Straight-Up (spread in parenthesis courtesy of ESPN)
#22 Texas @ Oklahoma State (-2.5) - Did you know that Texas is still ranked? It's true! Turns out you can beat a bad Notre Dame team at home in overtime and have it matter way more than getting your defense exposed by Cal. Oklahoma State has one loss via illegitimate play, and a second loss to a Jim Grobe team that, were Grobe still at Wake Forest, would have caused Oklahoma State to become ranked again. As it is, we suddenly have no idea what to make of Texas or Oklahoma State anymore. Good luck, friends!
Central Florida @ East Carolina (-4) - Congrats to RME, because Central Florida doesn't look like absolute trash anymore, AND George O'Leary is no longer involved with the team! Good luck against a perennially-good East Carolina team!
Oklahoma (-3.5) @ #21 Texas Christian - Hey, remember how we really don't know what to make of Texas or Oklahoma State at this point? Enter Oklahoma, who has two losses, except both of their losses came against really good teams. And this is one of the more talented teams in the Big 12, which I know isn't saying a lot but it does count for something. TCU is the best-coached team in the conference, though, and their talent level isn't as far behind Oklahoma as Sooner fans would care to admit.
Western Michigan (-3.5) @ Central Michigan - ROW THE DAMN BOAT vs HOOK AND LADDER GODS
Against-the-Spread (spread in parenthesis courtesy of ESPN)
#11 Tennessee (-3) @ #25 Georgia - And in another case of "Why is this team still ranked?": Georgia! Georgia is bad! Stop ranking Georgia! Tennessee is only given 3 points in this game because I think we still don't trust the Volunteers. Those 38 unanswered points doesn't mean we didn't see that first-half, Tennessee.
#8 Wisconsin @ #4 Michigan (-10.5) - This game is a potential B1G Championship preview, because honestly who else do you think is realistically challenging Wisconsin in the West outside of Nebraska? A Wisconsin win here realistically puts them in the driver's seat in the West, while a Michigan win here announces their presence on the national stage.
North Carolina @ #12 Florida State (-11) - Florida State seemed to right the ship last week against South Florida, with Dalvin Cook starting to look like his old self. North Carolina, meanwhile, came from behind last week to knock off Pitt, and they're still a pretty good team. A loss for the Tar Heels here isn't a big deal, because the ACC WHEEL OF DESTINY appears to be in full effect in the Coastal this year.
Memphis @ #16 Ole Miss (-14.5) - Remember last year when a top 10 Ole Miss rolled into Memphis and got dominated by the Tigers in a game that got Justin Fuente hired at Virginia Tech? I'm sure Ole Miss completely forgot about it, and Memphis will be able to ambush the Rebels a second time.
Arizona State @ Southern California (-10) - Lol USC is going to lose this game and then AD Lynn Swann is going to drive Clay Helton to LAX just to fire him.
GAME OF THE CENTURY OF THE WEEK (spread in parenthesis courtesy of ESPN)(STRAIGHT UP)
#3 Louisville (-2) @ #5 Clemson - Oh boy. This is going to be a good one. Lamar Jackson is an absolute force through 4 games this year, while Clemson seems to be rounding into form after looking a bit rusty coming out of the gate. The game is in Death Valley, making this Louisville's first, and also biggest, road test of the year.
Dammit Vegas, you weren't supposed to notice Wisconsin scored a bunch of those points against MSU by random chance and averaged like 3.5 yards a carry. I wanted to take Michigan and like 6 points, not 10.5, because Wisconsin's defense is stellar.
Self-righteousness is incompatible with coalition building.
#22 Texas @ Oklahoma State - I'm going with the spread team on every other choice in this section, so I figured I should have at least one where I go against. Texas gets that lucky spot.
Central Florida @ East Carolina - This is a coin flip, who cares. One team has -4, so okay, them. Oklahoma @ #21 Texas Christian - Oklahoma will come back from a brutal start, and this is where that begins. Western Michigan @ Central Michigan - Row the who with what now?
Against the Spread
#11 Tennessee (-3) @ #25 Georgia - Georgia is a lot worse than I thought they'd be. First year coach jitters, or is Smart not cut out for the position? #8 Wisconsin @ #4 Michigan (-10.5) - Wisconsin has a legitimate shot to win this, though the odds favor Michigan. But I'm not willing to give them more than 10 points.
North Carolina @ #12 Florida State (-11) - I think FSU is still good enough to win this by a pair of touchdowns.
Memphis @ #16 Ole Miss (-14.5) - This is not last year's Ole Miss. In fact I've never seen this Ole Miss before. They're a chaos team. 45-6?
Arizona State @ Southern California (-10) - USC isn't as bad as they've looked due to schedule. I mean they're not good, but they can do this. Right? Right? ...
Game of the Century of the Week (Straight-up)
#3 Louisville (-2) @ #5 Clemson - Clemson doesn't have quite the level of spark they seemed to have last year, while Louisville is on fire. So this will probably be the game where that turns around and Clemson wins 42-13. But I'm not betting on that.
Fleur de Alys on
Triptycho: A card-and-dice tabletop indie RPG currently in development and playtesting
Straight-Up Texas @ Oklahoma State someone kill me
Central Florida @ East Carolina Oklahoma @ Texas Christian team meteor but TCU sucks worse than Oklahoma Western Michigan @ Central Michigan ROW THE DAMN BOAT
ATS Tennessee (-3) @ Georgia well one team looked better last week Wisconsin @ Michigan (-10.5) cheese
North Carolina @ Florida State (-11)
Memphis@ Mississippi (-14.5) Arizona State @ Southern California (-10)
#22 Texas @ OK State - Sorry, Oghulk. I went back and forth on this one a bit, but the Notre Dame win is looking less and less impressive, and if Cal's able to shred a defense that badly, I don't doubt OK State can do the same. Still, OK State lost to Central Michigan (yeah, on a technicality, but still), so anything's possible.
UCF @ ECU - Normally I dread playing ECU for any number of reasons, but I'm actually looking forward to it this time around. We're both young teams with a past record of success, coming off a disappointing season with a new coach and a rebuild in progress. Admittedly, ECU didn't go winless last season, but I think this is a game that'll be good for us going forward, win or lose. But I still want the win. Because fuck ECU. As far as who has the edge, ECU bombed out against a bad SCar squad, while UCF took Maryland to the wire and put up big points against two teams they absolutely should've beat. Also, I'm biased. UCF wins. And thanks for the kind words, Nirya.
Oklahoma @ #21 TCU - This one was also a pain in the ass to pick. Going with TCU, because a squeaker of a loss against a good Arkansas team looks a lot better than whatever Big Game Bob's been trying to put together on the Sooner side.
Western Michigan @ Central Michigan - Yeah, Central Michigan won on a technicality against OK State, but they kept it close and the quality of their competition looks better than anybody Western Michigan has played. I think.
Against the Spread
#11 Tennessee (-3) @ #25 Georgia - Alright, Tennessee, even I don't think you can fuck this one up. I'm eager to see how you prove me wrong, though.
#8 Wisconsin @ #4 Michigan (-10.5) - Wisconsin looked impressive against Sparty last week, but the fact they only beat LSU by two points looks pretty unimpressive when you consider the fact Harbaugh hasn't won a game by less than two touchdowns this season. I think this is a game Michigan wins, and I think it's a game they can win by at least two touchdowns playing at home.
North Carolina @ FSU (-11) - Reason #3,412 to despise FSU; they beat down on USF last week and I couldn't even enjoy it because FSU was the one responsible for the beat down. Also; yes, I have a list. No, it doesn't actually have 3,411 other reasons to despise FSU. Yes, it probably should.
Memphis @ #16 Ole Miss (-14.5) - Honestly, I think Memphis can cover, but there's no way I'm going to give them the satisfaction. Don't fuck this up, Freeze.
Arizona State @ USC (-10) - Before Nirya gets too excited, I think USC wins and ASU covers.
Game of the Century of the Week (W/L)
#3 Louisville @ #5 Clemson - Get that Heisman, Lamar Jackson.
#22 Texas @ OK State - Sorry, Oghulk. I went back and forth on this one a bit, but the Notre Dame win is looking less and less impressive, and if Cal's able to shred a defense that badly, I don't doubt OK State can do the same. Still, OK State lost to Central Michigan (yeah, on a technicality, but still), so anything's possible.
snip
Yeah please kill me I am incredibly nervous now for the rest of the season cause the Big 12 is just Air Raid 10.
0
Options
Munkus BeaverYou don't have to attend every argument you are invited to.Philosophy: Stoicism. Politics: Democratic SocialistRegistered User, ClubPAregular
I made my dogs picks again, but I forgot to write them down again!
I just remember he took forever to decide between Georgia and Tennessee. It's okay, Jack. We all feel you. Nobody's a winner in that game.
Humor can be dissected as a frog can, but dies in the process.
+1
Options
Munkus BeaverYou don't have to attend every argument you are invited to.Philosophy: Stoicism. Politics: Democratic SocialistRegistered User, ClubPAregular
Straight-Up Texas @ Oklahoma State - Because I love @Oghulk and because even though I have little faith in Texas right now, I have very little faith in Oklahoma state.
Central Florida @ East Carolina - I have slightly more faith in the pirates than UCF.
Oklahoma @ Texas Christian - Yeah, no.
Western Michigan @ Central Michigan ????? FUCK THIS GAME I HATE YOU ALL ALREADY FORGOTTEN WHO I PICKED
ATS
Tennessee (-3) @ Georgia I hate Tennessee too much to pick them, I hate them. No, sorry, logic fuck your logic I refuse. Wisconsin @ Michigan (-10.5) - I love Michigan ya'll, but 11 points is too much.
North Carolina @ Florida State (-11) - Fuck, I forgot.
Memphis @ Mississippi (-14.5) - Gon' be an ass whuppin ya'll. Arizona State @ Southern California (-10) - USC is a shitty team, ya'll.
GOTW Louisville @ Clemson - Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha confidence pick.
Humor can be dissected as a frog can, but dies in the process.
I should let you guys know that I have my brother make the picks for me just for fun, but he chose not to ROW THE DANG BOAT this week and I've never been more disappointed in him.
Texas @ Oklahoma State Central Florida @ East Carolina Oklahoma @ Texas Christian
Western Michigan @ Central Michigan
Against the Spread
Tennessee (-3) @ Georgia Wisconsin @ Michigan (-10.5)
North Carolina @ Florida State (-11)
Memphis @ Ole Miss (-14.5) Arizona State @ Southern California (-10)
Straight-Up Texas @ Oklahoma State - Because I love @Oghulk and because even though I have little faith in Texas right now, I have very little faith in Oklahoma state.
Central Florida @ East Carolina - I have slightly more faith in the pirates than UCF.
Oklahoma @ Texas Christian - Yeah, no.
Western Michigan @ Central Michigan ????? FUCK THIS GAME I HATE YOU ALL ALREADY FORGOTTEN WHO I PICKED
ATS
Tennessee (-3) @ Georgia I hate Tennessee too much to pick them, I hate them. No, sorry, logic fuck your logic I refuse. Wisconsin @ Michigan (-10.5) - I love Michigan ya'll, but 11 points is too much.
North Carolina @ Florida State (-11) - Fuck, I forgot.
Memphis @ Mississippi (-14.5) - Gon' be an ass whuppin ya'll. Arizona State @ Southern California (-10) - USC is a shitty team, ya'll.
GOTW Louisville @ Clemson - Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha confidence pick.
I love you too Munkus, Favorite Alabama Fan.
I honestly think Texas stands a good chance. The road team has won the last 5 or 6 in this series, the Pokies love to fumble the ball, and our only problem through 3 games has been the secondary which can be fixed somewhat easily: stick a second player on their go-to WR (I don't remember his name) and force Rudolph to search for another WR, which our pass rush can then fuck shit up on.
It's going to be an early drinking day for me, but I'm somewhat confident. I think we're definitely the worst ranked team (but let's be honest, that's the result of people pre-season voting Notre Dame to #10) but we're still making good improvement.
Straight-Up
Texas @ Oklahoma State - It is my opinion that Texas is not that good, and OkSt is better.
Central Florida @ East Carolina - The home team gets the pick here. Oklahoma @ Texas Christian - Although Oklahoma is not playoff material, they are still a very good team, and I think they'll show that.
Western Michigan @ Central Michigan - Honestly haven't a clue.
ATS Tennessee (-3) @ Georgia - Georgia has proven to be a bad team this year. Wisconsin @ Michigan (-10.5) - I think Michigan will win, but Wisconsin will keep it close.
North Carolina @ Florida State (-11) - The Seminoles will come out mad.
Memphis @ Mississippi (-14.5) - as will Ole Miss Arizona State @ Southern California (-10) - Chaos?
GOTW
Louisville @ Clemson - A legitimately difficult pick - Clemson due to being the home team.
Houston winning is something I vehemently oppose under normal circumstances.
But anything that makes that weasel faced jackass Bob Diaco and the UConn football program even sadder than usual deserves to be respected. To an extent.
[IMG][/img]
0
Options
ani_game_bumOptimistic, Rule-Breaking Nice GuyThe Final World/DestinationRegistered Userregular
Before I get to my picks, my quick take on the State of the Irish from last weekend, as promised (spoilered for potentially not quick enough):
Firing BVG was at the minimum treating the symptom of a larger issue up to at worst a CYA move by Coach Kelly or a commandment from the AD. Granted, the defense for Notre Dame right now is at train wreck levels in stats and game time execution so some kind of shake up had to happen and making a decision to fire the DC mid-season for any team is not a choice to be made lightly. If the reason for the firing was the latter, Coach Kelly has to get this team to at least 9 wins (counting a bowl win) this year to get himself to next year and reduce the grumbling a bit among the fan base and the university's higher-ups. Anything less then the hot seat is going to be a fire pit throughout the winter off-season (in reality, Coach is already on borrowed time based on the history of the last few coaches before him).
Which brings up the former firing point, the larger issue: Notre Dame will always be their own downfall due to how they promote themselves and believing in their own legend as the traditional gold standard in college football and will not tolerate anything less than close to perfection for an extended period of time. I'm not going to rant about what I think that needs to happen to get off that high horse and re-center the expectations (too many factors, too little time here) but I will say that some thinking on how to run the program will need to change or get creative if the goal is to find that magic winning formula - coaching, player performance, and recruitment all in harmonious movement - that will net you 10 wins or more on a regular basis (at least more regular than the Irish are going at this rate) and at least be in the conversation late in the season for CFP discussions.
With all that said, I'm not going to give up on the Irish. I will still root for and support my team and hope that when we do find that winning formula or, most likely, catch that lightning in the bottle some random season it makes the wait worth it.
tl;dr: Changes had to be made, more changes are needed, Go Irish
Straight-up
#22 Texas @ Oklahoma State - Two teams that got screwed over by late game officiating and depriving us of potentially an undefeated Texas team vs. at least a 3-1 Cowboys team. Texas has had time to process what to fix and get over the Cal loss with the bye week and will play more loose since this is their first Big 12 game of the year. OK St. will play a bit more tight and with purpose to avoid going 0-2 in the conference. Going with the more rested Longhorn team FTW.
Central Florida @ East Carolina - Going with the Pirates based on the fact they have one win vs. a Power team (NC St.) and almost pulled off the road upset against South Carolina. UCF went 0-2, a crushing loss from Michigan and a chance to beat Maryland on the road before losing in OT.
Oklahoma @ #21 TCU - Fact: Oklahoma has not won against a ranked opponent this year. Fact: TCU is ranked. Feel free to draw your own conclusions from that.
Western Michigan @ Central Michigan - Go Broncos!
Against the Spread
#11 Tennessee (-3) @ #25 Georgia - The Vols are starting to look like a team that wants to win the SEC East and a road win (and their first true road test) vs. a shaky Georgia will go a long way in solidifying their standing in the division. As long as Tennessee remembers to play all four quarters on the road they should be able to finish with a 3 point lead at the end of the game.
#8 Wisconsin @ #4 Michigan (-10.5) - The Harbaugh Express is running full steam ahead and is about to hit as tough of an immovable object as they have encountered so far this season in the form of Wisconsin's defense. I'm convinced that Michigan should be able to figure out a way to blast through for the win; I'm not so convinced about winning with an 11 point lead. I'll take Michigan covering only because Harbaugh doesn't know how to shift down and let off the accelerator.
North Carolina @ #12 Florida State (-11) - Florida State knows now they are going to need every conference win (convincing, blowout wins at that) to try to keep pace with Louisville and Clemson and still get help from Clemson beating Louisville to even things out in the Atlantic division. Unfortunately for North Carolina this means figuring out how to keep the game at a manageable level and not have FSU run the score up, which they will in an attempt to reassert their dominance and get back into the Top 10.
Memphis @ #16 Ole Miss (-14.5) - Ole Miss look like they got their swagger back in their win again Georgia last week. Getting a convincing revenge win vs. Memphis should bolster the Rebels case that the two early losses against Florida St. and Alabama isn't going to stop them to stay in the hunt. A 15-point or more victory is workable based on the Ole Miss offensive output and Memphis' first road game out and first real Power team opponent (sorry, Kansas, love your Basketball team, see you in November, 'k bye!)
Arizona State @ Southern California (-10) - Fuck USC
Game of the Century of the Week (Straight-up)
#3 Louisville (-2) @ #5 Clemson - About this same time last year, Clemson faced off against the Irish at Death Valley in a Top 10 match up in the middle of a monsoon that ended up going the Tiger's way that night and propelled them to the CFP. While the weather report shows no rain for this game, the stakes are just as high if not higher due to controlling the ACC Atlantic. Louisville wins and they have a vicious grip on the division; Clemson wins and they even the playing field with Florida St. looming ahead a month from now. At the end of the night, Louisville should end up winning this one. Like Michigan, this is a pedal-to-the-metal team that has not slowed down since the start of the season and will look to start hot and fast and smash Clemson in the gut and mouth right off the bat and never look back.
Yesterday I caught the second half of Georgia versus Arizona State from 2009 on ESPN Classic. It was a good game, but one of the Arizona kids started rushing the line before the ball was set while the ref was still there. Ran right into his back and that ref was very unhappy about i.
Through the magic of modern technology, here's the game in it's entirety, but I'm starting it on the ref moment. I can't say that I get the call, either.
Barnett arrived in January 2015 as one of the top-ranked quarterbacks in the country. Buzz about early playing time started before he made the cross-country move from California.
But after starting the USC game this season, Barnett lost the top job to true freshman Jalen Hurts.
"I think some of these young guys that have high expectations -- sometimes given to them through no fault of their own -- whether it's the media makes them the best quarterback or whatever, then the expectation is when they come to Alabama, they're going to have immediate success, they're going to be a starter and all that stuff," Saban said. "And when that doesn't happen, you start to fear the future. 'Am I going to fail in the future. Am I going to have an opportunity to make it in the future.'"
McElroy chimed in as well.
"I'd rather play one year here than four years anywhere else," the Alabama starter from 2009-10 said.
Saban wrapped up his comments with some more West Virginia wisdom.
"My dad used to always say 'The grass is always greener on top of the septic tank,'" Saban said. "So it always looks better someplace else. So you think, instead of facing your fears and really overcoming adversity and making yourself better through the competition, you go someplace else thinking it will be better there. But until you face your fears, you're always going to have some of those issues or problems."
Fuck you, Nick (whom, it's worth mentioning, have left for greener fields when it benefitted you.) I can't wait for the NCAA wage fixing to collapse, so that you have to actually deal fairly with your players.
Of course, I'm betting that he'll retire when that happens.
Mostly because they won't make a deal with Directv.
Even though they have a deal with ATT Uverse and ATT owns directv and goddamit sometimes I just want to watch Oregon winlose at the last second why won't you let me have this!
Mostly because they won't make a deal with Directv.
Even though they have a deal with ATT Uverse and ATT owns directv and goddamit sometimes I just want to watch Oregon winlose at the last second why won't you let me have this!
I was hoping with AT&T taking over the bad blood would go away but I read up a bit and apparently AT&T wants exclusive media rights on all the campuses and that's a nonstarter.
“I was quick when I came in here, I’m twice as quick now”
-Indiana Solo, runner of blades
David Shaw fucks up a clock management issue, again. Washington refuses to call a timeout to force you to punt, so run the clock down to four seconds and throw a hail mary, moron. Instead they punt with 10 seconds on the play clock. This infuriates me.
enlightenedbum on
Self-righteousness is incompatible with coalition building.
Posts
Straight-Up (spread in parenthesis courtesy of ESPN)
#22 Texas @ Oklahoma State (-2.5) - Did you know that Texas is still ranked? It's true! Turns out you can beat a bad Notre Dame team at home in overtime and have it matter way more than getting your defense exposed by Cal. Oklahoma State has one loss via illegitimate play, and a second loss to a Jim Grobe team that, were Grobe still at Wake Forest, would have caused Oklahoma State to become ranked again. As it is, we suddenly have no idea what to make of Texas or Oklahoma State anymore. Good luck, friends!
Central Florida @ East Carolina (-4) - Congrats to RME, because Central Florida doesn't look like absolute trash anymore, AND George O'Leary is no longer involved with the team! Good luck against a perennially-good East Carolina team!
Oklahoma (-3.5) @ #21 Texas Christian - Hey, remember how we really don't know what to make of Texas or Oklahoma State at this point? Enter Oklahoma, who has two losses, except both of their losses came against really good teams. And this is one of the more talented teams in the Big 12, which I know isn't saying a lot but it does count for something. TCU is the best-coached team in the conference, though, and their talent level isn't as far behind Oklahoma as Sooner fans would care to admit.
Western Michigan (-3.5) @ Central Michigan - ROW THE DAMN BOAT vs HOOK AND LADDER GODS
Against-the-Spread (spread in parenthesis courtesy of ESPN)
#11 Tennessee (-3) @ #25 Georgia - And in another case of "Why is this team still ranked?": Georgia! Georgia is bad! Stop ranking Georgia! Tennessee is only given 3 points in this game because I think we still don't trust the Volunteers. Those 38 unanswered points doesn't mean we didn't see that first-half, Tennessee.
#8 Wisconsin @ #4 Michigan (-10.5) - This game is a potential B1G Championship preview, because honestly who else do you think is realistically challenging Wisconsin in the West outside of Nebraska? A Wisconsin win here realistically puts them in the driver's seat in the West, while a Michigan win here announces their presence on the national stage.
North Carolina @ #12 Florida State (-11) - Florida State seemed to right the ship last week against South Florida, with Dalvin Cook starting to look like his old self. North Carolina, meanwhile, came from behind last week to knock off Pitt, and they're still a pretty good team. A loss for the Tar Heels here isn't a big deal, because the ACC WHEEL OF DESTINY appears to be in full effect in the Coastal this year.
Memphis @ #16 Ole Miss (-14.5) - Remember last year when a top 10 Ole Miss rolled into Memphis and got dominated by the Tigers in a game that got Justin Fuente hired at Virginia Tech? I'm sure Ole Miss completely forgot about it, and Memphis will be able to ambush the Rebels a second time.
Arizona State @ Southern California (-10) - Lol USC is going to lose this game and then AD Lynn Swann is going to drive Clay Helton to LAX just to fire him.
GAME OF THE CENTURY OF THE WEEK (spread in parenthesis courtesy of ESPN)(STRAIGHT UP)
#3 Louisville (-2) @ #5 Clemson - Oh boy. This is going to be a good one. Lamar Jackson is an absolute force through 4 games this year, while Clemson seems to be rounding into form after looking a bit rusty coming out of the gate. The game is in Death Valley, making this Louisville's first, and also biggest, road test of the year.
Go here to enter your choices: https://goo.gl/forms/OmwKJl9baqfqx4r13
3DS: 2981-5304-3227
#22 Texas @ Oklahoma State - I'm going with the spread team on every other choice in this section, so I figured I should have at least one where I go against. Texas gets that lucky spot.
Central Florida @ East Carolina - This is a coin flip, who cares. One team has -4, so okay, them.
Oklahoma @ #21 Texas Christian - Oklahoma will come back from a brutal start, and this is where that begins.
Western Michigan @ Central Michigan - Row the who with what now?
Against the Spread
#11 Tennessee (-3) @ #25 Georgia - Georgia is a lot worse than I thought they'd be. First year coach jitters, or is Smart not cut out for the position?
#8 Wisconsin @ #4 Michigan (-10.5) - Wisconsin has a legitimate shot to win this, though the odds favor Michigan. But I'm not willing to give them more than 10 points.
North Carolina @ #12 Florida State (-11) - I think FSU is still good enough to win this by a pair of touchdowns.
Memphis @ #16 Ole Miss (-14.5) - This is not last year's Ole Miss. In fact I've never seen this Ole Miss before. They're a chaos team. 45-6?
Arizona State @ Southern California (-10) - USC isn't as bad as they've looked due to schedule. I mean they're not good, but they can do this. Right? Right? ...
Game of the Century of the Week (Straight-up)
#3 Louisville (-2) @ #5 Clemson - Clemson doesn't have quite the level of spark they seemed to have last year, while Louisville is on fire. So this will probably be the game where that turns around and Clemson wins 42-13. But I'm not betting on that.
Texas @ Oklahoma State someone kill me
Central Florida @ East Carolina
Oklahoma @ Texas Christian team meteor but TCU sucks worse than Oklahoma
Western Michigan @ Central Michigan ROW THE DAMN BOAT
ATS
Tennessee (-3) @ Georgia well one team looked better last week
Wisconsin @ Michigan (-10.5) cheese
North Carolina @ Florida State (-11)
Memphis@ Mississippi (-14.5)
Arizona State @ Southern California (-10)
GOTW
Louisville @ Clemson
Win/Loss
#22 Texas @ OK State - Sorry, Oghulk. I went back and forth on this one a bit, but the Notre Dame win is looking less and less impressive, and if Cal's able to shred a defense that badly, I don't doubt OK State can do the same. Still, OK State lost to Central Michigan (yeah, on a technicality, but still), so anything's possible.
UCF @ ECU - Normally I dread playing ECU for any number of reasons, but I'm actually looking forward to it this time around. We're both young teams with a past record of success, coming off a disappointing season with a new coach and a rebuild in progress. Admittedly, ECU didn't go winless last season, but I think this is a game that'll be good for us going forward, win or lose. But I still want the win. Because fuck ECU. As far as who has the edge, ECU bombed out against a bad SCar squad, while UCF took Maryland to the wire and put up big points against two teams they absolutely should've beat. Also, I'm biased. UCF wins. And thanks for the kind words, Nirya.
Oklahoma @ #21 TCU - This one was also a pain in the ass to pick. Going with TCU, because a squeaker of a loss against a good Arkansas team looks a lot better than whatever Big Game Bob's been trying to put together on the Sooner side.
Western Michigan @ Central Michigan - Yeah, Central Michigan won on a technicality against OK State, but they kept it close and the quality of their competition looks better than anybody Western Michigan has played. I think.
Against the Spread
#11 Tennessee (-3) @ #25 Georgia - Alright, Tennessee, even I don't think you can fuck this one up. I'm eager to see how you prove me wrong, though.
#8 Wisconsin @ #4 Michigan (-10.5) - Wisconsin looked impressive against Sparty last week, but the fact they only beat LSU by two points looks pretty unimpressive when you consider the fact Harbaugh hasn't won a game by less than two touchdowns this season. I think this is a game Michigan wins, and I think it's a game they can win by at least two touchdowns playing at home.
North Carolina @ FSU (-11) - Reason #3,412 to despise FSU; they beat down on USF last week and I couldn't even enjoy it because FSU was the one responsible for the beat down. Also; yes, I have a list. No, it doesn't actually have 3,411 other reasons to despise FSU. Yes, it probably should.
Memphis @ #16 Ole Miss (-14.5) - Honestly, I think Memphis can cover, but there's no way I'm going to give them the satisfaction. Don't fuck this up, Freeze.
Arizona State @ USC (-10) - Before Nirya gets too excited, I think USC wins and ASU covers.
Game of the Century of the Week (W/L)
#3 Louisville @ #5 Clemson - Get that Heisman, Lamar Jackson.
Yeah please kill me I am incredibly nervous now for the rest of the season cause the Big 12 is just Air Raid 10.
I just remember he took forever to decide between Georgia and Tennessee. It's okay, Jack. We all feel you. Nobody's a winner in that game.
Texas @ Oklahoma State - Because I love @Oghulk and because even though I have little faith in Texas right now, I have very little faith in Oklahoma state.
Central Florida @ East Carolina - I have slightly more faith in the pirates than UCF.
Oklahoma @ Texas Christian - Yeah, no.
Western Michigan @ Central Michigan ????? FUCK THIS GAME I HATE YOU ALL ALREADY FORGOTTEN WHO I PICKED
ATS
Tennessee (-3) @ Georgia I hate Tennessee too much to pick them, I hate them. No, sorry, logic fuck your logic I refuse.
Wisconsin @ Michigan (-10.5) - I love Michigan ya'll, but 11 points is too much.
North Carolina @ Florida State (-11) - Fuck, I forgot.
Memphis @ Mississippi (-14.5) - Gon' be an ass whuppin ya'll.
Arizona State @ Southern California (-10) - USC is a shitty team, ya'll.
GOTW
Louisville @ Clemson - Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha confidence pick.
3DS: 2981-5304-3227
Texas @ Oklahoma State
Central Florida @ East Carolina
Oklahoma @ Texas Christian
Western Michigan @ Central Michigan
Against the Spread
Tennessee (-3) @ Georgia
Wisconsin @ Michigan (-10.5)
North Carolina @ Florida State (-11)
Memphis @ Ole Miss (-14.5)
Arizona State @ Southern California (-10)
Game of the Week
Louisville @ Clemson
EDIT: On that note, rumors that Biegel broke his foot yesterday. One of the two best Badger defenders.
I love you too Munkus, Favorite Alabama Fan.
I honestly think Texas stands a good chance. The road team has won the last 5 or 6 in this series, the Pokies love to fumble the ball, and our only problem through 3 games has been the secondary which can be fixed somewhat easily: stick a second player on their go-to WR (I don't remember his name) and force Rudolph to search for another WR, which our pass rush can then fuck shit up on.
It's going to be an early drinking day for me, but I'm somewhat confident. I think we're definitely the worst ranked team (but let's be honest, that's the result of people pre-season voting Notre Dame to #10) but we're still making good improvement.
And I'm looking to have a fairly busy Saturday so with any luck I can still catch some games for a bit.
Texas @ Oklahoma State - It is my opinion that Texas is not that good, and OkSt is better.
Central Florida @ East Carolina - The home team gets the pick here.
Oklahoma @ Texas Christian - Although Oklahoma is not playoff material, they are still a very good team, and I think they'll show that.
Western Michigan @ Central Michigan - Honestly haven't a clue.
ATS
Tennessee (-3) @ Georgia - Georgia has proven to be a bad team this year.
Wisconsin @ Michigan (-10.5) - I think Michigan will win, but Wisconsin will keep it close.
North Carolina @ Florida State (-11) - The Seminoles will come out mad.
Memphis @ Mississippi (-14.5) - as will Ole Miss
Arizona State @ Southern California (-10) - Chaos?
GOTW
Louisville @ Clemson - A legitimately difficult pick - Clemson due to being the home team.
still 13 minutes left in first quarter for both games, both got 7 points
we got some blowouts here
e: nevermind, Houston only got a td in the 2nd quarter, where there's 13 minutes left
HUH
But anything that makes that weasel faced jackass Bob Diaco and the UConn football program even sadder than usual deserves to be respected. To an extent.
Which brings up the former firing point, the larger issue: Notre Dame will always be their own downfall due to how they promote themselves and believing in their own legend as the traditional gold standard in college football and will not tolerate anything less than close to perfection for an extended period of time. I'm not going to rant about what I think that needs to happen to get off that high horse and re-center the expectations (too many factors, too little time here) but I will say that some thinking on how to run the program will need to change or get creative if the goal is to find that magic winning formula - coaching, player performance, and recruitment all in harmonious movement - that will net you 10 wins or more on a regular basis (at least more regular than the Irish are going at this rate) and at least be in the conversation late in the season for CFP discussions.
With all that said, I'm not going to give up on the Irish. I will still root for and support my team and hope that when we do find that winning formula or, most likely, catch that lightning in the bottle some random season it makes the wait worth it.
tl;dr: Changes had to be made, more changes are needed, Go Irish
Straight-up
#22 Texas @ Oklahoma State - Two teams that got screwed over by late game officiating and depriving us of potentially an undefeated Texas team vs. at least a 3-1 Cowboys team. Texas has had time to process what to fix and get over the Cal loss with the bye week and will play more loose since this is their first Big 12 game of the year. OK St. will play a bit more tight and with purpose to avoid going 0-2 in the conference. Going with the more rested Longhorn team FTW.
Central Florida @ East Carolina - Going with the Pirates based on the fact they have one win vs. a Power team (NC St.) and almost pulled off the road upset against South Carolina. UCF went 0-2, a crushing loss from Michigan and a chance to beat Maryland on the road before losing in OT.
Oklahoma @ #21 TCU - Fact: Oklahoma has not won against a ranked opponent this year. Fact: TCU is ranked. Feel free to draw your own conclusions from that.
Western Michigan @ Central Michigan - Go Broncos!
Against the Spread
#11 Tennessee (-3) @ #25 Georgia - The Vols are starting to look like a team that wants to win the SEC East and a road win (and their first true road test) vs. a shaky Georgia will go a long way in solidifying their standing in the division. As long as Tennessee remembers to play all four quarters on the road they should be able to finish with a 3 point lead at the end of the game.
#8 Wisconsin @ #4 Michigan (-10.5) - The Harbaugh Express is running full steam ahead and is about to hit as tough of an immovable object as they have encountered so far this season in the form of Wisconsin's defense. I'm convinced that Michigan should be able to figure out a way to blast through for the win; I'm not so convinced about winning with an 11 point lead. I'll take Michigan covering only because Harbaugh doesn't know how to shift down and let off the accelerator.
North Carolina @ #12 Florida State (-11) - Florida State knows now they are going to need every conference win (convincing, blowout wins at that) to try to keep pace with Louisville and Clemson and still get help from Clemson beating Louisville to even things out in the Atlantic division. Unfortunately for North Carolina this means figuring out how to keep the game at a manageable level and not have FSU run the score up, which they will in an attempt to reassert their dominance and get back into the Top 10.
Memphis @ #16 Ole Miss (-14.5) - Ole Miss look like they got their swagger back in their win again Georgia last week. Getting a convincing revenge win vs. Memphis should bolster the Rebels case that the two early losses against Florida St. and Alabama isn't going to stop them to stay in the hunt. A 15-point or more victory is workable based on the Ole Miss offensive output and Memphis' first road game out and first real Power team opponent (sorry, Kansas, love your Basketball team, see you in November, 'k bye!)
Arizona State @ Southern California (-10) - Fuck USC
Game of the Century of the Week (Straight-up)
#3 Louisville (-2) @ #5 Clemson - About this same time last year, Clemson faced off against the Irish at Death Valley in a Top 10 match up in the middle of a monsoon that ended up going the Tiger's way that night and propelled them to the CFP. While the weather report shows no rain for this game, the stakes are just as high if not higher due to controlling the ACC Atlantic. Louisville wins and they have a vicious grip on the division; Clemson wins and they even the playing field with Florida St. looming ahead a month from now. At the end of the night, Louisville should end up winning this one. Like Michigan, this is a pedal-to-the-metal team that has not slowed down since the start of the season and will look to start hot and fast and smash Clemson in the gut and mouth right off the bat and never look back.
Through the magic of modern technology, here's the game in it's entirety, but I'm starting it on the ref moment. I can't say that I get the call, either.
Mostly because they won't make a deal with Directv.
-Indiana Solo, runner of blades
Fuck you, Nick (whom, it's worth mentioning, have left for greener fields when it benefitted you.) I can't wait for the NCAA wage fixing to collapse, so that you have to actually deal fairly with your players.
Of course, I'm betting that he'll retire when that happens.
Even though they have a deal with ATT Uverse and ATT owns directv and goddamit sometimes I just want to watch Oregon winlose at the last second why won't you let me have this!
I was hoping with AT&T taking over the bad blood would go away but I read up a bit and apparently AT&T wants exclusive media rights on all the campuses and that's a nonstarter.
-Indiana Solo, runner of blades
I think the Huskies might actually be good guys.
Now I'm angry about losing that game all over again.
3DS: 2981-5304-3227
Stanford is garbage
Unbiased halftime analysis from my living room in Texas
Stanford is overrated garbage and the big Huskies OL demonstrates that McCaffrey is too.
Our DL is really, really good. Relies heavily on interior rush, but goes legit 2 slots deep with 3-4 style tackles and ends across the board.
Our third LB is a liability, but we're built for this kind of game. Which is why it will confuse the whole country when we lose to Oregon next week.
Nah, oregon is off this year, not gonna happen