When I do my season planning, I always add the Steelers schedule to the spreadsheet so I can exploit any hybrid NCAA / NFL weekends. It isn’t the first priority, but it can certainly influence the process. When I saw the Steelers were playing Thursday night in Cincinnati, I quickly checked the distance to Muncie, Indiana. Noting that I can do a two hour drive in my sleep, I quickly queried family and friends to see who would watch the Steelers take on the Bungels live in the Natty. Faster than Hines Ward breaking Keith Rivers jaw, we had a over ten for the tailgate and game.
Friday, we will head over to Indiana to get ready for Ball State’s homecoming game against the Akron Zips. This is the annual Nine O’clock Club meeting. For those who follow this site with any regularity, they know that the club members have a penchant for not making it deep on Saturday night after two days of trash talking and tailgating. A late Friday night combined with an early Saturday morning equals dozing off during the USC – Notre Dame prime time tussle. However, a great time in between is guaranteed, even if it includes watching the Zips.
Observations from last week:
- I guess Franklin had to go at Penn State. With a nearly $50 million buyout, I am sure he will be fine.
- It is a strange world when I start looking at next year’s schedule and wondering if Indiana will be playing U of Washington on the road. All of a sudden, seeing Cignetti’s Hoosiers live is becoming a priority.
- UMass lost to a one-win Kent State by 36. Any Power Five team that schedules UMass should have to spot them 35 points.
- We have the Texas A&M Aggies on the schedule in about a month. I hope they stay hot.
The Picks
Last Week’s Picks
Another 2 – 2 week – at least I am breaking even, sort of.
- A reader pointed out that Illinois did not keep it close against Indiana – Yes, I botched it, but it only made my argument more persuasive about the Buckeyes cruising – which they did.
- Okay, I don’t understand Kansas State at all. No more bets with them.
- If I had the actual audacity to name a lock last week, it would have been UNLV covering against Air Force. And, I would have been wrong.
- It took OT and some big cat on big cat violence, but the Cougars of BYU got me the win over the Arizona Wildcats.
This Week’s Picks
TBD
Other Observations for this week:
- TBD
Check back on Thursday or Friday for who not to pick this weekend.
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