Benster and D Pick Your Games --- Bronze Turkey Bowl Edition

Old dude, the committee should not be watching the game in Alabama, Clemson, or Ohio State, because a game that is important and very bitter is happening with major implications in the state of Illinois.

They play football in Illinois? That's news to me!

Well, maybe not professional football. No, it's time for the Bronze Turkey game between Knox and Monmouth. This game is traditionally full of good old fashioned hate.

Of the liberal arts variety, right?

That's correct! It means hate with footnotes! But you won't need any footnotes now, because it is time to once again lay down some killer hot takes that other folks shy away from. Watch the HYYYYYYYPPEEE! unfold. And watch me work!

Minnesota Golden Gophers (+23) vs. The Ohio State University Buckeyes. Let me tell you something that most analysts seem to have ignored, which is that Ohio State is going to be playing a tricky game on Saturday. Now, you might be saying that I am projecting my normal bias against the football team, but hear me out. J.T Barrett made a mistake by drinking and trying to get home himself, and as a result is suspended for this game. That means that Mr. Cardale Jones is going to be starting this ballgame. The problem Mr. Jones has is that he has not looked like the quarterback that beat 3 very good teams to win the first true National Championship in the history of the sport. Another thing people forger is that Minnesota is a team that may not get a lot of attention, but they came one play away from beating Michigan. Another thing to remember is that Ohio State struggled last year against Minnesota in the Twin Cities. Ohio State is starting a difficult run, which includes Michigan State, Michigan, and possibly Iowa in the conference title game. So this game is not going to be a walkover like all the talking heads seem to think. And a fair warning to all you Ohio State fans, which is that two years ago you had a great team, but you got ambushed a bunch and seemed to overestimate an opponent late in the year. Minnesota 27, O-H-N-O 23.

Cardale Jones needs to get better. Definitely agree with you there. But this game is in Columbus. I just don't see the Gophers winning there. They'll give 'em a battle, but OSU will wear the Gophers down, I'm afraid. Ohio State 34, Gophers 17.


Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-10.5) vs. Maryland Terps. Wisconsin is making their first visit to College Park to take on a Maryland team that has fired its head coach and is struggling. The Badgers have the nation's best scoring defense under Dave Aranda, who should be getting more looks as a college head coach. The Badgers have also benefited from the return of Corey Clement, who looked quite good against Rutgers last week. Wisconsin needs a bit of help to get to Indy again, but they are certainly looking at a possible New Year's Day bowl game, which is my goal each and every year. Wisconsin 34, Maryland 11.

Maryland is a mess right now. The Badgers are getting better. The Badgers might not lose another game this year. They certainly won't in College Park. Wisconsin 41, Maryland 7.


Monmouth Scots (NL) vs. Knox Prairie Fire. This game is called the Bronze Turkey Game, because the winner gets the Bronze Turkey trophy. Monmouth is a far inferior school to Knox in just about every way. The good news is that a bunch of people will be out watching the Fire finally beat those sons of guns and restore our honor. Knox 34, Safety School -9.


Minus nine? That's the typical ACT score for a Monmouth matriculant, right? Thanks for the setup, there, young fella! Well, Monmouth is certainly superior to Knox in football. The record speaks for itself. Knox is improving, but they won't win this game. The turkey is headed back down U.S. 34 for another year. Monmouth 45, Knox 21.

St. Louis Rams (Pick) vs. Minnesota Vikings. This game is one of the most interesting games on the schedule this week, which is a bit unexpected. The Vikings quietly are a game back of the Packers in the NFC North, and Mike Zimmer must be happy that his team is playing very well. The Rams are a good story, as they have been playing well and are certainly contending in the NFC West, filling the void that the Seahawks have left. I think that Minnesota is going to play well, but I like St. Louis because they are well coached and that they have a good defense. Rams 32, Vikings 26.

I'm hearing you on this one. The Rams have improved quite a lot this year and Todd Gurley will be a real challenge for the Vikings. I felt like the Vikings stole one last week in Chicago, and you wonder if their good fortune will continue here. I say it does, but barely. Vikings 24, Rams 21.


Glorious Green Bay Packers (-2.5) vs. Carolina Panthers. The Packers are facing a game that will determine where the road to Santa Clara will run. Carolina is an impressive team, but they have one less day of preparation, due to playing on Monday night last week. This game is going to be a tough one, but remember that the Packers have won the last two games in this series, including a win in Charlotte. Another thing to remember is that Aaron Rodgers was questioned about not playing well before facing a dangerous Texans team a few years ago down in Houston. He told us that "Outside the sky is falling, Inside, we're just fine."Once again, the Packers are just fine, because Carolina lost last year to a similar Packer team, while a damaged Colts took  Carolina to overtime and gave them all they wanted. Packers 21, Panthers 13.

Can the Packers run the football? They sure couldn't in Denver. This one is going to be tough. I think someone unexpected will make a big play for the Packers this week. Might wear 84 on his jersey. Let's see. Packers 27, Panthers 24.


Bear Down Chicago da Bearz (+4) vs. San Diego Chargers. The Bears will play this game without Eddie Royal and Matt Forte. Those losses are significant, because Forte is the cornerstone of the offense and his presence allows Jay Cutler to not have to win the game on his own. Phillip Rivers may not have Keenan Allen or Antonio Gates, but he still has plenty of targets and is a great fantasy option. The Bears will compete, but it won't be easy. Chargers 32, da Bearz 7.

The Chargers are down to their last chance. If they lose this one, it's probably just about over for them. Since Philip Rivers is my fantasy quarterback, I'd tend to agree with your assessment. He's been outstanding this year for scoring points, especially in garbage time. Jay needs more weapons than he'll have at his disposal this week. Chargers 31, Bears 17.


By the way, Alabama does not belong in the top four of the rankings, especially when an undefeated Iowa team has beaten the same common opponent as well as winning against Pitt. My two cents. Ben out!