The Degenerate Digest v.65

Woof. Well that didn’t go the way I’d hoped. I couldn’t tell you the last time I went 1-5. I’m not an excuse guy, I tend to find reasons for results rather than give excuses. That’s just who I am, not an excuse guy. Did I break my usual Saturday morning poo where I build my card, then draft up the blog all while sipping a hot cup of coffee or tea? Well yes, I had to. I had to write the Digest Friday night. That’s a reason, not an excuse. Was I potentially distracted with the thought of all the events taking place last weekend outside of college football? I was at a Bachelor party for the weekend, imagine all that was going through my head! That’s a reason, not an excuse. Those are just some reasons we can look back and point too as a way to.. for lack of a better term.. Digest the 1-5 smack down from Vegas. We are and will be better. I’m glad I am able to point to reasons (not excuses, I’m not an excuse guy) for the kind of weekend we had because those reasons (not excuses) are correctable. Find the solution, and attack. Be a winner, not a loser. Be less Adam Sandler in Billy Madison, and more Will Farrell in Old School. You know what I mean?

The only way to accomplish this vibe outside of getting back into my morning ritual is to take a unique approach to the weekend. And here in Week 4, we have a theme alright. When Vegas makes you bark like a dog (please note the first word of this blog), you bark right back. We got some dogs!

Texas Tech @ Texas: Texas Tech +9

The only team Texas has really had to play thus far is Arkansas, their first SEC opponent since the announcement of their move to the top conference, and they got smoked. Now, I’m not saying Texas Tech is anything special - but they are going to want to win this game more. Should they? No. Will they, I can’t say… but what I can tell you is that when it comes to colleges in Texas playing against in-state opponents, everyone wants a shot to take down the Longhorns. Texas Tech’s defense hasn’t seen a run game like the one they’ll see today, but if they can have success in the air - we will likely see a back and forth game with plenty of lead changes. That’s why we have to take the points here.

Final Score: Texas 34, Texas Tech 27

Rutgers @ (19) Michigan: Rutgers +20.5

What we know is that Rutgers offense can’t keep up with Michigan. It just can’t. That’s not going to change today. The only difference here is the Scarlet Knights are third in the nation in turnover margin and number one in giveaways (they haven’t turned the ball over yet). This is the first Big Ten matchup for both squads, and that’s why I refuse to believe Rutgers won’t do everything they can to keep this one close… even if it means scoring a garbage time TD for a back door cover. Too many points.

Final Score: Michigan 34, Rutgers 27

(24) UCLA @ Stanford: Over 59.5

In just three games, UCLA’s offense is averaging just under 40 points per game. Stanford ain’t too shabby either, averaging 30 points per game. This game deserves offense. UCLA coming off a tough loss to Fresno State against another in-state opponent, and Stanford looking to impress at home against a wildly different offensive scheme. If this game isn’t a shootout these two teams will be dead to me.

Final Score: UCLA 42, Stanford 32

(25) Kansas State @ Oklahoma State: Kansas State +5.5

I love this game. Everything about it. Mainly the colors on screen (purple vs. orange? Great color game), but I love everything else too. It’s a classic Big 12 matchup that screams close game. This line tells me this game is basically a pick’em but the home town advantage is letting Kansas State have some points to work with at kickoff. Those points should come in handy because the last team with the ball will win this game. I wouldn't be surprised if it comes down to the foot of the kicker on that team either. Another dog, take the points.

Final Score: Oklahoma State 32, Kansas State 28

(21) North Carolina @ Georgia Tech: Georgia Tech +14.5

If there’s one thing I know about Georgia Tech, it’s that Geoff Collins gets his dudes UP for big games. Holding Clemson to 14 on the road last week is an impressive response from a team who looked stupidly sloppy to start the season with a loss to Northern Illinois. Don’t look back now, Yellow Jackets. At home against a UNC team who really has not looked like the team they were last season, you have to take advantage of the energy tonight. Sam Howell can’t do it all by himself against a 13.5 point home dog. Speaking of Sam Howell, he’s one of the top hit QB’s in college football - his line completely fails him game in and game out. The Clemson O line should have prepared this Georgia Tech defense to do what it needs to do tonight, and that’s to pressure Sam Howell every snap they can. For the record, we’re sprinkling moneyline here at +385.

Final Score: Georgia Tech 27, North Carolina 24

Running Record: (103-83-3)