Last Week: All four seasons in one weekend
In Reno last week we were expecting temperatures at least near their normal of 91. It was slightly colder for that tailgate – try 46 and raining. It took all the alcohol in the cooler (which was redundant – a cardboard box would have sufficed in keeping our beverages cold) to maintain our positive spirits. Our persistence was rewarded with a great game that was mostly in the sun. Between Friday and Sunday, I hiked in some light snow flurries and basked in warm summer sun. I am sure we picked up Spring and Fall weather along the way. In the end, Reno did not disappoint. Our full review will be out later this week.
This week’s picks
Week Zero Observations – The Dogs were barking!
- I watched the FSU – GA Tech game replay on my flight back from Reno. It looked like FSU was struggling with jet lag. As a coach, I would only accept that game invite if I am the underdog. There’s not much on the plus side if you are the favorite.
- It was not surprising that Montana State beat New Mexico. I was just glad that they didn’t cover. Things will get even easier for the Bobcats. In a few weeks, my alma mater, Mercyhurst comes to town. I am a true blue Laker, but this jump to D1 FCS is going to be a painful one.
- The Nevada game was a dandy. The Wolfpack led all the way until the 4th quarter. I guess depth trumps elevation as SMU looked stronger late in the game.
- Delaware State had two moral victories. The first was actually getting to Hawaii after missing their first flight out. The second was only losing by 21 when they were nearly 39 point dogs. The other item of note is that Hawaii is still playing at the Clarence T. C. Ching Athletics Complex which is basically a glorified high school stadium upgraded to meet NCAA capacity requirements. They have been playing there since 2021 and their new stadium won’t be done until 2026 (fingers crossed).
Week 1 Picks – Shooting in the dark
Hard to make good picks early in the season as there are just too many unknowns. Ignorance, however, has never been reason not to make a few bets.
- I like PSU only because they win games they should. The problem is they lose games they need to win. Great to see this rivalry back though. When I was a kid back in western Pa., this game was a must watch.
- I missed Northwestern’s big comeback in their last year opener for a number of (ahem) reasons. This year my resolve with the Wildcats will not be tested.
- I don’t care that UCLA has to go all the way to Hawaii. I think the Bruins will be the varsity to Hawaii’s JV team in a tune up scrimmage.
- I kept a running tab on Sam Houston’s woes last year. The Bearcats may be improved, but I think Rice has the psychological weapon of believing the are at least two touchdowns better than their neighbors to the north.
The remainder of the slate is a mix of FCS cupcakes and interesting out of conference matchups. Clemson vs Georgia will be either a confirmation that Clemson is back or that Dabo’s days are numbered. Nice to see an ACC team, Miami, favored and ranked over a SEC team, Florida.
Lastly, yesterday we tailgated at the VMI vs W&M game. It was hot, mid 90’s but only for a couple of hours and by game time it was a glorious 75 with a light breeze. My buddy had tried to convince to come down to College Station for the ND vs Texas A&M game. He tried to sweeten it but noting that ESPN’s Game Day was going to be there. I love the Aggie atmosphere, but all day in that heat was enough for me to give my buddy the Heisman on that one. I will watch that game from the cool comfort of my man cave couch.
That’s all I got. Enjoy the games.
