Last Week: Using my faculty perks
The plan was to chill out on the couch last weekend, but with a tepid set of early games and beautiful weather, I could not resist the siren’s call of live football. Since I teach at Christopher Newport University part-time, I decided I would go check out the Captains game against Montclair State. It may be only Division III, but the overall play of collegiate football at any level is still fun to watch. I will probably do a bonus review of the CNU experience at some point this year but in summary, it was a good time at a packed stadium that unfortunately saw a last minute defeat of the Captains.
Last Week’s Picks: A nice rebound
Row the damn boat! If not for Minnesota’s weak effort against the Illini, I would have gone 4-0. Unfortunately, the Gophers lost a tight one to the Illini, taking my parlay of the table. Army did more than keep it close with Air Force as they took advantage of six turnovers from the Falcons to get a big win. PSU rolling over Maryland was not a surprise. The Terps have been sliding backwards for quite awhile. Rice continues to play close games, nearly upsetting SMU outright. That brought my overall record to the winners side, although it shouldn’t impress anyone.
Other observations from Week 10
- I was spot on about Georgia Tech against UVA. Boilermakers rolled. Of course, I was completely wrong about Virginia Tech as the Hokies got completely blown out by Louisville.
- If felt like there was some nice college football karma when Oklahoma State beat Oklahoma. I went to Bedlam at Stillwater a few years ago. It was a blast and it is a true shame to see that rivalry end.
- I couldn’t click the remote fast enough while simultaneously watching Washington – USC and LSU-Bama. Those games were track meets.
- Congrats to Sam Houston State finally getting off the snide with a big win over Kennesaw State. On the other side, JMU just keeps rolling. I know they aren’t supposed to count yet, but the NCAA ought to let them play in a bowl.
Week 11 Picks – TBD
My gut tells me not to go with the Nittany Lions, but I have to believe all the churn has to catch up to Michigan and Harbaugh. I think it is this week so I am taking the PSU and the points. Regardless of Dabo’s assertions, I think Clemson is not as good as he says and Georgia Tech is better than people give them credit for. The rambling wreck will keep it close. The one win SHS Bearcats are hot. They have been playing close games all season. I look for them to ride the wave over an average Louisiana Tech team. Rice is another team them that had played folks close all season. The trip to San Antonio is an easy one. Take the Owls and the points. Of course, I am barely picking at .500 so take my sage advice with a grain of salt.
Other thoughts this week
- Who would have thought that the best team in Virginia would come down to Liberty or JMU? There’s still a recruiting advantage for UVA and Va Tech but if those schools don’t start winning more, the advantage won’t last.
- I am pulling for Kentucky this week against Alabama. The Wildcats need to keep this game close.
- New Mexico State has really turned it around at 7-3. Going to see the Aggies this year is real value for money. We had a good time when they were bad so seeing them now is a no-brainer.
- NBC’s 3:30pm game is Minnesota at Purdue. Bleh. After the top three teams, the Big 10 is not great.
Get Ready
A reminder that rivalry week is coming right up. Get yourself ready by picking up some of our Insult gear. We are adding new mugs and shirts daily so swing on over to the store and start your Christmas shopping early. And, if you don’t see your team represented, drop us a line and we will get right on it.
