Our season opens in the Sunflower state with a double weekend. This is the rare double that will allow me to tailgate at both sites. So, despite the FCS opponents, I have decided to start my season in Kansas. It also comes with the benefit of Kansas playing in their new stadium. I also have a little bit more time to check out the campus given that both are night games. It should be a relaxed way, both on and off the field, to open the season
Last Week: A soft opening
I don’t love this season starting this early. I would rather watch the Little League World Series in peace. However, I have to admit the Iowa State – Kansas State game was entertaining if not sloppy.
Observations from last week.
- I had vested interested in the Kansas State game beyond some scouting. We are planning on going to Ireland for the Vikings – Steelers game so I was watching the environment as much as the game. The various extras of fans at the pubs was also enlightening, unfortunately so for the K-State QB. You can pick your friends but not your family.
- Kansas dominated Fresno State. I think it will be a very long day for Wagner this week.
- Stanford lost to Hawaii – I know it can be hard to concentrate in Hawaii, but Cardinal teams of the past would have rolled over the Rainbow Warriors.
- The only other game I watched, and it was briefly, was an FCS tilt where Tarleton State hammered Portland State by 42. It was not exactly riveting.
The Picks
Week 1 Picks
Last year was easily my worst year picking games, going a disastrous 24-36. The only thing lower than my confidence is my Fan Duel account. I hate the first week as it is. There’s only so much you can determine from Portal pick ups and spring games. With that, consider yourself warned.
- I can’t imagine Kansas State losing to North Dakota. However, I can see some jet lag and maybe a slow start. I won’t be rooting for North Dakota per se. I just don’t want a massive blowout.
- Dabo has gone to the portal and his team was pretty good last year. I know it isn’t popular to pick against the SEC, but I like the Purple and Orange Tigers over the Purple and Yellow Tigers.
- I am picking Notre Dame over Miami not because I am high on the Irish. Miami was better last year, but not as good as some claimed. They will have to prove it to me.
- Picking UNC to beat TCU is purely an emotional hedge. I won’t be crying over this bet if Belichick loses this game.
Other random observations for this week:
- Texas at Ohio State – Unquestionably the game to watch this weekend, even if it is on Fox
- The game you wish was on Fox instead of ABC: Alabama – Florida State
- I don’t know if this is really a thing, but it feels like the Oregon State Beavers of the “new PAC 12” would love to beat up former conference member Cal.
- Lots of cupcake games on the schedule. After seeing Tarleton State last weekend, it feels like Army may choke on the frosting this week when the Texans come to town.
That’s all I got, enjoy the games.
Tree