WE’RE BACK! FOR OUR EIGHTH SEASON

Last January we contemplated the thought of turning WWW over to another party but after hearing from several long time subscribers we decided we couldn’t walk away. And we definitely didn’t want to leave after having a sub-season with our picks (we went 59% which was far below our norms). So, we’re back and hungry to Make Mo’ Money™ in 2019. Hopefully you are too.

OPENING WEEKEND THOUGHTS

Since this is really the first full football weekend of 2019, we’ve brought back some of our home boys with their thoughts on what lies ahead for their respective teams. And, based on your input, we hope to include more insight each week from our reps around the country. We're always looking for more peeps that are passionate about college football so drop us line and we'll go from there. The pay is great and the perks even greater.

WHO'S THIRSTY? NEW WWW SPONSOR

Please join me in welcoming RED'S BEER GARDEN as the official beer garden of Woolard's Weekend Winners. RBG, which will be opening later this year near Grant Park, is owned and operated by Red and Ed, two long time pals that decided to share their love of great beer. It's going to be a great place to hang out and talk college football and more. RBG is located at 1328 Boulevard, Atlanta. Learn more at http://www.redsbeergarden.com

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOREVER

For the first time since 2006, every SEC football team has returned its head coach. Quite remarkable considering that the SEC is the most scrutinized conference in America, and where each coach takes his turn on the proverbial hot seat. Between 2012 and 2017, the SEC averaged two new coaches every season. Prior to the start of the 2018 season, five teams hired new leaders and Ole Miss removed the "interim" tag from its coach. So...who will be the first to get fired this season? Our money is on Gus Malzahn. The expectations for the Plainsmen are high. So anything less than a stellar season, ole Gus gets drop-kicked to the curb. Watching, of course, are top high school athletes being recruited by these same schools. Buyer beware.

Program in Lincoln is a Real Laugher

He's gone. Get over it.

So a few weeks ago on a popular social media platform a certain Husker fan threw shade on the Tennessee football program. Believe he said the UT program was a complete embarrassment. Yeah, we noticed, pal. Didn’t delete it fast enough, did you? While Tennessee has certainly had its issues – and we’ve been its harshest critics at times -  we thought this was pretty rich given Nebraska’s own embarrassing history of late. What school fires their head coach after going 66-27 and has a long string of 9 win seasons?  And Bo followed the disasters of Frank Solich and Bill Callahan. Then NU replaces him with buffoon Riley that loses 12 of his last 18 games including some real bad ass blowouts. For the future, don’t get us wrong. We all want the proud Nebraska program to return to its glory days. But first you need to accept the fact that Tom Osborne is no longer around. Can Frost bring Big Red back from the dead? Time will tell and 2019 looks promising. Meanwhile we suggest you take a good look at your own program before dumping on others. Capiche?

TAILGATE TALES

Friends don't serve this to friends

If you’re thinking about loading up this weekend’s tailgate fare with the new Popeye’s fried chicken sandwich, fuhgettaboutit. Number one, they’ve run out of chicken (how can a chicken joint run out of damn chicken? It’s probably a whole lotta marketing schtick). Number two, this sandwich is bad news with a zillion calories, fat grams, artery-clogging grease, and thick-thigh-inducing and belly fat carbs. So, be a good tailgater and offer your buds some healthier options. Like brats, quiche, grilled veggies, and some crisp chardonnay. It’s time to up your game so get to it. We'll be watching.

On that note, please send us pics of your tailgating experiences. That's half the fun of going to games. In Wisconsin, it's like 90%.

THOUGHTS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY...our team reps chime in

Whatta Ya Have

INTO THE GREAT UNKNOWN...Whatta Ya Have

Paul Johnson had manned the helm of the Georgia Tech program for 11 years, imprinting his demeanor and style of play into the Tech's football DNA. With his retirement last year, we're now faced with new staff, new schemes, and new philosophies. 

Geoff Collins will certainly be granted a honeymoon year thanks to the complete overhaul he faces in this program. While he's brought excitement and enthusiasm back to the Flats - mostly in part due to his energy around recruiting - there's still a ton that remains to be seen from how the team will perform.

Given all of the transition in the program, it's no wonder that Tech is predicted to be a bottom-dweller in the ACC. For this team to eek out 4-5 wins (including three against South Florida, Citadel and Temple) would be a success. We'll know alot more after Thursday, when we get to see just how much fight they have against defending National Champions Clemson - against whom GT is a 37-pt underdog. [note: Jackets were clobbered last night]

This won't be the year, Tech. Expect Collins to evaluate the talent he has on campus, establish his gridiron identity, and work to position the program for a brutal schedule in 2020 and potential bowl aspirations in 2021. 

RED STICK ROUND UP...Bayou Bengal

Bayou Bengal

A few seasons ago, LSU's head coach Ed Orgeron used his angelic voice to state: "We comin'. And we ain't backin' down," which feels like an appropriate mantra for the Tigers this season. The Bayou Bengals have as much talent across the board this season as they've had at any point since they stomped the UGA Bulldogs in the SEC Championship back in 2011, being stocked with upper classmen who've been there before, and stud freshmen trying to make their mark early. The offense will be led once again by Joey Burrow, who will take his love of Green Apple blow pops and willingness to run through proverbial brick walls to the field for his second season in the Red Stick. The team's question marks primarily revolve around the trenches: will the offensive line survive preseason injuries to keep their QB upright? Will the defensive line take a turn for the better, after losing their top pass-rusher (K'Lavon Chaisson) in the first quarter of the season last year and underachieving the rest of the way? Injuries to the Tide may make this a "Playoffs or Bust" season for LSU, but if all goes well, we'll hear Coach O use a voice that sounds like gravel being gargled by an alligator to yell "GEAUX TIGAHS" all the way to an SEC championship. 

TIDE ROLLING AGAIN...Kenny Clyde

This will be another challenging season for the Crimson Tide.

Kenny Clyde

It will be a year of proven excellence...

• Best wide receiver corps in America

• Top 5 QB

• Experienced defensive backfield

.... and minimizing rookie mistakes with redshirt and true freshmen at key O and D line positions, linebacker, running back, and kicker.

Can Najee Harris continue the streak of 1,000 yard rushers that preceded him?  Can Brian Robinson step up to be the #2 back?  Can true freshman Trey Sanders live up to his recruiting hype?

The linebacker corps has been decimated by practice injuries.  The latest, Dylan Moses, is particularly crippling, as Dylan was the play-caller for the D.

With last year's QB "controversy" now gone to Oklahoma, the next questions are can Tua stay healthy?  And who's next-Mac Jones is listed as the #2 QB, but the next gen will see playing time with the 5 game redshirt rule.  Will it be Tua's little brother Taulia?  Or Bear Bryant's great-grandson Paul Tyson.  Each are highly touted with very successful high school careers.

The defensive line has to replace Quinnen Williams and Isaiah Buggs in the middle.  All eyes are on Senior LaBryan Ray to step up this year, and for Antonio Alfano to contribute immediately as the #7 overall prospect in the 2019 class.

Last but certainly not least, how do you replace 3 year starter at center Ross Pierschbacher and #1 pick LT Jonah Williams?  Other than Alex Leatherwood (moving from guard to LT), Deonte Brown at LG, and Matt Womac at RG, the O-line will feature new names and some wide-eyed freshmen. Look for Emil Ekiyor to mature quickly.

For Nick to once again finish in the Final Four, he and his coaches will have done a superb role coaching up the youngsters.

Lair of the Bear

The Gutty Little Bruins battle the Cincinnati Bearcats in venerable Nippert Stadium....Lair of the Bear

The 2018 season couldn't have gone much worse for UCLA, which went 3-9. (You can see my gameface last season in the photo.)  New coach Chip Kelly, known for his offensive powerhouse teams at Oregon couldn't get things clicking in L.A., as the offense averaged only 24.6 points while the defense surrendered 36.6.

But the gutty little Bruins return 19 out of a possible 22 starters. 

On offense, that includes running back Joshua Kelley, who rushed for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns, and quarterback, two-way threat and Chip Kelly key recruit last year, Dorian Thompson-Robinson who started six games as a true freshman.

The offensive line gave up 32 sacks last season. The positive, everyone comes back and that allows line coach Justin Fyre to coach up the same unit. So, if star recruit Sean Rhyan is everything he’s supposed to be at left tackle (he chose UCLA over Alabama and Notre Dame) and the rest of the line grows around him, it should be difficult for the Bearcats to make the Bruins one-dimensional.

On defense, six of the top seven tacklers return. The defensive line has to be better in defensive coordinator Jerry Azzinaro’s 3-4 scheme. One positive are two 300-pounders to rotate at nose tackle in Martin Andurs and Antonio Mafi. Those space-eaters are going to have to keep their linebackers clean because Cincinnati is coming to run the football — a lot. And one linebacker in particular, is hungry for Bearcat - inside linebacker Josh Woods has returned from injury, where he was sorely missed throughout 2018.

The Cincinnati Bearcats return seven starters on each side of the ball and welcome the Bruins to Nippert Stadium, where they've won 17 straight home openers by an average of 33 points. The Bearcats rushed for 3,113 yards and 38 touchdowns last season. Junior Michael Warren II, Cincy’s top rusher last season with over 1,329 yards and 19 touchdowns, returns. So do a pair of sophomores, who were the second- and third-highest rushers for the Bearcats in ‘18, one of which had 500 yards on the ground, the other, 495. That’s a formidable attack.

I’m afraid the Bearcats running attack will be too much for the gutty little Bruins. [note: Bearcats mauled the Bruins 24-14 last night]

THE GREAT EIGHT™

Your envelope of cash was this big.

DUKE v #2 ALABAMA…Duke is a good, solid team that will probably end up with at least 6 wins and a bowl bid. But it’s about to feel a whole lotta pain and torment from a program that’s been smoldering the last 7 months after getting embarrassed by Clemson 44-16 in the NC game in Santa Clara. The last time Bama played Duke was in 2010 with a 62-13 Tide win. Expect more of the same Saturday afternoon in Atlanta. Tide rolls.

NORTHWESTERN v #25 STANFORD…this game features two teams looking to be a part of the Rose Bowl chase and it should be a good one. The Cardinal needs major improvement in their secondary which allowed 264 yards per game last season as they face Clemson transfer Hunter Johnson at NU quarterback. The key to this game is if the Wildcat defense can get pressure on Stanford and shakeup their passing game. But it won’t be enough. Stanford skins the Wildcats.

BOISE STATE v FLORIDA STATE…this game was going to be played in Jacksonville but the threat of Hurricane Dorian has forced relocation to Tallahassee where a big storm is brewing at Doak Campbell Stadium. The Broncos are a dangerous team with a strong staff, great depth, and a fearless attitude. The Seminole defense will be fine (16 of top 20 tacklers return) but the offense needs to get on track super fast in what should be a tough, close game.  FSU busts the Broncos.

See. That's a bird.

NORTH CAROLINA v SOUTH CAROLINA…Mack is back at UNC and is hoping to jump start a Tar Heel program that’s lost its way. They really need to start strong because bad news lies ahead with games against Miami and Clemson. And things aren’t easier for the Gamecocks who embark on one of college football’s nastiest schedules. So this appears to be a must win for Muschamp. This should be a good game to watch…for a half. Cocks cook the Heels.

#9 NOTRE DAME v LOUISVILLE…set for Monday, this is only the second time these two teams face each other despite being separated by only 250 miles of corn stalks in Indiana. Bobby Petrino is gone and the Cardinals are hoping for better times with new coach Scott Satterfield. But it’s not gonna happen fast. Notre Dame has too many weapons and an explosive offense to go with an aggressive defense. Break out the Lucky Charms and the Irish Spring soap. Fun times in the Irish locker room after the Irish clip the Cards.

What? Me worry?

#11 OREGON v #16 AUBURN…both teams head to Texas in a rematch of the 2010 BCS Championship. But things are far different now. Both teams have been good but this is a chance to get back to the top tier. And the Pac-12 really needs a win since there’s the lingering perception that Pac-12 teams can’t win big non-conference games. And, as usual, the pressure will be on Gus Malzahn to win. Key to this game is the aggressive play of Auburn’s defense which arguably has one of the best defensive fronts in the country. Aubbie wins in a close one.

You like my haircut?

#3 GEORGIA v VANDERBILT…the Commodores have tripped up the Dawgs before, as recently as 2016 and 2013. But this is a different UGA team that brings in one of the best offensive lines in the nation that will punch holes in the Vandy defense to open up running lanes for the Georgia running backs. Oh…and Georgia has a pretty good quarterback, too. Dawgs bite the Dores in the Music City.

HOUSTON v #4 OKLAHOMA…this is a Sunday night game in Norman. Good thing there’s no trump rallies planned that evening as Sooner fans are more than anxious to start the season. Bama transfer Jalen Hurts will lead the Sooner offense and a deep stable of rbs against a dangerous Cougar team. But Oklahoma needs to step up its defense, especially the secondary which allowed 454 yards per game and seemed feeble in trying to slow down anyone’s air attack…and that’s not lost on Houston head coach Dana Holgorsen. This promises to be the most entertaining game of the opening weekend, so get ready. In a close, high scoring game, Sooners over the Cougars.

MAKE MO'MONEY WITH MARK™

END OF THE LINE

We closed out the 2018 Season going 4-4 last weekend with some pretty exciting games that weren’t decided until late. We guess that’s a fitting end to another crazy and exciting season.

For the 2018 campaign, we finished at 59%. Not the greatest level but far from the worse. Naturally we wanted to match last season’s stellar success of 72% winners, but we fell short of that. Bottomline, we made some money, and we hope you did too.

A BIG THANK YOU

Muchos gracias to all of our contributors this season that took the time to share their personal takes on game picks and experiences. We had some new folks jump on board and we appreciate their valuable participation. And, of course, we appreciate all of our readers and subscribers.

BOWL GAMES AHEAD

The College Football Playoff has been settled with Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma as the final four. We could spend hours, if not days, debating the final line up, as well as the other teams slated for bowl games. Some schools made out well while others, debatably, got jobbed (see Georgia Tech). Nevertheless there are tons of bowl games (perhaps too many) to enjoy over the next few weeks.

WORTH NOTING

 A few things happening this Saturday….

Colgate takes on North Dakota State in the FCS quarter-finals while Kennesaw State hosts South Dakota State.  Excellent football.

The classic Army-Navy game is set for 3:00 pm in Philadelphia. You’ll be feeling the cold temps from your TV so have some hard cider handy to make your viewing a bit more comfortable. If you like run-heavy offenses, this game is for you. Be sure to check out the uniforms that each team will be sporting.

Also…the Heisman Trophy winner will be announced in New York City tomorrow night. Three pretty well qualified guys (all qbs) have been invited to the Big Apple. Look for Dwayne Haskins to leave Manhattan with the hardware.

THE FUTURE OF WOOLARD’S WEEKEND WINNERS

 It’s said that change is good. So plans are underway now for a new look and new format for the 2019 season (although several followers appreciated the old school look).

The mainstay, The Great Eight™, will of course remain, along with a few UPSET SPECIALS to make things interesting. And we’ll continue featuring our team of contributors across the country. We’re always looking for more college football “experts” so give us a jingle if you’d like to rep your conference, region or team. We’d love to have you.

As chief editor, head referee, and senior raconteur, my role is still under consideration. I may be stepping away but never too far to lend a hand with game picks and astute commentary. Time will tell. What I can tell you is that we’ve had an awesome time over the last 7 seasons and I hope you’ve had fun as well, in addition to making a few bucks with our winning picks. The best payoff has been talking with folks around the country and sharing thoughts on something we all collectively enjoy, college football. I thank you all.

So best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous and healthy 2019.  Hope to see you next season.

MAKE MO’ MONEY WITH MARK™

FINISH STRONG

We got clobbered last week.

No way to sugar coat it. Pretending otherwise would not be right.

We went 2-6 last weekend in which several games were decided late (e.g. 7 OT loss by LSU), and others were decided early. Like Michigan getting pummeled by Ohio State, 62-39. So much for having the best defense in America.

There are a few large match ups this weekend including several involving conference championships along with CFP rankings. And we're looking for redemption...and some money, too.

Let’s get to it.

The GREAT EIGHT for WEEK FOURTEEN

#1 ALABAMA vs #4 GEORGIA…the table is set for the SEC Championship Game along with a ton of storylines. Teacher vs Pupil. Rematch of  2017. East vs West. And, of course, CFP ramifications. Georgia must win or they drop out of the CFP. But even if an undefeated Bama were to lose, the Tide may very well stay in the top four team set. Obviously, a lot is at stake. But as we have said before, until someone knocks off Alabama, our money runs with the Tide. And so far, no one has come close to beating Saban’s squad. Take the Tide over the pups.

#2 CLEMSON vs PITTSBURGH…somehow a 7-5 Pitt team has stumbled into the ACC Chmpionship game, after getting ripped by Miami last weekend. Unfortunately for the Panthers, Clemson is loaded and knows that securing a top spot in the CFP is one win away. No contest here. Tigers claw the Panthers.

#12 WASHINGTON vs #19 UTAH…unlike last season, the Huskies are not pushing for a seat at the CFP table. But the pooches still have a lot to play for. Like a berth in the Rose Bowl. The key to a Washington win: Myles Gaskin. This kid can run the ball. He’s the first player in Pac 12 history to post four consecutive 1000 yard seasons. He’ll run through and over the Utes tomorrow night. Huskies howl in Santa Clara.

OKLAHOMA vs  #11 TEXAS…the second time could be a charm for the Longhorns as they face the Sooners for the second time this season after beating Oklahoma in October. While Sooner qb Kyler Murray is getting all the pre-game hype, look for qb Same Ehlinger to pick apart a faltering Sooner defense that has one of the worst passing defenses in America. Longhorns stick the Sooners.

#20 NORTHWESTERN vs #5 OHIO STATE…this is a David versus Goliath contest. The Wildcats are a hungry bunch with their very first trip to the Big Ten Championship game. And they will bring a ton of fans to Indianapolis. Menawhile the Buckeyes are coming off a huge 62-XX beat down of Michigan. And they’re ready for more. It won’t be pretty. Brutus brutalizes the ‘Cats.

#8 CENTRAL FLORIDA vs MEMPHIS….this is a rematch of last year’s American Athletic Conference Championship game. A New Year’s Bowl game along with their 24 game winning streak is on the line for the Knights. And there are playing without the qb star, McKenzie Milton. Memphis came close in October to beating UCF, 31-30. Can they win a rematch?  We think so. In an UPSET SPECIAL, Tigers bite the Knights.

JAMES MADISON vs COLGATE…we’ve been quietly following the JMU Dukes this season and, as usual, they are poised for a deep run on the FCS playoffs. But first they need to get by the Colgate Raiders, a team that beat JMU in 2015 second round. Colgate is number one in scoring defense so it’s going to be tough sledding for the Dukes. A possible distraction is the rumored leaving of their head coach, Mike Houston (37-5 in 3 seasons) to Charlotte. Despite that, we’re putting our chips on the Dukes.

#22 FRESNO STATE vs #21 BOISE STATE…this is another title game clash for the Mountain West Conference championship. This is the fourth time in two seasons that the two schools are playing each other, so familiarity is there. The key to the game is Fresno State’s ability to contain Bronco rb Alexander Mattison. He’s been red hot down the stretch, compiling 799 rushing yards and 10 TDs in the last six games. He can scorch the Smurf Turf. Put your bucks on the Broncos.

MAKE MO’ MONEY with MARK

A NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER

If you’ve been taking advantage of our winning picks, then this is a November to remember.

We went 7-1 last Saturday, following 7-1 and 6-2 performances. That puts us at 63% for the season. Not too shabby, don’t you think?

That’s some serious winning! And finishing strong!

This weekend is stocked full of traditional rivalry games that actually started on Thanksgiving Day with Mississippi State trouncing the hapless Rebels of Ole Miss. Some of these games have conference title and CFP ramifications as we head into the final two weekends of 2018. A lot can happen, and a lot of money can be yours.

Let’s get to it.

GREAT EIGHT™ for WEEK THIRTEEN

TENNESSEE @ VANDERBILT…the loser of this game is definitely a loser. The losing team fails to become bowl eligible and finishes as the bottom dweller of the SEC East. After playing competitively against Kentucky and Charlotte, the Vols laid a huge egg in their 50-17 loss to Missouri. The Orange defense failed to show while the offense struggled once again. Fortunately for the Vols, qb Jarrett Guarantano and wr Marquez Callaway have been cleared for the game. And that should be enough to beat Vandy. In an UPSET SPECIAL, Vols slam the ‘Dores.

#1 ALABAMA @ AUBURN…if you like college football (and who doesn’t) this game never disappoints. It’s the Iron Bowl. It’s intense, the fans get crazy, the coaches bring their best. Last season Auburn stunned the Tide with a 26-14 upset that sent them to the SECCG to face Georgia. We don’t see that happening again but the 24 point spread is too tempting to ignore. Take Aubbie and the points.

GEORGIA TECH @ #5 GEORGIA…good ole fashion hate is on display in this bitter rivalry. The Jackets have won the last two games in Athens, so anything can happen; especially with the Dawgs having only 6 days to prep for the triple option. If Tech’s qb TaQuon Marshall can connect on a few passes with the Bee defense coming up with a few stops, GT can keep this game close.  The line is very tasty and we’re biting. Take Tech and the points (17).

SOUTH CAROLINA @ CLEMSON….take a look at these facts. Clemson has only lost once at home in the past five seasons. The Gamecocks are 0-4 versus Top 25 this season. This doesn’t bode well for South Carolina as they face a Clemson team that has so many weapons on both sides of the balls. Look for Clemson rb Travis Etienne to have a big day. Tigers clip the Cocks.

#4 MICHIGAN @ #10 OHIO STATE…the winner of this game is the Big Ten East title winner, and if it’s Michigan, the Wolverines take a huge step closer to the CFP. There’s no question that Michigan has one of the best defenses in the country. But they also have qb Shea Patterson and the Buckeyes are struggling to stop big plays on defense. Circle the game as must-see TV. Wolverines chomp on the Nuts.

#18 WASHINGTON @ #8 WASHINGTON STATE…you need to call your sports book now since this game kicks at 8:30 tonight. It’s the Apple Cup that will decide the PAC-12 North title. This game can be decided by the play of Wazzou qb Gardner Minshew. He’s put up a nation-leading 4,325 passing yards at 70% completion rate, with 36 TDs and only 7 INTs. That’s the kind of performance that gets you an invite to NYC for the Heisman show. But the Huskies can answer with their own qb, Jake Browning, who is the PAC-12 winningest qb in conference history. Both teams have great running backs, UW Myles Gaskin and WSU James Williams, that can take the load off of their qbs. Mike Leach is a certifiable whackadoodle but he’s got things moving with his Cougars. Take Washington State over the Huskies.

#7 LSU @ #22 TEXAS A&M…if Coach O can get his Tigers to continue their powerful play from last week, then this will be a long afternoon for the Aggies. In last week’s 42-10 win over Rice, the Tigers limited the Owls to just 198 yards while ripping off 552 yards of offense. But that was Rice.  Both teams are banged up at key positions, but we think LSU has enough in its tank to make this eight in a row over the Aggies. Tigers bite the Aggies.

#11 FLORIDA @ FLORIDA STATE…both head coaches, Dan Mullen and Willie Taggart, are new to this intense rivalry. Florida wants to stop a five game skid to the Seminoles, while FSU needs a win to become bowl eligible and keep its streak of 36 bowl appearances going. Gator qb Franks is more than anxious to wipe out the memory from last year’s game in which he turned the ball over 4 times, including two that went for FSU scores.  While this match-up lacks high octane offenses, there will be enough to make it exciting. Take Florida. Gators chomp the ‘Noles.

MAKE MO’ MONEY with MARK™

WINNING AGAIN FEELS SO GOOD.

 

We almost ran the table last week, going 7-1 in our picks .

The only misfire was Wisconsin dropping our UPSET SPECIAL 22-10 to #14 Penn State.

That puts us at 60% which means we made mo’ money, and hopefully you did, too. Right? You followed our picks, didn’t you?

SIDELINES…

• Check this out. Northwestern sold out its ticket allotment to the Big Ten Championship within 48 hours. And an anonymous donor picked up the tab for student tickets and transportation to Indianapolis. These ‘Cats are hungry for a title shot.

• When Mizzou visits Rocky Top on Saturday, ex head coach Derek “Do Little” Dooley will be attending as the offensive coordinator for the Tigers. Hard to believe he’s qualified as an OC let alone being a coach of a D1 program. Would be pretty nice payback if the Vols can flatline the Mizzou offense.

• We know we’re nearing the end of the season but some of Saturday’s games are down right embarrassing. Alabama v Citadel, Auburn v Liberty, South Carolina v Chattanooga, Georgia v UMass, Florida v Idaho. Fans, especially season ticket holders, deserve better. So do the players. They better hope strength of schedule doesn’t become an issue.

• Is Kentucky overrated? Or is Tennessee getting better? Because the Vols took a paddle to the Cats hindside last Saturday in Knoxville, dominating Kentucky 24-7. The second time this season the Vols have knocked off a ranked opponent.

The GREAT EIGHT™ for WEEK TWELVE

VIRGINIA @ GEORGIA TECH…a lot of us wrote off the Jackets earlier in the season after they dropped 3 of their first 4 games. But lookie here! Tech is 6-5, bowl eligible, and the future for Paul Johnson looks a lot brighter. But the Bees will have their hands full with the Cavs who are 7-3. Both teams still have a shot at the Coastal Division title, and the winner will need help from someone to beat Pitt. The Jackets triple option will rack up yardage with their triple headed monster of Marshall, Oliver, and Mason. But can they count on another big day from their defense? They can. Jackets sting the Cavs.

DUKE @ #2 CLEMSON…the Tigers are flying high at the moment and licking their chops for a CFP berth. But along comes pesky Duke with their own ideas of upsetting Dabo’s boys. But the Blue Devils have lost 27 of the last 32 games with Clemson and haven’t won since 2004. With Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence it’s not going to happen soon. The 28 point line is tempting but we ain’t biting. Tigers bite the Devils.

#12  SYRACUSE @ #3 NOTRE DAME…Yankee Stadium in the Bronx will be the scene for this game tomorrow. The 8-2 Cuse face the 10-0 Irish, currently ranked #3 in the CFP scenario. Qb Ian Book returns for the Irish with a nation leading 75% completion rate, which should help Notre Dame’s on again/off again run offense. This will be a close one. Irish nip Syracuse.

INDIANA @ #4 MICHIGAN…it’s been 31 years since the Hoosiers have beaten the Wolverines who are in the midst of a 22 game win streak over Indiana that dates back to 1987.  Indiana brings a fairly balanced offense to Ann Arbor and should keep the game close for a half until Michigan flexes their muscles and puts the game away in the second half….setting up a killer game next week versus arch enemy, Ohio State. Take the Wolverines over the Hoosier

MISSOURI @ TENNESSEE…we have been reluctant to bet on the Vols this season due to their disappointing track record. But Tennessee has shown sparks of life that bodes well for a brighter future on Rocky Top. No other SEC coach has knocked off two ranked teams in their first year of coaching. But here comes Mizzou; a team that has also shown some promise as they have won back to back SEC games, improving to a 6-4 record. But the Tigers will be facing an improving Jarrett Guarantano who has completed a school record 146 passes without an INT. Overlay his performance with another strong run game and Tennessee should be able to pull off the W. In an UPSET SPECIAL, Vols clip the Tigers.

#10 OHIO STATE @ MARYLAND…the 5-5 Terps desperately need to win to become bowl-eligible but are staring at a stout Ohio State team that still has a shot at the Big Ten East title. The Terps have lost their starting qb while the Buckeye run game has ramped up the last two games, rushing for 229 yards over Nebraska and 120 versus Michigan State.  Look for more of the same tomorrow at College Park. Buckeyes flip the Turtles.

#16 IOWA STATE @ #15 TEXAS…this is basically an elimination game for a chance to play for the Big 12 Championship. Tom Herman has his Texas squad trending up after a big win over Oklahoma but the ‘Horns need a win to keep their title hopes alive. Meanwhile the Cyclones are playing much improved football with a tough defense and a rising star at qb with Brock Purdy. This is a must-see game on Saturday. Texas weathers the Cyclones; Horns win.

#24 CINNCINNATI @ #11 CENTRAL FLORIDA…the Knights finally hit WWW as a featured game, and why not? Tomorrow ESPN’s CollegeGameDay will broadcast from Orlando as the Knights put the longest winning streak in FBS (27) on the line. The Bearcats will come to play but in the end UCF can score in bunches. Look for McKenzie Milton to have a big day. Knights crown the Cats.

MAKE MO’ MONEY with MARK™

MO' GAMES. MO' MONEY.

Real life is forcing us to audible to a briefer WWW than normal.  We were caught up in mid-term election odds making and are happy to report that we made a few bucks on various elections around this great nation of ours! Yeehaw. ‘MERICA!

Anyways, we did well last weekend, going 6-2 overall with a big UPSET SPECIAL of West Virginia over Texas.

We took the 38.5 points and Louisville thinking that would be more than ample to pick up easy cash. But Petrino’s pathetic Cards folded to Clemson, 77-16. Bad on them, not good for us.

We also thought the Cats could upset Georgia but the Dawgs came to play and left with a huge W.

And the air finally left the LSU bubble as they were shut out 29-0 by the Tide.

The GREAT EIGHT for WEEK ELEVEN™

#10 OHIO STATE @ #18 MICHIGAN STATE…the Buckeyes squeaked out a 36-31 win over the struggling Huskers last week in a game that was a lot closer than expected. Can the Spartans surprise Ohio State in Lansing? We think not. Urban Meyer will have his guys ready after a tough week of practice. Buckeyes win.

SOUTH CAROLINA @ #15 FLORIDA…the Gators got bad news mid-week when their starting qb went down with a “non-contact” foot injury. Try explaining that to the media corps. This could make for an interesting game but we don’t think Muschamp can out coach Mullen in this matchup. Gators growl in Gainesville.

WISCONSIN @ #20 PENN STATE…the Wolverines exposed Penn State 42-7 last Saturday so it will be interesting to see if James Franklin’s Nittany Lions can rebound with a win over the Badgers who must win in order to remain in the Big Ten West title race with Northwestern. The big weapon for Wisconsin is rb Jonathan Taylor, the top runner in the Big Ten. He could be the difference maker given that both qbs are hurting. In an UPSET SPECIAL, Badgers in a big win over Penn State.

RHODE ISLAND @ JAMES MADISON…the Dukes (6-3) are not having their usual stellar season, having lost a tough game last Saturday to New Hampshire, 35-24, complete with six turnovers. They seem to have lost their edge with a struggling offense and an o-line that can’t protect the quarterback. JMU needs a win badly to stay in the FCS playoff hunt. Can they rebound on the road? We think they can. Happy bus ride back to Harrisonburg. Dukes win.

OKLAHOMA STATE @ #6 OKLAHOMA…this is the big bad Badlam game between two schools that absolutely hate each other. Neither team plays great defense on a consistent basis so this could be another shootout bonanza like last year’s Sooner win,  62-52. The only exception is that the Cowpokes lead the nation with qb sacks with 33. Will that be enough to win. Don’t think so. Sooners win in Norman.

#16 MISSISSIPPI STATE @ #1 ALABAMA…here’s the deal. The crew from Starkvegas has played some good ball this season, and they have hopes of slowing down the Bama barrage in Tuscaloosa. QB Tua may be a bit banged up but that’s no big deal given that they have Jalen Hurts as backup. Bottomline, Missy State can’t touch Bama, who’s favored by 24 points. Tide rolls.

#24 AUBURN @ #5 GEORGIA…whatever the Georgia offensive line had for breakfast last week they should be eating the same thing every Saturday. The pups piled up over 330 yards rushing against a Kentucky defense ranked 15^th against the rush. Get this…255 of those yards came before first contact. That’s dominance. An Auburn loss drop them to 6-4 and Malzhan squarely on the hot seat. Ring the Chapel Bell. Dawgs bite the tiggers in Athens.

#2 CLEMSON @ #17 BOSTON COLLEGE….this game features two of the best running backs in the ACC, Clemson’s Travis Etienne and BC’s AJ Dillon, who is a bit banged up coming into this weekend. The Tigers are on their way to winning another ACC title and BC should not not be a factor. Too many weapons for Clemson. Tigers take down the Eagles.

MAKE MO’ MONEY with MARK™