Chapter Zero

2024 NCAA 9-10-1
2024 NFL 15-14-1
2018-2024 NCAA 117-120-6
2018-2024 NFL 158-132-11
2018-2024 274-253-17

Korner Year Eight! I’ve named the Korner segments various things over the years; Week Zero, Volume Zero, Episode Zero, etc. This year, it’s Chapter Zero! Last year’s volume was low, especially in college. I don’t know what this year’s volume will be, it’ll depend on what the board says. Always listen to the board! If you can’t hear it, use a q-tip to clean your ears.

I’ll share my thoughts on Rutgers throughout the year, but I won’t make any picks unless I list the spread. Rutgers will face Ohio in this year’s #WarBeforeTheShore season opener. Last year, Timothee Chalamet introduced himself to the college football world by name dropping Ohio’s QB Parker Navarro. This exciting dual-threat player will be starting his second year for Ohio. Outside of QB, Ohio has a lot of changes this season. They are replacing four offensive linemen, five defensive linemen, their top wide receiver, and their top defensive back. Historically, Rutgers performs better against dual-threat QBs than against traditional pocket passers. Navarro will make plays but Rutgers should be able to contain him in the long haul. With Ohio facing issues in the trenches, Rutgers is likely to wear them down and dominate the second half, pulling away late. This is the strongest Rutgers team since their 8-5 season in 2014. Athan is a solid college QB, Strong is a top-tier WR, and although losing Monangai is a setback, Rutgers has three RBs who will work well in a committee. Defensively, they’ve brought in some elite transfer linemen, and their young secondary gained valuable experience last season. Ohio will throw punches, but Rutgers will outlast them. Go Knights!

Baylor +2.5 v Auburn
Baylor finished last season 6-0 and has a whole bunch of talent returning. Sawyer Robertson is the most underrated quarterback in the nation and is poised to lead Baylor to success. I actually think Baylor’s biggest advantage over Auburn is QB play. Highly recruited Jackson Arnold transferred from Oklahoma to Auburn, but to me it’s telling that Oklahoma moved on from him when it feels their program is in limbo. Additionally, with RB Jarquez Hunter heading to the NFL, Auburn’s offense could struggle against Baylor’s strong defense. Baylor has solid players in the secondary, and without a strong run game, Arnold will face challenges. If you know the Korner you know I’m a sucker for special teams. Punt Returner Josh Cameron averaged 20.7 yards on 14 returns last year and while he didn’t house one, he flips the field often. He also caught 10 touchdowns last season, and to me is the most important player for Baylor. When he gets loose, watch out! It all starts Friday night. Sic ‘em Bears, go Baylor.

Notre Dame -2.5 at Miami
Miami might face a significant drop off in Quarterback play this season. Cam Ward was the #1 overall pick this NFL draft and now they bring in … Carson Beck. While Beck’s 2023 stats look good, I believe it is due to supporting cast like Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey. Beck struggled with turnovers in 2024 against teams with similar talent. Notre Dame has a strong defense, featuring a very talented secondary. Their defensive line has a lot of bodies and they combine speed and strength. This will put pressure on Beck, and I envision turnovers and a plethera of punts. Notre Dame is breaking in redshirt freshman QB CJ Carr and I am more than fine with this unknown because of the best running back in the nation Jeremiyah Love. Miami recently fired their whole defensive staff and only has four returning starters. Although they’ve added plenty of defensive line talent, they may lack the power needed. While the speed and finesse will overwhelm most of the ACC, I expect Notre Dame to dominate physically and start the season right where they left off; a top five team in the Nation.

Thank you,
Goose