Edited 10/03, 6:27 pm.
In retrospect, I haven’t the slightest idea why, for the first time ever, I weighed in on eight games?
Senior moment, I suppose.
Don’t expect it to happen again. Too much work, too much aforethought.
As a diehard, I keep wondering about U of L’s loss in South Bend. Chatting with a pal the other day, I used the word “disheartening” to describe my sense of the Cardinals’ meltdown. The more I think about however, the word that now comes to mind is “disturbing.”
It seems like the performance might be an indicator of some systemic flaws, rather than simply a bad afternoon by players and coaches. Sure hope not. We’ll find out soon enough. The schedule from here on out is significantly more difficult than how it began.
Anyway, I picked the Cards even though I didn’t really believe in it. Rarely, very rarely pick against Louisville. A karma thing. When they lose I take the licking and keep on ticking.
I of course have no great love for the UK Wildcats. Actually little if any love at all. But I truly dislike Lane Kiffin, who coaches Ole Miss. What seemed obvious is the Rebels ain’t so hotty toddy. And, my feelings about UK notwithstanding, I’ve developed an appreciation for Mark Stoops. Because he’s just an unassuming grinder. So I honestly wasn’t so sad that they didn’t celebrate so much in the Grove postgame.
Other than that I missed that one also.
The other six predictions? Bullseyes all. Hold your applause.
Thank you, SMU, Duke, Rutgers, Penn State, Alabama and Indiana.
6-2 for the weekend, 26-9 for the campaign. Glossy.
This week’s winners:
Syracuse@ UNLV. What a fascinating story the Runnin’ Rebels have become. Under Barry Odom, the long time doormats have actually gotten pretty dang good. 4-0 this campaign after last year’s 9-5 when they made a bowl for the first time in a decade. This year’s success despite the fact that their hotshot transfer portal QB said, “No pay, no play.” Then the school shortsightedly spurned an offer to join the new PAC. Tsk, tsk. The ‘Cuse is also improved under new mentor Fran Brown, and their new signal caller Kyle McCord, who is apparently getting his $$$ for showing up for a meet & greet at BJ’s Car Wash. Losing at home to Stanford gives pause. But, hey, I’ve been selecting underdogs all year. It’s too late to stop now. Orange.
Missouri @ Texas A&M. Of the former App State mentors, Elijah Drinkwitz is having the most success of all. His has been a steady progression to respectahood in Columbia. 9-2 last campaign with a W over the Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl. Undefeated so far this year, though Vandy had them on the ropes in the Show Me state. Mike Elko’s is a steady presence in College Station, to the delight of all those 12th Men. Aggies.
Rutgers @ Nebraska. How grateful are the folks in Piscataway that the Rocky Toppers had no liking for Greg Schiano? A lot. The Scarlet Knights remain unblemished, with a look at us W in Blacksburg, and that last Friday evening takedown of UDub. Matt Rhule also appears to be defrosting the situation in Lincoln. (See what I did there?) It’s Homecoming in HuskerLand. As if those rabid, loyal fans need more inspiration. They fill Memorial Stadium every single game. Save those mums. Cornhuskers.
Indiana @ Northwestern. “I win. Google me.” Not only is that THE football quote of the season, but the man who declared it, Curt Signetti is a leader so far for Coach of Year. He walks what he talks. Not only have the Hoosiers been winning, they’ve been winning by a lot, and are tied for the lead in the Big Eighteen. They’re just trying to settle things down in Evanston, where the previous regime was, shall we say, strange. After the weekend, you can add this to describe IU, “bowl eligible” at 6-0.
Southern Methodist @ Louisville. This is the first time the Cards and Mustangs square off as conference foes. (Still odd to say.) They played in consecutive seasons in early 80s, during that period when those oil dudes in Big D were compensating their pigskinners more openly and brazenly than elsewhere. At the other schools, the fat cats had the good sense to keep their mouths shut. The Cardinals were crushed both times. After which the victors got the death penalty. From which the school is just recently starting to recover. SMU has been rolling except against Brigham Young, who seems to have a surprisingly good team. If the Cards don’t take this one, they could seriously have to fight for their lives to make the Poulan Weedeater Spicy Mustard Bowl. Louisville rights the ship.
— c d kaplan