Benster and D Pick Your Games -- Go Get That Axe Edition

Well, Decrepit, do you feel the inspiration?

It's real, it's raw. Sometimes it's real raw. Did you know that?

Is this post going to require a parental advisory?

No, but as an expert on HYYYYYYPPPPE!, I do have to give props to one of the biggest hype machines around. We miss Coach Brew, who was never dull but usually got his butt kicked. Speaking of butt kicking, watch me work!

Minnesota Golden Gophers (+14) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers. This game will decide who gets Ohio State next week. I'm kinda surprised at how little love the boys in Vegas are giving those Gophers, who have proven that they can win in tough venues. However, Camp Randall is the toughest venue yet and the Gophers have to deal with this man:

The lesson that Minnesota has to learn is that Wisconsin is not a one-man team. The temptation will be to load up the box and stop Gordon at all costs. Joel Stave isn't a great quarterback, but he can hurt you if you try to stop Gordon. Just ask Iowa, or some of the other teams he's faced this season. The Gophers are tough and will not go away quietly. Sorry Gopher fans -- the Axe stays in Madison. Wisconsin 35, Minnesota 32.

It's always funny to watch those old Brewster tapes, because he was (well, still is) such a buffoon. Jerry Kill and his staff are turning things around and they are going to be a tough out. Still, I think the Badgers have too much firepower and Camp Randall will be rocking. Wisconsin 31, Minnesota 20.

Carolina Panthers (+2.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings came close last week against the Packers, but fell short. This week our old pal Scam Newton comes to town with his limping Carolina squad, who are still contending for a playoff spot even though they well, stink. Such is the NFC South these days. The Vikings are doing better each week and it's pretty clear that Mike Zimmer knows what he is doing. The question is when the Vikings can get it done. They still have some personnel issues and while they are making progress, it should be interesting to see what they do against a lesser opponent at home. Vikings 20, Panthers 17.

The Vikings are getting better, but at the same time they are starting to face a lot of attrition. Losing Phil Loadholt for the rest of the season will certainly hurt their offensive line and at this point, the line isn't doing what's needed to keep the pass rushers out of young Teddy Bridgewater's grill. The thing I worry about is that the Vikings might get their quarterback hurt unless they protect him better. Carolina is no great shakes but they can rush the passer. Vikings 24, Panthers 14.

New England Belichicks (+3) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers. So, Geritol Fan, you say you want some HYYYYYYYYPPPPPPPE!? Well, this matchup has plenty. If you read the national publications, they are calling this a Super Bowl preview. I don't know about that -- there is a lot of football left, but for the moment our Packers are playing superb ball, especially at home. The Patriots are on a major hot streak and are more balanced than they have been in recent years. They can run the football effectively and Tom Brady always has all the throws. Last time these teams played, Matt Flynn was at the helm and almost beat the Patriots in Foxboro. This time, the game is in Green Bay and Aaron Rodgers is more than ready. This game should be high scoring and I don't expect the Packers to run away with it as they did against Philadelphia. Packers 56, New England 49.

So you're suggesting we bet the over, then. I don't think it's going to go quite like that, but it will be a close game. The Patriots are having an outstanding season and they can beat you with their offense or their defense. I think Aaron Rodgers has something to prove and that will make the difference. Green Bay 34, New England 27.

So that's all we have -- too many games on Thanksgiving and earlier today. They need to space these things out a little bit. Who has time to watch all that football, anyway? Maybe Coach Brew. Ben out!