Time to look forward to what the football weekend has to offer again:
Worst NFL game of the week – I was tempted to go with Kansas City ay Atlanta, because the Chiefs are awful and the Falcons aren’t ready for prime time yet. The Falcons should be able to run and score some points, though, and that is always fun to watch. That rules out this game. Many would argue that it is Detroit at San Francisco, but my well documented soft spot for the Niners eliminates that possibility. Besides, San Fracisco isn’t as bad as people think. My choice is St. Louis at Seattle. The Rams are terrible and seemingly self-destructing, and even with two new additions today the Seahawks won’t have a full, healthy, operating receiver corps. They have looked listless so far, and I am not hopeful for a dramatic turnaround.
Best NFL game of the week – Before the season I would have guessed that it would have been Jacksonville at Indy, but neither team has been particularly inspiring so far. The clear pick now is Dallas at Green Bay. This is Aaron Rodger’s biggest test yet, and our chance to see if he is actually human.
Game with teams with most to prove – This is where that Jacksonville – Indy game comes in. Indy needs to prove that they have an offense, and they can replace the productivity of a suddenly aged Marvin Harrison. Jacksonville has been terrible offensively, and needs to run or pass or avoid getting sacked or quit throwing interceptions or do something that at least somewhat reflects the actions of a decent team.
Ridiculously over-hyped – Pittsburgh at Philadeplphia. I know this is just my pre-existing biases talking, but the Battle of Pennsylvania bores me. And especialy now that Big Ben has shoulder issues.
Oddest line – Unlike last week, none really jump out. One interesting thing, though – last week there were six road favorites, this week just one. Too bad, too – they were 5-1 ATS last week.
Best college game of the week – Unlike last week, we don’t really have a marquee matchup here. The top game in terms of ranking is LSU at Auburn, but after last week I refuse to get excited about SEC football. Call me when you learn to score. Before the season I was excited about Georgia at Arizona State, but the Sun Devils’ loss to UNLV last weekend popped that balloon. In terms of pure layers of intrigue, the West Virginia – Colorado game on Thursday is as good as any. Troy at Ohio State could be interesting, too – Troy is solid, and it will be fascinating to see how Ohio State bounces back from their debacle. I’m going to take the coward’s way out, though, and not call one clear winner in this category.
Filling me with dread – Thankfully, I am dread-free this weekend because Michigan will be sitting at home – hopefully with balls taped to their rosin covered hands so they can learn not to fumble on every touch.
Four interesting games between unranked teams – Florida Atlantic (+7) at Minnesota. Last Year Florida Atlantic won teh Sun Belt and seemed to be on the rise, but they have struggled to find their way so far. Minnesota has been a pleasant surprise. These teams met last year and the Owls sprung the upset, so the Gophers will be out for revenge. Arizona (-2.5) at UCLA. Two disgraced conference rivals who have to bounce back from serious embarrassment. Virginia Tech (+2) at North Carolina. The Hokies have fallen so far from their preseason perch that they are dogs to the Tar Heels. Ouch. This is Butch Davis’ chance to see how close his team is to respectability. Notre Dame (+8.5) at Michigan State. My favorite team from Michigan couldn’t get it done, but the Spartans sure will. The Irish won’t know what hit them – it’s not as easy t win when the other team doesn’t do all the work for you. Javon Ringer will go for about 7,000 yards in this one.
Biggest line – Buffalo (+34) at Missouri. I wish ths wasn’t so. Anyone who has been reading along here knows that I am high on Buffalo. They are fun to watch and very well coached. They are feisty and could be tough. On the other hand, Missouri has just looked like a machine all year, and likely will again here. My inclination is to think that this line is too big, but I fully acknowledge that that could just be wishful thinking on my part.
