Wolverines QB, Tate Forcier injured his shoulder in a close battle with Indiana last week. Forcier is definitely a key to making things happen at the QB position, as the Wolverines back-upDenard Robinson is a widely untested and unknown backup. Look for Michigan Receivers Martavious Odoms and Greg Mathews to have to step up against a weak Michigan State secondary. They both stepped up last week, with Greg Mathews catching a 5-yard TD pass with 11 seconds left to help the Wolverines best the Hoosiers. Michigan Defensive End Brandon Graham, with the perfect season hanging in the balance, perhaps said it best "This is the time when leaders have to step up and demand more."

Even with Michigan's perfect record, they haven't played a road game yet this season. As their coach Rich Rodriguez pathetically joked, "Can we play all 12 game sat home?" The wolverines stumble into East Lansing a two point dog to 'Sparty'.

I think Michigan plays this game tough. As much as I'd like to see them lose this game, the receivers will prove too much for Michigan State's weak secondary. Look for their receivers to have massive yardage and consider picking up Martavious in your fantasy college team for weak 5. Michigan goes on to win this game.

Wolverines by 7!

The Money Bet of the Century Week #4

The Money Bet of the Century is back after a two year hiatus. As most of you know, I was attending business school the last couple years. Between business school responsibilities and weekend Penn State football, I really slacked off in my publishing of The Money Bet of the Century.

For those of you that are first time readers, here's a brief history of the Money Bet of the Century. Sometime in early 1999, co-founder of The Money Bet of the Century (aka MBOC) Marc Cooperstein found himself in an interesting gambling quandary. In the hole to one of Washington State University's favorite bookies (Cody Woodruff), Marc saw the gambling line come out for the Washington State Cougars in their game versus Idaho. When Marc saw the line come out, he instantly proclaimed "What are the guys in Vegas smoking.....it's like 'FREE MONEY'. I've seen a lot of blown lines in my time, but this is THE MONEY BET OF THE CENTURY!". Already down $800 to Cody, Marc proceeded to put up the keys to his mid-80's BMW (about $2000) on the line. Later that day, when his 'Money Bet of the Century' did not cover, Marc was seen through a window in his room by himself silently and vigorously shaking his television set. Thus the legend of the Money Bet of the Century was born!!

Here at the Money Bet of the Century, our aim is to find you that one college football game each week that is the guaranteed, hands-down, sure-fire pick to win money.

This week, we're heading out to the Pac-10 to locate the Money Bet. With 342 yards and 5 touchdowns in the first 3 games of the season, Jacquizz Rodgers is a formidable Running Back in the Pac-10. He's also helped fantasy football players cash in this season, currently ranking 5th in the overall points in ESPN's college football fantasy Challenge. This week he is listed as probable, but inside information obtained from our field correspondents says he'll play and contribute inline with the type of performance he's had so far this season.

You don't have to look to far from the last name Rodgers to find another threat on the same team. Jacquizz's older brother, James has 19 receptions for 233 yards so far this season.

This gives Oregon State's QB Sean Canfield a couple of different potent weapons to consider. He struggled last week against Cincinnati, but the MBOC staff considers Cincinnati one of the sleeper teams that could run the table this year in college football.

Arizona comes to Reser Stadium this week after a disappointing road loss to Iowa. Probably some of the worst news for Arizona came out last week when they found out that their star Tight End Rob Gronkowski will miss the rest of the season because of a strained back. 19-year old Sophomore Matt Scott from Corona, California will get the nod at QB for the Wildcats, who really haven't proven anything in the first 3 games of the season. An unconvincing win against Central Michigan University (19-6) and a slightly better effort at Northern Arizona (34-17) are all that reside on the resume of this mediocre Arizona Squad.

The line has Oregon State shaving out a win by only 1.5 at home, making this a damn near moneyline pick. You can bet the Beavers will come out gunning to open their first conference home opener. Look for Jacquizz Rodgers to chew up a ton of yardage against Arizona's week D-line, he'll have 3 touchdowns and around 120 yards. For the Money Bet this week....

Beavers by 10!!!