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:
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| 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:
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| We disagree with your picks, Benster |
Good advice, old dude! Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.
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