The Ole College Try

What an amazing/interesting last couple of weeks.  I missed last week's installment, so although this week's installment will only rate performances from the past week, I might include a reference or two to the previous week's games as well (ha, ha Wisconsin - twice). 

Game of the Week

LSU Tigers 23 - Auburn Tigers (War Eagle/Plainsmen) 20. Sure, Auburn scored a TD with a minute left to make this a 3 point game, but it was the best game of the weekend regardless.  It was important, both teams showed up, and we may have unearthed a new star in LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.  LSU vaulted over Alabama to number 1 in the polls because of this performance.

Best Team Performance

Ohio State Buckeyes. "This might be the best team Wisconsin has ever had," they said.  "This could be the best team Ohio State plays all year," they said.  "Wisconsin could give Ohio State a scare, or worse, beat them out of the College Football Playoff," they said.  They might be rights.  Except Ohio State housed them 38-7 - and it wasn't even that close.

Least Impressive Team Performance

Notre Dame Fighting Irish.  For a team that was supposed to still make a run at the College Football Playoff after a solitary, close, loss at Georgia, Notre Dame laid an absolute egg against the previously floundering Michigan Wolverines, losing 45-14, possibly saving Jim Harbaugh's job.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Offense)

Joshua Kelley, RB - UCLA Bruins.  Kelly gained 164 yards and scored 4 TDs in a must-have game for UCLA, as they defeated 24th ranked Arizona State.  UCLA may still miss a bowl, but a loss this week would have virtually eliminated them from post-season contention.  UCLA needed this game, and Kelley stepped up big time.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Defense)

Chase Young, DE - Ohio State Buckeyes.  In writing this blog, sometimes you have to skip over deserving players because you just know that they are going to come up big for you in a future week, and such is the case with this week's most impressive individual defensive performer - and the best player in college football - Chase Young.  Young had 6 total tackles, 5 of them for a loss, and 4 sacks in Ohio State's annihilation of the Badgers.  Even when not making the tackle, Young was causing damage that other Buckeyes cleaned up for him.  He is easily the best defensive player in the country, likely the best player in the country, and he should win the Heisman.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Special Teams)

Justin Rohrwasser, K - Marshall Thundering Herd.  I was thinking of giving this award to Miami's kicker, their third in the last two weeks - despite NO injuries - but that would have been backhanded.  Rohrwasser stepped up and EARNED this award by going 4 for 4, including a 53 yard game-winning field goal as time expired as Marshall defeated Western Kentucky 26-23.

Goat of the Week (Player Edition)

Offensive Line, OL - Wisconsin Badgers.  I get that naming the entire offensive line the goat of the week isn't really fair, as nobody can stop Chase Young, but still, it is the offensive line that looked like they shouldn't even be playing college football because of Chase Young.  Plus Jonathan Taylor only gained 52 yards on 20 carries, even though he is easily the best running back in college this year.  That is a 2.6 yards per carry average.

Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)

Brian Kelly - Notre Dame Fighting Irish.  this was supposed to be a down year for Michigan - at least the way they had been playing this year.  So, Notre Dame has to be ready for this game, especially since other undefeated teams were joining the Irish as one time losers.  Instead of being in the running for the college football playoff, Notre Dame is again an also-ran.  Plus, they do not play Michigan again for the next 14 years.

Breakthrough Performance

Skylar Thompson, RB - Kansas State Wildcats.  For this week I am going with a different definition of breakthrough.  Thompson didn't have his first 100 yard game, but what he did do was break through the Oklahoma defensive line for 4 TDs in his 13 carries as the Wildcats defeated the Sooners 48-41.  Given the Big 12's defensive reputation (as seen in this game), it would be extremely hard for Oklahoma to make the playoffs over a one-loss Alabama or LSU team.

Finally

Derrick Brown, DT - Auburn Tigers/Patrick Jones, DE - Pittsburgh Panthers.  The "finally" refers to me finally giving some love to the awesome defensive line play this week as Derrick Brown completely dominated about 3/4 of the game against LSU - until LSU adjusted and decided to consistently double and triple team him, and Jones ran reckless against the Miami Hurricanes with 2 sacks, and countless other QB hurries.

Impact Injury

Tua Tagavailoa, QB - Alabama.  Yes, I know that this happened two weeks ago, but it is even more impactful today, as we wait to see if Tagavailoa will be available against LSU (even though we all KNOW he will be).  But, will he be hampered by the injury?  Only time will tell.

Team Rising

Southern Methodist Mustangs.  The 8-0, 16th ranked Mustangs defeated Houston 34-31, and will likely be the visiting team for the College GameDay game in Memphis next week.  (I say likely because as of posting it has not been announced, and the Florida-Georgia game is also a possibility).  An undefeated SMU would easily be the top team in the Group of 5 and secure a big bowl game.

Team Falling

Wisconsin Badgers.  There is no shame in losing to Ohio State, but to lose as non-competitively as the Badgers did, after losing to Illinois the week before, and you have a team in a tailspin.

Player(s) to Watch

Chase Edwards-Helaire, RB - Louisiana State Tigers.  He gained 136 yards and scored a TD on 26 carries, but more importantly, he consistently made first downs when they counted in the second half.  In a league known for speed, his consistent burst through the line keeps the chains moving, even if he doesn't break off the long touchdown runs.   

My New Favorite Player

Shea Patterson, QB - Michigan Wolverines.  Any quarterback that can go 6-12 for 100 yards and still thoroughly annihilate Notre Dame is A-OK in my book.

Players of the Week (Just Week 7)

Lots of great performances this weekend  really hard to separate the top 10 or 12.

5.  Justin Rohrwasser, K - Marshall Thundering Herd - See above.

4.  Anthony Godon, QB - Washington State Cougars.  Gordon, making a frequent appearance in this column, was 32-50 for 406 yards and 3 TDs in Washington State's 37-35 defeat at the hands of Oregon.

3. Kedon Slovis, QB - USC Trojans. Slovis was 30-44 for 406 yards and 4 TDs as the Trojans defeated the Colorado Buffaloes 35-31.

2.  Joshua Kelley, RB - UCLA Bruins.  See above.

1.  Chase Young, DE - Ohio State Buckeyes.  See above.

Predicted Playoffs/Championship Match Ups

Ohio State (1) v. Louisiana State (4)/ (2) Alabama v. (3) Clemson

I am now convinced the SEC will get two teams in.  Whether that second team is Alabama or LSU, I do not know.  I do know that it cannot be Florida or Georgia, because the UF/UGA winner will have to win the SEC Championship game to get into the playoffs, meaning they would be the first SEC team in.  Oregon will make a strong run at it also.

Remaining Unbeatens

Alabama, Appalachian State, Baylor, Clemson, LSU, Minnesota, Ohio State, Penn State, SMU

Remaining Winless Teams

Akron, New Mexico State, Rice

Rant(s) of the Week

No new rants this week.

Last Week's Trivia Answer

The question is:  Which active college running back has the freshman rushing record for most yards in a season?  Bonus question, whose record did he break?

The answer is Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor.  We do not have to look far to find whose record he broke; it was then Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson.

Match up(s) to Watch

6.  Miami v. Florida State - Although this rivalry has lost some steam as both schools have faltered in recent years, their will still be A LOT of athletic talent on the field, as well as a healthy hatred among the teams.

5. Akron v. Bowling Green - This could be the week where Akron earns its first victory, playing at 2-6 Bowling Green, which is only favored by less than a touchdown.

4.  Oregon v. USC  - A stiff test for the Ducks as they have been quietly playing themselves into playoff contention. If they can slow Kedon Slovis and make it out of LA with a win, they have a legitimate shot at the playoffs.

3.  Dartmouth v. Harvard - Dartmouth sits atop the Ivy League standings with Princeton, with Harvard only one game back.  Dartmouth students traditionally have the Friday before Harvard off from class; Harvard students barely acknowledge that Dartmouth exists.  

2.  SMU v. Memphis - This should be the ESPN GameDay game location, as undefeated SMU plays once-defeated Memphis (and that defeat is shrouded in controversy - see this blog two week's ago).  Winner likely wins a New Year's Day Bowl bid.

1.  Georgia/Florida at Jacksonville - The Artist Formerly Known as the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.  Pepster will be in attendance.

Trivia Question of the Week

Given that I feel Ohio State defensive lineman Chase Young is by far the best player in college football, this week's two-fer trivia question is about defenders and the Heisman Trophy.  Charles Woodson is the only defensive player to win the Heisman trophy (and even then he played some offense and returned kicks).  Other than Woodson, which defensive player placed highest in the Heisman voting, and who was the highest placing defensive player in the Heisman voting last year?

Picks of the Week

Nowhere near the same NFL experience this week as last week, as almost nothing can compare with Lambeau Field, but at least I will be watching the games with a good friend that is a Charger fan; nothing like a good friendly rivalry.

For those that are new to this site, I will select every game against the spread.  I will be selecting one big bet at $250 per, whereas everything else will be $100.  Winners count as winners, whereas losses will be calculated including a 10% vig to make the math that much simpler.  On to the picks.

Minnesota Vikings -17 v. Washington Racists
I never liked this line, but short week, Minnesota being home, and Washington being horrible meant I couldn't not take them.  All I needed was for them to not play soft and score a touchdown every now and then.

Chicago Bears -4 v. Los Angeles Chargers
No real reason for this, just hoping the "players only meeting" does something to spark the Bears.

Los Angeles Rams -12 v. Cincinnati Bengals
From Wembley Stadium, so no real home team, and both teams have been in London for quite some time.  Just going with the better team and hope that this plays out.

New Orleans Saints -11 1/2 v. Arizona Cardinals
Another double digit spread, and it seems like there have been a thousand of them already this year.  Drew Brees is back, and that isn't nothing despite the great stewardship of Teddy Bridgewater in Bress' absence.  David Johnson isn't back, but Chase Edmonds looked good in his replacement role.  I'll take the Saints, I guess.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +2 1/2 at Tennessee Titans
Such hit-or-miss teams on both sides of the field today, as we have seen some glimpses of great football from both of these teams, and some glimpses of horrible football from both these teams.  Tampa is 4th in scoring offense, 9th in passing offense and first in rushing defense. Tennessee is 4th in scoring defense and 8th in total defense, so their is some talent.  I'll go Tampa Bay for having some talent on both sides of the ball.

Indianapolis Colts -5 1/2 v. Denver Broncos
Denver is great on defense (3rd in passing defense and 4th in total defense), but is horrible on offense.  I will go with a more rounded Colts team behind Jacoby Brissett who is starting to realize that he really belongs as an NFL starting quarterback (QB Rating 101).  Plus, Denver's offensive line is horrible.

Seattle Seahawks -8 at Atlanta Falcons
I really hate taking a west coast team travelling west for the early games, but Matt Schaub is starting for an Atlanta team that just isn't very good anyway.  Passing offense is the only thing keeping Atlanta in any game (2nd in the NFL), and now their quarterback is likely out - I'll give the points.

Philadelphia Eagles -1 at Buffalo Bills
There is no real reason to select Philly in this game, other than the fact that they have so underachieved, that they need to win this game to possibly salvage their season.

Detroit Lions -6 1/2 v. New York Giants
Detroit better beat the lowly New York Giants or else they fall further down the potential playoff ladder.  Doing it by more than a touchdown could show that they belong in the playoff conversation.

Jacksonville Jaguars -6 1/2 v. New York Jets
It is pre-Halloween weekend, so no telling how many ghosts the Jaguars faithful will have floating around the stadium to try to punish Sam Darnold, but the ghosts of New York Jets past are likely restless after last week's ass-whipping at the hands of the Patriots.  It is possible that the Patriots destroyed the Jets' drive for the entire season.

San Francisco 49ers -5 1/2 v. Carolina Panthers
This San Farncisco defense is outstanding (8th in rushing yards, 3rd in 3rd down conversion percentage, 2nd in scoring defense and total defense, and 1st in passing defense).  Not sure how Carolina scores enough points to stay in this game.

Cleveland Browns +11 1/2 at New England Patriots
Not sure New England has the same motivation as last week, and I am definitely not as sure that Cleveland turns the ball over as much as the Jets did - especially early.  I am not saying that Cleveland wins, just keeps it under the spread.

Oakland Raiders +6 1/2 at Houston Texans
Despite the lopsided score last week, Oakland drove the ball against Green Bay very well, even outgaining the Packers.  This offense is 2nd in 3rd down conversion and 8th in rushing, so there is the opportunity to keep the ball away from the potent DeShaun Watson-led Texans' offense.  I'll take the points.

Green Bay Packers -5 at Kansas City Chiefs
Aaron Rodgers in a prime time game sounds good to me.  I'll take it, especially with no Patrick Mahomes.

Miami Dolphins +14 1/2 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Two touchdowns just seems to be a bit much, especially for a Mason Rudolph-led team.  Plus, Ryan Fitzpatrick is the master of the backdoor cover.

Byes:  Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys

Big Bet
Green Bay Packers -5 at Kansas City Chiefs
Aaron Rodgers in a prime time game sounds good to me.  I'll take it, especially with no Patrick Mahomes.
Need I say more?  Also considered, Detroit -6 1/2 v. New York Giants and Jacksonville -6 1/2 v. New York Jets.

Last Two Weeks' Record:  13-15
Last Two Weeks' Big Bet:  2-0
Year-to-Date Record:  49-57
Year-to-Date Big Bet:  4-3
Last Two Weeks' Winnings (Losses):  ($50)
Year-to-Date Winnings (Losses):  ($1,265)

Picks of the Week

On a bus to Lambeau, so typing on a phone.  This means no analysis, but gotta get the picks in.

Kansas City Chiefs -3 at Denver Broncos

Los Angeles Rams -3 at Atlanta Falcons

Miami Dolphins +17 at Buffalo Bills

Jacksonville Jaguars -4 1/2 at Cincinnati Bengals

Minnesota Vikings -2 1/2 at Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers -5 v. Oakland Raiders

Houston Texans +1 at Indianapolis Colts

New York Giants -3 v. Arizona Cardinals

Washington Racists +10 1/2 v.  San Francisco 49ers

New Orleans Saints +4 at Chicago Bears

Los Angeles Chargers + 2 1/2 at Tennessee Titans

Seattle Seahawks -3 v. Baltimore Ravens

Philadelphia Eagles +2 1/2 at Dallas Cowboys

New York Jets +10 v. New England Patriots

BIG BET:  Los Angeles Chargers +2 1/2 at Tennessee Titans - Why?   Ryan Tannehill
this
Byes:  Carolina, Ckeveland, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay

The Ole College Try

LSU-Florida was tough but this week was all about Georgia losing, or should I say South Carolina winning.  Throws the SEC east into a scramble with Missouri - you read that correctly Missouri - the team that lost to Wyoming in first place.  Some other undefeateds loss, and the biggest loser of all might have been Notre Dame. 

Game of the Week

South Carolina 20 - Georgia 17. Georgia outgains a game South Carolina team that lost its starting quarterback, who was actually the backup quarterback before they lost their original starting quarterback.  Despite being thoroughly outplayed, South Carolina forced Jake Fromm into 3 interceptions and 1 fumble and held on to a tie game.  South Carolina failed to score in the initial overtime, but then the defense forced its last Fromm turnover to keep the game tied. South Carolina, with the ball first in the second overtime, settles for a field goal, which Georgia could not reciprocate when potential All-American Rodrigo Blankenship missed a game-tying field goal from just over 30 yards - his second miss of the game.

Best Team Performance

Clemson Tigers. After a couple of poor performances that saw the Tigers slip from first to second in the polls, Clemson came out fast and strong to thoroughly annihilate the Florida State Seminoles 45-14. Not that Florida State has been great this year, but they had been playing better the last couple of weeks and they do have some athletes.

Least Impressive Team Performance

Michigan State Spartans.  The Spartans entered Madison an underdog, and in that they did not disappoint.  Wisconsin, even behind a subpar performance statistically from start Jonathan Taylor, ransacked Michigan State 38-0.  It was Wisconsin's 4th shutout in 6 games this year.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Offense)

CeeDee Lamb, WR - Oklahoma.  Often overlooked by the trio in Alabama, Lamb asserted his dominance in the Big 12 with a magnificent 10 catch, 171 yards and 3 touchdown performance, with 2 of the touchdown catch-and-runs being of the Wow variety as he made some tacklers miss, and ran through others.  If you have not seen these plays - go find them, NOW!

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Defense)

Israel Mukuamu, DB - South Carolina Gamecocks.  Mukuamu was a one-man wrecking ball against Georgia, and he was easily the best player on the field in the Gamecocks' upset.  He had 11 tackles, 7 of the solo variety, 3 interceptions, and returned one of the interceptions for a touchdown.  In a 20-17 overtime game, a defensive touchdown is more than huge, it is critically important.  Mukuamu's reward is the Florida Gators coming off a loss next week.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Special Teams)

Blanton Creque, K - Louisville Cardinals.  For the second week in a row.  His 41 yard field goal with 2:15 remaining in the game iced Louisville's victory over previously undefeated Wake Forest by giving the Cardinals a 10 point lead.  This was huge as Wake Forest did march down the field to score a touchdown with 1:05 left to cut the lead to 3.  Creque hit all 10 - that's right 10 - of his kicks in what would have been the game of the week most weeks.

Goat of the Week (Player Edition)

Rodrigo Blankenship, K - Georgia.  His missed 37-yard field goal cemented Georgia's first loss, and likely their playoff chances.  Georgia still could make the playoffs by winning out (including defeating Alabama or LSU in the SEC championship), but they might still need help.

Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)

Mark Dantonio - Michigan State.  Not for anything goat like that he has done, he just looks like he has lost the team, or the team has absolutely frustrated him.  Perhaps both.

Breakthrough Performance

Kenneth Murray, LB - Oklahoma Sooners.  Murray had 5 total tackles, including 1 sack and 2 tackles for loss, as the Sooners defeated their Red River Rivals, the Texas Longhorns 34-27.  This isn't so much a breakthrough for Murray, but for the defense as a whole as the Sooners have been prolific on offense and horrific on defense for the past few years.  If this defense stands up, they will be in the playoffs.

Finally

Miami Hurricanes.  They win a meaningful game against ranked ACC-rival Virginia 17-9, the first meaningful win of Manny Diaz's career.  One week after he was the Goat coach on this blog.

Impact Injury

Ryan Hilinksi, QB - South Carolina.  Already thrust into duty due to injury, Ryan Hilinski himself was injured forcing the Gamecocks to turn to Freshman Dakereon Joiner.  Joiner flashed some athleticism, but only went 6-12 for 39 yards, although he did gain 28 on the ground.  For a team that should be riding high before hosting Florida next week (after defeating Georgia in Athens), instead South Carolina faces question marks at the primary position on the field.

Team Rising

Appalachia State Mountaineers.  With Memphis losing to Temple, Appalachian State finds itself with a real opportunity to lead the Group of 5 into a major bowl game.

Team Falling

Wake Forest Demon Deacons.  It would be easy to say Georgia here, but Wake Forest not only fell from the ranks of the unbeatens, but gave up 62 points to Louisville in doing so.

Player(s) to Watch

Najee Harris, RB - Alabama Crimson Tide.  Lost in the high-flying passing offense that is Alabama, is a strong running back who rushed for another 114 yards on 20 carries in Alabama's 47-28 victory over Texas A&M.   

My New Favorite Player

Joey Magnifico, TE - Memphis Tigers.  The senior tight end, who will likely be playing on Sundays, had 6 catches for 87 yards, as Memphis fell to Temple 30-28, but his biggest play was the catch he "didn't" make.  He is a wide body with decent athleticism, who just knows how to get open.  More on Magnifico later.

Players of the Week (Just Week 7)

Lots of great performances this weekend  really hard to separate the top 10 or 12.

5.  Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB - Louisiana State Tigers - Dominant rushing presence for the Tigers victory over the Gators; 13 carries for 134 yards and 2 TDs.

4.  Kelly Bryant, QB - Missouri Tigers.  The Clemson transfer was 23-35 for 329 and 1 TD in division-leading Missouri's 38-27 victory over Mississippi.

3. Jack Plummer, QB - Purdue Boilermakers. Plummer was 33-41 for 420 yards and 3 TDs in Missouri's 40-14 victory over Maryland.

2.  CeeDee Lamb, WR - Oklahoma Sooners.  See above.

1.  Israel Mukuamu, DB - South Carolina Gamecocks.  See above.

Predicted Playoffs/Championship Match Ups

Alabama (1) v. Ohio State (4)/ (2) Oklahoma v. (3) Clemson

The only things that have changed is the order.  Wisconsin could replace Ohio State and LSU could replace Alabama  Things will shake out in the upcoming weeks.

Remaining Unbeatens

Alabama, Appalachian State, Baylor, Boise State, Clemson, LSU, Minnesota, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State, SMU, Wisconsin

Remaining Winless Teams

Akron, New Mexico State, Rice

Rant(s) of the Week

Why the hell do we have video review if it doesn't work.  Late in the Memphis-Temple game, Memphis down by two, but has fourth down.  Quarterback Brady White throws a pass that is caught by tight end John Magnifico at the 30, who bobbles the ball as he hits the ground.  The play is called complete, and a first down with 2 minutes left, and already in the range of Memphis's kicker, who has several field goals over 50 yards.  Replay shows that the ball does bounce up quite a bit when Magnifico hits the ground, but the replay also shows that the ball is in his arm when it bounces into Magnifico's torso.  He cradles it without the ball ever touching the ground.  A 10+ minute replay review overturns the call, giving Temple the ball as Memphis turned it over on downs.  But, if the replay takes over 10 minutes, it cannot be indisputable video evidence, it just can't.  And, not one angle shows the ball actually hitting the ground.  Yes, it bounces up on Magnifico's contact with the ground, but you never see the ball hit the ground.  Memphis falls from the undefeated and is no longer in contention for a major bowl as the best Group of 5 team.

Last Week's Trivia Answer

The question is:  This week's question comes to me from Ryen Russillo on the SVP podcast by way of Sinickal:  What was the most recent college football champion to win its first championship, and what year was it?

The answer is the 1996 Florida Gators.  Every champion since then has been a repeat champion.

Match up(s) to Watch

6.  Clemson v. Louisville - Clemson looked like Clemson against Florida State, and Louisville looks like the can score 50 on anybody.  At the very least, it should be a fun game to watch.

5. Temple v. SMU - The once-defeated Owls, who played a tremendous game last week against then-undefeated Memphis, plays an undefeated Mustangs team in Dallas.

4.  Arizona State v. Utah - Two once-defeated Pac-12 teams battle for conference supremacy.  Plus, Herm Edwards has made this team exciting!

3.  Harvard v. Holy Cross - Harvard plays its last non-conference game, but doesn't have to leave town for an away game.

2.  Baylor v. Oklahoma State - The undefeated Bears travel to under-the-radar Oklahoma State to try to prove who the biggest threat to Oklahoma is.

1.  Michigan v. Penn State - Even though Michigan has not looked good most of the year, their only loss is an understandable butt-whipping at the hands of Wisconsin.  Pen State is still undefeated, and once to make its case that it is a legitimate threat to Ohio State and Wisconsin. This game will see who the real contender is.

Trivia Question of the Week

Which active college running back has the freshman rushing record for most yards in a season?  Bonus question, whose record did he break?

Picks of the Week

Gotta love putting in my weekly picks entry this morning, and there is NFL football on!  Great start to a Sunday.

For those that are new to this site, I will select every game against the spread.  I will be selecting one big bet at $250 per, whereas everything else will be $100.  Winners count as winners, whereas losses will be calculated including a 10% vig to make the math that much simpler.  On to the picks.

New England Patriots -17 v. New York Giants
Home team, short week.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers + 2 1/2 v. Carolina Panthers (from London)
Both teams are surprises this year.  Tampa - because they are playing tough with the breakout player of the year in Chris Godwin and the second best run defense in the country; Carolina - because of undefeated as a starter Kyle Allen.  I expect a close game so I am going to take the points.

Baltimore Ravens -11 v. Cincinnati Bengals
This is the year for going against established betting rules, as a double digit favorite in an intra-divisional game usually a big No-No.  But, Cincinnati is 31st in rush defense and will try to stop the Ravens, that are second in rushing offense at 192.2 yards per game.  This does not bode will for the Bengals.

Cleveland Browns +1 v. Seattle Seahawks
Just as I espoused about not staying with traditional betting rules, here I go abiding by one in the face of a line that screams to take the Seahawks.  But, I will stay with the "west coast team travelling east to play the early game rarely cover" rule as I think Cleveland is due for a breakout game after being manhandled by the San Francisco 49ers last week.

New Orleans Saints +2 1/2 at Jacksonville Jaguars
I have been as impressed with Gardener Minshew II as anyone, but I am taking the Saints because they are getting points.  If the line was reversed and the Jags were getting 2 1/2 points, I would have to think about it and seriously consider taking it, but it is much more likely that New Orleans wins big, or this game is close, than the Jaguars winning big.

Houston Texans +4 1/2 at Kansas City Chiefs
I have gone back-and-forth on this game all day, and I have no idea which team to pick.  Take the points.

Washington Racists -4 at Miami Dolphins
Worst game of the year.  I cannot believe that I am taking Washington will giving points.  But, I feel strongly that the Dolphins could go 0-16 against the spread.

Philadelphia Eagles +3 1/2 at Minnesota Vikings
This game should be really exciting as both teams do some things on offense extremely well (Philadelphia 7th in scoring; Minnesota 3rd in rushing).  I will take the points in a game that could go either way.

Atlanta Falcons -2 1/2 at Arizona Cardinals
Only because David Johnson isn't playing, but I could easily see losing this bet.

San Francisco 49ers +3 at Los Angeles Rams
No Todd Gurley for the Rams, and the 48ers defensive line showed their mettle last week against the Browns.  I expect that to continue.  Strength against strength when the Rams have the ball as LA is second in passing offense and the 49ers are second in passing defense.

Tennessee Titans +2 at Denver Broncos
Denver just is not very good, despite their victory last week against the Chargers.  I am taking Tennessee because of their defense (3rd in 3rd down percentage; 6th in scoring defense; 9th in total defense; and 10th in passing defense).

Dallas Cowboys -7 at New York Jets
The return of Sam Darnold, but i have no expectations for New York to perform well, as I have had mononucleosis, and there is no way he performed any football activities at any level until this week.  Dallas has fallen back to earth a bit, and the Jets are just what they need to reassert some type of dominance in a football game.

Los Angeles Chargers -6 v. Pittsburgh Steelers
Delvin Hodges.  Enough said.  But, to counter his first NFL start, Philip Rivers will be making his 214th straight start.  At least Pittsburgh has Paxton Lynch to back up Hodges.

Green Bay Packers -4 1/2 v. Detroit Lions
Aaron Rodgers in a prime time game sounds good to me.  I'll take it.

Byes:  Buffalo Bills. Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, Oakland Raiders

Big Bet
New Orleans Saints +2 1/2 at Jacksonville Jaguars
I have been as impressed with Gardener Minshew II as anyone, but I am taking the Saints because they are getting points.  If the line was reversed and the Jags were getting 2 1/2 points, I would have to think about it and seriously consider taking it, but it is much more likely that New Orleans wins big, or this game is close, than the Jaguars winning big.
I like a lot of my picks, but didn't love one.  I hate taking a road team as a big bet, but at least I am getting points.

Last Week's Record:  8-7
Last Week's Big Bet:  0-1
Year-to-Date Record:  36-42
Year-to-Date Big Bet:  2-3
Last Week's Winnings (Losses):  ($135)
Year-to-Date Winnings (Losses):  ($1,215)

Professional Football Weekly Wrap-Up

Here are my thoughts from Week 3 of the NFL season, based purely on what I was able to see.  For the first time this season (thanks Irma) I watched a lot of football, so I have a pretty good sample size.

Game of the Week

Seattle Seahawks 30 v. Los Angeles Rams 29 - Wow, an exciting Thursday night game.  We hardly ever get those.  Russell Wilson threw the last of his four TDs to Chris Carson on 4th and goal to take a one-point lead over the Rams.  Jared Goff (and his 395 yards passing) then leads the march downfield until usually reliable Greg Zeuerlein missed a game-winning field goal from essentially extra-point distance.  Fun back-and-forth game wherein both teams played well on both sides of the football.

Best Team Performance

Green Bay Packers - A masterful 34-24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on the road cements Green Bay as true contender in the NFC.  It also pushes the Cowboys down a peg, as they suffer their second-straight loss, despite Dak Prescott throwing for 463 yards.

Least Impressive Team Performance

Cleveland Browns - I would love to say the New York Jets, but they are still missing Sam Darnold.  Likewise, the Washington Racists are contenders, but they did play the juggernaut that is the New England Patriots.  So, Cleveland, which was absolutely decimated by the San Francisco 49ers 31-3, especially coming off two pretty good performances.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Offense)

Christian McCaffrey, RB - Carolina Panthers.  Mr. Do-Everything for the Panthers had a stellar day, gaining 176 yards and 2 TDs on the ground, and 61 yards and a TD on 6 receptions in Carolina's 34-27 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

AND

DeShaun Watson, QB and Will Fuller, V, WR - Houston Texans - This is a joint award because we cannot have one without the other. Watson finished with 426 yards passing and 5 TDs, 217 yards and 3 TDs of which were hauled in by Fuller.  This prolific passing attack led to Houston's 52-23 victory over the hapless Atlanta Falcons.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Defense)

Nick Bosa, DE, San Francisco 49ers - Continuously harassed Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield and it showed up in the stat line.  Bosa finished with 4 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 tackles for loss and 5 quarterback hits.  The San Francisco defensive line was the single most potent position on the field throughout the entire game.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Special Teams)

Zane Gonzalez, K - Arizona Cardinals.  The Arizona kicker confidently and easily kicked a game-winning 31 yard field goal as time expired to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals for their first victory on the season, and the first victory in Kyler Murray's short career.

Most Impressive Team Performance (Premier League)

Wolverhampton - The Wolves went on the road to the Etihad and defeated Manchester City 2-0 behind a brace from Adama Traore, ending the scoreless draw in the 80th minute and putting the game on ice in the 94th minute.

Brighton & Hove Albion - The Seagulls share the honor with the Wolves as they soundly defeated the struggling Tottenhom Hotspurs 3-0 at home behind a brace from Aaron Connolly and an opening goal from Neal Maupay.  Albion was decidedly the better team throughout, and earned their three points.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Premier League)

Matthew Longstaff, M - Newcastle United.  The 19 year old wunderkind made his English Premier League debut against perennial power Manchester United and scored the winning (and only) goal in Newcastle's 1-0 upset win.

Goat of the Week

Freddie Kitchens, Coach - Cleveland Browns.  No game plan at all to try to protect Baker Mayfield as the Browns' quarterback was annihilated by San Francisco's swarming defense.

Goat of the Week (Premier League)

Marc Albrighton, M - Leicester City.  Albrighton fouled Liverpool's Sadio Mane in the penalty area (confirmed by VAR), in the 90th minute allowing James Milner to score the game winner on the resulting penalty kick.

Hit of the Week

Daniel Snyder, Owner - Washington Racists.  Fires head coach Jay Gruden on Monday after the Racists fell to 0-5 after their Sunday loss to the New England Patriots.  The hit? Calling Gruden into the office to fire him at 5:00 a.m.

Breakthrough Performance

Aaron Jones, RB - Green Bay Packers.  In a very important intra-NFC game, Aaron Jones controlled the game with 107 yards rushing and 4 TDs, to go with 75 yards receiving.

Finally

Kirk Cousins, QB - Minnesota Vikings.  Just one week after being called out by both of his star receivers, Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, Cousins goes 22-27 for 306 yards and 2 TDs, both to Thielen.  But, as we all know, consistency has always been Cousins' problem

Impact Injury

Kyle Juszczyk, RBT - San Francisco 49ers.  The perennial Pro-Bowl fullback dominated this game as the lead blocker for Matt Breida (114 yards on 11 carries, including an opening play 83 yard touchdown), Tevin Coleman (97 yards on 16 carries), and even Raheem Mostart (34 yards on 7 carries).  Juszczyk even contributed in the box score with 2 catches for 20 yards (both first downs).  His presence will be missed for the next 4 to 6 weeks. 

Team Rising

Indianapolis Colts - The Colts, despite the late preseason retirement of Andrew Luck, have started 3-2, including this week's 19-13 defeat of the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.  The Colts are definite contenders in the AFC South, if not the AFC itself.

Team Falling

Cleveland Browns - I could have put the Chicago Bears here after their 24-21 loss to the Oakland Raiders in London, but that was an organizational problem, deciding to travel to London on Thursday.  The Bears did not wake up until the second half, which they then dominated, so it will have to go to the Cleveland Browns after being annihilated 31-3 by San Francisco on Monday Night Football to fall to 2-3 on the season.  Plus, their offensive line, which was already a known weakness, became even more exposed.

Best Teams

(All teams will be ranked ahead by record, even if teams with more losses may be better than a team with fewer losses, since Bill Parcells always said that you are what your record says.  The inverse is true for the Worst Teams rankings.)

1. New England Patriots

2. San Francisco 49ers

3. New Orleans Saints

4. Green Bay Packers

5. Seattle Seahawks

Worst Teams

(All winless teams will be ranked here until all teams have at least 1 win, then I will rank them based upon which teams I think are the worst, regardless of record.)

32. Washington Racists

31. Cincinnati Bengals

30. Miami Dolphins*

29. New York Jets

28. Atlanta Falcons

*Please note that the Dolphins are the worst team so far this year, but they have the luxury of a bye already, so their record is slightly better than Cincinnati and the Racists.

Middle Teams

15. Oakland Raiders

16. Minnesota Vikings

17. Carolina Panthers

18. Detroit Lions

Last Week's Trivia Question/Answer

Last Entry's Trivia Question was:  Tom Brady begins his 20th season with the New England Patriots.  How many players have played at least 20 years with only one team throughout their careers, and out of those players, who has played the most years (and with which team)?

Answer:  3 Players - Darrell Green (Washington Racists) and Jackie Slater (Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams) 20 years; Jason Hanson (Detroit Lions) 21 years.

Preview - Game(s) of the Week

6. Washington Racists v. Miami Dolphins - The two actual worst teams in the league battle for the choice to choose Tua Tagavailoa (or Jake Fromm, or Justin Herbert, whomever they want), as the tanking continues.

5. Detroit Lions v. Green Bay Packers - Ranked this highly primarily because not a lot of exciting games are taking place this week, but this is Monday Night Football, and it is for the NFC North division lead.  

4. Premier League is off on national team duty this weekend.

3. Philadelphia Eagles v. Minnesota Vikings - Two teams that may have flaws, but are generally playing pretty well and are both definite playoff contenders.  This head-to-head matchup could have big playoff implications either as the first playoff tiebreaker or as a common NFC opponents

2. San Francisco 49ers v. Los Angeles Rams - I am matchup between two exciting teams, one on offense with great players on defense (the Rams) versus one with a great defense with some really good players on offense (the 49ers).  This game should be a fun one to watch, and is one that the Los Angeles would need to keep from falling 3 games behind San Francisco.

1. Houston Texans v. Kansas City Chiefs - Two high-flying, exciting offenses orchestrated by young quarterbacks (not named Mitchell Trubisky).  This is easily the matchup to watch this week, and it comes at 1:00 on Sunday.

Trivia

Since I missed a couple of weeks, there are multiple questions today.

1.  With Josh Rosen now starting for the Miami Dolphins, there are now 3 quarterbacks to make starts for 2 different teams in their first two seasons in the NFL.  Who are the other two?

2.  With New England's most recent victory over Buffalo in Buffalo, Tom Brady now has the most wins of any quarterback in the NFL in Buffalo this century (since 2001).  Who has the next most?

Sports Bar Review of the Week

I watched this week's games from the same place as week 1, so no new review, other than to say our server Michael was amazing, and they took away the stupid games that took up perfect bar-top table space, and we sat at the new bar-top tables.  Thanks Ariel!

Duffys' Sports Grill
225 Clematis Street
West Palm Beach, FL
561/249-1682

The Ole College Try

Florida made a HUGE statement in the Swamp defeating formally undefeated Auburn in a sloppy, turnover-ridden game.  Good start for the Gators to the toughest four-game stretch of any team in the company, culminating in Jacksonville against Georgia.  Jonathan Taylor also made a huge statement, and definitely cemented himself as the best running back in college. 

Since I still like this format better than the "Fake-Heisman" format for updating college football games, I am going to keep it, at least for awhile.

Game of the Week

Virginia Tech 42 - Miami - 35. This game certainly did not start out as the Game of the Week as Virginia Tech rushed out to a 28-0 lead behind 3 interceptions and a fumble recovery in Miami's first four drives.  Then, Miami made the change at quarterback to N'Kosi Perry, who went 28-47 for 422 yards and 4 touchdowns.  Miami's Perry threw a 25 touchdown to Jeff Thomas, followed by a 2 point conversion run by Deejay Dallas to close Virginia Tech's lead to 35-29.  On Miami's next possession, Dallas scored on a 62 yard touchdown run to tie the game at 35.  Bubba Baxha then missed the extra point, taking the wind out of the sails of Miami's contest.  Virginia Tech furthered Miami's despair by scoring at touchdown with 1:03 remaining to take a touchdown lead.  Miami drove down the field, and had two chances from the Hokie 10 yard line to tie the game, but both Perry's passes fell incomplete.

Best Team Performance

Florida Gators. Florida, hosting then number 6 ranked Auburn, defeated the previously undefeated Tigers (Plainsmen, War Eagle?) at home 24-13, solidifying themselves as a top ranked team that could challenge for the SEC championship.  Florida's defense is a true force, and if the offense can be consistent and not turn the ball over, this team could be good.

Least Impressive Team Performance

Iowa Hawkeyes.  I would love to place UCF here as they fell to Cincinnati for their second loss of the season, but Iowa scored 3 points for their first loss of the season in a 10-3 defeat at the hands of the Michigan Wolverines.  The Big 10 still has a number of players at the national level, but Iowa is no longer one of them.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Offense)

Jonathan Taylor, RB - Wisconsin.  Yes, it was in a 48-0 blanking of Kent State, but Taylor rushed for 186 yards and 4 TDs on 19 carries, and gained 29 yards and scored another TD on 3 catches.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Defense)

Kwity Paye, DL - Michigan Wolverines. Paye's 2 1/2 sacks against Iowa, was the most of the Wolverines' 8 sacks on the day, to go with 3 interceptions.  Each of the sacks and forced turnovers were important because the Wolverines offense could only muster 10 points in the 10-3 victory over previously-undefeated Iowa Hawkeyes. 

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Special Teams)

Blanton Creque, K - Louisville Cardinals.  His 41 yard field goal with 1:02 left in the game secured the final margin of Louisville's 41-39 win.

Goat of the Week (Player Edition)

Jarren WIlliams, QB - Miami Hurricanes.  Williams was 4-7, with 3 interceptions against Virginia Tech, as the Hokies opened up a 28-0 lead on the Hurricanes, resulting in Williams being pulled for N'Kosi Perry.

Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)

Manny Diaz - Miami Hurricanes.  Still cannot figure out Miami's quarterback situation, and now the defense seems less aggressive too.

Breakthrough Performance

Freddie Swain, WR - Florida Gators. The Gators wide receiver was seemingly missing from the offense with Feleipe Franks under center, only to now have been found by Kyle Trask.  His 6 catches for 146 yards and a TD have allowed the Sultan to breakthrough this year.

Finally

Khalil Tate, QB - Arizona Wildcats.  Tate, the oft-injured dynamic QB for the Wildcats, was outstanding, throwing for 404 yards and 3 TDs with a 75% completion rate in Arizona's 35-30 victory over the Colorado Buffaloes.

Impact Injury

Kyle Trask, QB - Florida Gators.  Injured his knee, but returned against Auburn. If he is hobbled at all against LSU, this Florida offense is a completely different team.

Team Rising

Florida Gators - Just rose two spots in the rankings, but they have risen a ton in the minds of the experts as a possible SEC champion.  At LSU, at South Carolina, and in Jacksonville against Georgia for their next three games.

Team Falling

Iowa Hawkeyes - It would be easy to conversely select the Auburn Tigers here after the loss to Florida, except Auburn could - not likely, but it could happen, defeat LSU and Alabama to make the SEC Championship game.  Iowa, on the other hand, literally showed no offense in a 10-3 loss to the Michigan Wolverines to not only fall from the land of the unbeatens, but to also fall 4 or 5 spots in the rankings.

Player(s) to Watch

Cam Akers, RB - Florida State Seminoles.  After the first few games I wanted to start a "Free Cam Akers" Campaign.  However, Florida State has been playing better the last two games (this week was a bye), and most of that is because of Akers.  Florida State could eventually help determine the ACC title, even if they are not involved in the title race themselves. 

My New Favorite Player

Jett Duffey, QB - Texas Tech Red Raiders.  The junior quarterback, who was given the reins in the Oklahoma loss, made the most of his opportunity against the 21st ranked Oklahoma State Sooners.  Duffey went 26-44 for 424 yards and 4 TDs, and, HIS NAME IS JETT DUFFEY.

Players of the Week (Just Week 2)

5.  Joe Burrow, QB - Louisiana State Tigers - Burrow was 27-38 for 344 yards and 5 TDs, in LSU's 42-6 win over Utah State.

4.  Khalil Tate, QB - Arizona Wildcats.  See above.

3. Jett Duffey, QB - Texas Tech Red Raiders. See above.

2.  N'Kosi Perry, QB - Miami Hurricanes.  See above.

1. Jonathan Taylor, RB - Wisconsin Badgers.  See above.

Predicted Playoffs/Championship Match Ups

Alabama (1) v. Clemson (4)/ (2) Ohio State v. (3) Oklahoma

I have switched Oklahoma and Ohio State, which does not affect the matchups one bit.  This is how I feel things are now, not a prediction on the future, especially since the SEC West is a loaded gauntlet for anyone, even Alabama.  LSU/Georgia are threats, and in fact, one of them could make the playoffs easily, even if one of the other three (Clemson, Ohio State and Oklahoma) does not falter.

Remaining Unbeatens

Alabama, Appalachian State, Baylor, Boise State, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Memphis, Minnesota, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State, SMU, Wake Forest, Wisconsin

Remaining Winless Teams

Akron, New Mexico State, Rice

Rant(s) of the Week

I hate fans that yell-and-scream to argue about something when they do not know the rules and are absolutely wrong in their argument because of their ignorance.

Last Week's Trivia Answer

The question(s) was/were:  Alabama's Tua Tagavailoa broke the Alabama career record for TDs responsible for when he hit 80 this week against Mississippi (he since flew past that mark in the game).  Whose record at 80 TDs responsible for did he break?  Bonus question, who is third in Alabama history?

The answer is A.J. McCarron.  Bonus answer is the current starting quarterback at Oklahoma, Jalen Hurts 

Match up(s) to Watch

6.  San Jose State v. Nevada - Now, this may not seem like an important game this weekend, but boy should it be fun.  San Jose State has a prolific air attack behind quarterback Josh Love, and Malik Henry, formerly of Florida State and Last Chance U fame will make his first start for Nevada.

5. Florida State v. Clemson - Ordinarily this game looks like a mis-match, but Florida State has played much better in its last two games and comes into this game off a bye, whereas Clemson has looked less than stellar the last few weeks, as well.  This could be interesting, at least.

4.  Appalachian State v. Louisiana - This game is tonight, between unbeaten Appalachian State and 4-1 Louisiana.  Appalachian has an opportunity to challenge Boise State as the best team outside of the Power 5 if they can stay undefeated.

3.  Cornell v. Harvard - Harvard attempts to start its Ivy campaign off 2-0.

2.  Oklahoma v. Texas - The Red River Rivalry is Texas, and Sam Ehrlinger's chance to prove they are a good team, and spoil Oklahoma's chance for the playoffs.

1.  Florida v. LSU - If it is good enough for ESPN's GameDay, it is good enough for me - at least given that only one of these teams can come out unscathed, while both have the chance to show us if they are for real or not.  I wrote this last week about Auburn-UF, and it applies equally to this game.  Except, we know LSU's offense is way more prolific than Auburn's.  If the Gators can slow down Burrows and company, this game could vault Florida in everyone's minds.  If LSU can keep Burrows protected, it could be a long day for Florida.

Trivia Question of the Week

This week's question comes to me from Ryen Russillo on the SVP podcast by way of Sinickal:  What was the most recent college football champion to win its first championship, and what year was it?