Here are my picks for this busy bowl week:
bowling green +3.5 minnesota
Oklahoma State +2 Texas A&M
Memphis +9.5 Iowa State
Florida State +15 Georgia
Yup...all dogs. Analysis to follow
Here are my picks for this busy bowl week:
bowling green +3.5 minnesota
Oklahoma State +2 Texas A&M
Memphis +9.5 Iowa State
Florida State +15 Georgia
Yup...all dogs. Analysis to follow
Here are my picks for this busy bowl week:
bowling green +3.5 minnesota
Oklahoma State +2 Texas A&M
Memphis +9.5 Iowa State
Florida State +15 Georgia
Yup...all dogs. Analysis to follow
Bowling Green +3.5 Minnesota
The Golden Gophers, with a 5-7 record are limping into this bowl game that no one wants to play. PJ Fleck’s row your boat act is getting tiresome. Evidence of this is last year’s Pinstripe Bowl game where they barely escaped with a win over Syracuse. Fleck’s hard ass coaching style is wearing these kids out. Having said that, Soylent Green is one of the weakest teams on the Gopher’s schedule this year. When they squared up with a comparable team, Louisiana, Minnesota was able to win by 8 points. Now they are playing a fired up Bowling Green team that has won 5 of their last 6 games and also have a victory over a solid Georgia Tech team this season. They are certainly capable of squaring up with Minnesota.
The Gophers have been offensively challenged all season, averaging only 20.2 points per game. Now add in the fact that they are playing without their starting QB and their backup QB who have entered the portal. So they will be going with QB Cole Kramer getting his first career start. Bowling Green’s defense was pretty good this season, giving up only 23 points per game. So how is Minnesota going to score more than 20 points in this game when that was their season average was only 20 and they have their 3 string QB playing? They are also missing RB Darius Taylor. Answer: They aren’t going to score very much.
I am envisioning a low scoring game where points will be at a premium…so in that case, it’s fun to take the points here. Going with Soylent Green
Bowling Green +3.5 Minnesota
The Golden Gophers, with a 5-7 record are limping into this bowl game that no one wants to play. PJ Fleck’s row your boat act is getting tiresome. Evidence of this is last year’s Pinstripe Bowl game where they barely escaped with a win over Syracuse. Fleck’s hard ass coaching style is wearing these kids out. Having said that, Soylent Green is one of the weakest teams on the Gopher’s schedule this year. When they squared up with a comparable team, Louisiana, Minnesota was able to win by 8 points. Now they are playing a fired up Bowling Green team that has won 5 of their last 6 games and also have a victory over a solid Georgia Tech team this season. They are certainly capable of squaring up with Minnesota.
The Gophers have been offensively challenged all season, averaging only 20.2 points per game. Now add in the fact that they are playing without their starting QB and their backup QB who have entered the portal. So they will be going with QB Cole Kramer getting his first career start. Bowling Green’s defense was pretty good this season, giving up only 23 points per game. So how is Minnesota going to score more than 20 points in this game when that was their season average was only 20 and they have their 3 string QB playing? They are also missing RB Darius Taylor. Answer: They aren’t going to score very much.
I am envisioning a low scoring game where points will be at a premium…so in that case, it’s fun to take the points here. Going with Soylent Green
Oklahoma State +2 Texas A&M
It’s an old school rivalry here revitalized. It would have been a great game were it not for the opt outs and transfer portal. Never mind that. Both teams were very good this year but not quite elite. Oklahoma State played 4 games against teams of comparable strength to the Aggies (Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State and West Virginia). They were able to win 3 out of those 4 and the one they lost to the Cyclones was pretty close. The Aggies got press clippings for playing in the SEC, but frankly the SEC was down this year and – top to bottom – the Big 12 was the better league. So Okie State was 9-4 in the Big 12 and played in the championship game. The Aggies were only 7-5 in the SEC. They only played 2 games of comparable strength to the Cowboys (Tennessee and Auburn) and they split those games. So based on track record, it looks like Oklahoma State has the superior body of work.
The more significant development is that Texas A&M is a shell of the team that played this season:
Texas A&M Aggies
Opt-Outs: WR Ainias Smith (559 snaps), OG Layden Robinson (691 snaps), DL McKinnley Jackson (430 snaps), LB Edgerrin Cooper (609 snaps)
Transfer Portal: QB Max Johnson (424 snaps), WR Evan Stewart (403 snaps), WR Raymond Cottrell (21 snaps), TE Jake Johnson (449 snaps), OL Chase Bisontis (544 snaps), OL Remington Strickland (43 snaps), DL Walter Nolen (365 snaps), ED Fadil Diggs (466 snaps), CB Tyreek Chappell (488 snaps), CB Deuce Harmon (394 snaps), CB Kent Robinson (20 snaps), S Bryce Anderson (545 snaps), S Jardin Gilbert (75 snaps)….and they are bringing with them a new head coach who doesn’t even know the players. The DC is coaching the game but he already took a job at Syracuse. No team has more transfers and opt outs than Texas A&M. They're down to their third QB, down their top three pass catchers, and multiple starting linemen.
Oklahoma State pretty much has most of their squad intact and they have a sour taste in their mouths from the Big 12 championship, making a victory that much more desirable. This was a disaster of a season for the Aggies, with Jimbo walking away with a huge bag of money and egg all over their faces. There is no motivation to play this game and it’s going to be a Cowboy blowout. Taking the points and Oklahoma State.
Oklahoma State +2 Texas A&M
It’s an old school rivalry here revitalized. It would have been a great game were it not for the opt outs and transfer portal. Never mind that. Both teams were very good this year but not quite elite. Oklahoma State played 4 games against teams of comparable strength to the Aggies (Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State and West Virginia). They were able to win 3 out of those 4 and the one they lost to the Cyclones was pretty close. The Aggies got press clippings for playing in the SEC, but frankly the SEC was down this year and – top to bottom – the Big 12 was the better league. So Okie State was 9-4 in the Big 12 and played in the championship game. The Aggies were only 7-5 in the SEC. They only played 2 games of comparable strength to the Cowboys (Tennessee and Auburn) and they split those games. So based on track record, it looks like Oklahoma State has the superior body of work.
The more significant development is that Texas A&M is a shell of the team that played this season:
Texas A&M Aggies
Opt-Outs: WR Ainias Smith (559 snaps), OG Layden Robinson (691 snaps), DL McKinnley Jackson (430 snaps), LB Edgerrin Cooper (609 snaps)
Transfer Portal: QB Max Johnson (424 snaps), WR Evan Stewart (403 snaps), WR Raymond Cottrell (21 snaps), TE Jake Johnson (449 snaps), OL Chase Bisontis (544 snaps), OL Remington Strickland (43 snaps), DL Walter Nolen (365 snaps), ED Fadil Diggs (466 snaps), CB Tyreek Chappell (488 snaps), CB Deuce Harmon (394 snaps), CB Kent Robinson (20 snaps), S Bryce Anderson (545 snaps), S Jardin Gilbert (75 snaps)….and they are bringing with them a new head coach who doesn’t even know the players. The DC is coaching the game but he already took a job at Syracuse. No team has more transfers and opt outs than Texas A&M. They're down to their third QB, down their top three pass catchers, and multiple starting linemen.
Oklahoma State pretty much has most of their squad intact and they have a sour taste in their mouths from the Big 12 championship, making a victory that much more desirable. This was a disaster of a season for the Aggies, with Jimbo walking away with a huge bag of money and egg all over their faces. There is no motivation to play this game and it’s going to be a Cowboy blowout. Taking the points and Oklahoma State.
Thank you for those updates.
Thank you for those updates.
Memphis +9.5 Iowa State
Memphis is a pretty good team, with a really good offense, and this is a lot of points. Can you say “back door cover”? Iowa State didn’t have a great season, going 7-5, but they seem to get high marks from the computers which has them ranked around #30. Memphis has only played 2 teams of the same caliber as Iowa State (Missouri and SMU), and although they lost both of them, the losses were by only 7 points and 4 points. So they would have covered the 9.5 points. That shouldn’t be a surprise since Memphis has averaged 40 points per game and 450 yards per game this season. They scored 28 points in 10 of the 12 games they played.
The Cyclones made their bones this year playing defense. They did a great job this year spanking weaker teams, but lost every game they played against good teams. They are what we thought they were. If these teams had played mid season instead of in a mysterious bowl game, I would be taking the points all day. So the question becomes, who will show up?
Two of Memphis’ starting O line players are in the portal. That’s bad news for the Tiger’s offense. However, the game is being played in Memphis’ home stadium. That’s great news for the Tigers. Iowa State has some serious participation question marks at running back with their two top backs hitting the portal. Also uncertain at defensive back due to end of season injuries, but other than that they will bring their whole team.
Memphis has a really solid leader at QB. Seth Henigan has completed 66.4 percent of his passes for 3,519 yards with 28 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He had 15 touchdown passes to just two picks in the Tigers' final six games. They also sport a 1000 yard rusher in the backfield. It’s going to be a back and forth track meet. Iowa State has a great coach and they will be motivated to play. HOWEVER….Memphis just has too much offense and is getting too many points – this spread is a gift. Taking the points and the Tigers.
Memphis +9.5 Iowa State
Memphis is a pretty good team, with a really good offense, and this is a lot of points. Can you say “back door cover”? Iowa State didn’t have a great season, going 7-5, but they seem to get high marks from the computers which has them ranked around #30. Memphis has only played 2 teams of the same caliber as Iowa State (Missouri and SMU), and although they lost both of them, the losses were by only 7 points and 4 points. So they would have covered the 9.5 points. That shouldn’t be a surprise since Memphis has averaged 40 points per game and 450 yards per game this season. They scored 28 points in 10 of the 12 games they played.
The Cyclones made their bones this year playing defense. They did a great job this year spanking weaker teams, but lost every game they played against good teams. They are what we thought they were. If these teams had played mid season instead of in a mysterious bowl game, I would be taking the points all day. So the question becomes, who will show up?
Two of Memphis’ starting O line players are in the portal. That’s bad news for the Tiger’s offense. However, the game is being played in Memphis’ home stadium. That’s great news for the Tigers. Iowa State has some serious participation question marks at running back with their two top backs hitting the portal. Also uncertain at defensive back due to end of season injuries, but other than that they will bring their whole team.
Memphis has a really solid leader at QB. Seth Henigan has completed 66.4 percent of his passes for 3,519 yards with 28 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He had 15 touchdown passes to just two picks in the Tigers' final six games. They also sport a 1000 yard rusher in the backfield. It’s going to be a back and forth track meet. Iowa State has a great coach and they will be motivated to play. HOWEVER….Memphis just has too much offense and is getting too many points – this spread is a gift. Taking the points and the Tigers.
Florida State +15 Georgia
It's all about the defense here. One team comes in sulking, the other comes in pissed. One team isn't in the CFP because they got their asses kicked. The other team thinks they got screwed. One team already has one loss, the other is undefeated. Which team do you think is more motivated?
The Seminoles, in their last 8 games, have only given up 12 points per game. If Georgia scores 21 points, FSU only needs a TD and they still cover. No matter who is the QB.
Do the chop. Taking the Noles and the points.
Florida State +15 Georgia
It's all about the defense here. One team comes in sulking, the other comes in pissed. One team isn't in the CFP because they got their asses kicked. The other team thinks they got screwed. One team already has one loss, the other is undefeated. Which team do you think is more motivated?
The Seminoles, in their last 8 games, have only given up 12 points per game. If Georgia scores 21 points, FSU only needs a TD and they still cover. No matter who is the QB.
Do the chop. Taking the Noles and the points.
Here is the list of players who will not suit up for Florida State:
Tate Rodemaker-QB (transfer portal)
Keon Coleman-WR (NFL)
Johnny Wilson-WR (NFL)
Trey Benson-RB (NFL)
Thomas Shrader-iOL (transfer portal)
Bless Harris-OT (transfer portal)
Ayobami Tifase-DL (transfer portal)
Daughtry Richardson-OL (transfer portal)
Qae’Shon Sapp-OL (transfer portal)
Dylan Brown-Turner-LB (transfer portal)
CJ Campbell-RB (transfer portal)
Preston Daniel-TE (transfer portal)
Markeston Douglas-TE (transfer portal)
AJ Duffy-QB (transfer portal)
Colin King-OT (transfer portal)
Winston Wright-WR (transfer portal)
Dylan Brown-DL (transfer portal)
Malcolm Ray-DL (transfer portal)
Tyler Keltner-K (transfer portal)
Rodney Hill-RB (transfer portal)
DJ Lundy-LB (transfer portal)
Dwayne Wells Jr.-DB (transfer portal; withdrew his name, could play)
Here is the list of the players who will not be playing for the Bulldogs.
Mateen Ibirogba, DL (transfer portal)
Mekhi Mews, LB (transfer portal)
EJ Lightsey, LB (transfer portal)
Xavian Sorey, LB (transfer portal)
Nyland Green, CB (transfer portal)
Jared Zirkel, K (transfer portal)
Jonathan Jefferson, DL (transfer portal)
CJ Madden, EDGE (transfer portal)
Austin Blaske, OT (transfer portal)
Jackson Meeks, WR (transfer portal)
Brock Vandagriff, QB (transfer portal)
Darris Smith, EDGE (transfer portal)
Smoke Bouie, CB (transfer portal)
Yazeed Haynes, WR (transfer portal)
Aliou Bah, OL (transfer portal)
Marvin Jones Jr., EDGE (transfer portal)
Logan Johnson, WR (transfer portal)
A.J. Harris, CB (transfer portal)
Joshua Miller, iOL (transfer portal)
It's a real live version of "The Replacements"....I am waiting for Keanu Reeves to show up at QB....other than that, might as well take the points
Here is the list of players who will not suit up for Florida State:
Tate Rodemaker-QB (transfer portal)
Keon Coleman-WR (NFL)
Johnny Wilson-WR (NFL)
Trey Benson-RB (NFL)
Thomas Shrader-iOL (transfer portal)
Bless Harris-OT (transfer portal)
Ayobami Tifase-DL (transfer portal)
Daughtry Richardson-OL (transfer portal)
Qae’Shon Sapp-OL (transfer portal)
Dylan Brown-Turner-LB (transfer portal)
CJ Campbell-RB (transfer portal)
Preston Daniel-TE (transfer portal)
Markeston Douglas-TE (transfer portal)
AJ Duffy-QB (transfer portal)
Colin King-OT (transfer portal)
Winston Wright-WR (transfer portal)
Dylan Brown-DL (transfer portal)
Malcolm Ray-DL (transfer portal)
Tyler Keltner-K (transfer portal)
Rodney Hill-RB (transfer portal)
DJ Lundy-LB (transfer portal)
Dwayne Wells Jr.-DB (transfer portal; withdrew his name, could play)
Here is the list of the players who will not be playing for the Bulldogs.
Mateen Ibirogba, DL (transfer portal)
Mekhi Mews, LB (transfer portal)
EJ Lightsey, LB (transfer portal)
Xavian Sorey, LB (transfer portal)
Nyland Green, CB (transfer portal)
Jared Zirkel, K (transfer portal)
Jonathan Jefferson, DL (transfer portal)
CJ Madden, EDGE (transfer portal)
Austin Blaske, OT (transfer portal)
Jackson Meeks, WR (transfer portal)
Brock Vandagriff, QB (transfer portal)
Darris Smith, EDGE (transfer portal)
Smoke Bouie, CB (transfer portal)
Yazeed Haynes, WR (transfer portal)
Aliou Bah, OL (transfer portal)
Marvin Jones Jr., EDGE (transfer portal)
Logan Johnson, WR (transfer portal)
A.J. Harris, CB (transfer portal)
Joshua Miller, iOL (transfer portal)
It's a real live version of "The Replacements"....I am waiting for Keanu Reeves to show up at QB....other than that, might as well take the points
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