This Week: Another colored field
I spent last Thursday night at Marshall. The ‘Joan wasn’t a new stadium for me, but it was nice to get a better view of the tailgating and hang out with my cousins. The Dukes were too much for the Herd on that night but it was still a great time. You would have thought it meant that I had Saturday open to watch as many games as I wanted. Alas, I was back home getting ready for a family wedding. It meant that I watched the Penn State – Ohio State game through Youtube TV’s 35 key plays. Honestly, it isn’t the worst way to watch a game if you have no time and a family that doesn’t have the same college football jones as you do.
Last Week: The wheels fall off
I couldn’t be rooting for JMU when I have relatives playing for Marshall even though I had a strong feeling that the Dukes would win. So, I entered the weekend already down one game. Since I was recording the PSU – OSU game, I was purposely avoiding looking at any scores. When I did finally get caught up, I saw Wisconsin had won and I started feeling good. Then I saw that NIU didn’t, but it didn’t surprise me as EMU is a team that is streaky. What really shocked me was that Minnesota beat Iowa. It wasn’t until Sunday when I caught College Football Final and saw the punt return touchdown that wasn’t. I went from 500 to in the toilet in a blink of an eye. What is even more ironic that I went 12-3 in my “just for fun” league. It was little consolation.
Other observations from Week 8
- It was a couple of close calls last weekend for Washington and Oklahoma. It would have been a bad day for the PAC 12 and Big 12 had they been upset. If they want to be in the playoff, those teams need to win out.
- UNC, however, did not avoid the upset. Their bad loss to Virginia at home pins the playoff hopes of the ACC all on FSU.
- If Air Force goes undefeated, do they deserve a New Year’s Day bowl game? I would say yes.
- The tough breaks continue for the the lowly Bearkats of SHS, they lose in overtime to remain winless in the FBS.
Week 9 Picks – Later this week
I got burned by Marshall last week, but Coastal’s starting QB is likely to sit this game. Can’t root against my cousin so I running with the Herd again. Air Force is red hot, but Colorado State should be able to keep it close. I like to think Ohio State will be a little banged up after the physical PSU game and hoping the Badgers have enough pride to keep it close. I am taking the points and Wisconsin. It is very rare that I would be betting on New Mexico, but the Lobos seem to be a plucky bunch this year. Of course, given that I am only two games above 500, taking all my picks with grain of sale.
Other random thoughts on Week 9
- I think the Hokies may have turned things around. Too bad Virginia doesn’t let residents bet on in-state games, which is crazy because if you were going to fix games, this wouldn’t be much of a deterrent.
- I definitely have some buyers remorse in cancelling the Georgia State – Georgia Southern game on Thursday night. Both teams are 6-1 – bummer to not be there.
- Likewise, I still need to get to Ohio to see the Bobcats play. They host Miami(O) this week and both are 6-2. Another lost opportunity to see a great game, because honestly with the MAC that’s not always going to happen.
- Tennessee at Kentucky intrigues me. This a chance for Kentucky to make a statement at home. Time to step up, Wildcats.
That’s all I got – enjoy the games this week.