Ed Orgeron did his best last weekend to have the word “interim” removed from his title in Baton Rouge. His LSU Tigers bounced back from a drenching by the Tide and bashed the Razorbacks of Arkansas on the road. Which was an L for me, as well as the home team.
Charlie Strong pretty much cemented his status as a Dead Man Walking with the Longhorns loss last weekend. I wouldn’t be surprised if those in charge in Austin aren’t already negotiating as I type with Houston’s Tom Herman or SMU’s Chad Morris or both. Not to mention Bill Parcells, Don Shula and Darrell Royal. The Longhorns’ defeat was also an L for me.
On the other hand, woeful Sparty skunked god awful Rutgers. Tennessee did what the Vols do, which is pretty much always best UK on the gridiron. And U of L’s big comeback against the Demon Deacons, after failing to show up before halftime, secured its spot as “We’re #5.”
Which three correct picks handed me a second 3-2 week in a row, putting the kid at 38-17 for the campaign.
This week’s projected games are all important. Sorta. I guess. In way or another, that is. At least for the schools participating.
LSU @ Florida in Baton Rouge. You think there’s been too much politicking during and after the presidential election, it’s nothing compared to the SEC when it comes to the sacrament that is football. If you recall, this game originally scheduled to be contested in Gainesville was called on account of severe inclemency. Since the league is kind of a confederacy, it didn’t really meddle or try to dictate when, how or if the game would be rescheduled. Somehow it got settled, but instead of battling on the Gators’ home turf, Florida’s traveling to the Bayou to play. Don’t ask me. I haven’t a clue how it came out this way. The Gators currently lead the mediocre SEC East, but a loss here and a couple of Ws by Tennessee and the latter instead of the former gets to be the bull to Alabama’s matador in the title game. Ed Orgeron continues his winning pitch for permanent status as Tigers’ coach.
Washington State @ Colorado. Not having seen either one of these surprisingly successful PAC 12 schools compete, or having paid much attention otherwise, I’ve not a lot to go on here. Which, as in the past, shall not impede in the least my opinionating about the outcome. A quick gander at the conference standings reveals that each currently is a game up in its division. Wash State over UDub in the North. The Buffs over the Trojans in the South. So, well, yeah, that info alone indicates this is a key battle for two title contenders. But doesn’t in any manner inform me who might prevail. Both teams stand 8-2. The Cougars Ws have all been in a row, since their 0-2 start. Colorado’s Mike MacIntyre is getting some serious COY consideration. The game is in Boulder. There certainly will be a smokey haze in the stands, especially the student section. But, as long as they don’t spliff up at halftime, the home team on the field will be cleareyed enough to find a way to win.
Oklahoma @ West Virginia. For some reason the Sooners always get the benefit of the pollsters’ doubt, as if Bud Wilkinson or Barry Switzer were still coaching there. Neither is. Bob Stoops is, and his squads for the most part are never quite as good as the “experts” expect. The Sooners have two “quality” Ls, to Houston, then highly rated, in the opener, and Ohio State. The Mountaineers only L came to the Okie State Cowboys in Stillwater. This game’s in Morgantown in prime time. The Sooners know how to act in such situations. WVA does not. It won’t matter. For reasons that make no sense and thus I cannot explain, I simply opine: Home team underdog shall prevail.
Austin Peay @ Kentucky. Frankly I can’t milk the Fly Williams jokes anymore. “Fly’s Open, Let’s Go Peay” wears out eventually. As in many moons ago. So, I’ll just say this. Peay is 0-10. Cats win. Cats win big. Cats fans get to celebrate the school’s first bowl eligibility since ’10, when they fell to Pitt in the Compass Bowl. Mark Stoop exhales.
Louisville @ Houston. It was just last season when the Cards, with high hopes, opened 0-3 with the L to the Cougars the meat sandwiched between losses to Auburn and Clemson. The Cards rebounded. Houston proved to be the surprise team of the land. Tom Herman’s guys have come back to earth this campaign, falling twice. But are looking to salvage their lofty preseason hopes with a Thursday Night Prime Time W over the high flying Cardinals. Anybody reading this knows what’s at stake for U of L. Revenge. Leapfrogging its way into the Final Four mix. The Cards shall be up to the task.
— Seedy K
Nice week….Ony slightly better than our OL…….
Not a high bar, that performance of the OL.
Really fine picks. UK was a gimme. That means the week was woeful. A real turkey if you will.