Jayden Daniels

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 

2025 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…Week 6

Oddly enough, I’ve been watching the MLB Playoffs for the past couple of days. Citizens of The Manoverse already know that I am a Pittsburgh Pirates fan, so for many years I have essentially lost interest in baseball’s regular season after the initial hype of the first month. The Pirates have a collective record of 669-847 in the past decade, and I’m not wasting my time paying much attention to a team that wins only 44% of their games. At any rate, unlike the marathon 162 game regular season, baseball’s postseason is divided into much more digestible sprints, and there are usually a handful of teams that I have some reason to loathe, which is enough to keep my attention for a month, or until only teams I hate remain standing. At any rate, my point is that switching from football mode to baseball mode then back to football to make these picks isn’t easy. The things I go thru for you people. You’re welcome.

Observations from Last Week:

  • It’s hard being a college football fan in the Mountain State 😱. My Thundering Herd grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory in a double OT loss to Louisiana, while earlier that day I didn’t make it past the first half of WVU’s shellacking at the hands of Utah. 
  • The NY Giants upset of the Chargers is the very definition of a Pyrrhic victory, given the season ending knee injury to star receiver Malik Nabers. 
  • Not a football thought, but what the hell was up with the United States Ryder Cup team?!?!?!?? That effort was EMBARRASSING!!!! ⛳️🇺🇸😬
  • Tyreek Hill is definitely “out, bruh” 🚑.
  • The Philadelphia Eagles special teams coach is Michael Clay, and he deserves a raise 🦅.

My Season: 18-13

Zach’s Season: 9-22

Clemson (-13.5) at North Carolina

I noted in the preseason that I was anticipating this matchup simply because of the contrasting personalities of head coaches Dabo Swinney & Bill Belichick. At 1-3 the Tigers have been an epic disappointment thus far, with virtually zero chance of reaching the CFP. Meanwhile, Belichick seems more interested in indulging his adolescent girlfriend than leading the 2-2 Tar Heels to a conference championship. The home field intrigues me just a bit and makes me wonder if UNC can really make a go of it. However, I believe in the old adage “it isn’t the X’s & O’s, it’s the Jimmys & Joes”. At the end of the day, despite an atrocious first month of the season, Clemson has superior athletes. Zach has no doubt that Swinney will get things sorted out fairly quickly, while he thinks it might take Belichick a few seasons to build Carolina into a great program.

My Pick: Clemson

Zach’s Pick: Clemson 

Kansas State at Baylor (-6.5)

It looks like both teams will be middle-of-the-pack in the Big 12, but the winner might have an opportunity to improve their lot. The 2-3 Wildcats have a really tough schedule ahead of them so this feels like a must win situation. The 3-2 Bears probably have a better shot at atleast securing a bowl invitation down the line, especially with a home victory in a winnable game. I don’t know who’ll come out on top, but I believe the margin of victory will be less than 5 points. Zach thinks the home field is enough for Baylor to win by a touchdown.

My Pick: Kansas St.

Zach’s Pick: Baylor

Miami (FL) (-5.5) at Florida State

For the first time in a very long time this Battle of Florida has meaningful implications. The Hurricanes are unbeaten and ranked 3rd in the nation. The 3-1 Seminoles suffered a brutal double OT loss to Virginia last week. Miami wants to stay in the conversation with other top national title contenders, while Florida St. needs a rebound if they don’t want everyone to assume their early season success was a fluke. I don’t mean to sound like a broken record, but I think a field goal one way or another will decide the outcome. Zach sees Miami as a legit Top 5 team. He foresees FSU putting up a hell of a fight, but likes the ‘Canes to get a solid win.

My Pick: Florida St.

Zach’s Pick: Miami (FL)

Minnesota (-3.5) vs. Cleveland

I am intrigued by this game simply because Minnesota just played our Steelers in Ireland last weekend, and now they’ll play their second consecutive game overseas. I assume the whole group stayed in Britain and will make the trek to London at some point this week. That already gives them a slight advantage. Of course they also have an advantage because…well, they’re playing the Browns 🤷🏻. Cleveland is starting rookie Dillon Gabriel at QB, and there is a not-so-small part of me that would be happy to see him ball out, sending a clear message that he is the team’s future at quarterback, not that narcissistic Sanders clown. However, I do not believe that’ll happen just yet. There’s a chance the Vikes could have JJ McCarthy available, but even if they roll with Carson Wentz under center I think they’ll win a low scoring snoozefest…something like 13-6. Zach isn’t very impressed with Minnesota, but thinks receiver Justin Jefferson is a difference maker.

My Pick: Minnesota 

Zach’s Pick: Minnesota

Washington at LA Chargers (-2.5)

Speaking of quarterback returns, it seems as though Jayden Daniels could be back in Washington’s starting lineup after missing two games with a sprained knee. I don’t think the Commanders will overtake Philadelphia in their division, but it’s never too early to lay the foundation for a wildcard berth. Meanwhile, the Chargers sit atop their division thanks in part to the KC Chiefs’ slow start, but they can’t count on that lasting much longer. I’m getting playoff caliber vibes from this one, which I know sounds crazy at the beginning of October. It would certainly add to Daniels’ growing legacy to return from injury, lead his team into hostile territory, and escape with a victory. However, the reality is it’ll probably take a game or two for the young QB to be back in top form, and the Chargers seem like a team out to silence any doubters. Zach concurs.

My Pick: LA Chargers

Zach’s Pick: LA Chargers

2025 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…Week 4

When I was a kid my father was a much more invested football fan than he has become in his later years. I vaguely recall him actually going to WVU games at old Mountaineer Field before the current stadium opened in 1980. Back then the ‘Eers weren’t on television much. ESPN didn’t yet exist and the networks only aired the biggest games featuring elite programs. As time passed and sports evolved West Virginia was on TV more often. Dad isn’t superstitious, but he is a little stitious, so when things weren’t going well he’d get frustrated, mute the television, and turn on the radio broadcast featuring legendary play-by-play announcer Jack Fleming & color commentator Woody O’Hara. Technology is a bit more advanced now, and I’ve had to laugh in recent weeks as I found myself muting my television during WVU & Marshall football games and finding more familiar audio on my phone. A lifetime ago, not long after I’d graduated from college, my sister happened to be riding shotgun in my car when I popped in a Dean Martin CD. She gave me a puzzled look and simply said “Oh my God…you’re turning into Dad”. If only she could see me now 😂.

Observations from Last Week:

  • Perhaps the biggest surprise is Georgia Tech upsetting Clemson. I ranked Clemson 10th in my preseason poll and felt like they were a level below legit national championship contenders but would remain competitive in a weak conference. Now they’ll have to win every remaining game & claim the ACC title to even get into the playoff.
  • Allow me to reiterate…Notre Dame was my pre-season #1 🤨.
  • Less than a month ago, while discussing the Virginia Tech Hokies, I said “head coach Brent Pry is entering his 4th season in Blacksburg, and I’m not confident there’ll be a fifth”. Pry was recently fired after starting 0-3 and losing to Old Dominion by almost three TDs. Sometimes I know what I’m talking about.
  • Where was THAT Russell Wilson a season ago when he was in Pittsburgh?!?!?!?? Or…or…perhaps, once again, it’s time to ask questions about the Steelers’ coaching staff 🤔.
  • Joe Burrow is out for three months. JJ McCarthy will miss 2-4 weeks. Austin Ekeler is gone for the rest of the season. George Kittle is injured, as are Jayden Daniels, Aaron Jones, and Justin Fields. Pay attention fantasy owners, and adjust your lineups accordingly.

My Season: 9-8

Zach’s Season: 5-12

Texas Tech at Utah (-3)

The Red Raiders are 3-0 and average 58 points/game while only giving up less than a dozen points/game. The Utes are also 3-0, and they’re putting up nearly 46 points/game with their defense yielding only eight points/game. Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff show will be in the house, and the winner of the game will sit in the Big 12 driver’s seat. I ranked Tech 14th in the pre-season, and they haven’t given me any reason to move off that yet. Conversely, Zach can’t overlook the home field, so he believes Utah will win a high scoring shootout.

My Pick: Texas Tech

Zach’s Pick: Utah

Oregon State at Oregon (-35)

Rivalry games used to occur much later in the season, but conference realignment has obliterated so many of those old traditions. They call this one The Civil War, although officially that name was discontinued in 2020 because of…*checks notes*…George Floyd, which is one of the stupidest things I’ve ever heard. Good God…why has our society given so much credibility to a fentanyl addicted domestic abuser?!?!?? At any rate, f*#k those pansies, I’ll call the game whatever I want. It hasn’t been that competitive in recent years, with the Ducks winning six of the past eight meetings. Obviously the oddsmakers don’t see that trend changing, but wow…those points!! I don’t know if we’ve ever considered a game with that kind of spread. I tend to be somewhat conservative, so I’m looking at a 42-14 kind of score, with the home team winning comfortably but not covering. Zach thinks Oregon might be the best team in the country right now. He predicts they’ll be able to rest their starters in the second half and still cover.

My Pick: Oregon St.

Zach’s Pick: Oregon

Washington (-20.5) at Washington State

It’s really a shame what has happened to the once mighty Pac 12. Why the hell are UCLA & USC in the Big Ten?!?!?? What in the world are the Cal Bears doing in the freakin’ ACC?!?!?!?? The Pac 12 will be rebuilt next season with the addition of Boise St., Fresno St., and others, but it’ll never quite be the same. Anyway, the 117th Apple Cup isn’t shaping up to be all that compelling, with the 2-0 Huskies heavily favored over the 2-1 Cougars, who were beaten by nearly 50 points by North Texas last weekend. With all due respect to the Mean Green, that result would’ve been unimaginable just a few years ago. It might be a relative nail biter, but I foresee the visitors winning by 21-24 points. Zach points out how the Huskies fell off under a new coaching regime last year, a season after falling short in the CFP Championship. He believes State will rebound from last week’s ass kicking and atleast make things interesting.

My Pick: Washington 

Zach’s Pick: Washington St.

Illinois at Indiana (-4.5)

It could be the best game of the weekend. Both teams are 3-0, and every victory is huge in the ultra competitive Big Ten. I like the Hoosiers to win at home, but this feels like one of those situations that’ll be decided by a field goal in the final minute, or possibly overtime. Zach thinks the Illini has a slight edge with a better QB, which will be the difference.

My Pick: Illinois 

Zach’s Pick: Illinois 

Denver at LA Chargers (-2.5)

All the sudden the AFC West is in play for the first time in a decade, with Kansas City sitting at 0-2 and looking like they’ve lost their championship edge. I’m not ready to give Last Rites to the Chiefs just yet, but the other teams in the division are looking more impressive than they have in quite a long time. The Broncos lost a heartbreaker in Indianapolis last week, with there being a variety of opinions about how that played out. Meanwhile, the 2-0 Chargers have jumped out of the starting gate with consecutive divisional wins that could become huge later in the season. It’ll be a tight battle, but I like the home team to win by atleast a field goal, perhaps a touchdown. Zach is a huge Jim Harbaugh fan and believes the Chargers should be considered a serious Super Bowl contender.

My Pick: LA Chargers

Zach’s Pick: LA Chargers

2024 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…Week 18

First of all, F*^K YOU NFL. As silly as it may seem, last weekend, when RedZone host Scott Hanson changed his familiar catchphrase “seven hours of commercial free football” because they’re now running a few commercials during the broadcast, it upset me to the point that I was ready to drop out of every fantasy league I’m in and stop doing these picks in the future. Perhaps I have a screw loose. Or maybe the holiday season, which isn’t as merry & bright in my world as it once was, had me all up in my feelings. Thankfully I chilled out enough that my Steelers getting trucked by the Chiefs on Christmas Day barely raised my blood pressure. I still don’t know how I will proceed with RedZone, which I’ve loved for several years. The NFL has tested my patience for awhile with their “social justice” initiatives and watering down the game under the guise of “safety”, but RedZone felt like the last bastion for pure enjoyment of the sport. Now, a corporation that makes BILLIONS of dollars in profits is tainting that innocence for a few more ad dollars that won’t make or break them. It’s sick. Perhaps they’ll change their mind, but I won’t hold my breath. At any rate, Zach (3-2) bested me (1-4) once again to draw within one game of a tie for the season, which still doesn’t upset me as much as the whole RedZone situation.

My Season: 49-55

Zach’s Season: 48-56

Denver at Cincinnati (-3)

Both teams are still fighting for a playoff berth, but the 7-8 Bengals need some help. Obviously that starts with winning this game. Conversely, the 9-6 Broncos will be in with a victory. I really had both of these teams pegged wrong, believing that Cincinnati would bounce back from last season and be a factor in the AFC North, while Denver would secure a Top 5 draft pick. The opposite has occurred with both teams. Having said that, I think the home team wins on their turf and hangs on to a thread of hope for the postseason. Zach appreciates what the Broncos have accomplished with rookie QB Bo Nix, but feels they are an unfinished product with some work to do. He doesn’t like the Bengals defense at all, but gives the nod to Cincy & QB Joe Burrow in a shootout.

My Pick: Cincinnati 

Zach’s Pick: Cincinnati 

Green Bay at Minnesota (-1.5)

It might be the best game of the weekend. Both teams will make the playoffs, but the 13-2 Vikings can still claim a division title and maybe even a first round bye if things go their way. In their previous meeting way back in September Minnesota got a close win on the road, so I expect things to balance out with the 11-4 Packers returning the favor. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Green Bay 

Zach’s Pick: Green Bay 

Miami (-6.5) at Cleveland

I expected the Dolphins to challenge for a division title, but at 7-8 they’re just fighting to finish with a winning record. No one should be surprised by the futility of the 3-12 Browns, who are even worse than I expected and have dropped off significantly from last year’s mirage of success. The home field doesn’t even matter. It’ll probably be a yawn inducing slugfest, but I believe the visiting favorites will win comfortably. Zach agrees.

My Pick: Miami 

Zach’s Pick: Miami

Atlanta at Washington (-4)

Don’t sleep on this game featuring two of the first eight selections in this past spring’s draft (and 2 of the top 4 quarterbacks). Jayden Daniels has been a revelation for the 10-5 Commanders, who are battling the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC’s third wildcard, while Michael Penix Jr. was just inserted into the lineup a week ago to boost the 8-7 Falcons to the NFC South crown, which is the only way Atlanta or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will qualify for the playoffs. Penix might indeed be the answer in Atlanta, but we don’t really have much data yet, whereas I’ve seen enough to know how great Daniels & the Commanders can be. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Washington  

Zach’s Pick: Washington 

Detroit (-3.5) at San Francisco 

One team has lived up to the hype, while the other has had their season torpedoed by misfortune. At 13-2 the Lions are safely in the postseason field, but they need to win to secure the division title & a first round bye. The 6-9 Niners have been a huge disappointment and will need to confront some tough issues in the offseason. A few months ago I would’ve assumed this to be one of the marquee Monday night games of the entire season, but now it just feels like an afterthought. The outcome of Green Bay-Minnesota could alter Detroit’s approach to the game, but either way I believe they will prevail. Zach agrees.

My Pick: Detroit 

Zach’s Pick: Detroit

2024 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…Week 17

With the dawn of a new era in college football we’ve decided to forego our traditional Bowl-a-Palooza and incorporate the playoff games into our normal routine. Let’s face it…most of the bowl games have been superfluous for awhile now, and with interim coaches & transfer portal madness it has become nearly impossible to predict them with any degree of legit knowledge. By all means, if ESPN is airing the Cereal Bowl featuring East State vs. Big City Tech at 4pm on a Tuesday afternoon please enjoy it. Sometimes those random matchups are rather delightful. For our purposes here though, we’ll stick with games that have some degree of importance. I must reluctantly admit that last week (1-4) was abysmal for me, which means that I have finally fallen below .500 for the season, while Zach (3-2) has closed the gap to within three games. Buckle up…it’s going to be a wild stretch run.

My Season: 48-51

Zach’s Season: 45-54

Indiana at Notre Dame (-7.5)

Somehow the rankings happened to fall into place just right, making this intra-state battle possible. Funny how that worked out. At any rate, opinions vary on the 11-1 Hoosiers, especially after they were beaten by three TDs in Columbus a few weeks ago. Should they be here instead of Alabama?? I believe that results matter, and teams can only play the opponents on their schedule. The Hoosiers did that and only lost once, so I think they earned their spot. Meanwhile, the 11-1 Fighting Irish probably have a nearly guaranteed playoff berth anytime they win 9+ games, despite not being a member of any conference. Look…any football fan with actual insight into the game will admit that if these teams met a hundred times Notre Dame would win 80% of the time. Having said that, my Marshall Thundering Herd traveled to South Bend and upset Notre Dame a couple of years ago, so anything is possible. This is a Friday night kickoff, and I know the nephews & I will be hurrying home after our family Christmas dinner to watch. I’d be pleasantly surprised by an upset, but wouldn’t bet money on that happening. However, I feel like Indiana is being overlooked & disrespected just a bit. They’ll keep it close. Zach, however, points out that Notre Dame just signed head coach Marcus Freeman to a contract extension, and on the field they’ve crushed every opponent since an inexplicable early season loss to Northern Illinois. He sees Indiana as talented & well coached, but doesn’t feel like they have what it takes to keep pace in this game.

My Pick: Indiana

Zach’s Pick: Notre Dame 

SMU at Penn State (-8.5)

Much of what I said about the previous matchup applies to this game as well. The 11-2 Mustangs aren’t receiving much love. A year ago they were playing in the AAC, and now they play in the ACC, which is probably the weakest of the Power 4. If they’d been blown out in the conference title game by Clemson it is likely that Alabama would’ve been handed this spot, but SMU played a hell of a 4th quarter and nearly pulled off a big comeback. Conversely, Penn St.’s playoff berth was never in question, despite losing the Big Ten Championship to Oregon. The 11-2 Nittany Lions are probably a little overrated, but they’ve mowed thru most of their schedule with tremendous success, which cannot be denied. Not to be repetitive, but once again…if these teams played one another a hundred times the home favorites would almost certainly win 80% of those games, but anything can happen in this one instance. I think SMU will be more than competitive for three quarters, but end up losing…by a touchdown. Conversely, Zach isn’t sure SMU belongs here and foresees a comfortable win by the home favorites.

My Pick: SMU

Zach’s Pick: Penn St.

Clemson at Texas (-11.5)

I am somewhat surprised by the points. Sure, the  11-2 Longhorns quickly acclimated to the SEC and were only defeated by Georgia (twice). It is also true that the 10-3 Tigers aren’t as elite as they were while appearing in six consecutive (four team) CFPs and winning national championships in two of those years. However, a double digit spread feels disrespectful. Texas will probably win, but it won’t be by more than ten points. Zach is a big Dabo Swinney fan and agrees that Clemson will be more competitive than the “experts” believe.

My Pick: Clemson

Zach’s Pick: Clemson 

Tennessee at Ohio State (-7.5)

Are people overlooking this game?? It’s an 8/9 matchup, so by definition it is expected to be the most competitive in the first round. The 10-2 Buckeyes were considered to be amongst the top teams in the country until being upset by Michigan a few weeks ago, and it seems like that forced everyone to view Ohio St. thru a whole new prism. Meanwhile, the 10-2 Volunteers can look back at a mid-October upset of Alabama as a huge reason why they’re here now. However, that’s all they really have to hang their hat on. Otherwise the schedule was rather prosaic. Georgia beat Tennessee by two touchdowns, and I think that’s the level Ohio St. is on. I’d love to be wrong. Rockytop brings alot of energy to the table. At the end of the day though, I believe the home team gets it done by ten points. To my utter shock & amazement Zach agrees that the Buckeyes are likely unhappy about how they’ve been talked about recently and will use that as motivation to win easily.

My Pick: Ohio St.

Zach’s Pick: Ohio St.

Philadelphia (-3) at Washington 

Our only NFL game this week is an NFC East battle, although the division title has been pretty much decided. The 12-2 Eagles have won ten straight and will win the division, but they have their eyes on the NFC’s top seed & first round bye. The 9-5 Commanders are in the driver’s seat for a wildcard berth, but are far from a lock. I really like rookie QB Jayden Daniels and can see big things for him in the future if the front office continues to build a great team. However, sometimes one just has to be patient and wait for your turn, and it’s not Washington’s time right now. Philly is playing on a different level, and anything short of the Super Bowl will be a disappointment. RB Saquon Barkley may be the best free agent acquisition of the past decade, recapturing the magic that made him a 2017 Heisman finalist at Penn St. and reinvigorating a career that stalled over six seasons with the NY Giants. When these teams met in Philadelphia last month the Eagles won by 12, and I expect something similar now. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Philadelphia 

Zach’s Pick: Philadelphia 

2024 PIGSKIN PICKS OF PROFUNDITY…WEEK 9

We kept our head above water doing bonus picks a week ago, with point spreads playing a key role in flipping several outcomes one way or the other. I’m glad not to be a gambler because I can imagine having a half point ruin your day could be rather frustrating. At any rate, I extended my season lead by one game, while Zach is one game closer to getting back to the .500 mark. We are each in the same general ballpark as this identical point a year ago.

My Season: 28-24

Zach’s Season: 24-28

Notre Dame (-12.5) vs. Navy

Don’t look now, but two of the service academy football teams are undefeated (sorry about your damn luck Air Force). Party like it’s 1946!! In the grand scheme of things that probably doesn’t mean much since it is doubtful they’d be considered playoff worthy, but it could make the Army-Navy game more consequential than it’s been in quite some time. We’re several weeks away from that though. Meanwhile, the 6-1 Irish are praying that an inexplicable September loss to Northern Illinois doesn’t torpedo their playoff aspirations. This rivalry dates back to 1927, with Notre Dame winning 80 of the 96 meetings. The Midshipmen last won in 2016. For some strange reason the game is being played at the NFL home of the Jets & Giants in New Jersey, meaning it’ll be the most entertaining contest those fans have seen all year. As much as I’d love to predict an upset I cannot imagine Navy overcoming what I assume is a notable disadvantage in size, speed, and athleticism. I’d love to be wrong. Zach believes Notre Dame being overrated is business as usual, and he thinks Navy can hang with them by running the ball and controlling the clock. 

My Pick: Notre Dame

Zach’s Pick: Navy 

Kansas at Kansas State (-9.5)

They call it the Sunflower Showdown, with the victor taking possession of the Governor’s Cup. It is actually the 4th longest active rivalry in college football (thanks realignment 🙄), with the Jayhawks leading the overall series despite the fact that the Wildcats have won the last 15 meetings dating back to 2009. State is 6-1 and has the home field, while 2-5 KU has to be disappointed with how things have gone thus far after winning nine games a season ago. I predicted K-St. would compete for the conference title, and they’re on pace to be in that mix. Zach doesn’t feel like it’ll be particularly close.

My Pick: Kansas St.

Zach’s Pick: Kansas St.

Illinois at Oregon (-21.5)

The 6-1 Illini announced their presence with authority last weekend, beating Michigan by two touchdowns. Not to be outdone, the undefeated Ducks sit atop the rankings with victories over Ohio St. and…well, okay, they beat Ohio St. and share the Big Ten lead with Indiana. I’d be surprised if Oregon lost at home, but the points concern me. Is Illinois for real?? They don’t have to win the game to gain that legitimacy, but they do need to be competitive. I don’t feel strongly either way, but I’ll roll the dice on the visitors keeping things respectable. Zach has been impressed by Illinois and agrees it won’t be as easy for Oregon as some might assume.

My Pick: Illinois 

Zach’s Pick: Illinois 

Chicago (-2.5) at Washington

It’s supposed to be a marquee matchup pitting #1 overall pick Caleb Williams against #2 overall pick Jayden Daniels, but the Commanders’ rookie QB suffered a rib injury last weekend so his status for this game remains a bit murky. Daniels, to the surprise of no one who pays attention, has been the more exciting & impactful signal caller thus far, leading his team to a 5-2 record and the NFC East lead. Williams has the Bears looking much improved at 4-2, though they have the misfortune of playing in the NFL’s most competitive division. I’m not a Vegas insider, but it isn’t difficult to figure out that the points are all about Daniels’ questionable status. If he plays and is unencumbered by the injury Washington is a clear favorite at home, but if backup QB Marcus Mariota is under center then things obviously tilt toward Chicago. Can Jayden Daniels channel 1997 NBA Finals Michael Jordan?? Holy schneikes that’d be freakin’ cool. Zach has always been more complimentary to Williams than I’ve been, but he likes the Commanders to score the slight upset.

My Pick: Washington

Zach’s Pick: Washington 

Dallas at San Francisco (-4.5)

The cool thing about this rivalry is that it isn’t completely about nostalgia. Oh sure, those of us old enough to remember legendary names like Jerry Rice, Michael Irvin, Steve Young, Troy Aikman, Jimmy Johnson, Emmitt Smith, Brent Jones, and Deion Sanders in their heyday become a bit sentimental about the classic skirmishes of the past, but the matchup always feels just as relevant as it did decades ago. The 3-4, injury plagued Niners have struggled more than anyone could’ve ever anticipated a few months ago but sit just one game out of the division lead. It’s a similar story for the 3-3 Cowboys, who are currently in third place in the NFC East. They are coming out of their bye week though, which probably offsets Frisco’s home field. It’s the Sunday night game on NBC and will likely get good ratings. I am somewhat surprised that Dallas isn’t favored even though they’re on the road, but watching Jerry Jones get ridiculed by the sports media is delightfully hilarious. Zach  doesn’t have a positive impression of either team, but he thinks San Francisco sucks less than the Cowboys right now.

My Pick: San Francisco 

Zach’s Pick: San Francisco