Written by Mike Piper

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He's baaaaack.  The Man, The Myth, The Lead Man.  Last year the Lead Man caught the north coast by storm, going a documented 34-14 against the point spread on our front page.  He developed a massive following.  And improved the lifestyle of those disciples by beating bookmakers senseless week in and week out.  This year, he returns to his regular Friday spot.  And we've given him his own Friday night radio show.  Which his plays went 3-1 on last week.  Read.  Bet.  Collect.  It's that simple players.

In November America will elect its 44^th President. That man will be in charge of an entire nation. That man will be in charge of defending our freedoms. That man must be powerful enough to preserve our liberties. That man must be wise enough to direct America's great government. And while the greatest country in the world has had 43 such men in its history, it has had only one Lead Man. 

Yes players, an Ivy League education and a wealthy pedigree might gain you the highest office in the nation one day, but it's not going to help you beat the number. Only one man, week in and week out, has that ability. Players, Lead Man is about to embark on his first full season at TheClevelandFan.com. As many of you with pocketfuls of cash might recall, Lead was absolutely on fire last season. His record on various sites over the last three years would be considered fiction if not for its documentation. Last season's success at TCF provided his followers with an abundance of cash and niceties. Jet Ski's, house renovations, cash for college funds were all made possible courtesy of the Lead Man's accuracy. This season should be no different. 

For many American people, the economy will dictate their choice in the upcoming election. For those who frolic in the zip code of the Leadquarters, well, for them the recession ended last week. Lead opened the season much like he closed last season, banging out 3 winners out of 4 on his new radio show (more on that later). So, the more things change, the more they stay the same. On to the picks; 

San Jose St. +26.5 vs. Nebraska

The large spread here may be due to San Jose's unimpressive showing vs. Cal Davis last week when they eeked out a 13-10 victory. Lead feels a solid Spartan team is not getting the respect it deserves here. San Jose, unlike a team such as UNLV, buys into what coach Tomey is selling, and will go into this match-up prepared. They might be outclassed, but they take on their leader's fighting spirit. Nebraska is showing signs of life, especially from Joe Ganz, who will prove to be a good quarterback by season's end. If San Jose can protect the passer, they should be able to score enough on a weak Husker secondary to stay within 3 scores. So, while Lead might not know the way to San Jose, you'll know your way to the window after this match-up.

San Jose +26.5 

UCONN -7 vs. Temple

Kick your Saturday off with this noon match-up between perennial doormat Temple and an ever improving UCONN football program. In actuality, Temple has won 5 of its last 8 games dating back to last season, but this game looks to Lead like a classic match-up problem. That is the Temple offensive line vs. UCONN pressure. Look for the Owls to have trouble scoring the ball and UCONN QB Tyler Lorenzen to make enough plays to allow the Huskies to cover the number. If you want to start your Saturday off right, than surely you won't wager Temple.

UCONN -7 

Michigan -14 vs. Miami Oh.

Look for Michigan to bounce back this week in Michigan Stadium. Miami has an overwhelmed Daniel Raudabaugh at the helm, and after struggling against a tough Vandy D last week, Lead looks for much of the same this week.  UM should pressure Raudabaugh enough to not allow him to get on track. When you consider the fact Miami is going to HAVE to throw the ball well to win here, Lead likes Michigan's chances. Coach Rod should have his defense's full attention and will work out the kinks on offense as each week passes. Go Blue, and collect the green.

Michigan -14 

In the professional ranks, let's kick-off the season with some big chalk.  

Take the San Diego Super Chargers at home over the Carolina Panthers. Lay the 9 points.

San Diego -9 
 
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Lastly players, The Lead Man^TM has added another media discipline to his vast arsenal. He has held court over internet and print media for several seasons. He now adds an audible domain to his resume. "The Pipe Line" hosted by Brian McPeek, airs each and every Friday at 10:30 pm on www.blogtalkradio.com/theclevelandfan . The Lead Man provides a host of gambling tips and information as well as game analysis. Of course there will also be Lead's weekly selections, including a special radio only "Bonus" picks. He'll also take your calls and answer your queries concerning any game on the board.  

Listen to "The Pipe Line" every Friday night at 1030pm. You and your broker will be glad that you did.