I am so glad that the Badgers fired Longo. He is one of the worst assistant coaches I have ever seen one of my teams hire, and I hope that the Badgers can hire someone competent. The bar is very low. We will talk about that later.
Not sure why it didn't work; his credentials were good, but there seemed to be a mismatch of approach and available talent. Now we'll see what happens next. There are some attractive options out there.
Meanwhile, the Niners are coming into Lambeau banged up. Should be an interesting one.
No Purdy, no Bosa? That does change the calculus a bit.
I am feeling the HYYYYYYPPPEEEEEEE! and ready to pick some games. Watch me work.
Penn State Nittany Lions (-11.5) vs. Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat Penn State is looking pretty good to get into the playoff, especially considering that the SEC is a complete mess outside of Texas. The Gophers have been looking good, but Penn State is going to be a tough out. If PJ can get to an early lead and play his style of ball, then the Gophers have a chance. But it is going to be a hard one. Even the most delusional Gopher fans would admit that. Nittany Lions 24, Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 10.
Having seen Penn State a few times, there's no disputing their talent, but I really don't believe James Franklin is a guy who can win the big game consistently. Fortunately for him, he doesn't have to do that this week. Penn State 28, Gophers 20.
Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (+1.5) vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers You can't blame the defense for what happened last week, as they held Oregon in check. But 13 points from the offense was never going to win this game. At this point, why not start someone other than Locke? You have nothing to lose this week. Nebraska is looking better, but they also need a win to get to a bowl game. You don't want the bowl streak to come down to the Axe game. I want the Badgers to run the ball more, and frankly anyone besides Longo is an improvement to the offense by default. Oh, and if Nebraska wants to promise a win, you better deliver on it. Badgers 31, Nebraska 14.
Promises, promises. Raiola the freshman quarterback may have written a check he can't cash. Badgers have to have this one, and I think they will get it as well. Badgers 23, Nebraska 21.
Indiana Hoosiers (+10.5) vs. A School In Columbus I've been impressed with Indiana. They are a tough team, very well coached, and it's very rare that there is more optimism in Bloomington for the football team compared to the men's hoops team. Ohio State is going to be at home, but this is the toughest test they will have since the Oregon game back in October. You might remember that in 2020, Indiana got screwed over by the Big Ten office changing the rules for the conference title, thus giving rise to the Curse of the 6 Game Minimum. The football gods don't forget. I look forward to seeing that wrong be righted this weekend. Windiana 35, #NotMy2020BigTenChampions 21.
Indiana has been a great story and I have been impressed with what they can do on the field. Tough minded, veteran bunch. Ohio State is another level, though. Ohio State 34, Indiana 25.
Minnesota Vikings (-3) vs. Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck Remember when Bears fans thought that they were finally going to get the Packers? Karl Brooks ended up ripping the heart out of Solider Field. Also, the Bears are sore losers. If they want to complain about leverage, then I am sure that they will admit that Caleb flopped to get a late hit or that the Bears got away with multiple holds all day, or that Swift left early on their last drive. But any mention of that is a felony offense in Cook County. Because I was watching the Packers, I only saw like 2 minutes of the Vikings game, and they ended up winning on their own merits as well as the Titans extending drives due to too many bad 3 down penalties. The Vikings should win this game, as the Bears won't be able to use the element of surprise with their offense on them. Vikings 32, Bears Still Suck 13.
This is the type of game the Vikings would historically lose. But not this time. My guess is the Packers beat the Bears twice because they will still be fuming over last week and thus will not be mentally ready for the Purple. Will be interested to see how Caleb Williams reacts to the weird stuff that Flores will throw at him, too. Vikings 24, Bears 17.
San Francisco 49ers (+5.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers Just a note for the Packer haters that can't be refuted. Yes, the Packers have struggled in the postseason against the Niners. But the Packers have won the last two times they have played in the regular season, and both of those games were played out there. The Packers have had another close escape, and are going to get a break thanks to no Bosa or Purdy. Getting the head to head over the Niners would be good, as they are going to be desperate to get their ring before some tough questions are going to be answered this offseason. This won't be easy, but a comfortable win would be appreciated. Packers 27, Niners 10.
The 49ers will still have a lot of talent, but Brandon Allen is not going to lead a team to victory in Lambeau. Love has time without Bosa in his grill and he'll have a big game. Packers 31, 49ers 20.
And now, it is time for a list of people I would like the Badgers to hire to replace Longo. This list is in particular order.
Brian Hartline: Co Offensive Coordinator at Ohio State. With Chip Kelly having the offensive play calling duties this year, it wouldn't surprise me to see Hartline leave. Would be an elite recruiter, and has helped develop NFL talent. Would require a huge offer, but you have to make the call.
Tee Martin: QB coach for the Ravens. Has had experience in the college ranks, and has NFL ties. Helped develop Matt Barkley and Sam Darnold at USC.
Tom Herman: Just fired at FAU. Coached with Fickell at Ohio State, and has a point to prove. Seems like a better coordinator than a head coach, given how his time at Texas and FAU ended.
Andy Kotelnicki: Offensive Coordinator at Penn State. Would be a reach, but knows the conference. Has been a key part in why the Nittany Lions are so good offensively. And could tempt Penn State's backup QB to come with him.
Dan Mullen: Analyst at ESPN. While he has been out of the game for a few years, he is a proven QB whisperer. Helped develop Alex Smith, Tim Tebow, and Dak among others.
Gino Guidugli: QB coach at Notre Dame. Coached with Fickell in the past, and has had success with the Irish quarterbacks. Helped develop Ridder, and has ties to the Midwest.
Jason Eck: Head Coach at Idaho. An alum, and has done a good job at the FCS level.
Junior Adams: Co Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach at Oregon. Has a very good track record in developing wideouts like Puca, Cooper Kupp, and Rome Odunze. Could see this as a promotion as being the sole OC, and has helped develop Nix and Gabriel given that Lanning is a defensive minded coach.
Good list. If I were to guess, I'd think Herman is the likeliest choice. He's got history with Fickell and he's a very good offensive mind. Will be interested to see what happens.
That's the list. Enjoy your football this week. Ben out.
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