It's week 10! You know what that means, it's schedule analysis week. This is the perfect week where we have enough games in the bag from both teams to compare and contrast where each team really sits. We can also look ahead to see the few matchups each team has left and where potential must-wins are placed. This is fate week. You either have it or you don't week. Print out the schedules, grab the sharpies, and let's start connecting the dots.
(6) Georgia @ (9) Kentucky: Georgia -8.5
Yo, this game is going to be so nice. Does Kentucky have what it takes to take on a powerhouse like the Bulldogs? They have had a tremendous season, there is no doubt about it. But they have been on a downtrend ever since that overtime loss to Texas A&M. “Joe you dumb dumb, they haven’t lost since!” Yea – I’m sure that’s what most of you jabroni’s are thinking. They only beat Vanderbilt at home by a touchdown, and they almost lost to Missouri last weekend 15-14. Not saying those two squads aren’t respectable, but they’re no Georgia. This is also a must win for Georgia if they want any consideration at the playoff. The rest of their schedule is as follows: Auburn, UMass, Georgia Tech. Pretty easy considering the other opponents they’ve faced this season. Today I believe the Wildcats magic ends and a big showing by Jake Fromm comes in to keep Georgia in the playoff conversation.
Final Score: Georgia 35, Kentucky 17
(13) West Virginia @ (17) Texas: West Virginia OUTRIGHT
This is probably West Virginia’s toughest spot of the season on the road with some brutal games ahead to finish off the season. Texas, who is coming off a tough but close loss to Oklahoma State will be in desperation mode in front of the Longhorn faithful. I imagine this game is going to come down to who has the ball last, as the line currently sits at Texas -2. This is a high-powered offense against a high-powered defense. If Billy Grier gets comfortable and is able to pick apart the Longhorn’s secondary – this game will be over quickly. But if the Longhorn’s can rush Grier enough early on to make a statement, they will absolutely have a shot. My vote is for Billy ‘the goat’ Grier. Senior season, most important game of the season so far, and with a similar styled offense to Oklahoma State – I think Texas struggles to keep up again. Look for a 2-minute drill from Grier to win the game.
Final Score: West Virginia 34, Texas 31
(14) Penn State @ (5) Michigan: Penn State +12
Penn State has had a rollercoaster of a season. Opening with a near loss to Appalachian State, 3 straight games scoring 50+ points, losing by 1 to Ohio State with a shocking 4th down call, suffering a loss to Michigan State, and then sneaking by two other Big Ten teams in Indiana and Iowa. They haven’t had a chance for a big win this season other than for that brutal shot against Ohio State. And this is really their last chance to have an overall successful season. With that said, Michigan hasn’t really had a ‘true’ test since the loss to Notre Dame in week one. And they still have to play Ohio State in the last game of the regular season. Michigan knows what is at stake today, it’s the Big Ten conference and a shot at the playoff. I think they will ultimately get the win here to make that Ohio State game that much more interesting, but it’s going to be way closer that a 12 or more-point victory (if not even pull out a 2017 revenge game upset). Trace comes out steaming, and will be as good a college quarterback as he’s always been.
Final Score: Michigan 30, Penn State 28
(4) Notre Dame vs. Northwestern: Notre Dame -10
For some reason, a lot of people are worried about this game. I know I have been on the ‘waiting for them to lose’ train basically all season. But what more do the Irish have to prove? Every week they come out with the perfect offensive game plan for their opponent, and the defense is good enough to keep them even in the closest of games. Fun fact, on the road this season – Notre Dame has always put up 44 or more points. The most points in a game Northwestern has scored all season? 34. Sure, they beat Purdue, they kept it close against Michigan, they beat Michigan State, they beat Wisconsin. But none of these teams is Notre Dame. And with Notre Dame’s schedule – they cannot lose this one if they want to be in playoff consideration. Will I be the curse to the Irish’s dreams? Probably – but I can’t not take this line. Notre Dame’s offense will silence the Northwestern crowd early and continue to do so throughout the game.
Final Score: Notre Dame 37, Northwestern 24
Cal @ (8) Washington State: Washington State -9.5
Cal makes no sense to me what so ever. Zero. None. They are one of the most inconsistent programs outside of Buffalo. Yes, they are coming off an awful victory against Washington 12-10. But I’ve been a big hater on Washington all season so I’m not surprised Jake Browning would pull that shit late in the season when it counts (NY Giants future QB hopefully). Washington State may have had a tough start to the season but they have been gaining steam as the season progresses, toppling Utah, Oregon State, Oregon, and Stanford the past four weeks. They are at home, they are a top 10 team – so the fans will show, and Cal is just too boom or bust on both sides of the ball that you can’t trust a damn thing about them. They will not beat another ranked team this week.
Final Score: Washington State 28, Cal 17
Now I bet you’re wondering, where is the pick for Bama @ LSU? Don’t worry – I have one for you. But first I just want to congratulate myself, Coach O, and the Tigers for getting to this point in the season. We have battled so much adversity week after week fighting off the haters to ultimately get to host the best game of the year in primetime fashion. I will be watching this game from a Friendsgiving in Bethlehem, with a belly full of meat and wine, and will be rooting on our team.
And now for the pick…
If you’re anyone who knows anything about Alabama, it’s that it never matters. I don’t care who you are, what you’ve done, how much steam you have… you are not Alabama. Bet the money line, the Crimson Tide will roll in Death Valley. If you have a problem with the hypocrisy in this pick, you’re not a true degenerate. If you have been following the digest all season long, you will understand this pick. LAY THE HOUSE ON SABBAN, STUPID!
LET THE BAND PLAY NECK!