It was a Winter Wonderland win for Washington last week All right, this is it. Championship Week. This is the week we determine the conference champs and, finally, for real this time, the entrants into the playoffs.
Here’s how to watch the games to see how it plays out.
Washington -5.0 vs Utah - Blue Jeans Stadium – The PAC 12 will get the spotlight to themselves, on a Friday night under the lights, in what should be a defensive slugfest. Washington is No. 1 in the Pac-12 in total and scoring defense. Utah is No. 2.
The game has no bearing on the CFP. It’s a 70’s remix tape. Winner goes to the Rose Bowl. That’s the prize. No other implications.
And while Washington fans may be a bit down for not reaching the CFP, they should still be pleased. They just knocked off Washington State to put themselves in this game for the second time in three years.
For Utah, it’s about to pay off. They made a step up in weight class, going from the Mountain West to the PAC 12 back in 2011. Now they are about to play in the championship game. Something that Oregon State, Washington State and Cal can’t claim.
And they did it while losing their two best payers. Back in November QB Tyler Huntley and RB Zack Moss were lost to injuries for the season. The two combined for 84% of Utah’s offensive production.
I’m going to go with the Huskies in a rematch. Back in September, Washington won 21-7 and that was with Utah having Huntley and Moss playing. It was Washington’s fifth win in six games since Utah joined the PAC 12.
I'm in for a Mini Mega. The short spread and Utah missing their best players makes for a nice opportunity.
Here’s how to watch the games to see how it plays out.
Washington -5.0 vs Utah - Blue Jeans Stadium – The PAC 12 will get the spotlight to themselves, on a Friday night under the lights, in what should be a defensive slugfest. Washington is No. 1 in the Pac-12 in total and scoring defense. Utah is No. 2.
The game has no bearing on the CFP. It’s a 70’s remix tape. Winner goes to the Rose Bowl. That’s the prize. No other implications.
And while Washington fans may be a bit down for not reaching the CFP, they should still be pleased. They just knocked off Washington State to put themselves in this game for the second time in three years.
For Utah, it’s about to pay off. They made a step up in weight class, going from the Mountain West to the PAC 12 back in 2011. Now they are about to play in the championship game. Something that Oregon State, Washington State and Cal can’t claim.
And they did it while losing their two best payers. Back in November QB Tyler Huntley and RB Zack Moss were lost to injuries for the season. The two combined for 84% of Utah’s offensive production.
I’m going to go with the Huskies in a rematch. Back in September, Washington won 21-7 and that was with Utah having Huntley and Moss playing. It was Washington’s fifth win in six games since Utah joined the PAC 12.
I'm in for a Mini Mega. The short spread and Utah missing their best players makes for a nice opportunity.
Texas kicked the winning FG with 9 seconds left Oklahoma -8.0 vs Texas (Jerry’s Palace in Dallas) – The first game on Saturday is the table setter. There are just six contenders for four spots. Oklahoma is one. Win this and they get a chance to get in. the Sooners are one place higher than Ohio State and could be next up if the four teams ahead stumbles. If Texas wins then OSU moves one step closer to getting in.
And it’s another 70’s remix. Shades of scUM vs OSU for the Big Ten, Texas and Oklahoma have thoroughly dominated the Big 12 Championship game. There have been 16 games overall Between Oklahoma and Texas, they have won 11 of the games. One was won by Kansas State and the others were won by teams no longer in the Big 12 (e.g. Texas A&M).
It’s a rematch of the Red River Shootout back on the first week of October. Texas dominated early jumping to a 45-24 lead going into the fourth quarter. Oklahoma came storming back to tie it. Texas pulled off the win on a last second FG. How were the Horn able to pull it off? They were +3 in turnovers.
Texas in coming in winning but barely. They needed a win to become bowl eligible and yet just squeaked by Kansas 24-17– outgaining the Jayhawks by one yard. The Horns have played 9 games games decided by one score, winning six.
Oklahoma has been cutting it close too. They held on for dear life against Okie State 48-47 and then survived a fire fight with WVU 59-56 at West Virginia last week.
Like a team having to go first in OT, Oklahoma has no idea what will transpire throughout the day. Best to keep pounding away at Texas and hope for the best.
I’m going to take Oklahoma to cover in this one. Not only is it a revenge game but they need to run up the score to get the attention of the Committee.
I’m going against the trends here. Tom Herman is the king of underdog wins. He’s 9-4 straight up as the dog and 12-1 against the spread. Texas is 6-0 ATS vs the Sooners too.
Put me in for a quatloo and no more. I don't trust the Sooner defense.
And it’s another 70’s remix. Shades of scUM vs OSU for the Big Ten, Texas and Oklahoma have thoroughly dominated the Big 12 Championship game. There have been 16 games overall Between Oklahoma and Texas, they have won 11 of the games. One was won by Kansas State and the others were won by teams no longer in the Big 12 (e.g. Texas A&M).
It’s a rematch of the Red River Shootout back on the first week of October. Texas dominated early jumping to a 45-24 lead going into the fourth quarter. Oklahoma came storming back to tie it. Texas pulled off the win on a last second FG. How were the Horn able to pull it off? They were +3 in turnovers.
Texas in coming in winning but barely. They needed a win to become bowl eligible and yet just squeaked by Kansas 24-17– outgaining the Jayhawks by one yard. The Horns have played 9 games games decided by one score, winning six.
Oklahoma has been cutting it close too. They held on for dear life against Okie State 48-47 and then survived a fire fight with WVU 59-56 at West Virginia last week.
Like a team having to go first in OT, Oklahoma has no idea what will transpire throughout the day. Best to keep pounding away at Texas and hope for the best.
I’m going to take Oklahoma to cover in this one. Not only is it a revenge game but they need to run up the score to get the attention of the Committee.
I’m going against the trends here. Tom Herman is the king of underdog wins. He’s 9-4 straight up as the dog and 12-1 against the spread. Texas is 6-0 ATS vs the Sooners too.
Put me in for a quatloo and no more. I don't trust the Sooner defense.
Four turnovers led to a 20 point loss to LSU Alabama -13.0 vs Georgia Mercedes Benz Dome – Oklahoma Texas may have set the table but this game is for two teams eating at the table. Bama and UGA square off in the 2017 NCAA championship game redux. Also known as the 2018 SEC Championship game. And if Georgia wins it will likely be the 2018 NCAA championship game too.
Things get real interesting if Georgia loses a tight one, say like last years championship game. And real, real interesting if either Oklahoma or Ohio State win in a blow out too. Two, maybe three teams will go into the star chamber, one will come out. The chatter of the weekend will be intense. Let the debate begin.
And how unfair is it for UGA. Notre Dame went 12-0 but after the scUM debacle last week that schedule doesn’t seem so daunting now does it. What was their best win? Certainly not Florida State or USC. Syracuse, maybe, or Stanford. The schedule looked impressive coming into the season. Not so much now. Yet by going 12-0 and not having to play a championship game - they are in. I’ve got to imagine that UGA would be favored over Notre Dame and yet might not make it because they have to play an SEC schedule and Bama in an extra game.
For all the talk about Bama winning all its games by 20 or more is the fact that, except for the LSU gaffe, Georgia won all its games by 14 or more.
So what caused the beat down by LSU? Like Oklahoma, the Dawgs were -4 in turnovers. It was only the second time in three years under Kirby that UGA was worse than -1.
And yet, forcing turnovers is what the Tide does. They have forced at least one in every game this season and finished +10, 9th best in Div 1A.
Things get real interesting if Georgia loses a tight one, say like last years championship game. And real, real interesting if either Oklahoma or Ohio State win in a blow out too. Two, maybe three teams will go into the star chamber, one will come out. The chatter of the weekend will be intense. Let the debate begin.
And how unfair is it for UGA. Notre Dame went 12-0 but after the scUM debacle last week that schedule doesn’t seem so daunting now does it. What was their best win? Certainly not Florida State or USC. Syracuse, maybe, or Stanford. The schedule looked impressive coming into the season. Not so much now. Yet by going 12-0 and not having to play a championship game - they are in. I’ve got to imagine that UGA would be favored over Notre Dame and yet might not make it because they have to play an SEC schedule and Bama in an extra game.
For all the talk about Bama winning all its games by 20 or more is the fact that, except for the LSU gaffe, Georgia won all its games by 14 or more.
So what caused the beat down by LSU? Like Oklahoma, the Dawgs were -4 in turnovers. It was only the second time in three years under Kirby that UGA was worse than -1.
And yet, forcing turnovers is what the Tide does. They have forced at least one in every game this season and finished +10, 9th best in Div 1A.
Tua has been epic ever since 2nd and 26 Even more, while Bama has been long known for the defense, this year they have the offense to match. Ever since Tua Tagovailoa’s coming out party in the second half versus Georgia last year, he has been on a tear. He has thrown for 3,189 yards and 36 touchdowns with only two interceptions.
His 13.4 percent touchdown rate leads all FBS quarterbacks. He is tied for fourth in touchdown passes, is seventh with a 70.3 percent completion rate and his 11.86 yards per attempt trails only likely fellow Heisman Trophy finalist Kyler Murray of Oklahoma (12.01).
He spreads the wealth too. Four players have at least 35 receptions and 600 yards. Jerry Juedy is his favorite target with 56 catches and 1,079 yards. He is the first Bama WR with 1,000 yards since Calvin Ridley did it in his freshman year in 2015.
Fromm is no lightweight though. He has 2.236 yards, 24 TDs against only five picks. The running game features two backs, D’Andre Swift and Elijah Holyfield (who played ball at the Big Guy's high school) knocking on the door for 1,000 yards.
It’s a revenge game for Georgia after blowing 2nd and 26 last year and they are getting 2TDs to boot. So take the points right?
Nah, for one, the Saxy Lady was giving me grief for taking Tech and the points last week. I'm petty that way. More importantly, Bama is playing at a near NFL level this year. Mrs H has invited the gang over to watch the game. I’ll be a rude guest and take the Tide. Put me down for just a quatloo. My Georgia picks haven't been going too well.
His 13.4 percent touchdown rate leads all FBS quarterbacks. He is tied for fourth in touchdown passes, is seventh with a 70.3 percent completion rate and his 11.86 yards per attempt trails only likely fellow Heisman Trophy finalist Kyler Murray of Oklahoma (12.01).
He spreads the wealth too. Four players have at least 35 receptions and 600 yards. Jerry Juedy is his favorite target with 56 catches and 1,079 yards. He is the first Bama WR with 1,000 yards since Calvin Ridley did it in his freshman year in 2015.
Fromm is no lightweight though. He has 2.236 yards, 24 TDs against only five picks. The running game features two backs, D’Andre Swift and Elijah Holyfield (who played ball at the Big Guy's high school) knocking on the door for 1,000 yards.
It’s a revenge game for Georgia after blowing 2nd and 26 last year and they are getting 2TDs to boot. So take the points right?
Nah, for one, the Saxy Lady was giving me grief for taking Tech and the points last week. I'm petty that way. More importantly, Bama is playing at a near NFL level this year. Mrs H has invited the gang over to watch the game. I’ll be a rude guest and take the Tide. Put me down for just a quatloo. My Georgia picks haven't been going too well.
Unranked Pitt upset #2 Clemson back in 2016 with the help of a 70 yard pick. Pitt +25.5 vs Clemson - BofA stadium – Clemson will look to punch the tirhd ticket into the CFP. Win and they are in.
But what if they lose? Unlike Bama, considering how bad the ACC has been this year (Oh look, what a lovely thank you note from Notre Dame) the Tigers are not a lock to get in with a loss. They will need stumbles from Ohio State and Oklahoma should they get upset.
And it’s not a totally out of this world scenario. Not many ACC teams can claim wins over Clemson in recent years, but Pittsburgh is one of them. The Panthers handed Clemson a 43-42 home loss in the most recent meeting in 2016 - the Tigers’ only loss en route to the national championship. Pitt has won its last four games against top-three teams when unranked, including the 2016 victory over No. 2 Clemson and a 24-14 win over No. 2 Miami to close the 2017 regular season.
The ACC has a bit of 70’s remix going on too. It’s the fifth time in six seasons that Clemson or Florida State is in this game as the nation’s No. 1 or 2 team, and the one other time, the Tigers were third in 2016.
The Tigers have been dominant on both sides of the ball as they rank third in the nation in total offense and seventh in defense. They are scoring 45.7 points per game and allowing just 14.0 points per game on the other side of the ball.
Pitt is balanced in a different sort of way. They score and average of 27.8 points per game and let up 27.8 points per game. The nations top 1-2 tandem of running backs , Qadree Ollison and Darrin Hall, have combined for over 2,000 yards with 19 scores. Clemson has the 2nd best rush defense (#1 you ask? Go right through for…).
But what if they lose? Unlike Bama, considering how bad the ACC has been this year (Oh look, what a lovely thank you note from Notre Dame) the Tigers are not a lock to get in with a loss. They will need stumbles from Ohio State and Oklahoma should they get upset.
And it’s not a totally out of this world scenario. Not many ACC teams can claim wins over Clemson in recent years, but Pittsburgh is one of them. The Panthers handed Clemson a 43-42 home loss in the most recent meeting in 2016 - the Tigers’ only loss en route to the national championship. Pitt has won its last four games against top-three teams when unranked, including the 2016 victory over No. 2 Clemson and a 24-14 win over No. 2 Miami to close the 2017 regular season.
The ACC has a bit of 70’s remix going on too. It’s the fifth time in six seasons that Clemson or Florida State is in this game as the nation’s No. 1 or 2 team, and the one other time, the Tigers were third in 2016.
The Tigers have been dominant on both sides of the ball as they rank third in the nation in total offense and seventh in defense. They are scoring 45.7 points per game and allowing just 14.0 points per game on the other side of the ball.
Pitt is balanced in a different sort of way. They score and average of 27.8 points per game and let up 27.8 points per game. The nations top 1-2 tandem of running backs , Qadree Ollison and Darrin Hall, have combined for over 2,000 yards with 19 scores. Clemson has the 2nd best rush defense (#1 you ask? Go right through for…).
Clemson has the 2nd best rush defense After that it’s all Clemson. This is not a defense you would expect from Nardawg. The Panthers allow 399.9 yards of offense per game. Freshman QB Trevor Lawrence (2,488 yards, 22 touchdowns, four interceptions) and running back Travis Etienne (1,307 yards, 19 TDs) should have a field day.
The way to beat Clemson is through the air. In their near misses, Texas A&M’s Kellen Mond threw for 430 yards and three touchdowns in week 2 against the Tigers. Two weeks later, Syracuse’s Eric Dungey passed for 250 yards in the Orange's near-upset in Death Valley. And last week, South Carolina’s Jake Bentley threw for 510 yards and five touchdowns.
Pitt QB Kenny Pickett’s got the size and the arm to throw it. He turned it loose against Wake Forest with 316 yards and three scores just two weeks ago. He’ll have to come up with the game of his life under pressure against the Clemson defensive front to pull of the upset.
But he won’t. Clemson has too many weapons and there are several Tigers who played in that 2016 upset still around. The game should be over by halftime.
I’ll take Pitt and the points though. One goofy play or a late Pickett TD against a 2nd string prevent defense could get the back door cover. Just a quatloo though.
The way to beat Clemson is through the air. In their near misses, Texas A&M’s Kellen Mond threw for 430 yards and three touchdowns in week 2 against the Tigers. Two weeks later, Syracuse’s Eric Dungey passed for 250 yards in the Orange's near-upset in Death Valley. And last week, South Carolina’s Jake Bentley threw for 510 yards and five touchdowns.
Pitt QB Kenny Pickett’s got the size and the arm to throw it. He turned it loose against Wake Forest with 316 yards and three scores just two weeks ago. He’ll have to come up with the game of his life under pressure against the Clemson defensive front to pull of the upset.
But he won’t. Clemson has too many weapons and there are several Tigers who played in that 2016 upset still around. The game should be over by halftime.
I’ll take Pitt and the points though. One goofy play or a late Pickett TD against a 2nd string prevent defense could get the back door cover. Just a quatloo though.
Haskins was record setting last week vs scUM Northwestern +14.5 vs Ohio State - Lucas Oil Field - By now, Ohio State will know the Oklahoma and Georgia scores and will be keeping an eye on the Clemson score to see how many, if any slots, are still available. If Georgia wins and Clemson is killing it, game set match. They are playing for the Rose Bowl. If one stumbles they will have to outdo Oklahoma.
Northwestern, welcome to the grownup table. Now, fully half the teams in the Big Ten have made it to the Championship Game. Michigan, your table is over in the corner with the other kiddies, Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana, Maryland and Rutgers. Looks like you will be there awhile.
How did the Cats do it? They win ugly and pay attention to the small stuff. The Cats slow things down to a crawl and hang onto the ball. They have just two fumbles on the year.
And then there are the penalties – they don’t commit them – with a nation-low 34 on the season for just 320 yards. Ohio State? It’s a penalty machine, getting nailed for 98 flags including 22 in the last two games.
Ohio State’s offense centers on QB Dwayne Haskins. Haskins was named the Big Ten Player of the Week last week after throwing for 396 yards and six TDs against Michigan. It was a record sixth time breaking the old mark of five set by former Heisman Trophy winner and former Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith in 2006. Haskins set a new Big Ten single-season record for the most touchdown passes, 42, eclipsing the fabulous Drew Brees in the process.
Haskins enters the week with 42 TDs to just seven interceptions. He will salivating at the prospect of tossing against the Wildcat secondary. Northwestern is 11th in the Big Ten in passing defense.
Northwestern, welcome to the grownup table. Now, fully half the teams in the Big Ten have made it to the Championship Game. Michigan, your table is over in the corner with the other kiddies, Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana, Maryland and Rutgers. Looks like you will be there awhile.
How did the Cats do it? They win ugly and pay attention to the small stuff. The Cats slow things down to a crawl and hang onto the ball. They have just two fumbles on the year.
And then there are the penalties – they don’t commit them – with a nation-low 34 on the season for just 320 yards. Ohio State? It’s a penalty machine, getting nailed for 98 flags including 22 in the last two games.
Ohio State’s offense centers on QB Dwayne Haskins. Haskins was named the Big Ten Player of the Week last week after throwing for 396 yards and six TDs against Michigan. It was a record sixth time breaking the old mark of five set by former Heisman Trophy winner and former Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith in 2006. Haskins set a new Big Ten single-season record for the most touchdown passes, 42, eclipsing the fabulous Drew Brees in the process.
Haskins enters the week with 42 TDs to just seven interceptions. He will salivating at the prospect of tossing against the Wildcat secondary. Northwestern is 11th in the Big Ten in passing defense.
But the defense still allowed 400 yards and 39 points On the other side, Northwestern’s Thorson is much more hit-or-miss, with 14 touchdown passes to 12 interceptions thrown. In Northwestern’s toughest games, Thorson has been prone to giving the ball away through the air, but he is capable of airing it out when asked to do so.
If Thorson is going to be a factor, he has to lead Northwestern down the field in the first half, because the Buckeyes are much better against the pass after halftime this season. Opposing quarterbacks have a rating 30 points lower in the second half of games against Ohio State (108.24) compared to the first half (138.08). Thorson’s efficiency has taken a slide after halftime this season as well, with eight second-half interceptions to four thrown in the first half.
This game will come down to which Ohio State team shows up. The Buckeyes have enough talent to blow out Northwestern but they had the same talent advantage against Purdue and Maryland too. The defense is still a work in process. Lost in the hurrah over the scUM beat down is the fact the the still let up 401 yards, 39 points, and lost the time of possession 35 minutes to 25.
OSU needs the win and a big win. The Big Ten needs OSU on that wall. If a 12-1 Ohio State doesn’t get in, that will make it three straight years without the Big Ten Champion in the College Football Playoff.
But I’m taking the Cats for the cover. They just play a Scrappy Doo, annoying kind of game that keeps things close. No quatloos though. In the right scenario with OSU needing a blow out win they are capable of, and Meyer is prone to doing it, running up the score.
Then there are the games that have no playoff implications but will be fun to watch nonetheless
If Thorson is going to be a factor, he has to lead Northwestern down the field in the first half, because the Buckeyes are much better against the pass after halftime this season. Opposing quarterbacks have a rating 30 points lower in the second half of games against Ohio State (108.24) compared to the first half (138.08). Thorson’s efficiency has taken a slide after halftime this season as well, with eight second-half interceptions to four thrown in the first half.
This game will come down to which Ohio State team shows up. The Buckeyes have enough talent to blow out Northwestern but they had the same talent advantage against Purdue and Maryland too. The defense is still a work in process. Lost in the hurrah over the scUM beat down is the fact the the still let up 401 yards, 39 points, and lost the time of possession 35 minutes to 25.
OSU needs the win and a big win. The Big Ten needs OSU on that wall. If a 12-1 Ohio State doesn’t get in, that will make it three straight years without the Big Ten Champion in the College Football Playoff.
But I’m taking the Cats for the cover. They just play a Scrappy Doo, annoying kind of game that keeps things close. No quatloos though. In the right scenario with OSU needing a blow out win they are capable of, and Meyer is prone to doing it, running up the score.
Then there are the games that have no playoff implications but will be fun to watch nonetheless
McKenzie Milton went down with a brutal injury last week Memphis +3.0 vs Central Florida – UCF is hoping against hope that with two straight undefeated seasons they can get in. But their chances are about the same as Hugh dunking a basketball while keeping his cigar lit.
These teams put on a whale of a show. Earlier this year, UCF downed the Tigers 31-30 with a fourth quarter TD and last year’s 62-55 AAC championship game was an all time classic. This one should be no different.
After last year’s game both HCs got promoted. Scott Frost went to Nebraska while Memphis’ Justin Fuente went to Va Tech. This year, Memphis head man, Mike Norvell and UCF’s Josh Heupel will be on several ADs short list too. Hopefully they will stick around and make this another great chapter in the burgeoning rivalry.
It’s a home game, UCF hasn’t lost in two years and they are favored again but I’m taking Memphis. The Knights lost star QB McKenzie Milton to a Theismanesque injury last week. Meanwhile Memphis’ Darrell Henderson will play. Henderson is second in the nation in rushing yards (1,699), tied for second in rushing TDs (19) and second in yards per carry (8.6).
The Tigers have played two close games against UCF. With Milton out, they get over the hump. I’m in for a Mini Mega.
These teams put on a whale of a show. Earlier this year, UCF downed the Tigers 31-30 with a fourth quarter TD and last year’s 62-55 AAC championship game was an all time classic. This one should be no different.
After last year’s game both HCs got promoted. Scott Frost went to Nebraska while Memphis’ Justin Fuente went to Va Tech. This year, Memphis head man, Mike Norvell and UCF’s Josh Heupel will be on several ADs short list too. Hopefully they will stick around and make this another great chapter in the burgeoning rivalry.
It’s a home game, UCF hasn’t lost in two years and they are favored again but I’m taking Memphis. The Knights lost star QB McKenzie Milton to a Theismanesque injury last week. Meanwhile Memphis’ Darrell Henderson will play. Henderson is second in the nation in rushing yards (1,699), tied for second in rushing TDs (19) and second in yards per carry (8.6).
The Tigers have played two close games against UCF. With Milton out, they get over the hump. I’m in for a Mini Mega.
Apparently that's a first down in Idaho Fresno State +2.5 @ Boise State – It may not be for a playoff spot but it could be for a New Years 6 Bowl. Both teams will be cheering on Memphis earlier in the day. If the Tigers win, the winner of this game could be off to the Fiesta Bowl.
It’s a rematch of a controversial Boise 24-17 win back three weeks ago. Fresno had Boise right where they needed them. Up 17-3, all that was needed was for the MWC best defense to close out the game. But Boise rallied with the help of an inept chain gang and bad first down call. Boise scored on tree straight drives to win the game.
It won’t happen again. The teams are right there on talent. The spread reflects the smurf turf advantage but Boise won’t get the late help. Fresno gets their revenge. I’ll lay a quatloo on it.
It’s a rematch of a controversial Boise 24-17 win back three weeks ago. Fresno had Boise right where they needed them. Up 17-3, all that was needed was for the MWC best defense to close out the game. But Boise rallied with the help of an inept chain gang and bad first down call. Boise scored on tree straight drives to win the game.
It won’t happen again. The teams are right there on talent. The spread reflects the smurf turf advantage but Boise won’t get the late help. Fresno gets their revenge. I’ll lay a quatloo on it.
Lance has the Bulls offense humming. Buffalo -3.5 vs Northern Illinois – Ford Field - Buffalo HC Lance Liepold has got this thing turned around. It took a couple of years but the legend from Wisconsin Whitewater, where he went 109-6 with six national titles, has Buffalo on the verge of being the toast of the MAC.
He brought his high powered offense to western NY and it’s working. The Bulls scored 30 or more points in all but two games this year. The pass defense is the best in the MAC too.
Northern Illinois is back where they normally are – atop the MAC west. The defense is the best in the MAC but oh that offense. It stinks worse than a paper plant on a hot muggy Georgia night.
NIU can defend. Buffalo can score and defend. I’ll lay the points for a Mini Mega.
He brought his high powered offense to western NY and it’s working. The Bulls scored 30 or more points in all but two games this year. The pass defense is the best in the MAC too.
Northern Illinois is back where they normally are – atop the MAC west. The defense is the best in the MAC but oh that offense. It stinks worse than a paper plant on a hot muggy Georgia night.
NIU can defend. Buffalo can score and defend. I’ll lay the points for a Mini Mega.
KJ Costello picked up where Bryce Love left off Stanford -3.5 @ Cal – This game was delayed a couple of weeks because someone forgot to rake the forests in California.
Coming into the season it was supposed to be about Bryce Love and the normal pound and ground cardinal offense. But it didn’t quite work out that way. Love never got untracked but QB KJ Costello went off. He is first in the PAC 12 in passing efficiency and has 3,198 yards, 28 TDs versus 11 picks.
He’ll be tested. Cal has the best pass defense in the PAC 12 allowing just 12 TDs on the year while grabbing 17 picks. But that offense. Ooof 109th overall
Rather than really cheese Mrs H I’ll pick the Cardinal for a quatloo.
Coming into the season it was supposed to be about Bryce Love and the normal pound and ground cardinal offense. But it didn’t quite work out that way. Love never got untracked but QB KJ Costello went off. He is first in the PAC 12 in passing efficiency and has 3,198 yards, 28 TDs versus 11 picks.
He’ll be tested. Cal has the best pass defense in the PAC 12 allowing just 12 TDs on the year while grabbing 17 picks. But that offense. Ooof 109th overall
Rather than really cheese Mrs H I’ll pick the Cardinal for a quatloo.
UL Lafayette was able to run for 200 yards versus the Tide UL Lafayette +16.5 @ Appalachian State – two more up and coming hot coaching candidates. App State’s Scott Satterfield has already been mentioned for the Louisville, North Carolina and gerogia Tech openings. ULL’s Billy Napier has one year under his belt after successful stints as OC at Arizona State and WR coach at Bama. He’ll be on short lists soon.
ULL’s ground game is legit. They have rushed for over 200 yards 8 times including against Bama.
App State’s defense is all that and more. They rank first in the Fun Belt and 4th overall.
I’ll take App State to win but three scores is a bit much to give versus ULL’s ground game. I’ll take the points for a quatloo.
And for all the games, srpeads, picks and much much more here is the 2018 Week 14 Bettors Guide
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Remember the 2019 GO JUMBPO trip is Oct 26th at the Westgate SuperBook
