My first week started slowly with a 1-2 record Thursday night, but was highlighted by a nice 5-3 showing on Saturday. In the end though, Virginia Tech’s failure to step up dropped my overall mark to 8-8 on the week. While I wanted to start off hot, I was pleased by how convincing a few of my wins were. The good news is that I’m not peaking too early – there’s still time for the bandwagon to fill up. Miami’s big road win over Boston College had me feeling great all weekend, despite my mediocre picking results. A tilt with Kansas State awaits the Hurricanes this Saturday, as my campaign bus makes a trip to the Midwest. Week two is another chance at greatness and I’ll be ready.
photo credit: cbssports.com
My weekend in Texas was definitely one to remember. The only disappointment was how poorly Michigan played Saturday night. Brady Hoke and Al Borges tried to turn Denard Robinson into Peyton Manning, which shockingly didn’t work. The coaching staff wanted to make sure Robinson got through the game healthy, but I’m concerned the performance will damage the Wolverines later this season. Cowboys Stadium is an incredible venue and I would encourage all football fans to check it out sooner rather than later. Sunday was the highlight of the trip. That morning, I was quickly convinced of a vast JFK conspiracy during my visit to the Grassy Knoll. It had to be a well planned coordinated effort, with shots fired from multiple angles – similar to the way the Crimson Tide attacked the Wolverines. We then headed to Waco to watch SMU face Baylor. The Bears played well throughout and didn’t miss a beat without RG3 at the helm. After the game, Baylor allows fans to hang out and throw passes on the field, an experience that is something truly special to college football.
It was impossible not to notice the contrast between the two stadiums I visited. On Saturday night, I got to enjoy kobe beef burgers and a full service bar. Sunday, we were transformed into small-town America – what Sarah Palin famously called “Real America.” Michelle Obama has made a valiant effort with her “Let’s Move” campaign, which attempts to stop and prevent childhood obesity. The message clearly hasn’t made it to Waco, since the only food options at the stadium are foot-long corn dogs, giant funnel cakes, and popcorn. We also stopped at a Fried Pie shop on the way to the game, simply because it sounded too good to be true.
When President Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention was scheduled earlier this year, the NFL intelligently moved the season opener to Wednesday night. ESPN had to find a way to plan around the speech as well. College football still must be played on Thursday nights, but the network couldn’t plan to show a marquee matchup against a speech of this magnitude. Problem solved – They decided to show a Big East game, thus angering the fewest amount of fans nationwide. It’s likely only true fans of the sport will be tuning in to watch Pitt at Cincy, but that doesn’t mean the game won’t be exciting. This is our first look at the Bearcats in 2012 and Coach Butch Jones thinks his team has the talent to contend for a conference title.
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati -4 THURSDAY 8pm – ESPN
Me: So let me get this straight. Pitt just lost to FCS Youngstown State by 14. The Panthers have a new coach and QB Tino Sunseri is incredibly inconsistent. They are only four point underdogs on the road against Cincy. This seems too easy…….
Admiral Ackbar: It’s a Trap!
Those who have read my posts in the past know I love being stubborn, falling into potential traps like this one. Cincy is the better team and has the luxury of preparing extra for Pitt. The Bearcats return 13 starters and will be able to run the ball effectively. Pitt’s loss to Youngstown wasn’t a fluke. The Panthers allowed 200 rushing yards and were dominated in time of possession. Pitt’s confidence is shattered after the embarrassing loss and road teams on short weeks often struggle in Thursday night games. Bearcats QB Munchie Legaux will have a big night and look more comfortable this season. Since Pitt is moving to the ACC after this season, this is the final time these teams will play in the River City Rivalry for the near future. “That trophy will have a chance to either stay here or go to Pittsburgh,” said Legaux. “We want it to stay here.”
John Pickens
“I need a photo opportunity / I want a shot at redemption” so I’m goin’ with Pitt.