You’d think after seeing the Hurst get boat-raced by 63 points against the New Mexico Lobos, I might have had enough of the Lakers. However, as we say in the halls of Old Main, once a Laker, always a Laker. This is the 100th anniversary of Mercyhurst University, and as a distinguished alumni (yeah, that surprised me too), I felt another weekend of Laker football was in order.
This should be a far more competitive affair, as Mercyhurst hosts the Pioneers of Glenville State. Located in the middle of nowhere West Virginia, I was all ready to make fun of the Pioneers. Something like: Do they have to wear both shoes and shirts when they go to class, or will just one or the other suffice? Or – What’s a Hillbilly safety school require for admission, exactly? A signature that consists of something other than an “X.”
But then, I saw that they were DII and I immediately felt guilty. Having watched the Hurst get burned more than the few alabaster Laker fans in New Mexico’s University Stadium, I have a newfound respect for teams that play up from their Division. I don’t know a thing about the Pioneers, but I do know this. It is Homecoming and the Hurst is hungry. Lakers up, Anchor Down.
Green or Red?
They say it is a dry heat, but it still felt like we were sitting on the surface of the sun. UNM had no problem dispatching the Lakers in relatively quick order. We enjoyed most of our time in Albuquerque. The town is very easy to get around. We found the fans to be gracious and welcoming despite the Hurst’s FCS status. The full review will be out in a couple of weeks, but here are some quick notes.
- The stadium, tailgating, and in game experience were all pretty good for the most part. Playing the game at 2pm in very sunny 93 degrees was, in the most positive light, sub-optimal. It tops our previous hottest game – LSU which was 91 degrees.
- There was one brief moment when the Hurst tied the game early that I saw perhaps the slightest look of concern on the faces of Lobos fans. That lasted about 30 seconds.
- It is hard to say how good UNM really is. Next week they play Oklahoma in Norman. Shoe, meet other foot.
- It’s not red or green, but both, as in both chili sauces. We had some very good New Mexican food, which, to be clear, is like Mexican food, but not exactly.
Who do I like?
This Week
Still not quite done feasting on cupcakes, but we are getting close to full conference games. My poor logic and faulty justifications for this week’s picks.
- I still like Pitt’s QB despite last week’s dearth of offense. I blame it on the rain. Take the Panthers to cover.
- It seems like all I hear anymore is how much Texas Tech has invested in NIL money. At some point that should result in some quality wins. I am taking the Red Raiders, basically on conjecture and speculation.
- The line is shifting a lot for the quasi-rivalry game between Va Tech and Maryland. However, I am going to keep riding the Hokies. I don’t think this game will even be close.
- Taking Oklahoma to cover against UNM is strictly a “spite” bet. I was steaming, both figuratively and literally, last week at University Stadium watching the Lobos crush my Mercyhurst Lakers. We will see how the red, black, and turquoise fare when they are playing up.
My thoughts on some of the other games I am not betting, publicly.
- Fox’s is doing their pregame in London for the Kansas – Arizona State game being played there. However, the promo’s highlight (lowlight?) the Kent State – Ohio State game that follows the broadcast. It is all very confusing. What isn’t confusing is the winner – the Buckeyes will roll
- UNC vs Clemson is very intriguing. Could this season signal the end for Dabo Swinney? A loss to the Tarheels at home is not going to help matters.
- Cheap game of the week – $7 to see Penn State host Buffalo. That ticket should still come with a souvenir cup, soda and a hotdog. Even then it might be too much.
- The game of the week has to be LSU at Ole Miss. I didn’t bet it, but if I did it would be an emotional hedge. Put your money on LSU, understanding it will still be satisfying to see Lane Kiffen take one in the chops even if you lose the bet.
Last Week
Another average week. But to be honest, 0.500 is better than the last couple of years’ performance.
- The Tigers of Mizzou made it closer than I thought, but a win is a win.
- It was almost unfair to take the Lakers to cover. That’s what happens when you bet with your heart instead of your head.
- My bashing of Oklahoma State last week is a clear indication that I really don’t know squat about a lot of teams right now. Oregon had better hope the Pokes have a good season or that loss will haunt them.
- In the grand scheme of things, Ohio State’s loss to Texas is nearly meaningless. But, it’s not nothing when you blow a 20 point lead in the 4th quarter.
Some other random thoughts on Week 2:
- You don’t see a stranger football sequence than Virginia Tech’s back to back “scoop and score” plays against ODU. The Hokie linebacker was not “nonchalanting” on the first fumble return. Clearly, he accidently dropped the ball just before the endzone (touchback for ODU). The crazy thing was that Virginia Tech returned another fumble on the very next play, but this time held the ball all the way into the endzone. It was like ODU gave them a do-over.
- Michigan bounced back against Oklahoma with no apparent retribution from the football gods. I guess karma doesn’t care about Western Michigan.
- Mercyhurst took a beating, but they are no Richmond. The Spiders got shut out 73-0 by NC State. Ouch
- Georgia had a “White Out” for the Western Kentucky game. Please note Dawg fans: One, you did this for the Hilltoppers?!? Two, Penn State owns the “White Out” – end of discussion.
That’s all I’ve got. Enjoy the games.
Tree