Your Pigskins and Ponies Picks for Dec. 11-14

The college bowl match-ups are set.
The heat is on in the NFL.
Horse racing is a year-round venture as is the quest for winners.
Welcome to ABR’s Pigskins and Ponies column, where winners play!
Horse racing is my means to an end, and I love the sport like no other, but I admit it, like most of you on a Sunday afternoon in the fall, it’s hard to pull me away from my couch … and NFL RedZone.
I have a wanted sign in Vegas and am feared by fantasy football mavens nationwide, but when it comes to the college game, I chose to punt.
That’s where Derek Cooley comes in. The dude is a loaded gun of university knowledge.
Let’s kick off the football, spring the horses from the gate and pad our bankrolls! 
Pro Pigskins – by Joe Kristufek
Last week was washed in every sense of the word.
The Seattle Seahawks continued to soar toward a Super Bowl defense with a handy win over the legitimate Philadelphia Eagles.
The New York Jets deserved to cover against the Minnesota Vikings, but an overtime touchdown forced us to accept a push. 
Not only did the San Francisco 49ers not cover, they were embarrassed by the Oakland Raiders, losing outright.
Pro Football Trifecta
Last week: 1-1-1 (.500); Season Total: 19-22-1 (.464)
Sunday, Dec. 14
Carolina Panthers (-3) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m. ET
Following Cam Newton’s car accident, the line shifted three points, but I still like the Panthers to cover. They ended a 7-game winless streak by smashing the New Orleans Saints last week and are somehow in the thick of the playoff hunt. They’re running the ball better and the defense is stepping up. QB Derek Anderson has had success in the NFL. Tampa has lost seven of their last eight, scoring more than 17 points just once over that time.
Seattle Seahawks (-10) vs. San Francisco 49ers, 4:25 p.m. ET
In the Jim Harbaugh era, the 49ers have not been this big of an underdog. Their playoff hopes are on the line. They should play with a sense of desperation, but will they? Even if they do, are they good enough to keep the game close against a peaking Seahawks team that will certainly not feel sorry for their hated rivals? Colin Kaepernick looks lost, and it’s highly doubtful he will find himself against the "Legion of Boom".
Philadelphia Eagles (-3) vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:30 p.m. ET
Two weeks ago, the Eagles spanked the Cowboys 33-10, IN Dallas. Since then, the Eagles lost to the surging Seahawks and the Cowboys handled the downtrodden Chicago Bears. Sure the Cowboys are undefeated on the road, but I see that streak ending in rabid Philadelphia. The Cowboys defense is showing signs of wear, while the Eagles’ arrow is pointing up on that side of the ball.
PHILADELPHIA WILL BE BUZZING ON SUNDAY NIGHT

WikiMedia Commons
College Pigskins – by Derek Cooley
Based on a high level confidence, I really thought I had a chance to go 9-0 last week.
We won the first three, but broke even in the final six.
Still a profitable week and you should never complain about that.
On to the next one ...
College Football Pick Six – Let’s Go Bowling!
Last week: 6-3 (.667); Season Total: 48-52-1 (.480) 
Most of the lines are out for this fabulous 2014-15 Bowl Season ... plus playoffs!
We will be doing week-by-week picks ATS during Bowl/Playoff Season, with in-depth coverage. But for now, here are a handful of games to think about heading into that magical time of year.
I mean ... we had to give you something!
Penn State (+2.5) vs. Boston College - Pinstripe Bowl (Dec. 27, 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Penn State is going bowling for the first time in quite some time. The Nittany Lions faithful will pack the Bronx and Christian Hackenburg will lead the Lions to victory. 
USC (-6.5) vs. Nebraska - Holiday Bowl (Dec. 27, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN) 
I'm not liking how Nebraska finds itself as a program heading into this game. You could argue that Ameer Abdullah will go absolutely OFF ,as this will be his last game, and I would agree with you. But USC still wins out there on the left coast.
TCU (-3) vs. Ole Miss - Chick-Fil-A Bowl (Dec. 31, 12:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
These two teams both played out the 2014 season on different terms. Ole Miss was the early story ... and faded. TCU was in the mix until the very end. They didn't knock themselves out of the Final Four, which speaks volumes. They played until the very end and had just as good of a shot as any to be selected. That didn't happen, but NCAA Coach of the Year Gary Patterson will have his frogs ready.
Arizona (-3) vs. Boise State - Fiesta Bowl (Dec. 31, 4 p.m. ET, ESPN)
An absolute lock in my opinion. Also, a home game for the Wildcats.
Alabama (-9) vs. Ohio State - Sugar Bowl (Jan. 1, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
This is essentially a home game for the Crimson Tide, AND it's an opportunity to embarrass a B1G opponent. I think this one could get ugly ... not Wisconsin/OSU ugly, not have your coach bolt to OREGON STATE, yes Oregon State, from Wisconsin ugly, but it won't be close.
Florida State (+9.5) vs. Oregon - Rose Bowl (Jan. 1, 5 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Marcus Mariota is going to win the Heisman, in my opinion, which will inevitably curse him because more times than not ... just kidding. But I don't care who you are, you can't give an undefeated Florida State team nearly 10 points. Doesn't matter how they've looked and where they are playing, they still get the job done.
Ponies – by Joe Kristufek
Good fortune was lacking on Claiming Crown day at Gulfstream Park.
Bet down to 7-2 in the Iron Horse Stakes, Gimmeadrink didn’t show usual speed and failed to raise a gallop in a headscratcher, finishing eighth of 10. 
Sprinting on grass, Mongol Bull failed to seriously threaten at 7-1 in the Canterbury Stakes.
Midnight Notes scratched from the Emerald Stakes, providing us a refund. 
Last week: 2-0-0-0 ($2 WPS * $12 wagered * $0 returned)
Season Total: 41-13-6-2 ($2 WPS * $246 wagered * $301.60 returned = $7.36 ROI)
Gulfstream Park, Hallandale, Fla.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Race 3 – Sugar Swirl Stakes (G3)
#5 Centrique (morning-line odds, 6-1)
This mare has run some huge races in her career. Her "A" game puts her right there with the Sugar Swirl favorites, and I think there’s a good chance she’ll strut her best stuff at a square price. She has had excuses for her last three runs, and trainer Marty Wolfson has a knack with this kind. 
CENTRIQUE

Photo courtesy of Gulfstream Park/Bob Coglianese
Race 8 – El Prado Stakes
#7 Mshawish (morning-line odds, 7-2)
The Todd Pletcher charge has run some big races against stiff, international competition. He’s slowly adjusting to the U.S. turf game, and based on timing, distance and strength of field, this spot was built for him.
Race 9 – Harlan’s Holiday Stakes 
#8 Liam’s Map (morning-line odds, 7-2)
This late-developing 3-year-old appears to have a ton of upside. He’s run faster with every start, and the timing to jump up to reasonable stakes company seems perfect.