Benster and D Pick Your Games -- Question Mark Edition

Well. it seems that the teams with interest around here all have some question marks. What say you, old dude?

What was the question again?

Put down the Metamucil and pay attention, if you would.

I need my fiber.

First of all, TMI. But answer the question. Don't the teams we pay attention have question marks?

Yes. More question marks than exclamation points, for sure.

Well, will anyone answer the questions this weekend?

I thought that was your gig. It's why we write this piece, isn't it?

I'm asking the questions.

I question that.

You are incorrigible, old dude! Let's see what happens this weekend.

It depends on how well the Metamucil works.

Oy vey. It is time to pick some football games. I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYYYPPPPPEEE! and I am ready to go. Watch me work.

Minnesota Golden Elite Boat Rowers (+3.5) vs. Purdue Boilermakers. The local sports media types in Minnesota are not happy about what happened last week at home against Maryland for Mr. Fleck and his charges. The Gophers took a step back, no doubt about it, and this game does not get any easier. Purdue looks like they have improved a lot this year. It is also the first home game since former Purdue coaching legend Joe Tiller died, so look for Purdue to surge on emotion early. I like Purdue here, because they are a threat that not a lot of people are banking on being scary. Boilermakers 35, Rowing Out of Town 11.

We'll actually answer some questions about the Gophers tomorrow. It's a tough matchup, as Purdue appears to be much improved. While the previous regime didn't leave the cupboard bare, Fleck's team doesn't appear to be elite where roster depth is concerned. Purdue 34, Gophers 27.

Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-10.5) vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers. This game is going to be a war, and the Badgers are getting too high a line. Nebraska is always a tough team to beat, and they have a very good record in night games in Memorial Stadium. Wisconsin did struggle against Northwestern, and there are questions surrounding Alex Hornibrook, who took a step back last week in terms of making good choices with the football. I still think the Badgers win, but they will have to earn this win in a very nervy game. Badgers 27, Huskers 21.

Nebraska isn't Nebraska these days. I think they'll give Bucky a good punch early, but they won't be able to hang with the Badgers. Watch for the Badgers to wear the Cornhuskers down late. Wisconsin 34, Nebraska 23.

Knox College Prairie Fire (NL) vs. Lake Forest Foresters. So, it turns out that Knox got beat down last week against St. Norbert. No biggie, they go to Lake Forest, who is a pretty good team, but not exactly Alabama level in the Midwest Conference. I never pick against my school, because our guys are men of distinction and honor, and they will find a way to win. Fire 35, Foresters 19.

While I am sure they are men of distinction and honor, they won't beat Lake Forest. Foresters 31, Fire 27.

Glorious Green Bay Packers (+2) vs. Dallas How 'Bout Them Cowboahs? The Cowboys and their fans have been waiting for this game since Mason Crosby won that epic playoff game in Janurary. The Cowboy homers in the media say that this time will be different, but the Cowboys have struggled, while the Packers look like they will get some of their injured back. Make no mistake, the Packers will have to play at a high level to win, and I think they will. If that happens, be sure to watch a certain former Dallas sportswriter on Monday. Packers 38, Cowboys 30.

The Packers had enough time to start getting healthy. That should help them tremendously. This game is pretty crucial for the Cowboys, because if they lose this one, they'll be well behind other teams in the conference. Desperate team at home? I hate doing this, but. . . Cowboys 31, Packers 28.

Minnesota Vikings (-3) vs. Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz.  Yeah, the Bears are still a dumpster fire. They really looked bad against the Packers last Thursday, and even though Mr. Trubisky will start, it still is a mess. Quite frankly, I wonder how Gino even deals with watching them play. Maybe he should take a knee in protest of the front office. The Vikings will be without Dalvin Cook for the rest of the year, but they should be fine here, especially with a chance that Sam Bradford will make his return. Of course, there is always the matter of the Vikings not playing well in Chicago at times. Da Bearz 24, Vikings 10.

Young Mr. Trubisky will see things he's never seen on the football field before. And he'll be on his back a few times. Vikings have just enough to win. Vikings 14, Bears 13.

Enjoy the football this weekend, and please pray for the folks in Las Vegas. Ben out!