knitdanIn ur baseKillin ur guysRegistered Userregular
What the hell is GigEm
Aside from an old timey fabric
“I was quick when I came in here, I’m twice as quick now”
-Indiana Solo, runner of blades
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Munkus BeaverYou don't have to attend every argument you are invited to.Philosophy: Stoicism. Politics: Democratic SocialistRegistered User, ClubPAregular
WEEK 13: A HATE WEEK SO BIG IT NEEDED 2 POSTS! (A quick note: because I'm writing these early and Playoff rankings haven't come out yet, we'll be using the AP rankings for this week. Congrats for making the top 10, UCF!)
Straight Up
#22 Mississippi State (-10.5) @ Ole Miss - THE EGG BOWL! And we're actually putting this up early enough for you to actually make a pick in what is traditionally a rivalry game filled with hate despite at least one, if not both, teams being awful at any given moment. This year's edition is no different, as the Rebels look like ass and are coming off 4 straight losses, while the Bulldogs are coming off a drubbing of Arkansas. But you can throw out the records with this game, which is a cliche but absolutely true. Also expect at least 4 unsportsmanlike conduct penalties (and that seems like a lowball number there).
Nebraska @ Iowa (-9.5) - THE BATTLE FOR THE HEROES TROPHY! Ok, so some of these are rivalries of convenience, or rivalries with barely any history, but there is something resembling history here, especially through the 1st half of the 20th century. Plus, this is a Big 10 game, so of course there's a trophy on the line. Anyway, Nebraska has started to round into form to end the season, while Iowa got a much-needed victory over Illinois last week to stop the bleeding that has been their second-half slide.
Virginia (-4) @ Virginia Tech - THE COMMONWEALTH CUP! This rivalry has been dominated by the Hokies in recent years, as they're currently riding a 14 game win streak over their rivals, and have won 18 of the last 19 matchups. But this year's edition of VT has not looked good in the slightest, and they're currently on a 4-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers have looked noticeably better, though they haven't been great in recent weeks as well. This may be something of a "if not now, when?" game for Bronco Mendenhall and Virginia, as this is one of their best chances at knocking off their rival in recent years.
#16 Washington @ #7 Washington State (-2.5) - THE APPLE CUP! And for a spot in the Pac-12 Championship Game! For our Apple Cup preview, we turn to resident Wazzu fan knitdan:
What is the Apple Cup? Here’s what it is not. This is not a rivalry which runs so hot that a crazed fan of one team decides to poison some trees and then calls up
Paul Finebaum to brag about it. This is not a rivalry so petty that coaches refuse to name the other team. Most of the time, it’s a family squabble, played for penny-ante stakes. It’s a rivalry where nearly every fan involved has two things in common: they live in the state of Washington, and didn’t go to UW.
But sometimes, maybe once or twice a decade, that changes. One team has a chance for greatness and the other team has a chance to play spoiler. Historically, the Cougs have had to try and play spoiler far more often than they’ve been playing for greatness. But now UW has to settle for a shot at spoiling the best season the
Cougs have had in a generation, if not of all time.
This was supposed to be the Huskies’ year, after all. Everyone said they were the only PAC12 team with even a ghost of a chance at reaching the playoff. And then they lost to Auburn, and later Oregon and Cal. But the Cougs kept winning, and still have an outside chance at a playoff bid, providing they win out and get a little extra help.
So buckle up kids. It’s gonna be a bumpy ride.
#13 Florida (-5) @ Florida State - THE SUNSHINE SHOWDOWN! Also, this line is bizarre to me; yes Florida State is coming off an upset victory over Boston College, but this is the same team that had gotten blasted by actual good team Notre Dame and suspect team NC State in the weeks prior. Plus their offensive line is bad, which is totally fine since Florida's defensive line isn't hell-bent on destruction or anything. Oh hold on, someone just handed me a paper, ok yes Florida's defensive line is actually super good. Anyway, I can't wait to see which of these teams wins and takes the spot of Florida's second-best team!
#4 Michigan (-4) @ #10 Ohio State - THE GAME! First off, I'm surprised none of our resident Michigan Men chose to talk some shit about Ohio State, but I'm going to chalk that up to general superstition. After all, Michigan is two games away from making the College Football Playoffs, and the Buckeyes are the biggest thing standing between the Wolverines and the playoffs remaining. But Ohio State has turned into a cockroach in recent years, and you can't count the Buckeyes out until you are sure they are absolutely, positively 100% dead. This is one of the few games this week with a huge amount of stakes outside of just bragging rights, so make sure you take some time to watch this one.
And as soon as I write all that, noted Michigan Man enlightenedbum came off the top rope with a very good Hate Week tweet that he needed to share:
#19 Syracuse @ Boston College (NO LINE) - A rivalry that has managed to change conferences; Boston College moved from the Big East to the ACC, then Syracuse followed a few years later. So I guess there's still hope for you fans of Texas/Texas A&M after all!
Purdue (-4) @ Indiana - THE BATTLE FOR THE OLD OAKEN BUCKET! Let me be honest here: as part of the research for these games, I usually google search the rivalry to find out some facts about the teams, and the fact that the Wikipedia article for this rivalry focuses almost-entirely on basketball is maybe the most Indiana thing I could imagine. Also, this game should be a good bellweather for how good Purdue is this year, because if they're actually good, Indiana will find a way to blow this game somehow.
Baylor vs. Texas Tech (-6.5) - LIVE FOR THE LAST TIME FROM AT&T STADIUM IN DALLAS! That's really it for this write-up, as I'm still trying to handle the fact that this rivalry was apparently played at a neutral site for like 8 years, and they'll finally start rotating home sites again next year. Also I hope Texas Tech wins by a million points or so cause fuck Baylor.
North Carolina State (-6.5) @ North Carolina - Sometimes you think a rivalry probably has a decent name, and instead just has a stinker. Case in point: the Wikipedia entry for this rivalry says that this is commonly known as the Carolina-State Game, which is just amazingly bad. And sure, I get that this is probably more of a basketball rivalry, as all things in the state of North Carolina tend to be, but you guys gotta do better here to make me care. Add a rivalry trophy or something! Make it look like the Wright Brothers' plane, since that's one of the only things of note from your state. Or add some stakes, like the winning school over a decade gets to decide how awful the Republican gerrymander of the state gets to be!
Wake Forest @ Duke (-12.5) - I did not realize this was much of a rivalry, but not only is it one, but we actually got a write-up for it! So here's noted Duke fan traib discussing the rivalry. Please be nice to him even though he roots for the Blue Devils on purpose:
Duke and UNC are rivals- this is well established and I don't really need to elaborate further. NC State is also located in the Triangle area of North Carolina, so they often claim to be rivals with both schools even though that isn't exactly true. Also, Wake Forest is there. It's any easy fact to forget if you're one of the 10 million North Carolina residents that did not attend Wake Forest.
In 2005, the ACC decided to split into two divisions for football. For unknown reasons they decided to split this group of schools into separate divisions- Duke/UNC in the Coastal, State/Wake in the Atlantic. Each school gets a guaranteed cross-division rival that they will play every year. NC State kicked and yelled and made a fuss about how they were definitely rivals with UNC so they HAD to be their partner. That left Wake Forest to Duke, who shrugged and said "Who? Oh yeah, sure, why not."
This year marks the 50-somethingth consecutive game between the two schools. It's been fairly even recently- most games have been within 10 points ever since Wake stomped Duke 44-6 back in 2005. I honestly don't have much bad to say about Wake- both of these schools have had some rough stretches in recent history so there's a bit of mutual understanding there. This game usually is a last chance for one of the teams to scrape together a 6th win while the other just hopes no one gets injured and wonders when shootyhoops starts back up. Still, I pencil this one in as an easy W for Duke every year. Whenever we lose (which is often), I wander around my house mumbling "Wake Forest? We really lost to Wake Forest?", so clearly I have some emotional investment in this game. Call it a rivalry? Sure, why not.
Louisiana-Lafayette @ Louisiana-Monroe (-3.5) - THE BATTLE ON THE BAYOU! And, as stated last week, a pretty important edition of this game. Thanks to their loss to Arkansas State, Louisiana-Monroe is now officially out of the Sun Belt West race, which is now down to Arkansas State and Louisiana-Lafayette. Should Lafayette beat their rivals, they would win the West due to a head-to-head victory over Arkansas State. But, should Monroe knock off its rival, that would send Arkansas State to the championship game against the winner of Troy/App State. Should be fun!
Arizona State (-2) @ Arizona - THE DUEL IN THE DESERT! FOR THE TERRITORIAL CUP! This is actually one of the longest rivalries in college football, with the first game occurring in 1899. This is also an amazingly bitter rivalry between two glorified community colleges that are constantly trying to one-up each other. Both teams have, in a stroke of luck, mirrored each other in coaching hiring practices, with both teams firing their coach after last year and each hiring a failed retread to take over. With nothing on the line beyond bragging rights yet again, this should still be a rockfight of the highest order.
Tennessee @ Vanderbilt (-3.5) - THE BATTLE OF TENNESSEE (my name but feel free to use it)! This is, traditionally, a game that Tennessee has dominated, with them leading the all-time series 75–32–5. Vandy has been much better of late, winning 4 of the last 6, and is again favored this year, most likely due to being the least combustible of the two teams. I do have to point out that the Wikipedia page for this game does have a giant list of notable games, though apparently nothing of note happened between 1932 and 2005.
#8 Louisiana State @ Texas A&M (-2) - A rather new rivalry, compared to some of the other entries this week, here's noted LSU fan Gnizmo discussing the game:
I do and I don't want to write something about the LSU-Texas A&M game. My problem is it is kind of hard to see this as a rivalry at this point. The last time the two teams played and A&M won was 1995. 23 years between losses does not exactly breed a lot of contempt. LSU remains the one conference opponent TA&M have not beaten since joining the SEC in 2012. Given how badly TA&M collapses in the back half of every season I kind of feel like we might as well bring back the Tulane game as a rivalry. Yeah it is going to be a one sided beat-down, but at least we could pretend the teams are close enough geographically to have some emotional weight. As it is both sides would be better off having LSU pre-preemptively declared the winner and players on both teams getting to spend some more time with family around the holidays.
#3 Notre Dame (-10.5) @ Southern California - Before I get to our Hate Week writeup for this game from noted Notre Dame fan ani_game_bum, I just want to shamelessly plug my own shit while also laughing because AAHHAHAHA EAT SHIT TROJANS WE BEAT THAT ASS AGAIN. Anyway, here's more shit-talking about USC, which is always encouraged:
As a Notre Dame fan of roughly 30-ish years, I have seen both the good years and the bad years where the Irish, after a long, hard fought regular season campaign, travels west and makes one last stop in the City of Angels to make their final case to the voting writers or the committees or the cold, unfeeling computers against their most hated and despicable rival out of the possible three or four rivals in any given season: The Fucking Condoms Trojans of Southern California.
Now, I will show restraint and not disparage the University as a whole (I think @Nirya pretty much covered that one in his last Pick 'Em post) nor will I argue why the Song Girls, whom do not do any kind of singing that I am aware of, has to wear otherworldly and pristine white full sleeve sweaters in the middle of 70-80 degree, fully sunny Los Angeles weather (Why? Just...why?).
No, my ire and my hatred is fueled by the fact that from the mid-90's throughout the 2000's the number of times the Irish made the long journey westward to face USC as a highly ranked team and possibly be in line for a top bowl game (maybe a BCS bid?), the Trojans (partially thanks to that white-teeth grinning asshole Pete Carroll) become the sightly hidden gnarled root on the way to the finish line, or the raised bump in the red carpet, or the pop-up metal barrier trap that Wily E. Coyote runs into before catching the Road Runner.
Trips us up and make us fall flat on or faces every, single, time.
Now, the Irish (pending what happens in the Syracuse game) finds themselves, once again, as the team of destiny seeking Playoff glory as they make their yearly pilgrimage west on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Most likely (again, pending on the previous Saturday) any kind of win will seal the deal and take us to either Arlington or Miami. However, nothing will make me more happy to see the Irish (metaphorically) punch USC's perfect little California smug-smiling, Pete Carrol-like, perfect teeth in, steamroll the team into the Colosseum turf as a painful reminder that the FIGHTING IRISH OF NOTRE DAME owns this series and always will, run up the fucking score for the Playoff Committee, and keep control of the Jeweled Shillelagh as we take our place at the College Playoff table for the first time and pave our way to the first Irish Football National Championship in 30 years.
(Oh, and before you argue, apparently 2012 didn't count because some fuckwad in the NCAA says so, so fuck that person)
Against the Spread
Colorado State @ Air Force (-14.5) - THE BATTLE FOR THE RAM-FALCON TROPHY! Colorado State lost last week in one of the saddest ways possible, as they managed to pull off a Hail Mary for an apparent victory, except the receiver who caught the ball had run out of bounds and was therefore ineligible. The penalty ended the game in a Utah State victory, while the Rams now have to try and figure out a way to regroup to face a below-average Air Force team. With both teams having disappointing seasons, a win here will at least give them a chance to end with something nice.
Arkansas @ Missouri (-20.5) - THE BATTLE LINE RIVALRY! And good lord is Arkansas bad this year; they might have achieved honorary Southern Conference membership status this year. This will be a perfect opportunity for perennial NFL draft darling Drew Locke to actually put up good numbers against someone, so I'm sure he'll find a way to lead his team to a meager 10 point victory.
#8 Central Florida (-13.5) @ South Florida - THE WAR ON I-4! Here to comment is noted fan of the defending national champs Romanian My Escutcheon:
First: Your usual reminder that USF's flagship campus in Tampa is nearly 300 miles northwest of Miami and actually sits on Florida's west coast. They are the University of South Florida in West Florida, and should be referred to as such, if only because it is bound to annoy the shit out of them. And annoying USF fans is reason enough to do anything.
Now that we have established this important fact; did you know that USF fought for years to avoid a rivalry series with UCF? It's true! They cited their commitments to the Big East, claimed it would hurt their strength of schedule to play a C-USA team every year, said that we couldn't pull in the kind of attendance or to justify a rivalry, and pointed to games where they stomped us as evidence that we weren't a good enough team to play them annually.
Then we joined their conference, beat them to multiple Division and Conference championships (including this year), beat them to a BCS era NY6 bowl and won, beat them to a CFP era NY6 bowl and won, hosted College Gameday before them, beat them to a program first undefeated season, and won our school's first National Championship before they ever won their own. And that's putting aside all the times we've beaten them in Top 25 rankings, Top 10 rankings, and - most importantly - all the times we've beaten them on the field.
What I'm saying here is that I don't know if it's in UCF's best interests to continue a rivalry series against USF. I just don't know if they can draw the kind of attendance or national attention that a high profile program like UCF's deserves. Though to be fair, both teams went out there last year and played the best damn game of the season, so maybe we can afford to toss them a bone. We're definitely not gonna turn down a chance to whoop their geographically-inept asses.
Oregon (-14.5) @ Oregon State - CIVIL WAR! Another rivalry game that began in the 1890s, and has an absolutely fantastic history (for example, a rainy1983 meeting between two mediocre teams was so bad it was affectionately given the name the "Toilet Bowl"). This game features a Ducks team that has been good, not great, and a clearly-rebuilding Oregon State team, but has the chance to be a true banger, especially with the game in Corvallis this year, due to the fact that Oregon has been very bad on the road.
Georgia Tech @ #5 Georgia (-17.5) - For our write up on Clean, Old Fashioned Hate, we go straight to my Pick'ems co-host ASimPerson:
I think most college football fans are comfortable with having two types of rivalries. There are the relatively friendly rivalries, the ones where, yes, everyone involved badly wants to win, but losing doesn't ruin your season. It doesn't define you. For us, I put VPI and Clemson in this category. Would it have been fun to wreck Clemson's season a few months back? Oh, definitely! But I'm more than comfortable saying that I'd prefer they win the ACC and get into the playoff.
Georgia is not like that. I'd prefer Georgia be 0-11 coming into this game. I want to beat them 223-0. I want to beat them so badly that they decide this football thing is a waste of resources and they disband the team. I want to beat them so badly that all those barking rednecks finally realize they have better things to do with their lives than spend money contributing to an athletic program for a school they didn't attend. I want "The Hedges" to become such a synonym for failure they rip them out.
In short: "TO HELL WITH GEORGIA"
Georgia Southern (-11.5) @ Georgia State - MODERN DAY HATE! I actually really like this rivalry name; it's clever and takes a shot at two programs that could absolutely beat the tar out of these teams at a moment's notice. The new rivalry has been pretty competitive; Georgia State leads the series 3-1, though Georgia Southern has actually outscored their rival overall in the series (the first game was a 69-31 blowout by Southern). Both fanbases have also gotten into the swing of things, utilizing social media to blast out hashtags like "StateNotSouthern" and "SouthernNotState". There are definitely better games going on at the same time (I imagine most people will slide from The Game to the Iron Bowl pretty smoothly) but maybe keep an eye on one of the more fun rivalry games of the weekend.
Auburn @ #1 Alabama (-23.5) - THE IRON BOWL! For this edition of the Iron Bowl, we get some hate from resident Alabama-Tuscaloosa fan Munkus Beaver:
The Iron Bowl. Named after the industry that was Birmingham's lifeblood. In Alabama, we learn to hate Tennessee fans. But we are born and bred to hate Auburn fans. This is a rivalry that is so heated they had to stop playing it for decades until the Governor demanded the two schools start playing again, after they literally buried a hatchet. This is one so bitter and contemptuous that people are driven to commit oakicide. Recent years have had that cow college winning over six in a row thanks to the wonderous efforts of Franchione (your welcome, Texas A&M) and Shula. Even Saban's most dominant tenure is not immune to Auburn's hijinks. Whereas Bama tends to celebrate seasons, massive achievements spread over the course of months, what Auburn has is cute damn nicknames for each time they upset the Tide. There's Punt Bama Punt, there's the Kick Six, it goes on and on. Because Auburn is perenially Alabama's little brother, so of course it defines itself clearest by those times it gives a shiner to its sibling. Alabama might have enough titles and awards to be mocked and parodied, but Auburn doesn't care because didja see what we did to Bammer in *mumble mumble*.
And it's not a new development. Literally every school I went to and every job I had in Alabama has had the two fanbases argue over which is better. Bama points to titles. Auburn points to "well we fucked ya'll up and ruined your season." If Alabama isn't in the national championship game, then chances are Auburn is to blame. If Alabama might not get into the playoffs, it's goddamn Auburn snickering round the bend.
My best friend is an Auburn fan. He never went there, his girlfriend did. And apparently he got shit on by some Bama drunks once so he became entrenched. We are able to remain civil, for the most part, during the football season. He's basically like a brother to me. But we have a rule about the Iron Bowl. The winner does not call the loser. He does not gloat. The loser calls when they are ready, gives congratulations through grit teeth. And that's the end of it. Because our friendship would really be in jeopardy if we acted like the traditional Auburn/Bama fan to each other. The hate runs that deep.
Maryland @ #15 Pennsylvania State (-13.5) - Lol this isn't a rivalry cmon now.
Minnesota @ Wisconsin (-10.5) - THE BATTLE FOR PAUL BUNYAN'S AXE! Wisconsin took the series lead in this rivalry last year, after being down as many as 20 wins to their rivals to the west, so never think you can't overcome huge deficits. Theoretically, this should be another win for the Badgers, as the Golden Gophers have not been very good this year. That said, a Minnesota win would get them into bowl eligibility, and the Gophers have come out and surprised opponents before this year (they have victories over Fresno State and Purdue) so anything is possible.
Illinois @ #20 Northwestern (-17.5) - THE BATTLE FOR THE LAND OF LINCOLN TROPHY! There was originally a different rivalry trophy for this game, but the NCAA had to step in and tell them that it was pretty racist for a bunch of white people to fight over a Native American icon. This series is, historically at least, pretty competitive, despite Northwestern being a historically bad program, so I assume Illinois has been equally as bad. And if you're wondering, no I did not look up how Northwestern has done historically, as the millions of Medill grads that work in sports media have kindly reminded me over the years how Northwestern has done in sports.
South Carolina @ #2 Clemson (-24.5) - THE PALMETTO BOWL! South Carolina, in the last few years, has acted as more of a speed bump than anything else to Clemson, which is appropriate for a Will Muschamp team, at least. Anyway, this game should be another asskicking, so let's remember happier times, like the brawl that ended Lou Holtz's coaching career. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfx_MauKEp8
#17 Kentucky (-17.5) @ Louisville - THE GOVERNOR'S CUP! Like North Carolina and Duke, this rivalry is known more for its hardwood exploits, but unlike that rivalry, the football series has had some true animosity attached to it, thanks to an upset of the Cardinals by the Wildcats in 2016, followed by Bobby Petrino using Lamar Jackson to run up the score last year. Without Jackson to prop them up, and coincidentally with the fall of Louisville uber-donor BIG PAPA, Louisville has looked like utter ass, and fired Petrino a few weeks ago. Meanwhile, Kentucky has had one of their best seasons in history, so I would not be shocked if the Wildcats tried to run up the score to send a message to probable incoming head coach Jeff Brohm.
Kansas State @ #25 Iowa State (-13.5) - FARMAGEDDON! Ironically, Farmageddon is the name of the calamity that will hit the Midwest once Bill Snyder leaves Kansas State for good. These two teams have met for 102 straight meetings, which is impressive on its own. Kansas State has a 10 game winning streak on the line, but this Iowa State team, combined with an average at best Kansas State squad, should be able to get the victory.
San Jose State @ Fresno State (-30.5) - THE VALLEY CUP! Look guys we're starting to get near the end of this list, and I'm getting tired, but even disregarding this being a rivalry game, I just don't feel very confident about Fresno State covering any sort of line at the moment. And San Jose State isn't that....hold on, let me check my notes......ok they are that bad. I guess maybe they can hit that line.
North Texas (-21.5) @ Texas-San Antonio - Another new rivalry, which began when UTSA joined FBS and Conference USA. UTSA actually leads the rivalry 3-2, but last year's edition was the stuff rivalries are made of. With the Conference USA West division hanging in the balance, and 1:07 left in the game, North Texas went on a 7 play, 98 yard drive, scoring a game-winning touchdown with 10 seconds remaining to clinch the division for the Mean Green. That's the stuff that the best rivalries are made of.
Nevada (-12.5) @ UNLV - THE BATTLE FOR NEVADA! Nevada has looked good this year; not amazing, but good, and certainly better than they have in recent years, while UNLV has definitely tried hard. Still, UNLV pulled off the upset win over San Diego State a few weeks ago, so they definitely could make things interesting here.
Brigham Young @ #18 Utah (-13.5) - HOLY WARRRRRRRRRRRR! This is, by my account, one of the best rivalries in college sports, because these two schools absolutely hate each other. Utah just won the Pac-12 South, while BYU is not in a Power 5 conference, as Utah fans will helpfully remind you at every opportunity. It also helps that BYU has been one of the dirtiest programs in the NCAA over the past few decades, and that this rivalry has some pretty choice quotes (I'm not sure if this rivalry spawned the "they'll be pumping my gas someday" line, but damn if it isn't close). Since both teams left the Mountain West Conference, there have been some breaks in the rivalry, but Utah has easily had the upper hand, but crazy things have happened in this game.
GAME OF THE CENTURY OF THE WEEK (Straight Up)
#6 Oklahoma (-1.5) @ #12 West Virginia - ok a google search came up with this name so fuck it THE PRAIRIE MOUNTAIN MAYHEM! Yeah, maybe it's a bit odd that we're ending the Hate Week edition of Pick'ems with something that really isn't a rivalry, but this is a pretty consequential game in the grand scheme of things, and also this game should feature lots and lots of points because Oklahoma loves offense and hates defense with a burning passion. West Virginia is now out of the CFP race, but the winner goes on to the Big 12 Title game, with the loser needing some help from *checks notes* *sees Texas is playing Kansas* the loser will not make the conference championship game sorry, so it's win or go home. Oh yeah, and this game features two potential Heisman finalists in Kyler Murray and Will Grier.
Munkus BeaverYou don't have to attend every argument you are invited to.Philosophy: Stoicism. Politics: Democratic SocialistRegistered User, ClubPAregular
Oklahoma v West Virginia is the hate week GOTW?
Not what I expected.
Humor can be dissected as a frog can, but dies in the process.
Look ASP wouldn't go with me on Georgia State/Georgia Southern but what can you do?
3DS: 2981-5304-3227
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Munkus BeaverYou don't have to attend every argument you are invited to.Philosophy: Stoicism. Politics: Democratic SocialistRegistered User, ClubPAregular
Look ASP wouldn't go with me on Georgia State/Georgia Southern but what can you do?
Just admit you are hardcore trolling the michigan men who wouldn't even send you a writeup on the hate.
Nah, if anything they may appreciate it more that I'm treating it like a regular game and not the biggest thing in the world, because if it's one thing those guys don't need at the moment it's more existential dread.
I was going to include it anyway since I usually throw in any other important non-rivalry games, and while Michigan-Ohio State has larger stakes, I honestly think OU-WVU is going to be a lot more fun.
And admittedly, I do enjoy the cognitive dissonance of have a non-rivalry game be GOTW on rivalry week.
Nebraska-Iowa is getting a little more testy every year. Iowa fans have been enjoying Nebraska's post-Osborne struggles quite a bit, and haven't been shy about how much they enjoy it. I just wish they were still alive for the division title, so we could take that away from them.
Because I couldn't work this into my Hate Week write-up without the whole thing taking up a page, here's a little extra context for the War on I4.
USF plays their games in an off-campus NFL stadium. This, in itself, is not something worth mocking; Temple plays in the same stadium as the Eagles, and they are a good, respectable CFB team. It is worth mocking USF for it though, for three important reasons.
First, even though they can never fill the stadium to 20% or above due to the sheer size of the venue (and the general disinterest USF fans have in their football program), USF's administration insists an on-campus stadium isn't feasible. This is something else UCF beat USF to, as we christened the Bounce House on campus in 2007.
Second, in the history of the War on I4, Knights fans have outnumbered Bulls fans in terms of attendance on multiple occasions. Including games at Raymond James Stadium. Where the Bulls play. In Tampa. Every week. Please take a moment to enjoy this fact, as I know I will.
Third, Raymond James Stadium is where the Buccaneers play. Which I would say is reason enough to consider an on campus stadium, if only because some of the Bucs' residual misery is bound to rub off, but it doesn't help that the USF Bulls - in green and gold - play their games in a stadium done all up in red, with a pirate ship in one end zone to just exacerbate the utter embarrassment that is their "home" field.
Is any of this relevant to the football game being played on Friday? Absolutely not. But it is hilarious nonetheless.
Because I couldn't work this into my Hate Week write-up without the whole thing taking up a page, here's a little extra context for the War on I4.
USF plays their games in an off-campus NFL stadium. This, in itself, is not something worth mocking; Temple plays in the same stadium as the Eagles, and they are a good, respectable CFB team. It is worth mocking USF for it though, for three important reasons.
First, even though they can never fill the stadium to 20% or above due to the sheer size of the venue (and the general disinterest USF fans have in their football program), USF's administration insists an on-campus stadium isn't feasible. This is something else UCF beat USF to, as we christened the Bounce House on campus in 2007.
Second, in the history of the War on I4, Knights fans have outnumbered Bulls fans in terms of attendance on multiple occasions. Including games at Raymond James Stadium. Where the Bulls play. In Tampa. Every week. Please take a moment to enjoy this fact, as I know I will.
Third, Raymond James Stadium is where the Buccaneers play. Which I would say is reason enough to consider an on campus stadium, if only because some of the Bucs' residual misery is bound to rub off, but it doesn't help that the USF Bulls - in green and gold - play their games in a stadium done all up in red, with a pirate ship in one end zone to just exacerbate the utter embarrassment that is their "home" field.
Is any of this relevant to the football game being played on Friday? Absolutely not. But it is hilarious nonetheless.
Because I couldn't work this into my Hate Week write-up without the whole thing taking up a page, here's a little extra context for the War on I4.
USF plays their games in an off-campus NFL stadium. This, in itself, is not something worth mocking; Temple plays in the same stadium as the Eagles, and they are a good, respectable CFB team. It is worth mocking USF for it though, for three important reasons.
First, even though they can never fill the stadium to 20% or above due to the sheer size of the venue (and the general disinterest USF fans have in their football program), USF's administration insists an on-campus stadium isn't feasible. This is something else UCF beat USF to, as we christened the Bounce House on campus in 2007.
Second, in the history of the War on I4, Knights fans have outnumbered Bulls fans in terms of attendance on multiple occasions. Including games at Raymond James Stadium. Where the Bulls play. In Tampa. Every week. Please take a moment to enjoy this fact, as I know I will.
Third, Raymond James Stadium is where the Buccaneers play. Which I would say is reason enough to consider an on campus stadium, if only because some of the Bucs' residual misery is bound to rub off, but it doesn't help that the USF Bulls - in green and gold - play their games in a stadium done all up in red, with a pirate ship in one end zone to just exacerbate the utter embarrassment that is their "home" field.
Is any of this relevant to the football game being played on Friday? Absolutely not. But it is hilarious nonetheless.
Just shut up and take me
Hold on, I haven't even posted the infographic yet!
Because I couldn't work this into my Hate Week write-up without the whole thing taking up a page, here's a little extra context for the War on I4.
USF plays their games in an off-campus NFL stadium. This, in itself, is not something worth mocking; Temple plays in the same stadium as the Eagles, and they are a good, respectable CFB team. It is worth mocking USF for it though, for three important reasons.
First, even though they can never fill the stadium to 20% or above due to the sheer size of the venue (and the general disinterest USF fans have in their football program), USF's administration insists an on-campus stadium isn't feasible. This is something else UCF beat USF to, as we christened the Bounce House on campus in 2007.
Second, in the history of the War on I4, Knights fans have outnumbered Bulls fans in terms of attendance on multiple occasions. Including games at Raymond James Stadium. Where the Bulls play. In Tampa. Every week. Please take a moment to enjoy this fact, as I know I will.
Third, Raymond James Stadium is where the Buccaneers play. Which I would say is reason enough to consider an on campus stadium, if only because some of the Bucs' residual misery is bound to rub off, but it doesn't help that the USF Bulls - in green and gold - play their games in a stadium done all up in red, with a pirate ship in one end zone to just exacerbate the utter embarrassment that is their "home" field.
Is any of this relevant to the football game being played on Friday? Absolutely not. But it is hilarious nonetheless.
Just shut up and take me
Hold on, I haven't even posted the infographic yet!
UCF ahead of Ohio State, at #9 in the CFP Rankings.
3DS: 2981-5304-3227
+5
Munkus BeaverYou don't have to attend every argument you are invited to.Philosophy: Stoicism. Politics: Democratic SocialistRegistered User, ClubPAregular
Munkus BeaverYou don't have to attend every argument you are invited to.Philosophy: Stoicism. Politics: Democratic SocialistRegistered User, ClubPAregular
I mean, I think 8 or 9 at this point is a pretty fair easement, all things considered.
Humor can be dissected as a frog can, but dies in the process.
Welp, that's the end of the season in Kalamazoo for now. We may have beaten Northern Illinois 28 - 21, which is good, but in the end, they have the superior conference record (6-2 as opposed to Western's 5-3) which gives them the trip to the conference championship up against more than likely Buffalo. I'm, well... I look back at those last two games we had (the absolute fuckupalooza against Ohio and then us losing to fucking Ball State in OT by one point) and I just have to shake my head, because turn either one of those into a win- which the goddamn Ball State game should have been- and instead, it's us in the championship game (identical records, but we won the regular season game).
One goddamn point. That's all the difference between the Broncos and the Huskies as MACtion champs.
OK, lets do this. I've clawed my way into the top 5 of the pick 'ems, the collapse begins....now.
Straight Up
Mississippi State @ Mississippi
Nebraska @ Iowa Virginia @ Virginia Tech Washington @ Washington State
Florida @ Florida State Michigan @ Ohio State Syracuse @ Boston College Purdue @ Indiana
Baylor vs. Texas Tech North Carolina State @ North Carolina
Wake Forest @ Duke Louisiana-Lafayette @ Louisiana-Monroe
Arizona State @ Arizona
Tennessee @ Vanderbilt Louisiana State @ Texas A&M Notre Dame @ Southern California
Against the Spread
Colorado State @ Air Force (-14.5)
Arkansas @ Missouri (-20.5) Central Florida (-13.5) @ South Florida
Oregon (-14.5) @ Oregon State Georgia Tech @ Georgia (-17.5)
Georgia Southern (-11.5) @ Georgia State
Auburn @ Alabama (-23.5)
Maryland @ Pennsylvania State (-13.5) Minnesota @ Wisconsin (-10.5)
Illinois @ Northwestern (-17.5)
South Carolina @ Clemson (-24.5) Kentucky (-17.5) @ Louisville Kansas State @ Iowa State (-13.5) San Jose State @ Fresno State (-30.5)
North Texas (-21.5) @ Texas-San Antonio Nevada (-12.5) @ Nevada-Las Vegas
Brigham Young @ Utah (-13.5)
Posts
Aside from an old timey fabric
-Indiana Solo, runner of blades
It’s what aggies say.
Like, it's been a meme for barely a week and already you're trying to act like it's your thing?
Come on now
Sadly I think it's been pretty well scrubbed from YouTube.
Also, Karan Higdon was baited into guaranteeing a win.
(A quick note: because I'm writing these early and Playoff rankings haven't come out yet, we'll be using the AP rankings for this week. Congrats for making the top 10, UCF!)
Straight Up
#22 Mississippi State (-10.5) @ Ole Miss - THE EGG BOWL! And we're actually putting this up early enough for you to actually make a pick in what is traditionally a rivalry game filled with hate despite at least one, if not both, teams being awful at any given moment. This year's edition is no different, as the Rebels look like ass and are coming off 4 straight losses, while the Bulldogs are coming off a drubbing of Arkansas. But you can throw out the records with this game, which is a cliche but absolutely true. Also expect at least 4 unsportsmanlike conduct penalties (and that seems like a lowball number there).
Nebraska @ Iowa (-9.5) - THE BATTLE FOR THE HEROES TROPHY! Ok, so some of these are rivalries of convenience, or rivalries with barely any history, but there is something resembling history here, especially through the 1st half of the 20th century. Plus, this is a Big 10 game, so of course there's a trophy on the line. Anyway, Nebraska has started to round into form to end the season, while Iowa got a much-needed victory over Illinois last week to stop the bleeding that has been their second-half slide.
Virginia (-4) @ Virginia Tech - THE COMMONWEALTH CUP! This rivalry has been dominated by the Hokies in recent years, as they're currently riding a 14 game win streak over their rivals, and have won 18 of the last 19 matchups. But this year's edition of VT has not looked good in the slightest, and they're currently on a 4-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers have looked noticeably better, though they haven't been great in recent weeks as well. This may be something of a "if not now, when?" game for Bronco Mendenhall and Virginia, as this is one of their best chances at knocking off their rival in recent years.
#16 Washington @ #7 Washington State (-2.5) - THE APPLE CUP! And for a spot in the Pac-12 Championship Game! For our Apple Cup preview, we turn to resident Wazzu fan knitdan: #13 Florida (-5) @ Florida State - THE SUNSHINE SHOWDOWN! Also, this line is bizarre to me; yes Florida State is coming off an upset victory over Boston College, but this is the same team that had gotten blasted by actual good team Notre Dame and suspect team NC State in the weeks prior. Plus their offensive line is bad, which is totally fine since Florida's defensive line isn't hell-bent on destruction or anything. Oh hold on, someone just handed me a paper, ok yes Florida's defensive line is actually super good. Anyway, I can't wait to see which of these teams wins and takes the spot of Florida's second-best team!
#4 Michigan (-4) @ #10 Ohio State - THE GAME! First off, I'm surprised none of our resident Michigan Men chose to talk some shit about Ohio State, but I'm going to chalk that up to general superstition. After all, Michigan is two games away from making the College Football Playoffs, and the Buckeyes are the biggest thing standing between the Wolverines and the playoffs remaining. But Ohio State has turned into a cockroach in recent years, and you can't count the Buckeyes out until you are sure they are absolutely, positively 100% dead. This is one of the few games this week with a huge amount of stakes outside of just bragging rights, so make sure you take some time to watch this one.
And as soon as I write all that, noted Michigan Man enlightenedbum came off the top rope with a very good Hate Week tweet that he needed to share:
#19 Syracuse @ Boston College (NO LINE) - A rivalry that has managed to change conferences; Boston College moved from the Big East to the ACC, then Syracuse followed a few years later. So I guess there's still hope for you fans of Texas/Texas A&M after all!
Purdue (-4) @ Indiana - THE BATTLE FOR THE OLD OAKEN BUCKET! Let me be honest here: as part of the research for these games, I usually google search the rivalry to find out some facts about the teams, and the fact that the Wikipedia article for this rivalry focuses almost-entirely on basketball is maybe the most Indiana thing I could imagine. Also, this game should be a good bellweather for how good Purdue is this year, because if they're actually good, Indiana will find a way to blow this game somehow.
Baylor vs. Texas Tech (-6.5) - LIVE FOR THE LAST TIME FROM AT&T STADIUM IN DALLAS! That's really it for this write-up, as I'm still trying to handle the fact that this rivalry was apparently played at a neutral site for like 8 years, and they'll finally start rotating home sites again next year. Also I hope Texas Tech wins by a million points or so cause fuck Baylor.
North Carolina State (-6.5) @ North Carolina - Sometimes you think a rivalry probably has a decent name, and instead just has a stinker. Case in point: the Wikipedia entry for this rivalry says that this is commonly known as the Carolina-State Game, which is just amazingly bad. And sure, I get that this is probably more of a basketball rivalry, as all things in the state of North Carolina tend to be, but you guys gotta do better here to make me care. Add a rivalry trophy or something! Make it look like the Wright Brothers' plane, since that's one of the only things of note from your state. Or add some stakes, like the winning school over a decade gets to decide how awful the Republican gerrymander of the state gets to be!
Wake Forest @ Duke (-12.5) - I did not realize this was much of a rivalry, but not only is it one, but we actually got a write-up for it! So here's noted Duke fan traib discussing the rivalry. Please be nice to him even though he roots for the Blue Devils on purpose: Louisiana-Lafayette @ Louisiana-Monroe (-3.5) - THE BATTLE ON THE BAYOU! And, as stated last week, a pretty important edition of this game. Thanks to their loss to Arkansas State, Louisiana-Monroe is now officially out of the Sun Belt West race, which is now down to Arkansas State and Louisiana-Lafayette. Should Lafayette beat their rivals, they would win the West due to a head-to-head victory over Arkansas State. But, should Monroe knock off its rival, that would send Arkansas State to the championship game against the winner of Troy/App State. Should be fun!
Arizona State (-2) @ Arizona - THE DUEL IN THE DESERT! FOR THE TERRITORIAL CUP! This is actually one of the longest rivalries in college football, with the first game occurring in 1899. This is also an amazingly bitter rivalry between two glorified community colleges that are constantly trying to one-up each other. Both teams have, in a stroke of luck, mirrored each other in coaching hiring practices, with both teams firing their coach after last year and each hiring a failed retread to take over. With nothing on the line beyond bragging rights yet again, this should still be a rockfight of the highest order.
Tennessee @ Vanderbilt (-3.5) - THE BATTLE OF TENNESSEE (my name but feel free to use it)! This is, traditionally, a game that Tennessee has dominated, with them leading the all-time series 75–32–5. Vandy has been much better of late, winning 4 of the last 6, and is again favored this year, most likely due to being the least combustible of the two teams. I do have to point out that the Wikipedia page for this game does have a giant list of notable games, though apparently nothing of note happened between 1932 and 2005.
#8 Louisiana State @ Texas A&M (-2) - A rather new rivalry, compared to some of the other entries this week, here's noted LSU fan Gnizmo discussing the game: #3 Notre Dame (-10.5) @ Southern California - Before I get to our Hate Week writeup for this game from noted Notre Dame fan ani_game_bum, I just want to shamelessly plug my own shit while also laughing because AAHHAHAHA EAT SHIT TROJANS WE BEAT THAT ASS AGAIN. Anyway, here's more shit-talking about USC, which is always encouraged:
3DS: 2981-5304-3227
Colorado State @ Air Force (-14.5) - THE BATTLE FOR THE RAM-FALCON TROPHY! Colorado State lost last week in one of the saddest ways possible, as they managed to pull off a Hail Mary for an apparent victory, except the receiver who caught the ball had run out of bounds and was therefore ineligible. The penalty ended the game in a Utah State victory, while the Rams now have to try and figure out a way to regroup to face a below-average Air Force team. With both teams having disappointing seasons, a win here will at least give them a chance to end with something nice.
Arkansas @ Missouri (-20.5) - THE BATTLE LINE RIVALRY! And good lord is Arkansas bad this year; they might have achieved honorary Southern Conference membership status this year. This will be a perfect opportunity for perennial NFL draft darling Drew Locke to actually put up good numbers against someone, so I'm sure he'll find a way to lead his team to a meager 10 point victory.
#8 Central Florida (-13.5) @ South Florida - THE WAR ON I-4! Here to comment is noted fan of the defending national champs Romanian My Escutcheon: Oregon (-14.5) @ Oregon State - CIVIL WAR! Another rivalry game that began in the 1890s, and has an absolutely fantastic history (for example, a rainy1983 meeting between two mediocre teams was so bad it was affectionately given the name the "Toilet Bowl"). This game features a Ducks team that has been good, not great, and a clearly-rebuilding Oregon State team, but has the chance to be a true banger, especially with the game in Corvallis this year, due to the fact that Oregon has been very bad on the road.
Georgia Tech @ #5 Georgia (-17.5) - For our write up on Clean, Old Fashioned Hate, we go straight to my Pick'ems co-host ASimPerson: Georgia Southern (-11.5) @ Georgia State - MODERN DAY HATE! I actually really like this rivalry name; it's clever and takes a shot at two programs that could absolutely beat the tar out of these teams at a moment's notice. The new rivalry has been pretty competitive; Georgia State leads the series 3-1, though Georgia Southern has actually outscored their rival overall in the series (the first game was a 69-31 blowout by Southern). Both fanbases have also gotten into the swing of things, utilizing social media to blast out hashtags like "StateNotSouthern" and "SouthernNotState". There are definitely better games going on at the same time (I imagine most people will slide from The Game to the Iron Bowl pretty smoothly) but maybe keep an eye on one of the more fun rivalry games of the weekend.
Auburn @ #1 Alabama (-23.5) - THE IRON BOWL! For this edition of the Iron Bowl, we get some hate from resident Alabama-Tuscaloosa fan Munkus Beaver: Maryland @ #15 Pennsylvania State (-13.5) - Lol this isn't a rivalry cmon now.
Minnesota @ Wisconsin (-10.5) - THE BATTLE FOR PAUL BUNYAN'S AXE! Wisconsin took the series lead in this rivalry last year, after being down as many as 20 wins to their rivals to the west, so never think you can't overcome huge deficits. Theoretically, this should be another win for the Badgers, as the Golden Gophers have not been very good this year. That said, a Minnesota win would get them into bowl eligibility, and the Gophers have come out and surprised opponents before this year (they have victories over Fresno State and Purdue) so anything is possible.
Illinois @ #20 Northwestern (-17.5) - THE BATTLE FOR THE LAND OF LINCOLN TROPHY! There was originally a different rivalry trophy for this game, but the NCAA had to step in and tell them that it was pretty racist for a bunch of white people to fight over a Native American icon. This series is, historically at least, pretty competitive, despite Northwestern being a historically bad program, so I assume Illinois has been equally as bad. And if you're wondering, no I did not look up how Northwestern has done historically, as the millions of Medill grads that work in sports media have kindly reminded me over the years how Northwestern has done in sports.
South Carolina @ #2 Clemson (-24.5) - THE PALMETTO BOWL! South Carolina, in the last few years, has acted as more of a speed bump than anything else to Clemson, which is appropriate for a Will Muschamp team, at least. Anyway, this game should be another asskicking, so let's remember happier times, like the brawl that ended Lou Holtz's coaching career.
#17 Kentucky (-17.5) @ Louisville - THE GOVERNOR'S CUP! Like North Carolina and Duke, this rivalry is known more for its hardwood exploits, but unlike that rivalry, the football series has had some true animosity attached to it, thanks to an upset of the Cardinals by the Wildcats in 2016, followed by Bobby Petrino using Lamar Jackson to run up the score last year. Without Jackson to prop them up, and coincidentally with the fall of Louisville uber-donor BIG PAPA, Louisville has looked like utter ass, and fired Petrino a few weeks ago. Meanwhile, Kentucky has had one of their best seasons in history, so I would not be shocked if the Wildcats tried to run up the score to send a message to probable incoming head coach Jeff Brohm.
Kansas State @ #25 Iowa State (-13.5) - FARMAGEDDON! Ironically, Farmageddon is the name of the calamity that will hit the Midwest once Bill Snyder leaves Kansas State for good. These two teams have met for 102 straight meetings, which is impressive on its own. Kansas State has a 10 game winning streak on the line, but this Iowa State team, combined with an average at best Kansas State squad, should be able to get the victory.
San Jose State @ Fresno State (-30.5) - THE VALLEY CUP! Look guys we're starting to get near the end of this list, and I'm getting tired, but even disregarding this being a rivalry game, I just don't feel very confident about Fresno State covering any sort of line at the moment. And San Jose State isn't that....hold on, let me check my notes......ok they are that bad. I guess maybe they can hit that line.
North Texas (-21.5) @ Texas-San Antonio - Another new rivalry, which began when UTSA joined FBS and Conference USA. UTSA actually leads the rivalry 3-2, but last year's edition was the stuff rivalries are made of. With the Conference USA West division hanging in the balance, and 1:07 left in the game, North Texas went on a 7 play, 98 yard drive, scoring a game-winning touchdown with 10 seconds remaining to clinch the division for the Mean Green. That's the stuff that the best rivalries are made of.
Nevada (-12.5) @ UNLV - THE BATTLE FOR NEVADA! Nevada has looked good this year; not amazing, but good, and certainly better than they have in recent years, while UNLV has definitely tried hard. Still, UNLV pulled off the upset win over San Diego State a few weeks ago, so they definitely could make things interesting here.
Brigham Young @ #18 Utah (-13.5) - HOLY WARRRRRRRRRRRR! This is, by my account, one of the best rivalries in college sports, because these two schools absolutely hate each other. Utah just won the Pac-12 South, while BYU is not in a Power 5 conference, as Utah fans will helpfully remind you at every opportunity. It also helps that BYU has been one of the dirtiest programs in the NCAA over the past few decades, and that this rivalry has some pretty choice quotes (I'm not sure if this rivalry spawned the "they'll be pumping my gas someday" line, but damn if it isn't close). Since both teams left the Mountain West Conference, there have been some breaks in the rivalry, but Utah has easily had the upper hand, but crazy things have happened in this game.
GAME OF THE CENTURY OF THE WEEK (Straight Up)
#6 Oklahoma (-1.5) @ #12 West Virginia - ok a google search came up with this name so fuck it THE PRAIRIE MOUNTAIN MAYHEM! Yeah, maybe it's a bit odd that we're ending the Hate Week edition of Pick'ems with something that really isn't a rivalry, but this is a pretty consequential game in the grand scheme of things, and also this game should feature lots and lots of points because Oklahoma loves offense and hates defense with a burning passion. West Virginia is now out of the CFP race, but the winner goes on to the Big 12 Title game, with the loser needing some help from *checks notes* *sees Texas is playing Kansas* the loser will not make the conference championship game sorry, so it's win or go home. Oh yeah, and this game features two potential Heisman finalists in Kyler Murray and Will Grier.
Go here to enter your choices: https://goo.gl/forms/tZ6YxXnuIGDkm9Ar1
3DS: 2981-5304-3227
3DS: 2981-5304-3227
Not what I expected.
Look ASP wouldn't go with me on Georgia State/Georgia Southern but what can you do?
3DS: 2981-5304-3227
Just admit you are hardcore trolling the michigan men who wouldn't even send you a writeup on the hate.
Nah, if anything they may appreciate it more that I'm treating it like a regular game and not the biggest thing in the world, because if it's one thing those guys don't need at the moment it's more existential dread.
3DS: 2981-5304-3227
And admittedly, I do enjoy the cognitive dissonance of have a non-rivalry game be GOTW on rivalry week.
I guess?
I have no fucking clue
Go Bucks! Beat Blue!
USF plays their games in an off-campus NFL stadium. This, in itself, is not something worth mocking; Temple plays in the same stadium as the Eagles, and they are a good, respectable CFB team. It is worth mocking USF for it though, for three important reasons.
First, even though they can never fill the stadium to 20% or above due to the sheer size of the venue (and the general disinterest USF fans have in their football program), USF's administration insists an on-campus stadium isn't feasible. This is something else UCF beat USF to, as we christened the Bounce House on campus in 2007.
Second, in the history of the War on I4, Knights fans have outnumbered Bulls fans in terms of attendance on multiple occasions. Including games at Raymond James Stadium. Where the Bulls play. In Tampa. Every week. Please take a moment to enjoy this fact, as I know I will.
Third, Raymond James Stadium is where the Buccaneers play. Which I would say is reason enough to consider an on campus stadium, if only because some of the Bucs' residual misery is bound to rub off, but it doesn't help that the USF Bulls - in green and gold - play their games in a stadium done all up in red, with a pirate ship in one end zone to just exacerbate the utter embarrassment that is their "home" field.
Is any of this relevant to the football game being played on Friday? Absolutely not. But it is hilarious nonetheless.
Just shut up and take me
PSN/Steam/NNID: SyphonBlue | BNet: SyphonBlue#1126
Hold on, I haven't even posted the infographic yet!
I went to the very first War on I-4 game, back in 2005. We got wrecked, but I did get drunk and make fun of lots of USF people and their dumb school.
PSN/Steam/NNID: SyphonBlue | BNet: SyphonBlue#1126
That was their first Division I-A conference!
Edit: We were only there for....2 years? Before we left for Conference USA.
PSN/Steam/NNID: SyphonBlue | BNet: SyphonBlue#1126
Michigan having their starting QB healthy and making it to the end of the game that way (actually the last 11 years, but still, that's a crazy stat).
3DS: 2981-5304-3227
Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhaahahahhaahahahahahahahahaha
Fucking savage I love it, put UCF Higher you cowards
OSU should be about 29th in the ranking...
Everyone else:
One goddamn point. That's all the difference between the Broncos and the Huskies as MACtion champs.
Northern owes Ball State and Ohio big time.
I can has cheezburger, yes?
I watch this play every year as a form of masochism
Straight Up
Mississippi State @ Mississippi
Nebraska @ Iowa
Virginia @ Virginia Tech
Washington @ Washington State
Florida @ Florida State
Michigan @ Ohio State
Syracuse @ Boston College
Purdue @ Indiana
Baylor vs. Texas Tech
North Carolina State @ North Carolina
Wake Forest @ Duke
Louisiana-Lafayette @ Louisiana-Monroe
Arizona State @ Arizona
Tennessee @ Vanderbilt
Louisiana State @ Texas A&M
Notre Dame @ Southern California
Against the Spread
Colorado State @ Air Force (-14.5)
Arkansas @ Missouri (-20.5)
Central Florida (-13.5) @ South Florida
Oregon (-14.5) @ Oregon State
Georgia Tech @ Georgia (-17.5)
Georgia Southern (-11.5) @ Georgia State
Auburn @ Alabama (-23.5)
Maryland @ Pennsylvania State (-13.5)
Minnesota @ Wisconsin (-10.5)
Illinois @ Northwestern (-17.5)
South Carolina @ Clemson (-24.5)
Kentucky (-17.5) @ Louisville
Kansas State @ Iowa State (-13.5)
San Jose State @ Fresno State (-30.5)
North Texas (-21.5) @ Texas-San Antonio
Nevada (-12.5) @ Nevada-Las Vegas
Brigham Young @ Utah (-13.5)
Game of the Week
Oklahoma @ West Virginia
The parade is too good, too pure, to be tainted by buckeyes
They had to balance out the goodness of Goku