Many years ago, I was an undersized defensive back for Mercyhurst College. Even in D3, my chances to see actual action on the field was dependent on the performance of the Lakers. I needed a blowout. It didn’t matter who was winning as long as the margin was 30 points or more. That’s how a perennial bench warmer found himself playing most of the fourth quarter in UB stadium way back in 1989. The Hurst lost 45-6, but ‘oI #49 got some snaps. Per the terms of the original bet, that allowed me to check the box. However, this week I return to give the University of Buffalo a full review. With FCS cupcake SFU coming to town, I am guessing another blowout is likely – maybe I should bring my helmet.
Last Week: Sorry I took so long Sunflower State.
Kansas is in the books. We had a great time at both spots and met a ton of great people. The full reviews will be in a few weeks. However the rivalry was so heat we thought we’d owed them a head to head comparison.
People: Kansas, barely. Both spots had affable folks. KU’s students were very friendly including Eva and her classmates who allowed us to tailgate on their lawn, and Kevin. along with the other Jayhawk football parents, who gave us both great stories and refreshments. At K-State, we had made a wrong turn and and were graciously allowed to cut in a huge line of traffic to secure a superb parking spot. Later, we got to tailgate right in front of the stadium with Jeff, Tim and their crew.
Locale: KU / Lawrence – Because Johnny’s Tavern fed us late (and was awesome in the aggregate) while Aggieville was a food desert after 10pm.
Tailgating: K-State by a nose. The beauty of their Agronomy lot is the proximity to the stadium, the low cost ($30), and simplicity. Just get there early. KU’s neighborhood tailgating was great but we knew we had gotten lucky on that one.
Stadium: K-State. Maybe when they finish the rest of Booth, it will be as nice as Snyder Stadium but I doubt it. It will be hard to beat the four corners of video scoreboard. Plus, KU has no souvenir cups, whereas the Cats were rocking a fantastic design.
Traditions: K-State. Rock Chalk Jayhawk and the Wabash cannon ball offset each other. However, Kansas entering the field to “Enter Sandman” was near blasphemy. Our offended college football sensibilities gave this one to K-State.
Game: K-State. Although this feels like our decision sets us up to be overturned on appeal, we are giving it to K-State. Kansas took care of business, rolling over Wagner but did not cover. Had K-State lost to 24-point underdog North Dakota, there would have been a heavy penalty. However, they squeaked out a win and we were treated an exciting game.
Adding it all up, we give the overall edge to K-State despite a great time at Lawrence as well.
Observations from last week.
- My flight from Chicago was crammed with Husker and Bearcat fans. Not going to lie, it took me a minute to realize their game was being played in Kansas City and not Cincinnati.
- I took little solace in seeing Tarleton State upset Army. It hardly makes up for other terrible picks.
- Nothing more frustrating watching a blowout and then finding out the massive win still was not enough points. The line for Wagner – Kansas was 46.5. Final score was 46 – 5. Ugh.
- Too early to tell on Arch Manning. He didn’t look great, but Ohio State at home is not exactly easy.
The Picks
Last Week’s Picks
Good grief that was bad.
- Like I said last week – potential trap game for K-State. It almost came to fruition.
- I did not see the LSU vs Clemson game. Every time I checked my phone it seemed LSU was losing….until they weren’t
- I don’t know if Miami proved to me how good they are, but it didn’t hurt.
- Happy to lose this bet. Maybe Bill Belichick should spend less time chasing 24 year old’s and more time on his team.
This Week’s Picks
- Liberty -6.5 vs Jax State: I took Jax only because that’s what some analyst at ESPN said to do. I do know the Gamecocks will win the battle of the bands. That is a lock.
- UCLA +2.5 vs UNLV – How bad can the Bruins be? I know they got stomped but only 2.5 point favorites against the Rebels? Does Vegas know something about the hotel they are staying at that we don’t?
- Vanderbilt +2.5 vs Va Tech – The Hokies offense was not great, but their defense is no joke. At night, in Blacksburg, is also a tough place to play.
- Michigan +5.5 vs Oklahoma – Big test for Michigan freshman QB against the Sooners, but this could be a low scoring affair which is good for the Wolverines.
Some other random observations going into Week 2:
- How long does it take to build a stadium – Hawaii still playing at Ching Rec Center?
- I want to pick Ohio over WVU, I really do. I just can’t pull the trigger.
- Image if UNC-Charlotte beats the Tarheels – The Belichick train will be completely off the rails.
- I am visiting both Ball State and Auburn later this year. Outside of those living in Muncy and Auburn, I may be the only person in America interest in that game where the line has the Cardinals getting 43.5 points.
Tree
