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
