Benster and D Pick Your Games -- Winsconsin Incoming? Edition

It is really hard to believe that the Brewers are hosting the first two games of the World Series tonight and tomorrow. 

And Game 1 is in the books, a 3-2 victory for the True Blue Brew Crew!

Rockin' Robin makes a Ueckeresque appearance

And while the Packers got lucky with being on the off days, many cheeseheads who ordinarily would be paying attention to the Badgers game against USC might be focused a bit on baseball. 

I will be.

Obviously. The Old Dude is happy but in a flop sweat following that first game I'm glad they won, because he's been waiting for a long time for this moment. 

I was a sophomore in college, sitting in the television lounge in Whitney Hall, mostly watching the game and partially trying to chat up a cute girl from Janesville. That didn't go anywhere and neither did the Brewers. But that's a story for another day.

So Gorman Thomas struck out, and so did you?

Well, yeah.

I suppose I'm happy about that, because it meant you got to meet Mom and the world now gets my brilliant football insights instead.

Yes, the world rejoices.

As we transition into football.....why did I hear a whistle? Personal Foul, Roughing the Blog Post. 15 yard penalty, automatic first down. Seriously? The refs from the Cowboys Packers game are here? I didn't do anything wrong. This much I know --  I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYPPPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEE! and ready to pick some games. Watch me work. 

 Iowa Hawkeyes (-7.5) vs. Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat The good news is that the Gophers have made sure that the restrooms are ready for the Iowa fans this time. Now, as a Badgers fan, I can't root for either of these teams given that both are obviously the arch rivals. The Gophers a couple of weeks ago got run over by Purdue Pete, and I know that it was really bad for the Gopher fans and there was a lot of criticism directed towards PJ and his crew. Iowa does look good this year, and the thing is that they like to play bully ball, the same as the Gophers like to do. Also, PJ hasn't beaten Iowa at home yet, which is the one criticism I can lay at him that is factual and can't be refuted. Sadly, someone has to win. Hawkeyes 31, Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 17.

Definitely the Iran/Iraq War of the Big Ten season. Peej hasn't figured Iowa out too much and unless the Gophers figure out how to run the football against the stout Hawkeye defense, the Pig goes back to Iowa City. Iowa 24, Minnesota 20.

U$C Trojans (-3) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers Last week was a frustrating game for the Badgers. The thing is that the offense did struggle, and the defense was on the field too long and couldn't get off the field against a surprisingly good UCLA team. There is no reason to do a Very Special Comment because losing on the road to a ranked team isn't worthy of that. While a lot of attention is going to be on the Brewers and Rays and rightfully so, this is going to be an interesting game. USC is making their first visit to Camp Randall as a member of the Big Ten conference, and I personally feel that the Badgers are starting to return to where they want to be. The thing is, USC is also looking ahead to a big game next weekend against the Buckeyes, and this feels like there is going to be enough Badgers fans to get a signature home win, which is something that Fickell doesn't have yet. I look for the team to bounce back, because this team seems to be tough and motivated. Badgers 23, Trojans 21.

Did you say Trap Game? Because it sure sets up as one. USC is more talented, but I could absolutely see the Badgers getting it done. Will they? USC 23, Wisconsin 19.

Indianapolis Colts (+6.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings So the last time that the Colts were here, they blew a 33 point lead. Obviously Mrs. D aka Mom and I were there to witness it and Vikings fans had a lot of fun that day at the game. I'll be honest, the Vikings still have issues. They are relying a lot on defense and special teams, and frankly Kyler is someone I doubt is a franchise quarterback. I do think the Vikings can win a lot of games, but they are not as complete a team as the KFAN types are telling you (Hi Brad!). That being said, the Vikings shouldn't lose this game. I am not sold on the Colts at all and think that they are going to blow it up. While it won't happen, maybe it is time for the Packers to bring JT back home. Not that I am biased or anything because of where he went to college. Vikings 46, Colts 0. 

Well now. I think the Vikings are an exceptional defensive team, but I wonder too about their offense. Murray needs to get better and while he has the weapons to be successful, it's possible he's just not good enough to overcome his physical, ahem, shortcomings. Cheap joke, I know, but he looks like Kevin Hart out there sometimes. Minnesota 23, Indianapolis 13.

 Glorious Green Bay Packers (+3) vs. Detroit LOLions All of a sudden, things are looking a lot better in Packerland. No, I am still not sold on LaFleur and want to see more from him. However, I love how aggressive he has been the past couple of games, and beating the Bears and the Cowboys back to back is always enjoyable given that I despise both of those teams. The LOLions are in an interesting place. They struggle defensively, and I am starting to wonder if Dan Campbell's act is wearing thin. While he is certainly not William Hull level of bad leadership in the Detroit area, he might be going down that list. For reference, William Hull was the American general who meekly surrendered Fort Detroit during the War of 1812. When you can sneak in a historical reference, you have to do it. My biggest concern is that the offensive line needs to protect Jordan a lot better and not get him injured. While I like Tyrod Taylor, I don't want to see him unless it is a blowout. Given that the Packers look a lot better, I think they can win in a game where Jared Goff once again turns into Jared Goof. Packers 35, LOLions Gonna LOLions 17.

We'll find out a lot this week. One of these teams is a fraud. I'm not sure which. But I think it's possible the Lions are running out of bullets. Green Bay 31, Detroit 27.

Best of luck to the Brewers tomorrow night and the rest of the way in the World Series. Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.