2025 Playbook Football Questions Interviews

1. What is your primary style of handicapping?
I wouldn’t say I have a set style of handicapping. Each game is different. I like to look at different situations and who has the advantage in that aspect.
 
2. What is your “golden rule” of handicapping?
There will always be a tomorrow.  Don’t force anything and stay within your means. Proper money management is key.

3. What is the first thing you look for when handicapping a game?
I'm sure, like most, I check out the lines to each game and then ask myself if that line makes sense. Is that line something that the average bettor sees as a gift and will jump all over? Keep an eye out for something that makes you go hmmm.

 
4. Which team statistic do you value the most?
Every sport is different but I like to see how teams are performing ATS. For football I always like to take a look at each teams’ offensive and defensive lines. Who will win the battle at the line of scrimmage goes a long way in winning.

5. What do you like the most about the expanded college football playoff?
Although it will diminish the regular season a bit, a teams’ season per se is no longer over with a loss or two. It should make for some very intriguing matchups early on in the playoffs. A warm weather team heading up north for a playoff game is must-see TV. We saw how electric the atmosphere was at Notre Dame Stadium to kick off the college football playoffs.  Teams getting to host games on their campus is awesome in my opinion.

6. Which college football team is most likely to win this season's playoff?

I'm going with Notre Dame.  The Fighting Irish return a ton of talent on both sides of the football.  Yes, they do have to replace Riley Leonard at QB but I think CJ Carr is going to be a star at QB.  He doesn't have the wheels that Leonard does but can sling it.  I also love the addition of Malachi Fields via the transfer portal.  He is going to be a playmaker at WR for Notre Dame. 

7. Biggest surprise college football team this season?
I think North Carolina will make some noise this season.  Bill Belichick is taking over and should immediately improve a poor NC defense.  Recruiting and the transfer portal should help this team and we all know how good of a coach Belichick is.  They also have a very manageable schedule.

 
8. Biggest college football bust this season?
Now I think this is a good team but I see South Carolina taking a step back in terms of wins.  The Gamecocks might have been the hottest team at the end of the season last year but they didn't make the playoffs.  They have an absolute gauntlet of a schedule having to play Missouri, LSU, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M all on the road.  They get Alabama at home but that won't be easy by any means.  They have a lot to replace defensively and will struggle against that schedule.

9. Which college football coach commands your attention from a handicapping perspective?
This hasn't changed and I'm going with James Franklin at Penn State. I don’t think Franklin can coach a lick but he can recruit and often runs up the scores on the lesser opponents. When it comes time to play a real team he turns into great fade material.


10. Which NFL team is most likely to win this season's Super Bowl?
The Eagles have a tough schedule but I'm going to say they repeat as champions when the dust settles.  They have arguably the best RB and WR duo in football and Jalen Hurts continues to win.  They did lose some people on defense but their key pieces stayed and I believe they have one of the best young secondaries in the NFL.

11. Biggest surprise NFL team this season?
I believe the Broncos take a big step forward.  Bo Nix really impressed me last year.  They have excellent players at the skill positions and one of the best defenses in the league.

12. Biggest NFL bust this season?
I think this team still wins its fair share of games but I think the 49ers are going to take a step back.  Last season they were derailed by injuries but this is an aging team with a lot of holes. Now that Purdy is getting paid, they don't have as much money to go around for quality players to surround him.


13.  Who is your favorite recording artist?
Prince and The Police are up there but I’m going to have to go with Michael Jackson. Maybe the initials MJ just mean you are the best at everything you do.


14. What is your favorite song?
Bring on the Night by The Police.

15. What is your favorite movie?
Rocky IV. I remember being in the movie theatre and the crowd cheering during the movie.

 
16. What is your favorite meal?
Filet Mignon with lobster and melted butter.