Old dude, so many games that are interesting to look at this weekend. A lot of questions in the Big Ten, as well as in the NFL, where in the next few weeks should figure out if certain teams are for real, and others are just dressing up as ones for Halloween.
It's pretty spooky out there, actually.
You know, I try to set you up for a punchline and you whiff on it. You really need to try harder than that.
I must need to up my Geritol dosage.
Good plan. Now watch me work!
Michigan Wolverines (-13) vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers. Jerry Kill sadly had to retire because, even though he is a great coach and even better leader and man, he did not want jeopardize his health. That is a sad feeling for Gopher fans, and I wish he and his family all the best. In the meantime, Michigan is in town and the Wolverines are led by Jim "Jerkbag" Harbaugh, who is a great coach but a bit animated on the sidelines, despite his preference for boring khaki pants. The Gopher players have every excuse to lose this game, and nobody would blame them, but remember this--- they have experience playing without Coach Kill, and his coaching staff is quite good. Michigan may think that this game is going to be easy, but remember that they got ambushed in Minneapolis 12 years ago, and they survived by the skin of their teeth. They may not this time. Gophers 35, Michigan 13.
I really have no idea how the Gophers will do in this one. Michigan is pretty good and they want to take the Little Brown Jug back to Ann Arbor. I think this one comes down to defense. Can the Gophers deliver? Michigan 17, Gophers 14.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (+19.5) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers. Wisconsin had a tough day against Illinois and was able to find a way to win despite losing Joel Stave to a concussion. Stave could play tomorrow, but if he can't go, Bart Houston looked decent. Rutgers is a Big Ten school, but they just are not that good. I think the Badgers are playing well, and should line up for a good New Year's Day Bowl against somebody from the SEC. Badgers 42, Knights 7.
It sounds like Rutgers may be without their top player, the wonderfully named Leonte Carroo. The Badgers are banged up pretty good, but this stretch should help them prepare for the end of the season. If Corey Clement finally returns, watch out. Badgers 34, Rutgers 13.
Knox College Prairie Fire (NL) vs. Illinois College Blueboys. Knox had no problems at Grinnell, and did win the game. This is the last game before the epic showdown against the #@$%$ Scots in the Turkey Bowl, where we should be victorious. You know that I always pick my school because I love it, and because that is how I roll. Knox 67, Blueboys 9.
Illinois College put up 83 on Grinnell. I think they'll score early and often. Bet it's a shootout, but I don't think your beloved Prairie Fire will prevail. IC 45, Knox 36.
Minnesota Norseman (-1.5) vs. Bear Down Chicago da Bearz. Da Bearz are a team that is still struggling and very much beatable, despite their now competent coaching staff. Jay Cutler is still being Jay, which is about as predictable as the French getting invaded via Belgium. The Vikings have found a good receiver in Stephon Diggs, who seems to have a great relationship with Teddy "Smoke on the" Bridgwater. The Bears should lose this game, and should continue to try and improve their draft position. Vikings 77, da Bearz 2.
I bet against the Vikings last week and it didn't work out so well. The Bears are rested and I think this one will go right down to the end. Vikings 24, Bears 21.
Glorious Green Bay Packers (-2.5) vs. Denver Broncos. If any game this week deserves the HYYYYYYPPPPEEE! this week, it is this game. Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning are facing each other for only the second time ever this weekend, and this game matters because both teams are undefeated. Both teams have had two weeks to prepare for this matchup, so I see no advantage on that front. Denver is going to be difficult because the altitude is something that is impossible to prepare for. Both offenses are going to be good, but the question is, what defense can step up? I like the fact that the Packers are a good blitzing team, and that tends to make Peyton a little nervous. I do not think he will be throwing any chicken parm to Papa John, though. I look for James Starks to be the key in this game, since the Packers can run a lot of screens. I would also look for a Jeff Janis play sometime in the game, because he made a few key plays against San Diego/ L.A. Packers 43, Chicken Parm You Taste So Good 42, in OT.
Can you even win a game by one point in overtime? I digress. I think defense is the key here and I don't see nearly that much scoring. If the Packers can get to Manning, they win. I think they will. Packers 24, Denver 21.
Detroit LOLions (+3) vs. Kansas City Chefs, in London. And now, time for a Special Comment. Yes, despite the fact that the EPL has traditionally moved key games to Sunday for Sky Sports, the NFL is insisting on playing a game involving two bad teams at Wembley Stadium. This would be like the EPL sending Sunderland and Watford to play in the Rose Bowl up against the late NFL games over here. It is a joke that a team should have to give up a home game to play in a country that would rather watch Everton play Sunderland. Quite frankly, Roger Goodell should move these games to Los Angeles and play them at the Rose Bowl or the Coliseum to see if LA will turn up. As for this game, I would expect that Detroit would win. LOLions 3, Chiefs 3, Lions win 5-4 on penalty kicks.
I dunno -- I think Jolly Old England has been waiting for a Charcandrick West appearance, don't you? This game is a dog, though -- have to agree with you there, young fella. Neither team is going anywhere this year, but I think the Chiefs are a little better defensively, so let's say... Chiefs 23, Lions 16.
That is all. And Roger, if you need any more ideas, you know that I can help you out with determining where to play games. You might want to consider Galesburg, Illinois, for example. Ben out!
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