The Degenerate Digest v.132

Well, I can’t say that first round was the most thrilling. No game was particularly close, but I stand by the entertainment value that meaningful football (for these games in particular, being played on home turf college campuses and stadiums), brought and will continue to bring. Sure, the playoff needs adjustments moving forward. The seeding will be adjusted, so much so that in the not too distant future, we may be looking at an NFL model of divisions and conferences. The location aspect should also be adjusted. How are we going to only allow true home field advantage for just the first round? When there are teams on bye? You mean to tell me that you lose the ability to host a playoff game for being better than everyone else? That shit is totally ass backwards. At least adjust the playoff so the first two rounds are held on college campuses, not bringing it national until the semi-finals. You can still advertise the fuck out of it, and people will honestly be more inclined to watch for the true gameday atmosphere.

The quarter finals this year are split between years, so that’s neat. Vegas will be looking to close the year strong, and start off Q1 returns with a bang. Gotta keep a close eye on where they stand to make the most. With that said, we can’t ignore our own strategy as ball knowers.

(6) Penn State @ (3) Boise State: Penn State -11.5

Gotta give credit where credit is due, and that credit goes to me. If you take a look back on my Week 1 blog from this season, I talk about how much I like Boise State this year. We’ve also had a number of Penn State bets included in this year's Digest, so what a great way to end the year strong with this matchup.

Penn State is better. Simple as that. Sure, they have a history of being jokers in big games. Sure, Ashton Jenty is going to do everything he can for the Broncos - and prove that he should have been named Heisman (I’m not saying he should have, but you gotta think he would). But the problem here is the one-dimensional aspect to this Boise offense against the 7th ranked run defense in the country. I have no doubt Jenty will be able to get going, but how consistent will it be if Penn State stacks the box and forces Maddux Madsen to win the game in the air?

Final Score: Penn State 34, Boise State 21

(5) Texas @ (4) Arizona State: Arizona State +12.5, U51.5

Arizona State ended the season in such a strong way. I was completely shocked how much they dominated Iowa State. And while this Texas team has seemingly yet to skip a beat, these are points I’m willing to buy. I don’t think there’s a soul in the world that thinks Arizona State can win this game. They are playing with house money, and so will we. We all know what happens when the Longhorns are under pressure. Guess who sits directly behind Georgia in defensive rankings? Yup. The Sun Devils. I think there is a lot of momentum in their favor that will allow for this game to be within reach.

Final Score: Texas 28, Arizona State 20

(8) Ohio State @ (1) Oregon: Ohio State -2.5, O55.5

Yep, I’m sold on the narrative. People, including myself, were calling the Buckeyes loss to Michigan one of the worst losses in sports history. What happens? They come out and kick Tennessee's - and seemingly the rest of the countries - teeth in. Just a total yard sale.

Shut everyone the fuck up. Based on how this matchup went earlier in the year, I think Oregon should be shaking in their boots for the double down bulletin board material OSU has.

Final Score: Ohio State 35, Oregon 27

(7) Notre Dame @ (2) Georgia: Georgia -1.5, U45.5

This might be the most public pick I’ve ever made on this rag. Everyone and their mother is on Georgia in this spot. Not a great strategy as a gambler, but one I have no other choice than to take. Gunner Stockton looked totally competent running the Bulldogs offense in the SEC Championship game. Maybe too aggressive at times..

But hey, a lot of adrenaline was pumping at that moment. The bigger question I still have, regardless of the Indiana game, is how real is Notre Dame? Sure, they’ve dominated teams basically since their let down loss earlier in the season. Sure, they haven’t faced a totally cupcake schedule. But still, you know - I know - seemingly everyone ‘knows’ there is a difference here. I don’t think the Irish will get blown out of New Orleans, the ‘neutral’ site for this game. But I find it hard to believe any sensical college football gambler, expert, fan, whatever.. would not find it in their best interest to take the Bulldogs at such a low line. Sure, history may be made with a Notre Dame victory, but you’ll look like an absolute fool taking ND if Georgia covers. 

Final Score: Georgia 24, Notre Dame 21

Happy New Year from my wallet or debt collection service, to yours. 

Running Record: (298-263-7)