Chapter Eight

2025 NCAA 2-6 
2025 NFL 5-8
2018-2025 NCAA 119-126-6
2018-2025 NFL 163-140-11
Ohio -10.5 – HIT!
Chargers -1.5 – Miss.

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That one hurt last weekend for Rutgers. Like, we always were going to lose, but it was our mistakes that made it an embarrassment as opposed to a beat down. I just can’t believe I am saying this, but Schiano’s job should be in jeopardy for the DC hire he made. This is supposed to be a proud unit but instead they are elementary. Some smart people coming into the year had a feeling this could happen, and I brushed it off thinking no Schiano defense could be this bad. Schiano’s stubbornness got him this far, and he is 3 wins away from 100, something I really want him to get, but I am questioning it all now. Three years ago many would take Rutgers over Indiana, Vanderbilt, and Georgia Tech, now those three are in the top 10. While the next coach could very well be Chris Ash level, it might be time to explore. I want Schiano to work out, I hope he gets next season, but the absolute flop of a DC hire, which took way longer than expected too, has me having doubts. 

Rutgers has a travesty of a defense, and their offense is in a period of making mistakes. Yet, they are still favored in a road Big Ten game. If their O plays clean football, they could very well win this game. But, they can’t be predictable with their runs, they can’t fumble or throw interceptions, and they have to give Athan time. Writing this on Thursday, I reallllllly hope Ian Strong plays. They don’t use Sheffield often, so we’ll need Strong and Duff. Especially because this team oddly refuses to kick return the ball, so there isn’t any spark to this O. But, we are going to Keep Chopping and look to end our four game skid. 

Vandy -3 v Mizzou

Vandy has something going right now and I do not want to get in their way. Both these teams have one loss, to Alabama, but neither have Alabama size to daunt each other. Mizzou went on the road for the first time all year and squeaked out a double OT win at Auburn. Auburn is better than their record, but Mizzou was not able to do much vs them. Their star running back Hardy had 24 carries for 58 yards. It’s hard to play and win on the road, and now Mizzou has to go to a Vandy team who’s having a magical year. Diego Pavia keeps the chains moving and they require defenses to be extremely sound covering every gap. I do not think this aggressive Mizzou defense can stay disciplined and between Pavia’s legs and their matchup nightmare tight ends, I expect Vandy to move the rock. There’s a little Johnny Manziel here in Pavia, and with GameDay returning for the first time since 2008, I expect him and Vandy to showcase themselves. 

Houston +7.5 at Arizona State

Arizona State got beat down by Utah but rebounded very well upsetting Big 12 favorite Texas Tech last week. Sam Leavitt led this team to the playoffs last year and just slayed the number 7 team in the nation … but I still like Houston here! After three seasons at A&M, Conner Weigman is finally showing why he was a top5 quarterback recruit. Besides the Texas Tech game where Weigman got hurt in the first half, he has Houston averaging 32.5 points. Arizona State played an excellent game last week slowing down Big 12 favorites Texas Tech, but I think they come off of that emotional high and let Houston hang around all night with their high powered offense. Look for a slow start by the Sun Devils and look for Houston to have a legit shot of an upset.

Eagles -7.5 v Giants

It’s no secret, I do not like the Eagles, but I really like this spot for them. The Giants just gave up a 33 point quarter to Denver last week, and the league just fined Brian Daboll for interrupting the doctors on Dart’s concussion test. I think Jaxson Dart has been amazing for the Giants and I’m super excited for them next year, but I think it’ll be a rocky season this year. His legs are great, but he constantly runs after his first read. Vic Fangio is up there for the best DC’s in the game, and it is my assumption that he sees Dart’s tendencies as well and will have a constant spy on him. I’m also sipping the kool aid that the Eagles passing game is fixed, with Hurts averaging 290 yards his last three games. The Giants did a great job containing Saquon and the Eagles offense last game, but now that they are on the road, without the home crowd emotion, I look for the Eagles to get back to their 30 point ways. The Eagles go into their bye week reminding NFC teams that they are the top team of the conference.

Power Rankings

The number to the right of the team is where they were ranked last week. 

1. Chiefs (4)              
2. Colts (2) 
3. Rams (13)
4. Patriots (3)
5. Broncos (6)
6. Eagles (14)
7. Lions (8)
8. Seahawks (7)
9. Bucs (1) 
10.  Packers (10)
11.  Bears (16)
12.  Niners (11)
13.  Bills (12)
14.  Cowboys (23)
15.  Steelers (5)
16.  Falcons (18)
17.  Texans (9)
18.  Vikings (19)
19. Panthers (22)
20.  Chargers (17)
21. Commanders (15)
22. Giants (21)
23. Bengals (28)
24. Browns (30)
25. Jaguars (20)
26.  Ravens (25)
27. Raiders (24)
28. Cardinals (26)
29.  Saints (29)
30. Dolphins (27) 
31. Titans (31)
32. Jets (32)

Thank you,
Goose