We are off to a truly iconic stadium, Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. This is NBC’s prime-time game on Saturday night. I am rolling with the Nine O’clock club where the key word will be pace – as in pace yourself. One thing I have consistently heard about Nebraska since I started this crazy goal was that Cornhusker fans are the best. We are looking forward to enjoying everything the Big Red faithful can share.
Last Week: A FCS Treat
It’s hard to beat a night game late in the summer as the heat from the tailgate pavement dissipates and a cool breeze rolls into the stadium. The only problem this night was the dominance of the William & Mary Tribe. They rolled over an undersized VMI team for a convincing 41 – 7 win. On the plus side, it left me with an open weekend to watch plenty of games.
- Texas A&M, Va Tech, and Clemson all lost – but that’s the beauty of scheduling early out-of-conference foes, it’s all recoverable, especially with a 12-team playoff.
- Likewise, Penn State, Miami and Notre Dame added some pop to their resumes. Georgia, perhaps not so much, only because we already knew they were one of the best teams in the FBS.
- Small school playoff favorites, Boise, UTSA, and JMU all won, but for my money the Dukes looked the most convincing in a hard hitting win over UNC Charlotte.
- Lots of good plays this weekend, the best of which was a sick one-handed interception by Robert Morris DB Rob Carter Jr. in a loss to Utah State. A good reminder that the talent difference between FBS and FCS is smaller than we think.
The Picks
Week 1 Results
- PSU had a nice win, but unfortunately for Coach Franklin, he’s measured by how he does against the big dogs. The Lion’s can make another statement when they play Oregon in a few weeks.
- I was almost more impressed with Northwestern’s makeshift stadium than their win. As I noted in last year’s review, a trip to see the Wildcats just outside of Chicago, even with a temporary stadium is a worthwhile one.
- UCLA won, but did not cover. That bet was done less than three minutes in.
- Either Sam Houston State is really improved or Rice is just terrible. Truth is, it is probably somewhere in between. With Houston getting smoked by UNLV, Rice may still not be the worst team in Bayou City.
Week 2 Picks
- Taking Colorado at Wisconsin is strictly an emotional hedge. If the Big Red gets upset, at least I will make some money from the game. Not nearly enough to cover this boondoggle, but at least it is something.
- I am going ride Northwestern until they lose or when they actually start playing their Big 10 (18?) conference schedule.
- Texas Tech won in a shoot out against FCS Abilene Christian. Now they have to make the long trip up to WSU. I like the Coogs.
- Boise State is getting 20.5 against Oregon. I just like that number given that the Broncos scored over 50 last week.
Some other intriguing games to watch this weekend with the usual odd match ups. Cal at Auburn will feels like a blowout in this ACC(!?!) versus SEC matchup. I like Texas in their road trip against Michigan, but it will be a good test. I can’t say the same for Houston versus Oklahoma. The Cougars better get up early to get ready for that game. I’d also like to see the Mississippi State vs Arizona State game but I will be sitting in the stands at Nebraska. I am guessing more covers and closer games this year as teams face off against a lot of uncommon foes.
That’s all I got.
Enjoy the games.
Tree