Our selection service certainly turned in a nice performance last week as we picked up +20 units, showing a profit of $1,870. The college selections could have been a little better as we were only 4-3; however, our pro selections produced a 4-0 week, topped off by a big 5-unit win by the NY Giants on Monday night. As I have stated many times before, it's a tough business, but its all worth the time and effort when these kinds of weeks surface. As I look ahead, the next couple of weeks have some outstanding match-ups, and I see only bright lights ahead.

I had the pleasure of going to Las Vegas this past weekend to participate in the Rivera Football Contest. The Rivera, sponsored by Leroy's Sports Book, invited sixteen handicappers. Jimmy Vaccaro and Arnie Lang hosted the affair. I had never met Arnie Lang before and I must say he was a real class gentleman, with a great sense of humor. Then of course there is Jimmy Vaccaro, one of the most well known gamblers in Las Vegas. I truly enjoy talking with him and his knowledge of the game is outstanding. My opponent was Ron Boyles, a professional gambler from Pennsylvania. The contest has been set up where one must select 7 selections and rate each game with a number from 1 to 7. John hit his 7-point selection as Nevada took care of UNLV and did well over all. I hit my top five selections, which will enable me to move on for the second round sometime in five or six weeks.

Speaking of the contest, I had a couple of sports fanatics I would like to thank. One was a gentleman who has been a customer since the 1970s in Joe Baubonis. I didn't recognize him when he walked up to me and introduced himself; however, I certainly recognized the voice. It is amazing how over the years how you are able to put a voice with a name. Joe was enjoyable to talk to and I looked forward to seeing him again in the future.

The other gentleman was Ron Endres, who lives in Las Vegas. I went to high school with Ron and also spent some time with him in the Army. Ron does a lot of work for us in Las Vegas, and in truth you could not find a nicer guy. Ron works at the New York, New York sports book, but I think he missed his call in horse racing. Ron is an outstanding handicapper when it comes to those ponies.

The Big Ten opens conference play this weekend as I look at it, a couple of these games this weekend could have great implications on who wins the conference. One of the real interesting matches is Purdue traveling to Minnesota. The Gophers always play well at the dome. In recent years, Minnesota has gotten off to hot starts only to collapse late in the year. This is almost a must win game for the Gophers as they have a treacherous schedule ahead. I predicted Purdue would win the Big Ten and a win here would put them in the right direction, as they do not play either Michigan or Ohio State. Over the years when these two teams plays it has always been a high scoring shootout. The big question for the Boilers, can they stop RB Laurence Maroney? I think I have the answer and this game will be in our selections service.

Another big game on tap for Saturday will be Iowa going into Columbus to take on the Buckeyes. The Hawks destroyed the Bucks last year in Iowa City; yet enter this game as a seven-point underdog. OSU was in a tailspin last season and had lost two straight before they traveled Iowa. After this game, the Troy Smith era started and so did the wins. The big point spread makes this game very intriguing and we will be on a side. The Big Ten looks very profitable this weekend and we will use four sides, one of which will be labeled as our top 5-unit play.

One of the big questions in the land, "Will anyone give Southern Cal a game this season?" They are a machine and this week they are on the road in Eugene. Oregon was predicted by some as a falling point, yet SC enters the game as a 21-point favorite. The following week they are on the road again to take on Arizona State, a team playing as well on offense as any team in the country. I cannot believe they will just cruise to victories in both of these road games. Lookout next week, as the Trojans travel to Tempe.

As I was writing this newsletter, I received a call from Marc Lawrence from Preferred Picks. Marc and I have been friends for several years and from time to time trade information. He relies more on angles then I do in handicapping. However, as I spoke to him today he zeroed in to me on a key angle that favors the home team 15-1.

One game I will really be looking at this week is the big rivalry between the Carolina schools, North Carolina and NC State. The Tar Heels won last year in a high scoring affair and lost two years ago in Raleigh as Phillip Rivers hung 47 points on them. The OVER could be the only call in this game. One has to wonder how Heels QB Matt Baker will bounce back after taking numerous hits last week. The favorite has been the wrong side recently as they are just 4-9 ATS since 1992. I may be going against the percentages here, as I believe the Pack is the only side to consider.

A word to the wise, I received a call this morning that I often get a few times each year. Apparently this gentleman signed up with a service and this past week they went 2-6. He paid good money for these selections and any service can have a bad week. However, here is where the difference between a good and a bad service lie. This telemarketer called him back and said he was sorry they went 2-6, but if he had taken the premium package, he would have went 5-1. For a few extra dollars this week, the customers would have gotten so called, "Better Picks." Folks, do not fall for these gimmicks. My advice is to avoid anyone who constantly calls you on the telephone. These are telemarketers, not professional handicappers. There are a lot of good handicappers out there who will do a good job and do their homework. Unfortunately this industry has some scam artists that you should beware of. After all, it's your money.

Living in Wisconsin, it is the most beautiful time of year as the fall season starts to approach. I cannot think of a much more enjoyable thing to do then taking a walk in the woods. The smell of the leaves and the color of them are outstanding. This is a perfect way to unwind after a stressful week of work. Maybe I spoke to fast, a 5-0 Saturday might top that!

I have a few Bodog offshore personnel coming into town this weekend for the Michigan/Wisconsin game. It is always a pleasure to have these people in town and what a fantastic offshore they run. The electricity will be in the air as the Badgers are 3-0 and playing well. Bucky has not played the Wolvernines since 2002 season. This has always been a close game and Michigan has won the last three meetings by a combined total of 13 points. The big question mark will be if the Wolverines can stop RB Brian Calhoun. If he goes over the 100-yard mark, the Badgers have a shot to win the game. I will be in attendance and looking forward, as a night game in Madison is very similar to the ones in Baton Rouge.

Maybe it is too early to tell you I told you so, but I said at the beginning of the year this Green Bay Packer team could be the worst in football. We went against them in Detroit and cashed our ticket. Came back the next week and went against them as they were playing the second worst team in football and cashed our ticket. You guessed it, we will be punching the Tampa Bay ticket and probably will be at the window cashing our ticket again. Interesting point about this game, The Packers have won the game straight up the last 13 meetings at Lambeau Field. However, during this period the Bucks are 7-5-2. Tampa is also 2-9 ATS on road grass. So when you read all of those statistics, it may point to Green Bay. Wrong, take a good look at the Packers roster.

We have an exciting week coming up, as we will be going with the Big Three. One will come from the Big Ten, one will come from the NFL, and one will be a surprise selection. We will be looking for another twenty plus unit week, as the schedule is very strong. For more information, call us toll-free at (866) 238-6696 or (800) 356-9182.

That is it for this week,
Doc

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