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What’s good homies? New heat for the boys and girls. For those of you reading this deal for the first time, welcome. Shout out to Slope Media for partnering with us. I’m happy to be able to provide you with professional amateur analysis for the beautiful thing that is college football. This weekend has a lot of dope match-ups with some exciting teams. Before I say anything about the games on Saturday, let’s address the topic that has been on my heart. Can we please get some consistency from these big-time teams that play on Thursday and Friday nights? It seems like every Thursday or Friday, some big-name team is getting upset. I like the little dog winning the fight just as much as the next guy, but at some point, this trend has to chill. It’s cool once in a while, but every week (USC,Louisville,Clemson)? And another thing. How do all these less notable teams end up with the home-field advantage? It’s like the schedule makers have an agenda for upsets. I digress. Let me hit you with the fire now.
2 Penn State at 6 Ohio State
Kirk Herbstreit and the gang will be back in Columbus for GameDay. The last time GameDay was there, yours truly was present. Even copped a nice little selfie with my nemesis. Anyway, the environment in Columbus was crazy and I would anticipate this game being no different.
The Buckeyes stumbled out of the blocks by losing to Oklahoma in their second contest of the season. Since then, Ohio State has been dogging people. I mean absolutely just doing whatever they want. Sure, it’s been against the likes of Rutgers and Nebraska, but the thing that has to be encouraging for Buckeye fans is the offensive output that’s been on display. Since the loss, Ohio State has averaged 53 points a game (That’ll do donkey). For the Buckeyes to win, quarterback, J.T. Barrett needs to be able to challenge the Nittany Lion defense vertically. The Buckeyes cannot be one dimensional on offense or it’s gona be a long night. With that said, the night isn’t gona get any shorter if they can’t contain Saquon Barkley. This is easier said than done. I get it. I believe that if Ohio State can sell out for the run and force McSorley to be a drop back passer, they’re gona have a chance.
On the other sideline, Penn State has been ballin. Undefeated and pretty much untested. We last saw Penn State in the act of absolutely abusing Michigan. I don’t know if Michigan just self-destructed or if the team in the black shoes is the truth. It’ll be interesting to see how Penn State fairs in their first real road test. To win this game, the formula remains the same (bars). Get the ball to Saquon Barkley. It doesn’t matter how. If they stack the box, throw it to him. If they cover him and stack the box, put him at quarterback. However Barkley goes, so will the Penn State offense go. On defense, the Nittany Lions need to put pressure on Barrett. Barrett has shown he can be hit and miss. I guarantee the guy will be more miss than hit if that defensive line is chasing him all night. That’s just how it be.
Bottom line, this is going to be a hyped atmosphere at the Horsheshoe. Penn State has the best player in college football and I can’t get the image of Baker Mayfield dominating the Ohio State defense out of my head. For that reason, I’m taking Penn State to get the dub on the road.
11 Oklahoma State at 22 West Virginia
All of these BIG 12 games feel the same to me. Highflying offenses, average defenses, and at least one obscure mascot are all common denominators with these kind of games. Seriously though, does anyone really know what a mountaineer is?
West Virginia has been the victim of some close games. They played TCU tough in Fort Worth and had a chance to win it at the end of the Virginia Tech game. All things considered, I still believe this is a good football team. Their defense has been about what you would expect from a BIG 12 defense, but the offense has been nothing short of prolific. Will Grier is quietly having a sensational year at quarterback (26 TDs, 5 picks) while, former 13 year-old USC Lane Kiffin commit, David Sills is leading the country in touchdown catches (15! That’s not a typo). For West Virginia to defend home turf with a win, Will Grier needs to be efficient and they need to get touchdowns in the red zone. The Mountaineers (again I don’t get the mascot choice) need to score in bunches to keep up with what Oklahoma State is going to bring.
For the Cowboys of Oklahoma State, things have been Gucci. They hit a speed bump at TCU, but the Horned Frogs are really good so there isn’t much more to say about that. Mason Rudolph has been the epitome of efficient and is completing 66% of his passes. I think he’s a sneaky Heisman candidate if Oklahoma State keeps winning, but that’s a bit of a ways off so I’ll get back to the topic at hand. I may have been too harsh when I said this game had average defenses. Oklahoma State hasn’t been a stone wall, but they are ranked 10th in the nation when it comes to forcing turnovers. For Oklahoma State to win, it’s going to fall on the shoulders of their defense. These offenses are going to trade scores every time they get it, but if the Cowboys can steal a possession, or two, that is going to be a huge factor in who wins the football game.
Without a doubt, this will be a good game to watch as a fan. Both teams kind sputtered offensively last week, but that’s all the more reason they will be looking to do some damage on the scoreboard this week. Oklahoma State is ranked higher and probably has the better overall roster. However, I am high on West Virginia and they are at home in this one. Mom and Dad, get a sitter for the kids because West Virginia is going to be singing Country Roads all night long after they beat Oklahoma State .
14 NC State at 9 Notre Dame
This one has some juice to it. Both teams have been steadily on the rise and have had signature wins as of late (NC State against Louisville and Notre Dame against USC). This will serve as an elimination game for the playoff race.
Notre Dame has been consistent all year. They have one blemish on their record from a good Georgia team, but besides that, it looks as though the Fighting Irish are back to elite form. Quarterback, Brandon Wimbush, makes the offense go. Again, he’s not exactly producing dazzling stats, but my dude is doing what needs to be done to win games. Now, running back, Josh Adams on the other hand is doing numbers and remaining humble. He’s used to this (S/o Future). Adams is averaging 9 yards a carry and is a shade under a thousand yards on the year (another potential Heisman candidate). On the other side of the ball, the Irish have played bend don’t break defense. They’re ranked 42nd in total defense, but are only allowing 16 points a game. I don’t know how long this will work, but it hasn’t been their downfall yet. So you do you Notre Dame. For the Golden Domers to win, they need to control the field position game. Wimbush needs to continue to not turn the rock over and Adams needs to get 20 or more carries. If Notre Dame’s, defense can get off the field on 3rd down, Touchdown Jesus will be smiling.
For NC State, this season has been a pleasant surprise. Boise State transfer, Ryan Finley, has been dealing at quarterback. His most important stat to me is 0 interceptions. Now, since I brought that stat up he will probably throw 3 this weekend, but the point still stands for now. He’s orchestrating an offense that’s averaging 33 points a game and has reeled off 6 wins in a row. On defense, the Wolfpack currently have their best defensive line in school history. Defensive end, Bradley Chubb is a man-child and will make himself a nice living in the NFL after this season. If NC State can wreak the havoc they did against Lamar Jackson and Louisville, things will get dicey quick for the Irish. For, NC State to get out of South Bend with a win, Finley needs to continue to play mistake free and the defense needs to take away Josh Adams on the ground. If the Wolfpack can force the arm of Brandon Wimbush to be the deciding factor, I think this will be close.
I don’t mean to give out participation trophies, but both teams have exceeded any preseason expectations anyone had for them. NC State’s defense is outstanding, but Notre Dame is at home and hasn’t forgotten about the way this game went last year. I think, head coach, Brian Kelly is a crazy person, but has something good going at Notre Dame. He’s the better coach in this game and for that reason, I like the Irish to roll at past NC State at home.
So there you have it. Another dose of fire for your soul and your weekend. I really don’t think I’ll ever get tired of talking about college football. The other day I was driving in the car and I realized I would rather listen to ESPN U talk radio than my music library on my iPhone. I’m 21 years young. I can’t be doing this. This is not a good look. With that said, if being sick for college football is a disease, then let me die a slow and painful death. The games are set, the rankings are probably going to change and despite my expert analysis (39-17 in picking games this year. humble brag.) Nobody really knows what’s gona happen. Let’s take a break from our smart phones and small screens and look at bigger screens with college football on them this Saturday. Have a great day kids, now go outside and play.
Quick Pix
TCU over Iowa State
Georgia over Florida
USC over Arizona State
Texas A&M over Mississippi State
“And so it go, come live all your dreams out at CFHJ.” – Drake
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