Chapter 5

One of my favorite parts of Kowals Korner is you meet a lot of sports fanatics. Just like in the business world where you want to build your network, in the journalism world you want to collect sources. Many of y’all know who I am, but some of you know me as the Goose. There are cases where I wouldn’t mind if I am named, it could even add creditability to name me, but sometimes I want to lay low and just be called the Goose. In Chapter 3, I introduced you to the Rabbit. I am sure my local readers know of the Rabbit, but the beauty is his identity remains anonymous and the only thing we know is the Rabbit is 1-0 in the Korner. Over the past three weeks I have talked to my sources extensively, and it can show with my picks. In the past three weeks I am now 14-8, with last weeks picks going 5-2. I’d like to thank my sources for helping build Kowals Korner into a must-read for all sports fans. Together we are winning big, and I will make sure we celebrate together when this goes national.

Lets talk about last week before we dive in to this week’s games. As I said, I had an impressive 5-2 record!

Sam Houston State -11 vs. SFA – Hit! Sam Houston 54 SFA 21. #ThanksBrett
LSU -3 at Florida – Miss. Florida 27 LSU 19.
Arizona +3 vs. Cal – Hit! Arizona 24 Cal 17. #ThanksUnc
Jets -1.5 vs. Broncos – Hit! Jets 34 Broncos 16.
Lions -1 vs. Packers – Hit! Lions 31 Packers 23.
Panthers vs. Giants over 42.5 – Hit! Panthers 33 Giants 31.
Manchester City +175 at Liverpool – Miss. City 0 Liverpool 0. #StickToFootball

I’m kicking ass and taking names. Who’s next?
-Down Town

**Saturday Slate**

Notre Dame -21 vs. Pitt – My great buddy The Professor went to the Virginia Tech Notre Dame game last week on behalf of a ND donor. He was extremely impressed with how the Irish handled themselves on the road, only turning the ball over once and had very few penalties. This Notre Dame team is riding high and they are very much in the college football playoff picture today. Pitt is as inconsistent as they come. They turn the ball over a ton and that isn’t a recipe for success for them against a stout Notre Dame defense. I do have a worry that some young players will take Pitt too lightly, but then again, Notre Dame is well coached, and has plenty of senior leaders for that not to happen. Notre Dame 45 Pitt 20.

Penn State -13 vs. Michigan State – This line should be closer to 20 points instead of the 13 points it is listed as. Michigan State year in and year out usually puts a great team out on the field, but they are two seasons removed from the 3-9 team in 2016 (remember when I burned my back on the sidelines at Michigan State when they beat Rutgers that year lol). This team isn’t that bad, but they aren’t the 10 win team from last season. Penn State was 8 minutes away from knocking off Ohio State and being ranked #5 in the nation. This team is that good because Trace McSorley is a flat out winner. I don’t think it is possible for a McSorley led team to come out flat. There is a reason why he is compared to Baker Mayfield. Unfortunately it isn’t as much his play, but it is his loud personality and his tremendous leadership skills. Give me Penn State at home. Penn State 35 Michigan State 17.

UCF -4.5 at Memphis – UCF comes in to this game with an 18 game winning streak! This season they are winning by an average of 31 points, but have their toughest task this Saturday at Memphis. Memphis is 1-2 in the conference, beating the worst team UConn. They also have scored 50+ points in each of their three home games this year so they are no push over. There is too much value here to pass down with UCF only being a 4.5 point favorite against an unranked opponent. McKenzie Milton is just too good for the AAC and probably tells defenses “I’m kicking ass and taking names.” In all seriousness though, 18 games in a row is a lot, and I don’t think Memphis will give them too much trouble. **UCF reportedly is the MOST bet on team in Vegas this week** UCF 56 Memphis 42.

LSU +7.5 vs. Georgia – I got on the phone again with my Georgia source who works in the athletic department. He is an honest man, and is worried about this game. While we both think Georgia comes out on top, we can envision a slugfest between the two teams. Georgia has not been tested since January, playing Alabama in the National Championship, so it will be interesting if LSU can give Georgia some adversity. At the end of the day, I see Georgia sneaking out of Death Valley with a win. Their offense is more balanced then LSU’s run heavy attack, which ultimately will give Georgia the edge. Georgia 28 LSU 24.

Hawaii +11 at BYU – At Rutgers I had a roommate who was a passionate surfer. My buddy, Tim, ended up relocating to Florida where he shreds the waves on the weekends. I remember him telling me about his trip to Hawaii. After crushing the surf, Tim saw Hawaii win at home last season. While they had a down year, they were young. They have matured and are now 6-1! Last week BYU lost 45-20 to Utah State, who is in Hawaii’s conference. Hawaii scores, and they score in bunches. It wouldn’t surprise me if Hawaii wins straight up, but ultimately I think BYU squeaks by. Tim has followed them all season and is all over this one. I will ride his wave and say Hawaii keeps it close. BYU 34 Hawaii 31.

**Sunday Funday**

Chargers -1 at Browns – Baker Baker Money Maker? Shout out Colin Cowherd for that great phrase. The Browns do have a stingy defense, and get good chunk yardage on offense. Last week the Browns faced a real defense and only managed 12 points where they end up beating the Ravens 12-9. The Chargers defense is good, it isn’t Ravens level, but their offense is a lot better than the Ravens. This will be a challenge for the Browns, who are poorly coached, and are in transition of changing the franchise culture. The Chargers will be too much on both sides of the ball, especially with weapons like Melvin Gordon and Keenan Allen on offense. Their veteran QB in Rivers will power them to a victory. Chargers 28 Browns 23.

Colts +3 at Jets – The Jets were $$ last week beating down the Broncos, which I called . This week though, “Capt. Andrew Luck” marches in to town (you got to check out the parody twitter account @CaptAndrewLuck). The Colts have lost three in a row, yet for some reason I like what I am seeing the past two weeks. I like how the Colts are now featuring dynamic running back Nyheim Hines more and more, and Andrew Luck is getting in to form. T.Y Hilton likely out for the Colts is a huge blow, but I don’t think they need to put up too many points against the Jets. I am a huge Darnold believer, but I also believe a great way to beat a rookie QB is a good pass rush. The Colts are getting to the quarterback this year and I think they will frustrate Darnold. Colts 23 Jets 21.

Redskins Panthers over 44.5 – Two weeks in a row going with a Panthers over? I believe in their offense. Cam Newton and McCaffery are rolling! Cam also has an excellent offensive coordinator making life easier for him. One thing I really like about this over is that the Redskins are the home team. I don’t think the Redskins offense is that good, but it always helps playing at home. Three touchdowns is definitely in the realm for the Redskins. Alex Smith was given the big bucks in the offseason, so it is time he earns it. The Panthers are hitting a nice peak, coming off of scoring 33 against the Giants. Superman Cam comes in and saves the day again, as this one I have my most confidence in. Panthers 28 Redskins 24.

Here ya have it! What is your favorite play of the week?

Goose.