Author: sammano

2025 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…Week 15

It seems like just yesterday we were talking about season openers, yet here we are on the cusp of Championship Weekend in college football. That’s our focus for now…we’ll get back to the NFL next weekend. There’s alot happening, with the coaching carousel, playoff maneuvering, and bowl bids going out soon, but the games this weekend are meaningful and will have tentacles that reach into the future. Enjoy.

Observations from Last Week:

  • I was pleasantly shocked by Cincinnati’s Thanksgiving night upset of the Ravens. Five turnovers almost never bodes well, and it’s unusual to see Baltimore make so many mistakes. Sadly, my Steelers couldn’t take advantage of the early holiday gift.
  • Clearly WVU’s fandom is transactional. Sure, it’s been a terrible season, but it was embarrassing to see the sparse crowd gathered at Mountaineer Field on a lovely November afternoon for a game against a Top 5 opponent. Why would any talented athlete want to matriculate to Morgantown??
  • Can we just go ahead & split NCAA Division 1 football into two levels with two championships?? The Power 4 conferences (and Notre Dame 🙄) can argue about 16 playoff spots (although conference title games should be Round 1…kind of the reverse of four teams getting first round byes), while the rest would have a legit opportunity to compete for something meaningful.
  • Puka Nakua, in addition to having a cool name, is perhaps the best receiver in football right now. 
  • The needs in fantasy football & real football are frequently at odds. Running back tandems, deep receiving corps with multiple talented pass catchers, and prudent game management with an emphasis on time of possession, strong defense, & field position are all beneficial to actual NFL teams, while causing fantasy owners headaches.

My Season: 45-44

Zach’s Season: 41-48

Conference USA Championship 

Kennesaw State (-2.5) at Jacksonville State

I’ll be honest…I am completely out of my depth with this one. I have atleast heard of Jax St. since that is where Rich Fraudriguez had been slumming before he came crawling back to coach at West Virginia (I wish he’d just stayed put). Kennesaw is apparently located on the outskirts of Atlanta. They only began playing football in 2015 and joined C-USA last year, while Jax St. came into the conference in 2023. The 8-4 Gamecocks beat the 9-3 Owls a few weeks ago, and I see no reason that’ll change. It’s a Friday night kickoff on CBS Sports Network in case you have absolutely nothing else happening in your sad little life. Zach agrees.

My Pick: Jacksonville St.

Zach’s Pick: Jacksonville St.

Sun Belt Championship

Troy at James Madison (-22.5)

I really wish my Marshall Thundering Herd were playing in this game, but they couldn’t even achieve bowl eligibility. Hey, atleast their former coach, who left town like a lil bitch a year ago and took most of the players with him to Southern Miss, failed to lead his team to the title game, so that’s nice. At any rate, the 11-1 Dukes only have a respectable loss to Louisville blemishing their record, while the 8-4 Trojans have had a much bumpier road. The home team is winning the title, and I think they’ll cover as well. I can’t believe we’re still talking about “style points” in 2025, but James Madison needs to impress a bunch of people if they hope to grab the Group of Five participation trophy berth in the playoff. Zach concurs.

My Pick: James Madison 

Zach’s Pick: James Madison

American Athletic Championship

North Texas (-2.5) at Tulane

The Mean Green not only have a kickass nickname, but come in with an impressive 11-1 record. Their only loss was an absolute beatdown at the hands of South Florida way back in October. The 10-2 Green Wave (also a cool moniker) have victories over Northwestern & Duke, which is probably why they seem to be favored to snag the Group of Five token playoff spot if they win the AAC title. Both head coaches will be moving on to greener pastures (sorry, I couldn’t resist), but kudos to them for finishing the task at hand. This is being given a prime time Friday night slot on ABC, which is impressive. Tulane won a regular season matchup between the two a season ago, but we all know how much things change from year to year in college football. I usually lean toward the home field advantage in these scenarios, however, I think the visiting favorites get a close win and just barely cover the points. North Texas is apparently hiring former WVU head coach Neal Brown, so hopefully they get to enjoy one last hurrah before he asks their fan base to “trust the climb”…downward into mediocrity (at best). Conversely, Zach feels like Tulane has been battle tested with a tougher schedule, and he believes they’ll come out on top in a shootout.

My Pick: North Texas

Zach’s Pick: Tulane

Mountain West Championship

UNLV at Boise State (-3.5)

This will be the third consecutive year that these teams do battle for the conference championship, with the Broncos winning both previous meetings. 8-4 Boise also won the regular season matchup by more than three TDs. The 10-2 Rebels beat UCLA back in September, which would’ve been more noteworthy three decades ago. Boise has been here before. It’s part of the routine for them. Former Florida & Mississippi St. coach Dan Mullen is in his first season at the helm in Vegas, and he might have an opportunity to build something…if he sticks around, but that’ll have to wait. Boise will be moving to the rebuilt Temu Pac 12 next year, so this is their final opportunity to win an eighth Mountain West title, and I’d be surprised if they blow it. Zach thinks it’ll be tight, but also likes Boise to emerge victorious.

My Pick: Boise St.

Zach’s Pick:  Boise St.

MAC Championship 

Western Michigan (-2.5) vs. Miami (OH)

I haven’t kept up with MACtion since my Thundering Herd left the conference two decades ago, but I remember watching some fun games back in the day. Both teams are 8-4, with both, oddly enough, righting the ship after being 0-3 out of the gate. WMU’s last defeat came at the hands of the Redhawks right before Halloween. This is a neutral site game in Detroit, kicking off at Noon on Saturday, and I expect Miami to defy the odds by once again coming out on top. Zach is pulling for Miami simply because Ben Roethlisberger went there, which sounds good to me.

My Pick: Miami (OH)

Zach’s Pick: Miami (OH)

Big 12 Championship 

Texas Tech (-13.5) vs. BYU

As much of a downer as it has been watching my Mountaineers ineptly try to compete in the Big 12, I will begrudgingly admit that the rest of the conference is (mostly) entertaining to watch. The 11-1 Cougars suffered their only loss to the 11-1 Red Raiders about a month ago. Tech’s lone perplexing defeat came at the hands of Arizona St. in the final 30 seconds of the contest. I really think it’ll be a fun game…maybe the best of the entire weekend. Tech is hoping to lock in a first round bye in the CFP, while BYU needs a win to secure a berth. I’m not bold enough to predict a winner, but do feel confident in anticipating the game will be won by single digits. Zach agrees.

My Pick: BYU

Zach’s Pick: BYU

SEC Championship

Georgia (-2.5) vs. Alabama

Oh for f*^k’s sake 😱!! There seemed to be a real opportunity for the SEC to offer something new & fresh this season, but Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Texas all fell short, so now we’re getting this matchup for the fourth time since 2018. You have to go all the way back to 2013 to find an SEC title game with neither team. Perhaps I am in the minority, but it has become tedious. When they met near the end of September the 10-2 Tide rolled in the first half en route to a three point victory in Athens. This is a neutral site game in Atlanta, which isn’t as big of a home field advantage for the 11-1 ‘Dawgs as one might assume. I still think there are weaknesses in both teams, and neither will ultimately win the national championship, but it’ll be Georgia walking away with their sixth conference crown since the turn of the century. Zach believes coaching makes the difference, and Kirby Smart > Kalen DeBoer.

My Pick: Georgia

Zach’s Pick: Georgia

ACC Championship

Virginia (-3.5) vs. Duke

Ugh 🤦🏻‍♂️. The ACC is already the most prosaic of the “power” conferences, and they couldn’t even  treat us to a title game featuring slightly more appealing teams like Clemson, Florida St., Miami (FL), SMU, or Virginia Tech. Hell, even if UNC was involved we could poke fun at Belichick & his teenage concubine. Anyway, the Cavaliers are 10-2 and just beat the 7-5 Blue Devils a couple of weeks ago. This is a neutral site game in Charlotte, and though I think Duke will put up a better fight in the rematch, it’ll be Virginia winning their first conference championship since 1995. Zach likes Virginia to win the ACC then get beaten decisively in the CFP.

My Pick: Virginia

Zach’s Pick: Virginia

Big Ten Championship

Ohio State (-5.5) vs. Indiana 

This is the big one. #1 vs. #2 before we even get to the CFP. The winner will obviously be the top seed in the playoff, while the loser could conceivably miss out on a first round bye. Very few are questioning the credentials of the unbeaten Buckeyes, except for some who point to games against lesser opponents like Grambling & Ohio U., which is fair criticism. Conversely, despite being undefeated this year and having been a playoff team a season ago, Indiana is still perceived as a basketball school. This is the prime time game on Fox Saturday night, emanating from Indianapolis, and I would LOVE for it to be epic. An instant classic. Win or lose, I would love to watch the Hoosiers prove their doubters wrong and show everyone that they belong on this big stage. Unfortunately, I believe this Ohio St. team is head & shoulders above everyone else. They have too much talent & depth. If they are challenged at all in the postseason it’ll be because of a key injury or some other calamity. Barring that, I’d be stunned if they don’t hoist their 40th Big Ten title & tenth National Championship. In a bit of a shocker that I did NOT see coming, Zach reluctantly agrees that OSU is the best team in the country and should be heavily favored to win it all.

My Pick: Ohio St.

Zach’s Pick: Ohio St.

2025 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…Week 14

It seems that we have arrived at Rivalry Week in college football, atleast the ones left standing after realignment. Most of these games, both college & pro, are happening on Thanksgiving Day & Black Friday, with a couple of huge battles taking center stage on Saturday. I am old enough to remember when only two NFL games…one featuring the Dallas Cowboys and the other with the Detroit Lions…took place on the holiday, but now we’re getting three Thanksgiving pro games and a game on Black Friday, in addition to a half dozen rather entertaining college games. No complaints here. Turkey & stuffing, football, Christmas movies, pie, and a whole lot of football sounds like a great time to me.

Observations from Last Week:

  • Unsportsmanlike conduct on the college level & roughing the passer in the NFL are two of the most ridiculously applied penalties, and that needs to be addressed in the offseason.
  • Why is it a Two Minute Warning in the NFL, but the Two Minute Timeout in college?? Is it a proprietary thing, or are college kids deemed too delicate for an ominous warning?? 
  • When I was a kid and announcers would mention “field goal range”, I thought that meant that the offense was required to make it to a certain area of the field before they were allowed to attempt a FG. I didn’t realize that…theoretically…a field goal can be tried from anywhere, though obviously it is unwise to do so.
  • So…JJ McCarthy is a bust. Alrighty then 🤦🏻‍♂️.
  • I can’t help but wonder what the Steelers offense might’ve looked like with Jameis Winston playing quarterback.

My Season: 42-35

Zach’s Season: 34-43

Ole Miss (-8.5) at Mississippi State 

The conversation surrounding the 122nd Egg Bowl has been dominated by the future of Lane Kiffin, who might be headed for allegedly greener pastures following his sixth season in Oxford. The 10-1 Rebels need help to reach the SEC title game even if they win, but a loss obviously knocks them out. The 5-6 Bulldogs must win to become bowl eligible. Ole Miss leads the series 66-46-6 and have won 4 of the past 5 meetings. I don’t see that changing this year, and though the points do give me pause, I think the favorites win by ten. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Ole Miss 

Zach’s Pick: Ole Miss 

Iowa (-4.5) at Nebraska

This is a relatively new and decidedly intermittent “rivalry”. The teams have done battle on the gridiron 55 times since 1891, but after Nebraska joined the Big Ten in 2011 it has become an annual Black Friday tradition. Both teams are 7-4, and though they’re not in the conference championship conversation, they’d love to finish strong and travel to a great bowl location. It feels like a tossup to me, so I’m riding with the Huskers at home to score a mild upset. Conversely, Zach foresees Iowa slowing the tempo & dominating time of possession en route to a victory.

My Pick: Nebraska 

Zach’s Pick: Iowa

Utah (-13.5) at Kansas

The 9-2 Utes need ALOT of help to back into the Big 12 title game, which seems unlikely. However, the first order of business is to win. That won’t be easy against the 5-6 Jayhawks, who have shown flashes of potential this season but find themselves in a must win scenario to achieve bowl eligibility. I’m not bold enough to pick an upset outright, but I do believe it’ll be closer than two touchdowns. Zach just thinks Utah is the better team. He predicts Kansas will remain competitive thru the first half before the visitors take over and win comfortably.

My Pick: Kansas

Zach’s Pick: Utah

Georgia (-12.5) vs. Georgia Tech

This is theoretically a neutral site game in Atlanta, although Tech’s campus is literally two miles down the road, whereas Athen, GA (home of the Bulldogs) is about 70 miles away. After getting to 8-0 and looking like a sure thing to play for the ACC title, the Yellow Jackets have lost two of their last three games and find themselves on the outside looking in unless a whole bunch of dominoes fall the right way. Conversely, the 10-1 Bulldogs only need Alabama OR Texas A&M to lose to secure a spot in the SEC Championship, which seems plausible. They call this game “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate”, which might be the dumbest freakin’ rivalry name I’ve ever heard. Anyway, Georgia leads the series 72-41-5 and has won seven consecutive matchups. I don’t think that’ll change this year, and I believe it’ll be a rather decisive victory. Zach agrees.

My Pick: Georgia

Zach’s Pick: Georgia

Texas A&M (-2.5) at Texas

Forgive me if I’ve mentioned it in previous years, but I always associate this game with the 1982 Burt Reynolds/Dolly Parton classic The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, in which the winning team is rewarded with a visit to The Chicken Ranch. In case you’re unfamiliar with the movie, though there are plenty of legs, thighs, and breasts, there are absolutely no chickens in sight. At any rate, the Aggies are undefeated and have probably locked up a spot in the CFP, but they need to win to guarantee an SEC Championship appearance, otherwise there’s a chance they could miss out. The 8-3 Longhorns haven’t been as successful as they’d hoped entering the season, but are still clinging to slim hopes of a CFP bid. The game being played in Austin concerns me just a bit, but I’m pulling for A&M to come out on top in an all time classic. Zach views the Aggies as well coached and likes QB Marcel Reed. He thinks Texas has shown improvement, but it won’t matter this week.

My Pick: Texas A&M

Zach’s Pick: Texas A&M

Arizona (-1.5) at Arizona State

The 8-3 Sun Devils still have an opportunity to play for the Big 12 title, but they need a couple other teams to lose. The Wildcats are also 8-3 but aren’t in championship contention. They should receive a fun bowl bid though. It is alternatively called the Duel in the Desert (👍🏻) or the Territorial Cup (👀), and there have been 98 previous meetings dating back to 1899. Arizona leads the series 51-45-1, although State has won six of the last eight games. These two teams feel even enough that the home field plays a role, so I am picking the mild upset. Zach thinks Arizona is the hotter team right now so he’s riding that hot hand.

My Pick: Arizona State

Zach’s Pick: Arizona 

Alabama (-6.5) at Auburn 

To be honest, I didn’t originally plan for us to pick this many games, and considered skipping the 90th Iron Bowl. However, despite the fact that ‘Bama has won the past five meetings and Auburn isn’t very good, I just couldn’t do it. The 5-6 Tigers have to win to achieve bowl eligibility, while the 9-2 Tide haven’t locked in a playoff berth just yet. The Tide has rolled to an all time series lead of 51-37-1 dating back to 1893. I would LOVE to see an upset, although I’m not dumb enough to put money on it. However, I think it is very possible that we see a close contest decided by a field goal in the final minute. Zach has faith in the visiting favorites to dominate in the 4th quarter when it matters most.

My Pick: Auburn

Zach’s Pick: Alabama 

Ohio State (-12.5) at Michigan

In my humble opinion, this is THE greatest rivalry…certainly in college football, and perhaps in the entirety of sports. Simply known as The Game, it has been played 120 times since 1897, with Michigan leading the series 62-51-6. Michigan has been victorious the past four years after Ohio St. had won eight consecutive meetings from 2012-19. Unless you’ve been off the grid for awhile you’re aware that the unbeaten Buckeyes have been the #1 team in the country all season. The Wolverines are a rather low key 9-2, with unfortunate losses on the road at Oklahoma & USC eradicating their conference title aspirations. I’d be quite surprised by an Ohio St. loss, but the points scare me, and the status of injured receivers Jeremiah Smith & Carnell Tate remains up in the air. If those dudes play the favorites win comfortably, but if they don’t then the outcome becomes questionable. I will roll the dice on both players being available. Unsurprisingly, Zach is all Blue all the time and has no respect for Ohio St.’s weak schedule.

My Pick: Ohio St.

Zach’s Pick: Michigan 

Green Bay at Detroit (-2.5)

Though it might be an NFC title preview, right now it is a battle for the division crown. The Packers sit a half game behind Chicago, while the Lions are a half game behind Green Bay. The Bears are receiving alot of love at the moment, but I still believe these two teams will surpass them. Green Bay won the season opener at Lambeau, but I think we’ll see a different result this time, with the RB tandem of Jahmyr Gibbs & David Montgomery helping Detroit grind their way to an important win. Zach agrees.

My Pick: Detroit

Zach’s Pick: Detroit

Kansas City (-3.5) at Dallas

The 6-5 Chiefs saved their season…for the moment…with an overtime win over Indianapolis, but the path doesn’t become easier. The 5-5-1 Cowboys also kept their head above water with a surprising victory over Philadelphia. So, once more unto the breach go two teams that had higher expectations yet find themselves scratching & clawing to avoid irrelevance. I wouldn’t be shocked if both eventually make it to the postseason, but neither will I be surprised if both are sitting at home during the playoffs. This game might be better than sweet potatoes & cranberry sauce, and I believe in KC to continue their climb out of the abyss. Zach, on the other hand, feels like Dallas has the momentum and will continue to improve.

My Pick: Kansas City

Zach’s Pick: Dallas

Cincinnati at Baltimore (-7)

Anyone with a brain knew that the Ravens weren’t done, despite beginning the season 1-5. Now, after five straight victories (and because the Steelers are mid at best), Baltimore sits atop the AFC North. Meanwhile, the 3-8 Bengals will have QB Joe Burrow back in the saddle for the first time since he injured his toe way back in September. There’s no way Cincy climbs back into playoff contention, but they will undoubtedly be better with their starting quarterback. This is the nightcap on Thanksgiving, and I’ll probably be watching Christmas movies. I would love to see an upset, but unfortunately that seems unlikely. Zach is a bit more hopeful, as he thinks the Bengals can come out on top in a shootout.

My Pick: Baltimore

Zach’s Pick: Cincinnati 

Chicago at Philadelphia (-7)

I have absolutely zero interest in Black Friday shopping, but even if I did I believe the way that whole thing works is the stores open obscenely early, and all the wackos who actually enjoy the insanity are finished and home by noon. So if you are participating you should still be able to catch the 3pm kickoff…if you have Prime Video. Anyway, it’s a great matchup featuring the 8-3 Bears, winners of four in a row, including a gritty skirmish with my offensively challenged Steelers, against the 8-3 Eagles, who still hold an overwhelming division lead despite forgetting to show up during the second half in their recent loss to the Cowboys. I may be proven wrong, but I’m still not sold on the Bears & QB Caleb Williams. Conversely, Philly’s track record speaks for itself, and it’s way too early to disregard their chance to be repeat champions. Zach believes the Bears just might be for real, and he predicts they’ll find a way to win a close one.

My Pick: Philadelphia

Zach’s Pick: Chicago

2025 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…Week 13

Y’all, I realize we’re not writing the Great American Novel here. I don’t even know if anyone reads this stuff other than me & Zach. It’s a fun little thing that I do because I am easily amused. Having said that, there are times when the struggle is real, and I can’t seem to find the motivation to follow thru with this “fun little thing”. Thankfully, I impose upon myself a deadline. Whether or not we’re picking a Thursday game, our picks are posted before kickoff of those games. It seems silly to call it pressure, so I’ll just call it a beneficial guideline.

Observations from Last Week:

  • I predicted a final score of 27-7, Indiana over Minnesota. The actual score was 31-7. Not too shabby 🤔.
  • It was a pleasure watching the Pitt Panthers get absolutely dog walked by Notre Dame at home.
  • Upon further review, perhaps we should pump the brakes on LaNorris Sellers. He needs to transfer to a school with a more skilled offensive line and spend another year (or two) focusing on the mental aspect of being a quarterback.
  • I don’t understand 4th & goal inside the one yard line being run out of the shotgun. Why make it more difficult than necessary??
  • The Washington Commanders should move Heaven & Earth to acquire defensive players Montez Sweat, Josh Sweat, & T’Vondre Sweat and christen them The Sweat Hogs.

My Season: 38-34

Zach’s Season: 32-40

TCU at Houston (-1.5)

The Big 12 is still up for grabs, but this is essentially a must-win for the 8-2 Cougars. The 6-4 Horned Frogs can only play a spoiler role after losing their last two games. I foresee a tight game that’ll be fun to watch, but I don’t think we’ll see an upset with the stakes so high. Zach likes Houston in a shootout.

My Pick: Houston

Zach’s Pick: Houston

Louisville at Southern Methodist (-3)

The 7-3 Mustangs are still in the thick of the ACC title hunt, plus they have the home field. The Cardinals are also 7-3, but have two more conference losses than SMU, meaning they’re pretty much eliminated from contention. The underdogs have also lost two consecutive games, and I can’t overlook momentum. Zach concurs.

My Pick: SMU 

Zach’s Pick: SMU

Tennessee (-4.5) at Florida 

Neither team is getting near the SEC title game, but it’s pretty clear which one has had a more successful season. The 3-7 Gators have been in the headlines mainly for firing their head coach, with talking heads offering a plethora of speculation about who’ll be the next guy to get the gig. Conversely, the 7-3 Vols have had a nice season and probably exceeded expectations. At the very least they are the more stable program right now. Winning at The Swamp is always a tall order, but I think the visiting favorites will get the job done. Zach, on the other hand, believes Florida is a better team than we’ve been led to believe, while Tennessee is mediocre at best. He likes the Gators to feast in The Swamp.

My Pick: Tennessee

Zach’s Pick: Florida

Jacksonville (-2.5) at Arizona

With QB Kyler Murray injured, the 3-7 Cards have handed the keys to Jacoby Brissett, although I don’t think it really matters. It’d be shocking if Jonathan Gannon is still the head coach in Arizona next season. Meanwhile, the 6-4 Jags are just Jagging as usual. They win some, they lose some. No one outside the state of Florida cares, and even in the state Jacksonville is probably the sixth favorite football team at best. I have to lean toward the visiting favorites, because Trevor Lawrence is atleast supposed to be a good quarterback. Zach appreciates Jax’s dominant upset of the Chargers last week, and though he doesn’t see Arizona as being that bad defensively, he’s still picking the favorites.

My Pick: Jacksonville  

Zach’s Pick: Jacksonville 

Indianapolis at Kansas City (-3.5)

In my humble opinion the oddsmakers are wrong, or perhaps just disrespectful. A three point home field bump is the standard jumping off point in the NFL, but Indy is 8-2 with wins over Denver & the LA Chargers, while the Chiefs are 5-5 with a two game losing streak. Look, I get it…no one wants to fall into the trap of believing the Chiefs really aren’t great anymore, only for them to roar back and win their fourth Lombardi Trophy in the past six years. QB Patrick Mahomes is just 30 years old and in his prime. Andy Reid is still a great coach. However, at some point we have to start believing what we’re seeing. We can’t keep making excuses for KC while totally disregarding the Colts. That’s why this game is so important. Sure, there are playoff berths & division titles to be decided, but there is also a matter of respect. On Monday, will everyone be saying “See, I told you Indianapolis was just a bunch of posers”, or will doubters concede they’ve been wrong?? Will folks be giving Last Rites to the Chiefs dynasty, or will true blue die hards proudly proclaim “I KNEW they’d wake up!! We’re going back to the Super Bowl baby!!”?? I’m not sure about Indy’s chances to win it all, but I do think they’re the real deal and will prove it. Conversely, Zach thinks the Chiefs will somehow back into the playoffs, and he’s still not sold on Colts QB Daniel Jones.

My Pick: Indianapolis 

Zach’s Pick: Kansas City 

2025 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…Week 12

I cannot imagine the complexity of putting together the NFL schedule. There are so many moving parts. A multitude of factors affect what we’re seeing on the field, very few of which can be anticipated months earlier by those constructing the lineup. Things are much more complicated than when I was a kid. Back then you had a set of 1pm games on Sunday, followed by the 4pm games, and then a game on Monday night (which began in 1970). The NFL had 28 teams who each played 16 games. Bye weeks weren’t a thing as long as the league had an even number of teams, but became standard in 1990. These days there are 32 teams, not to mention an 18 week schedule during which each team plays 17 games. Thursday games, which had previously been a once a year event on Thanksgiving, became a regular part of the schedule in 2006. Sunday night games began in 1987. International games on Sunday morning have been a growing trend in recent years. Instead of dealing with three broadcast partners…NBC, CBS, & ABC…the NFL now has relationships with CBS, ABC/ESPN, Fox, NBC, Amazon, and its own NFL Network & RedZone, which sometimes gets shafted with eight games in the early window and only three in the late window. I pontificate on all of this as I sit here watching the nondescript 8-2 Patriots take on the hapless 2-7 Jets, knowing full well that if I had anything else intriguing going on in my life I wouldn’t be wasting my time. 

Observations from Last Week:

  • I was right when I said I might not have all the information about BYU/Texas Tech. The oddsmakers clearly knew something most of us didn’t, and we should’ve paid attention.
  • Fernando Mendoza, Jeremiah Smith, Diego Pavia, and Jeremiyah Love…those should be the Heisman favorites. 
  • Sadly, it feels like we are THIS close to QB sacks being legislated out of the game, with all quarterbacks eventually wearing flags that defenders will have to pull off of them.
  • The dismissal of Brian Daboll as NY Giants head coach is hardly surprising, yet I can’t help but feel the decision is shortsighted. It’ll be interesting to track Daboll’s career as well as the Giants’ success (or lack thereof) in the next few years.
  • Aaron Rodgers looked old, slow, and totally befuddled in the Steelers loss on Sunday night.

My Season: 36-28

Zach’s Season: 25-39

Minnesota at Oregon (-23.5)

Okay, so the Ducks are an 8-1 Top Ten team whose only loss came against Indiana, and there’s no shame in that. Conversely, the Gophers are 6-3 but just had to go into overtime to dispatch 3-6 Michigan St. The home team WILL win this game. That being said, the points are a bit much for me. I believe Oregon wins by only three TDs. Zach is a bit hesitant considering the points, but he has decided to roll the dice on the home favorites. This is a rare Friday night treat on Fox, although I will be out on the town and probably won’t get to see the first half.

My Pick: Minnesota 

Zach’s Pick: Oregon

Wisconsin at Indiana (-30.5)

Holy schneikes, what a freakin’ victory for the Hoosiers last weekend over Penn St.!! However, as much fun as it was, and as much as we get caught up in the excitement, I can’t overlook the fact that it shouldn’t have been that close. Indiana is undoubtedly the real deal, but forgive me if I can’t jump onboard with a 30+ point spread in favor of a team that just got pushed to the absolute limit by an opponent with a backup QB & an interim head coach. The 3-6 Badgers are a total dumpster fire, and Ohio St. did beat them 34-0 a few weeks ago, but The Vibes are telling me that the home favorites will have just a little bit of a letdown this week. Obviously they’ll still win, but look for something along the lines of 27-7. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Wisconsin

Zach’s Pick: Wisconsin

Iowa at Southern California (-6.5)

I still can’t wrap my head around this being a Big Ten conference game 😂. Realignment is so damn stupid. At any rate, the 7-2 Trojans have looked much better thus far after a couple of mediocre seasons. QB Jayden Maiava has an opportunity to be special. Meanwhile, the 6-3 Hawkeyes aren’t bad, but they’ve struggled against elite talent. I hope it’s an entertaining game. I think Iowa will be competitive. However, at the end of the day I think the favorites will defend their home turf in an ultimately anticlimactic game. Zach disagrees. He thinks Iowa can maintain some control with special teams, defense, and field position, predicting that whoever wins will do so by less than six points.

My Pick: USC 

Zach’s Pick: Iowa

Texas at Georgia (-6)

I’m sure the TV folks over at ABC were salivating when they first saw this matchup on their schedule, and to be fair it is still a battle of two Top Ten programs in the hunt for an SEC title. Having said that, it is undeniable that other teams have stolen the proverbial thunder to some degree. Even at 7-2 and coming off an unsurprising yet impressive victory over Vanderbilt, this is a must win for the Longhorns. The 8-1 Bulldogs are in a marginally better position, but that September loss to Alabama leaves them no margin for error. This is essentially an elimination game, with the winner still chasing the conference title, while the loser will likely be on the outside looking in when the playoff rolls around. If you’re a conspiracy theorist you could opine that this was the plan all along – Texas has a good but not great season, everyone stops yapping about Arch Manning, the kid returns to school next year instead of going to the NFL, and The Prodigal Nephew fulfills his destiny in 2026. I don’t know if any of that is true, but it’s a cool story, right?? Anyway, I think Georgia is a slightly better team with the home field advantage. Zach agrees.

My Pick: Georgia 

Zach’s Pick: Georgia

Carolina at Atlanta (-3.5)

Allow me to reiterate…Bryce Young ain’t it. Occasionally the 5-5 Panthers show signs of being a legit NFL team, but then they prove that any momentary faith their fanbase may have had is misguided. Meanwhile, the 3-6 Falcons are truly perplexing, because Michael Penix Jr. does have all the tools to become a good pro quarterback. Atlanta could just as easily be 6-3, but the ball hasn’t bounced their way despite Penix having receiver Drake London, RB Bijan Robinson, and tight end Kyle Pitts at his disposal. I hope head coach Raheem Morris is renting his house in Atlanta. As far as this game goes, I expect that the home favorites will have just enough to snag a close victory marred by turnovers, penalties, and general embarrassment. Zach thinks the Falcons defense is a difference maker.

My Pick: Atlanta 

Zach’s Pick: Atlanta

Houston (-7.5) at Tennessee

No one is catching the Colts in the AFC South, but the winner of this game would certainly remain in the wildcard conversation. The 4-5 Texans just can’t catch a break. If they could ever field a healthy squad of their best players I feel like they might be a legit contender. The Titans have potential, but are probably a few years & atleast one (perhaps two) more coaching changes away from fulfilling it. Can interim head coach Mike McCoy make a case for being hired permanently?? We’ll see. These teams met at the end of September, with Houston winning 26-0. It’ll probably be slightly closer this time, with the same outcome. Zach is going with a surprising upset, but also offers a hot take, that perhaps Cam Ward is neither Tennessee’s quarterback of the future or even destined to be a star QB in the NFL.

My Pick: Houston 

Zach’s Pick: Tennessee

Seattle at LA Rams (-3)

Are we overlooking the Rams?? I think perhaps we’ve been guilty of exactly that. The only two blemishes on their record are at Philadelphia and a home loss to San Francisco in overtime. 37 year old QB Matthew Stafford is getting League MVP buzz, which is obviously premature but shouldn’t be totally disregarded. Not to be outdone, the Seahawks are also 7-2, which is remarkable considering the makeover they went thru in the offseason. They lost to ‘Frisco & Tampa Bay by a total of six points. It might be the best game of the weekend, and I simply can’t go against the home favorites. The margin of victory might be less than a touchdown, but a win is a win. Zach believes Seattle is hitting their stride and thinks they’ll have an advantage in a low scoring defensive struggle.

My Pick: LA Rams 

Zach’s Pick: Seattle 

Dallas (-3.5) at Las Vegas 

I really thought QB Geno Smith would be a great fit for the Raiders, but at 2-7 it looks like not only will Vegas be ready for a new signal caller, but they’ll be nicely positioned in the draft to get one. At 35 years of age I don’t know if Smith will have any suitors after this season, unless a team is looking for a veteran backup. Things aren’t any better for the 3-5-1 Cowboys, whose lackluster defense could singlehandedly revive Geno Smith’s season. We all know the biggest problem in Dallas is the old dude sitting up in the luxury box, and that isn’t changing anytime soon. The crowd in Sin City will be ready to rock, and the Monday Night Football crew will present it as a much bigger game than it is. Maybe I’m being guided by my feelings instead of my brain, but I’m hoping for the visitors to suffer a humiliating upset. Zach is making the smart choice, picking Dallas to win a blowout.

My Pick: Las Vegas

Zach’s Pick: Dallas

2025 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…Week 11

I’m not going to waste time with a wordy preamble today. Conference races are heating up, division titles are up for grabs, and playoff berths hang in the balance. It is absolutely the best time of the year to vegg out all weekend long watching football and leaving the insanity of the world out in the cold.

Observations from Last Week:

  • Congratulations to the Oregon St. Beavers for winning the Pac 12.
  • I agree with Kirk Herbstreit…Oklahoma’s kicker (nor any other player) should NOT be allowed to wear literal shorts as part of the uniform.
  • Non-football thought: MLB badly needs a salary cap ⚾️.
  • Kudos to Jags kicker Cam Little, who now holds the NFL record with a 68 yard field goal, the longest in the history of football.
  • I was defeated in one of my leagues by an opponent who started two players on their bye and another player on IR, so that’s how my fantasy season is going 👀.

My Season: 31-25

Zach’s Season: 20-36

BYU at Texas Tech (-10.5)

Theoretically we could see a rematch in the Big 12 title game next month. I am a little surprised by the points, given the fact that the Cougars are undefeated while the Red Raiders suffered a close loss a few weeks ago. Sure, Tech has the home field, but should that translate into being a double digit favorite?? Perhaps I don’t have all the information, but I’ll be stunned if it isn’t a much closer contest, no matter who wins. Zach agrees. He views BYU as a well coached team and really likes freshman QB Bear Bachmeier.

My Pick: BYU

Zach’s Pick: BYU

Texas A&M (-7) at Missouri

Did you know the Aggies are unbeaten?? I didn’t. The 6-2 Tigers will likely provide stiff competition, despite having lost two of their last three. However, without starting QB Beau Pribula, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, I just don’t think an upset is in the cards. Zach likes Missouri’s defense, but agrees it’s probably not enough.

My Pick: Texas A&M

Zach’s Pick: Texas A&M

Florida State at Clemson (-2.5)

Sometimes the hype just doesn’t match the reality. While there are blueblood programs that simply reload year after year and string together seemingly endless successful seasons, the truth is that each team is made up of human beings. Things happen. Injuries occur. Athletes don’t always live up to expectations. After a decade & a half at or near the top of the mountain, the 3-5 Tigers are struggling to achieve bowl eligibility. The 4-4 Seminoles know all about that, and for awhile it seemed like they’d gotten over that hump after several years of mediocrity. That was before they lost 4 out of the last 5 games. I honestly have no idea what to expect. Will Clemson wake up and defend their home turf?? Or does Florida St. smell blood in the water?? I think it’ll be the latter, with a late field goal sealing the deal. Zach still has faith in Dabo Swinney and thinks the home team will win a close one.

My Pick: Florida St.

Zach’s Pick: Clemson

LSU at Alabama (-10.5)

I’m looking at this game much differently than I would have just a month ago. The wheels are falling off in Baton Rouge, with the Bayou Bengals losing three of their last four games. Conversely, after losing their season opener The Tide have rolled to seven consecutive victories. I think ‘Bama wins by atleast two TDs…maybe three. Conversely, Zach feels like, no matter what has transpired, this is a rivalry game and the underdogs will atleast make it interesting.

My Pick: Alabama

Zach’s Pick: LSU

Baltimore (-4) at Minnesota

Don’t look now, but the rumors of Baltimore’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. At 3-5 they still have work to do to get back into playoff contention, but when healthy & at full strength there might not be a more dangerous team in the NFL. Meanwhile, the 4-4 Vikes are struggling to put it all together. We all understand the potential, and with quarterback JJ McCarthy back in the saddle they’re a better team. However, I foresee more close losses while they continue to build toward a better future in a couple of seasons. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Baltimore

Zach’s Pick: Baltimore 

New England at Tampa Bay (-2.5)

So I guess the folks in New England are getting cocky again, thinking that QB Drake Maye is the second coming of Tom Brady. I suppose they’ve earned that confidence after going 7-2 and piecing together a six game win streak. Unfortunately they’re going up against the 6-2 Bucs and their signal caller Baker Mayfield, who knows a thing or two about cockiness. I understand that Tampa has suffered some injuries, but I believe they’ll find a way to grind out a tough win at home. Zach thinks Maye will be good, but he likes Mayfield to prevail this time.

My Pick: Tampa Bay

Zach’s Pick: Tampa Bay 

Detroit (-8.5) at Washington 

The Commanders came into the season with alot of hype & momentum, but at 3-6 after losing four straight it just feels like a lost season. As much as I like QB Jayden Daniels the fact is that he’s an injury waiting to happen. He cannot be counted on to be available much of the time, and that’s a problem. The 5-3 Lions have lost two of their last three games, but I am still all in on them being a legit Super Bowl contender. Zach agrees.

My Pick: Detroit

Zach’s Pick: Detroit 

Philadelphia at Green Bay (-2.5)

It’s early November, so I am assuming the tundra at Lambeau Field isn’t frozen just yet. However, the Packers still get the requisite home field bump. They are 5-2-1 but should actually have a better record, with a rare tie against the Cowboys and an inexplicable loss to Carolina being real head scratchers. Meanwhile, there seems to be alot of locker room drama in Philly. They’re 6-2 and will easily win their division, almost by default…but can they make another deep playoff run and defend their Super Bowl title?? This is the Monday night game so the talking heads will be all over it. Either way the outcome will be interpreted as some sort of defining statement, but it also might be an NFC Championship preview. I think the Eagles will try to silence their doubters with a mild upset. Zach doesn’t believe Green Bay is the real deal, so he’s calling for the “upset”.

My Pick: Philadelphia 

Zach’s Pick: Philadelphia 

100 Memorable TV Theme Songs – The Complete List

As I have done in the past with my 100 Favorite Movies, 100 Memorable Movie Characters, and 100 Favorite Television Characters, I believe it is prudent to provide an easy to read listing of everything in one place. If you choose to utilize your spare time by diving down these particular rabbit holes please know that it is much appreciated. This space is mostly for my own amusement & rudimentary catharsis, but if it happens to put a smile on anyone’s face out there in the cosmos that is a bonus I don’t take for granted.

100 Dear John (Dear John)

99 Bad Boys (Cops)

98 Dragnet (Dragnet)

97 Stand (Get A Life)

96 Superhero (Entourage)

95 I Don’t Want to Be (One Tree Hill)

94 Life Goes On (Empty Nest)

93 Gimme A Break (Gimme a Break!)

92 Princes of the Universe (Highlander)

91 According to Our New Arrival (Mr. Belvedere)

90 Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street? (Sesame Street)

The Muppet Show  (The Muppet Show)

89 Benson (Benson)

88 There’s No Place Like Home (227)

87 Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me Now (Perfect Strangers)

86 In Living Color (In Living Color)

85 Here I Come to Save the Day (Mighty Mouse)

84 Green Acres (Green Acres)

83 Fame (Fame)

82 Moonlighting (Moonlighting) 

81 I Don’t Want to Wait (Dawson’s Creek)

80 Mission: Impossible (Mission: Impossible)

79 CHiPs (CHiPs)

78 Miami Vice (Miami Vice)

77 Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? (Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?)

76 What’s Happening!! (What’s Happening!!)

75 Hawaii Five-O (Hawaii Five-O)

74 The Monkees (The Monkees)

73 Closer to Free (Party of Five)

72 Saved by the Bell (Saved by the Bell)

71 Without Us (Family Ties)

70 Bewitched (Bewitched)

69 A Different World (A Different World)

68 Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood)

67 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)

66 Star Trek: TOS / Star Trek: TNG

65 Scooby-Doo Where Are You? (Scooby-Doo)

64 As Long As We Got Each Other (Growing Pains)

63 The Jetsons (The Jetsons)

62 The Pink Panther (The Pink Panther)

61 Bandstand Boogie (American Bandstand)

60 We’re the Chipmunks (The Chipmunks)

59 Hill Street Blues 

The Rockford Files 

Greatest American Hero 

The A-Team 

Magnum PI

58 The Smurf Song (The Smurfs)

57 Love & Marriage (Married…With Children)

56 Hogan’s Heroes March (Hogan’s Heroes)

55 It Takes Diff’rent Strokes (Diff’rent Strokes)

54 A Little Less Conversation (Las Vegas)

53 Spider-Man (Spider-Man)

52 Everywhere You Look (Full House)

51 Come and Knock on Our Door (Three’s Company)

50 Petticoat Junction (Petticoat Junction)

49 Together (Silver Spoons)

48 Gomer Pyle, USMC (Gomer Pyle, USMC)

47 Suicide is Painless (MASH)

46 I Love You (Barney)

45 Linus & Lucy (Peanuts)

44 All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight (Monday Night Football)

43 Big Bang (The Big Bang Theory)

42 The Addams Family (The Addams Family)

The Munsters (The Munsters)

41 My Life (Bosom Buddies)

40 Family Feud (Family Feud)

39 Final Frontier (Mad About You)

38 I’m Always Here (Baywatch)

37 Go Speed Racer Go (Speed Racer)

36 Come On Get Happy (The Partridge Family)

35 This Is It (One Day at a Time)

34 Charles in Charge (Charles in Charge)

33 The Price is Right (The Price is Right)

32 Moon Over Parma, Five O’Clock World, Cleveland Rocks (The Drew Carey Show)

31 Night Court 

Barney Miller 

Charlie’s Angels

30 Peter Gunn (Peter Gunn)

29 Mister Ed (Mister Ed)

28 Mickey Mouse March (Mickey Mouse Club)

27 William Tell Overture (The Lone Ranger)

26 Dallas (Dallas)

25 Angela (Taxi)

24 With a Little Help from My Friends (The Wonder Years)

23 The Streetbeater (Sanford & Son)

22 Tossed Salads & Scrambled Eggs (Frasier)

21 Johnny’s Theme (The Tonight Show)

20 The Office (The Office)

19 The Facts of Life (The Facts of Life)

18 Rock Around the Clock / Happy Days (Happy Days)

17 Making Our Dreams Come True (Laverne & Shirley)

16 Batman (Batman)

15 The Fishin’ Hole (The Andy Griffith Show)

14 I’ll Be There For You (Friends)

13 Welcome Back (Welcome Back Kotter)

12 The Ballad of Jed Clampett (The Beverly Hillbillies)

11 Thank You For Being A Friend (The Golden Girls)

10 The Brady Bunch (The Brady Bunch)

9 WKRP in Cincinnati (WKRP in Cincinnati)

8 Yo Home to Bel-Air  (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)

7 Those Were the Days (All in the Family)

6 The Love Boat (The Love Boat)

5 Meet the Flintstones (The Flintstones)

4 Good Ol’ Boys (The Dukes of Hazzard)

3 Movin’ on Up (The Jeffersons)

2 Where Everybody Knows Your Name (Cheers)

1 The Ballad of Gilligan’s Isle (Gilligan’s Island)

2025 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…Week 10

Happy Halloween Manoverse!! Okay okay…to be fair, by the time these games kick off we’ll be past Halloween, but right now, in this moment, it is still on the horizon. So what does Fright Night look like at The Bachelor Palace?? Full disclosure, it isn’t much more exciting than any other night. My secure location precludes me from hosting trick or treaters, which is unfortunate because once upon a time I rather enjoyed handing out candy to neighborhood crumb crunchers. I’m not much of a horror movie fan, although I do enjoy John Carpenter’s original 1978 Halloween. I will absolutely be snacking on candy corn (don’t come at me!) while choosing amongst other spooky-esque entertainment like Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein, Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein, and of course the classic It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. I am also planning a reread of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Then, once I get all of that out of my system, it’ll be back to football. Your mileage may vary, and that’s okay.

Observations from Last Week:

  • Yes, I gave us both a win for Boise’s 21 point victory over Nevada. That’s just how I roll.
  • Announcers really can make a difference. I was flipping back & forth between Indiana/UCLA with my favorite duo of Gus Johnson & Joel Klatt on the call, and Kansas/Kansas St. that had Mike Golic Jr. as the color analyst. I adore Golic Sr., but his kid strikes me as kind of a douchenozzle. Any football guy that enthusiastically drops Taylor Swift trivia into a broadcast probably needs to find a new gig.
  • With all due respect, I always thought it was odd that Brian Kelly would leave Notre Dame for LSU, especially after winning 10+ games in each of his final five seasons in South Bend. The grass usually isn’t greener elsewhere. Perhaps Kelly will end up at Penn State, Florida, Oklahoma State, Arkansas, or Virginia Tech.
  • RIP Nick Mangold, former NY Jets center. 41 years old. Kidney disease. Damn.
  • Some lucky coach is going to benefit from the NY Giants core of QB Jaxson Dart, RB Cam Skattebo, and WR Malik Nabors, but due to unfortunate injuries it probably won’t be Brian Daboll.

My Season: 27-24

Zach’s Season: 17-34

Arizona State at Iowa State (-5.5)

My boy Rocco Becht has had a rough go of it lately. After getting out of the gate 5-0 the Cyclones have dropped three straight games. They’re a middle of the pack Big 12 team when I thought they’d be serious contenders for the conference title. The Sun Devils are also 5-3 and have virtually no opportunity to win the conference either. So essentially, these teams are playing for pride and bowl positioning. I’m not going to jump off the Becht Bandwagon, and I think we’ll see his team rebound with a 7-10 point victory. Zach doesn’t view Iowa St. thru my prism. He believes this is a bounce back week for Arizona St.

My Pick: Iowa St.

Zach’s Pick: Arizona St.

Penn State at Ohio State (-20.5)

It felt like a much bigger game a month ago. That was before the Nittany Lions lost four consecutive games, had their starting QB go down with a season ending injury, and fired their head coach amidst that implosion. Meanwhile, the unbeaten Buckeyes haven’t really been challenged by anyone. They’ve only let one opponent even get to double digit points. Perhaps if the game were in Happy Valley I might give the underdogs a puncher’s chance, but the favorites look like a well oiled machine that’ll cruise into the CFP. Zach begrudgingly concedes that Ohio St. has been the best team in the nation. However, he is critical of their fairly weak schedule. He isn’t predicting an upset, but hopes that, somehow some way, it’s a closer game than the oddsmakers think it’ll be.

My Pick: Ohio St.

Zach’s Pick: Penn St.

Arizona (-4.5) at Colorado 

Are the folks in Boulder tired of Coach Prime’s BS yet?? Sure they were 9-4 a season ago, but losing a Heisman Trophy winner to the NFL will negatively affect any team. Neon Deion can recruit talent, but can he coach players who don’t happen to be five star prodigies?? The 4-3 Wildcats have shown some improvement but are too inconsistent. I’d definitely take the over because I don’t believe we’ll see stellar defense, and I think the ‘Cats will win by 5-7 points. Zach wonders if Sanders might receive an opportunity elsewhere on the very active coaching carousel despite the fact he is way overrated. He doesn’t believe Colorado will get their ass kicked as bad as they did last week at Utah, but then again Arizona doesn’t need to beat them that bad.

My Pick: Arizona

Zach’s Pick: Arizona 

Vanderbilt at Texas (-1.5)

I never thought I’d see the day when this matchup would be so highly anticipated. Indiana is getting alot of attention, and they deserve it, but let’s not overlook what the 7-1 Commodores have accomplished. However, they know that any positive mojo that has been built thus far will disappear in a nanosecond if they’re embarrassed by the Longhorns. While there is no shame in losing to Ohio St., I’m pretty sure the folks in Austin are still scratching their heads in confusion after being defeated in The Swamp by the Florida Gators a few weeks ago. This is one of those head vs. heart situations. I’d love to see Vandy silence their doubters and be validated by a win over a blueblood program, but despite the surprising odds I don’t believe it’ll be that close. Games are won in the trenches, and I think the home team will simply wear down their opponents in the 4th quarter. Zach has faith in Vandy’s defense and thinks Texas has been overrated all season.

My Pick: Texas

Zach’s Pick: Vanderbilt

Kansas City (-1.5) at Buffalo 

The Chiefs are back…I guess. After starting the season 2-3 KC has won three in a row. Meanwhile, the 5-2 Bills have lost two of their last three games. Don’t forget, that #1 seed in the conference is extremely important, as the top team receives a first round bye in the playoffs. It’s probably a bit premature to be discussing such things, especially with the Colts, Patriots, and Broncos all looking like serious contenders, but we cannot overlook the pedigree of these two teams. Momentum seems to be on the side of the favorites, but perhaps being underdogs in their own stadium will wake a sleeping giant in Buffalo. Zach loves Andy Reid, but he predicts the Bills will defend their turf in a close game…perhaps even overtime.

My Pick: Buffalo 

Zach’s Pick: Buffalo

100 Memorable TV Theme Songs – The Top 5

This project actually began a decade ago. I don’t remember exactly what was going on in my life or what my thought process was at the time, but when I ran across the original post several months ago it struck me that I could do better. I hope I have achieved that goal. Like so many of my favorite topics I’ve written about in this space, these past few months have allowed me to take a trip down Memory Lane and do a bit of self analysis, understanding the fun little bits & pieces that shaped my childhood, youth, and adult years. Once upon a time I took pride in addressing the important issues, using this site as my own bully pulpit. That hasn’t completely changed, but it has evolved into more of a refuge from the gravity of our world. I retain very little interest in being divisive or dogmatic…most of the time. Don’t hold me to that in the future when I get fired up about a hot topic though. The bully pulpit isn’t retired, it’s just in storage and used sparingly. At any rate, you came here for the conclusion of our musical journey, and I shall provide. As always, if, for some odd reason, you have somehow skipped over the first nine parts of our countdown and landed at the end rather than the beginning, please go here to get caught up.

5 Meet the Flintstones (The Flintstones)

Meet the Flintstones

They’re the modern stone age family

From the town of Bedrock

They’re a page right out of history

Have a yabba dabba doo time, a dabba doo time

We’ll have a gay old time

WILMAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!

There is a fun little scene in the greatest Thanksgiving movie of all time…Planes, Trains, and Automobiles…in which extrovert Del Griffith goads uptight Neal Page into leading a bus full of passengers in a singalong. Neil’s choice of Frank Sinatra’s 1954 Oscar winning hit Three Coins in the Fountain is met with bewildered indifference, but Griffith saves the day with Meet the Flintstones. It’s an upbeat, big band song that everyone remembers, sure to lighten up even the grumpiest of moods. Meet the Flintstones, which was inspired by Beethoven’s The Tempest, wasn’t the original theme song for the show, but more than a half century later it’s the one we all know and love.

4 Good Ol’ Boys (The Dukes of Hazzard)

Just the good old boys

Never meanin’ no harm

Beats all you never saw

Been in trouble with the law since the day they was born

Y’all know that, despite hailing from West By God Virginia, I am not a country music fan. I prefer George Thorogood to George Strait, Kenny Loggins over Kenny Chesney, and Hall & Oates instead of Brooks & Dunn. Having said that, it is irrefutable that the legendary Waylon Jennings was a key ingredient in the success of The Dukes of Hazzard, which was probably my favorite pre-teen era show. Jennings had served as The Balladeer (i.e. narrator) in the 1975 film Moonrunners, on which the television program is based. He also wrote & performed the theme song, which reached #1 on the country charts in 1980.

3 Movin’ on Up (The Jeffersons)

Fish don’t fry in the kitchen, beans don’t burn on the grill

Took a whole lotta tryin’ just to get up that hill

Now we’re up in the big leagues gettin’ our turn at bat

As long as we live it’s you and me baby

There ain’t nothin’ wrong with that

Well we’re movin’ on up

One of the personal benefits of projects like this is that I get to relive my childhood, and in some cases clarify an otherwise fuzzy memory. The Jeffersons…a spinoff of All in the Family…aired from 1975-85, so it actually debuted when I was two years old. Two!! The back half of that run (and reruns of the first few years) must’ve really made an impression on me. The theme song was co-written & performed by actress Ja’Net DuBois, who had a supporting role in Good Times. A gospel choir backed DuBois, which is certainly one of the elements that makes the song so memorable.

2 Where Everybody Knows Your Name (Cheers)

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name

And they’re always glad you came

You want to be where you can see our troubles are all the same

You want to be where everybody knows your name

Childhood is fascinating. As a friend of mine is fond of saying, we don’t know what we don’t know. Ignorance is bliss, right?? So when a sitcom set in a bar premiered in 1982…a week before my 10th birthday…all I knew was that it was funny. It made my Dad laugh. By the time the show ended I was 20 years old and simply thought of it as one of the best comedy shows I’d ever seen. It wasn’t until much later that I realized, in real life, middle aged adults spending every night in a bar is profoundly sad. It is a testament to the brilliance of the Cheers cast & writers that they turned that premise into one of the greatest television programs of all time. Gary Portnoy is a singer/songwriter who had penned a few songs for artists like Dolly Parton & Air Supply, and would eventually write the theme for Mr. Belvedere. As opposed to The Jeffersons quasi-inspirational, gospel infused title sequence, the Cheers theme is a piano driven, somewhat wistful tune that effectively does its job of making the bar seem like an amazing place to hang.

1 The Ballad of Gilligan’s Isle (Gilligan’s Island)

Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip

That started from this tropic port aboard this tiny ship

We’ve reached the summit. The most memorable television theme song of them all. The truth, of course, is that these things are subjective, influenced by a myriad of factors. Gilligan’s Island probably shouldn’t even register on my radar, given the fact that it only lasted for three seasons in the mid-1960s and was canceled five years before I was born. However, as we’ve discussed, syndicated reruns were abundant in the 1970s & 80s, allowing multiple shows that had played roles in the childhoods of kids much older than me to also be infused into my life. These days television programming embraces darker, edgier, more sinister content. Even comedy tends to evoke a sardonic, highly strung worldview. The sitcoms I grew up watching were goofy, irreverent, and guileless. Gilligan’s Island is quaint when viewed thru a modern prism, but in its time it worked, and we shouldn’t overlook the contribution of a theme song that is not only catchy, but also explains the premise AND introduces each of the cast members. It is no coincidence that the song was co-written by the show’s creator, Sherwood Schwartz. He also created The Brady Bunch and co-wrote that theme song, which followed the same formula of setting up the premise & characters. 

2025 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…Week 9

The NFL schedule is already underway, with the Chargers defeating Minnesota last night. The World Series begins tonight. Dodgers vs. Blue Jays. Absolutely zero interest. The NBA season started this week as well. I’ll check in on that in January. When I’m not watching football in the next week I’ll be embracing the spirit of Halloween, although that probably doesn’t look the same in my world as it does in yours. More on that later. In the meantime, we continue on our gridiron journey. 

Observations from Last Week:

  • Vanderbilt?!?!?? Really?!?!?? Vanderbilt is good at football now?? When did that happen??
  • I stand corrected…Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti just signed a long term deal to stay at with the Hoosiers. That’s probably a wise decision for all involved. 
  • Finally, the Billy Napier Era at Florida is over. He was 22-23 in 3 1/2 seasons. At West Virginia he probably would’ve received a contract extension.
  • I saw a quote that said “Mike Tomlin is the James Franklin of the NFL”, and while I believe it is an apt comparison, the difference is that, unlike Penn St., the Steelers don’t have the courage to do what needs to be done.
  • Justin Herbert looked more like Justin Sherbet in that Chargers’ alternative uniform.

My Season: 24-22

Zach’s Season: 15-31

Boise State (-21.5) at Nevada

I always get the Nevada Wolfpack & the UNLV Rebels mixed up. Boise beat UNLV last weekend, and that might’ve been a better game to pick. Atleast it was high scoring (whoever took the over won some $$). The Broncos are 5-2 and sit atop the Mountain West in their final season in that conference, although they can’t let their foot off the gas since there are a couple of teams in hot pursuit. Nevada is a putrid 1-6, with their only win being over an FCS opponent. The Wolfpack does have the home field, but no one expects that to make much of a difference. The only question is Boise’s margin of victory. I am always wary of a 3+ TD spread, but in this case I think the favorites can get there. Zach has some concerns about Boise’s defense, but he thinks they’ll win big anyway.

My Pick: Boise St.

Zach’s Pick: Boise St.

Kansas State at Kansas (-3)

It’s the Sunflower Showdown, which sounds a little wimpy for a football game. It’ll be the 123rd meeting since 1902, with Kansas leading the series 65-52-5, although State has won the past 16 games. Sixteen!! That’s quite a winning streak. I had higher hopes for the 3-4 Wildcats, but it isn’t the first time they’ve disappointed me. Meanwhile, after a malaise of nearly two decades the Jayhawks looked like they’d figured things out last season. However, now, sitting at 3-4, it feels like they may have regressed. So, can visiting underdogs go into hostile territory and continue what has to be one of the longest current win streaks in a rivalry game?? I think Kansas is on the right track in the grand scheme of things, but when it comes to this matchup I see no reason to believe the streak will be broken. Conversely, Zach expects Kansas’ offensive firepower to get the job done.

My Pick: Kansas St.

Zach’s Pick: Kansas

Ole Miss at Oklahoma (-4.5)

With the exception of the Red River Shootout, the loss of which could legitimately be blamed on QB John Mateer not being 100% after an injury, the 6-1 Sooners have been impressive, although the back half of their schedule is challenging. I feel like we’ve been sleeping on the 6-1 Rebels, despite their 4th quarter implosion at Georgia last week. I’m a little surprised that ESPN didn’t choose this one for Gameday, but I don’t know what factors into those decisions. It’s a Noon kickoff, which feels disrespectful. The underdogs have been in some pretty close contests and won, so I believe they’ll keep things interesting, but with Mateer’s health improving I think Oklahoma is probably a touchdown better. Zach, on the other hand, is a big fan of head coach Lane Kiffin and believes he’ll have some things up his sleeve to lead the visiting underdogs to an upset.

My Pick: Oklahoma

Zach’s Pick: Ole Miss

NY Giants at Philadelphia (-10.5)

The Eagles have a two game lead in the NFC East, and the Giants have no chance to maneuver themselves into playoff position. However, since pulling the trigger on making rookie Jaxson Dart the starting QB the G-Men have shown flashes of…something. With Dart under center, folk hero Cam Skattebo toting the rock, and receiver Malik Nabers at receiver, there is a very strong core for future success, but Nabers tore his ACL and those other guys are rookies, so everything is on hold. Meanwhile, Philly is 5-2 and leads their division, but they’ve lost 2 out of the last 3 games and something feels…off. Could this be a classic trap game?? The Giants could easily be 4-3 instead of 2-5, while the Eagles have had the ball bounce their way a few times at key moments. It’s not the smart move, but The Vibes smell an upset…or atleast a much closer game than most expect. Zach doesn’t expect an upset, but he agrees that it’ll be a close game.

My Pick: NY Giants

Zach’s Pick: NY Giants

Dallas at Denver (-4.5)

I will reluctantly give credit not only to the 3-3-1 Cowboys, but also to receiver George Pickens. As a Steelers fan I was hoping Pickens would implode in Dallas, but that hasn’t happened. If it weren’t for one of the worst defenses in the NFL the Cowboys’ record would certainly be much better. The 5-2 Broncos have been better than I anticipated and currently lead the AFC West, with two games against the Kansas City Chiefs still on the schedule. The home field is significant, and I have no faith in Dallas’ defense, so I expect QB Bo Nix to pick them apart. The Cowboys offense will keep it close for awhile, but Denver should pull away late for a double digit win. Zach is rolling the dice on Dak Prescott and his tremendous weapons to somehow pull off a mild surprise.

My Pick: Denver

Zach’s Pick: Dallas

100 Memorable TV Theme Songs – The Top Ten

I have decided to break the Top 10 into two parts because…well, I can – it’s my website. No, seriously…I feel like these final ten theme songs deserve a bit more attention, some room to breathe. I appreciate anyone who has stuck with me thus far, but if you’re late to the party that’s okay too. Just go here & here and you be able to navigate the entire series to this point.

10 The Brady Bunch (The Brady Bunch)

Here’s a story of a lovely lady who was bringing up three very lovely girls
All of them had hair of gold like their mother, the youngest one in curls

Here’s a story of a man named Brady who was busy with three boys of his own
They were four men living all together, yet they were all alone

Perception is an odd thing. We may view something thru a certain prism then later find out that our comprehension was a bit skewed. If you’d have asked me or probably just about any kid in the late 70s/early 80s we’d have told you that The Brady Bunch had been on television for many years with hundreds of episodes. The truth?? It aired 117 episodes in the course of five seasons. What do Perfect Strangers, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, According to Jim, Designing Women, and Boy Meets World all have in common?? Each show produced atleast 150 episodes. That tells you just how pervasive reruns were when I was a kid, especially given the fact that we didn’t have a fraction of the channels available now. The immense popularity of The Brady Bunch in syndication led to multiple reunion specials, a few reboots/spinoffs, and a couple of funny big screen spoofs in the mid-1990s. I’m not going to analyze why the program became so legendary, but I do know one piece of the puzzle is an unforgettable theme song that actually tells a story. 

9 WKRP in Cincinnati (WKRP in Cincinnati)

Baby, if you’ve ever wondered

Wondered whatever became of me

I’m livin’ on the air in Cincinnati

Cincinnati, WKRP

The Brady Bunch is a model of longevity compared to WKRP, which lasted just 90 episodes and four seasons. In retrospect the powers-that-be at CBS torpedoed a program that could’ve easily stuck around for a decade by moving it around the schedule multiple times. In my youth I went thru a brief phase in which I wanted to be a disc jockey, and I think it may have been because of WKRP, with guys like Dr. Johnny Fever & Venus Flytrap making it look like such a fun job. 

8 Yo Home to Bel-Air  (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)

In west Philadelphia born and raised

On the playground was where I spent most of my days

Chillin’ out maxin’ relaxin’ all cool

Shootin’ some b-ball outside the school

When a couple of guys who were up to no good

Startin’ making trouble in my neighborhood

I got in one little fight and my Mom got scared

She said ‘You’re movin’ with your auntie and uncle in Bel Air’

Had I been about five years younger I think The Fresh Prince might’ve become one of my favorite sitcoms. However, while I enjoyed it just fine, the show debuted mere weeks after I started college, and watching television wasn’t a priority in those years. Having said that, three decades after the program ended I could…if properly motivated…bust out what would likely be the worst rendition of the theme song to ever exist, and I’m willing to bet there are tons of 40/50-somethings that could do the same.

7 Those Were the Days (All in the Family)

Boy the way Glenn Miller played

Songs that made the Hit Parade

Guys like us we had it made

Those were the days

Choosing cast members to perform a TV show’s theme song isn’t that unusual, but in the case of All in the Family it’s a bit odd because…well, Archie & Edith Bunker weren’t good singers. I have no idea if Carroll O’Connor & Jean Stapleton could sing in real life, but when utilizing the Queens, NY inspired affectations of their characters, its a performance that wouldn’t exactly make the cut on American Idol. Perhaps though it is that unconventional screeching coupled with the nostalgia soaked lyrics that makes the tune so damn memorable.

6 The Love Boat (The Love Boat)

The Love Boat soon will be making another run

The Love Boat promises something for everyone

Set a course for adventure, your mind on a new romance

I really enjoyed The Love Boat and I’m not ashamed to admit it. Every Saturday night at 9pm thru the first half of the 1980s I sat in front of the television watching the adventures of Captain Stubing, Doc Bricker, bartender Isaac Washington, yeoman purser (essentially the ship’s financial officer) Gopher Smith, cruise director Julie McCoy, and a parade of guest stars navigating love & other drama aboard the Pacific Princess. The revolving door of weekly guests provided a soft landing for once prominent stars as their fame descended, as well as an opportunity for up & coming actors who would go on to much bigger things. For most of the show’s run the theme was belted out by Grammy Award winning singer Jack Jones, but he was replaced in the final season by the legendary Dionne Warwick.

That’s all you get for now!! Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion of this fun musical adventure!!