The line has been moving back and forth a lot. Right now the Packers are dogs, but they've been favorites earlier in the week. Vegas knows something is up.
And we have some playoff quarterfinals to discuss. I am feeling the HYYYYYPPPEEEEEEEEEEE! and ready to pick some games. Watch me work.
Penn State Nittany Lions (-10.5) vs. Boise State Broncos, in Phoenix Penn State was able to derail the Pony Express in less time than Bill Clements and the NCAA did in the 1980s. I also heard that Penn State came to Arizona in gold Trans-Am cars that they got from Eric Dickerson's dealership. I have been a believer in Boise State for years, and Ashton Jeanty was able to give the Broncos the shot at the national title that was denied to Kellen Moore and company over a decade ago. The thing is, Penn State is a team on a mission to prove that James Franklin can win big games. As much as I like Boise State and understand their history at the Fiesta Bowl in particular, Penn State should win fairly comfortably. Happy Valley Believes Again 45, Smurf Turf 14.
There's Penn State history at the Fiesta Bowl as well. They've won every time, so something's gotta give. Boise remains a nice story and their continuity is impressive, but Penn State is a different animal. I agree with you. Penn State 34, Boise State 17.
Texas Longhorns (-13.5) vs. Arizona State Sun Devils, in Atlanta I wasn't surprised that Texas would have success in the SEC. The SEC homers who said that the Longhorns didn't want the SEC smoke forgot that both A&M and Missouri had success in their first couple of years. When someone who points out the SEC myth has to defend the Longhorns, that is a problem. Arizona State has been a team that shockingly came out of the Big XII, and they have the offense to keep up with Sark. I feel that this game is going to be tighter than certain people want. Sun Devils 34, Horns Down 33.
Arizona State is a long way from Frank Kush, but I've always thought that, if they got the right coaching staff, they could return quickly to the top echelon. Things are looking good in Tempe, but Texas is also on a mission. Texas 34, Arizona State 24.
A School In Columbus (-2.5) vs. Oregon Ducks, in Pasadena I was glad to see that the Buckeyes were able to beat the Vols and cause the ESPN SEC homers to look bad after hyping up the Vols. Oregon beat Ohio State back in October out in Eugene, but the Ducks needed to exploit a clock loophole and have Will Howard lose track of time to get Dan Lanning his signature win. I think that this is a fitting Rose Bowl to start this new era, as it is a traditional Rose Bowl. This will be the best game of the quarterfinals, and feel that Oregon is going to win despite Ohio State's offensive line looking a lot better and Ryan Day realizing that he has great pass catchers. Ducks 32, Buckeyes 31.
This game should have been a semifinal, but here we are. OSU is tremendously talented and I am almost rooting for them to win just because I'm frightened for what will happen to Ryan Day if he loses. The Ducks have met every challenge so far, but a rematch with a desperate team is not the formula for success. Ohio State 38, Oregon 35.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+1.5) vs. Georgia Bulldogs, in New Orleans On the one hand, Notre Dame has struggled in bowl games despite getting numerous chances thanks to being overhyped all of the time. On the other hand, the Bulldogs are without Carson Beck. If both of these teams could lose, that would be great. Longtime readers know that I hate the SEC, and I don't like the Domers because of how much of their propaganda is shoved in my face every single year. I think that this Irish team is different, and it would be hilarious to see Marcus Freeman win a big bowl game in Brian Kelly's backyard. Rudy Was Offsides 23, Bulldogs 14.
Georgia is really good, but they have flaws. And without their starting quarterback, I think they're in trouble. Notre Dame is a long ways past their inexplicable loss to NIU and they've been a really good team the rest of the way. I am putting my oft-stated animus for the Irish aside and picking them to win. Notre Dame 31, Georgia 24.
Glorious Green Bay Packers (+1.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings The Packers had a very good win against the Saints, and are getting ready for a game that is going to be different then the first meeting in September. Obviously, the Vikings need this one at home to keep pace with the Lions. While it is true that the Vikings dominated early at Lambeau, it's important to remember that Jordan Love was just coming back from injury. Noted football predictor Brad Carlson is right to be worried about the Packers, because they have been playing an impressive brand of football. But I admit that not having a lot of healthy secondary options to defend against the Vikings passing game is a scary thought. I also would be very surprised if the Vikings come out flat. I do think that KOC is probably Coach of the Year, and have no problem admitting that. The Packers would love nothing more than to play spoiler, and you already know that I am a delusional homer. Packers 56, Vikings 14.
Uh, no. I can see a number of scenarios where the Packers win this game, but they will have to earn it. One thing - I hope the Packers take the opening kickoff, because getting ahead of the Vikings early is the key to success on Sunday. Make them chase. The Vikings offensive line has improved this season; they will need to keep the Packers out of Sam Darnold's face. If they do, they win. Vikings 27, Packers 24.
Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.
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