Benster and D Pick Your Games-----Wait, You Can Win Comfortably In Evanston Edition

 So the Badgers actually can win comfortably at Ryan Field? Wonders never cease. 

Well, Northwestern is terrible, so....

Meanwhile, the Packers need to actually figure their crap out and have some things to answer for.

I didn't see a moment of the game last week. I'm happy with that, actually.

I am feeling the HYYYYYPPEEEEE that Jim Leonhard might actually be the answer.

First week was good. This week is a better test. We'll see.

It's time to pick some games. Watch me work.

Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat (-7) vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Well, the Gophers got some good news over the bye week as Mohammed Ibrahim will be coming back after getting hurt a couple weeks ago. PJ knows that the waters are getting choppy for his boat as Illinois is probably the favorite to win after pulling out an ugly victory last week over Iowa, and next week the Gophers will have to survive the Whiteout in Beaver Stadium. Memorial Stadium will be rocking once again, and the Gophers will have to play a lot better than their stinker of a game against Purdue two weeks ago. This game could go either way, but the warning for both of these teams is that objects in your rearview mirror are closer than they appear. Gophers 24, Cheating Illini 17.

Give Illinois credit -- they have an excellent defense, including a couple of linemen who may be able to play on Sundays. But they aren't a great team overall. I think the Gophers are better, but it will be a test down in Chambana. If the Gophers are able to block, they win. If not... Illini 24, Gophers 20.

Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-7.5) vs. Michigan State Sparty The Spartans I don't know if Northwestern is flat out terrible or the Badgers just played a lot better, but last week was very positive. There was a ton of energy for the Badgers, the offensive line was able to block a lot better, the play calling was more creative and timely, and Graham Mertz had his best game since he became the starter. Sparty is going to be a much more difficult matchup, and they are smarting from getting their clocked cleaned by the Buckeyes. Mel Tucker might be the most overpaid coach in the history of the Big Ten in regards to his contract. The guy had one good year, and got handed a huge contract that is at national title winning coach money. If that doesn't tell you about how stupid some of the money is, I have oceanfront property in Wyoming to sell you. Sparty this year is down, but they are a better team than Northwestern, and this game will be a tough one to dig out in a hostile Spartan Stadium. But if Jim Leonhard and company can keep it up, delusional homers like myself will believe that a miracle can happen. Badgers 35, Sparty 21.

I don't know what to say about the Badgers. I think they are better than they have shown, but they aren't great. I think they win this week, because Michigan State does not look particularly impressive, but it's not going to be easy. Badgers 24, Spartans 20.

Tottenham Hotspur (NL) vs. Everton Football Club How about a little Premier League action? Since I am an Everton supporter and the Old Dude supports Spurs, it makes sense to pick this game. Tottenham managed to avoid a disaster in the Champions League with a 3-2 win against Frankfurt and put themselves in a good position to top their group. We lost against Manchester United last week, but with no midweek action should have all of our guys ready to go. Look, a win is going to be difficult at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Frank Lampard has really figured out what Everton's best team is. All I ask is that Richy doesn't score against us. But knowing that Everton finds new and exciting ways to let me down, that is a distinct possibility. See losing 4-0 to Minnesota United with me in attendance this summer. But the good news is that Spurs also can bottle it at times. Everton 3, Tottenham 1.

Uh, no. Spurs are the far superior side. And they will demonstrate it. Spurs 3, Everton 0.

Minnesota Vikings (-3.5) vs. Miami Tuna Net Victims The Vikings will catch a bit of a break with it only being 84 degrees and rain in the forecast, and I'm sure that they have prepared to play a warm game in Florida at midday in the Eastern Time Zone. The thing that most Vikings fans won't admit is that they have dodged major bullets the last few weeks in games that they should have won comfortably. The Dolphins may not have their two top quarterbacks going, but Mike McDaniel has been a Coach of the Year frontrunner for my money. I think the Vikings can win, but the Vikings can't keep living this dangerously for long in this league. Vikings 31, Sorry Charlie 10.

Not sure who is going to be the quarterback for the Dolphins this week, but they will play the Vikings tough. Kirk better bring his A game. Vikings 24, Dolphins 20.

New York J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS (+7.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers Last week reminded me of the Niner implosion, and that's concerning that these issues keep coming up. I think Aaron's thumb will be fine, but he needs to stop trying to go for the downs like he did in the second half and trust the game plan. As for LaFleur, while I think he's still doing a great job, his refusal to stick with the running game in the second half was baffling and was rightly called out. The problem that the Packers have is that they need to recognize that Aaron Jones and Quadfather are more than capable of carrying this offense, and we need to commit to this. The Jets are looking better, and Robert Saleh has been a tough matchup for us. I think that the Packers can win, but there are major issues that this team has to get fixed. What is it with this team and getting involved in turmoil? Packers 42, Jets 0.

I love the Packers, but they are overrated. They will have a fight on their hands. I think they win, but it won't be easy. Packers 24, Jets 20.

Uh, old dude?

Yes?

Did you pick every game with the same score?

Seemed right to me.

You're a strange old man. You know that?

I learned from the best:

Did not know you worked for Dudley Moore! Maybe there's hope for you yet. Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out!

Benster and D Pick Your Games -- Trash Big Ten Edition

Old dude, there is a disturbing lack of Big Ten quality games this week. What gives?

Instead of scheduling the Citadel and Furman like the SEC does, the B1G has byes. And this week could go bye-bye for sure.

I blame the schedule makers, they want us to watch other leagues.

I blame Furman.

You should blame someone else.

Like this guy?

Fetch!

Old dude, that's Ruff Ruffman -- he was on some PBS kids thing when Maria was little.

Oops. I thought it was Paul Finebaum.

It's obvious you weren't paying attention.

It should be equally obvious why I wasn't paying attention.

Good point. Either way, so many crappy games makes it hard to feel the HYYYYYYPPPPPEEE!, but a man has to do what a man has to do. Watch me work.

Georgia Bulldogs (-6) vs. Florida Gators, in Jacksonville The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party is a game that we normally wouldn't pick, but the dearth of games makes it slightly appealing. Both teams come in with a loss both overall and in league play, so this game will impact not only the SEC picture, but the national picture as well. Georgia has the worst loss, to South Carolina at home. Say what you will about the Badgers losing at Memorial Stadium, that was a road game. I haven't seen much of the Gators, but me thinks that Georgia should win. Georgia 35, Florida 24.

If you're gonna talk cocktails, you really ought to bring some. I don't know. I guess Georgia is better. Georgia 31, Florida 19.

Everton FC (NL) vs. Tottenham Hotspur Because the slate of football games sucks this weekend, we have to pick the Premier League match that involves my beloved Everton against the old dude's beloved Spurs. Everton won our League Cup tie against Watford at home on Tuesday, taking the pressure off Marco Silva. Spurs haven't looked great either, and lost last weekend to Liverpool at that evil place named Anfield. Both teams have been kinda crap lately, and this has all the looks of a draw that will help nobody, and both sets of supporters can have a moan. Everton 3, Tottenham 1.

Crap is the operative word. But when you're dealing with crap, choose the one with the better pedigree. Spurs 2, Everton 0.

Minnesota Vikings (NL) vs. Kansas City Chiefs The reason there is no line is because we are not sure about Patrick Mahomes and his injury status. The Chiefs hung in there against the Packers, but could not finish the job last week. The Vikings are coming in red hot, and are aiming to keep the pressure on the Packers. This game will not be easy, but the Vikings can win this one. Honestly, it could go either way. Vikings 28, Chiefs 24.

Why yes. Yes it could. Kirk "Kirktober" Cousins is overdue to cough up a hairball. Chiefs 28, Vikings 20.

Glorious Green Bay Packers (-3.5) vs. Los Angeles Chargers The Chargers have no fan base in LA, which means there will be many Packers fans attending this game. It's awesome that Dean Spanos has to see his team play road games at home because he couldn't realize that screwing over loyal fans in San Diego to make a quick buck was not a good move. This game is probably going to be a shootout between Rodgers and Phillip Rivers, because that is the script of other games in the past when these two greats lock horns. This game could be difficult, but I expect the Packers can gut it out. Packers 56, Go Back to San Diego 41.

Bet the over, you say? Won't be that high scoring, but I agree on the victor. Packers 34, Chargers 20.

Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck (+4) vs. Philadelphia Eagles. I would have picked this game earlier, but Matt Nagy didn't trust me to and had me take a knee before sending me out to try a field goal. This is a rematch of the infamous Double Doink game, where Bears fans blamed Cody Parkey instead of acknowledging that the Bears lucked out last year and played a Charmin UltraSoft schedule. In fact, we have video evidence of the Double Doink:

The Eagles are in no great shape because they let Nick Foles walk, which was a stupid decision. He was the better quarterback than Wentz, and did nothing to lose his job. That mistake will haunt them forever. I expect the Bears will lose on a missed field goal again, because the football gods love seeing that happen again. Eagles 16, Da Bearz Still Suck and Blew a 20 point lead to the Packers 15.

I have a hunch the Bears bounce back. No reason other than why the hell not. Bears 24, Eagles 21.

Never forget that the Bears blew a 20 point lead to the Packers after they knocked Aaron Rodgers out of the game. Ben out!

Spurs 1, AC Milan 0

We went to the People's Stadium last night for a friendly between the English club I somewhat follow, Tottenham Hotspur, vs. AC Milan, once the province of Silvio Berlusconi. It was actually pretty easy getting through security and our seats, while not fantastic, were decent enough, in the corner but only two rows up in middle section.

Game on

Soccer is well down the list of my favorite sports, but it was an enjoyable evening and these are two of the most successful clubs in the world. Even though it was an exhibition and really nothing was on the line, the play was fun to watch. It's also significantly easier to get into the People's Stadium to see futbol rather than football. Benster hopes his beloved Everton comes to the United States next year; if they do, it might be worth a road trip.

Benster and D Pick Your Games--Bye Week Edition

Old dude, both the Badgers and the Gophers are on byes this week, meaning that we have to find some other games to focus our attention on.

I sense a Prairie Fire sighting is imminent.

Is it that predictable?

We've been doing this for a long time, so I know your approach. But at least you're not phoning it in, like a certain Cowboys running back who shall remain nameless.

I agree, and I am going to put more effort in this post than Zeke did last weekend on that pick. That was not a good look for him, and maybe he needs to get a dose of HYYYYYYYYYPPPPPPEEE!

I thought he was going to remain nameless. Oh well, he deserved that shot.

Yes. Yes he did. I guess it is time to get down to bidness, and it is time for the world to watch me work!

Ripon College Red Hawks (NL) vs. Knox College Prairie Fire. Ripon is 0-2 this year, and are going to be paying a visit to my guys here at Knox. Knox did win against Beloit, which is a good win even if some other family members would disagree with me. I am a homer, and Knox has looked better, and the football team has good guys that are hard workers, so I think we should win a very tough, low scoring football game. Prairie Fire 19, Red Hawks 9.

Assuming the weather doesn't change, it's likely to be about 100 degrees in that Knosher Bowl. If you haven't seen Knox's football stadium, it's essentially a pit, and I don't mean that as an insult. See for yourself:

Down there

Ripon doesn't come calling very often, so they might not find it to their liking. Knox 24, Ripon 21.

Penn State Nittany Lions (-12) vs. Iowa Hawkeyes. This line is awfully high, and quite frankly is based on a couple of misunderstandings. The first is that Iowa is a team that always going to be well coached and will make you earn every single yard. The second misunderstanding is that Iowa City is a very difficult away trip, which you can ask Michigan about after their shocking upset a year ago. Penn State is the defending conference champion, and considering that they got screwed over by the powers that be, despite being a name program, after winning a surprise conference title, the Nittany Lions know that they need to win every game in order to get the benefit of the doubt that a school in Ohio gets. However, Iowa is going to throw a monkey wrench into James Franklin's charges, and will hopefully showcase the depth of the league. Hawkeyes 22, We Are 8.

Iowa is always a tough out, but Penn State is good. Real good. Penn State 35, Iowa 21.

English Premier League: West Ham United (NL) vs. Tottenham Hotspur. Because of the bye weeks for the Gophers and Badgers, and because high school football is going on as I write this, we have to turn to soccer once again. Tottenham have had a mixed start to their season, with a good win against Dortmund in the Champions League, but have been dropping points, most notably to Swansea City last weekend at Wembley. West Ham are a team that is midtable, and are most well known in the United States for being mentioned in Harry Potter and for playing their home matches in the Olympic Stadium. I expect Spurs to win, since they should beat West Ham. Spurs 2, West Ham 0.

Actually, that sounds about right. Spurs need to win this game and I think they will. Spurs 3, West Ham 1.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NL) vs. Minnesota Vikings. This game has no line because it was unknown if Sam Bradford would be able to go, but we now know that Bradford will be out again. I have heard online that some Vikings fans want to sign Mr. Kaepernick, but that is for the front office to determine. The Vikings did not look good last week, but I think that was more playing a good Steelers team away from home in a tricky game. Tampa Bay is a team that I regard as capable of being a factor later on, but this is a home game and you would expect the Vikings to win. However, if the Vikings lose this game there will be a lot more questions asked about whether the front office and coaching staff are the right people to have in place. Vikings 35, Bucs 13.

I expect the Vikings to play better this week, but Case Keenum is not the guy you want to go to war with. The Vikings will try to take Mike Evans away. They may not be able to do so. Tampa Bay 24, Minnesota 17.

Cincinnati Bungles (+9) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers. It looks like the Packers are going to be short handed because of all the injuries, which is concerning to me. However, Green Bay did show flashes and hung in there down in Atlanta next week. This game is a bit of a trap game, because the Packers have a short week going into the Bears game, and the Bengals are no slouches -- they have beaten the Packers a couple of times in the past. I think the Packers should win this game since it is at home, and should have better pass protection with Bryan Bulaga back on the field. Watch for Kevin King to make a play or two covering A.J Green sometime during the game. Packers 28. Bengals 9.

The Bengals are a mess right now. The Packers have a lot of work to do, but even short handed they shouldn't have too much difficulty with this one. Davante Adams picks up the slack and scores at least one touchdown, maybe two. Packers 35, Bengals 13.

Pittsburgh Steelers (-7.5) vs. Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz. The Bears are quite frankly a bit of a dumpster fire. I am sure that Gino probably wants to see John Fox gone. There is no way they beat the Steelers, even though this game is in Chicago and the Bears are going to be game. You almost wonder if Papa Bear Halas is shaking his head in heaven, and you have to feel bad that a historic team of this league has been such a nonfactor since 2010. Maybe they should bring back Lovie and Jay to save them, or kick it back a notch further to 2006 and bring out the glory of Sexy Rexy. Steelers 175. Da Bearz Still Suck -15.

The Bears simply don't have enough talent to win right now. I'm not entirely sure how it happened, but they have just a dismal set of receivers. Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen have talent, but the Steelers will have 8-9 guys in the box and Mike Glennon won't be able to make them pay. Steelers 35, Bears 14.


That is all from us today. Enjoy the football this weekend, and donate to help all those in need because of natural disasters. Ben out!

Benster and D Pick Your Games -- Contiential Divide Edition

Before I begin, I wanted to issue a correction on last week's post. When I was doing my research for writing last week's edition, I made the mistake of saying that Knox was playing Lake Forest, when Knox is playing Lake Forest this week. It was a total error on my part, and I should have double checked the date. Thankfully, this is a new week.

The good news is we made the pick last week, so we don't have to address the game this week. That's called working ahead.

Good point, Geritol Fan! Yeah, we all make mistakes. It was just a case of a bit too much HYYYYYYYPPPEEE, and my brain going on autopilot.

It just means you're getting older. You have more things to think about now and keeping 'em all sorted is a task in itself. But your adoring audience wants football picks, not fatherly advice, right?

For a guy born in the McKinley administration, you know a few things! Lots of interesting games this week, including a crucial Big Ten game that some people are ignoring the significance of. Watch me work!

Minnesota Golden Gophers (-9) vs. Illinois Fighting Illini. Illinois has not been a factor this year, but is a team I expect will be a factor soon. Lovie Smith is a great man, and still is remembered fondly among Bears fans for having a good amount of success in his tenure. My only concern about Lovie is that he has never been a college head coach, and he really hasn't demonstrated recruiting expertise yet. The Gophers needed a late field goal to beat Rutgers at home last week, and one of my Gopher sources was really not happy about that. I figure that Illinois is going to get better, especially if Lovie can recruit Chicago well. Maybe this game is one he can use as evidence. Illinois 25, Minnesota 18.

I heard a lot of grumbling about the Gophers around town this week. I think Tracy Claes had better win this game, and a few more, or else the new AD will need to clean house and start over. We've heard that before in Minneapolis. Gophers 24, Illini 20.

Nebraska Cornhuskers (+9) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers. This game is, bar none, a huge Big Ten game, and the playoff committee would do well to understand why. I feel that the line Nebraska is getting is a little unfair, since they are undefeated and control their own destiny to Indy and a top 4 finish. Nebraska has only beaten the Badgers once since coming into the conference, and all the games they have played in Camp Randall were nightmare games for the passionate Husker faithful. The Badgers have hung on and are coming out of the hellish part of the nation's most demanding schedule, and will have star linebacker Vince Biegel back and playing more snaps. I still think that this game is a bridge too far for Nebraska, but I would not be surprised if this game is close and comes down to the wire. Wisconsin 24, Nebraska 21, in overtime.

This game won't be a blowout, because this edition of the Badgers is not capable of hanging 50 on a quality opponent. The calling card here is defense, and the Badgers are outstanding. It all comes down to Tommy Armstrong, the Nebraska quarterback. Can he make enough plays to win? I don't think so. Badgers 31, Cornhuskers 17.

UEFA Champions League: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Bayer Leverkusen, at Wembley. How about talking a bit of soccer, and focusing on Decrepit's beloved Tottenham? This is a critical game for Spurs in their group, since they are third, and need a win in order to make their chances of progressing in 1st or 2nd place as likely as possible. I figure that Spurs will play a full strength side against a solid German side in Leverkusen. This should be a close match, but I like Tottenham, since they are used to playing midweek at Wembley now. Tottenham 2, Bayer Leverkusen 1.

Spurs are still unbeaten in the Premier League and defense has been their strength. They have a world-class goalkeeper in Hugo Lloris. Watch for Lloris to come up huge this time. Spurs 1, Bayer Leverkusen 0.

Minnesota Vikings (-4) vs. Bear Down Chicago da Bearz. If you are a Bears fan, I really hope you are a Cubs fan as well, since the Bears have told their fans for many years to get used to disappointment, and that life as a Bears fan is pain, and if you are told something else, they are just selling you something. The Vikings had their first stumble in Philly last weekend, but this should be no issue since the Bears are a pathetic team. Vikings 278, da Bearz 27.

I'm not convinced the Vikings will score 278 points all season, so this prediction seems a bit much. Jay Cutler returns for da Bearz, and following a vigorous rehab regimen he is ready for action:

Tanned, rested and ready

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer called his team soft after the game in Philly. I don't think they'll be soft against the Bears. Vikings 27, Bears 14.

Glorious Green Bay Packers (+3) vs. Hotlanta Falcons. The Packers figured some things out last week, though the jury is still out on them since they did beat the Bears. The additional break was good, since Knile Davis has had the time to learn the offense, and Ty Montgomery can properly prepare as a running back. Atlanta is a good outfit as you would expect, and the Packers are still not getting some of their better corners back, so Julio Jones is a good fantasy start this week. This game should be a shootout, but the Packers offense looked better last week, and Aaron loves playing on a faster surface in a dome. Packers 45, Falcons 31.

This game concerns me. The Packers have been uneven as hell so far. I think Montgomery is a key player in this game, but stopping the Falcons running game may be even more of a challenge than Julio. Bet the over. Packers 38, Falcons 35.

Thanks again for reading, and enjoy your football weekend. Ben out!

Benster and D Pick Your Games -- Into October Edition

Old dude, the moth of October is really the greatest month if you are a sports fan. All four major pro leagues are in play, and in college football there are a lot of good conference games that are really interesting.

That's true, Seabiscuit. And the Ryder Cup is going on this weekend here in Minnesota.

I know! I wish I could be there, but my collegiate obligations keep me here in exciting Galesburg. Believe me, if I were there, I'd have no trouble mustering the HYYYYYYYYYPPPPPPE!

They seem to have the HYYYYYYYPPPPPPPE! under control, actually. The crowds have been raunchy and raucous.

You're from Manhattan, they're from Seacaucus? Very old school, old dude! Channeling the Beastie Boys again?

Yeah. I find it interesting, kinda like this month.

Well, I guess it would be interesting to you, but I might have thought that there were months that were far less interesting. Can you get multiple Early Bird Specials in October?

Guess I'll find out.

It is time to pick some games, so watch me work:

Minnesota Golden Gophers (+3) vs. Penn State Nittany Lions. This is one of the 100 or so trophy games in the Big Ten, though I do not think that the teams really hate each other. The Gophers have looked pretty decent in the early part of the season, while Penn State did lose at Pitt and got embarrassed by Michigan last week in Ann Arbor. I do think that the Gophers are going to be a factor in the Big Ten West, since Iowa looks to have taken a step back. Still, I do think winning in Happy Valley is a step a bit too far. Penn State 27, Gophers 14.

I tend to agree with you on this one. Penn State has to have this one. The Gophers want this one. Many things are decided with those levels of motivation. Penn State 24, Gophers 20.

Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (+10.5) vs. Michigan Wolverines. Meanwhile, the Badgers took care of things quite well in East Lansing, and are ranked in the top 10 in the polls. However, with no Vince Biegel for the next few weeks, things are going to be a lot more difficult. Michigan is a very good team, and are certainly well coached by Jim, the more annoying Harbaugh brother. However,, Harbaugh has not won a big game in this conference yet, and Wisconsin can say that they beat two top 10 teams away from Camp Randall. We are about to find out if these teams are for real. I do think that it is great that the Badgers are playing Michigan again after a few years. Paul Chryst will have his team ready to play, and I think that the Badgers have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Badgers 21, Fail to the Victors 11.

This is a tough assignment, especially given all the injuries the Badgers have faced. They are also missing their kicker, who is out for the season. That's going to matter, maybe as soon as this week. Michigan 21, Wisconsin 20.

Tottenham Hotspur (NL) vs. Manchester City. Since Knox is on bye this week, and there were no national college games that really stood out, let's talk some more Premier League. Tottenham currently sit 2nd in the table, behind Manchester City, who have yet to drop points in the league under Pep Guardiola, who is arguably the most successful manager in the world. Spurs will not have Harry Kane, but I do expect that this game is going to be high scoring. However, Tottenham is coming back from a long trip to Moscow in the Champions League, while City only went to Glasgow to play Celtic. Tottenham 1-3 Manchester City.

If my Spurs are going to be a factor this season, they need to win this match, or at least get a draw. I think they will win. New Spurs hero Heung Min Son scores again and the goaltending remains stout. Spurs 1, City 0.

New York Football Giants (+5) vs. Minnesota Vikings. Nobody expected the Vikings to have as good a start as they have had without Teddy Bridgewater and AP, but the defense of the Vikings is looking really good. The Giants come into town looking like they finally figured some things out after last year. I do expect this game to be close, but the Vikings should have no issues winning at their new palace, which I would rename A "Better" Minnesota Dome. Vikings 25, Giants 3.

Peyton Eli Manning really stinks against the Vikings. No reason to believe that changes this week. Vikings 24, Giants 10.

Detroit LOLions (-2.5) vs. Bear Down Chicago da Bearz. The Bears are, quite frankly, a joke right now. I know that they are banged up, but their record at home recently has been unacceptable, and you have to wonder if the McCaskey family needs to make more changes at Halas Hall. John Fox really has not gotten in the right mix of players, and I since he is sitting on a molten lava chair. I am begging Gino to buy the Bears. At least he shows passion and enthusiasm, unlike the front office. If the Bears can't beat the freaking Lions, a team that should really be playing against the Providence Steam Roller, or maybe the Canton Bulldogs or some other ancient team, then we know that the only thing pretty about Soldier Field right now is the parking garage. Lions 45, Just Fire the Whole Freaking Team 0.

Gino's a formidable presence in fantasy football, so why not? As for the game, this is one the Bears can, and should, win. I think it's a shootout and, what the heck? Bears 35, Lions 31.

That is all for us, and if you are a fan of the Bears, I am so sorry you have to watch that team. Oh wait, I am a Packers fan. I really don't give a darn. Ben out!

Benster and D Pick Your Games -- Opening the Bank Edition

So, this is the biggest Vikings home game in years, as we will finally see how the new stadium for the Vikings looks for a real NFL game.

It's a nice enough joint -- we've been there before ourselves:

This time, all the seats will be filled

Well, for what, a billion dollars? It had better be nice!

True.

We'll see if it lives up to the HYYYYYYYPPPPPPPPPE! Meanwhile, we have other work to do, Geritol Fan, so let's get to it! Watch me work!

Georgia State Panthers (+35) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers. Despite having people in the national media question how difficult the schedule the Badgers have, they are undefeated and are one of the 10 best teams in all the land. Wisconsin should have no issues with this game, but this is the last easy game for a while, as Big Ten play starts next week and the gauntlet starts. Wisconsin 56, GSU 11.

Panthers is probably a better nickname than "Commuters," but anyway... this is a mismatch. Bucky should romp. Badgers 63, GSU 14.

St. Norbert Green Knights (NL, because Vegas already takes enough bets) vs. Knox College Prairie Fire. Knox is a great school, and I really enjoy it here. The problem is that football is something that Knox does not have a winning tradition in. St. Norbert is the big bad bully who wins all the freaking time, but they are not a College that Changes Lives, let me tell you that. Knox 186, St. Norbert 111.

No, but they will kick your butt in most sports. Don't feel too bad about it, though -- they pick on everyone in the league. St. Norbert 45, Knox 14.

A School In Columbus (-1.5) vs. Oklahoma Sooners. Yes, you may have noticed that the Buckeyes have a new name around here. The reason is since they refuse to call Michigan by it's proper name, and that the charter for the school puts it above the many fine higher education choices in the state of Ohio, we can call the Buckeyes what they really are. Columbus's Big Ten team last year was quite frankly an example of what happens when Urban Meyer loses a very good assistant. Tom Herman was the key to the success of the offense, and his leaving to push Houston into a major contender highlighted the value I believe a good offensive mind brings. Meyer has yet to adjust, and that is something that needs to change. Oklahoma lost to Houston earlier in the year, and considering that experience means that Oklahoma has to run the table and win the Big XII outright in order to have any shot. Once again, A School in Columbus will ride the Sweater Vest experience, where success with someone else's recruits will make the fanbase expect way too much and run a good coach out of town. Oklahoma 31, A School in Columbus 14.

I watched some of that Oklahoma vs. Houston game. I don't think Oklahoma is that good. OSU 31, Oklahoma 21.

English Premier League: Tottenham (NL) vs. Sunderland. Tottenham are a major threat in the Premier League this year, but they stumbled on Wednesday in their Champions League opener against Monaco. Thankfully, Sunderland is a huge relegation favorite who lost 3-0 to Everton on Monday. I expect that Spurs will use this match as way to begin their push on all fronts. Tottenham 5, Sunderland 1.

My beloved (well, kinda) Spurs! To dare is to do! COYS! All that! Young fella is right -- Sunderland isn't very good. Spurs are. Spurs 5, Sunderland 0.

Glorious Green Bay Packers (-2.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings came into training camp with huge expectations. The future seemed bright, the new stadium was opening, and the Vikings were going to get past the hurt that ended their year against the Seachicken bandwagoners. With Teddy Bridgewater on IR, it is going to be Shaun Hill or Sam Bradford that is going to have to fill the void. The Packers played well last week in the heat against the Jags, but there were some areas that concerned me. The Vikings are going to be jacked up to play in their new palace, but the Packers have won the last 3 times they have crossed the St. Croix. As much as Mrs. D is going to shake her head, the Packers lost their title as Kings of the North, and they want it back. Packers 24, Vikings 22.

Can Sam Bradford do it? Can the the Packers survive the ferocious pass rush? I think so. Sharif Floyd is not playing for the Vikings, nor is Xavier Rhodes, their best cover man. That means the Packers will have time to throw and an open receiver. That's trouble for the Vikings. Packers 31, Vikings 20.

Philadelphia Eagles (+3) vs. Bear Down Chicago da Bearz. So the Bears think that they are improving, and that they are going to help decide if the John Fox era is going to be better than the last era. Gino is excited about the way the Bears played against the Texans, but at the same time, the Bears are a team that gets by based on luck, and the Eagles are a sneaky team with a very accomplished quarterback in Carson Wentz, who is no secret to folks who know about what he did in the Fargodome. Eagles 49, da Bearz Still Suck 9.

I think Carson Wentz is gonna be good, but it's tough to call him accomplished when he's only played one game. I also think the Eagle defense is not very good and this game represents a good chance for the Bears to get untracked. I also have Alshon Jeffery on my fantasy team, so. . . Da Bearz 34, Eagles 24.


Meanwhile, back to work for me -- I have tough classes this year, because I go to a College That Changes Lives! Ben out!