Written by Mike Piper

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The smell of sulfur wafting in the cool northeast Ohio November air is emanating from the human match that is the Lead Man. A match his bookie has been unable to blow out for five weeks. Yes players, LP has gone five consecutive weeks without a loss at the hands of the man. He's enhanced my lifestyle, let him do the same with yours. And inside, we get this week's picks from The Leadquarters. And don't forget to tune in tonight at 10:30 PM for "The Pipeline" on The Cleveland Fan Live! The smell of sulfur wafting in the cool northeast Ohio November air is emanating from the human match that is the Lead Man. A match his bookie has been unable to blow out for five weeks. Yes players, LP has gone five consecutive weeks without a loss at the hands of the man. If only people like Kelly Pavlik and John McCain could claim the same. And while you can't blame the Lead Man for the recent wild fires in Santa Barbara California, (because he was no where near the area this week) it would be wise for all those expecting a visit from LP in the near future to make sure they keep any dry leaves or other potential tinder clear of their home's foundation.

In fact, asbestos underwear is recommended.

What a heater the Lead Man continues to be on. Last week he hangs a 3-1 against the number on the board and if not for Western Michigan showing mercy on Toledo and taking a knee on the Rocket 1 yard line as time expired, the Lead Man would have gotten out the broom. You want more evidence of the Lead Man's white hotness? The mere mention of the Lead Man's new rule of" Don't bet games involving bad coaches  " in last week's article here on theclevelandfan.com caused Syracuse to panic and oust college football's worst coach. Yes Greg Robinson, Lead man has some news for you. When he says you can't coach, you can't coach. You would think the University considered his 3-25 record in the Big East, but chances are they just did the wise thing, and listened to the Lead Man.

In any event players, it's Michigan week in the buckeye state, and those who know the Lead Man understand his charity goes to those truly in need - not to those who bring problems upon themselves. Michigan, you are no mentally disabled homeless man on the street. You are no victim of a natural disaster. You are not someone with numerous health issues that have wiped out your savings. No Michigan, you are the guy that chose to sit on the couch instead of getting to work. You are the one with your hand out waiting for something good to come along, while a real leader put on his vest and went to work. You are the one that took a short cut and hired that unsavory weasel Rich Rodriguez in hopes he would dig you out of your Lloyd Carr constructed pit. You brought these struggles upon yourself, therefore, you receive no sympathy from LP. And allow Lead to interrupt you mid-sentence with the old "the rivalry is losing some luster because Michigan keeps losing...." lines. Lead cares not about the rivalry, he cares about crushing Michigan each and every year. Do you remember what a dick Desmond Howard was? And what a dick he still is? Do you remember that hump Jim Harbaugh? Do you remember the days of coach Cooper running Stanley Jackson out there to ruin an undefeated season?

Right in the ear hole with those pricks. Here's to the Lead Man hoping Coach Tressel doubles up the 20 points that Vegas has given those losers.

On to the picks;

Every dog has his day players, and this Saturday afternoon that dog is going to be Boston College, as they travel to Wake for an important ACC tilt. Wake, with the 101^st ranked offense is in big trouble as they face the 8^th ranked defense of BC. Wake likes to control the game on offense, but it will be Boston College's D calling the shots. Making matters worse for the Deacons is the fact their excellent kicker, Sam Swank, has missed the last 5 games and will be out Saturday as well. Wake has found it tough to win field position battles since the place kicker/punter has been unable to go. Boston College has also unearthed an excellent freshman ball carrier, and QB Chris Crane may have turned the corner in the FSU game last week. Take the dog here.

Boston College +2.

Hopefully the guys the U.S. Army have sent to battle overseas are holding their weapons tighter than those on the home front are holding footballs. Army has lost 21 fumbles this season, by far the most in the nation, and they are running into a defense that suddenly has some life, and one that forced 6 turnovers last week. Rutgers' improved linebacker play should force Army to have to go to the air - with the nation's worst passing attack, not good news for the Cadets. Rutgers and QB Mike Teel have also made great strides on offense in recent weeks, and should have no problem putting up the necessary points needed to cover the number.

Rutgers -19

The fact that Miami is the favorite this Sunday, well, Lead Man knows that Coach Bill is taking that like a personal slap in the face. Look for the Pats to circle the wagons and be ready for Miami's "wildcat" offense this time around. And also look for an improving Matt Cassell to play much better than the first go around. Miami got to Cassell 5 times in the first meeting, but they haven't been able to generate much pressure in ensuing games. It will be much harder to rattle a more experienced QB this time around, and that doesn't bode well for the fish. Look for New England's offensive line to take control of this game, and allow the Pats to win one in Miami.

New England +1

Don't forget tonight players, The Pipeline airs at 10:30. We'll talk OSU/Michigan, Texas Tech/Oklahoma and discuss many other games on this week's board. And, as always, your internet radio bonus picks. Good luck players!