Old dude, I normally mock the NFL for playing on Thursday, but Thanksgiving is a tradition. Glad to see the Vikings host a game against New England, but the Vikings all of a sudden have issues. I was by US Bank Stadium tonight running an errand, and I think the tire marks from the truck that the Cowboys ran over the Vikings are still visible from the freeway.
It was a thoroughgoing demolition, no question of that.
Where do you find these videos, Geritol Fan?
A long life and lotsa memories.
I don't need memories like that! Don't worry, Brad. While I did take vicarious joy in seeing the Vikings getting stomped on, the Vikings will be fine. The rest of the NFC North is a complete tire fire, but we will talk about the Pack later on.
In the kingdom of the blind, the one eyed man is king.
I am feeling the HYYYYYYYPPPEEEEEE! and ready to do some picking. Watch me work.
New England Cheatriots (+2.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings So one week after the Vikings proved themselves and passed the test in Buffalo, the Vikings look mortal. You know things went horrible when CBS cut away from a Cowboys game to show a more competitive game. The biggest problem is that the Vikings are going to be shorthanded on the offensive line, and the Patriots can get pressure very easily. The Hoodie is a serial cheater who should have been banned from the NFL, but the guy can coach and he has a plan on this short week. The Vikings should win comfortably at home, and this crisis should be averted. But remember that these are the Vikings we are talking about, and I thank my lucky stars that I limit the pain of Minnesota sports that I feel to the Twins. Patriots 29, Vikings Gonna Vikings 19.
I assume two things about this game: first, Hoodie will take away Justin Jefferson; and second, Kirk Cousins better have his head on a swivel. The one thing the Vikings have going for them is that New England is offensively challenged; there's no one on that team with the offensive skills the Cowboys demonstrated the other day. I think the Vikings win a close one. Vikings 17, Patriots 13.
Have a good Thanksgiving. And if relatives start arguing over politics and other family drama, feel free to watch football. Ben out.
We welcome you back to our regularly scheduled HYYYYYYYYYYPPPEEEEE! Joe Barry should be on the unemployment line, but to discuss that disaster is for another date and time.
I'm okay with that. Rather not think about it. I try not to think about root canals, either.
As much as I mock KFAN for their Viking triumphalism, after what happened in Buffalo I have to admit that the Vikings are for real. So why are they a home dog against Dallas?
Well, it's less about their relative merit and more about getting people to bet on the game. Gotta keep Caesars buying those sweet, sweet ads.
That makes sense. I'm ready to pick some games. Watch me work.
Iowa Hawkeyes (+2.5) vs. Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat The Gophers are in contention to win the Big Ten West, but there is one problem that PJ has. He has never beaten Iowa, and despite what he is selling you, beating Iowa is something that matters to the Gophers. Iowa is better offensively lately, and their defense can keep them in games. Sorry Gophers, get ready for another failure to beat the Hawkeyes. Even if Tanner Morgan plays, I don't see them winning even though the game is up here. Iowans 30, Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 10.
No one wants to see Iowa win this game, but it is indeed the sort of game Iowa tends to win. They are opportunistic and they don't make mistakes. Our man Fleck is trying to build something similar here and he's done a lot of that, but it always seems to come a cropper when the black helmets come to town. Will it happen this time? Gophers 24, Iowa 14.
Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-10) vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Bobby Engram's playcalling last week was atrocious. I get that the Iowa defense is tough, but throwing the ball constantly was a terrible idea. Nebraska is going to hang tough, but they are easier to run on, and the Badgers are going to go into Lincoln with a point to prove. Jim Leonhard should get the job permanently, as the worst kept secret in the program comes out. It would also be a good move for the Badgers to report all the tampering to players already in the program that has been going on in recent weeks to the NCAA and the Big Ten. If both organizations don't do anything, then call them out publicly and release all of the evidence. Any school that has tampered with our players should face harsh punishments and be charged with not fostering a climate of compliance with NCAA rules regardless of how much of a cash cow they are. Badgers 35, Tom Osborne Isn't Walking Through That Door 14.
Big time college football is a dirty business, young fella, and the recruiters are now able to essentially tamper at will. It doesn't mean anything and NIL has changed everything. While it happened way before either of us were born, Michigan stole Elroy Hirsch from the Badgers. It was during the war and there were extenuating circumstances, but you can look it up. I am not convinced that Braelon Allen will want to do the same thing, but the incentives are certainly there. As for the game itself, Nebraska remains what they have been for the last decade -- muddled. Badgers have to have this one and they'll get it. Badgers 28, Nebraska 20.
Dallas How Bout Them Cowboys (-1.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings Before last week, the Vikings weren't considered a Super Bowl contender because they had played an easy schedule, played in a trash division in the NFC North, and had flunked badly in their road test against a Super Bowl contender. After last week, the Vikings should be regarded as a legitimate contender. That was the type of game that in all honesty the Vikings would have lost in the past. Don't lie, Vikings fans. I will admit that I was dead wrong about the Vikings last week and don't mind eating some crow. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are stuck picking up the pieces from their worst collapse since Matt Flynn's comeback from 26-3 at the half in 2013. You love to see it. I don't want to hear another word about the Cowboys being a Super Bowl contender. The Vikings won't have a letdown this weekend, and even though Zeke is back, I expect that the Vikings will continue to get the hopes of their fans up. Brad will probably call my advice if you like to gamble bad, but if you like to gamble, take the Vikings and get some easy money. Vikings 35, Cry Your Heart Out Skippy 24.
The Vikings hired out an expert for a pregame pep talk:
So should we respect the Vikings? Maybe. I think they've had a substantial rabbit's foot and horseshoe combo going for most of the season, but as the great Branch Rickey said, luck is the residue of design. Perhaps this year the Vikings have the right design. Put it this way -- if Matthew Stafford can win a Super Bowl, then Kirk Cousins can, at least in theory. Beating the overrated Cowboys would help. Vikings 31, Cowboys 27.
United States (NL) vs. Wales, in Al-Rayyan, Qatar This World Cup is going to be a complete disaster. The European calendar is all sorts of screwed up, it's still too hot in Qatar, and the hosts bribed the corrupt blazers at FIFA to host this event. Speaking of disaster, the United States roster is just baffling to me. Zack Steffen is probably one of our best goalkeepers, and Berhalter doesn't include him? Ricardo Pepi has been in great form for Groningen, but Berhalter includes Jordan Morris as an attacking option? I realize that the USMNT golden generation is going to be at it's peak for 2026 here, but at least call up your best players. Wales is going to be at a World Cup for the first time since the 1950s, and Gareth Bale is going to be a tough ask. But I will back the US to do well. One more thing. Monday is November 21 on the calendar. Don't screw this up for me, lads. Even though England and Iran will be interesting matches in our group, this will be important to get 3 points. United States 3, Wales 2.
I have no idea. I do know the U.S. is getting better at the Beautiful Game. And I'll agree with you, because you actually follow this stuff. USMNT 2, Wales 0.
Enjoy your football of all kinds this weekend. Ben out.
Is this week Thanksgiving? No, that's next week. But because the NFL has gotten in bed with Jeff Bezos in pursuit of greed, I guess the Packers have to play on Amazon this week.
Well, it's not the worst website. And it usually comes in okay. By the way, I noticed you were a bit salty last week. Have you calmed down a little now that the Cowboys left town?
Yeah. It turns out I should call for people to get fired every week. That was a backs against the wall performance, and all of a sudden the Packers are back in the mix. You love to see it, and the haters can pound sand. And after I pick this game, I have to roast the Cowboys. Oh, and don't worry Brad. We will discuss the Vikings in our regularly scheduled HYYYYYYPPPEEEEEE!
Let's be gentle with Brad. He might represent up to half of our fan base these days.
That's a good point. We do love you, Brad, even if you defend the twisted KFAN Empire a bit too much. But we'll get back to that soon enough. It's time to talk about Thursday Night Football. Watch me work.
Tennessee Titans (+3) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers The Packers were up against it on Sunday, but at the hour of greatest need, Christian Watson finally put the pieces together to show why the team traded up to get him, and Rudy Ford made the most of his chance to keep the game close in the first half. The short week is going to help the Packers, because the positive momentum can be put to use, and we get the mini bye to rest up for the trip to Philadelphia. The Titans have been pretty good, but they are beat up with injuries and Ryan Tannehill has taken a step back ever since he had the nightmare playoff game against the Bengals. But the Titans shouldn't be overlooked. The key is going to be if Derrick Henry can be slowed down, and the Packers can protect Aaron from a great Titan pass rush. I think they can. Packers 27, Titans 13.
You've seen Derrick Henry, right? He's not especially subtle. And he's been at it for a long time. Here's some footage of a very young Henry trying his hand at rugby:
Now, having said that, the last time the Titans came to Green Bay the Packers did a very nice job on stopping the frightening Mr. Henry. So perhaps it will go well again. The key will be keeping the Titan offense off the field. While the quick strikes to Christian Watson were thrilling to see, ground and pound is the order of the day. The Packers are capable of doing that. Will they? Packers 27, Titans 20.
And now, time for me to laugh at the Cowboys. God, it was great to be on the right end of Mike McCarthy not knowing how to coach. Calling a pass play when Tony Pollard was shredding us all afternoon just doesn't make sense. We tried to warn you, Cowboys fans. But we had an agenda and were told he had changed. Skip Bayless, it was great to see you face reality that your team was flawed. Aaron lives rent free in your head, and watching your show for the meltdown you had was great television. Every single year you hype up this team as a contender, but they fall flat. Long may it continue.
Skip is pushing 70. That means he was a kid during the Lombardi era. I continue to believe those 1960s Packers traumatized him in a way that is almost pathological.
Speaking of pathological, we turn our attention to all the other haters of the Packers like Mike Florio, who were very quiet this week. Florio always hates on us and calls us out for crap that he would never call out other teams for, and to see him eat crow gives me great joy. Florio, you are a hack who lets your fandom inform your writing on your website. Just like other Vikings fans, you let the Packers live rent free in your heads, and in a classic Vikings fan move, you enjoy watching the Packers fail more than you enjoy seeing the Vikings win. I don't know what NBC sees in you, but if you can't cover every NFL team in a fair and objective manner, then you aren't a journalist. Unlike you, I'm not a journalist. You may have published a book claiming how the NFL really works, but there is a reason why the Packers fanbase hates you. You might want to think about why.
I doubt he will take you up on that invitation, or even read this, but I'm glad you make that distinction. You are an honest shameless homer, a rare thing indeed.
It's who I am, Geritol Fan. It's what I do. Meanwhile, we will back to discuss some more games at our normal time. Ben out.
That performance last week in Detroit was a complete joke. And I have some words for some people. You have been warned. This might get spicy.
Uh-oh -- Ben is breaking it all out:
Pour on the flavor
Spicy, but certainly not salt-free.
Oh, it's been salty all season.
Meanwhile, this week has the most important rivalry in college football. It's called the Bronze Turkey Game, not something else.
I'm going to call it something else for sure.
I am feeling the HYYYYYYYPPEEEEE! and ready to pick some games. It's time to watch me work.
Northwestern Purple Nerds Voodoo (+15.5) vs. Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat It wasn't easy sailing for the Gophers in Lincoln, but the Gophers got it done against the Huskers. The big question is who is going to start at quarterback between Morgan and his backup. But it shouldn't matter too much who Row The Boat Fleck chooses. Northwestern is horrible and won't pull off any of their nerd voodoo this week. But if they did, that would be hilarious. Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 56, Purple Nerds 0.
Northwestern is not good. They dragged Ohio State into the Ryan Field tar pit a bit last weekend, but that was a fluke. And Fleck can handle flukes. Gophers 38, Northwestern 7.
Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-1.5) vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Last week went pretty well for the Badgers against Maryland despite the wind causing problems all day in Madison. Iowa has gotten back on track, but the Iowa offense still is a work in progress. Brian Ferentz only has the job because of nepotism, and long may it continue. This rivalry game is often decided in the trenches, and Iowa City is going to be a tough out as it has been in the past. The Badgers should win another physical contest. In fact, I even found a nature documentary.
You'll thank me later. Badgers 31, Hawkeyes 27.
Marlin Perkins will have none of that. Iowa, as usual, has an excellent defense, but they have an offense that is a crime against humanity. So your predicted score makes no sense. However, this one does. Badgers 14, Hawkeyes 12.
The Bronze Turkey Game: Monmouth College Scots (NL) vs. Knox College Prairie Fire This is one of the oldest rivalries in the history of the NCAA across all the divisions, and is the most important Knox game all year. Now, you can tell me that the inferior school down the road known as Monmouth has won 22 straight. You can also tell me that the Scots are trying to get a share of the conference title and potentially play in the D3 playoffs. But just remember one thing. This Knox team is at .500 and is competitive, and streaks are made to be broken. No matter what happens, I graduated from the better school. Once, when I was eating in the cafeteria at Knox, I got myself a salad. Monmouth gave me a degree in nutrition with highest honors. Knox 31, Scots are Trash 0.
Ah, it's the Turkey Shoot! And Knox is hitting the ground like sacks of wet cement! It won't be that bad, of course, but if you see any helicopters over Galesburg, you'd best find cover. Monmouth 42, Knox 17.
Minnesota Vikings (+3) vs. Buffalo Bills So the Vikings are Super Bowl contenders according to the KFAN Vikings Politburo, the Pravda of the Minnesota sports media. As much as I would normally laugh at the Vikings enablers in the media, they have a point. But now they have to go to Buffalo, a Super Bowl contender as well. We all know what happened in Philly back in September, but there is a twist this time. Josh Allen's status is up in the air, and the Vikings could be looking at Case Keenum. Yes, the same guy who was the author of the Minneapolis Miracle, where I have to remind you that that single play covered up the Vikings blowing a 17 point lead, allowing the Vikings and their fans to disrespect the Eagles and get smoked the next week. But I digress. The Vikings can quiet the doubters, but this will be difficult. Nobody Circles The Wagon Like the Buffalo Bills 24, Vikings Gonna Viking 10.
I don't know what will happen, but if the Bills win the game on a last-second Keenum to Diggs touchdown pass, I will laugh my butt off. Vikings have won all the close games this year. Not sure they can sustain that, even if they aren't looking at Josh Allen this week. Bills 24, Vikings 19.
Dallas How Bout Them Cowboys? (-4.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers So last week didn't go well, and I have words for certain people. The good news is that some of the wounded will go, and this game wasn't flexed out because of the ratings the game will get. Mike McCarthy returns to Lambeau for the first time since we fired him in 2018. Despite the ending of his tenure, McCarthy did win us a Super Bowl among other great things, and he is the best coach the Packers have had in my lifetime after Mike Holmgren. The Cowboys are good, but there is good news for the Packers. McCarthy still makes bonehead decisions at times, and has wasted talented Cowboys teams. This is the last chance saloon, and the Packers have nothing to lose. Just like in 2009, the Packers were in dire straits facing the Cowboys at Lambeau, and won that day. Skip Bayless is going to be a fun watch on Monday. Packers 38, Cowboys 24.
I so want to pick the Packers. I really do. But they have no receivers available, their offensive line is a mess and they have lost about three key contributors on defense. And Dallas comes in healthy with something to prove. And so they shall. Cowboys 31, Packers 20.
And now, it's time for a Very Special Comment. There are four indviduals who need to be on the hot seat in Green Bay. This list isn't in order, as all four men are culpable in some way.
Aaron Rodgers, you need to put down the bong and produce. You are getting paid 50 million a year, and you have gotten the organization to bend to your will. You haven't been good with the young receivers, and you had a pathetic performance against the Lions. You knew that this season was going to be about getting used to your weapons without Davante. Maybe instead of spending the summer going on every single damn podcast and playing golf with Gisele's ex, Allen, and Mahomes, you should have attended OTAs and worked to get on the same page with your weapons. You are becoming late stage Brett. You are the leader of this team, and goddammit, you need to start acting like one instead of bitching to the media. This might make me a wanted man, but it's time to strongly consider moving on from Aaron and giving someone else a shot to play quarterback. Maybe Love, or someone else.
What's not to Love?
Pay no attention to the old dude -- this is my comment. Matt LaFleur's decision making last week was some of the most baffling I have ever seen from a Packers head coach. Four trips to the red zone, and not a single point came out of any of those trips? Calling a tackle eligible pass on 4th and goal? Not telling Aaron to just pick up first downs on the last drive instead of going for the downs? Still not running the ball enough after being called out about it for weeks? That is snobbery, and this team ain't good enough. At some point, get back to basics first and master them before trying to prove how clever you are. He is falling into the same trap that Mike Sherman fell into in 2005. If the Packers miss the playoffs, he should be fired for his refusal to adjust to what he has and not maximizing the chances of success. That's his job, and what we hired him to do. Maybe it's time to take away Aaron's ability to change the plays, or have him give up calling plays. But he won't do it, and continue to bury his head in the sand as this team burns around him and he doesn't do the basic jobs as a head coach.
Joe Barry, your defense was supposed to be the strength of the team this year. I get that there have been injuries, but there is no increased pressure, and we allowed a broken Jared Goff too much time, and were soft against the run. It turns out hiring the defensive coordinator of the 0-16 Lions wasn't a smart idea. Considering LaFleur basically hands the defense to you, I expect a hell of a lot better. Have fun being the yearly organizational sacrifice of a coordinator like Pettine Prevent, Shaun Slocum, and Maurice Drayton. You may want to polish up your page on the ol' LinkedIn.
Gutey, you are falling into the same traps that Tradedown Ted had. Some of these contracts have been questionable, and every unit somehow looks worse despite you continuing to follow the draft and develop mantra that this organization talks about. Failing to get a wideout at the deadline is weak sauce. I don't care what other teams were asking for, go and get them. This team is in a win now mode, and other teams have made moves at the deadline to improve. Instead of hoarding the draft picks, you should have offered the Steelers more than what the Bears offered for Claypool, or even gone after someone similar to him. You should be fired, and it's time to go outside the Ron Wolf tree. And no, John Schneider is not leaving Seattle. Those draft picks you saved? Maybe someone else will be using them.
Mark Murphy, you know what a winning culture is when you played in DC for Joe Gibbs in the 1980s, when you were athletic director at Colgate when they won consecutive Patriot League basketball titles with Adonal Foyle and Jack Bruen, and when you oversaw Pat Fitzgerald at Northwestern. Your job is to run the organization for the shareholders, and the refusal to make necessary changes means that I expect you to hand in your resignation effective now. Not in a couple of years, but now. You hired everyone I have mentioned in some way, shape or form. Bob Harlan changed everything when he made the right hires, and made the fans believe that we would get back to what the organizational standards are. The Packers are the team who has won the most championships, and have always strived to have the best of everything in the NFL where we can win championships, and that no matter who is in the key positions, that the high standards of the organization are being met. This team isn't meeting the Packers tradition of excellence. And if you want to know why, I can send you a mirror.
It's time for all of those men I have mentioned to leave, and find people who can return this team to being in position to successfully get the 14th world title. Our number one goal every year is to bring the Lombardi trophy home. There is a cancer within the organization, and it needs to be purged now for the betterment of the team. I used to trust all 5 of those men, but no longer. I will thank them for their contributions to the Packers, but the fans and shareholders deserve better. Only a real fan would say that, even though it hurts. But truths need to be addressed.
Okay. I am not sure you can fire everyone, but I understand why you feel the way you do. I am glad you weren't around for the 1970s and the 1980s, because there was only false hope. We'll see what the rest of this year brings.
Fair enough. Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.
Well despite a pretty good second half, it turns out that the spirits who told me that the Packers won were from a different dimension all right. It's onto Detroit for the Packers.
A reminder about the nature of spirits appears to be in order. Take it away, Orson Welles!
I'm not saying you were channeling your inner Welles, young fella, but ya know...
Fortunately, I wasn't around for that. Ahhh, the French! What the heck is that, anyway?
I'd like to see an updated version with Paul Finebaum, actually.
Funny you should mention that. Finebaum and the rest of the SEC shills are already in overdrive hyping up Georgia and Tennessee this weekend. Just wait until The Game on Thanksgiving weekend for a Game of the Century.
How can we have a Game of the Century every year?
You're thinking too much, Geritol Fan! Have some Paul Masson, maybe? Otherwise, get with the program, because I am feeling the HYYYYPPPEEEEEE, and ready to pick some games. Watch me work.
Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat (-14.5) vs. Nebraska Remember The 1990s Huskers Remember when Scott Frost was going to return the glory days to Nebraska? It turns out that the delusional Huskers fans forgot that the only way the glory days were coming back to Lincoln was on VHS tapes. The Gophers were able to easily rout Rutgers last weekend, but are going to need a miracle to win the West. They should win in a hostile environment at Memorial Stadium, but this is the type of game that PJ has stumbled in before. Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 17, Tom Osborne Aint Coming Through That Door 10.
I don't know what to make of Nebraska, but they aren't that good. The Gophers aren't as good as they were advertised to be, but they should be good enough this week. Gophers 31, Nebraska 16.
Maryland Terps (+5) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers Well, the Badgers have gotten through their bye week and look like they could be going bowling. The win against Purdue was mighty impressive, and getting Allen back healthy after the bye will be a big boost. Maryland is a team that has talent, but they are the team in the conference that is most often called enigmatic, because you never know who is going to show up. Tua's brother is a good quarterback, but I think the Badgers should win comfortably before getting in some rivalry games down the stretch. Badgers 42, Terps 0.
Terps will score. Can they defend? Not sure. The interesting thing about tomorrow is the weather forecast for Madison:
Batten down those hatches, kids
I don't think an aerial circus is gonna work so well. Ground and pound, y'all. Wisconsin 31, Maryland 20.
Tennessee Volunteers (+8) vs. Georgia Bulldogs So obviously this game is going to be a huge one on a number of fronts. I believe that the winner of the SEC East will come out of this game, the SEC winner will come out of this game, the national championship picture will become clearer, and Hendon Hooker could take a big step to cementing his candidacy as the Heisman trophy favorite. Most people didn't think that the Vols were going to be this good, but they've answered every question and looked very impressive offensively against Alabama and Kentucky in particular. But the worry is that Tennessee has played all of their important games in Knoxville. This game is in Athens, and Georgia has plenty of big game experience befitting their title as defending national champions and a very decorated senior class. I think that the Georgia defense will assert themselves early and often, and the Vols will drop out of national title contention. Bulldogs 31, Vols 3.
The world has been waiting for someone named Hendon Hooker. Reminds me of one of my all-time favorite old NFL players:
Keep it Fair
I do agree -- Georgia has to be the favorite in Athens. Georgia 34, Tennessee 26.
Minnesota Vikings (-3) vs. Washington Gridlocks So the Vikings were able to win against the Cardinals as I predicted, even though Arizona was able to hang in there a lot longer than most Vikings fans would have wanted to. I don't know how much the Vikings will use their new toy TJ Hockensen, but they should be fine regardless. The Gridlocks are better than you think, and could hang in there a lot longer than Vikings fans will be admitting. I don't think they will lose, especially considering Chase Young is in street clothes. It's time to admit that the Vikings are certainly capable of a deep playoff run, which might scare some of the locals who know how that statement ends. But this team might be different. Vikings 27, Gridlocks 20.
I am not convinced -- yet. But maybe. The opportunity is there for the locals, because I don't see a dominant team in the NFC. The Eagles? Maybe. The Vikings are playing free and easy right now. That might be enough during the regular season. And it should be enough this weekend. Vikings 28, Washington 17.
Glorious Green Bay Packers (-3.5) vs. Detroit LOLions The Packers dug themselves too big a hole in the first half in Buffalo, but there were some encouraging signs. But the problem is that the front office seemingly sat on their hands at the deadline. Look, I know that it takes two teams to make a deal, and I'm not mad at the Steelers for taking what they thought was the better deal for Chase Claypool. But Gute, you have to at least get somebody. Gute needs to be fired, and honestly we need to get away from the Ted Thompson tree to bring a fresh outlook. The Packers are looking to be a bit healthier for once on the offensive line, and it looks like the running game was able to be effective. My message to the coaching staff and Aaron is to come out and run the ball a bunch early to allow Aaron to get some deep shots later on. I was also encouraged by some of the young receivers at least making some plays in the second half last week. This game could go either way, but I am more confident in the Packers this week. Packers 35, LOLions Gonna LOLion 24.
If the Packers can't win this week, it's over. They can win this week. But this is still not a good football team. Green Bay 21, Detroit 19.
So last week sucked for the Packers, and I can't defend that. But everyone is making a mistake by ignoring the Packers. I expect the disrespect from the local media and certain national voices, but at some point you have to be honest and ask if they are doing this for ratings compared to how they have been treating the Bucs, Rams, and Niners.
Well, there's a reason for it. It's the self-important quarterback with the penchant for dime store mysticism and glass house criticism. He's the kinda guy that draws that sort of attention.
We will talk about one play in particular that irked me, and that is on the coaching staff. Bottom line is that everyone on the team is accountable, and nobody is immune from criticism this week.
True as far as it goes, young fella. And it goes all the way to the Andes.
You really upped your Geritol usage this week, eh?
We definitely need to iron some things out, so to speak.
That was approaching clever, old dude!
I'm trying to keep up. And I brought drinks.
Oh, you're unusual all right. I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYPPPEEEEE! and ready to pick some games. Watch me work.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (+14) vs. Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat Some of the Gophers fans are starting to doubt PJ after the performance in Happy Valley. Now to be fair to him, Tanner Morgan probably would have helped. But it's interesting to me to see the same fans who were so confident in him echoing the same critiques that I've been saying for a year. But people claim that I have an agenda. Rutgers is still trying to build something, and I think that the Gophers should comfortably win before they have to navigate some rivalry games in November. Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 50, Scarlet Knights 0.
Rutgers is better than you think. But not very good. It will be closer than that. Gophers 28, Rutgers 17.
A School In Columbus (-15.5) vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Fortunately for the Buckeyes, this game is not the Whiteout and is the dreaded Big Noon game on Fox. But me ranting about how Fox takes perfectly good primetime and mid afternoon games to 11 am kicks is a topic for another day. I do think that Ohio State probably is the favorite to win the Big Ten considering that they will play Michigan at the Horseshoe, even if it pains me to admit it. But Ohio State was slowed down by Iowa for a good chunk of the first half and if the Hawkeyes actually had a functioning offense, then the score would have been a lot closer. Penn State has the functioning offense, and they have half a chance. Remember, Penn State isn't out of the hunt in the East by any stretch. Also remember that Ohio State hasn't played a difficult road test all year. One more thing, Buckeyes. If you don't win the Big Ten this year, I have something special in store for you. Penn State 42, Jim Harbaugh Was Right About Ryan Day 31.
Somewhere along the banks of the Oletangy, Ryan Day is cowering in fear of the Benster. Or perhaps not, but anyway... Penn State is a good team. Ohio State is a Death Star. Death Stars can be defeated, but you'd better take your shot carefully. Ohio State 38, Penn State 24.
Arizona Cardinals (+3.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings I think it's fair to say at this point that the Vikings are a legit contender at the top of the NFC. They've won all the games that they should have, and the Eagles loss looks more like a bad night at the office in light of how well the Eagles have played. The Arizona Cardinals are frauds, and it amazes me how people consider them as an elite team. Kliff Kingsbury has failed upwards at every stage of his career, Kyler Murray ain't elite, and this team relies on gimmicks to win instead of a cohesive playbook. Even the Colin Kaepernick 49ers, who I was critical of, at least got to a Super Bowl before imploding. They are the Moneyball era Oakland A's, who you might remember had the good fortune to develop 3 ace level starting pitchers, two young sluggers, and winning 20 consecutive games, yet couldn't advance out of the ALDS once in 4 years, and still Billy Beane gets hailed as a genius. Same thing with the Cardinals. The Vikings will win this game comfortably, and until the Cardinals actually do something, I don't ever want to hear another single analyst ever call the Cardinals legit. Vikings 35, Cardinals Are Just Another Desert Mirage -9000.
I don't know that I've heard anyone call the Cardinals legit, at least this season. They are okay, I guess. The Vikings are good enough to the win the NFC North, but I'm not buying them as a Super Bowl contender; they have figured out how to do enough to win, but the level of competition has not been strong thus far. They are good enough to win this game, though. Vikings 27, Cardinals 23.
Glorious Green Bay Packers (+10.5) vs. Buffalo Bills The Packers are up against it this week, no question. No Lazard, to start. Add that the Packers haven't won in Buffalo at any point in their history, and they are playing a Super Bowl contender. But the Packers aren't going to fold like the tables that Bills Mafia like to break. The Packers haven't lost a regular season game in primetime since 2019. They also have climbed out of holes similar to this in the past, and Aaron is due for one of his transcendent games. The Bills are also a team that hasn't been perfect. They had a loss to the Dolphins where they failed at clock management, and they were lucky to escape the Ravens. Look, you can call me a delusional homer. But as a wise man once said, "Don't let us win tonight". Packers 21, Nobody Circles The Wagons Like the Buffalo Bills 3.
I'd like to believe you. Really, I would. But I don't believe you. The Packers have not been good at all on offense and the defense can't get off the field. I am not seeing a very good football team at the moment. Could they turn it around? Eventually, they could. But they are running out of time and they aren't going to win on Sunday. Bills 34, Packers 20.
And now, time for me to talk about last week. So the biggest mistake the Packers made was on the 4th down call. I don't have a problem with the Packers going out of shotgun if Aaron is uncomfortable with getting the ball under center because of his apparent thumb injury. If it was a running play to Aaron Jones or AJ Dillon and it gets stopped, then at least you are trying a high percentage play. I also don't have a problem if they call a high percentage play and the other guys make a play, then that's just a bad roll of the dice. But trying a pass out of that call to a covered receiver? What in the actual-- are you trying to do, Matt? Crap like that is arrogance, and we ain't good enough to be arrogant. You need to at least play to our strengths right now, and you ain't doing that.
No, he ain't.
By the way, I think the Phillies are going to beat the cheaters from Houston in 6 games in the Fall Classic. Ben out.
You know it isn't good when I have some words for the Packers over last week. The Badgers are excused because they didn't fold at Spartan Stadium and lost because Sparty won it entirely on merit. And nobody on the team is excused from criticism.
Not around here. The Benster is a noted hanging judge.
Roy Bean had nothing on the Benster, except a better hat
Are you capable of cultural references that don't go back a half century?
Based on the available evidence, no.
Jeez, chug some Geritol, wouldya? Meanwhile the Gophers are facing what might be the most important road game of Fleck's tenure in Happy Valley against a Penn State team that is probably going to come out angry.
Whiteout at Beaver Stadium? That should be fun.
I am feeling the HYYYYYYYPPPEEEEE! and ready to pick some games. Watch me work.
Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat (+5.5) vs. Penn State Nittany Lions So the Gophers aren't out of the picture in terms of getting to Indy, but last week was a discouraging game in Champaign. The big question is if both Tanner Morgan and Sean Clifford are going to play. Also of note is that the Gophers are going into the Whiteout tomorrow night, and Beaver Stadium turns from a very tough place to play to another level. I expect that both teams are going to be desperate, and while I can see the Gophers winning, I revert to the classic theory of this feature. When in doubt, go with the desperate team at home. And this game isn't downtown. Nittany Lions 28, Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 21.
Gophers have a chance; they are a veteran team and they know how to play. Penn State is tough to beat under those circumstances. The psychology is key here. Fleck fancies himself a master psychologist, but he's not dealing with Mr. Carlin from the Bob Newhart Show here. Penn State 31, Minnesota 23.
Purdon't Spoilermakers (+1.5) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers You can't blame last week on Allen's fumble, as there was plenty of plays that led to the result. Big credit to Graham Mertz for getting us to overtime. Purdue is a lot better than expected, but over the years they haven't beaten Wisconsin ever since Scott Starks forced the fateful fumble in Ross Ade in 2004. What the Badgers are going to need is a better performance from Mertz throughout the game, and to channel what we saw against Northwestern. Badgers 31, Spoilermakers 10.
Best chance Purdue has had in years, as you say. Won't matter. Badgers 34, Boilermakers 24.
Glorious Green Bay Packers (-4.5) vs. Washington Gridlocks So last week was the worst performance by a Packers team at Lambeau I have ever seen, and I attended a game where the quarterback matchup was Famous Jameis and Brett Hundley. But that will be for later for pacing reasons. Washington has been in the news for other reasons as Dan Snyder is somehow still an owner of a NFL franchise. When the Gridlocks are more corrupt than the federal government, you know that is bad. Taylor Heinicke will get the start, and I'm sure that the Gridlocks front seven will be looking to get some pressure on Aaron. This game is one that the Packers need, and they will get it. If they don't get it, I might have to do something that I really don't want to do. Packers 42, Gridlocks 0.
Something you really don't want to do? Being realistic? Packers are a mess right now. Either they are playing possum or the wheels have come off the wagon. Better get that Commanders line blocked or it's gonna be ugly. Packers 24, Washington Whatevers 21.
Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck (+8) vs. New England Cheatriots Since the Vikings are on bye and the Vikings approved KFAN personalities like Dan Barreiro and Nordo will get a week off from getting the KFAN listeners to drink the false hope Kool-Aid, we can talk about the true archrival of the Packers. Da Bearz are still spinning their wheels, and Justin Fields has gone from the savior quarterback who would allow the Bears to run the North to another bust. It's almost like someone could have seen that coming. New England looks like they will get Mac Jones back for this game, but it's clear that the Patriots are deep in a rebuild. You really hate to see it. It's obvious by now that the Hoodie was carried by Gisele's husband, and can't win without cheating. If the NFL owners are so concerned with Dan Snyder's misdeeds, why is the Hoodie still allowed to coach? He has been caught breaking NFL rules multiple times, and Chicago will be checking for deflated footballs according to a news story that came out this week. This ain't NASCAR, where cheating seems to be encouraged. Why am I talking about NASCAR? I don't watch whomever can complete hundreds of circles faster in a car. New England should win, but it's time to kick the Hoodie out of the league if he's caught cheating again. Patriots 24, Bears Still Suck 0.
I actually wish the Bears well. It won't go well. Patriots 17, da Bearz 7.
And now, it's time for a Very Special Comment. You know things are bad for the Packers when I turned the stream off in the 4th quarter last week. This team is deeply flawed, and a couple of people deserve a ton of scrutiny.
Aaron, I love you. But you are holding the team hostage and still think that you can win the game by yourself like you could a few years ago. Father time is undefeated, and you need to trust the offense. Last week, I saw Aaron keep going for the downs every time instead of taking what was presented to him. You have two good running backs, and you don't need to carry the offense as much. Trust the playcalling, and take the short stuff. You have too much power on this team, and I'm worrying that you are turning into late stage Big Ben, where the Steelers didn't transition gracefully because they couldn't move past a franchise icon. It would also be good if you were easier on the rookies on the outside, and just let the offense come to you and pick your spots. You are a captain and leader, it is time to act like it.
I don't think that LaFleur is doing a good job in using his best weapons. Aaron Jones hasn't been getting a lot of touches, which considering he might be the best weapon we have on offense is a bad look. If you are considered this offensive guru like everyone says you are, adjust your playcalling. Run the ball more, and take the ball out of Aaron's hands for a bit. I expect more from you, and you've let me down last week. A head coach is supposed to get the most out of his talent, and he hasn't. The defense looks soft, and you need to tell the defensive coaches to tighten that crap out. In fact, you should consider stopping calling plays for a game to get more involved on defense.
I said in January that 2021 might have been the last chance with this core. I wished that was wrong, but I was wrong. If this team misses the playoffs, it's time to consider everyone for replacement and rebuild.
I agree 100% That's a first, I guess.
You're capable of learning, Old Dude! Who knew? Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.
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!
Well, I was planning to share my thoughts about the disaster last week at Camp Randall, but Wisconsin actually fired Paul Chryst. I get why the wider college football community is surprised, but the issues were there if you looked beyond the surface. While I still maintain that Chryst will be fondly remembered for his success with the Badgers, this was a change that probably needed to be made for the sake of the program.
Surprisingly reasonable take! I agree, the rot had set in.
This edition of our favorite football feature is going early on because D is going to be on assignment this weekend. I hope that he has fun.
I'll take pictures and stuff like that.
I am feeling the HYYYYYYYPPPEEEE! and ready to pick some games. And at the end, I will share a list of people who I think the Badgers should take a look at besides Jim Leonhard, who will have an extended job interview. Watch me work.
Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-10) vs. Northwestern Wildcats So last week went horribly wrong in so many ways. Quite honestly, the coaching situation will get more coverage than what happens on the field. The good news is that the Badgers have had some time to get used to the new reality and have nothing to lose the rest of the year. The bad news is that this game is at Ryan Field. The Badgers not only normally struggle against the Purple Nerds, but Ryan Field is a stadium where the Badgers stumble at for reasons unknown to man. Leonhard will be approaching this as a job interview, and while this won't be easy, this is a game that the Badgers can win. Badgers 24, Purple Nerds 13.
History proves the Badgers struggle at Ryan Field even when they have a good team. The 2022 Badgers are, based on available evidence, not a good team. However, the Wildcats are channeling the late 70s era when Northwestern was dismal every year. That won't continue forever, but it will continue this week. Badgers get a bounce from having a new coach, so... Badgers 27, Wildcats 14.
Knox College Prairie Fire, Baby! (NL) vs. Beloit College Bucs So this is Beloit's homecoming weekend, and Strong Stadium will packed with alums like the Old Dude hoping that the Bucs can get it going. Both teams are 0-3 in conference play, but Knox has been at the very least semi competitive. Beloit is trying to get better, but it's going to take some time. I'll be honest, I'm a Knox alum, and won't pick against the Fire. We might be a soccer school, but we should win this one. Knox 28, Beloit 14.
You're right, your Knox squad should win. Beloit hasn't won a game in a few years. They are showing signs of improvement, but getting beat soundly instead of destroyed may not be sufficient progress to beat a middling opponent. Just because of loyalty, I say... Beloit 24, Knox 21.
Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck (+7.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings The Vikings did end up winning, and despite what the folks in New Orleans will tell you it wasn't because of the zebras. It is Kirktober, which is good news for both the Vikings and my fantasy team. Da Bearz are a mess. Justin Fields was supposed to be the savior who would return the Bears to 1985. To nobody's surprise, that hasn't happened. Fields looks bad, and Gino is already looking for another savior quarterback in next year's draft. The Vikings should roll this one to keep pace in the NFC North. But a word of warning, the Vikings have had two straight narrow escapes, and that is living dangerously. This game is like a trapdoor in a Scooby Doo episode if they are not careful. Da Bearz Still Suck 31, Vikings 28.
Here's a look at the Vikings studying the Bears playbook:
Kevin O'Connell should really consider an ascot
The Bears aren't completely terrible; they have won twice this season. But what is happening to Justin Fields is franchise malpractice. They are giving him no support and it's evident that no one in the organization has any trust in him. Perhaps that is justified; I'm not in the coaching meetings. But the Bears are never going to move forward until they figure out offensive football, as opposed to being offensive generally. Vikings should cruise. Vikings 27, Bears 10.
New York Football Giants (+8) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers, in London For the first time since 1994 against the Falcons, the Packers will be playing a true home game away from Lambeau Field in the regular season. To all the European Packers fans, you have one very important job. Give us as much home field advantage as possible. The Giants have gotten better, but are banged up in the passing game. Considering the defense struggled against the Patriots on the ground last week, Saquon could be a problem. The Packers didn't play well last week, and Aaron in particular needs to step it up after two subpar games. I think the Packers are due for a comfortable win, and should get it. Packers 42, Giants 24.
As readers of this feature may know, I am a supporter of Tottenham Hotspur, the club whose home stadium will host this game. It's going to be odd to see the Packers in this venue, but it's a newish stadium designed specifically for football, so it should be comfortable. The Giants are somehow 3-1, but no one takes them seriously. I suggest the Packers do, because while they are 3-1 they haven't shown they are a top echelon team at any point this season. Packers 31, Giants 20.
And now, time for my list of who I want to see the Badgers hire. And Jim Leonhard is excluded because he will get every chance to get the interim tag removed down the road. This list is in no particular order.
Lance Leipold: Hot name, has done a great job at Kansas. Has Wisconsin roots thanks to his time at Whitewater.
Chris Petersen: Proven winner with Boise State and Washington, and would bring connections to the West Coast that would help once the LA schools join the conference.
Chris Klieman: Great job at NDSU, and has done a great job at K State replacing a popular coach in Bill Synder.
Dan Mullen: Quarterback guru who has developed Tebow, Kyle Trask, and Dak among others. Won at both Florida and Mississippi State. Would bring connections in the South and a new philosophy on offense.
Luke Fickell: Broke the glass ceiling with the Bearcats, and knows the conference thanks to his time with the Buckeyes.
Dave Aranda: Was a great defensive coordinator in Madison, and would bring ties in the state of Texas for recruiting.
Matt Rhule: Had success rebuilding Temple and Baylor, and is likely on the hot seat with the Panthers. Better coach in college as well.
Eric Bieniemy: Bold hire who would bring an NFL style offense to Madison. Everyone talks about him as a hot candidate, why not see what he can do in college? Plus, he could sell his NFL experience to elite high school quarterback recruits.
Jake Dickert: We saw what he is doing in Pullman first hand. Wisconsin native and could be our version of Fleck.
Bronco Mendenhall: Used to dealing with recruiting on strict standards based on his time at UVA and BYU.
Todd Monken: Besides being a Knox alum, he has done a great job with the Georgia offense and I'm surprised his name hasn't come up more.
Shawn Clark: Doing a great job at App State and would be a dark horse candidate to watch.
That's my list.
My only suggestion is to avoid these guys:
We disagree with your picks, Benster
Good advice, old dude! Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.
Lots of readers want to see me melt down over what happened last week in the Horseshoe. That is the subject of another post that will require research and the rest of the season to play out in order to get a better set of data. All I'm going to say now is that if the Buckeyes don't win a conference title, I got something special planned. You've been warned.
Wait a minute -- we have lots of readers?
I was also glad to see that the Packers beat the Bucs in Tampa despite having struggles on offense. And seeing the Bucs make a hilarious mistake at the end was the kicker. You really hate to see it.
Well, I don't.
You are a little bit literal minded, aren't you, Geritol Fan?
All in the service of the bit, Seabiscuit.
You be you, old dude. Although I'd rather not think about what that's like. But no matter -- I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYPPPEEEE! for this week, and it's time to watch me work.
Purdont Spoilermakers (+11.5) vs. Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat So the Gophers ended up passing their first test in league play pretty comfortably. Now, them being ranked at 21 in the latest AP poll is low. Outside the top 10, you can make a fair case. But outside the top 20? They should be ranked ahead of Texas A&M, who should be doing a lot better with both the guys they have and their coach, but that is a conversation for another blog post. Purdue is okay, but they are road underdogs for a reason. The Gophers should roll and maybe move up depending how the rest of the picture plays out. Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 42, Spoilermakers 14.
Purdue is okay. Were the game in West Lafayette, maybe it would be different. But the Gophers have something going right now and as long as they don't believe their press clippings, they'll be fine. Minnesota 34, Purdue 20.
Illinois Cheating Illini (+7) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers So the good news is that the Badgers won't be the last team to see that scoreline in the Horseshoe this year. There were many takes about the state of the program, and quite honestly everything should be considered and nothing is immune from possible changes. This game marks our old friend Bret Bielema returning to Camp Randall. Now, Bret did a lot of good things with Wisconsin. He won 3 consecutive Big Ten titles, and did a good job as Barry's chosen successor. But how he left Wisconsin left a bad taste in a lot of people's mouths, and he probably will get booed and for good reasons. Wisconsin needs to get back to basics, and I think against a much fairer test they should win fairly comfortably in a way that might be #karma. Badgers 31, Illini 10.
Good lord, have you seen Bert lately?
He's an ordinary Joe with a extraordinary Joe
He's gotta go four bills. I really am worried about him, actually. The man can coach, though, and frankly the Badgers have to be careful here. I think Bucky bounces back, but it won't be easy. Wisconsin 28, Illinois 17.
Minnesota Vikings (-3) vs. New Orleans Victim Complex, in London Old dude, who let the Vikings come to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the home of your beloved Tottenham club? The Vikings dodged a massive bullet against the Lions thanks to some clutch throws by Kirk and some awful game management by the Lions. The good news for the Vikings and my fantasy team is that Dalvin will be good to go, and it is the start of what Vikings fans like to call "Kirktober", where Kirk plays really well for a month and fuels the delusional dreams of Vikings fans, who forget 60 years of history and start to believe that they might actually not choke in the clutch like they do every time they have the chance to do something. The Saints are in desperate straits and are really banged up. If this game was in the Dome down in New Orleans, then it would be a different story. Or will it? You Wasted Drew Brees 31, KFAN Whine Line Will Be Lit 0.
Uh, no. The Saints have an unbelievable number of injuries. While I think Spurs may want to fumigate their stadium after these teams come calling, it won't be because of the Vikings. Minnesota 33, New Orleans 16.
New England Patriots (+9.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers That was a narrow escape from Tampa, but that win was vital on a day that the Packers didn't play well. Even better, the Packers will be getting a lot healthier with only Jaire Alexander being a question mark. As for the Patriots, they are going to be without Mac Jones, and are in danger of being cut adrift in the AFC. But the Hoodie will find a way to keep the Patriots in it. I'd imagine that he will try and take away Jones and Dillion and force the Packers to win matchups on the outside in the passing game. The Packers should win, but this will not be easy. Packers 26, Patriots 21.
The hoodie is a challenge, no doubt. But remember what the coaches say -- Johnnies and Joes beat Xs and Os. And this is the least talented Patriots team in the past 25 years. Packers will win and cover. Packers 31, Patriots 14.
Kansas City Chiefs (+1) vs. Tampa Bay Bucs Before we get into the main point of picking this game, there is one serious message to share. If you can, please donate to the relief effort in regard to Hurricane Ian. Lots of people in the Tampa area and beyond could use your help, and may everyone in that area be safe and in a good place.
And now we get to return to our regular programming. God, it was awesome seeing Tom Brady, the Bucs coaching staff, and the scoreboard ops team make mistakes that no self-respecting high school team would make at the end of the game. If the Bucs knew that you needed to go for 2, the failure to not have a play ready for the conversion is unforgivable. What makes it even more hilarious is that they got extra time on the play clock because the touchdown had to be reviewed, even though it was clear and obvious. What makes it even funnier is that Brady isn't some rookie quarterback, and he knew the situation. Get your team lined up! If you are the GOAT, you should be able to do that simple requirement of your job every single time. And to add the cherry on top, the Bucs were dumb enough to show the play they had dialed up on the scoreboard for the Packers to see. And the real crappy part is that the scoreboard ops people will take the blame for that instead of the real culprit. If I were the Bucs, I would bench Brady for this game for taking the delay of game. I'm serious, by the way. The Bucs fired Bruce Arians to keep Brady happy, and it's his team. And all of Brady's enablers in the media will just sweep it under the rug and blame Todd Bowles and Byron Leftwich for this. It's time for Brady to finally take some accountability and have his ego be brought back down to size. The Bucs shouldn't have lost that game on a fundamental error by a quarterback who ain't the GOAT.
Brad, pick up the white courtesy phone.
As for the actual game, the Chiefs are struggling on offense. But I think that Mahomes and company will come out swinging. And then maybe the Bucs can miss the playoffs and Brady can finally stay retired and go to the Fox booth where he belongs. Chiefs 45, Bucs 28.
Bucs are damaged. Chiefs aren't necessarily at full strength, either. But I agree, the Chiefs are the better team. The difference? This will be a lower scoring game than you think. Chiefs 27, Bucs 20.
It's great to see Brady take a L in a hilarious way. Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out!
So the Gophers are 3-0, and not a member of the Top 25. That doesn't make a lot of sense.
No respect. No respect at all.
I realize that the Gophers haven't played a tough schedule, and you want to reward teams who have better wins. If the Gophers were ranked outside the top 10, then that would be a fair ranking in my opinion. But the Gophers have beaten what's in front of them, and that's all you can ask.
This is true. They get their opportunity to demonstrate their prowess this week.
I am feeling the HYYYYYPPPEEEEE!, and think that the Badgers have a better than average chance.
Well, that's how you roll. Can't wait to see your, ahem, analysis.
Wait no longer, Geritol Fan! It's time to pick some games. Watch me work.
Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers Of The Boat (-3) vs. Michigan State Sparty The Spartans So the Gophers want to be a ranked team? Well, getting a win on the road in Big Ten play is a great way to make their case stronger. Michigan State is coming off a bad loss on the road against Washington up in Seattle. Meanwhile, the Gophers kicked the crap out of Colorado. Spartan Stadium is a difficult place to play, and the Gophers will need to play well. Mel Tucker is probably the most overpaid coach in the Big Ten, because he hasn't done a whole lot to elevate the Spartans based on the available evidence. Despite my personal views on Fleck which I won't rehash here, Fleck has at least been worth the money. But will it be enough? Sparty 27, Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 21.
I think Tucker is doing well. The previous administration was, at the end, a big of a dumpster fire, and he's cleaned it up nicely. Having said that, I'm not sure what to make of this one. The Gophers will miss Chris Autman-Bell and the Spartans can fill up the scoreboard. I expect a fun one. Gophers 30, Spartans 28.
Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (+19) vs. A School In Columbus. This is going to be a tough game, regardless of my personal views on both these teams. We all know that Ohio State is a very tough out. But what Buckeye fans know deep down but don't want to admit is that the idea that Ryan Day was born on third base and thinks he hit a triple isn't 100 percent false. Look, I do think Day is a good coach. But the Buckeye program by and large can run itself. He didn't take over a team that was down, and he still gets grief due to an entitled fanbase that consists of plenty of smart Buckeyes fans drowned out by people that can't handle losing at all and lack perspective. Wisconsin has zero pressure and can't lose. Don't forget, Notre Dame played the Buckeyes tough, and Wisconsin has done about as well as could have been asked for in previous years against the Buckeyes. Look for the Badgers to pull a huge upset. Wisconsin 21, Ohio State Was Born On Third And Thinks They Hit A Triple 14.
Uh, no. Badgers will play them tough, but the talent gap is huge and growing. And the Buckeyes have something to prove. It will be a typical matchup in the series, in which the Buckeyes eventually wear them down. Ohio State 38, Wisconsin 23.
Detroit LOLions (+6) vs. Minnesota Vikings Well, the Vikings Super Bowl parade plans were put on hold after the Eagles were able to move the ball at will last week. While it isn't quite Kirktober yet, the Vikings love playing against the Lions, though they have struggled the last two times they have played them. I think the Vikings are going to get back on track. A big day from Kirk and Dalvin would be much appreciated by this fantasy football owner. This game might be closer, but the Vikings will win. Vikings 35, LOLions Gonna LOLions 31.
You like shootouts? This will be a shootout. Vikings have just a few more bullets. Vikings 38, Lions 30.
Glorious Green Bay Packers (+1) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Packers were able to calm down some of the worriers with a great win against Da Bearz. Gisele's husband and his merry band of men who are all somehow able to fit under the salary cap are going to be shorthanded, but the Packers are also facing some injury problems. The Packers have also struggled to play well in Florida recently, but this game is personal. You want this one badly to make sure that a potential rematch happens someplace a lot colder. If the Packers can control the clock and get some inside pressure on Gisele's husband, then good things will happen. Packers 25, Investigate The Bucs for Salary Cap Violations 16.
Good grief. Really? Oh well. I want to pick the Packers, but I don't know. Hate picking against them, but... Tampa Bay 20, Green Bay 17.
Hopefully Gisele's husband can join the Fox booth next year. Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.
That might have been the worst weekend of football I've ever seen involving my teams. Both the Badgers and Packers completely coughed up a hairball. I could grind my axe about both of them, but thankfully the Packers narrowly avoided that because at the very least the stats reflected what happened on Sunday.
Assuming what it reflected was an ass-kicking, well yes it did. But hope springs eternal, right?
Of course, Geritol Fan! I am still feeling the HYYYYYYYPPPEEEEE!, but what I think about the performance of the Badgers will come at a later time. Good news is that we are going to Milwaukee to see the Brew Crew.
Very excited to see the Brew Crew at American Family Field. My first visit there, amazingly enough. And it will be a fun road trip. But we have work to do....
It's time to pick some games and watch me work.
Colorado Buffaloes (+27.5) vs. Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat So PJ's guys have looked pretty good. Granted, both of their opponents were cupcakes, but they took care of business, and you can only play what is in front of you. The Buffs have struggled recently, barring a trip to the Pac 12 title game in 2016 and Mel Tucker's one year before he bolted to East Lansing. The Buffs also lost by 31 to Air Force. Nothing against Air Force, as they have a great group of young men who will do great things against bigger enemies, but a Power 5 team shouldn't lose by that much to a Mountain West team, even if the game was in Colorado Springs. The Gophers should cruise, before Big Ten play will tell a lot more about if they are the favorites to win the West. Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 59, Buffs 0.
In theory, Colorado should give a better performance than the first two victims of the Gophers, but I'm not sure they have a lot going for them now. Just to be a contrarian... Gophers 34, Buffs 17.
New Mexico State Aggies (+37.5) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers Well, last week was a terrible effort in the second half. If that game was in Pullman, then that's one thing. Honestly, I have no idea how good this team is. The good news is that New Mexico State is terrible. They didn't impress me against the Gophers, but Jerry Kill knows how to build up a program. The encouraging thing was that Graham Mertz looked pretty decent before the end, and that's an encouraging sign. A quick reminder, the Badgers have rallied from early holes to be in contention at the end of the year for their goals. Badgers 49, Aggies 21.
Not actually a Badgers fan
I think Jerry Kill won't be coming back to the Midwest any time soon. Badgers will be angry and will play much better. Badgers 42, Aggies 7.
Minnesota Vikings (+2) vs. Philadelphia Eagles As much as it pains me to say it, Kevin O'Connell had arguably the best debut of the new NFL coaches. Kirk looked better than he has been in a while, and the Vikings looked like they had bought into what O'Connell and his staff were selling. But a trip to Philadelphia won't be easy. The Eagles did what they had to do in the road in Detroit, and we all know that the Linc is a tough place to get a win as a visiting team. This should be a good game in primetime, and could go either way. Eagles 24, Vikings 17.
The league has had a week to analyze what the Vikings did to scheme Jefferson open. The Eagles will have a plan. But as Mike Tyson said, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. Vikings 24, Eagles 20.
Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck (+10) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers Well, that didn't go well at all. I wasn't a big fan of playing zone defense to start against Justin Jefferson. I would have put Jaire against Jefferson in straight man, as he's the guy who has hurt the Packers badly. The good news is that all of the mistakes I saw were fixable and not systematic of any issues. Da Bearz did play impressively against the Niners, but let's see how they do on the road without a monsoon. By the way, Aaron needs to take a good look at himself with how he's treated the rookie wide receivers. I get that it takes time for them to adjust to what Aaron likes to do, but instead of skipping OTA workouts to do interviews on podcasts and take certain substances, maybe he should have taught Watson and Doubs about the offense and what he wants. Freezing out Watson for the drop in the first quarter is a bad look, and Aaron's body language was very concerning and negative. The Packers should win the home opener before the trip to Tampa Bay to face Gisele's husband and all of his merry men that are somehow under the cap. Packers 38, Bears Still Suck 14.
Yeah, how do the Bucs manage that? Anyway, as for da Bearz, they looked surprisingly competent last week. I don't think they will be able to hang with the Packers, but it won't be a rout. Packers 28, Bears 17.
And now, it's time for another Very Special Comment. The Badgers performance last Saturday was a complete joke. It's almost like they expected Washington State to come into the stadium and roll over for them. This loss, combined elements of the 2018 game against BYU, the 2019 game against Illinois, and the 2021 game against Penn State. Bobby Engram's playcalling was very vanilla and predictable in the first half. Why keep running it up the gut when the Cougars had it covered? The concerning thing to me was that I expected him to bring something different to the program based on him spending time with the Ravens and seeing what John Harbaugh does with Lamar and company. I didn't see it.
I used to think that the calls for Chryst to be fired were reactionary and out of touch. Now, I'm not so sure. The offensive line looks terrible, Mertz didn't have a great second half, and the team looked unprepared. It's like the team is unprepared and this time we don't have a JT to cover up some of our flaws. What I think needs to happen is that Chryst needs to be more flexible. Take a look at PJ. A lot of people have said that while PJ is a very good culture builder, his gameday coaching has struggled in the past. So what PJ has done is hire very good coordinators and he has become a better in game coach so far this year. PJ is evolving as a coach and challenging himself to get better. I don't see Chryst doing that. And if things don't improve, then you consider getting rid of Chryst and handing the reigns to someone else. My pick would be to promote Jim Leonhard to head coach and take some of the new Big Ten media rights money to get Joe Brady as Leonhard's OC. If you remember, Brady was able to turn Joe Burrow from a transfer that never panned out in Columbus into one of the best QBs of all time in Baton Rouge. If that doesn't work, then go get Dan Mullen. I just want the Badgers to show some signs of moving forward and quit being stubborn.
Old dude, it's hard to believe that it has been 14 years.
We've been doing this for 14 years? Good grief, that's a lot of invective. And even more HYYYYYYYPPPPE!
I'm still feeling the HYYYYYYYPPPEEEEE! and I have some words about a certain feud between two coaches from last week.
I suppose it's been seven months and you likely have some bile buildup. You may need to call a plumber.
I'll take that under advisement. It's time to pick some games, and time to watch me work.
Western Illinois Leathernecks (NL) vs. Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat So it turns out that the Gophers were able to easily dispatch Jerry Kill and his band of Aggies last week. We will talk more about Jerry The Cable Guy and PJ later on. Western Illinois isn't a particularly fearsome FCS school. And the Gophers aren't exactly playing a cupcake schedule out of conference, because Colorado is someone who is a respected program out of the Power 5. PJ has stopped screwing around in these games since he got burned by Bowling Green. Gophers will row the boat and continue on to greater challenges in the name of both winning but more importantly pushing the Row The Boat brand. Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 38, Leathernecks 0.
Gophers are serving up more cupcakes than the Heights Bakery these days. The boys from Macomb shouldn't offer a lot of resistance to P.J. and company. On the bright side, Benster, it seems like Tanner Morgan has been doing this for 14 years also. Gophers 31, Leathernecks 3.
Washington State Cougars (+17.5) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers I thought that the Badgers looked pretty good against Eastern Illinois, though it was a shock to see Zack Annexstad still be in college football. Washington State is a team that is going to be an interesting look. They are under a new coach, and they apparently need to improve their run defense. Well, the Badgers run the ball as well as anyone in the country. And for the record, I don't blame Washington State for being angry at the Big Ten for potentially sending them to the Mountain West as a result of the raid of the Pac 12 that has both already happened and might happen with the LA schools and potentially the Bay Area, Washington, and Oregon leaving right behind them. I'd like to see Graham Mertz continue to improve, as he will be needed if the Badgers want to achieve their goals for this year. All in all, this should be a decently comfortable win and then we can look ahead to the trip to the Horseshoe. Wisconsin 42, Washington State 21.
It's also the return of a Badger surplus running back, Nakia Watson, who never saw the field because Jonathan Taylor was, well, a world-class running back. Badgers always have a few of those, of course. Bucky played well last week but there was no challenge in playing Illinois State. Wazzu is a better program and, from time to time, has been formidable. I don't think they'll be able to beat the Badgers in Camp Randall, though. Braelon Allen goes off again. Badgers 38, Wazzu 23.
Glorious Green Bay Packers (-1.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings This is a game that could go either way. We don't know how Aaron will look with his new weapons, and the Vikings are playing their first game under the new regime. For the record, I think Kevin O'Connell was a good hire, though I don't blame the Viking faithful for wanting Jim Harbaugh or DeMeco Ryans. I'm sure that O'Connell has been told that this is the opponent that he can't lose to out of the gate. I do think that Kirk will play pretty well, as he often does against the Packers. It's also great to see that Z is already fitting in with the Vikings by trashing the Packers. After all, some Vikings fans care more about seeing the Packers lose instead of seeing their own team win. In fact, those Vikings fans fit in well with the other two teams in the NFC North. The Packers should win behind a good defensive performance, and I think that Rich Bisaccia's special teams will make 2 positive plays. One of those plays will be a blocked kick or punt. If the Vikings lose, pray for KFAN approved homers Ron Johnson and Corey Cove as they deal with delusional Vikings fans calling for O'Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to get fired after one game. Packers 28, Vikings 17.
No matter what happens, I'm certain it will be "controversial" according to the Whine Line guys. I have no feel for this game at all; in fact, I really despise the current state of the NFL where preseason games are concerned, because there's nothing we've seen so far that tells us anything about the teams we'll see at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. I think it comes down to this -- can the Vikings play run defense? If they struggle with that, it won't matter that Rodgers doesn't have his preferred receivers any more. Historically, Packers teams that win championships are able to ground and pound. We'll start to see if this team is one of them soon. Packers 24, Vikings 20.
San Francisco 49ers (-6.5) vs. Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck So the Bears finally got rid of Matt Nagy and installed Matt Eberflus. I don't know how hiring a defensive minded head coach will lead to improvement by Justin Fields, but these are the Bears. The Niners are in my opinion the sneaky team in the NFC that people are sleeping on. The biggest question for the Niners is how well Trey Lance looks starting ahead of Jimmy G. If Lance looks great, then the Niners would be smart. But the Niners would be wise to remember their recent history. If you remember about a decade ago, I called the Niners tossing aside Alex Smith for Colin Kaepernick a move that the Niners would regret. Well, we all know the story. And before anyone calls this revisionist history due to Kaepernick's kneeling, I didn't like the guy before that controversy started. If Lance fails and Jimmy G goes someplace else and looks really good, then the Niners should fire John Lynch and their entire coaching staff. But thankfully for the Niners and my fantasy team, Lance should win against the Bears. Niners 21, Bears Still Suck 10.
Just a guess -- the Bears are gonna be a dumpster fire this year. I feel bad for Justin Fields, actually. Chicago is a terrible place to be a quarterback. Niners could be offensively challenged to start the year, but I suspect they'll have enough firepower to beat da Bearz. Niners 24, da Bearz 9.
And now, it's time for a Very Special Comment. Before I begin, these are for when I have words for someone, but don't want to derail the main part of the blog post and go off topic.
You can usually see the wisps of steaming coming out of Benster's ears. It may be a more promising source of power than all those windmills in Charles City, Iowa.
So the big controversy here in Minnesota was how the handshake between the head coaches would go last week. Thankfully, the handshakes didn't turn into a WWE match.
What surprised me about the pregame coverage is that local media sources were very quick to come to Fleck's defense over the comments that Kill made about his departure from the Gophers and his thoughts on Fleck implementing his Row The Boat Culture. I realize that Fleck has been popular because he has been winning, but these writers should have been honest that Gopher football hasn't been that bad in my lifetime. Sure, you can say that Tim Brewster did a horrible job, but it's not like the Gophers were the dogs of the Big Ten when Fleck took over. Glen Mason did, by and large, a good job in building the Gophers into a well-respected team during his tenure, and Kill and Tracey Claeys did a great job in rebuilding from what Tim Brewster left behind. As I detailed last year, Kill and Claeys did take the program to a level where they won 8-9 games by the end, recruited the "Empire Class" that was so critical to the 2019 team's success, got Athlete's Village built, and took the Gophers pretty damn close to winning the Big Ten West. I have no problem with calling out Kill for his 2019 interview about Fleck if Fleck's tenure has been put under the same microscope. But it hasn't.
Fleck has beaten Wisconsin both at home and away, but he hasn't beaten Iowa. The 2019 Gophers also had close calls against South Dakota State, Fresno State, and Georgia Southern. Even Fleck's signature win against Penn State required the Gophers to withstand a late Nittany Lions rally. I could also point to Fleck committing a needless unsportsmanlike penalty for running onto the field against Iowa, and the Badgers beating the best team the Gophers have had in my lifetime handily in Minnesota in front of a national audience.
Fleck also makes the Gopher program about himself and his brand. He never talks about the rich tradition that the Gophers have had before him of football excellence. He never mentions Sandy Stephens, Bronko Nagurski, Bernie Bierman, Marion Barber, Tony Dungy, and other legendary Gophers. The official Gopher Football Twitter account has tweeted out a graphic celebrating the Row the Boat culture. Said culture was started at Western Michigan. How come the media in this market never question why Ski-U-Mah turned into Row the Boat? What's wrong with Ski-U-Mah? That's what Kill was upset with. Fleck has taken a football program that has a rich history and was in perfectly good shape and pasted his brand over the brand of the university, all while taking shots at what Kill and Claeys had built. If that happened at Wisconsin, I would call it out. Fleck is your employee who is more focused on building his own brand and vision over the brand of the university and the public. That is a business no-no in just about any other company on the face of the planet.
Look, I don't blame the players or the fans for buying into Fleck. They have good reason to be excited about where the program is. I get that, as a Wisconsin fan, Row the Boat isn't for me. But could the media in this market at least start asking questions about if Fleck cares more about the Gopher football tradition or his own ego? Oh, and if Fleck is reading this and he wants to tell me why I am wrong, I'll meet him in person at a time and place of his choosing.
C'mon P.J. Pick up the phone. Give Benster a call. I'd pay cash money to see it.
