Time flies when you’re having fun, and we’ve already reached the quarter pole in the NFL and are almost to the halfway point in the NCAA. At this point some trends are emerging and we should have enough information to make smarter picks…but no promises. Last week was good for both of us, as I went 4-1 and Zach was 3-2. We both still have our head above water, which is nice. Oh, and the Patriots lost again, and it’s always a glorious weekend when the Patriots lose. I’ve decided not to let certain off the field issues affect my enjoyment of football, so I feel better about things than I had the past couple of weeks.

My Season:        17-12

Z’s Season:        15-13

 

 

 

 

 

Boise State (-8)           at      BYU

I think we may have unconsciously started a new tradition. Since my job is a) not usually full of excitement, & b) allows me access to a television, I have begun to look at west coast games that kick off around 10:30pm EST on Friday & Saturday night and think seriously about including them here if the matchup is intriguing. This is a Friday night kickoff on ESPN that features two teams that are oftentimes ranked in my pre-season poll. The shine has worn off Boise St. just a bit from when they were a shiny new curiosity several years ago that kept winning big bowl games and compiling 11 & 12 win seasons, but they’re still a pretty solid program. BYU is more inconsistent. Sometimes they have a really nice season, other years they aren’t good at all. It might help if they were to join a conference…like maybe the Big 12 (which has 10 teams). Thus far in 2017 the Broncos are 2-2, with a heartbreaking three OT loss to Washington St. in the mix, while the Cougars are 1-4 against a rather tough schedule. BYU has the home field, which piques my interest. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that a field goal will decide this game one way or another. Zach believes Boise is plainly the better team and will win easily.

My Pick:     BYU

Z’s Pick:     Boise St.

 

 

Georgia (-17.5)            at      Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt is the Chuck Cunningham of the SEC, hidden away in the basement where no one ever talks about them…except that people are talking about them a little bit this season. The Commodores are 3-2, but upset Kansas St. and played respectably in a loss to Florida. Is it too soon to be thinking of possible bowl destinations?? Probably. The Bulldogs are 5-0 and could find themselves in the playoff discussion when the first rankings come out soon. I think this will be a competitive game for awhile, and the points do give me pause, but I believe Georgia will cover. Zach is on board the Bulldog playoff train and thinks they’ll win big.

My Pick:     Georgia

Z’s Pick:     Georgia

 

 

Miami (FL) (-3)              at      Florida State

This game was originally scheduled for a few weeks ago but had to be postponed when Hurricane Irma hit the Sunshine State. The Seminoles are 1-2 and trying to right the ship after losing their starting QB to injury in the season opener. The Hurricanes are rolling at 3-0, though they haven’t been tested yet. For Florida St. this is a must-win for obvious reasons. For Miami a victory would prove they are the real deal. I’m really not sure what to think to be honest, but The Vibes are telling me Florida St. isn’t as bad as they’ve looked so far. Conversely, Zach is all in on the Seminoles truly being horrible and thinks they’ll lose this game by four TDs.

My Pick:     Florida St.

Z’s Pick:     Miami

 

 

Buffalo                at      Cincinnati (-3)

I’m not a gambler and I don’t know what kind of crazy prop bets are available in Vegas, but if anyone would have put any kind of significant money on the Bills being in 1^st Place in the AFC East four games into the season I’m guessing their bank account would be quite impressive right now. Obviously most people don’t expect it to last, but just how long can they keep it going?? Meanwhile, the Bengals are 1-3, though they did take Green Bay to overtime before losing a couple of weeks ago. I’m a little surprised that Cincinnati is favored. Sure they have the home field, but Buffalo has clearly been the better team. The Bills have to keep winning to keep up with the Patriots, who will surely get back on track soon enough. Zach likes Buffalo’s defense and believes the firing of former coach Rex Ryan was addition by subtraction.

My Pick:     Buffalo

Z’s Pick:     Buffalo

 

 

Green Bay                   at      Dallas (-2.5)

I might not get quite the level of enjoyment out of Dallas losing that I experience when New England gets beat, but it’s pretty darn close. America’s Team my foot lol!! Anyway, the Cowboys are 2-2 while the Packers are 3-1. Dallas gets the home field bump, but clearly the oddsmakers aren’t totally convinced. Neither am I, and Zach concurs.

My Pick:     Green Bay

Z’s Pick:     Green Bay