You Betcha: Week 1

By Richie Whitt Fri., Aug. 29 2008 at 2:00 PM

Run 'n Shootin' the wad?

SMU’s June Jones era starts tonight in Houston. New uniforms (back to the white helmets of the Pony Express). New quarterback (Katy freshman Bo Levi Mitchell is in and two-year starter and record-setter Justin Willis is kaput.)

New results?

One thing’s for sure, SMU won’t lose quickly. Jones’ Run n’ Shoot offense will put the ball in the air probably 50-plus times. Say hello to the four-hour game. But, in my out-on-a-limb prediction, also say hello to the first of many losses tonight against Rice.

Seems to me Jones’ decision to bench Willis is an indication that he doesn’t think much of this season. Therefore, goes the strategy, let Mitchell take his lumps in order to be better prepared for when the Mustangs are decent perhaps two years from now.

But what do I know, last year my predictions sucked ass. I lost about $750 in football wagering – in Monopoly, of course. This year, knock on a rabbit’s foot, will be better.

I’m starting with a mythical bankroll of $10,000, courtesy of Bodog sports online gaming. First of all, because their site is easy to navigate. Second, because they’re based in Costa Rica and have had minimal success tracking me down in the past.

I’ll analyze games of local interest each weekend and make a wager or two every Friday. With any luck, by Christmas it’ll be toys for everyone.

STARTING BANKROLL: $10,000
SEASON RECORD: 0-0
LAST WEEK: 0-0 ($0)
CURRENT BANKROLL: $10,000
THIS WEEK: Rice -3 1/2 over SMU for $250 -- Richie Whitt