Welcome back, and I didn't join the Jets this offseason like half the Packers. We will talk about some people in that organization. You've been warned.
Is this thing on? It looks like it's on. We still blog?
Well, I do, old dude! Badgers looked good, though Camp Randall apparently decided to amp up the volume this year, based on watching on television last weekend.
I'm sorry, I can't hear you - my ears are still ringing.
You weren't listening anyway, were you?
You said something?
Oh, I have plenty to say, Geritol Fan! I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYYPPPEEEEE! and it is time to watch me work.
Eastern Michigan Eagles (+20.5) vs. Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat The Gophers looked very questionable at times, but escaped thanks to Nebraska finding a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Eastern Michigan is a terrible MAC team year in and year out, and the Gophers should win. What the Gophers need to do is stop playing Tressellball. Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 21, Eastern Michigan 10.
Not sure what Tresselball is, but I recognize what the Gophers are doing, which is the same thing they do every year. Apparently not as well, though. They should roll. Gophers 38, EMU 13.
Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-6) vs. Washington State Cougars Last week ended up well, but the Badgers looked a little loose in the turns for a while, even though Buffalo was well prepared and well coached. Tanner Mordecai was very loose with the football, and Longo should have gone to the running game a bit earlier in my view. But, a win is a win. The Cougars are out for blood this year, and I don't blame them for being upset with the Badgers, given that Washington State is going to be looking forward to trips to Laramie and Logan in the future. I do feel bad for Washington State and Oregon State, because they are getting hung out to dry by the other Pac schools. This won't be easy, but the Badgers should get revenge on the Cougars. Badgers 31, Cougars 17.
As former WSU coach Mike Leach (RIP)said, Butch the Cougar is clear-minded and crafty. And there's a reason most schools avoid the Palouse. The Badgers signed up for this, however, and they have to find a way to win. We saw the potential of the Badger running game when they aren't running into a 9-man box; big plays are in the offing. Defense will be the key for this one, though. I expect a shootout. Badgers 38, Washington State 34.
Minnesota Vikings (+5.5) vs. Tampa Bay Bucs So the Vikings are looking to show that 2022 was not a fluke, though there is a lot of drama under the surface. Will Kirk still be the guy next year? Will Justin Jefferson griddy his way out of town if the Vikings don't pay him? Honestly, I think that Jefferson is probably going to force his way out of town, and the Vikings have already planned for his departure if you look at who the Vikings got in the past two years. Thank God that Gisele's ex is no longer playing for the Bucs, and the Bucs are looking at going back to where they were before adding those mercenaries. The Vikings should win this game, though the Bucs will make this a challenge. Or will they? Bucs 35, Vikings Gonna Viking 21.
You do realize who is the Buc quarterback, right? It's Baker Freaking Mayfield. Vikings will win. Vikings 28, Tampa Bay 17.
Glorious Green Bay Packers (+1.5) vs. Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck We are going to talk a little later about a certain trade the Packers made, but I am glad that the Packers finally got rid of the drama. It was freaking exhausting to deal with the drama over the past couple of years. Jordan Love will get his chance, and I like the guy. He has shown me some encouraging signs, and I like what LaFleur has been cooking up this offseason. A lot of hope has been invested in Justin Fields, and quite frankly Fields hasn't shown he has been worthy of the praise. I think that the Packers are going to be playing with house money this year, and will do a lot better than the haters think. It starts in Chicago, and while this game will be close given the history between these two teams, the Packers defense and running game will allow Love to make a couple of plays to win this game. Packers 28, Bears Still Suck 21.
Have the Bears fixed their defense? When the Bears win, they play defense. I'm not convinced they have fixed their defense. How about another shootout? Packers 31, Bears 27.
And now, it's time for a Very Special Comment. I'm happy that Aaron is gone and not on the schedule this year. While I will cherish the special memories of his tenure, it was clear that he had been causing a lot of drama, tension, and discord within the organization. That was something that bothered me, and it's nice that the Packers have been avoiding drama this offseason. One thing I will give Aaron credit for is not blaming the fans, and I hope that in a few years once everything calms down, he can be welcomed back and get his jersey retired.
Now, onto the Jets. I'm not sold on them this year. While the Jets do have some nice pieces, their defense was remarkably healthy, and health in the NFL can change in a heartbeat. The other concern I have is that the Jets brought in a bunch of guys from a Packers team that missed the playoffs in 2022, and have been full of drama. For a team that was building a culture, there is a risk to bring in guys from a toxic situation, and Green Bay has been a toxic place the past few years. No disrespect to Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh, but when you bring in Aaron, it's buyer beware and if the Jets don't take the next step, those two could pay with their jobs. I'm not saying that Douglas and Saleh are bad at their jobs, as I think they are both good at their jobs. But let's be honest with ourselves here. The AFC is the stronger conference, and the AFC East is arguably the deepest division in the NFL this year. The Bills are a proven winner, the Patriots always have a chance with the Hoodie, and the Dolphins are underrated. Plus, the Chiefs and Bengals are going to have some things to say about the Jets being the kings of the AFC. If the Aaron trade blows up in their faces, then the Jets are back in the wilderness with no quarterback. The Packers were smart to make the move early, and after this year will have a ton of cap room to work with and an extra high draft pick to use in some way. In fact, the Packers are a prime Ewing Theory candidate. Remember that in 1998, everyone expected the Vols to rebuild without Peyton. Turns out the Vols were able to get it done, and without the pressure of expectations were able to win the national title that Peyton never got in addition to beating Florida.
The ol' ball coach thanks you for that comment:
Somebody remembers me!
Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.
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