Old dude, we're having a very nice weekend down here in Galesburg. It's Homecoming at Knox and all the old Knox dudes are coming back to visit. It's like being at your reunions in Beloit, but a Bizarro World, parallel universe version.
Are they all misty-eyed about walking across campus?
Well, some of them, but there's more going on. There's a buzz that they're picking up, an excitement that they didn't expect when they returned to Galesburg.
What is that? I'm guessing I'll regret asking that question.
You already know, Geritol Fan! They are basking in the glow of HYYYYYYYPPPPPPE!
Yeah, I'll bet that's exactly what it is.
If you want to know what it is, watch me work!
Northwestern Fitzgeralds (+4) vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers. Lotta action at the Bank this weekend, Decrepit! The Gophers are coming off a bye, while Northwestern comes off a big win against our beloved Badgers. Northwestern looked good and proved that the alums from the 1995 era were not deluding themselves in thinking they were good. As much as the Gophers have continued to improve this year, I like Northwestern because it looks like Pat Fitzgerald has a way to return to 1995. Wildcats 20, Gophers 16
I watched some of last week's game and it was difficult to tell whether Northwestern was good or if the Badgers were channeling the spirit of John Jardine. I suspect this week it's going to be a tougher assignment for the Wildcats. Jerry Kill has always had a plan and he's finally starting to get some of the kids he wants in key positions. I expect a low scoring game, but one that favors the locals. Gophers 21, Northwestern 16.
Illinois Fighting Ineptitudes (+26) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers. Bucky is going to be in a bad mood for this one, old dude! The way they looked last week was bad, but the key thing was blowing the first drive. Illinois always plays the Badgers extremely tough and I never am secure until the win is secured. I also think it is time Gary looks to bring in Bart Houston, because someone has to wait until the golden boy quarterback is on campus. Wisconsin 35, Illinois 31.
Illinois doesn't have its quarterback. The Badgers have several quarterbacks but none seem to be very good. The difference will be the home field and Melvin Gordon. Could this be a 300-yard game for Gordon? Don't rule it out. Badgers 42, Illini 14.
Lake Forest Foresters (NL) vs. Knox College Prairie Fire. The excitement is building at the Knosher Bowl! All of the alums are back and there is belief on campus. Matt McCaffery has looked very good this year and Knox is undefeated at home. I love me some Knox football and considering that they put me up and feed me, I can't exactly be neutral. Knox 24, Lake Forest 17
Usually I'd expect Lake Forest to beat Knox, but the Foresters couldn't handle Beloit, so I suspect they're not that good. Should be some happy alumni back in Galesburg. Knox 24, Lake Forest 21.
Glorious Green Bay Packers (-3.5) vs. Miami Dolphins. It sure looks like the Packers got their mojo back last week against the Vikings. Now it's down to Miami, where things haven't gone well over the years, although the last time the Packers played down there Nick Saban was on his way out and thinking about how to win by scheduling cupcake nonconference games and avoid traveling to Big Ten stadiums. The heat is going to be an issue, but the Packers are coming off a dominating performance and are well rested and prepared. Ryan Tannehill, who was mentored by Mike Sherman, has not panned out so far and if Knowshon Moreno does not go, I like the Packers' chances because it remains clear that Dan Marino is not going to come back. 13 Time Champions 45, Tuna Net Victims 17.
I really don't know what to expect here. On balance, the Packers are a better team, especially since Knowshon Moreno probably won't play for the Dolphins. Ryan Tannehill is up and down, too. The key for the Packers will be keeping Cameron Wake away from Rodgers. If they do that, Pack wins for sure. I'm thinking they will. Packers 31, Dolphins 20.
Bear Down Chicago da Bearz (+3) vs. Hotlanta Falcons. So what's happened to da Bearz? The loss at Carolina was pretty much a choke job. And now the boys from Soldier Field have to face their old pal, Devin Hester. My Bear fan friends here at Knox are upset and they still believe in Jay. I don't know what is wrong with da Bearz, but Marc Trestman better find a way to win and fast or it is back to the CFL. Dirty Birds 24, Da Bearz 17.
The Falcons are pretty schizo this year, but they've been very tough to beat at home. The Bears are still trying to fight their way through injuries and this looks like a tough assignment to me. I'm guessing that they'll figure out a way to contain Hester, but Julio Jones and Roddy White are another matter entirely. Falcons 38, Bears 31.
Detroit Motor City Kitties (-1.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings. So let me get this straight. The Lions will probably go without Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush and Vikings are a home dog? Seriously? Well, they did not play well with Ponder starting, which should not be a problem since they are playing a different team and Zimmer will have his quarterback back. The Lions struggle on the road and the almighty theory of the "desperate team at home" proves itself once again. Vikes 49, Lions 0.
I'm puzzled by the line, too. I think this is actually a pretty easy pick. The Vikes will play much better this week since Christian Ponder is unlikely to see the field. The Lions are much less formidable outside of Ford Field and will be without some of their most important players. Think the Vikes will win, and win easily. Vikings 31, Lions 17.
Well, I'm off to watch the alums get all misty-eyed. It's a great tradition. Ben out!
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