My season is just about complete. I have one planned game left on my schedule. The Army-Navy game is a bucket list item. It does not tick a box as I have already been to all the military academies, but it should be a great game. In addition, I am always open to late invitations and D3 local playoffs are also desirable destinations. So, we will see. I would not rule out me catching another game or two.
Last Week: D3 Treat
I had a good day tailgating last Friday at CNU. It was a little chilly but the scene was still fairly robust. It took awhile, but I did get more than a few students, colleagues, and CNU fans to stop by before the game. I gave out a lot of koozies, especially considering it was a D3 crowd.
I, of course, also went to the game. Free tickets are a faculty perk and the general admission seat I got was great. The Captains had no trouble dispatching the Lions. It was 35-3 at the half and the final score was 70 – 31. I left midway through the third quarter and was home by 9:30pm.
Other observations from another unpredictable week.
- Pitt played Clemson a lot tougher than I thought. I think the ACC is going to get one team in the playoff and that will be it.
- I only saw the highlights of the UMass vs Liberty game, but boy did the Minutemen lose a tough one. Two missed kicks, one to win it and one in OT to tie it, sealed their fate.
- Both SMU and Boise State nearly got upset. Those games were fun to watch.
- The best game though was the Missouri – South Carolina game. It was a crazy back and forth game with a wild finish. Beemer has the Gamecocks rolling.
The Picks
Week 12 Results
Just when it can’t get any worse, it does. I went to bed with WSU up by fourteen over New Mexico and thought at least I would get one win for the weekend. Nope.
- It wasn’t just that the Coogs were ahead against the Lobos. They were handling them. Given my luck, it was not surprising to wake up to see New Mexico getting the “W”.
- How in the world does Georgia get smacked around by Ole Miss and then beat Tennessee? It will be interesting to see how the SEC teams do in the playoffs. I am not sure if the conference is very competitive or just very inconsistent.
- Jax State was lucky to beat FIU. There was no way they were going to cover. The Oregon-Wisconsin game was the same story. The Ducks should be happy to be undefeated.
- The only thing I got right was my prediction about the FAU – Temple being a good game despite each team being 2-7. Yep, they went to overtime.
Week 13 Picks
What’s that old saw – “What’s the definition of insanity?” It may apply as I used the same logic in making this week’s picks as I have this whole disastrous season. I don’t know why I think my results will be any different, but here’s the rationale.
- UNLV has disappointed me a couple times this year. I am hoping San Jose keeps it close at home.
- I can’t resist a plus 40 point spread. Plus, UMass is much improved over previous years. Hopefully the Bulldogs rest their starters early.
- Pitt has their starting QB back. I should be enough against the Cardinals.
- Texas A&M is a lock. An absolute lock (smile).
This rest of the weekend is a mixed bag.
- The Indiana – Ohio State game is clearly the game of the week, despite it’s noon starting time.
- There are some interesting games where you think the favorite should roll, but they could slip up. Florida might trip up Ole Miss. Kansas might do the same to Colorado and maybe Army shocks Notre Dame (fingers crossed).
- Fair amount of cupcake games as well. UMass at Georgia, UTEP at Tennessee, and Wofford at South Carolina are the kind of matchups that make the SEC look bad.
- Second best game might be JMU at App State. The Rock will be, well, rocking for that one.
That’s all I got enjoy the games.
Tree