Seriously, I've had enough of Joe Barry. His performance on Sunday was a complete joke, and it's getting to the point that the Packers need to fire every single one of the defensive coaches. The guy has been given plenty of time, resources, and power to mold this defense. It's not working, and you need to pull the plug.
Oh, so we're back to firing again?
Yes, we are.
Well, I'm glad you're being somewhat more selective in your dismissals.
I may be an irrational, shameless homer, but I try to be reasonable about it. Meanwhile, the Vikings are up a creek right now. JJ really came back for this?
It's next man up, ya know.
That's what I'm talkin' about.
I'd ask what the heck you were doing, but it's clearly not contributing anything positive to this feature.
My work is done, then.
No, you still have to pick some games. Meanwhile, I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYPPPEEEEEEEEE! Watch me work.
Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (+10) vs. LSU Tigers, in Tampa The Badgers have had an up and down season, but the good news is that this team got into a New Years Day game somehow. By the way, the tailgating is going to be an incredible scene. It sucks that there are a ton of opt outs/portal guys in this game. I realize why, but with NIL the money excuse doesn't fly as much. That is a topic for another day, though. The Badgers are going to have to slow down LSU's offense, but the good news is that the Tigers are not a great defensive team. This should be a close one, but the Badgers hopefully can continue their bowl winning streak. Badgers 35, Bayou Bengals 23.
LSU is far more talented. They don't have their Heisman-winning quarterback, though. Not sure who the Badgers will have going, but historically the Badgers play well in bowl games. Is it enough? LSU 27, Wisconsin 20.
Alabama Crimson Tide (+1.5) vs. Michigan Sign Stealers, in Pasadena It's a shame that this wasn't a Michigan-Washington game as an end of an era game, but that's just another thing that the committee screwed up in picking this game. Alabama has gotten a lot better, but Michigan wants to take the next step and play for a national title before the NCAA goes after Harbaugh and he flees to the NFL like Pete Carroll did. With the Big Ten-SEC cold war heating up next year when they start their new look forms, look for Michigan to use their great defense and more experienced quarterback to at least have a championship game that doesn't involve the SEC. Jim Harbaugh Can't Win On A Level Playing Field 28, CFP Committee's Favorite Team 14.
Alabama is getting the hype. Not sure why, though. They haven't won that impressively this year and while the talent level remains stellar, it's not clear they have better talent than The Victors. Michigan 27, Alabama 17.
Texas Longhorns (-4) vs. Washington Huskies, in New Orleans Ah yes, the unofficial other Big Ten-SEC semifinal. Texas might be back, but they are going to go to a tougher neighborhood and a third conference to cause a ton of drama. Washington is a legit team, and I look forward to having them join the Big Ten next year. What makes me like Washington in this game is that they are tough, and won all of their games in the toughest conference in America and beat the Ducks twice. Their defense is very good, and their offense is very explosively deadly. Even though this might be a partisan Longhorn crowd in New Orleans, look for the Huskies to try and get back to the Don James mold in winning big games. Huskies 49, Texas Isn't Back, Folks 48.
Washington has quietly been awesome all year long. They have everything they need to win. And so they shall. Washington 31, Texas 23.
Glorious Green Bay Packers (+1) vs. Minnesota Vikings So in the interest of full disclosure, I ended up watching the Packers game and missed almost all of the Vikings game last week. When you give up 30 points to Panthers of all teams, you know that the defense is bad, and the Packers were bailed out by the offense and the clock running out in the nick of time. Jaire Alexnder was right to be suspended, as you can't just walk out to the coin toss and almost screw it up. Don't worry, Vikings fans. Jaren Hall will look like an elite quarterback and it wouldn't surprise me if Joe Barry's 5D chess brain will have Preston line up against JJ. But the good news is that the Packers will overcome that to win a game, because the Vikings history tells us that in big games, they don't often win. Sorry, you know it's true. Packers 24, Vikings 17.
I have no idea who wins. I would recommend betting the over, though. Vikings 35, Packers 33.
So, who replaces Joe Barry? This list is who I want to, and is in no particular order.
Jim Knowles: Defensive coordinator at Ohio State. While he has been mostly a college coach, I like how tough minded he is and how he was able to find success at Oklahoma State given that the Cowboys play in an offensive league in the Big 12.
Jim Leonhard: Analyst at Illinois. While he doesn't have any pro coaching experience, he has developed a lot of good defensive players at Wisconsin, and brings a lot of the Rex Ryan scheme with him.
Daniel Bullocks: Safeties coach for the Niners. He is someone who is considered and up and comer and has been a big part of the success that the Niners have had on defense. Would be a good hire.
Chris Hewitt: Secondary coach for the Ravens. Ravens have had a great defense this year, and Hewitt could view this as a promotion given that the Ravens are very stable in terms of coaches leaving. His defensive backs are fundamentally sound.
Sean Desai: Defensive coordinator for the Eagles. With Desai having been demoted from the defensive playcaller role, it wouldn't surprise me if he might leave the Eagles. Would be a fresh voice and someone who would have learned from his first year being a coordinator.
Mike Zimmer: Analyst at Colorado. He has a point to prove given how his time with the Vikings ended, and is a great defensive mind. Tough coach, and wants to be in the NFL in 2024. Why not come back to the NFC North?
Bringing Zimmer to Green Bay would be pretty amusing, actually. Don't see it happening. Desai might be a guy to bring in, but I'd suggest waiting until after the season ends. There may be a better option out there that's not on your list. But we'll see. Just don't bring in Uncle Rico.
Oh, I won't. That's the list. Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.
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