Help grading cards

Can I get grading opinions on these two cards? I can't distinguish between the nuances of an 8 vs. 9 yet and am still getting the hang of things. I am relatively new to the collecting scene since collecting as a kid in the glory days of the late 80s/early 90s.
Thanks!

Thanks!


Joel
0
Comments
9
Thanks.
Joel
The Aikman is is an 8 or a 9. It will be a toss up and you can make an arguement either way. I generally grade down so an 8 to 8.5 would be just fine and if you get a 9 then that would be a great score!
Good luck either way!
rice - 8
aikman - 9
the top border on the rice looks a little wavy. could be my eyes or just the scan.
Thanks,
David (LD_Ferg)
1985 Topps Football (starting in psa 8) - #9 - started 05/21/06
9
WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
aikman - 9
+1
Currently collecting 1934 Butterfinger, 1969 Nabisco, 1991 Topps Desert Shield (in PSA 9 or 10), and 1990 Donruss Learning Series (in PSA 10).
<< <i>looks like a cookie crumb on the rice.. yellow frame above helmet.. flick that off b4 sending in >>
That was on the scanner. I was scanning girl scout cookies last night before the cards.
Aikman 8.5-9