Football Picks

Pete Carroll has evolved from a bright, young NFL assistant coach into an NFL head coach that seemed overwhelmed by the responsibility into one of the most successful and popular college head coaches in recent memory. Now it looks like there will be a new step in Carroll's coaching journey. There are multiple reports that Carroll will leave the Trojans to become the new head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. If Carroll does take another shot at the NFL, he will be letting go of an opportunity to become a legendary college coach - on par with Bear Bryant, Woody Hayes, Joe Paterno, and Bobby Bowden. It sounds crazy to think Carroll belongs in the discussion with those legendary coaches. I remember the days when Carroll was tossing out catch phrases like "jacked and pumped" when he was the mediocre head coach of the Patriots. However, by glancing at his track record with Southern Cal, it is no stretch of the imagination to predict he would be an all-time great if he chooses to stay. Since taking over at USC in 2001, the Trojans have a 97-19 record and have won the Pac-10 championship seven times. Carroll has also led USC to two national championships in 2003 and 2004 and won the Rose Bowl four times and two Orange Bowls. Under Carroll, three USC players have won the Heisman Trophy (Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, and Reggie Bush). With his ability to recruit the best high school players in the country and develop them into NFL caliber talent (53 Trojans have gone on to the NFL under Carroll), 'SC could have built a lasting dynasty. Instead, Carroll looks to be heading back to the NFL. The Seahawks job is one in he can be successful. They have two defensive stars in Lofa Tatupu - who started at middle linebacker on Carroll's two national title teams at 'SC - and Aaron Curry. On offense, the Seahawks need to develop a long-term quarterback because Matt Hasselbeck has been hurt too much since leading the team to the 2005 NFC championship... All picks against the spread (the Bible) and home team in capitals... Saturday CINCINNATI (-2.5) over NY Jets Philadelphia (+3.5) over DALLAS Sunday PATRIOTS (-3.5) over Baltimore ARIZONA (Pick) over Green Bay Last Week: 8 - 6 - 1 Regular Season: 122 - 109 - 4