Month: November 2026

2026 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…Week 12

I am not a fan of the newly announced 24 team college playoff, which will begin next season. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised, yet somehow I am indeed taken aback by how quickly it happened. That is a discussion for another time. Right now we move forward with me in a slightly better frame of mind than a week ago, determined to overcome The Darkness and not let the world steal my joy. In John 16:33 Jesus tells His disciples that “you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer (because) I have overcome the world”.  

My Season: 27-46

Zach’s Season: 31-42

Illinois at UCLA (-10)

The Bruins are one of only two undefeated teams remaining, although the CFP committee seems to be unimpressed, ranking them 4th, behind two loss Alabama. SEC bias is alive & well. The 6-3 Illini have shown flashes of being on the rise, but have also suffered a couple of inexplicable losses. UCLA has to be unhappy with the disrespect, and they have the perfect opportunity to prove themselves. This is a 9pm kickoff on Friday night, meaning it will have the full attention of the powers-that-be. Zach has been hesitant to believe in UCLA, but he is now on board. The points scare him just a little, but he’s going with the home favorites.

My Pick: UCLA

Zach’s Pick: UCLA

Southern California at Indiana (-7.5)

I don’t think many would disagree that the 8-1 Hoosiers aren’t the same team that went unbeaten and captured the National Championship a season ago. Their record is somewhat deceiving, with the last two victories coming in overtime. To be fair, they also came very close to defeating Ohio St. It simply hasn’t been a smooth road for the defending champs, and the playoff committee seemingly agrees, ranking them 9th, behind three teams with two losses. Meanwhile, the 7-2 Trojans appear to be on the verge of relevance again after a few lean years. QB Jayden Maiava won’t receive an invitation to the Heisman ceremony, but he might be a legit NFL prospect. The Big Ten title is still up for grabs, with the loser of this game most likely being eliminated. I’m not brave enough to predict a winner, but I believe it’ll be closer than a touchdown. Zach outright calls Indiana a fraud, but continues to be complimentary of their coaching staff. He thinks good coaching will keep the home favorites in the game, but likes the visiting underdogs to score an upset.

My Pick: USC

Zach’s Pick: USC

Oregon State at Boise State (-13.5)

The Pac 12 is no longer considered a “power” conference, which is understandable. That being said, kudos to them for rebuilding into a viable, competitive, vaguely intriguing entity. The 8-1 Broncos look to be a lock for the conference title game, and have their eyes on the token berth the playoff extends to “lesser” programs. The 5-4 Beavers could play themselves into a rematch against Boise for that conference championship, though they’ll need to snap a two game skid to keep pace. I don’t think that’s going to happen on the infamous blue turf, but the points do give me pause. The last time these teams met in 2024 Boise defended their home field and won by 16 points. I think Oregon St. is atleast a field goal better than that now. Conversely, Zach believes Boise St. is the real deal and will handle their business.

My Pick: Oregon St.

Zach’s Pick: Boise St.

Washington at NY Giants (-1.5)

We’re actually launching our weekend with Thursday night’s game on Prime. Before the season I said “keep an eye on the Giants”. I didn’t see Philly’s collapse in the tea leaves, but did feel like the G-Men could contend, and now they’re 5-2-1 & in firm control of the division. Meanwhile, the Redsk…oops…Commanders are 2-5-1 and not fulfilling the potential I know they possess. A month ago these teams played to an overtime tie, and it might be that close again. However, I think I like New York’s Top 5 defense a lil bit more. Zach is a John Harbaugh fan and thinks his team will emerge victorious in a low scoring slugfest.

My Pick: NY Giants

Zach’s Pick: NY Giants

Carolina at New Orleans (-2.5)

I have expressed faith in the upside of Saints’ QB Tyler Shough while not hiding my apathy toward Panthers’ signal caller Bryce Young. The NFC South has been abysmal thus far, leaving the real possibility that a team could win the division and make the postseason with a sub-.500 record. That’s down the road for now, but it also means every game counts. Who’d have thought a mid November matchup between two 3-5 teams could have such heavy playoff implications?? I like the home field for N’Awleans. They haven’t put all the pieces together yet, but have the vibes of an ascending club. Zach concurs.

My Pick: New Orleans

Zach’s Pick: New Orleans

2026 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…Week 11

Full disclosure…for various reasons I’ve pondered ending these picks permanently, effective immediately. However, I was always taught to finish what I start, so we press on…for now. We’ve got some REALLY good games happening this week. Early November…the lull between Halloween and the Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year’s corridor…is a fantastic time to be a football fan. Baseball is over, basketball is still a month or two away from being worthy of attention, and there aren’t many other distractions. The weather has cooled down but isn’t aggravating yet. Conference races are heating up, and the NFL’s contenders & pretenders are coming into focus. The world has become a vile hellscape, but atleast we can sit back, relax, enjoy a warm beverage, and cast as many cares aside as possible for a couple of days while sinking our teeth into some exhilarating gridiron action. I don’t know if I’ll be doing this again, so for anyone who has followed along and enjoyed this little project thru the years…thank you. Also…FUCK Michigan…the school, the football team, and the ENTIRE shitty state. Burn in Hell you stupid motherfuckers.

My Season: 22-42

Zackistan’s Season: 27-37

Oregon at Ohio State (-7)

I wonder if Oregon QB Dante Moore regrets his decision to remain in college rather than enter the NFL Draft?? Not only did his season end four games in due to a concussion from a vicious hit, but the Ducks probably aren’t playoff bound. Hell, what will Moore do next year…return to Oregon, go to the NFL (after his draft stock has plummeted), or transfer elsewhere for his senior season?? Those are questions for another time. As far as this game goes, the Buckeyes aren’t losing, despite also playing with a backup quarterback. They overcame Indiana last weekend, so I don’t believe Oregon will do any better. The only question is will the home favorites  cover?? I think they will…barely. Zachistan is picking Oregon because of course he is.

My Pick: Ohio St.

Zachistan’s Pick: Oregon

Kentucky at Tennessee (-6.5)

First of all, kudos to these two programs for keeping their rivalry where it belongs…on campus. No neutral field locations. Secondly, it must be noted that this battle feels…different. Tennessee has DOMINATED the series 85-26-9. The Vols have won 12 out of the past 14 meetings, including the last five games. However, the 7-1 Wildcats seem to be legit, with victories over LSU & Oklahoma on their resume. The 6-2 Vols suffered two three point losses but could very easily be undefeated. Both teams are coming off a bye, so there aren’t any excuses. As much fun as it’d be for the underdogs to throw a big ol’ monkey wrench into preconceived notions about who should be in the SEC title hunt, I understand how difficult it is to win in Rocky Top, so I’d be surprised by an upset. However, I won’t be shocked at all when the home favorites win by only 3-5 points. Zachistan thinks Kentucky can score anywhere anytime, and he’s a bit surprised by the odds.

My Pick: Kentucky

Zachistan’s Pick: Kentucky

Georgia (-3.5) at Ole Miss

After being upset by Auburn at home a couple of weeks ago the Bulldogs still have an opportunity to prove they’re the best team in the nation. They face three ranked opponents this month, beginning with the 6-2 Rebels, who most certainly wouldn’t have been a Top Ten team a decade ago, when losses actually meant something. Anyway, if there is ANY shred of decency & fairness remaining in the world Georgia will win by three or four TDs. Zachistan concurs.

My Pick: Georgia

Zachistan’s Pick: Georgia

Alabama at LSU (-4.5)

Do you remember when the entire college football universe stopped to pay attention to this game?? Pepperidge Farm remembers. Now, it’s being played at 3:30pm and no one gives a rat’s ass because both teams have already lost a couple of games and neither are even sniffing a championship trophy. LSU is so irrelevant they can’t even host a night game at a venue that has made Saturday nights legendary, while ‘Bama post-Saban has been like watching The Office after Steve Carell’s departure. You want to talk yourself into the notion that it’s still great, but it just isn’t. Anyway, I still like the home field advantage for the Bayou Bengals, even if Disney is too stupid to understand the opportunity. Zachistan continues to view LSU as a legit national title contender 😂, and he likes them to win by a touchdown at home.

My Pick: LSU

Zachistan’s Pick: LSU

BYU at Utah (-5)

They call it The Holy War, because…well, Mormons. If any well dressed yet slightly creepy youths ironically knock on your door during this game, just ignore them. Focus, because it should be a dandy. The Utes lead the all time series 62–37–4, although the Cougars have won the last three meetings (after Utah had previously won nine in a row). Home field advantage isn’t a huge factor since the two campuses are separated by less than fifty miles. I love Cougars QB Bear Bachmeier, and I won’t count his team out of the Big 12 title race or a playoff berth. That being said, I think Utah is better & deeper, and they’ll win by a touchdown. Conversely, Zachistan thinks the visiting underdogs will keep things close and find a way to win in the end.

My Pick: Utah

Zachistan’s Pick: BYU

Penn State at Washington (-1.5)

In case you need a refresher, these two teams were both in the Top 5 of my preseason poll, because apparently I was high. The Nittany Lions are 4-4, while the Huskies are only slightly better at 5-3. To be honest, this game isn’t the least bit compelling, and the only reason it’s in our lineup is because I am a self deprecating masochist. However, because I still have love for my boy Rocco Becht, I am pulling for the mild upset. Zachistan agrees.

My Pick: Penn St.

Zachistan’s Pick: Penn St.

Miami (FL) at Notre Dame (-5.5)

I am not nearly energetic enough to confirm, but I suspect this may be the deepest into a college football season that my preseason #1 is actually the top team in the land. That almost wasn’t the case, with the Hurricanes going down to the wire before upending the UNC Tar Heels last weekend. Florida St. took Miami to two overtimes a few weeks ago as well, so their grip on the top spot has been tenuous. Meanwhile, despite stumbling against BYU a couple of weeks ago, the Irish are a Top 5 team whose playoff berth is probably safe unless things go terribly awry, despite what the CFP standings may indicate. This isn’t on the same level as the old Catholics vs. Convicts skirmishes of almost four decades ago, but it is two of the best five teams in a matchup in which the alleged top team in the country find themselves underdogs. I don’t know who wins, but I believe it’ll be decided by a field goal. Zachistan has consistently called Notre Dame overrated all season, and he doesn’t believe the final score will be particularly close.

My Pick: Miami (FL)

Zachistan’s Pick: Miami (FL)

Dallas (-5.5) at Indianapolis

Is there anyone left in the Colts organization?!?!?? How long before the head coach is gone?? The new owner might look like an idiot walking around on the sidelines with a headset & a clipboard, but the fact is she controls the money, and perhaps a total house cleaning isn’t the worst idea. That being said, the Cowboys are equally ridiculous, and it’s fun when they lose, so that’s what I’m hoping for even if it isn’t a smart pick. Have you seen my record?? What do I have to lose?? Hell, we’re all going to be ruled by Zachistan’s beloved Muslim invaders soon enough anyway, so who cares?? He is making the safe pick, which is probably the right call. 

My Pick: Indianapolis

Zachistan’s Pick: Dallas

Green Bay at New England (-2.5)

The Packers are a hard team to figure out. Are they the team that whooped Chicago’s ass a few weeks ago, or are they the team that was dominated by Atlanta back in September?? Injuries have cost them, but injuries heal. Are they putting it all together for a playoff run, or will they miss the postseason altogether?? The same questions could be asked of the Patriots, who will need to secure a wild card because they aren’t overcoming Buffalo to win the division. I like Green Bay’s chances just a skosh more, this week and beyond. Zachistan believes the visiting underdogs will win decisively.

My Pick: Green Bay

Zachistan’s Pick: Green Bay