Some interesting matchups both in conference and OOC. A Gods Conference team actuality heads north. Miracles do happen!
EVENTUAL 2021-2022 NATIONAL CHAMPION MICHIGAN STATE 27, University of Miami 18
We made it through the cupcake with predictable ease, even though we had the foot off the gas in the second half, and Eventual 2021 Heisman Trophy Winner Kenneth Walker III had limited carries. Thorne looks like he can handle the QB position as a game manager, although he really has not been forced to throw a lot of passes yet. True interesting fact: MSUs first play from scrimmage, two consecutive weeks resulted in a 75 yard touchdown. If we can keep that up, we will be fine. Anyway, a step up in class from Ytown, though the U has been dusted by Alabama, of course no shame there, and squeaked by App State, which is an issue. The game is in Miami, but this is not your fathers U team. Or rather, since I at least am old enough that my fathers Miami teams were pre-Schnellenberger, this is not your childrens fathers U team. I hate that apostrophes are so problematic that I am forced to eschew them.
Alabama 49, Florida 27
The great thing about both the and ClemSIN losing early season Power 4 matchups is that we might get some new blood into the Playoffs. Now if we can get Alabama to lose an early season game. Nope. Just checked. They are still Alabama and Satan is still their coach. Damn.
the Pennsylvania State University 17, Auburn 13
This should be a really good game. I have not seen anything of the the PSU offense that makes me think they can score a lot of points against a good defense, but I do like their defense, and Bo Nix is Bo Nix. Away from Jordan Hare he is dreadful, and the game is in Happy Valley. I have changed the winner three times on this already.
the 42, Tulsa 28
I think the the offense just needs some reps to smooth out wrinkles, but boy that defense looked both out of position and poorly led. The lack of adjustments was shocking. The should handle Tulsa fairly well, but the has given up 35 or more points in three consecutive games, and there are already calls for the DCs head. The still has some quality games on their schedule and can make the playoffs if they run the table, but the will not run the table unless the defense gets fixed.
Oklahoma 45, Nebraska 20
All day with my dad, OSU v. Meatchicken, followed by Oklahoma v. Nebraska, then USC v. UCLA while drinking hot chocolate and roasting hot dogs in the fireplace to take the edge off the midwestern November night. Man, I miss those days. Nebraska lost this year to Illinois. Illinois sucks. Nebraska therefore sucks rocks.
Maryland 35, Illinois 17
As you may know, I try to cover the favorite teams and alma maters of regular posters, past and present, so I apologize to yankguy, our resident Terp, for forgetting Maryland the last week or so. Note that Bowdoin will not be making an appearance, though, until the Colby or Bates games. I am not THAT committed. Anyway, Illinois has one win to their credit, which is nice for them and probably represents one half of their total for the year.
Cincinnati 35, Indiana 20
I think IUs relevance last year was a perfect storm of a decent team and the COVID disruption issues with the other Big However Many East teams. I think they are a 6 win 6 loss team. Cinci is a solid group of 6 team, well coached and primed for that New Years bowl slot.
University of California* 27, Washington State 24
Jesus, if you fire a guy after two games, why was he still there to start the year? I mean, Helton was going to get fired somewhere along the line, and it is not a surprise since the team was not only beaten by Stanford but looked an unprepared, undisciplined mess in doing so. But what new information did those two games give that was not there at the end of last year? Wasted a year of growth for the team and the head coach by not firing him in December. May have lost the chance for Urban Meyer as well. Anyway, the Trojans go to the Most God Forsaken Outpost in Power 4 football. I think they play hard for the new coach.
Meatchicken 35, Northern Illinois 10
I am not sure if Meat has a great defense or Washington has an horrific offense, or some combination of the two. And I am not sure how good Meatchicken