We have been on quite a run, catching games for the last five weeks. This weekend we are back on the couch, enjoying some well deserved downtime. I love going to games, but traveling weekend to weekend can be exhausting. I think I got my first full night’s sleep in about a month earlier this week. It will be good to be in my own bed this weekend.
Last Week: Not quite getting our freak on.
Last week we were in Athens, OH to see the Buffalo Bulls take on the Ohio University Bobcats. The Bobcats slowly and steadily put a beatdown on the Bulls. It was a nice pick-me-up after some very sleepy breakfast tailgating. I would not say the tailgating was small, but I have seen more tents at a little gridders game. Some fans felt the competing Halloween Block party was the reason for the small crowd. I hope so because this tailgate was getting close to Kennesaw State, or worse yet, BYU and Liberty levels. We did make a brief appearance to the Halloween Block party later that night. It was early, but it was still a healthy sized crowd.
Other observations from last week.
- There were some early scares. Penn State, Ohio State and Texas all had to dig deep to get through their games. It is what good teams do.
- I keep waiting to see Pitt or Indiana lose, but they just keep on winning.
- The Aggies of Texas A&M look good. Wyoming, Troy and Kent State do not.
- The biggest upset was Liberty getting upended by Kennesaw State. Having seen both those teams play, I would have never thought the Owls of Ken State had a chance in that one.
The Picks
Week 9 Results
Finally, I had a positive week, going 3 -1. But like they say, even a blind squirrel can find a nut. In any case, I will take the wins where I can find them
- Boise State looks like the most likely Group of Five team to make the playoff, thanks primarily due to their stud running back, Ashton Jeanty.
- Ohio University looked good in their win over the Bulls of Buffalo. However, I think the Ohio Band, the Marching 110 may have stolen the show.
- Apparently Navy had six turnovers in their game against Notre Dame. With each score, my chances for both a perfect week and a successful parlay got further away.
- Ball State was my most confident pick, mainly because NIU’s offense has been, well, offensive. They fixed the offense, scoring 23 points. Unfortunately, the defense gave up 25 points.
Week 10 Picks
I am running out of weeks to get back to over 500 in my picks. Despite last week being a good week, my confidence is still in shambles. Of course, it does not stop me from making bets.
- Buffalo is not a good team, but Akron has been mired in what feels like a 12 year losing streak. The Zips got no zip.
- At first, Indiana seemed like a nice story but I assumed they would falter when they started playing the big boys. The Hoosiers look legit. I am going to keep riding them.
- Vanderbilt seems to play everyone close and Auburn is streaky at best. I like the Commodores and the points.
- Picking Pitt over SMU is an emotional bet. I like the Panthers and I don’t love the Mustangs. The Panthers keep finding a way so I will stick with them.
Honestly, this week’s slate of games is not as good as you would hope for this late in season. Florida vs Georgia is not quite the draw it usually is with the Gator being a two touchdown underdog. Michigan is so bad that their game with Oregon also feels lackluster. The Texas Tech – Iowa State has some appeal, particularly if you have a morbid fascination with watching teams’ blow their undefeated streak. The recently hot Virginia Tech Hokies visit Syracuse in what might be one of the better games on Saturday. ESPN’s Game Day is at Happy Valley for the biggest game of the week – Ohio State vs Penn State. While I am happy to be getting a rest this weekend. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I gave it some serious consideration (even as I type this) to driving up Friday night to catch that game.
Like I have said – I do have a problem. That’s all I got.
Enjoy the games,
Tree