Author: Jeremy Fernando

Texas A&M Former Student. Avid Golfer. Passionate about sports.

Fade Fernando’s Picks from God 3-7-20

by Jeremy Fernando, posted in Action, NCAA Basketball

Howdy everyone and welcome back to this week’s version of Picks from God. Well folks, it can’t get much worse than last week: Winless, 0-4, down 4 units, etc. The last 2 weeks the Picks are 1-7 and let me tell you the ego is hurting. I have friends telling me they read this stupid blog just so they know which picks not to take. Honestly, it’s just nice to know people take the time to read my hard work. I’m going to continue to give the people what they want as I have decided to start a biweekly podcast, “Highly Educated,” which will discuss sports gambling as well as the top stories around the sports world. You can thank me later. That being said, let’s get to this week’s picks.

*Grad School Sports reminds you to please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-800-522-4700.

Arkansas vs. Texas A&M +3.5: Although the Aggies didn’t cover last weekend at LSU, they really did look good last weekend in Baton Rouge and were within 5 points with around 5 minutes to play. However, a pair of missed free throws allowed the Tigers to go on a run which put the game out of reach. Coach Buzz Williams got his first signature as head coach with win on the road at Auburn on Wednesday and the Aggies will hope to keep the momentum going when Arkansas comes to Reed Arena Saturday. Boosted by a very weak non-conference schedule, the Razorbacks 19-11 record truly does not reflect how average of a basketball team they really are. They really struggle on the road as well and I think the Aggies have what it takes to not only cover, but potentially win the game as well.

Oklahoma State vs. Texas -3.5: It pains me to say this, but the Horns are playing great basketball as of late and are a true bubble team. After losing 4 straight midway through the season, Shaka Smart’s squad has reeled off 5 straight wins and play an average Cowboys team whom they beat by 12 on the road in Stillwater in January. The Longhorns defense has been really good of late and should limit an Oklahoma State offense that has struggled at times throughout the season. I like the Horns to continue the late season momentum and get their 20th win by covering on Saturday.

Louisville vs. Virginia -1: This is one of the most intriguing games on Saturday’s slate. Louisville is one of the most talented teams in the ACC while Virginia is the hottest team in the league. While some have them cutting down the nets in April, the Cardinals are 3-3 in their last 6 and are 0-3 in their last 3 road games. The Cavaliers will be celebrating their seniors Mamadi Diakite and Braxton Key who were both very influential in last year’s national championship run. After struggling early on, the Hoos are playing great basketball and have vaulted themselves into the discussion of teams that could make a run in the big dance. I like the Cavaliers pace of play at home which will slow down Louisville star Jordan Nwora. Take the Cavaliers on senior night.

North Carolina +11.5 vs. Duke: The last time these two teams met in Chapel Hill, the Dukies barely survived in overtime. This is a huge line especially for a rivalry game. While the Tar Heels still aren’t winning games, they’ve been managing to keep them very close thanks to the play of Cole Anthony. Duke has lost 2 of 3 and has looked vulnerable yet. I still think Duke is one of the most complete teams in the country and has to be amongst the favorites to win it all if Vernon Carey Jr. can stay out of foul trouble. That being said, in a rivalry game such as this 11.5 is just too big a number for me. The Tar Heels may be under .500 but they are better than people give them credit for. I like them to keep it close in front of the Cameron Crazies.

The Proposed CBA

by Jeremy Fernando, posted in NFL

The new CBA proposal is intriguing for a variety of reasons. The complexity of it all is enough to make a sports attorney salivate, meanwhile the psychological and physical consequences of the deal have sports psychologists and physicians pondering what this will do to the future of the NFL. While the deal can be perceived as being beneficial to both the owners and the players, the real question is whether the deal makes sense for the National Football League (“NFL”) as a whole. The answer to that question is as intricate as the proposed deal itself. While the owners and the players are essentially the official members of the NFL, I believe this deal affects the fans as well as the league’s future players. Put simply, this proposal could have a lasting impact on the league.

The NFL is currently concerned about the safety of its players due to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (“CTE”) findings, and rightfully so. The findings are troublesome and have prompted some young NFL players to consider early retirement for fear of future mental illnesses. So, while the revenue split between the owners and players would move from 47 to 48.5%, players would be forced to play an extra regular season game. Is that worth it for the players? That depends on whom you ask. Stars who have big contracts as well as prime sponsorships, such as J.J. Watt and Russell Wilson, are strongly opposed to this deal. Whereas, lesser-known players, the ones who make up the majority of the league, would be all for a deal that would ultimately give them more money in their pocket at the end of the day. For star players who are making millions off the field in endorsements and other business ventures, adding one more game to an already grueling schedule in exchange for a little more money is a deal-breaker. Likewise, there are 2nd and 3rd string players who make around the league minimum salary at $480k per year who understand their playing careers could potentially last 1-2 more years. Thus, it is important they make as much money as possible each year, and in this case the new CBA deal would make sense. Additionally, will future NFL stars in the college ranks forego careers in the NFL for fear of injury due to the increased schedule length? The NFL has seen several great players the last 3 years retire in the primes of their careers specifically due to fear of CTE. Could the added schedule push more players to early retirement? Only time will tell. 

NFL fans around the country should be enthused by this deal because it means more football.  The regular season schedule would include an added game as well as 2 extra games in the 1st round of the playoffs. What’s not to love? However, the added schedule could mean more serious injuries for players which in turn could lead some parents to question whether or not they should allow their children to play the sport. Participation in high school football around the country has been declining the past few years, and high school athletes could decide to partake in other sports if they feel there are too many negative consequences associated with playing football long term. The NFL and football are not disappearing anytime soon, but the NFL has to be concerned with the declining levels of participation. I am not sure this deal will impact youth involvement, and if this deal is made we would have to wait 10-15 years for more conclusive evidence. Bottom line, as a fan of the NFL I would be excited about the possibility of a few more games each year.

Any proposed CBA deal will come with scrutiny. While we did not dive into the added specifics of the deal, on the surface level I believe this deal all depends on what each individual player values. If its a player who values the money, then you hope this deal is made. If it’s a player who is more concerned with their overall health and wellness, then this deal has its flaws. Overall, it will be intriguing to see the arguments being made on both sides of the aisle, both for and against this proposed CBA.

Fade Fernando’s Picks from God 2-29-20

by Jeremy Fernando, posted in Action

Howdy everyone and welcome back to this week’s edition of Fade Fernando’s Picks from God. First off, I would like to apologize to everyone for last week’s mediocre picks. Sometimes you just have to let your bookie win. Secondly, this article will be short and to the point as I am writing this in the wee hours of the night. Who knew Baylor kids knew how to have a good time? Anywho, after checking the lines it is safe to say this isn’t exactly a friendly board. Nonetheless, as we begin this Lenten season here are 4 potential winners for Saturday February 29th.

Michigan State vs. Maryland -3: After coming into the season as national title contenders, Michigan State has fallen by the wayside. While they have plenty of talent led by Cassius Winston, they have yet to really find their groove this season. I don’t see them putting it altogether against a Maryland team that has been better than advertised. Anthony Cowan and Jalen Smith are studs who will pose matchup nightmares for the Spartans. Don’t over think this one. Take the home favorites.

St. Mary’s vs. Gonzaga -13: Last teams these two teams met at St. Mary’s it was a total bloodbath in favor of the Bulldogs. I don’t expect any different this time around. Gonzaga has played stellar basketball all season which has prompted many experts to believe they will earn a #1 seed come March. Yes, there was the recent slip-up against BYU. However, that game has me even more convinced coach Mark Few will have his team focused and ready to go against the Gaels. Bulldogs by 15.

Auburn +6.5 vs. Kentucky: This pick is gutsy solely due to the fact that we have no idea which Auburn Tigers team will take the floor. Will it be the team that beat these Wildcats at home by 9? Or will we see the team that got blown out by Florida while only scoring a measly 47 points? If it is the former then the Wildcats will be on upset watch. This Auburn is fantastic when they put it all together and I expect them to be sharp when its tip-off time at Rupp Arena. Coach Calipari has another strong squad again, but 6.5 is a lot of points in a battle of two top 15 teams. Take the road dogs to cover.

Texas A&M +11 vs. LSU: The Aggies were the only game I picked correctly last week and I’m taking them again on the road against the Tigers. While they ultimately lost (and didn’t cover) against Kentucky earlier this week, there were many bright spots in the game as they kept within striking distance. While the Ags don’t have enough firepower to win this game outright, I think they do enough to keep it close and cover the big spread.

* Grad School Sports reminds you to please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-800-522-4700.

Expanding the Game: Part One

by Jeremy Fernando, posted in MLB

On Monday night, SP Gerrit Cole made his highly anticipated Yankees debut at George M. Steinbrenner Field in front of a sold-out crowd along with thousands more watching from home. Who am I kidding? Its Major League Baseball (“MLB”). Naturally, the game was not televised, and one had to scavenge the internet to find highlights from Cole’s first start other than a side view of one of his two strikeouts. Yankees Twitter, a collection of media voices and bloggers that you do not want to upset, was up in arms. How could there not be some sort of way to watch one of the biggest free agent signings in recent memory debut for arguably the most famous sports franchise in the world? If you are the MLB, it’s a question that must be answered.

A week ago, my good friend Ethan Myers proposed this question to me: “You get named commissioner of MLB. You have 3 years to maximize growth. How do you do it?” In an era in which current commissioner Rob Manfred seems to be doing everything possible to ruin the beautiful game of baseball, it was a rather intriguing inquiry. From a business standpoint, how do you in fact grow a multi-billion-dollar entity?

This is the first of a 3-part series in which Mr. Myers and I will try to take on the task of expanding the game of baseball.  From the complaints of an overly long season to the objections to the length of the games, there are numerous items that must be addressed to ensure MLB’s success and future growth. With a growing number of parents concerned about the safety of their children playing football, MLB has a golden opportunity to attract thousands of new fans. It all starts with MLB’s presence on social media.

While I won’t go into too much detail in this article, MLB has a marketing problem that was highly evident in their ability to televise Gerrit Cole’s Yankee debut. Last summer, the National Basketball Association (“NBA”) highly marketed Zion Williamson’s Summer League debut with the New Orleans Pelicans. Williamson had yet to play a single minute of professional basketball, yet the way the NBA promoted him it appeared as if Jesus Christ himself was going to come down from the heavens and throw down a windmill slam. Gerrit Cole had just finished 2nd in Cy Young voting, put together a tremendous postseason in which he was practically unhittable, and was then rewarded with a $324 million contract from the New York Yankees, the most valuable team in professional baseball. Cole is as accomplished a pitcher there is in the league and generated a large amount of buzz in the offseason. Yet, one could not even find highlights from his two innings of work. MLB has to have hundreds of cameras out there capturing his every move. Every pitch, every strikeout, heck every step he takes as to be captured and uploaded onto social media. Yankees fans are captivated by his every move and for good reason as the man has as an electric of an arm as anyone in the game. Without even throwing a pitch, Mr. Cole is already New York royalty and is beloved by fans.

You want to grow the game? Start by showing kids on Twitter how baseball treats its stars. Illustrate how baseball players are beloved by their team’s fans and you may just catch the heart of young little leaguers who dream of making it to the pros. Furthermore, showcase the talent level that is found at the big-league level. Gerrit Cole averages a 96.5 MPH fastball and also possesses one of the nastiest sliders in baseball. Market those pitches. Make the videos accessible via Twitter and highlight the difference in pitches by signifying the high level of velocity or the exemplary spin rate. While the duration of the game may make it “boring,” there are still flashes of brilliance that must be emphasized to the novel baseball fan for the game to see consistent growth.

As a devoted Yankees fan, I was highly disappointed that Gerrit Cole’s first Yankees start was not broadcasted. However, it brought to light an important issue that MLB must address as its lack of marketability is concerning.

Fade Fernando’s Picks from God 2/22/20

by Jeremy Fernando, posted in Action

Howdy everyone and welcome back to another edition of Fade Fernando’s Picks from God. If you took my advice last week, you either made one dollar or hundreds depending on your unit size. Bottom line: you made my money. This week’s slate of college basketball isn’t as great, however we get a great matchup of top 5 teams as the 3rd ranked Kansas Jayhawks travel to absolute worst place on earth, Waco, TX, to take on the top ranked Baylor Bears. Time to make some money… here are the picks:

Tennessee +6.5 vs. Auburn: While the Volunteers haven’t been great this year and nearly lost their last game at home to underwhelming Vanderbilt, the Auburn Tigers have dropped two straight to unranked opponents thanks in large part to the loss of freshman phenom Isaac Okoro. The forward is likely out for tomorrow’s matchup which could spell trouble for the Tigers. Tennessee Forward John Fulkerson has been great of late and could have another big game with Okoro out. 6.5 is a big number and with the Tigers skidding as of late, I like the underdog here.

Mississippi State vs. Texas A&M +4.5: Yes, I am telling you to take Aggie Men’s Basketball. Early on it was free money to bet against the Ags. Now, however, it is a different story. The man Buzz Williams has turned this group of misfits into a respectable bunch who have some fairly solid road victories under their belts, including Wednesday’s 6 point win at Alabama, a game in which they were 11 point underdogs. Mississippi State is undoubtedly the far superior team in this matchup and all logic points to them as being the safe bet here. Having won 5 of their last 7, they come into this matchup with plenty of momentum. Yet, that old Reed Arena magic has me thinking the Aggies are going to make a game out of this and could absolutely pull off the upset. Take the home dogs in this one.

North Carolina +9 vs. Louisville: North Carolina can’t win a game if their lives depended on it and even Coach Roy Williams knows his team stinks. That being said, while they aren’t getting the victories they are keeping games close. The Tar Heels have looked like a completely new team with Cole Anthony back from injury and nearly knocked off those Dukies 2 weeks ago. Louisville does possess one of the best players in college basketball in Jordan Nwora and UNC’s defense will be put to the test. However, the Cardinals have been sputtering recently and a pesky UNC team could keep it close. While Louisville definitely wins the game, I think the Tar Heels keep it close enough to cover.

Kansas v. Baylor -2: It is incredibly difficult to beat a team twice in a season, especially an elite program like Kansas. This really does pain me to say this as I am no way, shape or form a Baylor fan, but this Bears team is cooking up something special in that God-forsaken place of Waco. Last week they fairly easily took down a very good West Virginia team and then on Tuesday took down OU in Norman. In a world of “one and done’s” in college hoops, it is refreshing to see a veteran group such as the Bears. This is the biggest game in Baylor Men’s Basketball history and those Baptists in the crowd at the Ferrell Center surely will not disappoint as the coffee flows freely through the student section. Give me the Bears in a close one. For a more in-depth look at this game, be sure to check out Brady Vaughan’s stellar preview.

* Grad School Sports reminds you to please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-800-522-4700.

Jim Crane: Even Billionaires can Lack Utter Competence

by Jeremy Fernando, posted in MLB

“Our opinion is this didn’t impact the game.” – Astros owner Jim Crane.

Please try telling that to the 3 teams the Astros beat that year in the playoffs: the Red Sox, Yankees, and Dodgers. Lest we forget, in game 1 of the 2017 ALDS at Minute Maid Park the Astros lit up Red Sox starter Chris Sale who finished 2nd in AL Cy Young voting that year. In game 2, also at Minute Maid, they smacked around Drew Pomeranz who was 17-6 with a 3.32 ERA that season. While they won game 3 in Fenway to sweep the series, the Astros offense seemed much more out of a sync and was actually held in check by Sale who was on 3 days rest. But no. The Astros cheating scandal did not impact the game at all.

Everyone knows what happened in the ALCS the next week when the Yankees took the cheating Astros to 7 games. In that series, the Astros didn’t win a game at Yankee Stadium. In fact, in the 3 games in the Bronx the Astros only managed to score 5 runs, whereas in the other 4 games at home they plated 15. But once again, there was no impact on the game. Just take a look at these splits. Absolutely laughable. The Astros organization is a joke and they continue to show their cowardice with each press conference.

Fade Fernando’s Picks from God: Valentine’s Day

by Jeremy Fernando, posted in Action

Howdy to all the gamblers out there and a happy Valentine’s day. We all can agree this is probably the dumbest holiday there is (except New Years Eve), however to all you who have significant others, specifically girlfriends, this is the night they will be expecting a big dinner and a special gift. But who can afford all that? That’s why after reading this article, you head to the local sportsbook or get in contact with your bookie to make some picks that will help with some of those V-day expenses. Without further ado, here are Fade Fernando’s Picks from God, blessed by St. Valentine himself.

* Grad School Sports reminds you to please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-800-522-4700

U154.5 Buffalo v. Toledo:

This number started at 153.5 but the public has driven that number up a point over the last few hours. This is why we fade the public. In their last 4 games, the Rockets have averaged around 69.3 ppg. The Bulls have averaged a little over 70. Now, both teams are notoriously bad on defense (ranked in the bottom half of the NCAA), but 154 is a lot of points. The Rockets are 27th in the country in 3 pt. % so there is cause for concern if they get hot from downtown. But, with the way both of these offenses are performing I like the under in this MAC battle.

Davidson v. St. Bonaventure -4:

Davidson is terrible this year having lost to equally bad teams such as Wake Forest and Vanderbilt. Meanwhile, the Bonnies come into this game having won 5 in a row. While they aren’t a great shooting team, they play consistent defense which should bode well against a fairly bad Wildcats offense. Take the home favorite.

Monmouth +1 v. Canisius:

While I typically don’t like betting road teams in virtual PK games, the last time these two teams met Monmouth won handily 84-65. Both teams are coming off back to back losses as neither looks to be playing good basketball. That being said, I’m basing this pick off each team’s record as Monmouth is 13-10 whereas Canisius is 9-15. Take the road dog in this one.  

Run. The. Ball. Please.

by Jeremy Fernando, posted in NFL

A good friend proposed a scenario to me after 49ers head coach Beto O’ Rourke (does anyone else see the resemblance?) flat out forgot how to coach.

The scenario is: You’re up by 3 in the Super Bowl with 6 minutes to go. You’ve been averaging 8 yards a carry on the ground. On 1st down, your RB runs for 5 yards making it 2nd and 5. Are you going to run the ball again or throw it?

Still fuming from last night’s ending, I replied with a few expletives then said “even if I had Jesus Christ as my QB I’d still run the ball.” Everyone and their mother knows pretty boy Jimmy Garoppolo isn’t exactly God’s gift to QB, however after watching the 9ers play calling in the 4th quarter I’m starting to question whether Kyle Shanahan actually did think he had our Lord and Savior under center.

For the first 3 quarters, the Niners found themselves with a 20-10 lead mainly due to a balanced offensive effort which featured a rushing attack that averaged over 6.4 yards per carry for the game. Raheem Mostert, Tevin Coleman, and Deebo Samuel were providing a potent rushing attack and Jimmy G was making the throws he needed to make. Through this offensive scheme, the Niners offense was keeping the vaunted Chiefs offense off the field. By consistently gaining yards by running the football, the Niners were controlling the game by chewing large chunks of time off the clock each possession.

Yet, with a 10-point lead with 11 minutes to play in the 4th quarter and the Lombardi Trophy within arm’s reach, the 49ers ran 5 plays: 2 runs and 3 passes. After a 1st down run for a yard, Coach Shanahan called a pass play which wound up incomplete, stopping the clock in the meantime. After a false start which made it 3rd and 14, Shanahan was forced to call another pass play which wound up with Jimmy G scrambling for 3 yards. After a Niners punt, Patrick Mahomes and Co. marched right down the field and promptly scored a touchdown making the score 20-17. With 6 minutes to play and the ball, the Niners gained 5 yards on a 1st down rush from Mostert. Now, any human being with half of a functioning brain would run the ball the next play. But not Shanahan. No, that clown decided to call a pass play on 2nd and 5. On a day when the Chiefs hadn’t shown they were capable of stopping the run, Kyle Shanahan decides to pass the ball on the most important 2nd down of the game. A fun fact for the crowd out there, the Niners had 1 negative rush and it was their 1st play of the game for -1 yard. Why for Heaven’s sake would you throw the ball on 2nd down? In the words of the great Sandra Bullock in the movie The Blind Side “Enough with the trick plays Burt! Run the dang ball!!!!”

Run the freaking ball and watch the clock just keep ticking. Honestly, the worst thing that could happen is Mostert rushes for no gain. That sets up a 3rd and 5 but keeps the clock running. And where the heck was Deebo Samuel in all of this? A pivotal part of the 1st 3 quarters, the most athletic man on the Niners was simply taken out of the game plan in the 4th quarter. I would honestly wonder if Shanahan had taken the Chiefs -1.5 but then I remembered he has another total 4th quarter meltdown on his resume. Lest we forget he was the offensive mastermind behind the 2016-2017 Atlanta Falcons, the team that would go on to blow a 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl. Even in that game, Shanahan completely abandoned the game plan when he needed to stick to it the most. By refusing to stick to the rushing game in the 4th quarter, head coach Kyle Shanahan frankly cost his team a Super Bowl.

The 49ers have a great young core and will most certainly be back in the big game soon. However, as a rental fan for the night Kyle Shanahan completely pissed me off last night with his abhorrent play calling in the 4th quarter.

Fade Fernando’s Picks From God: Super Bowl Edition

by Jeremy Fernando, posted in Action

Howdy everyone! It is Super Bowl Sunday here in the great states of America. In just under 2 hours, the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs will be battling it out for the Lombardi Trophy and I know the folks at home are eager to know just who will walk away victorious. Lucky for them, I have my famous Picks from God. Typically, I release 4 picks at a time. However, today I am going to keep it short and sweet as kickoff looms near.

* Grad School Sports reminds you to please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-800-522-4700.

1. San Francisco 49ers ML vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The 9ers come into the game as 1.5 underdogs because the whole world is obsessed with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense. No one believes old Richard Sherman can guard Tyreek Hill (which is probably true) and everyone has their doubts about QB Jimmy Garoppolo. However, this man was born for games like this. Jimmy G is known for delivering under pressure as evidenced by a TMZ article a couple years ago and I see no reason why he won’t come up big again (no pun intended). The Chiefs defense is better than people give them credit for but they are nothing to write home about. If the 9ers can control the clock with their powerful run game and keep Patty Mahomes off the field I really like their chances to win their 6th Super Bowl. This game will be a nail biter and should be much better than last year’s abysmal game.

2. U54 Total Points Scored

Yes, I am the schmuck who is going to bet the under. While I was in Vegas last weekend I met a local at the Caesars Sportsbook who probably wasn’t a sharp but I’d like to think he was. Anyways, he repeatedly told me he likes to bet ‘dogs and unders. Thus, I’m taking both today. I think both teams come out relatively slow offensively. The 9ers have done a great job all year of mixing up their defensive schemes as the game goes which I’d like to believe will keep Mahomes and company off balance offensively. Pair that with a run game that will chew up a ton of clock and I think we’re looking at a 28-24 9ers win which gives us the under. While in recent years (besides last year) the Super Bowl has gone over, I’m going to fade the public and advise people to take the under.