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| Times Square, 1940 |
I don't know what Times Square will look like tonight, when the ball drops and 2021 arrives. The New Year arrives no matter whether people gather this evening or not.
I don't have great faith that the coming year will be better than year we've just experienced, but I am ready to face it. And I hope the coming year is better for you.
Old dude, the Vikings will not be having an easy Christmas Day down in the Dome. The Saints are going to be hoping for a slip up to get the top seed.
Is Santa a Saints fan?
Also, I heard rumors of a boat crime at Camp Randall. A bunch of Badgers just flat out capsized a boat carrying some Gophers with an Axe. I heard that the boat capsized in an #Elite manner. You really hate to see it.
That's not showing the Christmas spirit, Seabiscuit. P.J. Fleck certainly has elfin qualities.
Maybe he's like this elf!
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| Like pulling teeth |
His hairline is borderline for sure, as is his coaching. PJ can talk all he wants, but he has only beat his two biggest rivals only once, and he never has won a home rivalry game.
Trophies leave the Bank a fair amount, but don't you have other games to pick?
Yes, but I always make time to dunk on PJ. I am feeling the HYYYYYPPPPEEEE!, and it's time to watch me work.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons (+7) vs. Wisconsin Badgers I am picking this game now, because it's scheduled for the middle of next week and I may not get back to it otherwise. Besides which, we need to celebrate the glory of the Duke's Mayo Bowl!
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| Close to the actual payout for the winning team |
I hope the trophy for the Duke's Mayo Bowl has a use-by date. Meh. Badgers 24, Wake Forest 20.
Minnesota Vikings (+7) vs. New Orleans Blame The Refs The NFL this year is pulling something out that I never thought would be possible. They will have played a game every day of the week, and this game should be very interesting. The Saints have recently had two brutal playoff defeats to the Vikings, including in the playoffs last year. Well, things have changed since that afternoon in the Dome. I love Drew Brees, but the man clearly didn't look like himself against Kansas City. Also, the Saints don't have a lot of wideouts to throw to. The Vikings quite frankly need this one badly after losing to Da Bearz at home. This is the type of game that the Vikings signed Kirk Cousins for, and he needs to deliver. I'm torn. As a fan of a division rival, it would be good if the Vikings got eliminated so my beloved Packers wouldn't have to see Dalvin run all over us again. But it would also help us if the Saints lose, so the Packers would look better to get the top seed in the NFC. I think the Vikings are just not good enough, and they are still flawed. In fact, I think Mike Zimmer is coaching for his job right now. Pray for Ron Johnson and Corey Cove. Plus, even though Sean Payton is annoying, the guy can coach up backup quarterbacks. The fact that New Orleans was competitive the past few years without Brees is the number one example. Blame the Refs, Not the Team 24, KFAN Vikings Whine Line 10.
There's no reason to pick the Vikings in this one. So I will. Vikings 28, Saints 24.
Los Angeles Rams (+1.5) vs. Seattle Seachickens This game is being picked because it directly impacts the Packers in terms of the top seed in the NFC playoff hunt. Seattle is leading the NFC West do in large part to one of the most hilarious results I have ever seen. The Rams somehow lost to the Jets. The Jets are so bad, that their fanbase was mad because they wanted to get Trevor. Seattle is at home, though the Microsoft and Boeing bro bandwagon fans will not be in attendance. A Rams win would be very nice and all of Wisconsin is rooting for them to get it done. I think they can, as the Seachickens have no defense, and lost to the freaking Giants at home. Rams 35, Seachickens 10.
The Seahawks lost to the Giants, but the Rams lost to the freaking Jets. Can't trust either side. Pick the home team. Seahawks 34, Rams 22.
Tennessee Tuxedos (+3.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers Last week was not exactly a work of art, but the Packers were the better team on the field against the Panthers. This week is the real test, and the one that the Packers fanbase has been dreading. The Titans are in the mix for the AFC South title, and have the thing that scares even a delusional homer like myself. That would be an elite running back. Derrick Henry is probably the best in the league, and we all know what he can do. The Packers thankfully can still clinch the bye against Da Bearz, but you don't want to have to worry about playing a desperate team at home. I think that the defense will stand up for itself and Mike Pettine will have the best defensive performance of his tenure in Green Bay on Sunday Night Football. Packers 31, The Fall of the Titan King Henry 10.
Wish I were that confident. You've seen Derrick Henry, right?
Enjoy your football. Ben out.
Old dude, the Big Ten actually did the right thing and actually improved something this year. The Axe game is back as the last game of the year, as it should be. Both Badgers and Gophers fans would agree that it is the correct decision.
Let me Axe you a question
Given the alternatives, yes. Certainly more compelling than a visit from Rutgers.
Plus, the Packers hold all the cards in the NFC. Life is good. The Pack is back, and I can feel the HYYYYYYPPPEEEEEE! Watch me work.
Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat (+13.5) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers I think it's fair to say that this year has hit both schools hard. The Badgers have struggled to find their footing because of all the delays, and the Gophers have a younger team. Yes, the Badgers need to strongly consider playing Jack Coan this time around, but you can say that the Gophers have struggled all year. The Badgers can easily lose this game, but they will be up for this game. Look for the offense to improve, and for a senior class to be sent off the right way, hopefully. Badgers 24, Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 10.
Hopefully? Hedging your bets, good sir? The Gophers are a very poor defensive team, but the Badgers have been 1977-level bad the last three weeks. It's a matter of pride at this point and I hope the Badgers have enough pride to get this done. The point spread is absurd, by the way. Badgers 17, Gophers 13.
Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck (+3) vs. Minnesota Vikings Both of these teams have had their moments, but quite frankly are flawed. I think Da Bearz were broken by the double doink, despite their offense doing very little that day. Funny, I don't hear Bears fans mentioning that. Hopefully they keep Matt Nagy and the front office around. As a Packers fan, they have done a great job, and have Bears football trending in the right direction for the future. The Vikings played decently well against the Bucs, but Dan Bailey had a terrible day. The Vikings had a golden chance in 2017, but the Minneapolis Miracle was the worst thing to happen to Mike Zimmer. There, I said it. That play covered up the fact that the Mike Zimmer's defense almost cost them the game, and he would have been lucky to not be fired had Diggs not bailed the Vikings out. Many Vikings fans conveniently choose to ignore that the Vikings blew a 17 point lead. The Vikings then foolishly disrespected the Eagles, and assumed that they had a god given right to play in a Super Bowl at their home stadium. The Vikings got blown out in a game that was never close, and the fanbase ignored the warning signs. Because the front office believed that the Vikings were closer than they were, they signed Kirk Cousins. History repeated itself last year. As much as Kirk Cousins gets the credit for the playoff game in the Superdome, the Vikings defense let the Saints get it to overtime. Oh, and Kyle Rudolph pushed off. The Vikings then got destroyed against the Niners, and it's been downhill ever since. The Vikings can win this game, and it's better for the Packers to do so. Both the Vikings and Da Bearz committed the greatest sin in pro football. They ignored the warning signs that they had flawed teams, and both are paying the price. Vikings 23, Da Bearz Still Suck 10.
Shorter version: they both need better management. I think Zimmer does a good job with what he has on hand, which isn't much because Cousins has all the money. As for da Bearz, the Khalil Mack trade is not looking so good now; he seems to be a declining player and he's owed a lot of money. I think the Vikings are marginally better, but that's all. Vikings 20, Bears 17.
Carolina Panthers (+8) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers The Packers had everything go right last week. They clinched the NFC North, finished a game off and banked that experience, and took control of the top seed in the NFC thanks to the Eagles beating the Saints. They have two home games left, and the Saints have a couple of tough games on their schedule remaining. The Panthers are going to be easier to beat without Christian McCaffery, but they are a team that plays hard and they have a competent coaching staff. Also, it's important to remember that the Packers literally won by inches last November on the goal line. I think that the Packers can win this game, but they can't sleepwalk into a trap game. Packers 35, Panthers 21.
Packers seem to be hitting their stride now. Panthers are better than their record indicates, but they aren't going to win at Lambeau this year. Packers 33, Panthers 24.
Kansas City Chiefs (-3) vs. New Orleans Saints This game is going to be a lot of fun. I'm picking this game because the Saints are tied with us in terms of record, but the Packers hold the tiebreaker. The Chiefs need a win to stay ahead of the Steelers in the AFC side. Kansas City is probably the best team in the league, and I appreciate Patrick Mahomes for his contributions in fantasy football, even though I didn't make the playoffs. I expect points, and obviously Drew Brees being back with the Saints will help out. The Saints don't have the best secondary, and will lose in a track meet. Chiefs 70, Saints 51.
Bet the over? I think you underrate the Saints defense, which is actually pretty good. I think it's a closer game than you do. Chiefs 28, Saints 27.
Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.
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| You may also pull his finger at 50% capacity |
Indoor restaurants and bars will stay shut down, but fitness clubs and other venues will reopen under a new plan by Gov. Tim Walz to try to control the spread of COVID-19 and buy time for wide distribution of vaccine against the infectious disease.
But he has a generous offer for those restaurants under his boot:
One concession to the industry was the allowance of outdoor bar and restaurant service at 50% capacity, though that has limited benefit in the heart of Minnesota's winter. Closing time must be 10 p.m., and tables of no more than four people must be kept six feet apart.
Outdoor bar and restaurant service. Beginning on December Fucking 18th. No COVID, but hypothermia. In related news, King Walz is allowing Minnesotans to slide down bannisters at 50% capacity, as long as the bannisters have a razor blade attached on the bottom.
Hi everyone. That title is intentional, and refers to a certain decision by the Big Ten to change the 6 game requirement for the title game. That noise you hear in the background is a sharpening of an axe, because I have some thoughts.
No -- you have thoughts? There's a headscratcher.
Yep, gotta keep some people honest.
And you use an axe to do that?
When necessary, yes.
Hmm.
Read on, old dude. In other news, the Badgers will actually be playing for consecutive weeks. And the Packers can clinch the North this week. I'm feeling the HYYYYYYPPPEEE! and it is time to watch me work.
Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat (+10.5) vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers The Gophers have returned to play, and they will be going to the team who likes to take credit for this season to be happening. PJ Fleck can keep coming up with his usual sayings, but his team has struggled all year. To be fair to him, not knowing if you are going to be playing is hard, and he has a young team. However, every team in the conference has had to deal with that. Nebraska ain't much better, and they really have been at war with Kevin Warren more than focusing on the games at hand. Scott Frost will get the time because he is the Nebraska version of Bart Starr. What I mean by that is that Frost is a link to the glory days and has the trust of the Husker faithful as he knows what it takes. Even if Frost fails as head coach, his legacy is secure. As for the game, I have to favor the desperate team at home. Stuck In the 1990's 31, Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 10.
I'd forgotten about the Gophers. They haven't played in a while. As I recall, they're okay. Snow in Lincoln overnight, so we'll see how that plays. Nebraska 31, Gophers 27.
Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-2) vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Well, the Badgers looked awful again last week, and yet are somehow favored going into a game at Iowa City. Graham Mertz looked great against Michigan and Illinois, but looked horrible against Northwestern and Indiana. The defense is not the problem, and to be fair the Badgers have not gotten to play in consecutive weeks yet this year. Iowa is going to be your typical Iowa squad that plays good defense and wants to run the ball. The Badgers can win, but this is going to be hard. The offense needs to step up and actually do something. Badgers 21, Iowans 13.
This a tough one. I don't think the Badgers have it this year. Success will return to Madison, but let's write this year off. Iowa 17, Wisconsin 10.
Minnesota Vikings (+6.5) vs. Tampa Bay Bucs The Vikes are back in the playoffs based on a tiebreaker over the Cardinals. Last week, the Vikings were very loose in the turns and almost lost another "easy game". This time, the Vikings are not at home and facing a desperate team in the Bucs. It's clear that Tom Brady has had growing pains learning a new offense, and the Bucs are a team that has had a lot of internal discord supposedly swirling around. Both teams need to win to stay in the playoff hunt, and there will be a lot of Packer fans watching this game with interest. Even though the Bucs are not as good as they were when the Packers went down there, you have to honor the "desperate team at home" theory. If the Vikings lose, pray for Ron Johnson and Corey Cove. Bucs 28, Vikings 17
The Vikings have been scraping by against bad teams lately. The Bucs are a good team. Tampa 31, Minnesota 20.
Glorious Green Bay Packers (-9) vs. Detroit LOLions The Packers are in a great position. All of their goals are within reach, and they can clinch a playoff spot with a win and some help. In fact, if the Vikings lose and the Packers win, the North can be won on Sunday. The LOLions did beat da Bearz last week, and are better than people think. I know that sounds crazy, but they have been in some close games this year, and did jump out to a lead at Lambeau. Plus, Matthew Stafford has a good track record against the Packers. If you remember, last year the Packers had to fight to get that win at Ford Field to get the playoff bye. Packers 24, LOLions 18
I am a bit nervous about this game. The key is the Lions defense is terrible. Shootout! Packers 38, Lions 28.
And now it's time for a Very Special Comment. This will probably come off to you as yet another Benster ripping of the Buckeyes. I know that is part of who I am, and I admit that I have a hatred of Ohio State football. But please hear me out.
So the Big Ten announced that Ohio State would be allowed to play Northwestern next week for the conference crown. That is despite the fact that the conference decreed that a team needs to play in 6 conference games to qualify. Look, Ohio State is a good team, and I don't blame them for taking the offer. You can make an argument that the 6 game rule was dumb in the first place, and that the conference never should have included it. But it was the rule coming in, and the Big Ten was arrogant enough to believe that it wouldn't be a problem. Well, the league decided that Ohio State should get a pass, because they are undefeated. This is a week before the title game. Everyone knew the rules, and now the conference changed them in the middle of the game. Indiana got screwed. Yes, the Hoosiers had their chance to win in the Horseshoe. But under the rules that every school agreed to, Indiana was the team that qualified. Plus, Northwestern is getting boned. Not only do they have to prepare for a new opponent, but they have to play a rivalry game against Illinois while Ohio State gets a bye week. The Big Ten not only changed the rules for a "brand name" school, but gave said school every possible advantage. If Ohio State loses, then it would be one of the worst losses in the history of Buckeye football. They would have had every possible advantage, and thrown it away.
Now, of course the Big Ten is not the only league screwing with their title game. The ACC canceled games for Notre Dame and Clemson to give them extra rest. But at least in that case, the Irish and Tigers both come into the game on even footing. The Big Ten can say that this is about being fair and making money, but that is missing the point. Big Ten football has gotten a lot more competitive and richer than the 1970s. Back then, it was the Big 2 of Michigan and Ohio State, and the Little 8 of everyone else. Now, there is more strength in depth in the conference, and they can sell Fox and ESPN on the fact that teams like Michigan State, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota that can be successful. All of those schools have won big bowl games, and have been positive stories in the Big Ten recently outside of Michigan and Ohio State in football. Heck, the basketball product is the most deep and consistent than at any point in league history. It behooves a conference to favor conditions that help everyone, and not just a handful of schools. Want to know why Nebraska left the Big 12? It was in part because the Big 12 favors Texas and gives the Longhorns a huge cut of revenue. Maryland was a founding member of the ACC, and had deep ties with a lot of those schools. Well, the ACC has constantly been accused of favoring basketball and in particular the Tobacco Road schools. Maryland left in part because that favoritism.
You can argue it is because of money, and there is a good reason why it behooves the conference to respect what each school brings. The Big Ten Network was founded in order to make it easier to make money and showcase all the teams in the league. The conference is strong because every school contributes on the field in different ways. Indiana and Michigan made the College World Series recently, Minnesota has a great hockey tradition, Iowa brings wrestling, Maryland brings great lacrosse, Wisconsin brings consistently good teams in basketball and football. Nebraska brings great baseball and legions of fan support. I love this conference because every team makes the same amount of money, and the various fanbases respect each other and get each other. Ohio State may contribute a lot in football, but they are one school. It's not the Ohio State Invitational League. It's the Big Ten conference. No school is bigger than the league, and every school brings something to the table. It's a shame that Kevin Warren doesn't understand that. If I were a Buckeye fan, I wouldn't accept this. In fact, read this article from an Ohio State fan about why this is wrong.
Well, that's done. I hope you enjoy the football this weekend. Ben out.
There's no doubt in my mind -- the Democrats cheated like hell in the election. There's also no doubt in my mind that Joe Biden is utterly unfit to be Leader of the Free World.
Still, the case before the Supreme Court brought by Texas almost certainly has to fail. If it succeeds, states can sue other states for things that happen within their borders. And federalism, attenuated as it is, would be dead.
We're in a bad place. Civil war is a distinct possibility now. Frankly, I'm afraid.
Old dude, I really have a bone to pick with the NFL over certain things. But I need to sharpen the axe.
Glad you're doing it. You're keeping this enterprise afloat in a sea of rage.
And I have a suggestion for the Big Ten, but I don't need to sharpen the axe for that. I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYPPPPEEE! for a couple of these games, and we are going to learn a lot about people this weekend. It's time to watch me work.
Windiana Hoosiers (+13.5) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers Well, the Badgers get to keep the Axe, as the Gophers have bigger problems to deal with on their end. The suggestion I have for the Big Ten is simple. There has been rumblings that Michigan might not be able to play against A School in Columbus next week, meaning that the Buckeyes would not have played in the 6 games needed to qualify for the conference title game. It also has been reported that the Big Ten is going to let A School in Columbus play in Indy even if they don't get that 6th game. Well, should the Badgers win out and Northwestern lose next week, then it is only fair that the Badgers get the nod to play. It's only fair, and would be a better test for Ohio State. But, the Badgers can't worry about that. Indiana has been the story of the year so far in the league. I know that Michael Penix Jr. will not be playing, but the Hoosiers are a disciplined team that is well-coached under Tom Allen. The Badgers played like absolute crap at Ryan Field, and yet somehow still could have won the game. Oddly, this is going to be the 2nd and last game at Camp Randall. This will be tough, but the Badgers can win and send the seniors away from Madison with a good memory. Badgers 24, Hoosiers 17.
A good Indiana football team is a rarity, but in a rare year it seems oddly fitting. The Hoosiers have two excellent receivers with strange names (Whop Philyor and Trey Freyfogle), who can catch the ball no matter who is throwing it to them. The Hoosiers also play good defense. But the game is at Camp Randall and the Badgers gotta have it, so I think they win. But they won't cover a -13.5 spread. Wisconsin 23, Indiana 14.
Jacksonville Jaguars (+10.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings The Vikings did get it done against Carolina, but dodged a massive bullet thanks to terrible clock management by the Panthers. Kirk Cousins got it done, and is probably back in the good graces of the fickle Vikings fans who blame him for the failure of management. The Jags are a team that will play tough and can hang in there even when they are outgunned, as evidenced by their inspired play at Lambeau a few weeks back. This is a trap game for the Vikings, and they need to have learned their lesson from last week. If you come out flat, you will lose. Thankfully, the Vikings have learned their lesson. Vikings 31, Jags 10.
Or have they? Jags 24, Vikings 23.
Philadelphia Eagles (+7.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers The Packers had no trouble at all against Da Bearz last week, and it was great to have some people in the stands at Lambeau. The Eagles are a mess. Carson Wentz looks like he has regressed, and the fanbase openly wants Jalen Hurts to play more. Well, this is a trap game for the Packers. If you remember last year, the Eagles came in and were the better team. Plus, thanks to the NFC Least making the 2010 NFC West and 2014 NFC South look like competent divisions, the Eagles still have a shot at a division title. I think that the Packers can win as they have more talent, and the pass rush finally looks like doing something. But there is danger in this game. Something in my gut tells me that, and hopefully I am wrong. Packers 31, Eagles 27.
I agree with your assessment. Eagles will give the Packers their best shot. It won't be enough. Packers 28, Eagles 20.
And now, it's time for A Very Special Comment.
So, the NFL seems to have had a bad week. The Steelers and Ravens game was a complete mess. The Steelers have not been getting much luck in when they have played certain teams. They lost their bye week thanks to the Titans mess, and then lost their mini bye thanks to the Ravens having a staffer just totally not following league rules and infecting multiple players. That Ravens-Steelers game was postponed from Turkey Day, to Sunday, to Tuesday, to Wednesday afternoon. Yes, you read that right. They had to play an NFL game on a Wednesday afternoon because apparently a Rockefeller Center tree lighting can't be moved by NBC. Now, the Steelers have to play on short rest for the next couple of games, and are likely to lose one of those games, meaning that Kansas City could sneak in and get the AFC bye. The Steelers have gotten hosed, and hopefully Art Rooney II can raise a stink at the next owners meeting. Plus, they lost Bud Dupree for the year. That game was a complete mess, and ruined one of the games that a lot of people were curious about.
But the one thing that angers me the most is what happened in Denver. The Broncos lost their entire quarterback stable. Now, I know that Drew Lock was not following the league rules. But the Broncos game didn't get postponed, and they had to start Kendall Hinton, a practice squad receiver, at quarterback. The dude played as well as he could considering he had to learn the offense and got very short notice. Guess who the Broncos played on Sunday? The New Orleans Saints. Guess who is fighting with the Saints for the NFC bye? The Packers, the team I love through thick and thin. The Saints got a free win, as they didn't even have to try. Before you come at me with the excuse that Drew Brees didn't play, just remember that Taysom Hill at least is a quarterback, and knows the offense. He at least gave the Saints a fair chance. The Broncos didn't get the same luxury. Why did the Broncos not get the game postponed to Monday or Tuesday? Maybe then, they would have actually had a chance. You almost have to try and be this incompetent. Heck, the reason this happened was because the Broncos have an ownership dispute involving Pat Bowlen's kids. The Broncos have an awesome fanbase; the fanbase really knows their football, and the Broncos have been a model franchise for most of my lifetime. I hope that Hilton gets a fair chance on the Broncos to show what he can do as a wideout. Heck, he is welcome on the Packers anytime. I'll even buy him a beer.
Roger Goodell was interviewed at halftime Wednesday by Mike Tirico. He claimed that the NFL was doing a great job this year. Uh, that was a lie. Look, I don't care what you think about the response (or lack thereof) by leaders. All of them screwed up, and that stands for both Republicans and Democrats. To make matters worse, the 49ers have to play games in Arizona because the local California leaders out there don't want there to be football in Santa Clara County. In fact, there are even rumors that the Rams and Chargers might have to leave the state to play. Where are those teams going to play? This is a freaking dumpster fire. Heck, Rob Manfred and Gary Bettman did a better job with the MLB and NHL seasons respectively. Do you realize how hard it is to do that? I'm a baseball fan, and Manfred is a terrible commissioner who might not even like baseball. That being said, I loved what he did with the opening round of the playoffs that gave us wall to wall ballgames all day and did a great job by getting fans back for the NLCS and World Series. Bettman is hated by NHL fans, but he pulled out a great playoffs in Canada, and I really enjoyed watching the playoffs this year with all the games in the opening round being fun. The NFL had months before the season started to observe other sports leagues. It's clear they haven't come up with any contingency plans. Maybe Goodell is secretly Kevin Warren. Whatever the reason, the NFL is a joke. I remember when they were able to protect the shield. Not anymore. Please fire Goodell and hire Greg Sankey. Sankey actually has a chance to play all the games he scheduled with fans in attendance in the SEC. When I have to praise the SEC, that's when you know something is wrong.
Ben is fired up!
Yeah, I am. Despite all that, enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.
