Smack Zone

Carl Bialik

So andro-supersized Big Mac finally did what everyone knew he would. Even the Daily News, which still thinks Griffey has only 47 homers, has figured that out. The only thing less suspenseful than the overhyped home-run race is this year's Smack competition. Damn, I'm good.The Mets are a money pick to be leading the wild-card race by next Thursday ($1,000). Yale's soccer teams will gear up for the Ivy season by smoking this week's opponents ($500 on each game). Finally, watch for the Giants to go 2-0 against the Raiders ($2,000). Last Week: +$6,000. Current Balance: $11,000.

Nola Breglio

Of all teams, my record-breaking Yankees let me down last week. Ah, but I will not lose faith in the Bombers, for this week they will prove just why they are already AL East champs by taking the series from the Blue Jays ($500) and then going on to sweep the hapless Red Sox ($500). In the process, David Cone will make a big push for the Cy Young and be the first to win No. 20 in the majors ($200). Finally, kicking off the season in style, Rosie Wustrack, BR '99, will lead the volleyball team to victory in the Yale Invitational this weekend ($500). Last week: -$40.50. Current balance: $4,959.50.

Dan Brodhead

OK, I feel good about last week's showing. Not too shabby for the opening week. This time, give me $500 on Michigan over Syracuse. The Wolverines need to bounce back from last week's defeat, and they will. Next, Sampras over Rafter in the Open semifinals ($300). In the wild-card race, it's all about the Mets. With Jones on the mound, the Mets will beat the Expos this Friday night at crumbling Olympic Stadium ($400). Last Week: +$150. Current Balance: $5,150.

Tom Arnold (guest)

The shade of my late Great Uncle Leonard (Orangeman football All-American, 1913) has whispered in my ear: "Beware, beware the 12th of September, oh you boys of maize and blue." One thousand dollars says Great Uncle Leonard knows of what he whispers: Syracuse topples Michigan. (Sorry, J.M.) Meanwhile, for $500, mighty Ohio State outstrips the lowly Toledo Rockets by three touchdowns; for a further $250, the Katzenjammer Kid, Buckeye No. 45, gets two sacks in the first half and sits out the second. Out west, I'll risk $100 on the following upset: Texas over UCLA in L.A., avenging last year's 66-3 drubbing in Austin. Last week: +$3,000. Current Balance: $8,000.

Tom Arnold is an assistant professor in the history department.

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