Odds of a 2020 College Football Season

Unbreakable04 - My perspective on Trump predated COVID-19.  Sure, there is a lot of blame to go around.    People like me who hold him in contempt is based on his body of work.  As a lifelong Republican and fiscal conservative, Trump's demagoguery disgusts me.   Due to Trump, I am now an independent, yet still a fiscal conservative.   Fiscal Conservatism was formerly a pillar of my GOP, if not actual, an advocacy.  Trump was severe deficit spending to keep an over inflated economy strong until after the November 3, 2020 election, and then face the consequences   Trump is not a real republican nor is he a real conservative.  My labels are not name calling.   The perceptions are based on facts.   I was disapointed when he was elected, but I initially gave him the benefit of the doubt.   I thought he would pivot.  Its fine to advocate conservative projects.  That's his right.  Its his tone, his behavior, his attacks, his scapegoating.   That POS is still favored on oddshark to win re-election.   I think a majority of the betting action junkies think like you, and are backing Trump.  Trump is so sleaze, his MO is to try to snake his way out of an accountability.  He will use every dirty trick in his arsenal to win re-election, no matter how illegal or immoral.     I don't understand how good God fearing people , who treat others with respect, and our otherwise intelligent and gentile, can respect such a horrible bottom of the barrel human being.   If you support Donald Trump, and the way he carries himself, then he must mirror your values, and honestly that should be embarrassing to you.    This is not even about policy or values anymore.   Its about Donald Trump's lack of fitness for the office of the president of the United States.   He is a disgrace by any definition...And God willing he will go down in flames on November 3, 2020 and we will achieve a new degree of stability, normalcy and healing as we recover from both COVID-19 and Trump's harm and divisiveness on the psyche of the nation...I did not start this string to discuss politics, but it was forced on me...Let's get college football back in the fold...

You just see it differently than I do, and many others.  No need for personal insults about my moral character as you don't know me from a stranger in the street.  If you are/were truly a Conservative prior to Trump taking office, then in no way, shape or form should that allow you to put your trust of bringing the nation back together under a Joe Biden led regime (or any current Democrat) due to how far left they lean.  He cannot even put together a complete sentence much less a coordinated plan with his socialist buddies he'll place within his Cabinet to bring our country together.  That's really laughable at this point if you believe such (especially based on his latest gaff).

Big government is bad and Trump is exposing that on both sides of the party lines.  Our own government's ineptness along with the former President, Obama, has led to someone like Trump getting in office due to the country becoming sick & tired of the PC garbage trying to be force fed to us.  I do not need the government to dictate how I live.  Get off your ass, get a job, earn a living and contribute to society.  Plain & simple - he's the best fit for our country, currently, out of the candidates running for office (which does show the LACK of quality candidates).  I don't worship a President, but I am glad he's in office to allow my business to thrive and the economy to boom without government interference.  This virus was a legit threat at one point - then it went political.  It's a hoax and they're using it as a last ditch effort for the November election.    

We just see it from two different lenses, thankfully, he will win re-election because socialism is not the ideal scenario for our country.  Once the House flips, as seats currently are, it will be fun to sit back and watch how the next 4 years play out.  Actions speak louder than words, because he "says mean things" on twitter doesn't correlate to his day-to-day actions that are what our country needs at this present time.  Obama's (and the Dem's) lasting legacy will be that he put our country in such a terrible position, a candidate like Trump, was elected.  And most notably, Thank God Hillary Clinton is not leading the charge. 

I suppose you think she's squeaky clean (which, if so, you're as lost as a goose).  President Trump obviously lives in your head displayed by that brief message above.  Keep the faith, all of this is out of our control, we just have to do the best we can, daily, control what we can control and let the chips fall where they may.  Life is too short to possess that much anger.     

It's almost like the democrats want Trump to win. Follow up HRC with Biden, who just today questioned the AA communities blackness if they don't vote for him lolol. You can't make this stuff up. I won't ever argue Donnie isn't an overall poor human being, but man the way he gets ripped on by the media with each breath is laughable. Some of it is absolutely deserving, but I'll use the hydroxychloroquine thing as an example bc it's in my field and I can relate. I work with of the best academic hospitals in this country, and we were also offered this same drug as a preventative treatment. Of course, as with any medication, there are criteria that would exclude a person from safely taking this drug.  It's been around for a long time and the side effects/adverse reactions are well documented. The media spins it like he created this drug overnight in a lab and is handing it out like candy. Could not care any less who wins in November, but economic conditions are going to drastically improve over the next few months.  A presidents true power is in the court system.. and Trump has already filled a ton of crucial seats on the supreme court, appeals courts, etc so his damage is already done in the grand scheme of things. Debates are going to be must see TV too. 

What I also don't understand is the strategy from anti-Trump folks.  Instead of trying to win over moderate/independent/civil voters they act like Trump himself with the name-calling and insults while thinking of themselves as good human beings. In reality, they portray themselves as total dip$shits to strangers on the internet.  Basically there is such division already that it's difficult to see a drastic change to the electoral vote count.  Trump seems to be doing well with independents in the battle ground states which will probably get him re-elected & on top of that Biden seems likely to due more damage to himself when the time comes to step onto the debate stage.  We'll see though. 

Say what you want about Biden...Trump makes those gaffs every fking day...Trump is a disgrace...by any measure...The Anti-Trump coalition makes up about 65% of the electorate...If Trump reflects your values, then you aren't much of a person...

Biden is a moderate...Trump is nothing but a creep, who runs his administration like a Mafia Don...He has rhetorical appeal to the ignorant, to blue collar works, because his vernacular and intelligence is that of a 6th grader.  I will assume you Trumpers here have not had the opportunity to complete a college degree...Trump appeals to you because you think he is an everyone, but he's not.   He's a bully, he's an asshole, who only cares about his own personal interests.    You come as dumb with your defense of Trump.  For your sake, I hope you are a better college football capper...

Lol nobody ever said anything about personal support, don’t be so defensive and jump to name calling. Your post and words actually reflect your character, not politicians people support for reasons unknown to you (although speculate away).  If that college degree thing was directed at me I have a masters, but I don’t see how that’s relevant.  Go have a beer and enjoy the holiday weekend.

My character is impeccable...I have MBA from a Top 25 Program and a CPA credential.  That's doesn't make me smart or even a good college capper.   I do regret my tone to you and unbreakable.   So I apologize for that...There is something about Donald Trump that brings out rage in me.    I despise him with every fibre in my body.    However, we do live in a democracy, and our country has been made outstanding via having a choice and the 2 or more parties keeping each other accountable.   You can praise Trump all you want.  I may not like it, but I should indeed be more tolerant.  Since normally these discussions between Trumpers and #NEVERTRUMP backers like myself rarely result in a consensus, it is probably best that we agree to disagree and let the voters decide in November.      I will refrain commenting on political posts going forward on this and other strings.

With that being said, I am sure both of you gentlemen (I assume that you are indeed dudes), are excellent college football cappers.   Let's get this string back on topic, now that it appears that we may be indeed have college football in the fall.

So who do you guys like in week 1 (5 Sep 2020)?    I like Virginia Tech -21 (my estimate) at home against Liberty and Oklahoma State -17 (my estimate) at home against Oregon State...

Again, let's get back on track and try to refrain from beating each other up on political things outside our control.   Peace LHH

Again, I don't think any of my posts were "praise for Trump" as you say.  Guy is his own worst enemy lol. I'd give you my full opinion on both the candidates, but what the heck is that going to solve? The issues that are important to me, unbreakable, yourself, or any other poster here are going to be completely different & that's fine.  We're all different in one way or another, and the lack of civility, tolerance & respect right now is disgusting on both sides.  The rise of social media is one of the worst things to ever happen to the world.  

No "consensus" is needed, if the way Trump carries himself as president is inexcusable to you & the most important thing then guess what.... don't vote for him.  It's that simple.  One thing I can guarantee you is that nobody cares about your political views or opinion (and that goes for mine and everyone else).  We get our voice in about 5.5 months.  

Yes college football... haven't started to do any work yet, are there any solid preview sites/magazines out yet? I thought I saw Phil Steele was delayed til August because of the loss of spring ball/coach interviews/etc.  I don't post picks here much, but maybe that'll change.  It's usually hard to find a respectable group of posters on covers, things always seem to end in complaining that a poster offering free picks didn't hit 100% on any given Saturday lol.  Have a good weekend LHH.

LSU $$

LHH - I read the message you posted, when you go back and read what you typed, you literally sound like Trump!  "My character is impeccable...I have MBA from a Top 25 Program and a CPA credential."

I thought that part was funny, when you read that in Trump's voice, you sound just like him.  HA!  

Regardless, I (too) have a Master's degree and am a licensed CPA (although I left that world 5-6 years ago, thankfully).  The 80+ hour work weeks were okay in my younger years but once you reach a certain level, the cream does not rise to the top, and you're left with management that loves to take the punishment of working ridiculous, unnecessary, hours because they have no life outside of work rather than leading the charge as a true manager.  I paid my dues though, and it has led me down a nice career path - one that I am grateful I have along with learning the fundamentals of how company's work behind the scenes that many do not get to see.  It allows me to do my job better currently while increasing sales & simultaneously having a larger impact on our bottom line.  

Lastly, and I will move off politics, we won't change each other's opinion.  I do not think Trump is the Messiah like some do - I do believe he was and is the best candidate to shield off the socialist movement within the left wing brain trust.  The swamp is real, you may think that is a gimmick, but it's there on both sides of the aisle.  At one time, maybe, just maybe, Joe Biden was a moderate - but this Joe Biden in the twilight (zone) of his career, he is a radical left wing nut.  You can see how much he's grasping by announcing the brilliant, AOC, as his lead person on climate change (Green New Deal) along with his brain-trust of potential wackos that will reside in his Cabinet.  No, Trump is not someone I worship, but I am thankful he has spurred growth within our economy and as each day passes, and more factual data is presented, we are beginning  to learn this "virus" is a last ditch Hail Mary by the left that will fall incomplete in November.  We are both intelligent enough to know this shutdown has turned into a political movement and they are trying to use the economy as a scapegoat.  A broken clock has been correct more times than Czar Fauci - yet people eat out of the palm of his hand.  (i.e. Senate hearing a week ago, STAY INSIDE, Rand Paul - we have to open the economy (gets castrated by the media), yesterday, Fauci - "we must open the economy or there will be irreparable damage"; you literally cannot make this stuff up, I feel like it's the Twilight Zone))

Onto football, I am hopeful we will return on a normal schedule and Week "0" will take place as currently formatted.  I would sit in the stands at my alma mater's home game, today, if given the choice.  I think by the time September rolls around and this thing phases out along with improvements from a treatment standpoint, we will be given the green light, or at least I hope that will happen.  Additionally, a case study 20 years from now will be interesting to see on this "pandemic" and the gross mismanagement by those lauded by the media (Coumo) and those denigrated by the media (DeSantis) when the facts/data is presented and tell the real story.  

I'll report back with my Week 1 thoughts soon, there is no better time than when the fall rolls around and college football is here.  Thanks for the debate back & forth.  Interesting times, indeed, and when we have fans in the stands at college football games - that little sliver of normalcy will go a long way for this country.

Dude, Unbreakable - I am definitely not narcissistic like Trump...I was responding to HockeyNight's challenging my character.  I love this country and I have genuine concerns about Donald Trump's leadership or lack thereof.   It appears that all three of us our Masters in our respective fields.   I enjoy college football capping because it merges 3 of my passions, 1) college football, 2) strategy and 3) analytics...I have had some success over the years, but its not easy...I take a more fundamental approach to my capping, and generally look for undervalue favorites.   I need to focus on balance and finding undervalued dogs, incorporating more technical analysis and trends, and more disciplined money management.    I think many share my challenge.

I look forward to working with you gentlemen to critique each others picks so we can consistently beat the books.    I will definitely vote for Joe Biden, on the merits, and I will hope for the best.   But, regardless of the outcome, life goes on, as we strive to be the best men that we can be.   Happy Memorial Day Weekend!   

LHH

Challenging your character? Lol.. what?

My mistake - it was unbreakable. :)

What the hell does trump or Biden have to do with sports gambling ?

nothing...please address your question to the person who originally hi-jacked my string...

415M - here is your culprit...blame him...

Hockeynight11, there are a good group of posters on Covers. In the past June, July, and August have been my favorite time to visit Covers. Very knowledgeable cappers. When the season begins everybody comes out of the woodwork and you have to wade through all the idiots to find the good ones.

Not sure what this summer will bring! 

Been reading Covers for a few years, now.  Never had a real reason to post anything until today.  I just completed my very 1st post under the heading of when I started my affinity for sports betting.  I was curious about this heading of whether we are going to have NCAA foosball.  The first dozen or so posts had nothing to do with NCAA foosball but whether Trump is an asshole or NOT an asshole.  "POPS" told me something when I was just a young lad over almost 60 years ago that has stuck with me all my life.  He told me:  "Boy, you can find the worst republican out there.  A real asshole, a criminal no regard for anybody just himself and some of you might think Trump .  Then you can find a squeaky clean Democrat and i would like to add that Sleepy Joe isnt even one of them and I will guarantee you, Boy, that the republican will make a better president than the democrat."  I would like to add that "POPS" always told me that he, so much, wanted to vote for Barry Goldwater in 1964 but always thought Mr. Goldwater was too liberal in his way of thinking.  I didnt always understand his joke until i got older and found out that Mr. Goldwater was the most conservative politician in the last hundred years of so.  "POPS" relented and casted his vote for Mr. Goldwater, anyway.  No way he was voting for that Damn democrat, Lyndon Johnson.  For the record, I didnt want Trump to win the republican nomination, I wanted Ted Cruz .  I just pray that we have NCAA foosball.  I could care less about the NFL.  i just want NCAA foosball and while im on the praying kick i pray that any team south of the mason dixon line would be number #1 when its all said and done.

You gave your true perspective away when you utilized the term Sleepy Joe.  You are a hard core Trumper.  That's fine.    When I started the string, the season was still much in doubt.  And honestly it still is...Athlon National College Football Preview has been published. I ordered mine yesterday.  Its a rag, but at least it has some descent information.   I agree, we need to keep politics off this forum, and focus on working together, Republican, Democrat or Neither on helping each other consistently beat the books...So if we are blessed with a season, let's make the most of the opportunity...

I have the odds of a CFB season this year changing drastically after these protests. Already a LB at Okla. St has tested positive after attending a protest. 

A resurgence of the COVID virus is almost certain. 

I'll up the odds from 95% to 100% chance of a football season.  It's not about "getting the virus."  That's inevitable much like the flu.  It's other advances in testing, treating, containing that are more important.  As well as the information learned on how widespread this is & the populations it adversely effects the most.  There will be football. 

Even if half the players or more on several teams test positive???

Well that's an extreme example, so yeah I guess in that scenario there would be some problems.  Again, what we know regarding the virus from the time this thread was created to today is very different.  How we're able to test & treat is very different. The next 3 months the virus will be less widespread & our testing accuracy/capability will improve even further.  As of today I also feel that 25-50% seating capacity at stadiums isn't totally out of the question either, some areas possibly more depending on where different states are in the containment efforts.  

I do like your optimism. Not sure I agree. Will wait til July 1 and see how the COVID is doing.

No doubt we now have more knowledge and resources to combat the virus.

These huge protests along with reopenings just look like the perfect storm for a virus resurgence.

None of the past four months is real. It is all generated for political purposes. College/Pro  football will happen or the quiet majority will be pissed.