Time to catch my breath

This week I had tentatively had both Liberty (Thursday night) and UVA (Saturday) on the schedule. I could not get anyone interested in going to see the Flames in Lynchburg. Maybe if I was a single pool boy, I might have had interest in going to Liberty on my own. Since I am happily married, I really didn’t want to make the trek all the way out there to drink Pepsi and eat pretzels on my own. UVA would not have been a new stadium, but I went there way back in 2010 and the review really needs updating. However, it is my 33rd wedding anniversary this weekend and after 6 games in 5 weeks, I thought taking the weekend off might be a good way to ensure I make it to year 34.

Changing the schedule mid-season is not unusual for me. Depending on how teams are playing and the weather, I may drop or add games. Right now, my last game of the season is likely to be UConn at JMU (which is likely to be a blowout), but both Kansas and Kansas State are at home that same weekend. If by some chance the kickoff times align so that I can do both, I may head over to KC to knock out those two. Given that the game times won’t be listed until a week before, it will be a last minute decision. I need to start be chasing some of my Kansas / K-State peeps to see if there is any interest in joining me for either one.

Last Week:

I have a good time at almost every venue I go to, but I have to admit that there is something special about big games. It is a very unique feeling to be standing among 60,000 plus people with the vast majority all having the singular intent of cheering for their team. Being in a stadium like that for a big game certainly raises the hair on the back of my neck. That I was able to share the day with some extended family made it even better. Good times, indeed.

I had a great weekend both at the games and on my betting sheet. I opened with a good win at WKU, although an early missed PAT kept me nervous most of the game. The Blue Raiders were getting 6.5 points, so the Hilltoppers 13-point lead was not a safe one. On Saturday, Kentucky was much better as they handled the Gators from the start, and I was starting to think my four game parlay had a shot. My hopes were immediately dashed as LSU was quickly 10 points down against Ole Miss. Unfortunately, the Tigers lost outright. Air Force took care of business, but for me it was too little, too late.

Other observations from Week 5

• The SEC is heating up. It could be the kind of year where no one team dominates and they beat each other up.
• Penn State and Texas look like the real deal. If Texas gets past Oklahoma this week, it should be smooth sailing. Penn State has much rougher seas with both Ohio State and Michigan yet to come.
• James Madison – “FBS? No problem” as the Dukes are 5-0. Meanwhile the Bearkats of Sam Houston State are winless – “Oh, you mean that FBS?”
• Poor Akron Zips, they lose in OT for the second week in a row. There is no moral victory taking a loss against a hapless Buffalo team.

Week 6 Picks

I am beginning to think the Longhorns are for real. So, that means they will probably play an awful game in the Red River Shoot Out. Nonetheless, I am going to ride with them. California has been better than I thought, but I still like the Oregon State to roll in Berkley. I like the Zips in an upset over NIU. I would go as far as to say Akron is the best 1-4 team in the country. I would also probably be the only one to say that. Iowa has disappointed me so far this year, but at some point they have to cover.

Other observations for Week 6

• Glad I am dropping the Sam Houston State – Liberty game. Bearkats are still looking for that FBS win and it won’t come in Lynchburg this weekend. Flames will take care of business
• Missouri hosts LSU. Time to see if Mizzou is for real. The same could be said for Kentucky. I would love to see Kentucky win, but I don’t see Georgia dropping some of the interceptions that Florida did last week.
• Group of Five Game to Watch – Fresno State (5-0) at Wyoming (4-1). I would give the nod to the Bulldogs, but playing at Laramie is not easy. I would not be surprised to see the Cowboys get the upset.
• The ACC is starting to look weak. They need Clemson (vs. Wake Forest) and Florida State (vs. Virginia Tech) to take care of business, particularly the Seminoles. I am a Hokies fan, but that team has struggled mightily.

That’s all I got, enjoy the games.