Benster and D Pick Your Games-----Don't Count The Packers Out Edition

So last week sucked for the Packers, and I can't defend that. But everyone is making a mistake by ignoring the Packers. I expect the disrespect from the local media and certain national voices, but at some point you have to be honest and ask if they are doing this for ratings compared to how they have been treating the Bucs, Rams, and Niners.

Well, there's a reason for it. It's the self-important quarterback with the penchant for dime store mysticism and glass house criticism. He's the kinda guy that draws that sort of attention.

We will talk about one play in particular that irked me, and that is on the coaching staff. Bottom line is that everyone on the team is accountable, and nobody is immune from criticism this week. 

True as far as it goes, young fella. And it goes all the way to the Andes.

You really upped your Geritol usage this week, eh?

We definitely need to iron some things out, so to speak.

That was approaching clever, old dude! 

I'm trying to keep up. And I brought drinks.

Oh, you're unusual all right. I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYPPPEEEEE! and ready to pick some games. Watch me work.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights (+14) vs. Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat Some of the Gophers fans are starting to doubt PJ after the performance in Happy Valley. Now to be fair to him, Tanner Morgan probably would have helped. But it's interesting to me to see the same fans who were so confident in him echoing the same critiques that I've been saying for a year. But people claim that I have an agenda. Rutgers is still trying to build something, and I think that the Gophers should comfortably win before they have to navigate some rivalry games in November. Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 50, Scarlet Knights 0.

Rutgers is better than you think. But not very good. It will be closer than that. Gophers 28, Rutgers 17.

A School In Columbus (-15.5) vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Fortunately for the Buckeyes, this game is not the Whiteout and is the dreaded Big Noon game on Fox. But me ranting about how Fox takes perfectly good primetime and mid afternoon games to 11 am kicks is a topic for another day. I do think that Ohio State probably is the favorite to win the Big Ten considering that they will play Michigan at the Horseshoe, even if it pains me to admit it. But Ohio State was slowed down by Iowa for a good chunk of the first half and if the Hawkeyes actually had a functioning offense, then the score would have been a lot closer. Penn State has the functioning offense, and they have half a chance. Remember, Penn State isn't out of the hunt in the East by any stretch. Also remember that Ohio State hasn't played a difficult road test all year. One more thing, Buckeyes. If you don't win the Big Ten this year, I have something special in store for you. Penn State 42, Jim Harbaugh Was Right About Ryan Day 31.

Somewhere along the banks of the Oletangy, Ryan Day is cowering in fear of the Benster. Or perhaps not, but anyway... Penn State is a good team. Ohio State is a Death Star. Death Stars can be defeated, but you'd better take your shot carefully. Ohio State 38, Penn State 24.

Arizona Cardinals (+3.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings I think it's fair to say at this point that the Vikings are a legit contender at the top of the NFC. They've won all the games that they should have, and the Eagles loss looks more like a bad night at the office in light of how well the Eagles have played. The Arizona Cardinals are frauds, and it amazes me how people consider them as an elite team. Kliff Kingsbury has failed upwards at every stage of his career, Kyler Murray ain't elite, and this team relies on gimmicks to win instead of a cohesive playbook. Even the Colin Kaepernick 49ers, who I was critical of, at least got to a Super Bowl before imploding. They are the Moneyball era Oakland A's, who you might remember had the good fortune to develop 3 ace level starting pitchers, two young sluggers, and winning 20 consecutive games, yet couldn't advance out of the ALDS once in 4 years, and still Billy Beane gets hailed as a genius. Same thing with the Cardinals. The Vikings will win this game comfortably, and until the Cardinals actually do something, I don't ever want to hear another single analyst ever call the Cardinals legit. Vikings 35, Cardinals Are Just Another Desert Mirage -9000.

I don't know that I've heard anyone call the Cardinals legit, at least this season. They are okay, I guess. The Vikings are good enough to the win the NFC North, but I'm not buying them as a Super Bowl contender; they have figured out how to do enough to win, but the level of competition has not been strong thus far. They are good enough to win this game, though. Vikings 27, Cardinals 23.

Glorious Green Bay Packers (+10.5) vs. Buffalo Bills The Packers are up against it this week, no question. No Lazard, to start. Add that the Packers haven't won in Buffalo at any point in their history, and they are playing a Super Bowl contender. But the Packers aren't going to fold like the tables that Bills Mafia like to break. The Packers haven't lost a regular season game in primetime since 2019. They also have climbed out of holes similar to this in the past, and Aaron is due for one of his transcendent games. The Bills are also a team that hasn't been perfect. They had a loss to the Dolphins where they failed at clock management, and they were lucky to escape the Ravens. Look, you can call me a delusional homer. But as a wise man once said, "Don't let us win tonight". Packers 21, Nobody Circles The Wagons Like the Buffalo Bills 3.

I'd like to believe you. Really, I would. But I don't believe you. The Packers have not been good at all on offense and the defense can't get off the field. I am not seeing a very good football team at the moment. Could they turn it around? Eventually, they could. But they are running out of time and they aren't going to win on Sunday. Bills 34, Packers 20.

And now, time for me to talk about last week. So the biggest mistake the Packers made was on the 4th down call. I don't have a problem with the Packers going out of shotgun if Aaron is uncomfortable with getting the ball under center because of his apparent thumb injury. If it was a running play to Aaron Jones or AJ Dillon and it gets stopped, then at least you are trying a high percentage play. I also don't have a problem if they call a high percentage play and the other guys make a play, then that's just a bad roll of the dice. But trying a pass out of that call to a covered receiver? What in the actual-- are you trying to do, Matt? Crap like that is arrogance, and we ain't good enough to be arrogant. You need to at least play to our strengths right now, and you ain't doing that. 

No, he ain't.

By the way, I think the Phillies are going to beat the cheaters from Houston in 6 games in the Fall Classic. Ben out. 

Benster and D Pick Your Games----Packers Have Some Explaining To Do Edition

 You know it isn't good when I have some words for the Packers over last week. The Badgers are excused because they didn't fold at Spartan Stadium and lost because Sparty won it entirely on merit. And nobody on the team is excused from criticism.

Not around here. The Benster is a noted hanging judge.

Roy Bean had nothing on the Benster, except a better hat

Are you capable of cultural references that don't go back a half century?

Based on the available evidence, no.

Jeez, chug some Geritol, wouldya? Meanwhile the Gophers are facing what might be the most important road game of Fleck's tenure in Happy Valley against a Penn State team that is probably going to come out angry.

Whiteout at Beaver Stadium? That should be fun.

I am feeling the HYYYYYYYPPPEEEEE! and ready to pick some games. Watch me work.

Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat (+5.5) vs. Penn State Nittany Lions So the Gophers aren't out of the picture in terms of getting to Indy, but last week was a discouraging game in Champaign. The big question is if both Tanner Morgan and Sean Clifford are going to play. Also of note is that the Gophers are going into the Whiteout tomorrow night, and Beaver Stadium turns from a very tough place to play to another level. I expect that both teams are going to be desperate, and while I can see the Gophers winning, I revert to the classic theory of this feature. When in doubt, go with the desperate team at home. And this game isn't downtown. Nittany Lions 28, Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 21.

Gophers have a chance; they are a veteran team and they know how to play. Penn State is tough to beat under those circumstances. The psychology is key here. Fleck fancies himself a master psychologist, but he's not dealing with Mr. Carlin from the Bob Newhart Show here. Penn State 31, Minnesota 23.

Purdon't Spoilermakers (+1.5) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers You can't blame last week on Allen's fumble, as there was plenty of plays that led to the result. Big credit to Graham Mertz for getting us to overtime. Purdue is a lot better than expected, but over the years they haven't beaten Wisconsin ever since Scott Starks forced the fateful fumble in Ross Ade in 2004. What the Badgers are going to need is a better performance from Mertz throughout the game, and to channel what we saw against Northwestern. Badgers 31, Spoilermakers 10.

Best chance Purdue has had in years, as you say. Won't matter. Badgers 34, Boilermakers 24.

Glorious Green Bay Packers (-4.5) vs. Washington Gridlocks So last week was the worst performance by a Packers team at Lambeau I have ever seen, and I attended a game where the quarterback matchup was Famous Jameis and Brett Hundley. But that will be for later for pacing reasons. Washington has been in the news for other reasons as Dan Snyder is somehow still an owner of a NFL franchise. When the Gridlocks are more corrupt than the federal government, you know that is bad. Taylor Heinicke will get the start, and I'm sure that the Gridlocks front seven will be looking to get some pressure on Aaron. This game is one that the Packers need, and they will get it. If they don't get it, I might have to do something that I really don't want to do. Packers 42, Gridlocks 0.

Something you really don't want to do? Being realistic? Packers are a mess right now. Either they are playing possum or the wheels have come off the wagon. Better get that Commanders line blocked or it's gonna be ugly. Packers 24, Washington Whatevers 21.

Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck (+8) vs. New England Cheatriots Since the Vikings are on bye and the Vikings approved KFAN personalities like Dan Barreiro and Nordo will get a week off from getting the KFAN listeners to drink the false hope Kool-Aid, we can talk about the true archrival of the Packers. Da Bearz are still spinning their wheels, and Justin Fields has gone from the savior quarterback who would allow the Bears to run the North to another bust. It's almost like someone could have seen that coming. New England looks like they will get Mac Jones back for this game, but it's clear that the Patriots are deep in a rebuild. You really hate to see it. It's obvious by now that the Hoodie was carried by Gisele's husband, and can't win without cheating. If the NFL owners are so concerned with Dan Snyder's misdeeds, why is the Hoodie still allowed to coach? He has been caught breaking NFL rules multiple times, and Chicago will be checking for deflated footballs according to a news story that came out this week. This ain't NASCAR, where cheating seems to be encouraged. Why am I talking about NASCAR? I don't watch whomever can complete hundreds of circles faster in a car. New England should win, but it's time to kick the Hoodie out of the league if he's caught cheating again. Patriots 24, Bears Still Suck 0.

I actually wish the Bears well. It won't go well. Patriots 17, da Bearz 7.

And now, it's time for a Very Special Comment. You know things are bad for the Packers when I turned the stream off in the 4th quarter last week. This team is deeply flawed, and a couple of people deserve a ton of scrutiny.

Aaron, I love you. But you are holding the team hostage and still think that you can win the game by yourself like you could a few years ago. Father time is undefeated, and you need to trust the offense. Last week, I saw Aaron keep going for the downs every time instead of taking what was presented to him. You have two good running backs, and you don't need to carry the offense as much. Trust the playcalling, and take the short stuff. You have too much power on this team, and I'm worrying that you are turning into late stage Big Ben, where the Steelers didn't transition gracefully because they couldn't move past a franchise icon. It would also be good if you were easier on the rookies on the outside, and just let the offense come to you and pick your spots. You are a captain and leader, it is time to act like it.

I don't think that LaFleur is doing a good job in using his best weapons. Aaron Jones hasn't been getting a lot of touches, which considering he might be the best weapon we have on offense is a bad look. If you are considered this offensive guru like everyone says you are, adjust your playcalling. Run the ball more, and take the ball out of Aaron's hands for a bit. I expect more from you, and you've let me down last week. A head coach is supposed to get the most out of his talent, and he hasn't. The defense looks soft, and you need to tell the defensive coaches to tighten that crap out. In fact, you should consider stopping calling plays for a game to get more involved on defense. 

I said in January that 2021 might have been the last chance with this core. I wished that was wrong, but I was wrong. If this team misses the playoffs, it's time to consider everyone for replacement and rebuild. 

I agree 100% That's a first, I guess.

You're capable of learning, Old Dude! Who knew? Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out. 

Benster and D Pick Your Games-----Wait, You Can Win Comfortably In Evanston Edition

 So the Badgers actually can win comfortably at Ryan Field? Wonders never cease. 

Well, Northwestern is terrible, so....

Meanwhile, the Packers need to actually figure their crap out and have some things to answer for.

I didn't see a moment of the game last week. I'm happy with that, actually.

I am feeling the HYYYYYPPEEEEE that Jim Leonhard might actually be the answer.

First week was good. This week is a better test. We'll see.

It's time to pick some games. Watch me work.

Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat (-7) vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Well, the Gophers got some good news over the bye week as Mohammed Ibrahim will be coming back after getting hurt a couple weeks ago. PJ knows that the waters are getting choppy for his boat as Illinois is probably the favorite to win after pulling out an ugly victory last week over Iowa, and next week the Gophers will have to survive the Whiteout in Beaver Stadium. Memorial Stadium will be rocking once again, and the Gophers will have to play a lot better than their stinker of a game against Purdue two weeks ago. This game could go either way, but the warning for both of these teams is that objects in your rearview mirror are closer than they appear. Gophers 24, Cheating Illini 17.

Give Illinois credit -- they have an excellent defense, including a couple of linemen who may be able to play on Sundays. But they aren't a great team overall. I think the Gophers are better, but it will be a test down in Chambana. If the Gophers are able to block, they win. If not... Illini 24, Gophers 20.

Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-7.5) vs. Michigan State Sparty The Spartans I don't know if Northwestern is flat out terrible or the Badgers just played a lot better, but last week was very positive. There was a ton of energy for the Badgers, the offensive line was able to block a lot better, the play calling was more creative and timely, and Graham Mertz had his best game since he became the starter. Sparty is going to be a much more difficult matchup, and they are smarting from getting their clocked cleaned by the Buckeyes. Mel Tucker might be the most overpaid coach in the history of the Big Ten in regards to his contract. The guy had one good year, and got handed a huge contract that is at national title winning coach money. If that doesn't tell you about how stupid some of the money is, I have oceanfront property in Wyoming to sell you. Sparty this year is down, but they are a better team than Northwestern, and this game will be a tough one to dig out in a hostile Spartan Stadium. But if Jim Leonhard and company can keep it up, delusional homers like myself will believe that a miracle can happen. Badgers 35, Sparty 21.

I don't know what to say about the Badgers. I think they are better than they have shown, but they aren't great. I think they win this week, because Michigan State does not look particularly impressive, but it's not going to be easy. Badgers 24, Spartans 20.

Tottenham Hotspur (NL) vs. Everton Football Club How about a little Premier League action? Since I am an Everton supporter and the Old Dude supports Spurs, it makes sense to pick this game. Tottenham managed to avoid a disaster in the Champions League with a 3-2 win against Frankfurt and put themselves in a good position to top their group. We lost against Manchester United last week, but with no midweek action should have all of our guys ready to go. Look, a win is going to be difficult at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Frank Lampard has really figured out what Everton's best team is. All I ask is that Richy doesn't score against us. But knowing that Everton finds new and exciting ways to let me down, that is a distinct possibility. See losing 4-0 to Minnesota United with me in attendance this summer. But the good news is that Spurs also can bottle it at times. Everton 3, Tottenham 1.

Uh, no. Spurs are the far superior side. And they will demonstrate it. Spurs 3, Everton 0.

Minnesota Vikings (-3.5) vs. Miami Tuna Net Victims The Vikings will catch a bit of a break with it only being 84 degrees and rain in the forecast, and I'm sure that they have prepared to play a warm game in Florida at midday in the Eastern Time Zone. The thing that most Vikings fans won't admit is that they have dodged major bullets the last few weeks in games that they should have won comfortably. The Dolphins may not have their two top quarterbacks going, but Mike McDaniel has been a Coach of the Year frontrunner for my money. I think the Vikings can win, but the Vikings can't keep living this dangerously for long in this league. Vikings 31, Sorry Charlie 10.

Not sure who is going to be the quarterback for the Dolphins this week, but they will play the Vikings tough. Kirk better bring his A game. Vikings 24, Dolphins 20.

New York J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS (+7.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers Last week reminded me of the Niner implosion, and that's concerning that these issues keep coming up. I think Aaron's thumb will be fine, but he needs to stop trying to go for the downs like he did in the second half and trust the game plan. As for LaFleur, while I think he's still doing a great job, his refusal to stick with the running game in the second half was baffling and was rightly called out. The problem that the Packers have is that they need to recognize that Aaron Jones and Quadfather are more than capable of carrying this offense, and we need to commit to this. The Jets are looking better, and Robert Saleh has been a tough matchup for us. I think that the Packers can win, but there are major issues that this team has to get fixed. What is it with this team and getting involved in turmoil? Packers 42, Jets 0.

I love the Packers, but they are overrated. They will have a fight on their hands. I think they win, but it won't be easy. Packers 24, Jets 20.

Uh, old dude?

Yes?

Did you pick every game with the same score?

Seemed right to me.

You're a strange old man. You know that?

I learned from the best:

Did not know you worked for Dudley Moore! Maybe there's hope for you yet. Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out!

Benster and D Pick Your Games----Who Replaces Chryst Edition?

Well, I was planning to share my thoughts about the disaster last week at Camp Randall, but Wisconsin actually fired Paul Chryst. I get why the wider college football community is surprised, but the issues were there if you looked beyond the surface. While I still maintain that Chryst will be fondly remembered for his success with the Badgers, this was a change that probably needed to be made for the sake of the program.

Surprisingly reasonable take! I agree, the rot had set in.

This edition of our favorite football feature is going early on because D is going to be on assignment this weekend. I hope that he has fun.

I'll take pictures and stuff like that. 

I am feeling the HYYYYYYYPPPEEEE! and ready to pick some games. And at the end, I will share a list of people who I think the Badgers should take a look at besides Jim Leonhard, who will have an extended job interview. Watch me work.

Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-10) vs. Northwestern Wildcats So last week went horribly wrong in so many ways. Quite honestly, the coaching situation will get more coverage than what happens on the field. The good news is that the Badgers have had some time to get used to the new reality and have nothing to lose the rest of the year. The bad news is that this game is at Ryan Field. The Badgers not only normally struggle against the Purple Nerds, but Ryan Field is a stadium where the Badgers stumble at for reasons unknown to man. Leonhard will be approaching this as a job interview, and while this won't be easy, this is a game that the Badgers can win. Badgers 24, Purple Nerds 13.

History proves the Badgers struggle at Ryan Field even when they have a good team. The 2022 Badgers are, based on available evidence, not a good team. However, the Wildcats are channeling the late 70s era when Northwestern was dismal every year. That won't continue forever, but it will continue this week. Badgers get a bounce from having a new coach, so... Badgers 27, Wildcats 14.

Knox College Prairie Fire, Baby! (NL) vs. Beloit College Bucs So this is Beloit's homecoming weekend, and Strong Stadium will packed with alums like the Old Dude hoping that the Bucs can get it going. Both teams are 0-3 in conference play, but Knox has been at the very least semi competitive. Beloit is trying to get better, but it's going to take some time. I'll be honest, I'm a Knox alum, and won't pick against the Fire. We might be a soccer school, but we should win this one. Knox 28, Beloit 14.

You're right, your Knox squad should win. Beloit hasn't won a game in a few years. They are showing signs of improvement, but getting beat soundly instead of destroyed may not be sufficient progress to beat a middling opponent. Just because of loyalty, I say... Beloit 24, Knox 21.

Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck (+7.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings The Vikings did end up winning, and despite what the folks in New Orleans will tell you it wasn't because of the zebras. It is Kirktober, which is good news for both the Vikings and my fantasy team. Da Bearz are a mess. Justin Fields was supposed to be the savior who would return the Bears to 1985. To nobody's surprise, that hasn't happened. Fields looks bad, and Gino is already looking for another savior quarterback in next year's draft. The Vikings should roll this one to keep pace in the NFC North. But a word of warning, the Vikings have had two straight narrow escapes, and that is living dangerously. This game is like a trapdoor in a Scooby Doo episode if they are not careful. Da Bearz Still Suck 31, Vikings 28.

Here's a look at the Vikings studying the Bears playbook:

Kevin O'Connell should really consider an ascot

The Bears aren't completely terrible; they have won twice this season. But what is happening to Justin Fields is franchise malpractice. They are giving him no support and it's evident that no one in the organization has any trust in him. Perhaps that is justified; I'm not in the coaching meetings. But the Bears are never going to move forward until they figure out offensive football, as opposed to being offensive generally. Vikings should cruise. Vikings 27, Bears 10.

New York Football Giants (+8) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers, in London For the first time since 1994 against the Falcons, the Packers will be playing a true home game away from Lambeau Field in the regular season. To all the European Packers fans, you have one very important job. Give us as much home field advantage as possible. The Giants have gotten better, but are banged up in the passing game. Considering the defense struggled against the Patriots on the ground last week, Saquon could be a problem. The Packers didn't play well last week, and Aaron in particular needs to step it up after two subpar games. I think the Packers are due for a comfortable win, and should get it. Packers 42, Giants 24.

As readers of this feature may know, I am a supporter of Tottenham Hotspur, the club whose home stadium will host this game. It's going to be odd to see the Packers in this venue, but it's a newish stadium designed specifically for football, so it should be comfortable. The Giants are somehow 3-1, but no one takes them seriously. I suggest the Packers do, because while they are 3-1 they haven't shown they are a top echelon team at any point this season. Packers 31, Giants 20.

And now, time for my list of who I want to see the Badgers hire. And Jim Leonhard is excluded because he will get every chance to get the interim tag removed down the road. This list is in no particular order.

Lance Leipold: Hot name, has done a great job at Kansas. Has Wisconsin roots thanks to his time at Whitewater.

Chris Petersen: Proven winner with Boise State and Washington, and would bring connections to the West Coast that would help once the LA schools join the conference.

Chris Klieman: Great job at NDSU, and has done a great job at K State replacing a popular coach in Bill Synder.

Dan Mullen: Quarterback guru who has developed Tebow, Kyle Trask, and Dak among others. Won at both Florida and Mississippi State. Would bring connections in the South and a new philosophy on offense.

Luke Fickell: Broke the glass ceiling with the Bearcats, and knows the conference thanks to his time with the Buckeyes. 

Dave Aranda: Was a great defensive coordinator in Madison, and would bring ties in the state of Texas for recruiting.

Matt Rhule: Had success rebuilding Temple and Baylor, and is likely on the hot seat with the Panthers. Better coach in college as well.

Eric Bieniemy: Bold hire who would bring an NFL style offense to Madison. Everyone talks about him as a hot candidate, why not see what he can do in college? Plus, he could sell his NFL experience to elite high school quarterback recruits.

Jake Dickert: We saw what he is doing in Pullman first hand. Wisconsin native and could be our version of Fleck.

Bronco Mendenhall: Used to dealing with recruiting on strict standards based on his time at UVA and BYU. 

Todd Monken: Besides being a Knox alum, he has done a great job with the Georgia offense and I'm surprised his name hasn't come up more.

Shawn Clark: Doing a great job at App State and would be a dark horse candidate to watch.

That's my list. 

My only suggestion is to avoid these guys:

We disagree with your picks, Benster

Good advice, old dude! Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.