Month: November 2023

2023 PIGSKIN PICKS OF PROFUNDITY…WEEK 15

I sure hope this week isn’t as brutal as last, when we were both 2-5. Clearly we don’t know as much about college football as we’d prefer. At any rate, we’ve made it to the conference championship games. Playoff berths will be won & lost, while those left on the outside of that inner circle are jockeying for positions on the bowl game hierarchy. Let’s ride!!

My Season: 49-36

Zach’s Season: 40-45

New Mexico State at Liberty (-10.5)

C-USA Championship Game

The Flames won this matchup comfortably back in September and are coming in unbeaten. Unfortunately they’re a year too early to be included in the expanded playoff. The 10-3 Aggies played an extra game because they traveled to Hawaii. I don’t foresee this game being much different from the regular season meeting. Conversely, Zach likes NM St.’s dual threat QB and thinks it’ll be a close game. He has put Liberty on upset alert.

My Pick: Liberty

Zach’s Pick: New Mexico St.

Oregon (-8.5) vs. Washington

Pac-12 Championship Game (Las Vegas)

I know what I’m doing on Friday night!! Our local Christmas parade is at 6pm, but I should be home in time to fix myself a hot beverage and hunker down in front of the TV for a game with significant impact on the entire landscape. First, it is the final Pac 12 game ever, with practically every team bolting for “greener pastures” next year, which is sad. Secondly, the QB of the winning team…the Huskies’ Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix of the Ducks…will almost certainly become the prohibitive Heisman favorite. However, the biggest consideration here is that the winner will lock in a playoff berth. When these teams did battle in mid-October Washington scored a touchdown with a minute & a half on the clock for a dramatic victory. Since then both teams have kept on winning, but Oregon has looked more impressive. I think they take care of business and Nix wins the Heisman Trophy. Zach, on the other hand, foresees Washington winning with dramatic last minute drive, and believes the Huskies are legit National Championship contenders.

My Pick: Oregon

Zach’s Pick: Washington

Miami (OH) vs. Toledo (-8)

MAC Championship Game (Detroit)

I used to love some mid-week MACtion on ESPN, but truthfully I haven’t paid much attention for quite awhile. Since a season opening loss at Illinois the Rockets have reeled off eleven straight victories. The Red Hawks have had a very similar season except for their previous matchup against Toledo, which was a four point loss. Miami’s QB is Brett Gabbert, the younger brother of Blaine Gabbert, who was famously chosen in the first round of the NFL Draft ahead of JJ Watt and has worn more uniforms than a Village People tribute band. Anyway, I think Toledo gets a double digit win. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Toledo

Zach’s Pick: Toledo

Boise State (-3.5) at UNLV

Mountain West Championship Game

This will be the Broncos sixth appearance in the title game in the past seven years. They won two of those games. At 7-5 it’s kind of surprising they’re playing for the championship. Is the Mountain West that mid?? The 9-3 Rebels are playing in their first championship game since joining the conference in 1999, and The Vibes are telling me they’ll hoist the trophy on their home turf. Zach thinks it’ll be a shootout, with the favorites coming out on top.

My Pick: UNLV

Zach’s Pick: Boise St.

Southern Methodist at Tulane (-3.5)

AAC Championship Game

I didn’t give the Green Wave enough respect. Most outlets had them firmly entrenched in the Top 25 coming into the season after they finished 12-2 last year, but I gave that spot to UTSA (who finished this season 8-4). Tulane has duplicated their previous success and come into this contest 11-1. Meanwhile, the 10-2 Mustangs are riding an eight game winning streak. I am old enough to remember the glory days of SMU, with the Pony Express duo of Eric Dickerson & Craig James, followed by the “death penalty”, which shut down the program for a couple of years in the late 1980s and caused them to struggle for two decades. They have had some good seasons in the past ten years, but a conference championship would certainly put a bow on their comeback story. Zach opines that Tulane’s defense is going to need to step up and stop the high octane SMU offense, and he doesn’t think that will happen.

My Pick: SMU

Zach’s Pick: SMU

Appalachian State at Troy (-7)

Sun Belt Championship Game

When these teams met during the 2022 regular season the Mountaineers came away with a close win. The Trojans have won 10+ for the second consecutive year, while App. St. is 8-4 but have won five games in a row. I smell an upset brewing, so I’m leaning toward the underdogs. Zach thinks it could be the best game of the weekend, and he believes the visitors are a hotter team right now.

My Pick: Appalachian St.

Zach’s Pick: Appalachian St.

Texas (-11.5) vs. Oklahoma State

Big 12 Championship Game (Dallas)

The 9-3 Cowboys find themselves in this spot because they defeated in-state rival Oklahoma a few weeks ago, while the Longhorns lost to the Sooners in October but have beaten everyone else, including Alabama in the season opener, which could be weighed heavily by the playoff committee. Do “style points” factor into the “body of work”?? I think it does matter, which means the Longhorns will be left out in the cold if they don’t cover, even if they win. I would be surprised by an OK St. victory, but not shocked if they keep it close. That being said, I think Texas takes care of business. Zach doesn’t think the Cowboys have anything to lose so they’ll leave everything out on the field. He believes it’ll be competitive for three quarters, but ultimately Texas will pull away late.

My Pick: Texas

Zach’s Pick: Texas

Georgia (-4.5) vs. Alabama

SEC Championship Game (Atlanta)

Depending on which scenario shakes out, one or the other, neither, or both teams could be playoff bound. Could the unbeaten Bulldogs fall short in this game but still get the 4th playoff seed?? Perhaps. Conversely, the Tide almost certainly needs to win, and that season opening loss to Texas has to be important because invalidating head-to-head regular season results would be a bad look. ‘Bama leads the all-time series 42-26-4, but I think the favorites make the CFP Committee’s job a skosh easier with a 7-10 point triumph. Conversely, Zach has always been a huge Nick Saban fan. He has stated all season that Georgia isn’t as good as they’ve been the past few years, and he believes their luck will run out.

My Pick: Georgia

Zach’s Pick: Alabama

Florida State (-5.5) vs. Louisville

ACC Championship Game

It might be the least attractive title game of them all going in, but maybe it’ll be more entertaining than it looks on paper. The undefeated Seminoles aren’t guaranteed a playoff berth even with a win, which is precisely why many thought expanding the field was necessary. The 10-2 Cardinals aren’t playoff contenders even with a victory, but a conference title and a New Year’s bowl game are worthy goals. Thus far Florida St. is doing just fine with a backup QB, so I think they win this game but get left out of the playoff. Zach thinks Florida St. will do just enough to win, and doesn’t see how they could be left out of the playoff in that case.

My Pick: Florida St.

Zach’s Pick: Florida St.

Michigan (-23) vs. Iowa

Big Ten Championship Game (Indianapolis)

I would be absolutely stunned if Iowa wins the game. At 10-2 they’ve certainly had a nice season and will receive a well deserved & lucrative bowl bid, but the unbeaten Wolverines are on another level. A win gets Michigan into the playoff, while a loss might not eliminate them completely, although too many unrealistic dominos would need to fall in that situation. I don’t believe it will be an issue though. The only questions are 1) will there be a hangover from the Ohio St. game, and 2) with bigger fish to fry could they possibly ease up in the second half, winning the game by only 15-20 points?? I’m going with “no” to both. Zach is playing it closer to the vest than me, taking Michigan to win but not to cover the huge spread.

My Pick: Michigan

Zach’s Pick: Iowa

2023 PIGSKIN PICKS OF PROFUNDITY…WEEK 14

We’re going to set the NFL aside for a couple of weeks and focus on college football as their regular season wraps up. This is Rivalry Week, and there will be games for three straight days, in addition to all the lovely Thanksgiving festivities. Last week’s experiment was…interesting, as Zach was 2-3 while I was 4-1, but now we are back to regularly scheduled foolishness. Happy Thanksgiving Manoverse. May your turkey be moist, your pumpkin pie be served with ample whipped topping, and all your Black Friday shopping be done online. God bless America, what remains of her after decades of leftist insanity.

My Season: 47-31

Zach’s Season: 38-40

Mississippi (-13) at Mississippi State

They call it The Egg Bowl, and it’s been fairly even in recent years, with both teams being 3-3 since 2017. The 9-2 Rebels have only lost to Georgia & Alabama, and there’s no shame in that. Conversely, the Bulldogs are 5-6 and need a victory to become bowl eligible. Unfortunately for them I don’t believe that’ll happen. This is a Thanksgiving Night game on ESPN, and Zach likes Coach Lane Kiffin to lead his team to a big win.

My Pick: Ole Miss

Zach’s Pick: Ole Miss

Wisconsin (-2) at Minnesota

This is the most played rivalry at the FBS level, with 132 games dating back to 1890. Since 1948 they’ve battled for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. The series is tied 62-62-8, with the 5-6 Golden Gophers winning three of the last five meetings after the 6-5 Badgers had won 14 consecutive from 2004-17. It hasn’t been a great season for either school, but with the home field and needing a victory to become bowl eligible I believe the underdogs will score a mild upset. Zach is predicting the stereotypical low scoring, hard hitting, Big Ten slobberknocker, and he likes the Badgers to grind out a tight win on the road.

My Pick: Minnesota

Zach’s Pick: Wisconsin

Washington State at Washington (-15)

If you’re wondering why they call this game The Apple Cup, it’s because the state of Washington is the leading domestic producer of apples (as well as hops, pears, blueberries, and spearmint oil). The 5-6 Cougars had lost six straight games before beating Colorado last weekend and need one more win to secure bowl eligibility. Conversely, the undefeated Huskies have already earned a spot in the Pac 12 title game, but have their eye on an even bigger prize. I don’t know if the playoff committee still yammers on about “style points” (I think the phrase has been replaced by the more erudite “body of work”), but I’m quite sure it’s still a thing. The home favorites haven’t really blown anyone out since September, so the points concern me a bit, but with so much at stake I think Washington takes care of business. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Washington

Zach’s Pick: Washington

Florida State (-6.5) at Florida

The big news out of Tallahassee is a season ending leg injury to QB Jordan Travis. Does that kill their playoff dream?? Maybe, maybe not. The 5-6 Gators need a victory to become bowl eligible, but they’ve lost four in a row. The Swamp is a formidable home field, and being led by a backup quarterback isn’t ideal, but I think the unbeaten Seminoles figure out a way to remain so for now. Zach isn’t confident about FSU’s playoff future, but believes they’ll be inspired to play hard in honor of their fallen signal caller.

My Pick: Florida St.

Zach’s Pick: Florida St.

Alabama (-14.5) at Auburn

The Iron Bowl is typically one of the most anticipated games of the season, and even though neither team has as much at stake as in the past it’s still amongst the fiercest rivalries in collegiate athletics. The 6-5 Tigers got throttled by New Mexico St. in their last game, while the 10-1 Tide, as always, are never out of the playoff discussion. I would love to see a huge upset, but certainly wouldn’t put money on it. That being said, I think the home underdogs keep it respectable. Zach thinks ‘Bama’s playoff hopes are legit and doesn’t believe this game will be a challenge.

My Pick: Auburn

Zach’s Pick: Alabama

Oregon State at Oregon (-14)

I don’t give a damn what killjoy leftists say, I’m still calling it the Civil War. Sadly, after 127 games dating back to 1894, this rivalry will become yet another victim of conference realignment when the Ducks move to the Big Ten next year. The 8-3 Beavers have had a solid season, but all three losses have been by a combined 8 points. One wonders what might’ve been had the ball bounced differently a few times. At this stage I don’t think the 10-1 home favorites will screw up their playoff chances, but they need to stay healthy for the Pac 12 title game. Oregon should emerge victorious, but it won’t be a double digit win. Zach agrees.

My Pick: Oregon St.

Zach’s Pick: Oregon St.

Ohio State at Michigan (-4)

Once again this one matters a whole hell of alot. Conference title opportunity on the line. Major playoff impact. I’m kind of jealous of fans who support teams who play games with meaning. Both teams are undefeated. The winner will meet (and probably defeat) Iowa in the Big Ten championship game, thereby securing a playoff berth. The Wolverines have won the last two meetings after the Buckeyes had dominated for eight consecutive years. The Big House in Ann Arbor is an imposing environment, but with head coach Jim Harbaugh suspended I feel like the underdogs will find a way to get it done on the road. Zach has very strong feelings about the Buckeyes, their coach, the university, and the entire state of Ohio. He isn’t very happy with the NCAA & their witch hunt of Jim Harbaugh either. Having said that, he doesn’t have positive vibes about his Wolverines overcoming all the crap that has been tossed at them.

My Pick: Ohio St.

Zach’s Pick: Ohio St.

2023 PIGSKIN PICKS OF PROFUNDITY…WEEK 13

Both of us were 5-5 last week, which almost makes bonus picks feel like a waste of time. However, I can’t go that far really because having the outcome of those games matter makes them more fun to watch. We’re doing something a bit different this week…or are we?? I think we may have tried this concept once…perhaps a couple of times…in the past. Instead of both of us picking the same games we’ll both be picking five separate games. Enjoy!!

My Season: 43-30

Zach’s Season: 36-37

Wake Forest at Notre Dame (-24.5)

It’s the Sam Hartman Bowl!! The Fighting Irish QB spent five seasons in Winston-Salem under center for the Demon Deacons and became the ACC’s all-time leader in touchdown passes. Wake is 4-6, so they need to win out to become bowl eligible, while the home team is 7-3 and will probably end up playing in a top tier New Year’s bowl game because that’s how college football seems to work these days. Zach is concerned about the points, but he’s feeling frisky.

Zach’s Pick: Notre Dame

Colorado at Washington State (-4.5)

The talking heads have mostly stopped paying attention to Coach Prime since the Buffaloes are 4-6 and have lost three in a row. Having said that, the Cougars share the same abysmal record and have lost six straight games. Yikes. This is a Friday night game on FS1, which doesn’t bode well for ratings. The Vibes are telling me that the Buffs are desperate enough for the additional attention a post-season appearance brings, so they’ll be motivated to become bowl eligible.

My Pick: Colorado

North Carolina at Clemson (-6.5)

It hasn’t been a great year for the 6-4 Tigers, but they’ve won two in a row and would love to finish strong, building momentum for the future in the process. Meanwhile, the 8-2 Tar Heels hit a snag with two close losses at the end of October, which essentially killed their conference title aspirations. Zach isn’t necessarily predicting an upset, but he foresees a close contest.

Zach’s Pick: North Carolina

Appalachian State at James Madison (-11.5)

ESPN will be on hand for Gameday, and as someone who graduated from a school that took the leap from 1-AA/FCS to playing in a Group of Five FBS conference I understand how much that means to these programs. The 6-4 Mountaineers aren’t going to win the Sun Belt or get to ten wins as had become fairly commonplace until last season, but they’d surely love to go bowling. Conversely, the undefeated Dukes have sparked a debate about an outdated NCAA rule that precludes them from post-season participation because this is only their second year at the FBS level. Meanwhile, last year a 5-7 team got a bowl bid, and nowadays players transfer more frequently than most people change underwear. Make it make sense. Anyway, I think the home crowd & all the hype will help the home team, but the points are just too much. JMU gets the victory, but they’ll win by 7-10 points.

My Pick: Appalachian St.

Oklahoma State (-7) at Houston

The 7-3 Cowboys still have an opportunity to get to the Big 12 title game, but questions remain after the beatdown they received last week at UCF. As for the 4-6 Cougars…well, it’s their first season in the conference, and they’ve proven they can hang despite their record. They need to win out to be bowl eligible. Zach doesn’t think that’s going to happen though, predicting the favorites to grind out a hard fought victory.

Zach’s Pick: Oklahoma St.

Kansas State (-7.5) at Kansas

The Battle of Kansas is normally more interesting on the basketball court, but with both teams at 7-3 and not mathematically out of the Big 12 title hunt this could be a fascinating game. You may recall that I had high hopes for the Wildcats, but losing at Missouri back in September squashed those expectations. They did push Texas to triple OT a couple weeks ago before losing, which deserves a tip o’ the cap. Meanwhile, the Jayhawks came out of the gate strong but have rode the roller coaster the last two months. It’s a 7pm kickoff on Saturday night and a chance for the folks at FS1 to present a better game than the night before. I won’t be watching because I have plans, but I think the home team gets it done, or atleast stays really close the whole way.

My Pick: Kansas

Cincinnati at Baltimore (-3)

The AFC North is very much up for grabs, with the 5-4 Bengals battling back into contention after a rough start. The 7-3 Ravens are a confusing team, occasionally looking like the championship contenders that the talking heads promote them as being, but sometimes snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. That’s exactly what Zach thinks will happen, with Joe Burrow leading Cincy to a big win on the last possession of the game.

Zach’s Pick: Cincinnati

NY Giants at Washington (-10)

The Giants season has been torpedoed by injuries. At 2-8 they’re in the running to snag the top pick in April’s NFL Draft, which could force them to ponder whether or not QB Daniel Jones, currently on the shelf with a torn ACL, is really their guy. The 4-6 Commanders have shown occasional signs of life, but they could find themselves in the same boat, having to decide if QB Sam Howell is the future. As for this game, Washington isn’t a dominating enough team to beat anyone by double digits.

My Pick: NY Giants

NY Jets at Buffalo (-7)

What’s up with the Bills?? They’ve lost 3 out of the last four games and just fired their offensive coordinator (while Steelers fans everywhere shake our heads in amazement). The Jets have shown potential but are inconsistent. Neither team is out of division title contention, but they need to shape up rather quickly or Miami will win the AFC East easily. Zach has lost faith in Buffalo and thinks they’d be fortunate to win at all, but if it happens it’ll be by the skin of their teeth.

Zach’s Pick: NY Jets

Philadelphia at Kansas City (-3)

Is it a Super Bowl preview?? Possibly. Both teams should be rested & healthy follow a bye week, and the viewers of Monday Night Football will reap the rewards. The 8-1 Eagles haven’t blown anyone out, but perhaps that’s because they’ve known how good they are and haven’t needed to exert maximum effort. The Chiefs are 7-2 and will cruise to their eighth consecutive division title, but they’ve shown chinks in the armor. Whichever team establishes a ground game, dominates time of possession, and plays better defense will be victorious, and I believe the visiting underdogs are up to the task.

My Pick: Philadelphia

WEEKEND MOVIE MARATHONS: John Candy

Thanksgiving is drawing near, so it feels like the perfect time to give some love to John Candy. I first encountered Candy on SCTV, a Canadian alternative to Saturday Night Live presented as a fictitious television network with all sorts of wacky content. It aired after The Tonight Show on Friday nights here in The States for a few years in the early 80s and launched the careers of Eugene Levy, Harold Ramis, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Rick Moranis, and Candy. Even while that show was still going Candy had small but memorably amusing roles in films like The Blues Brothers, Stripes, & National Lampoon’s Vacation. Unfortunately Hollywood’s obsession with tall, dark, & handsome (and thin) precluded him from becoming a classic leading man, but he left behind a solid and very funny filmography that I’m happy to explore.

Friday Night

Uncle Buck

It’s probably the first movie you think of when someone mentions John Candy, which is appropriate since he almost singlehandedly carries the whole thing as unkempt & unemployed Buck Russell, a middle aged, feckless, cigar smoking ne’er-do-well who spends most of his days drinking and betting on horse races. He is called upon to babysit his brother & sister-in-law’s three children while the parents tend to a family emergency. It is a unique amalgamation of the buddy comedy & fish-out-of-water formulas because Buck is definitely out of his depth. The two little kids (portrayed by Gaby Hoffman & MacCauley Culkin just one year before he stumbled into superstardom) think their uncle is weird, but get along with him just fine. Conversely, their teenage sister is in a rebellious phase and clashes with him. Hilarity ensues. My definition of a good movie has always focused on whether or not we still enjoy watching it decades later on a lazy vegg day spent on the couch, and Uncle Buck definitely qualifies. It is quintessential John Hughes and classic John Candy.

Saturday Matinee

Only the Lonely

If you haven’t seen it you really should. Writer/producer/director Chris Columbus is essentially John Hughes 2.0, having been responsible in one way or another for classics like The Goonies, Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, two Harry Potter films, and Christmas with the Kranks. Columbus wrote & directed this dramedy about a middle-aged Chicago cop whose relationship with a shy funeral home beautician is complicated by his domineering mother. The cast, which includes Candy, Ally Sheedy, Anthony Quinn, and Jim Belushi, is delightful, but it’s the inclusion of screen legend Maureen O’Hara that gives the movie gravitas. O’Hara, best remembered as the mother in Miracle on 34th Street and for co-starring in several John Wayne westerns, had been retired for two decades and living in The Virgin Islands, but Columbus successfully wooed her back to Hollywood for one final big screen role.

Saturday Night

Planes, Trains, & Automobiles

Soon enough many of us will spend much of our downtime consuming Christmas movies that we’ve all seen a thousand times, which is perfectly valid. Hell, a lot of you might’ve already started your holiday film binge last month. At any rate, as much as I love Christmas I always lament the fact that Thanksgiving tends to get the shaft in the process. However, there are a few Thanksgiving-centric entertainments, and this is the best among them in my opinion. Weather & other catastrophes wreak havoc on a Chicago ad exec’s efforts to make it home from New York in time for Turkey Day, but his chief annoyance is a well-meaning yet irritating salesman making the same trek. Written, produced, and directed by John Hughes, it has become an important part of my holiday tradition. I usually watch it the night before Thanksgiving, or perhaps on the actual holiday if circumstances allow. There have been rumors of a remake in recent years, and I get it, but I hope it is done respectfully, as an homage or even an unofficial sequel using the same framework with different characters. Perhaps they could even throw in a Steve Martin cameo.

Sunday Matinee

Summer Rental

A stressed out Atlanta air traffic controller is forced to take some time off, so he treats his family to an extended vacation in a popular Florida resort town. Unfortunately the trip isn’t as relaxing as he’d prefer, as a number of things go awry. This was John Candy’s first starring role, and the cast includes Rip Torn in a kind of beta version of the character he’d play in Dodgeball two decades later. The movie itself is reminiscent of a discount rendition of National Lampoon’s Vacation, which had been released a couple of years earlier. There’s a dash of Caddyshack tossed into the mix as well. It’s not a great film, but Candy’s affable charm makes it fun.

Sunday Night

The Great Outdoors

I guess one vacation-from-hell movie wasn’t enough, so a few years later Candy teamed up with Dan Aykroyd for another one, written by the incomparable John Hughes. Candy once again takes his family on vacation, this time to a quiet cabin in the woods of Wisconsin. When his affluent, snooty brother-in-law crashes the party hilarity ensues. This is probably a better film than Summer Rental simply because of the addition of Aykroyd and the script by Hughes. There has been talk of a reboot and/or sequel in recent years, although I don’t know how the latter would work without Candy. I suppose it’ll happen eventually. Not even great movies are sacred in Hollywood, and truthfully this isn’t a great movie.

2023 PIGSKIN PICKS OF PROFUNDITY…WEEK 12

Both of us were 3-2 last week, so nothing really changes there. The schedule is pretty stacked this weekend so we’re doing a double dose of picks. We are halfway thru the NFL season and in the home stretch with college football, which keeps things interesting as far as trying not to be repetitive. However, good teams & great matchups are what they are, so if we tend to focus on certain teams while ignoring others it is unintentional yet oftentimes unavoidable.

My Season: 38-25

Zach’s Season: 31-32

Michigan (-5.5) at Penn State

The undefeated Wolverines are battling for a playoff berth, while the 8-1 Nittany Lions still have an outside shot at playing for the Big Ten title. This is a Noon kickoff on Fox, which is a little odd, but it also means we get the broadcast team of Gus Johnson & Joel Klatt, who have become my favorite duo. The home field makes me skittish, but Michigan has dominated the rivalry in recent years, having beaten the home underdogs in six of their last nine battles. It’ll be fun for awhile, but I think the favorites grind it out for three & a half quarters before pulling away with a comfortable victory. Zach believes the time has come for his Wolverines, that this is the season they’ve been waiting for the past couple of decades. He has thought Penn St. overrated the entire season and forsees a huge win for his guys on the road.

My Pick: Michigan

Zach’s Pick: Michigan

Auburn at Arkansas (-3)

The 5-4 Tigers & the 3-6 Razorbacks have become afterthoughts in the SEC. Auburn needs a win to become bowl eligible, while Arkansas needs a win for a bit of self-respect. I’m a little surprised that Arkansas is favored, and I think the oddsmakers may have gotten it wrong. Zach agrees, predicting that the visitors will score a late touchdown for the win.

My Pick: Auburn

Zach’s Pick: Auburn

Miami (FL) at Florida State (-14.5)

This was one of the fiercest rivalries in the country a few decades ago, but it’s been a rough road for both programs in recent years. Both have shown signs of life here & there, though usually not at the same time. The ‘Canes are 6-3 but really have nothing to play for except pride and a more lucrative bowl invitation. Conversely, the unbeaten Seminoles can secure a playoff berth if they just keep winning. I’d be shocked if they lose, but can they cover on their turf?? Ultimately I foresee the favorites winning by 10-13 points, which they’ll be happy with but certain parties won’t like. Zach thinks State’s offensive firepower is just too much.

My Pick: Miami (FL)

Zach’s Pick: Florida St.

Mississippi at Georgia (-11.5)

The Bulldogs are still winning every game, but it doesn’t seem like they’re as dominant as we’ve all come to expect. Perhaps they are bored. If that’s the case they’ll need to kick it up a notch because the 8-1 Rebels have big plans that begin with pulling off an upset. Do I think that will happen?? No, not in the cozy confines of Athens, GA. That being said, I don’t believe the home team wins by more than ten points. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Ole Miss

Zach’s Pick: Ole Miss

Utah at Washington (-9.5)

Coulda, woulda, shoulda. It could have been a great matchup if the 7-2 Utes had their starting QB and hadn’t gotten smoked by both Oregon teams. They can still end up with a nice season and play in the Sun Bowl or Alamo Bowl, but a third consecutive PAC 12 title isn’t going to happen. Conversely, the 9-0 Huskies have a playoff berth on the horizon if they win out. I think it’ll be a decent game, but Washington is just too good and they’re not going to let their foot off the gas now. Zach isn’t totally sold on Washington as a playoff contender, but he thinks they’ll win this game.

My Pick: Washington

Zach’s Pick: Washington

Southern California at Oregon (-14.5)

While QB Caleb Williams snuggles his Mommy and plans a future as an NFL owner his Trojans have lost three of their last four games. Meanwhile, the 8-1 Ducks still have conference title and playoff aspirations. Oregon QB Bo Nix is my Heisman favorite and this is a fantastic opportunity to grab the attention of voters. It’s a 10:30pm kickoff on Fox, which I freakin’ love. Man those points scare me though!! When was the last time USC was a two TD underdog?? The folks in Eugene better show up & show out because their team needs them on Saturday night. The points are just too much for Zach. He likes Oregon to win, but believes it’ll be closer than two TDs.

My Pick: Oregon

Zach’s Pick: USC

Indianapolis (-1.5) at New England

In the preseason I opined that I was hesitant to stick a fork in the Patriots, but at 2-7 they’re even worse than I anticipated, which brings me no small amount of joy. At 4-5 the Colts aren’t that much better, but losing a starting QB does tend to affect a team negatively. We’re really setting new precedents this week, as I have to think that the Pats being underdogs in Foxboro has been rare the past couple of decades. It’ll probably be an ugly game, but somebody has to win, and I think that’ll be the visiting favorites in a low scoring slugfest that everyone will want to forget as quickly as possible. Zach agrees.

My Pick: Indianapolis

Zach’s Pick: Indianapolis

Houston at Cincinnati (-7.5)

The 5-3 Bengals have won three in a row after a rough start and seem to be hitting their stride in a wide open AFC North. The 4-4 Texans have shown flashes of potential just as I predicted. I’ll be much more interested in this matchup in a couple of years, but right now Cincy is clearly the better team. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Cincinnati

Zach’s Pick: Cincinnati

San Francisco (-2.5) at Jacksonville

Lather, rinse, repeat. Much like Houston, the 6-2 Jags look to be a team with a bright future, but they’re not quite there just yet. They’ll likely win a weak division then get bounced in the first round of the playoffs. Conversely, the 5-3 Niners had been, until recently, one of the more complete teams in the league, and anything short of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy will be a disappointment. Having said that, we cannot overlook the fact that they’ve lost three straight games. Why?? It’d be easy to blame QB Brock Purdy, and it’s a valid point. Don’t ever forget that he was Mr. Irrelevant and had eight signal callers chosen ahead of him, including Chris Oladokun & Skylar Thompson. Perhaps Purdy has been exposed. However, I actually think defense is a bigger issue and one that can be fixed rapidly, especially when you add a piece like recently acquired defensive end Chase Young. Call me delusional, but I still believe ‘Frisco is the better team and will dig deep to score a vital road victory. Zach forsees San Francisco relying heavily on their rushing attack to get an important win.

My Pick: San Francisco

Zach’s Pick: San Francisco

Washington at Seattle (-6)

If the 49ers continue to fold like a cheap suit the 5-3 Seahawks will be more than happy to take the division. I told y’all a few months ago that the NFC West would be hotly contested, and that might prove to be accurate if things continue down the current path. However, let’s not shortchange the 4-5 Commanders, who could easily be a couple of games better had the ball bounced just a bit differently. They will likely end up being as mediocre as I thought they’d be, but they’re a gritty team that doesn’t go down easily. I think the home field is too much to overcome, and Seattle will cover…but it won’t be a blowout. Zach doesn’t think it’ll be particularly competitive and agrees that Seattle is the better team.

My Pick: Seattle

Zach’s Pick: Seattle

WEEKEND MOVIE MARATHONS: Matthew Perry

Could our next weekend marathon BE any more obvious?? I don’t often comment on the passing of a celebrity except for the RIP tribute of the annual Sammy Awards. However, there have been exceptions in the past, and so there shall be once again.

When Friends premiered on NBC in 1994 I was a 21 year old college student. The show became a touchstone for Generation X, and despite some people in our current society determined to ruin literally everything fun who now define it as “problematic”, it is undoubtedly one of the best sitcoms of all time. The popularity of Friends made pop culture icons of the six cast members, who all went on to have mostly inconsequential film careers afterward. Having said that, there have been a few highlights, and in the wake of the tragic & untimely demise of Matthew Perry I feel that it is appropriate to give some love to his much too brief big screen library.

Friday Night

The Whole Nine Yards

In its decade of dominance Friends led to some odd combos…Aniston & Pitt, Cox & Arquette, Joey Tribbiani & spinoffs. However, I’m not sure anything could be more unexpectedly delightful than Bruce Willis starring in an action comedy with Matthew Perry. An unhappy dentist has an opportunity to solve his financial problems by ratting out an incognito mobster. There are lots of bullets & violence so it’s not your traditional rom-com, but in the nimble hands of Perry & Willis it is actually a pretty fun ride.

Saturday Matinee

Three to Tango

Courtney Cox isn’t the only Friends star to share the silver screen with Neve Campbell. Perry portrays an architect who stands to solidify his career & make bank working for a business tycoon who mistakenly believes he is gay. Not only is he straight, but he instantly falls for the wealthy man’s girlfriend. As is standard for that kind of plot confusion, dishonesty, & misunderstandings all lead to a big reveal and an obvious conclusion. There’s no way such a film would be produced nowadays, and even in the late 90’s it received a lukewarm response, but the cast is affable enough.

Saturday Night

Fools Rush In

I don’t care that Rotten Tomatoes only gives it a 34% Rotten score, I’ve always liked this movie. After an impromptu hookup between a spunky Latino photographer & a tightly wound businessman leads to a surprise pregnancy the duo decide to actually become romantically involved. Cultures clash, families insert themselves into the mess, and hilarity ensues. It is a pleasantly charming distraction with engaging leads, a terrific Vegas backdrop, and a deceptively strong supporting cast.

Sunday Matinee

17 Again

Formulaic?? Obviously. The whole trope of magically transforming into one’s younger self, having the opportunity to go back in time and fix past mistakes, has been done multiple times. However, I submit that formulas become so for a reason…they work. Some stories do it better than others, but the idea addresses a fundamental human yearning for a do over, which of course isn’t a thing in the real world. Anyhow, a likable cast that includes Perry, Zac Ephron, & Leslie Mann gives us something mildly entertaining yet ultimately forgettable.

Sunday Night

The Whole Ten Yards

When The Whole Nine Yards made $100 million+ a sequel became inevitable. A few years later an angry mob boss whose son was killed by the mobster in the first film is out for revenge. More bullets & violence follow, but it’s not as fresh & fun as the first film. Hindsight being 20/20, this is one sequel that probably shouldn’t have been greenlit, however fans of Bruce Willis & Matthew Perry will enjoy it.

2023 PIGSKIN PICKS OF PROFUNDITY…WEEK 11

According to the CFP Committee Ohio St. is now #1, which probably doesn’t sit well with the folks down in Georgia. I’ve always believed in the philosophy of “Nature Boy” Ric Flair: to be The Man you’ve got to beat The Man. I didn’t see the show, but I assume the powers-that-be may have watched the Bulldogs let Auburn hang around awhile several weeks ago and also got all tingly watching the Buckeyes beat Penn St. Whatever the details, I’m sure they somehow justified their decision to the talking heads. None of it really matters at this point, although the playoff picture is slowly coming into focus. At any rate, I was 4-1 last week, while Zach was 3-2. There are some potentially important matchups this week, atleast on paper. Hopefully they’ll live up to expectations. We’ll see.

My Season: 35-23

Zach’s Season: 28-30

Notre Dame (-3) at Clemson

What in the hell has happened to the Tigers?? I didn’t expect that they’d compete for a playoff spot this season, but neither did I forsee them entering November at 4-4 with back-to-back losses, including one to NC St. Meanwhile, the 7-2 Irish might still be thinking months from now how an inexplicable loss to Louisville cost them a playoff opportunity. Neither team is elite, but both are still good enough to draw interest. Can the negative energy be galvanized by Dabo Swinney into enough motivation to pull off an upset?? How crazy is it that Clemson winning a game at home would be an upset?? Zach thinks that Coach Swinney has perhaps lost a bit of his team, but doesn’t believe it’s a long term problem. He agrees that we’ll see just enough of that old magic emerge for an upset to occur.

My Pick: Clemson

Zach’s Pick: Clemson

Oklahoma (-6) at Oklahoma State

Is this the last hurrah for Bedlam?? The 7-1 Sooners will be moving to the SEC next year because the NCAA clearly doesn’t give a damn about tradition & common sense anymore. Will the 6-2 Cowboys view it as a final opportunity for bragging rights?? The visiting favorites got outyanked at Kansas last week, while the home underdogs are riding a four game winning streak. This will be an emotional back & forth battle, and I think we’ll see a surprising result. Conversely, Zach thinks the Sooners will be ticked off after getting beat a week ago and will take out their frustration on their in-state rival.

My Pick: Oklahoma St.

Zach’s Pick: Oklahoma

Washington (-3.5) at Southern California

Let’s be honest…other than beating Oregon at home the undefeated Huskies haven’t really been challenged. As a matter of fact, it has occasionally felt like they’ve played down to the level of their competition in games that were closer than expected. Conversely, the 7-2 Trojans have come up short in two huge games that they probably should’ve won. It just seems like certain parties at USC aren’t “all in” and might be focused on other things. I think the underdogs will give it all they’ve got, but the visitors are so close to securing a playoff berth I don’t believe they’ll get caught by surprise…atleast not this week. Zach thinks we’re in for a shootout…first team to 60 wins!!

My Pick: Washington

Zach’s Pick: Washington

LSU at Alabama (-3)

Does this battle have as much cachet as it used to?? Maybe not. However, the 6-2 Bayou Bengals have won three in a row, while the 7-1 Tide is just sitting there in the Top 10 waiting for a couple of dominoes to fall so they can claim the playoff berth they believe is owed them. Both teams are coming out of a bye week, so they should be well-rested & healthy. ‘Bama gets the requisite home field bump, but I smell an upset and a changing of the guard at the top of the SEC West. Zach forsees another low scoring defensive battle, which is kind of the norm in this rivalry. He’s a Coach Saban fanboy almost as much as he loves Michigan.

My Pick: LSU

Zach’s Pick: Alabama

Miami vs. Kansas City (-2.5)

For the first time ever the NFL is playing a game in Germany. It’s a 9:30am kickoff on NFL Network here in The States, with a matchup worthy of getting out of bed to watch. Some folks are seeing chinks in the armor of the 6-2 Chiefs, which is understandable given a surprising loss at Denver last week. Meanwhile, the prolific Miami offense has scored less than 31 points in only one game thus far. At 6-2 the Dolphins lead their division but can’t afford to ease up now. Most fans are likely expecting or atleast hoping for a shootout that’ll pad the fantasy numbers of countless couch GMs across the country. That would indeed be fun to watch, but every time that kind of game looks to be on the horizon it rarely seems to actually happen. We’ll probably see a 28-24 type of game, with penalties & turnovers playing a factor. Reports of KC’s demise are far too premature, but right now I think Miami is the hotter team. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Miami

Zach’s Pick: Miami