Well, Brett Hundley holds the Packers season in his hands, and a lot of folks in Wisconsin and around the country are wondering if he can pilot the plane into the promised land. Meanwhile, the Old Dude is in St. Louis looking for the promised land of sport of the arts achievement.
Yes. And the mighty Irondale Knights put on a fabulous performance.
They should be fine. After all, who doesn't want to play in a former NFL venue that the city has to pay off with no big tenant?
Actually, Bands of America might be their biggest tenant at the moment.
We will discuss Brett Hundley and his chances later, but we have other games to talk about first. Feel the HYYYYYYPPPPEEE! and watch me work!
Illinois Fighting Illini (+13.5) vs. Minnesota Elite Rowers of the Boat. If P.J. Fleck was getting a grade from the Gopher faithful in Elite Boat Rowing Experience Year 1, I would give him a D. I know that he will have to recruit his guys, but the football has not looked good, and he has yet to have a win that really says that he is building something. A college buddy of mine said that Fleck should run the option, but my buddy is a Hawkeye fan, so take that as you will. Illinois is a dumpster fire, and even though I highly respect Lovie Smith for the success he had at the NFL level, he really has not made Illinois football as relevant as it should be. The Gophers should win this game comfortably, but I would not read too much into this game in terms of where Fleck is leading the program. Elite Rowers of the Boat 35, Fire Lovie Smith 9.
That's about right. There's no reason to believe the Illini will win another game this season, but Fleck needs to show a little more. Getting rid of the quarterback controversies would help. Won't matter tomorrow, though. Gophers 24, Illini 10.
Maryland Terps (+24.5) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers. This game makes me a bit nervous. First of all, Alex Hornibrook really struggled last week, and the defense had to bail him out against a very game and improving Boilermaker squad. Second, Maryland has played most of their games tough and already have two good road wins, and this is the type of game that Wisconsin can struggle with. I do think that the Badgers should play better and should win, but it won't be by 24.5 points, so bet on the Terps to cover, but Bucky to win. Badgers 28, Terps 17.
At this point, Maryland is on their fourth-string quarterback. They may not score more than a touchdown. Bucky will, though. Badgers 33, Terps 10.
Knox College Prairie Fire (NL) vs. Illinois College Blueboys. Knox has a winning record, and easily cruised last week in the monsoon at the Knosher Bowl. Illinois College is a good team most years, and this is the type of game that is going to be hard for Knox to win. However, I do know that this year Knox is good at football, and should pull out a squeaker under the lights. Knox 19, IC 15.
Knox will play them tough, but don't count on a win. IC 34, Knox 24
Baltimore Ravens (+5.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings. Well, if you are a Vikings fan last week went very well. The Vikes now own the tiebreaker over the Packers, and because Aaron Rodgers is out for a while, the Vikings are now the lead dog in the NFC North. However, the Vikings a year ago were thought to be the lead dog in October, and melted down in amazing fashion. This Vikings team is a good outfit, but they have to do their part and keep ahead of the Packers, because as the Bears found out in 2013, when you aim for the king, don't wound him and do not let him come back for revenge. The Vikings should win this game, though the Ravens should give them a good game. Vikings 24, Ravens 20.
This has trap game written all over it. Vikings should win easily. They won't. Ravens 24, Vikings 17.
New Orleans Saints (-4.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers. For the Packers, last week went about the worst it could have. Aaron had his surgery, and will be out for a while. This is not a new scenario for the veteran core of this team though, since unlike 4 years ago Brett Hundley knows the offense and showed flashes last game that he can make things happen. What the bigger issue facing the Packers is that they are very thin on the offensive line, and Hundley might have to run for his life on every play. This is the type of game that all Vikings, Bears, and Lions fans better hope that Hundley does not pull off, because if the Packers dig in and get a win, then some confidence will be restored. I think the Saints are going to score points, because that is what they do. I think that Brett Hundley will play well, and will make enough plays and get enough help on the ground and from his teammates in order to get a win that will feel like 5 wins. Packers 31, Saints 26.
I actually like Hundley. I think he'll respond well. It will be a shootout. Packers 35, Saints 34.
Enjoy the football this week, and hopefully your team wins, unless you are playing my team. Ben out!
2 comments:
Green bay has the benefit of continuancy, and the option of turning proper chosen late round picks into NFL players.
Hundley has some skills. he's not Erin, for sure, but i wouldnt count him out. his receivers know what to do and where to be... that alone is 75% of what is required for a completed pass.
Sad to watch the continuing disaster which is the U. of Illinois--alma mater of both of my parents. It really takes some doing, I think, to have Chicago in your prime recruiting area and not be able to put a decent football team on the field.
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