This week we are off to Statesboro to see the Gamecocks of Jax State take on the Eagles of Georgia Southern. Two of us are making the long drive down given that per Google “the Statesboro airport does not serve scheduled commercial flights from traditional air carriers.” Lots of people are still finding their way to booming metropolis where Airbnb rates are hitting over $1,000 for the weekend.
We could fly to Savanah, but even then we are looking at connections and it is just easier to drive. With Georgia Southern giving 3.5 points, the game is basically a pick ’em. It will be nice to see a competitive game after seeing a couple FBS-FCS beat downs. Hopefully the Jax State band also makes the trip because that crew can really blow.
Last Week: Buffalo makes “this sh*t easy”
We revisited the University of Buffalo last week because the first time I was there it was as a player. I thought it was important to see what the Bulls experience was like from a fan’s perspective. It did not disappoint.
The review will get updated later this year, but in short, Buffalo knows its place in the FBS seriatim. Accordingly, they make going to see the Bulls easy. The parking is free with all the necessary support for tailgating. It was a little quiet but not surprising considering the FCS opponent.
With my hometown of Erie, Pa only slightly more than an hour away, we made it an “814” tailgate with pepperoni balls from Stanganellis and Smith’s hot dogs. It turned into a memorable day with good weather and great friends,. And, the $4 seats I snagged right before the kickoff didn’t hurt either.
Observations from last week.
- South Florida may be the best FBS team in the state.
- With a shaky win last week against North Dakota and the loss on Saturday against Army, the K-State Wildcats need to fix things in a hurry.
- Both Akron and Ball State are 0-2. We will be in Muncy to see the Cardinals host the Zips for homecoming. “Tickets as low as $32” right now according to Vivid Seats. Yeah, I think we will wait on that.
- I like Mike Gundy of Oklahoma State, but I don’t think you blame the Cowboys 69-3 loss against the Ducks solely because Oregon can “buy” a better team. The Gundy era may be coming to an end at Oklahoma State.
The Picks
Last Week’s Picks
At least I am consistent – another bad week. I mentioned in the ‘Other comments’ that I wanted to pick Ohio to beat WVU. And, of course, I didn’t make the bet and the Bobcats scored the upset (Ugh).
- I used ESPN analysis to pick Jax State. I should probably do more of that.
- Not sure if UCLA is bad or UNLV is very good. In any case, I am staying away from the Bruins for now.
- I listened to the Vandy – Va Tech game on the way home Sunday morning and thanks to a self imposed FBS blackout on Saturday night, I didn’t know the result. I was sitting pretty at halftime with a Hokie 10 point lead and then the wheels fell off. I am already re-evaluating my intentions to go to the Cal – Va Tech game later this season.
- Michigan wasn’t really in the game with Oklahoma. That was a loser pretty much from the start.
This Week’s Picks
- I am sticking with Jax State despite being at Georgia Southern. This is one of those situations that if Georgia Southern wins, I will likely have had a good time at the game. Getting a Jax win would be like a consolation prize.
- Northwestern got thumped by Tulane. I think the Ducks will cover against the Wildcats, even at 27.5 points.
- I am taking WVU in the Backyard Brawl because I think the line of 7.5 points is too juicy to ignore. This game is likely to come down to the wire with Pitt winning a close one.
- South Florida is hot. They might not beat the ‘Canes, but I think they can hang.
Some other random observations going into Week 3:
- Still a schedule pretty heavily dominated by cupcake games. I can’t wait to get into the heart of the season.
- Georgia versus Tennessee is the big game this week. I don’t know who will win, but I know if you are going to the game, it will be a good time. I really enjoyed Neyland Stadium.
- Again, I like Ohio getting 31.5 points against Ohio State, and again, I don’t like it enough to bet on them.
- Texas A&M at Notre Dame is the kind of game that could have some late season implications.
I will leave you with the clean, simple design of the University of Buffalo souvenir cup. Well done Bulls!
Enjoy the games,
Tree
