The NHL season & MLB Playoffs are both underway. I wish I could feign interest in either one, but unless the Pittsburgh Penguins make the Stanley Cup playoffs in nine months or we’re treated to a Red Sox/Guardians vs. Cubs World Series it seems unlikely that I’ll be an engaged viewer. Conversely, football has my full attention every weekend. Sadly, fandom hasn’t translated into knowledgable forecasting of these games. Almost everything I’ve said from the preseason ‘til now has been completely wrong. My picks have become a microcosm of my life, which has been calamitous for most of the year. That is my cross to bear, but in the meantime we’ll forge ahead and see if we can atleast right the ship in this space.
My Season: 10-22
Zach’s Season: 15-17
Florida (-5) at Missouri
The unbeaten Gators pulled off a huge upset of Ole Miss last weekend, but it doesn’t get any easier from there. The Tigers gave up two 4th quarter touchdowns at Mississippi St. for their first loss of the year. The home team might have a puncher’s chance, but Florida just feels different under first year coach Jon Sumrall. I don’t expect them to run the table, but they’ll be a surprising ingredient in the SEC title mix. Zach thinks Missouri has been overrated and sees Florida as a legit playoff contender.
My Pick: Florida
Zach’s Pick: Florida
BYU (-6.5) at TCU
It isn’t shocking that the Cougars are undefeated, or that QB Bear Brachmeier leads the Big 12 in passer rating. However, let’s be honest…BYU hasn’t been tested yet. The Horned Frogs sit at .500 and appear to be a sloppy, undisciplined team. I don’t believe the game will be particularly competitive, but as we’ve established, I don’t really know what the hell I’m talking about, so who knows?? Zach believes TCU is still figuring out their identity, while BYU is sneaky good. He agrees that the favorites should win easily.
My Pick: BYU
Zach’s Pick: BYU
Notre Dame (-21) at North Carolina
I know it’s not possible for both teams to lose, but as a lifelong Notre Dame hater and someone who views Belichick as a stain on the sport, a double loss would be football nirvana. Realistically though, the undefeated Irish have gotten off to a much better start than last season and look like a playoff certainty unless they stumble down the stretch against a significant underdog. The 2-1 Tar Heels led Clemson with six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but gave up two touchdowns in the final five minutes. Carolina has the home field, and they might give their fans false hope for awhile, but the visiting favorites just have too much skill & athleticism. Zach concurs.
My Pick: Notre Dame
Zach’s Pick: Notre Dame
Miami (FL) (-16.5) at Clemson
The ‘Canes were my preseason #1, and thus far they’ve done nothing to dissuade that prediction. The Tigers have been on the downswing after being one of the country’s most dominant programs for a decade. While 3-1 is impressive enough, the truth is they’ve looked beatable in a couple of those victories. Clemson has the home field on Saturday night, but I’d be stunned if they actually won. However, if the underdogs are on the verge of getting back their mojo I suppose it’s not out of the question that they’ll stay within two TDs. Zach doesn’t think Clemson is very good, despite their winning record. He believes they’ll be competitive into the second half, but the visiting favorites will pull away late.
My Pick: Clemson
Zach’s Pick: Miami (FL)
New England at Buffalo (-6.5)
Bills QB Josh Allen is a newlywed who welcomed a baby in the offseason. Buffalo also hired a new head coach. My thought process led to the conclusion that the team would “regress a bit”. I couldn’t have been more wrong. They enter the weekend 3-0 and have looked better than ever. Meanwhile, the Patriots, who I believed would win another division title with relative ease, are 1-2 and in total disarray. Can they reverse course and get back into the playoff mix?? Of course…it’s way too soon to count anyone out. However, I don’t think they’ll win this game. As a matter of fact, don’t be surprised if the home team seizes an opportunity to make a decisive statement. Zach agrees.
My Pick: Buffalo
Zach’s Pick: Buffalo
