Written by Mike Piper

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We are one month into the Lead Man's journey across the vast ocean that is the 2008 football season and thus far it has been slow sailing (at least in regard to Lead Man standards). LP is seemingly treading water this season, after scorching the books to the tune of a 34-14 documented record ATS on our front page last year.  But there's no panic in the Lead Man's game.  And he sees some serious money making opportunities on the board this weekend. We are one month into the Lead Man's journey across the vast ocean that is the 2008 football season and thus far it has been slow sailing (at least in regard to Lead Man^TM standards). LP is seemingly treading water.

He has been forced to negotiate some rocky waters and isn't making the progress he had hoped for just yet. It is at this time where many a man will panic and resort to desperate measures. Those men typically accomplish nothing but to expedite their Jules Verne-like journey to the bottom of the drink - with nothing but rocks in their pockets to keep them there.

Those men are weak. They fail to see the destination beyond the present obstacles. Well players, the Lead Man^TM is not weak. We have all been witness to his strength, discipline, intelligence and intestinal fortitude. These are the things that make Lead the ultimate captain, and those passengers that hop aboard the Lead Boat can be assured that their leader will be calm and cool. He has traversed many a rough stretch in the past, yet has always stayed the course.

Players, there is a difference between striking an iceberg and traveling through a storm. One causes irreparable damage while the other merely slows you down a bit. The Lead Man is traveling at a slow .500 clip, but he has several miles left in his journey, (a journey which becomes clearer with each mile) and his vessel is in tip top shape. Do not allow a slow ship to force you into a premature mutiny or a walk of the plank. Desperate measures guarantee a disaster to your bankroll of Titanic proportions. Passengers on the Lead Boat understand where they are right now; they aren't in the place they'd like to be, but they know they are close, and far from disaster.

Relax players, stay calm. Don't chase down your minor Saturday loss into a tough NFL Sunday. Don't chase your NFL losses to Monday night. We aren't that far away and Captain Lead sees red skies ahead for this college football Saturday.

On to the picks:

Virginia Tech hosts Western Kentucky Saturday afternoon. The same Western Kentucky the Lead Man correctly predicted last week would get trounced by intra-state rival Kentucky. Look for more of the same this week as the Hilltoppers run into their second consecutive tough defense. This will be no easy week to get back on track. Virginia Tech has established themselves as the class of the ACC since inserting Tyrod Taylor as their starting QB. The Hokies are running the ball well and WKU can't throw it. Being one dimensional is no way to beat Beamer ball. This game has value under 4 touchdowns. So, pokey the Hokies on your gambling ticket and turn some debt around.

Virginia Tech -27.5

Just a state away from the VT/WKU tilt is a clash between the Mountaineers of West Virginia and The Scarlet Knights of Rutgers. Rutgers allowed 250 plus yards on the ground to WVU in last years matchup and in 2008 their rush defense has been even worse. If West Virginia is able to run at will then Rutgers will be forced to press the issue with their own offense. This is not good news as they have been plagued by turnovers all season long and West Virginia's front seven can get to the passer. Look for West Virginia to pull away in the second half and give the West Virginia fans reason to make out with their siblings.

West Virginia -13.5

To the Pro game, where the Bears travel to Detroit to take on the Lions. The Bears are flying high after a big win against the Eagles and run into pro football's biggest mess this side of the Browns. The Lions are in disarray and changes are coming. John Kitna will again be the most sacked QB in the league and Rudy Johnson is carrying the load out of the backfield.

Tell me which of those two facts sounds like something to lay your money on?

Exactly.

The way to beat the Bears is to force them to make plays on offense. The Lions are not good enough to do this. This is a tailor made "play solid defense and have Orton protect the ball" game. Hester may score on special teams as well.

Take the Bears, give the 3.5

Don't forget players, tonight at 10:30, it's ‘The Pipeline' hosted by Brian McPeek. We will answer all your questions concerning any game on the board, and we will, of course, have our internet only bonus picks. Tune in players and good luck.