Author: sammano

2023 PIGSKIN PICKS OF PROFUNDITY…WEEK 7

Greetings football fans. Hey, it’s my birthday!! Sadly, writing this lil ditty is about as exciting as my day will get, and that’s okay. At any rate, both of us had another mediocre week. I still can’t believe Georgia didn’t cover, and there are no words to explain what the hell happened to our Steelers. But, as Ferris Bueller once stated, life moves pretty fast. It’s time to focus on another weekend of gridiron action, and so we move forward.

My Season: 23-12

Zach’s Season: 20-15

Kansas State (-11.5) at Oklahoma State

We’re leaning heavily into the Big 12 this week, starting with a team I had high hopes for in the preseason. At 3-1, with only a close loss to Missouri blemishing their record, the Wildcats still have an opportunity to meet my lofty expectations. Conversely, the 2-2 Cowboys have lost two in a row and need to stop their downward spiral immediately. This is the prime time Saturday night game on ESPN, so someone somewhere must believe it’ll be fun to watch. The points concern me a little bit because I’m not sure the favorites are as elite as I’d hoped while the underdogs probably aren’t as terrible as the numbers might indicate. Having said that, anyone who has followed us here thru the years knows that I’m loyal to my preseason opinions until they’re proven wrong, so I’m riding with K-State to validate my prognostication with a statement victory. Zach isn’t impressed by either team but thinks the favorites have a more balanced attack that will lead to a comfortable win.

My Pick: Kansas St.

Zach’s Pick: Kansas St.

Texas Tech at Baylor (-1.5)

At 2-3 the Red Raiders look like fighting for bowl eligibility might be their ceiling. Ditto for the 2-3 Bears, who won 12 games & beat Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl just a couple of seasons ago. This feels like a pivotal game that could right the ship of the winner while tossing the loser deeper into the abyss. I have no idea what to expect and usually factor the home field rather heavily into these kinds of decisions, but The Vibes are gently nudging me toward Tech. Zach likes Baylor’s toughness to make the difference in a high scoring affair decided deep into the 4th quarter.

My Pick: Texas Tech

Zach’s Pick: Baylor

Oklahoma vs. Texas (-6.5)

I still call it the Red River Shootout even if the sports media has become too woke to do so. It’s the last time they’ll meet as Big 12 rivals, but unlike so many other great traditions that have been destroyed by conference realignment these teams will continue to battle annually as members of the SEC. After last season’s 6-7 abomination I had no expectations of the Sooners, but thus far they’re 5-0 & proving me wrong. I did have a reasonably high opinion of the Longhorns, but at 5-0 & ranked in the Top 5 they’ve outdone themselves. It’s a neutral site contest at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, with a Noon kickoff. It feels like Texas has much more at stake, with a possible playoff berth in their future if all goes well. Oklahoma looks to have too many obstacles in their path to work themselves into playoff contention, but ruining their opponent’s opportunity would be sweet. I’m looking forward to a real dandy, and think the favorites have enough firepower to win by a touchdown. Zach believes the total points may end up close to 100, with the underdogs scoring a mildly surprising upset.

My Pick: Texas

Zach’s Pick: Oklahoma

Jacksonville vs. Buffalo (-5.5)

I expected both teams to be playoff contenders, but so far I’ve been underwhelmed. I thought the 2-2 Jags would be the bandwagon everyone would jump on, but they lost a game & that spot to the Houston Texans. Similarly, the 3-1 Bills are atop their division, but share the lead with the Miami Dolphins, who have received a lot more buzz. This is a 9:30am kickoff in London on the NFL Network, the second consecutive week for Jacksonville in Merry Old England (they beat Atlanta last Sunday). That gives them a slight advantage in my mind, assuming they just stayed overseas instead of flying back & forth across the pond again. It would be an attention grabbing upset, and possible changing of the guard in the AFC. Zach thinks Buffalo has figured things out after a sluggish beginning to their season.

My Pick: Jacksonville

Zach’s Pick: Buffalo

New Orleans at New England (-1.5)

I feel like this is a must-win for both teams. The 2-2 Saints came out of the gate strong before dropping two straight. Injuries have been an issue. The 1-3 Patriots have folks questioning the perceived genius of allegedly one of the greatest coaches of all time. I could’ve told you years ago that was poppycock, but they kept winning Super Bowls by any means necessary. Witnessing New England’s implosion is delicious fun, and I wouldn’t mind seeing N’Awlins beat them by triple digits. Unfortunately the visitors aren’t that good. Are they good enough to squeak by in a close contest though?? I hope so. Conversely, Zach doesn’t thing Darth Belichick will lose two games in a row. He foresees them taking pressure off whoever starts at QB by establishing a strong running game.

My Pick: New Orleans

Zach’s Pick: New England

40 Cheat Codes I Wish I Knew At 20 – Part 1

Occasionally I run across things in my travels down the info superhighway that deserve more than a repost on social media. Obviously I’m an opinionated guy, and self reflection is a pseudo hobby. Ol’ Blue Eyes once sang “Mistakes…I’ve made a few, but then again, too few to mention”. Well, good for him. As for me, I’ve made much more than a few errors, and, while it doesn’t do much good to dwell on such things, when I engage in an exercise like this it is unavoidable. I feel confident in opining that most of us wish we had the kind of knowledge at the age of 20 that we possess a few decades later, but let’s see how many of these particular nuggets of wisdom I perceive as authentic.

1 When you think something nice about someone, let them know right then.

Okay, I can get onboard with that. Being a nice person is generally a wise idea, although I believe the issue being referenced is the reticence many of us that are more reserved might feel in being that open, which I understand.

2 Never think twice about investments in yourself. They pay dividends for a long time.

If you were raised a certain way this advice may be perceived as selfish. I get that, but the difference between 20 & 50 is realizing that taking care of yourself isn’t a bad thing because most of the time you are the only person you can count on.

3 Put your alarm clock in the bathroom. If you have to get up to turn it off, you won’t snooze.

Not bad advice at all. The snooze button is one of the more low key wicked inventions of all time. Don’t be lazy…get your ass out of bed!!

4 If you want to get better at anything, do it for 30 minutes per day for 30 straight days.

Author Malcolm Gladwell wrote about his 10,000 Rule, which essentially means you need to practice something for 10,000 hours to become truly proficient. If you practice 30 minutes per day it would take you almost 55 years to really become great using Gladwell’s rule, so that math ain’t mathin’. There’s got to be a happy medium, right?? Having said that, I think 30 minutes for 30 days is atleast a good start.

5 Hire a writer to document your parents’ childhood stories. Print it with old photos.

It’s a fantastic idea, not only for parents but grandparents too. Realistically though, no one does that. Life gets in the way. We get busy. However, if I knew then what I know now (which is kind of the point of this project) I think I’d use technology to do something akin to it. How cool would it be to have a bunch of video of long gone loved ones?? Younger generations have a leg up on us older folks with social media & smart phones. They document everything anyway, so why not “interview” your parents & grandparents while they’re still around?? Trust me kids…you might think it’s silly in the moment, but decades from now you’ll be so happy you did it.

6 Write down three things you’re grateful for before bed. Read them out loud when you wake up.

I could get onboard with something like that. Just forcing yourself to reflect on what you should be grateful for is a worthy use of time.

7 Go for a 15 minute walk every morning. It has a positive impact on your mood, sleep, metabolism, digestion, and more.

Well, I can’t walk ♿️, but otherwise I agree. Exercise & fresh air are never bad ideas, and I wish that had been ingrained into my lifestyle many years ago.

8 Always pursue the path that has the larger luck surface area.

I had no idea what that meant, so I looked it up. Luck surface area is “the amount of exposure an individual or organization has to opportunities & resources that can lead to success. The larger the luck surface area, the more opportunities & resources one is exposed to and the more likely they are to experience good luck.” If I’m reading that correctly it boils down to networking, putting yourself out there, taking chances, & engaging with others as much as possible. I didn’t realize until I was in my 40s that I’ve been in survival mode my entire life, taught to play it safe & not take chances. Consequently I’ve lived a very small, ineffective, hollow life. Nothing I’ve done really matters. I’m not blaming anybody…I take responsibility for my own shortcomings. That being said, I encourage anyone to mostly do the opposite of what I have done.

9 Tell your partner one thing you appreciate about them every single day.

If I had a significant other I would happily do just that.

10 Do a few things that you’ll be excited to tell your kids about someday. Create stories worth telling.

Sadly I don’t have any children, and I wouldn’t have any cool stories to tell them anyway. I haven’t gone anywhere or accomplished anything noteworthy. Good advice though.

11 Spend 15 minutes every evening preparing for your first focus tasks the next morning.

That sounds very…corporate.

12 If someone tries to put down your accomplishments, cut them out of your life.

No worries there…on multiple levels. In a vacuum though I will agree with the sentiment. If you have people in your life trying to tear you down get rid of them. That doesn’t mean you want a bunch of sycophants who coddle you, but it’s possible to be forthright with constructive criticism without being a douchenozzle.

13 Take yourself out for a meal alone once each month. It’s an insanely freeing meditative experience.

Thankfully I’ve never minded going out to eat by myself. Actually that’s been the prevailing circumstance in my life.

14 When you’re starting your career, swallow the frog for your boss to get ahead. Observe your boss, figure out what they hate doing, and take it off their plate. Easy win.

That’s not bad counsel. Just don’t become an asskisser. No one likes that, and ultimately the boss won’t respect you.

15. When someone is going through hell, just say “I’m with you.’ Advice is minimally impactful. The notion that someone is with you is 10x more powerful.

Absolutely. Most of the time people just need someone to listen while they vent and agree with their emotional ranting. It’s a pretty easy gig, yet so valuable.

16 If someone regularly brags about their wealth, income, or success, just assume the reality is about 50% of what they say.

No one likes a braggart.

17 Reread your favorite books annually. You may read thousands of books in your life, but there will only be a few that deeply change you. Reread them every single year.

I’m not sure I totally agree, but neither do I disagree. It’s comforting to read your favorite books again just as we enjoy watching the same movies & TV shows repeatedly or listening to the same music over & over. However, whenever I’m re-reading a book part of me feels guilty for not investing that time in a book I’ve not read yet.

18 Never delay difficult conversations. If you’re nervous, do it on a walk, it makes it much easier.

Attack the issue. Don’t procrastinate. Deal with it. That’s what adults do.

19 Do the “old fashioned” things well. Look people in the eye, have a firm handshake, and always stay true to your word.

Absolutely!!

20 If you’re about to say yes to something on the assumption that you’ll have more time for it in the future, say no instead.

YES!! Don’t be so quick to get yourself into a situation you’ll regret. Your time & energy are precious commodities. Learning to say “no” is powerful & pragmatic.

Let’s take a break & finish up in a couple of days.

2023 PIGSKIN PICKS OF PROFUNDITY…WEEK 6

At this point we’re starting to separate the contenders from the pretenders, especially in college. As conference games begin to dominate the schedule and divisional battles in the NFL heat up the bigger picture will come into focus. Having said that, it’s way too soon to get cocky if you’re favorite team(s) have gotten off to a hot start, and much too early to give up if they’ve stumbled a bit. Both of us were 5-2 last weekend, which is pretty great, but now the real fun begins.

My Season: 20-10

Zach’s Season: 18-12

Cincinnati at BYU (-2.5)

I had to double check to see if both teams had already joined the Big 12 or if that was happening next year. Conference realignment is such bullsquat. Anyway, both did join the conference this season, and right now the 3-1 Cougars have a slight edge over the 2-2 Bearcats. In general I feel like Cincy gets way too much credit for the one year they were really good and somehow snuck into the playoff before being owned by Alabama. Conversely, BYU has a much longer tradition of being a very solid high level program. This is a late Friday night kickoff on ESPN, and I think the home field holds serve, with the favorites covering in a tight contest. Zach foresees a high scoring affair with the home team scoring late to secure the victory.

My Pick: BYU

Zach’s Pick: BYU

Texas A&M (-6.5) vs. Arkansas

So far Jimbo Fisher’s team is on pace to vastly improve on last season’s horrific record, but the job is far from finished. This is a neutral site game at the Palace in Dallas, with a Noon kickoff on the SEC Network. The 2-2 Razorbacks have lost two consecutive games and would love to stop any potential free fall. They are the sort of team that wins 7-9 games in good years while never being in the conference title or CFP conversation, but seem to always play one really great game, upsetting an opponent they weren’t supposed to beat. Will that happen against A&M?? I don’t think so. Conversely, Zach believes Arkansas’ secret weapon is their strength & conditioning program and thinks that’ll be a factor in upsetting an A&M team that’s really not that good.

My Pick: Texas A&M

Zach’s Pick: Arkansas

Georgia (-14.5) at Auburn

Auburn hasn’t beaten Georgia since 2017 when the Bulldogs subsequently avenged that defeat by beating the Tigers in the SEC title game. The favorites are 4-0 and have scored 45+ points in three of those games. Meanwhile, the home team is 3-1 but just got shellacked at Texas A&M. I would love to see a really fun, competitive game Saturday afternoon, but I don’t think that’ll happen. Zach doesn’t believe Georgia is as dominant as they’ve been the last couple of years and thinks they’ll get off to a slow start. Ultimately though, he sees them pulling away late for a big win.

My Pick: Georgia

Zach’s Pick: Georgia

Pittsburgh (-3) at Houston

We normally don’t pick Steelers games because both Zach & I are honest about our bias. I’ve been cheering for the black & gold since the days of Terry Bradshaw & The Steel Curtain. Zach is much younger but grew up rooting for Hines Ward, Big Ben, & Troy Polamalu. We are well aware that our team is in a struggle phase at the moment and trust me…we have lots of opinions. Having said that, I’m confident the favorites will get the job done on the road. The Texans are trending upward and will be a legit playoff contender in a year or two, but I don’t believe they’re there quite yet. Rookie quarterback CJ Stroud looks like he’ll be good down the road, but this weekend I think the Steelers defense will eat him alive. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Pittsburgh

Zach’s Pick: Pittsburgh

Seattle at NY Giants (1.5)

I’m not sure what to make of this one. On one hand, it’s normal that the 1-2 Giants would get the home field bump, but it’s only half of what it would normally be, which is showing respect toward Seattle. However, the mere fact that the 2-1 Seahawks aren’t favored at all seems disrespectful to me. I’ve watched both teams play, and I think Seattle is flat out a better team. I believe they’ll win, and it won’t be particularly close. Zach has a very low opinion of the Giants and agrees that the visiting underdogs will win big on Monday night.

My Pick: Seattle

Zach’s Pick: Seattle

The Old Man & The Sea

I like a good novella. It’s longer than a short story, just a wee bit lengthier than a novelette, but much shorter than a novel. Back in the day I rarely had any problem devouring an interesting 500+ page book (for example, the Harry Potter series, which I love), but I have found that, as the years advance, I sometimes appreciate a briefer journey.

The diminutive length (it comes in at under 100 pages) of Hemingway’s Pulitzer Prize winning masterpiece The Old Man & The Sea belies its greatness. Whether one chooses to just enjoy it as a good yarn or embraces a deeper message full of symbolism and implied significance doesn’t really matter. I first read the story as a teenager in junior high school. The allegorical imagery had to be explained to me back then, and I vaguely recall not being much into all that mumbo jumbo. But I still enjoyed the tale. Decades later I understand that stuff. I get it. And it just makes for a richer, more gratifying experience.

Santiago is a simple man…a very poor man, atleast by societal standards. He is a fisherman in 1950’s Cuba. As we meet him Santiago has gone 84 days without catching a single fish and has lost his young apprentice Manolin because the boy’s father thinks the old man is bad luck. However, the boy shows a sincere devotion to his mentor, looking in on him, bringing him food, and helping him gather up his supplies before and after a day on the ocean. Finally Santiago makes a bold decision. On that 85th day he ventures far out to sea…way further than anyone else, and certainly beyond the point that a single elderly fellow in a small skiff with no help really should. However, his gamble seems to pay off when he snags a mammoth marlin that he estimates to be 1500+ pounds. Unfortunately the fish won’t go down without a fight and pulls Santiago in his little boat even further out into the middle of the ocean. Then it becomes a 3 day battle of wills between the patient, determined, wise fisherman and his epic catch.

Most folks in Santiago’s position would give up. Either the long dry spell would stop them dead in their tracks, or the unenviable task of trying to haul in such a huge fish alone would prompt an all too common “Ehhh…it’s not worth the hassle” response. The Old Man not only won’t give up, but he approaches the task with an amazing display of composure, quiet determination, and judicious skill. He simply does what must be done. He does not surrender, believing that “Man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”

We often talk of heroes. In our modern world we tend to put all kinds of people on a decidedly undeserved pedestal. We revere vacuous, morally corrupt celebrities, spoiled, overpaid athletes, and all of The Pretty People. But we overlook the folks who simply get up each morning, put in an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay, and keep life moving forward with the products they make, the services they provide, and the seemingly menial tasks they complete. Millions of people every single day execute mundane jobs to the best of their ability, and unlike Santiago’s favorite baseball player Joe DiMaggio, there aren’t masses of people watching and cheering them on. But they do it anyway. Maybe that’s true heroism. Perseverance is indeed a vastly underappreciated quality.

I suppose the sea is like life itself…deep, immense, beautiful, occasionally scary, and with a whole host of surprises…both good & bad…lurking below the surface. Like Santiago we all need to venture out a little further than usual sometimes, and it helps if we are equipped with the proper tools, have amassed a good amount of knowledge & wisdom, and have the ability to ply our trade with deft skill. Sometimes we are rewarded with an impressive catch, and other times evil with reach up and bite us like the sharks Santiago encounters on his journey homeward. Either way we must face the struggle with dignity, courage, patience, optimism, and intelligence.

I was never much into fishing. My Dad would take me every once in a while when I was a kid, but truth be told I preferred to be home watching TV or reading a book. I guess I just don’t have the patient temperament necessary. If I had to make a living as a fisherman I’d probably starve & I definitely wouldn’t be able to deal with an 84 day slump or endure a three day contest against a fish seven times my size, and that’s not even taking into consideration the sharks. I don’t particularly enjoy watching the scarier parts of Jaws for God’s sake. But I think it’s pretty obvious that Hemingway meant The Old Man & The Sea to be about a lot more than fishing, and in that he succeeded. It certainly doesn’t hurt that it’s a splendidly entertaining story too.

2023 PIGSKIN PICKS OF PROFUNDITY…WEEK 5

As a Steelers fan I’m still trying to wrap my head around what the hell I watched Monday night. Never has a win felt more like a loss. As a fantasy owner I am juggling a half dozen teams with various injuries & underperforming players who I can’t give away in trades. All of this while I just kicked Covid’s ass for the third time. It’s no fun, but even my healthcare provider said “it’s really not a big deal anymore”, so I thank God every day I didn’t bow to the pressure to receive a useless “vaccine” that is more dangerous than the disease it is supposed to treat. Anyway, Zach has drawn a little closer overall, and we’re both still above water. Hopefully doing a few bonus picks won’t turn out to be a bad idea.

My Season: 15-8

Zach’s Season: 13-10

Florida State (-2) at Clemson

My my how the turn tables. The Seminoles haven’t won this matchup since 2014, but now they visit Death Valley as slight road favorites. The Tigers are 2-1, though no one is putting much stock in two easy victories, instead choosing to dwell on the season opening loss at Duke. Florida St. is 3-0 and getting a lot of love for their season opening destruction of LSU. I’ve always liked Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, who seems like a genuinely decent man. Now we’re going to find out just how good of a coach he is, regardless of the final score. This is a Noon kickoff instead of prime time, which speaks volumes. After six straight playoff appearances Clemson has been in a downward cycle for the past couple of years, and that’s okay. It happens. Conversely, after being one of the dominant forces in college football throughout the 90s Florida St. had some lean years and now appears to be highly competitive once more. It’s the circle of life. The wheel of fortune. Zach is taking a leap of faith on Coach Swinney, believing he’ll have his team ready to find their place on the path unwinding.

My Pick: Florida St.

Zach’s Pick: Clemson

Colorado at Oregon (-21)

Play time is over. Upsetting TCU was cool, even if it was more perception based on last season. Throttling Nebraska was nostalgic. Defeating Colorado St. in two OTs was thrilling and everything a rivalry game should be…hell, everything college football once was until greed chipped away at it like a woodpecker on a maple tree. Now though…now we find out if the Buffs are the real deal. The Ducks are 3-0 and have made it look relatively easy. We cannot overlook the fact that it is a conference battle, and the two top teams will ultimately meet for the PAC 12 title, making this a pretty important game. Coach Prime has won me over with his cool demeanor, hype skills, & genuine belief in his team. However, I think they will struggle to be .500 the rest of the way. Oregon might not be a playoff team, but they are a legit Top 10 threat. Zach concurs. He foresees the favorites winning quite emphatically.

My Pick: Oregon

Zach’s Pick: Oregon

UCLA at Utah (-4.5)

The 3-0 Utes have become the forgotten team in the PAC 12, which is probably fine with them at the moment. The season opening victory over Florida looks better every day, and QB Cameron Rising could finally be ready to play after missing the first few games while still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in the Rose Bowl. Meanwhile, the Bruins are also 3-0, although their schedule has hardly been…noteworthy. This could be one of the best games of the day on Saturday, and I believe it’ll be super close. Decided by a field goal close. Zach also thinks it’ll be close, but ultimately sees Utah being good enough.

My Pick: UCLA

Zach’s Pick: Utah

Ohio St. (-3.5) at Notre Dame

The Buckeyes are cruising along without a care in the world. Starting the season with three cupcakes will do that for you, but now they’ll need to snap on those chinstraps tight and be prepared to play football. Not only are the Fighting Irish also undefeated, but they have the home field. A win for either team legitimizes their success thus far & puts them squarely in the playoff debate. A loss doesn’t mean the season is over, but it likely ends any national title dreams. I think it’ll be a hard fought battle. Notre Dame will scratch & claw and look pretty good keeping up with their favored opponents. They’ll have opportunities to tie or even take a small lead…but it won’t happen. Ohio St. is just a little faster, a little deeper, and a little more athletic. Conversely, Zach thinks Ohio St.’s QB situation is a mess and predicts Notre Dame will defend their turf.

My Pick: Ohio St.

Zach’s Pick: Notre Dame

LA Chargers at Minnesota (-1.5)

The Vikings just traded for (former) Rams’ running back Cam Akers because their rushing attack has been pathetic. I don’t know if Akers will be in the lineup Sunday, but after starting 0-2 there is some urgency there. The Chargers are also 0-2, but could just as easily be 2-0. It would certainly help to get RB Austin Ekeler back on the field, but he may miss another game. Neither of these teams has been getting blown out, they’ve just been missing…something…that causes them to fall just a bit short. Akers could be the missing piece for Minnesota, but I’d be surprised if we know that answer this week. The question for me is which defense does one trust more, and I think I have to lean toward the Chargers. Zach foresees a low scoring affair and agrees the underdogs will snag a mild upset.

My Pick: LA Chargers

Zach’s Pick: LA Chargers

Chicago at Kansas City (-13.5)

I listened with bemusement to talking heads hyping the Bears & QB Justin Fields in the preseason because I have the direct opposite opinions. Two games in & who looks good on the Bears/Fields front?? That’s right…me. Conversely, I am somewhat concerned about the Chiefs, although, to be fair, losing by one point to Detroit and being challenged mightily by the Jags aren’t reasons to hang heads in shame. For now I am blaming that overhyped harlot Taylor Swift for anything that goes wrong in KC. Will that include a loss to the Bears?? No…not even that twit has that much power. Will the home team cover?? That’s a whole different mediocre country pop song. I think it’ll be close. Gamblers nationwide will sweat as the outcome hangs in the balance heading into the 4th quarter. But then guys like Patrick Mahomes & Chris Jones will remember who the hell they are and lead their team to a two+ touchdown win. Zach has yet to be impressed by KC, but agrees that Chicago is terrible.

My Pick: Kansas City

Zach’s Pick: Kansas City

LA Rams at Cincinnati (-2.5)

The reason the Rams were able to trade Cam Akers is that 2022 5th round pick Kyren Williams out of Notre Dame has emerged as a legit NFL running back. If they can stay above water until receiver Cooper Kupp’s return in a few weeks the Rams might eventually prove that last year’s abysmal 5-12 finish was indeed an anomaly just one season after winning the Super Bowl. The team they beat in that Super Bowl was the Bengals, who did not fall flat on their face a season ago…they just lost the AFC title game. That being said, there does seem to be some concern about Cincy’s 0-2 start. They need a victory not only to quiet the whispers, but to keep pace with the Baltimore Ravens. I believe the Rams have potential to put it altogether, figure things out, and emerge with a better record than last year, but I think that’ll take some time and folks shouldn’t get too excited just yet. The home team has their back against the wall, which makes them dangerous. Zach thinks the fall of Joe Burrow will continue, with the Rams scoring an upset in overtime.

My Pick: Cincinnati

Zach’s Pick: LA Rams

Points of Ponderation…..Episode 3.23

A semi-regular attempt to address some of life’s minutiae that might otherwise be overlooked…..

There might be more vile people on Earth, but Oprah Winfrey & Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have to atleast be in the conversation. They embody everything I despise about out of touch celebrity types, trying desperately to portray a kind & generous image that masks an elitist mindset while looking down on the fans who put them on an undeserved pedestal. If you’re under the impression that they recently contributed $10 million to relief efforts in Maui you might want to do a little more research. Satan’s Favorite Talk Show Host, who is worth around $3 BILLION, and the former WWE Champion who has starred in a few reasonably entertaining movies and has a net worth of just under a billion dollars, seem to have pulled the wool over many peoples’ eyes. While either/or could have simply written a check that’d rebuild Hawaii’s second largest island after devastating wildfires, they instead “pledged” money that they expect YOU to donate that they will then contribute in THEIR name, basking in all the positive press & social media pats on the back in the process. It’s a sinful shell game, and they should be ashamed of themselves.

So apparently “time blindness” is a thing now. I weep for our society 😂.

Christopher Gadsden was a delegate to the Continental Congress during the American Revolution. He was a brigadier general in the army & served as Lt. Governor of South Carolina from 1780-82. In 1775 he designed what became known as the Gadsden Flag, with a snake & the words “Don’t Tread on Me” prominently featured. The flag was created as a sign of unity amongst the 13 colonies, as a warning to Great Britain not to mess with American freedom. In recent years it has become popular amongst conservatives, representing wariness of corrupt big government. Not long ago a 12 year old Colorado boy got in trouble at school when ignorant leftist “educators” saw a Gadsden flag symbol on his backpack and tried to say it “had origins in slavery”. Fortunately the kid is not a fool & neither are his parents. The school board was actually forced to apologize, which is glorious. I used to have so much respect for teachers, and still do for the most part. However, it is clear that public schools nationwide have been infiltrated by “progressive” types whose job of teaching math, science, social studies, history, English, et al oftentimes takes a back seat to their mission of advocating for “social justice” and indoctrinating the next generation of faithful little Marxists. Too many of these “teachers” don’t know their ass from a hole in the ground and rely on children & parents to simply accept propaganda disguised as scholarship. One of my favorite high school teachers used to say “Those who fail to learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them”. Perhaps that should be amended to “Those who fail to learn the lessons of history are doomed to be lied to by self-righteous morons masquerading as responsible adults”.

It never hurts to have a refresher:



I understand mental illness and feel empathy for those that suffer any form of it. However, what I don’t get is people who are seemingly proud of their…situation…and expect everyone else to just overlook it, or worse, indulge their behavior. What I observe is people who use their affliction as an excuse for rudeness, lack of respect, and thoughtlessness. They have nothing but contempt for normalcy and seemingly go out of their way to embrace chaos. It’s not that they don’t know that there’s something awry. On the contrary…they are well aware of their issues, but instead of doing the work to get better they demand the rest of us lower the bar. Sorry, but that’s not how I roll.

If you want people to even think about taking you seriously when you “identify” as a woman then maybe you ought to consider shaving off that beard 🧔🏻.



Upon the tragic death of pro wrestler Windham Rotunda (aka Bray Wyatt), social media reposted this little ditty that he’d written awhile back. I’ve been a wrestling fan since I was ten years old, and my Dad always used to tease me, saying “Son, that stuff is gonna disease your damn mind!!”. Wrestling has experienced a few boom periods in my lifetime, and stars like Hulk Hogan, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, & John Cena achieved a certain level of mainstream popularity & success. However, it’s always been a challenge to explain the appeal of “sports entertainment” to those not familiar, outside of appropriately describing it as a “male soap opera”. After reading Rotunda’s words I finally feel understood. Godspeed to the young man’s family, especially his four children.

2023 PIGSKIN PICKS OF PROFUNDITY…WEEK 4

The only thing that could push Deion Sanders off the front page of sports news sites is a season ending injury to Aaron Rodgers. That’s the bad news. Good news?? Well, after a week long standoff Disney & Spectrum reached an agreement, so I got my ESPN back just in time to watch the entirety of Rodgers’ much anticipated Jets’ career, which lasted all of four plays. Perhaps karma is punishing New Yorkers for the absolute nut jobs they elect to positions of power. Anyway, I had a great week, going 4-1, while Zach slipped a little, going 1-4. That being said, we’re both off to solid, above .500 starts to the season, so we’ll see if we can keep that going.

My Season: 13-5

Zach’s Season: 10-8

Army at Texas-San Antonio (-9)

The Black Knights are 1-1 after mauling FCS Delaware St. Meanwhile, the Roadrunners are also 1-1, rebounding from a close season opening loss to get by in-state rival Texas St. last weekend. This is a Friday night game and I have plans, so I’m not sure how much of it I’ll get to see. UTSA won the matchup on the road in overtime a year ago, but with the home field I’m confident they’ll win much more comfortably. Zach doesn’t believe Army will win, but despite tweaking their offensive playbook from the traditional flexbone triple option to a more shotgun based attack he still thinks the visitors will control time of possession & slow the hand down. If UTSA’s offense isn’t on the field as much they’ll score less points & are less likely to cover. That’s the theory anyway…we’ll see how it pans out.

My Pick: UTSA

Zach’s Pick: Army

San Diego State at Oregon State (-24.5)

The Aztecs are 1-1 after losing big to UCLA. The 2-0 Beavers have barely broken a sweat thus far. The points are a bit much, but it’d be a huge statement victory for the home team to win by nearly four touchdowns. Conversely, the points are enough for Zach to go against the grain. He feels like the home team will win, but not by more than three TDs.

My Pick: Oregon St.

Zach’s Pick: San Diego St.

Tennessee (-6.5) at Florida

Before the season began I predicted success for the Vols, but had no expectations that they’d equal last year’s 11-2 record & Top 10 ranking. They’re 2-0 and haven’t allowed more than 13 points from an opponent, but now the real work begins. The Gators are 1-1, but feasted FCS McNeese St. a week ago. It’s a pretty big game because the winner can get on with SEC business and try to climb to the top of the standings, while the loser could be negatively impacted to the point that we look back & view this as the moment their season imploded. I’m far too lackadaisical to do actual research, but I will assume that being underdogs in The Swamp has been rare for the home team thru the years. I think Florida is a team in transition, and I don’t know how patient the folks in Gainesville will be with second year head coach Billy Napier. He could solidify some job security with a big upset, but I don’t believe that’ll happen. Zach agrees with me that Tennessee is good not great, but thinks they’ll win by a touchdown.

My Pick: Tennessee

Zach’s Pick: Tennessee

Washington at Denver (-3.5)

The Commanders (for now) got off to a good start with a victory over Arizona, while the Broncos fell to the Raiders. My lack of faith in Denver is reinforced, atleast for the moment, and Washington looks to be as tediously solid as I thought. You’re going to hear a lot about the challenges of playing in the higher elevation of the Rocky Mountains, but I’m not sure that’s really such a big deal. I don’t think we should read too much into Week 1, but I’ve seen enough to stick with my preseason expectations. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Washington

Zach’s Pick: Washington

NY Jets at Dallas (-7.5)

This game seemed a whole lot more interesting a few days ago, but that was before the Cowboys dominated their season opener & the Jets lost Aaron Rodgers four plays into theirs. My predictions that the Cowboys would have a losing record & head coach Mike McCarthy will lose his job look rather shaky at the moment, although I still believe Philadelphia wins the division. Injuries are always a factor in torpedoing preseason notions, but after all the hype & expectation it is mind boggling to see the Jets’ entire year implode so quickly & in such monumental fashion. Zach doesn’t think the Jets need to be all doom & gloom. He believes QB Zach Wilson will be okay and defense & special teams will win some games for them. He’s not all-in on the Cowboys & thinks their offense isn’t that good.

My Pick: Dallas

Zach’s Pick: NY Jets

The Hobbit

I really love a good biography. And I am fond of history in its various forms. In the more than half dozen book cases at The Bachelor Palace you’ll find tomes on a variety of subjects, from statesmen like Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, LBJ, and both Presidents Roosevelt, to entertainers like Frank Sinatra, Charles Schultz, and Evel Knievel, to explorations of things like The Civil War, Titanic, olive oil, and philosophy. Then of course there is my love of sports, which explains the shelf entirely dedicated to Roberto Clemente, Jerry West, all things Pittsburgh Steelers, and a strange fascination with golf…among other things. But sometimes one just needs to escape into a whole other world, to ride the wave of a writer’s imagination and bask in the glow of the land of make believe. No one helps a reader do that quite like John Ronald Reuel Tolkien.

It’s probably safe to say that Tolkien is most beloved for his epic Lord of the Rings trilogy, not only because it is a fantastic story but also because it received a huge revival about a decade ago in the form of a well done, hugely popular, critically acclaimed film series. However, I’m a big believer that occasionally less is more and brevity is the soul of wit. Lord of the Rings is, if I’m being quite honest, a bit of a slog. It’s kind of like a fat guy running a 10K. He may make it to the finish line, but he’ll be exhausted, hungry, hallucinatory, begging for water, and quite possibly crawling & in need of medical attention. Conversely, The Hobbit is like a lazy summer weekend spent on the front porch sipping iced tea and enjoying the gentle breeze. I’m not completely against drama & action, I just prefer it in small doses. The Hobbit has plenty of excitement, but it has it in a perfect quantity and in an easily digestible, eminently readable package.

Tolkien was certainly not the first author to write about things like epic quests, hidden treasure, dragons, wizards, elves, dwarves, goblins, and trolls. However, I do believe that his works are among the best of the fantasy genre. His success has inspired generations of new writers, all of whom do their best to borrow from their guru while mixing in original elements, but it is a lofty standard very few can ever get close to reaching.

The Hobbit introduces us to Bilbo Baggins and his home village in Middle-Earth called The Shire. Hobbits are described as a diminutive race of beings that are related to Men, but are different. They are between two and four feet tall with hair covered feet, live on average 100-130 years, and prefer a conservative, leisurely, simple life of farming, eating, smoking, singing, and socializing. They reside in hobbit-holes, which are underground homes with round windows & doors found in hillsides and banks. The Shire is an idyllic, pastoral, fertile land whose inhabitants keep to themselves and don’t really worry about what goes on in the outside world. I think I would get along really well with hobbits, and I could definitely dig living in an awesome place like The Shire.

Bilbo seems to feel the same way as me, and is outwardly quite content with his uneventful little life. However, his wizard friend Gandalf the Grey apparently knows more about the adventurous spirit and valiant wisdom that lies deep within Bilbo than even Bilbo himself. Gandalf introduces Bilbo to Thoren Oakenshield & his party of dwarves who are on a quest to The Lonely Mountain to retrieve the vast treasure that was stolen from them when the evil dragon Smaug destroyed their kingdom. Somehow Bilbo gets persuaded to join this excursion. Adventure ensues. Along the way the group encounters goblins, trolls, wolves, and giant spiders. And Bilbo stumbles upon a certain magic ring that we’ll learn much more about later.

Tolkien not only manages to create fascinating characters, but he places them in a world that is just familiar enough to be comfortable yet imaginatively dissimilar enough to produce the escapism readers seek. His writing is unpretentious to the point that youngsters can enjoy the stories, but charmingly lyrical enough to be appreciated by adults. It is not easy to pull off the task of writing a story that appeals to readers of all ages, but somehow Tolkien does it with aplomb. One can read The Hobbit as a pre-teen then read it again three decades later in middle age, and both experiences will be enormously gratifying.

2023 PIGSKIN PICKS OF PROFUNDITY…WEEK 3

The big news from last weekend was “Neon” Deion Sanders & his Colorado Buffaloes backing up all the hype with action by upsetting TCU. Kudos to Zach for kinda sorta almost calling that in advance, which helped him to an impressive 7-1 week. In comparison I was 5-3, which I will proudly proclaim as not too shabby. We’re off to a rather decent beginning, and now will be able to throw the NFL into the mix. We’ll see how that works out.

My Season: 9-4

Zach’s Season: 9-4

Oregon (-6.5) at Texas Tech

The Ducks came out of the gate STRONG, hanging 81 points on Portland St. I hope the payday was worth it for the FCS Vikings. Conversely, the Red Raiders lost in overtime at Wyoming. Can we glean much out of those results?? Yes & no. I wouldn’t read too much into Oregon’s Week 1 beatdown. Sure, 81 points is impressive, but the bottom line is they did what they were supposed to do. What Tech’s loss means will be more accurately judged when we have a better idea how good Wyoming ends up being. I really don’t know exactly what to expect on Saturday evening, but I think the visitors are in for a much bigger fight than they faced in the season opener. Having said that, I feel like the favorites will win by 7-10 points. Zach isn’t impressed at all by Texas Tech, and he’s surprised by the points…surprised the oddsmakers think it’ll be that close.

My Pick: Oregon

Zach’s Pick: Oregon

Texas at Alabama (-7)

I don’t have ESPN right now because Disney is in a pissing contest with my cable provider. What that means, among other things, is that I won’t be able to watch this game. It’s unfortunate, but I’ll live. When these two teams met a year ago ‘Bama scored a last minute field goal for a one point road victory. If you believe the chatter there is a sense that the Longhorns are better this year while the Tide might not be as good. In my preseason rankings I opined “don’t be shocked if the ‘Horns march into Tuscaloosa in early September and upset ‘Bama”, and I stand by that. This is going to be a dogfight no matter who wins, and it’ll be closer than seven points. Zach believes Alabama is as good as they’ve ever been and thinks Texas is being overrated. He foresees a tight contest until the home team blows it open in the 4th quarter.

My Pick: Texas

Zach’s Pick: Alabama

Detroit at Kansas City (-6.5)

The NFL kicks off on Thursday night with the league standard bearer facing off against an up n’ comer with high expectations. The Lions haven’t won their division since 1993 and last appeared in the playoffs in 2016, but they’ve steadily assembled the ingredients for a team that could achieve both this season. The Chiefs have played in three of the past four Super Bowls, winning twice. I’m on board the Detroit hype train, but not this week. They’ll play hard and reinforce the positive outlook so many seem to have, but KC is still in their prime and that’s not changing anytime soon. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Kansas City

Zach’s Pick: Kansas City

Philadelphia (-3.5) at New England

Not to be outdone, the Eagles have played in two Super Bowls in six years, winning one of them. They’ve earned playoff berths in five of the past six seasons, and there’s no reason to believe there will be any significant decline. I’m not buying all of the Cowboys love and think Philly will scratch & claw their way to another division title. In contrast, the party seems to be over for the Patriots. Mac Jones is a decent QB, but he’s not the Second Coming of…well, you know. After going 8-9 a season ago I think it gets worse for New England before it gets better, and believe me when I say I won’t shed a tear. I really don’t think this game will be particularly close. Zach has the opposite outlook. He believes the Pats could actually win their division this year, and thinks that starts with a statement win that’d certainly surprise a lot of people.

My Pick: Philadelphia

Zach’s Pick: New England

Miami at LA Chargers (-3)

Are we overlooking these teams?? The Jets are a popular pick to win the AFC East, while the Bills are probably the safer bet. But what about Miami?? I’ve been perpetually flummoxed by the tepid response to the three year career of QB Tua Tagovailoa. In my opinion he’s a Top 10 quarterback. The Dolphins were 9-8 last season and earned a wildcard. I expect them to be slightly better in Coach McDaniel’s second year. The Chargers have a pretty good QB, with Justin Herbert flying way under the radar as opposed to folks openly questioning his abilities. I feel like the outcome rests mostly on defense, and believe the underdogs will make more plays on that side of the ball. Zach thinks Miami could be the biggest roadblock to New England winning the division. However, he also believes Herbert is the one that must prove himself, and foresees that effort getting off the ground with a big victory.

My Pick: Miami

Zach’s Pick: LA Chargers

2023 PIGSKIN PICKS OF PROFUNDITY…WEEK 2

I’m already off to a better start than a year ago, having gone 4-1 last week. Zach was 2-3 but I’m sure he’ll rebound quickly. These games are much more intriguing, with the action beginning on Thursday night and stretching thru the long weekend. Allow me to seize an opportunity to remind you that this will be the final year for the four team playoff, which means a few teams might be eliminated from contention early. I haven’t taken time to ponder the full impact of an expanded 12 team playoff as well as all of the wacky conference shuffling, but one doesn’t have to be a mathematician to understand that 12 is three times as many as four, meaning the impact of early season losses will be less in the future, whereas right now one loss can derail an entire season.

My Season: 4-1

Zach’s Season: 2-3

Florida at Utah (-6.5)

I had the Utes knocking on the door of the Top 10 in my preseason poll, while the Gators didn’t make the cut. I do believe Florida will improve upon last season’s losing record as head coach Billy Napier enters into his second year in Gainesville. They actually won this matchup last year, but were inconsistent the rest of the way. Utah has the home field and probably thinks they have an outside shot at a playoff berth, but QB Cam Rising suffered an ACL tear in The Rose Bowl and might not be 100% just yet. His status makes me a bit skittish, but I’m sticking with the home favorites. Zach believes it’ll be tight until the end, but feels like the favorites will win by a touchdown. This is a Thursday night game on ESPN, which is perfect since I’ve got a busy weekend but Thursdays are usually quite mundane.

My Pick: Utah

Zach’s Pick: Utah

Nebraska (-7) at Minnesota

There seems to be some level of excitement about the Cornhuskers, which is surprising since they haven’t had a winning season since 2016. The Scott Frost Era was a total bust and Matt Rhule is the man in charge now. You may recall that Rhule was quite successful at Temple, had one great year at Baylor after a rough start, then moved on to the Carolina Panthers for a few forgettable years before deciding he’s better off as a college coach. The Golden Gophers have had back-to-back nine win seasons, which is probably their ceiling in the rigorous Big Ten. This is a tough call because normally I’m a huge home field guy, but the visitors are solid favorites. What do the oddsmakers know?? These teams have met 63 times since 1900, with Minnesota leading the all-time series 36-25-2. They’ve won the last four contests. I believe Rhule will fix the issues that have been plaguing Nebraska and might even win this game, but I foresee it being closer than a touchdown. Zach predicts Rhule will eventually lead his team to success, but Minnesota has the edge in the trenches where games are truly won.

My Pick: Minnesota

Zach’s Pick: Minnesota

Miami (OH) at Miami (FL) (-17)

It’s the Battle of Miami!! I’m a little tired of waiting for the Hurricanes to return to their 90s glory, and I don’t believe they’ll ever be a dominant force in the current football landscape. However, I do think that much traveled head coach Mario Cristobal can do better in his second year and achieve a winning record. The RedHawks haven’t had a ten win season since 2010, and have barely had two winning seasons in that timeframe. Those points are pretty big, but I don’t think the home team will have any issues covering. Zach concurs, opining that the ‘Canes will win easily.

My Pick: Miami (FL)

Zach’s Pick: Miami (FL)

Colorado at Texas Christian (-21.5)

A lot of questions will be answered in this game. Let’s be honest, Deion Sanders wasn’t hired to be the Buffaloes head coach because of his 27-6 record in three years at Jackson St. He got the job because Colorado has only had two winning seasons since 2005 and has been lost in the PAC 12 shuffle since foolishly joining in 2010. With Coach Prime at the helm people are talking about the Buffs for the first time since the early 1990s. Conversely, the Horned Frogs shocked the world by earning a spot in the playoff last season and actually beating Michigan before getting shellacked in the title game by Georgia. Can they sustain that success after eight players moved on to the NFL?? Let’s not overlook the fact that they didn’t even win the Big 12 title game, so I assume that’ll provide motivation. The bottom line is this – Colorado has been rebuilt to an unprecedented degree thru the transfer portal and should have low expectations, while TCU may no longer be a playoff contender but should still be a solid team. The points concern me a bit, but ultimately I think the favorites cover with ease. Zach is hoping for a big upset, although he doesn’t think it’ll actually happen. However, he does believe the underdogs will hang tough and keep it close.

My Pick: TCU

Zach’s Pick: Colorado

Boise State at Washington (-14)

I’m a little disappointed that it’s a 3:30pm kickoff. It seems like a matchup tailor made for one of those 10pm EST games I love so much. At any rate, the Broncos don’t seem to be getting as much love from the talking heads as they did when they were winning New Year’s bowl games & upsetting Power 5 opponents, but they won 10 games a year ago. Perhaps part of their perceived decline is the fact that they haven’t won a conference title in a few years. Whether that changes or not this season really has no connection to this game, in which the Huskies come in with high expectations of their own. QB Michael Penix could be a Heisman contender if he stays healthy, and a showdown in the PAC 12 title against USC, Utah, or Oregon is a possibility if all the dominoes fall correctly. I believe this will be an entertaining & competitive game for awhile, but the home team will pull away late and cover comfortably. Zach thinks Washington has a chance to get into the playoff and doesn’t believe they’ll have any problems winning this game.

My Pick: Washington

Zach’s Pick: Washington

Texas-San Antonio (-1.5) at Houston

I am quite surprised that the Roadrunners are favored. Houston has the home field and is entering their inaugural season in the Big 12, whereas UTSA, as successful as they’ve been the past two years, still represents the AAC. The Cougars haven’t been a bad team and have been in the AAC title conversation the past few years before jumping conferences. Whether or not they’ll be competitive in the Big 12 remains to be seen, but they’d certainly make a statement by upending a UTSA team that’s won 11+ games each of the past two seasons. This could be the hidden gem of the entire holiday weekend slate, and I might have to click on over to FS1 Saturday evening to check it out. I think the oddsmakers are onto something and the visitors will squeak by with a winning field goal. Zach points out that both squads averaged more than 35 points/game a year ago and likes the home team to prevail in a shootout.

My Pick: UTSA

Zach’s Pick: Houston

North Carolina (-2.5) at South Carolina

It looks like the ‘Cocks will have some stiff competition on their home field Saturday afternoon, and the oddsmakers are giving them the shaft. Can Tar Heels QB Drake Maye thrust himself into Heisman contention, or will the defense make it hard for him to score?? Will the offensive line provide adequate protection, making sure to pull out on blocks just in time?? If Maye’s drives down the field climax with more touchdowns than field goals it could result in a huge victory, but if he is unable to penetrate deep into the red zone UNC fans could be left unsatisfied. Zach likes the Heels to win a high scoring affair.

My Pick: North Carolina

Zach’s Pick: North Carolina

LSU (-2.5) vs. Florida State

It’s been awhile since anyone had high expectations for the Seminoles, but head coach Mike Norvell enters his fourth season on the heels of winning 10 games and defeating Oklahoma in a bowl game. Having said that, the folks in Baton Rouge have legit hopes for success as well. This is a “neutral” site game in Orlando, which is about three times closer to Tallahassee than The Bayou, so the powers-that-be aren’t fooling anybody. It’s also being played on Sunday evening, which is fine by me. These are both preseason Top 10 teams in most polls, although I have LSU ranked a bit higher & Florida St. rated a little lower. Nothing would surprise me, but I think the Tigers will earn a hard fought victory. Zach’s brother is a big LSU fan and believes they’ll be in the playoff, but Zach isn’t so sure given the tough road in the SEC. However, he does think they’ll get off to a good start with a win in this game.

My Pick: LSU

Zach’s Pick: LSU