By Tony George
As football season fast approaches, I have made it my mission this to repeat my 2003 season prowess where I won the Ultimate Handicapping Challenge with a 69% ATS NFL record, and finished the College season at 68% ATS... I finished 1st and 2nd respectfully in those 2 sports. While those are lofty numbers, I accept that challenge personally this year and look forward to large profits, as 17 years of experience have taught me much.
NOTE: JUST NOT A 1 TRICK PONY
It is widely known because of my weekly Big 12 reports, and weekly Big 12 Features which have done better than 64% ATS each year for the last 7 years, that I am a Big 12 expert. While that may be somewhat true, at least being known as one of the top authorities in the Big 12 in football and hoops, THAT IS NOT MY ONLY FOCUS.
I do believe that specialization is the key to success. Just like baseball. Unlike hoards of other cappers out there, I do not lay more than -150, so my specialization is short favs and underdogs. That does not limit my capping ability, it just makes me smarter than most, money management is key. In College football I like 4 conferences to put out about 60% of my plays in, and then search the board for added value on public perception marquee games.
I like the Big 12, Big 10, Mountain West and Pac 10...with some SEC thrown in at times....but also look for opportunities elsewhere in small conferences like the MAC and Conference USA for instance where my small conference gems (featured plays) last year approached 70% ATS, mainly out of the MAC and WAC.
After 17 years of capping football, it is apparent with reduction of scholarships in College football and free agency in the NFL, parity is present now so more than ever that makes line shopping and knowing the Las Vegas line, and handicapping it far more crucial than the old days. Man to Man matchups, offensive and defensive scheme mis-matches are also a large part of capping football. As a college player, ex-Arena league coach and football analyst on radio in years past, these attributes help me in identifying these type of scenarios.
There is a ton of new blood out there in the capping world, most wannabees, but there have been more than a few guys show up on the scene in the last 3 or 4 years with some serious chops. I liken myself to Kurt Warner from the Cardinals in some respects. A brand name that might be a staple but that has gotten lost in the mix and somewhat overloud, and I need to re-establish myself as a strong talent who will not go quietly in the night. Just like he did last season, I will rise to the top and make a run at the title.