2018 VIEWERS GUIDE VOL 13 - RIVALRY WEEK

We're 3 games above .500. Two weeks left to prove ourselves in the regular season. Let's Go.

TUESDAY NITE MACtion

Ball State at Miami (of the North) - Give me Ball State 17.5. Gotta remember this squad only lost to Notre Dame by 8 in South Bend. Find it at 7pm on ESPN+
Directional Illinois Huskies at PJ Flecks former Employer - 7pm on the U - We're going with the Home Dog in this one. Gimme WMU plus the 6.5 points

TURKEY DAY

A pair of games should peak your interest, especially the Hatin Ass Game in Oxford, MS.
Colorado State at Air Force at 330  on CBSSN - This one looks like a dud on paper, but it's scrappy with a rejuvenated air force triple option attack that's won. 6 of Air Force's 7 losses have been a score or less, leading us to ask, is this the best 4-7 in the country. Gimme Air Force to cover the 14.5 points in USAF Academy, CO.

EGG BOWL IN OXFORD
One of the most hatin' ass rivalries on the planet should be a fun one for Ole Miss to play spoiler once again. Mississippi State is hoping to nab a better lookin bowl game while the Rebels are lickin their chops to send the Bulldogs back to St Pete or worse. The Ole Miss Rebels are banned from the post season once again, so it's all about pride in this one. I love Ole Miss to cover as the home dog, even though their defense will likely give up 400+ on the ground. Ole Miss +11.5 on the Mothership at 730....the Saints vs Falcons game will be hot garbage as an FYI

FRIDAY BALL

There's a full slate of ballgames on Friday so it's completely dishonest to give the usual FNL tagline.

High Nooners
- Big 12 Anxiety at High Noon on FS1 - The anxiety won't last long as Tejas (-15) will take care of business against a Kansas team that just announced Les Miles will take over the program going forward.
- American Conference Championship Elimination Game - The (Houston) Cougs head to their fellow feline rival, Memphis (Tigers) in a rivalry ballgame that  continues to become more feisty year in and year out. I'm a fan of the Memphis -7 here because Ed Oliver (rightfully) has decided to focus his future efforts on getting straight paid. You can catch this one at Noon on ABC.
- Children of the Corn Bowl - Nebraska BIG RED at Iowa - High Noon on Fox - I'm all over the road dog , Nebraska +10 in this one. Expect man ball, punting and Kirk Ferentz to receive a contract extension through 2047, even in a close win.

Mid Afternooners 

There's a quad of games worth your time and money on this upcoming Friday afternoon. Each have solid story lines.

The Commonwealth Cup - UVA (-3.5) at Virginia Tech at 330 on ABC - UVA has ZERO business losing this game..... we also said that in 2008, 2011, 2012, and 2015.....
SEC Snoozer - Arkansas at Mizzou (--23.5) - Ballgame's not worth a write up. It's the option on CBS at 230.
The War on I-4 - Undefeated UCF (-10) at South Florida - 415pm on The Motghership
This should honestly be the best game worth watching during this time slot. This game will get you nice and warmed up for the LOADED evening slot.  

Friday Night Lights

Oklahoma at WVU (+2) in Morganhole - 8pm on the Mothership - WVU's will officially eliminate the Big 12 from playoff contention. Oh.... and watch the Sooners beat them on December 1 in a rematch during the Big 12 title game.
The Apple Cup - Washington heads to Pullman - 830pm on the Mothership - I'm hammering Mike Leach in this one. Gimme all of the verts and all of the Wazu points (-2.5). Mike Leach to the Playoff!

RIVALRY SATURDAY

This Saturday has the potential for complete chaos. While our money may not have a vested interest in watching the projected playoff rankings and match ups crumble, we're certainly rooting for all of the controversy and chaos to topple the odds on favorites. As always.... the fun starts at High Noon

High Nooners

The Game - Michigan at Ohio State - High Noon on Fox - Despite being the winner of 6 straight against the Wolverines, Ohio State remains a 4 point dawg at home. In a year where Urban Meyer has exploited the victim card, I expect a Buckeye upset and THE PARADE OF MICHIGAN MEN to produce more Clip Art sketches of how they got screwed
Clean Old Fashioned Hate - UGA vs GiT on SEC at 12 - I'm taking PJ All Day in this one and wouldn't be shocked if Paul Johnson emerged out of Athens with a victory. GiT +17

State - Carolina -1220 ACC Net -  I could totally see Larry pulling this one off..... but the smart money puts it on West Raleigh -7
Ranked Cuse at Ranked Boston College - All about the Dudes -7.5 (BC)
The Sunshine Showdown - FLOrida at Free Shoes U - Noon on the Mothership - Florida State is once again within striking distance of keeping their bowl streak alive but must do it against a surging Gators squad. I'm all over Danny Mullen laying down the hammer against their cross state rival to the North West. Give me Florida minus 5.
A C-USA Classic - Marshall at Florida International - Illegal Stream at Noon - Butch Davis is running all over inferior opponents and making the Carolina faithful jealous of his ability to put together a bowl eligible squad. I expect them to win as 2 point home Dawgs. 
Others: Tejas Tech -6.5 over Baylor, Purdue -4 over Hoosiers, Wake +12.5 against Duke

Mid Afternooners

Probably the best game of the afternoon slate: Troy (+11) at App State - 230 on The Plus
This one is for Sun Beast Supremacy. Also features two coaches who I deem as solid fits for taking over the UNC job.
Another solid Mid Major Matchup: UAB (-2) at MTSU - 3pm on ESPN3
Another ballgame that is for a spot in the CUSA championship game next week.
The Iron Bowl - Auburn at Alabama (-24) - CBS at 330 - While many of us would love to see Auburn keep this one close, I think the world knows Saban's finna throttle cross state rival.
Maryland (+13.5) at Penn State - 330 on ABC - Sorta love Maryland in this one. Penn State's looked like dog sh*t of late.
The Territorial Cup - Zona State at Zona - FS1 at 330 - Zona really wants that bowl in Y1 for Sumlin but they're gonna get Herm'd (-2)
THUNDERPITT (+6) @ Miami - 330 on the Mothership - As the folks at EDSBS have indicated Pitt is the super weapon that was not successfully launched against Notre Dame, but still has a shot at really making things all sorts of screwed up once the Pitt is unleashed on Clemson. The super weapon rests for another week. Give me the Canes minus 6
Others - Gophers +10 against Wiscy, Illinois +18 against NW, Ricky Top +3.5 over Vandy

Night Games

The Palmetto Series - Sakerlina (+27) at Clemson - 7 on the Mothership - Dabo will get the win, but Muschamp will keep it interesting in the first half
Kentucky (-17) at Louisville - 7pm on the Deuce - Benny Snell is gonna run for a million yards against Brian Van Gorder.
LSU at A and M - 730 on SEC Net - I'm absolutely shocked why A and M is a home favorite in this one. Gimme Ed O plus the 2.5 points.
Notre Dame (-10.5) at Southern Cal - 8pm on NBC - Go on ahead and print the NOTRE DAME MAKES THE PLAYOFFS T SHIRTS. I look forward to either Clemson or Bama beating brakes off the Irish.
Others: OK State (-4.5) at TCU, Colorado (+12.5) at Cal, K State (+13.5) at Iowa State

Late Night

Another drunj football shift, that gives us the Holy War and a ranked WAC (really Mountain West, but RIP the WAC) matchup. Oh Baby.

The Holy War - BYU at Utah (-13.5) - FS1 at 10
Utah State at the Smufs (-2.5) - 1015 on the Mothership
Hawaii at SDSU (-17) - 1030 on the U

Enjoy the last true full slate of college football y'all. Let's go out winners.

2018 Viewers Guide VOL 10

Last week wasn't a colossal failure y'all. We manged to tread water after nearly drowning, like the Virginia Tech defense last Thursday. In typical fashion we bounced back to second an overall record of 98-93-3. We're still in the plus on the year.

After not making any moves during the Mid-Week MACtion, it's time to get back to business with

THURSDAY NIGHT

Thursday Night Featuring more MACtion but the Main EVent takes us to a slug fest in the AAC

The Main Event - Temple (+12.5) at UCF - 730 on the Mothership
We're true appreciators of MAN BALL on this thread, so naturally we want the Philly Man Ball Special against the squad that hasn't lost in almost 2 full years.
MACtion A - Ohio at WMU (+4) - 7pm on the U
Kalamazoo finna be LIT as the Broncos are home dogs.
MACtion B - Directional Illinois Huskies (-6) at The Zips - 7pm on CBSSN
Unless they're playing a B1G early on, bet against a Terry Bowden team.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Coastal Elimination Game - Pitt Happens (+7.5) at UVA - 730 on the Deuce
UVA fresh off their pummeling of the team I adore the most hosts a scrappy Pitt squad that's really came on as of late. Pitt's losses come against ranked Penn State, top 3 Notre Dame, undefeated UCF and somehow Carolina. I like em. UVA was getting chummy last weekend. Time for the inevitable back down to earth loss as home favorites. PITT HAPPENS.

Others: Directional Kentucky Big Red at MTSU (-13.5) on the CBSSN at 8, or some late night action with Colorado at Zona (-3) on FS1.

FOOTBALL SATURDAY

High Nooners
The only mention of my game I care to share is: Carolina will likely get boat raced in this one. End of story. I'm taking the jackets -6 and looking forward to what the next step in this program is.

The High Nooner slate is pretty SEC heavy, at least in the games you should pay attention to. Our main events are a pair of anxiety games for the SEC brethren.
Main Event 1 - Sakerlina at Ole Miss (pick) - SEC Net at Noon
Main Event 2 - Texas A and M at Auburn (-4) = High Noon on the Mothership

A Good Option - Sparty at Maryland (+3) + High Noon on the Deuce 
After all Maryland's been through this year, I think the squad comes together and puts one together. Canada has done a decent job steering the ship.
It's Football: Ohio State -18 over Nebraska Noon on Fox; Louisville +40 against Clemson ABC at Noon; OK State (-7.5) at Baylor FS1 at Noon

Mid Afternooners

The Main Event - UGA (-9) over Kentucky - CBS at 330 
I fully expect Georgia to obliterate Kentucky. Benny Snell's been a nice story tho.
The Other Main Event - West Virginia at Texas (-2) - 330 on Fox
West Virginia sure bounced back in a big way the other day. Money goes towards Texas simply because of Big Game Tom Herm.
The Third Main Event - Penn State (+10.5) at Michigan - 345 on the Mothership
***************B1G East Elimination Game Alert*************
A Nice Option - Iowa (+3) at Purdue - 330 on the Deuce 
The Boilermakers have gotten lot of Vegas love since knocking off Urbs and Ohio State. Afternoon in West Lafayette is a lil different on an afternoon when Kirk Ferentz and 20K Iowans descend upon Ross Ade Stadium.
Some decent Action: Mizzou at FLOrida (-6), 4pm on SEC Net, Utah (-10) at Zona State on PAC 12 Net; App State at Coastal Carolina (+15, 'Neers are on alert);  NC State (-9) over FSU (or it'll be a pure meltdown in West Raleigh)

Night Games

THE MAIN EVENT: BAMA AT LSU (+15) - CBS AT 8PM 
HERE'S TO BRINGING BACK VERNE THA GAWD FOR THIS ONE

While I'm of the mind we're gonna have a slug fest in Death Valley, here's a strong list of options to hit during the commercials:

Oklahoma at Texas Tech (+13.5) - 8pm on ABC
Stanford (+10) at Washington - 9pm on PAC 12
Notre Dame at Northwestern (+9.5) - 715 on the Mothership
Duke (+10) at The U - 7pm on the Deuce
UC:A at Oregon (-10.5) - 730 on Fox

And another thing..... I'm so jealous my father will be in attendance in Baton Rouge. Have fun, Dad.


Late Night

#drunjfootball

The Smurfs (-13.5) vs BYU - 1015 on the Deuce
Fresno (-26) at Vegas - 1030 CBSSN
Cal at Wazzu (-9) - 1045 on the Mothership
Utah State at Hawaii (+20) with the BEAUTIFUL MAN

TIME TO PLAY SPOILER

It's approximately 11:46 pm on a chilly evening in Richmond, Virginia. I'm fresh off watching an underwhelming Virginia Tech squad get absolutely drilled on a Thursday Night in Lane Stadium. In typical Bees fashion, one Paul Johnson's weaker Georgia Tech squads done showed up. Like many of the folks I consider close, I watched the levees break in Blacksburg. A Virginia Tech defense, who many thought had overcome the following obstacles:

•  lost 3/4 of it's production from 2017 before spring ball even started 
•  experienced pre and early season attrition on the defensive side of the ball in the form of *multiple dismissals, transfers and season end injuries,
•  forced to play with lots of underclassmen

Many thought, including yours truly, that the inexcusable loss to Old Dominion, was just a fluke. the successive weeks continued to reveal that maybe the disaster in Norfolk showed an undercurrent that many have never seen in the Hokies (unless you followed the program early and pre-Beamer). The time was ripe for Paul Johnson to do what he does best, coach his players to play with some stink and coach his players to play spoiler. To spoil what hope remained in many of the Hokie Faithful.

Watching Georgia Tech run the Hokies out of their stadium had me thinking: When was the last time my Tar Heels played spoiler?

Has it happened this year? No. 

How about in 2017? LOL, you're kidding. 

2016? Sure, with the Walk off at FSU , but Carolina got thumped by VT, and upset by Duke and NC State.

2015? That season was the last time Carolina played spoiler often. Outside off an incredible ending in Tallahassee, it's really the only time one can point at the Larry Fedora Era and say Carolina had the stink and desire to piss folks off. Whether it was besting GiT in Atlanta following a 3 scre deficit, boat racing the likes of State and Duke or winning Beamer's last game in Lane Stadium, the 2015 Tar Heels loved to play spoiler. 

But how have the feels fared to the mid way point of this season? The opportunities to upset and shock have resulted in the following face plants for Carolina in 2018:

• Ending the losing streak of P5 openers: Lost 24-17 to Cal
• Redemption against ECU: Torched in Greenville, 41-19
• Thursday Night In Miami: Pants'd 47-10
• Upset VT in Kenan - Blew 4th Quarter lead to fall 21-19
• Knock off Cuse in the Dome - Blew 4th quarter lead to lose in double OT

This all after going 3-9 in 2017. When will it end?

When trying to reverse some misfortune, especially on the gridiron, you've got to zero in and hammer home the positives for the week and for the season. Carolina's shown 4 main positives:  

1. Carolina's OL Play and Ground Game - Carolina' s offensive line play has continued to grow and evolve since their dreadful first couple of ballgames. The unit's stayed as healthy as they have in years. The youth isn't as youthful anymore. With ACC running back of the week honors two games running, look no further than the good the Hawgs are enforcing up front. With the stallion trio of Michael Carter, Jordon Brown and Antonio Williams, I expect Carolina's ground game to punish opponents for the remainder of 2018
2. Suspensions (Almost) Over - But more specifically MALIK CARNEY BACK. The defensive lineman, who's racked up 5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss in just three ballgames, is fully back after serving his suspension for selling his Nike's (ridiculous but them's the bullshit rules). He'll get to wreck havoc against an offensive line that is ranked next to last in sacks and tackles for loss given up per game. 
3. UVA's record vs UVA's schedule - UVA's meat of their schedule is on the tail end. Wins over Richmond, Ohio, Lousiville and yes, Duke, are nothing to shake a stick at. Their best win comes against Miami, a team we still know nothing about. Carolina has the best rushing attack and second best front seven UVA's faced to date. However, with Pitt, GiT and VT, Wahoo Nation and many of the talking heads believe they're in the driver seat for the Coastal crown....
4. Another Game - Carolina's steady improvement over games 5 and 6 has to give the coaching staff and the players a beacon of hope. The coaching and scheme are starting to work. The program just has to keep chipping away, keep playing above their heads, and continue to focus on finishing plays, drives and ultimately games. Another opportunity to showcase that improvement is tomorrow. Go seize it. 

I can relate a bunch to this 2018 unit. (Many years ago) I played on a squad that got torched early in the year, proceeded to lose the next couple in heartbreaking fashion, decided to retool and revamp. We ultimately stripped down the playbook to the basics. We kept chopping wood in the film room, weight room and on the practice field, kept grinding for each other. The Tides turned and ended up a play away from the State finals. You can see the fire in the players. 

The tide and fortune turn tomorrow. Carolina plays spoiler in Hooville. 29-22.

Go Heels. 

2018 Viewers Guide VOL 9

After Volume 8 negated the most of the return on our investment some very disappointing results, it was time to turn back to to this forum, where we've had way more success.

Absolutely dreadful Week 8 for yours truly. The gap has narrowed after a 7-14 week.
81-77-3 on the year for #WFPPicks https://t.co/aRQ09iIF42

— W.F.Patterson (@FootbawFrat) October 22, 2018

We're back online, ready to drop our cheeks in seats and throw down some cash on 'ball games.

It all starts with a LOADED THURSDAY

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

The Main Event - GiT at Virginia Tech (-3) - 730 on the Mothership
I'm leaning in heavy into the Hokies on this one. While Paul Johnson's bunch has knocked off the Hokies in consecutive season, I'm fully dipped in the Hokies edging this one out in Blacksburg. 12 Days rest allowed a banged up VT unit get right.
A LIT Option - App State (-8.5) at Georgia Southern - 730 on the U
Once referred to as the best rivalry in Double A Ball, both squads have taken massive steps forward since their moves to the FBS. App State HBC Scott Satterfield looks to add another W to his resume as his casting call for a P5 job continues traject upward. GIVE ME THE NATIVE SON FROM HILLSBOROUGH TO COME HOME TO ORANGE COUNTY (NC).
Another Option: Baylor (+14) at West "By God" Virginia - 7pm on FS1
Red Bull and Gambling Anonymous are on high alert after Holgo laid an egg in Ames. Does self proclaimed Heisman Candidate Billy Greer bounce back in Morganhole? Barely.
It's Football: Toledo at WMU (-6.5) - 7pm on the Deuce; Ball State at Ohio (-11) - 7pm on CBSSN

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

2 time slots this Friday night. Yea Buddy.

Night Games

The Main Event: Miami at Boston College (+4) - ESPN
Miami lays eggs on the road on weird football nights. I repeat, Miami lays eggs on the road on weird football nights.
A fine option: La Tech at FAU (-3.5) - 630pm on CBSSN
Lane in Boca on a Friday Night is always a strong bet.
Football: Hoosiers at Row the Boat, Gophers (+2.5) - 8pm on FS1
Gotta think the luck's gonna turn for PJ Flck here shortly.

Late Night

Main Event: Utah (-10.5) at UCLA - 1030 on the Mothership
This one aint in the cards for Chip the Ripper.
Football: Wyoming (+2) vs Colorado State - 10pm on CBSSN

FOOTBALL SATURDAY

This Saturday we're in fact, most blessed to have 3 ranked vs ranked match ups ahead of us. I'll be braving the elements in Charlottesville for the High Nooner time slot, but you best believe I'll be making my way to Boyland Heights or a similar establishment to catch the remainder of Saturday.

High Nooners

MY GAME: Carolina (+9) at UVA 
Carolina's covered two weeks in a row. Time for number three.
The Main Event: Wisky (-7) at Northwestern - High Noon on Fox
These two have been some of the ugliest winners in 2018. Expect another gut it out man ball special between both squads with Wisky displaying too much talent in the second half.
A Great Option: Purdue at Sparty (-2) - High Noon on the Mothership
I really think the world is over valuing Purdue's win last week, much like Iowa's thumping of Urbs in 2017.
A fine option: Texas Tech (-3.5) at Iowa State - 12 on the Deuce
Another overvalued recency biased line. Texas Tech can throw up point in a hurry and Iowa State is woefully inconsistent.
Won't be close: Clemson (-16.5) at FSU - ABC at High Noon
Worth a Look: Arkansas (+1.5) at Vandy - High Noon on SEC Net

Mid-Afternooners

The Main Event: THE WORLDS LARGEST OUTDOOR COCKTAIL PARTY
It feels like the first time in forever that this game has national implications with both UGA and Florida (+7) in the SEC (and potentially) national title picture. This games always insanely weird, so your safe bet is the (under)dawg in the fight. 330, CBS with the Ghost of Broadcast Verne watching over us.
A Great Option: Penn State vs Iowa (+6.5) - 330 on the Mothership
Penn State appears to be trending downward, while Kirk Ferentz keeps doing Kirk Ferentz things. Do the Hawkeyes have enough to pull of the upset in Happy Valley?
Group of 5 Option - South Florida at Houston(-7.5) - 300 ABC/The Deuce Combo
Ed Oliver uber alles.
ACC Option: Duke (-2.5) at Pitt - 330 on ACC Net
Just because Pitt nearly pulled off the upset against Notre Dame doesn't mean they're a hot team.... it just means they've exhausted all super powers until their next ranked opponent.
SEC Option: Kentucky (+7) at Mizzou: 4pm on SEC Net
No clue why Vegas loves Mizzou in this one? I'll picking the Wildcats straight up. Benny Snell for Heisman.
Football: Zona State (+6.5) at So Cal - 330 ABC/Deuce; K State at Oklahoma (-24.5) - 330 on Fox

Night Games 

The Main Event A - Wazzu (+3) at Stanford - PAC 12 7pm
This game could be known as Stanford's last stand after injuries to mainstays have limited their upward trajectory this season. Mike Leach looks to keep his *gasp* College Football Playoff chances alive as a road dawg.
The Main Event B - OK State (+3.5) vs Texas - 8pm on ABC 
Stillwater at night with Mike Gundy as a home dawg. *UPSET ALERT*
SEC's ESPN Saturday Night Presentation: A&M (+2.5) at Miss State - 7pm on the Mothership
Calling it now: either this is a squeaker by A&M or this turns into a Miss State Buzzsaw. Starkville on a Saturday night is something else, y'all.
ACC Saturday Night Presentation: Cuse Beats NC State - The Deuce at 7pm
The Carrier Dome is a House of Horrors as NC State continues their *expected* free fall.
It's Football: Notre Dame vs Navy (+24.5) in San Diego on CBS at 8; The SMurfs (-9) at Air Force 7pm on CBSSN; UTenn (-7.5) at Sakerlina  730 on SEC Net - Why would anyone ever take Muschamp as a 7pt fave?!

Late Night

There's no main event for this one as most will likely become blowouts. Just enjoy #drunjfoosball.
Oregon (-10) at Zona - The Mothership at 1030
Drunk Football featuring a cratering Wildcat team vs a Oregon squad that plays defense? Gimme the Quack.
SDSU (-2.5) at Nevada - The U at 1030
Rocky Long's Man Ball gets me all hot and bothered.
Fresno (-24) vs Hawaii - The Deuce at 1030
It's impossible to pick the Warriors unless the GAWD is on the call.

2018 VIEWERS GUIDE VOL. 7

A tradition unlike any other, we have early week Group of 5 action returning in Mid Tuesday. We absolutely need it this week. After a dreadful 11-14-2 in Volume 6, including a 1-8-1 derail after the sun went down, I couldn't wait for another week; especially a weekend that means so much in my family. The Volume 6 (Week 6) results keep us in the green in the years, as we're still up $70 on the year. 59-52-3 is still a decent track.

Tuesday Football has already occurred at the time of this Volume's post. Hope y'all were able to enjoy Happy Appalachy take on Arkansas St at 8pm on the Deuce. I'm sure the winner of this ballgame take's one step closer to becoming a candidate considered on the Inside Carolina's Premium Football boards.

THURSDAY NIGHT

We'll spend our Thursday evening focused on the Lone Star State with matchups between GA Southern (-17.5) at Texas State (730 on the U)  and bounce back games for Texas Tech (+7) at TCU (730 on the Mothership). I'm liking both squads on the road this Thursday night. Texas Tech has that offense hummin and looks to inch closer towards a bowl bid while in Texas State has already mailed it in and is looking ahead to a new year and *whispers*.... coaching staff.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Friday evening delivers us a trio of ballgames worth your time and money:

Main Event: South Florida (-7) at Tulsa - 7pm on the Mothership I'm expecting South Florida to boat race the Golden Hurricane. Bowl eligibility on the line for Charlie Strong.
Next Up: Air Force at SDSU (-11) - 9pm on CBSSN - Air Force has had  what many would consider an off year for their standard. It won't get any better for Air Force Friday night.
Late Night: Zona (+13.5) at Utah - 10pm on the Mothership After meh starts for both programs, Zona and Utha are on the upswing. Winner stays alive in the quest for the PAC12 south.

FOOTBALL SATURDAY

Another Football Saturday and this one's even better consider because I have rooting interest for the first time in 16 days. IT ALL STARTS AT NOON

High Nooners

Main Event: Duke at Georgia Tech (-3) - ACC Net at 1220 If you're reading this, you've probably realized that the college football world is set for a relatively dull High Nooner time slot this upcoming Saturday. This one is worth your attention simply for the fact it's a coastal elimination game.
Next Up: Florida (-7) at Vandy - High Noon on the Mothership Vandy is just one of those squads you want to believe in, but doesnt always deliver. Florida is trending upward and should continue that trend Saturday.
Last Up: Iowa (-5) at Indiana - The Deuce at High Noon  All aboard the Ferentz hype train who should have his squad one game away from bowl eligibility in mid October.
It's Football: (+16.5) Tennessee at Auburn - SEC Net Noon; Row The Boat (+30) at Ohio State - B1G Noon

Mid-Afternooners

The Main Event (of the day) - UGA at LSU (+8) - 330 on CBS SEC on CBS with Kirby's debut in Death Valleu. The crowd in Baton Rouge will be plenty drunk and pissed becuase this one ain't a night game. Coach O covers.
A Great Option: Washington (-3) at Oregon - 330 on ABC/TheDeuce Combo - Many expect the Ducks to blank a beaten up Husky squad. This one however smells of your typically big game coach em up from ole Washington HBC, Chris Pederson.
Another Great Option: A&M (-2) at Sakerlina - 330 on SEC Net Muschamp vs Jimbo. Almost sounds like a Rasslin' Match on a regional wrestling circuit. Expect a similar outcome on the field as well.
PITT, THE TOP 5 KRYPTONITE (+21) at Notre Dame 230 on NBC - SB Nation already outlined Pitt's dominance over highly ranked teams. Yours truly has seen it twice in person.
Sneaky: UCF at Memphis (+4.5) - 330 on the ABC/Deuce Combo - Memphis finna snap the streak.
Other: Penn State vs Sparty (+13.5) at 330 on B1G; Baylor (+14) at Texas at 330 on the Mothership

Night Games

The Main EVent: Wisky at Michigan (-8.5) - 730 on ABC Wisky's been so hot and cold this year. Add a couple key injuries in the last couple of weeks and a Michigan team's that's played lights out of late... you have a recipe for a Michigan crock pottin'.
A Good Option: The U (-6.5) at UVA - 7pm on the Deuce The Cavalier Crowd is sky high right now in all points in the Commonwealth. This weekend nice slice of humble pie for the ole wahoo faithful.
My Option: Carolina hosts Virginia Tech My family's biggest game of the year. My prediction comes later. Virginia Tech is currently a 6 point favorite in Chapel Hill.
More Football: West Virginia (-6.5) at Iowa State - 7pm on FS1 (Free Money); Mizzou (+28.5) at Bama - 7pm on the Mothership

Late Night

Main Event: Colorado (+7) at Southern Cal - 1030 on FS1 For the first time in what feel like forever we have a great ballgame to look forward to in the Late Night slot. Colorado is heavy dogs against a Southern Cal squad that hasn't shown much. Gotta roll with the Buffalo here.
It's Football: (+11.5) Hawaii at BYU at 10-15 on the Deuce; Wymoing at Fresno (-18) on the U at 1030; Surfs at Nevada (+17) 1030 on CBSSN

Enjoy the weekend, y'all. I know I will.

2018 VIEWERS GUIDE VOL. 6

Another week and another loss for my Tar Heels but another week in the money when it comes to this years picks. This past week we remained in the black despite a dreadful night game slate where yours truly went 1-4. 11-10 was the weekly round up which keeps us comfortably over .500 on the year with a current record  of 48-38-1. With Carolina hanging up their cleatss for 16 days, it's time to focus our time and energies to the rest of the college football landscape. As such as become a tradition, the action starts early on Thursday

THURSDAY NIGHT 'BALL

Only two ball games worth watching on the Thursday night slate. If this doesn't peak your interest, go watch Tom Brady hang half a hundred on the Colts.

Main Event: Tulsa at Houston (-10)- 8 on the Mothership - I'm a big fan what's happening in the program and have a massive man crush on Ed Oliver.
Other Option: Georgia State at Troy (-10) - 730 on the U - Gimme Troy and the points at home. GA State is still a few years away.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

A trio of ballgames await the viewer on this Friday night. It starts in ACC Country

Main Event: GiT (-2.5) at Louisville - 7pm on the Mothership - This one has every opportunity to be a stinker given the starts both programs have had in 2018. Give me the road faves against a school that's trying to find every cent to get rid of Bobby "The Creeper" Petrino.
Next Option: MTSU at WE ARE MARSHALL (-6.5) - 730 CBSSN - Nothing says electric and sure money quite like a Friday night in Huntington, West Virginia.
If you must: Utah State at BYU (-2.5) - 9pm on the Deuce - I really expected the Stormin' Mormons to be bigger faves in this Friday Nighter  but here we are. This is free money.

FOOTBALL SATURDAY

Finally we have a Football Saturday that has ranked matchups from High Noon up until the last lights go out on the West Coast.

High Nooners

Main Event: The Red River Shootout - Tejas (+9) vs Oklahoma - Fox at Noon - Y'all know that political correctness is sometimes left at home when it comes to picks and viewers guide game. We're calling this matchup by it's original title and we're hoping BIG GAME TOM HERMAN bring the Beto Battalion ready to roll. Oklahoma, outside of a stinker against a Service Academy (Win over Army 28-21), has looked unstoppable in 2018. Does Tejas have enough magic to keep their swing upward? Not in 2018..... they'll cover but the Sooner escape with the W.
Main ACC Option: BC (+5) at State - 1230 ACC Net -  While the college football universe watches the Red River Shootout, yours truly will be fully dipped watching BC upset the school in West Raleigh.  AJ Dillon carves NC State's front seven up like a turkey. Gimme a BC win.
Next Option : Mizzou (pick) at Sakerlina - Noon on SEC Net - Expect ugliness and low scoring; Muschamp-esque if you will.
If you must: Maryland at Michigan (-17.5) - ABC at High Noon - Michigan looked like something else last week as they roared back against Northwestern. Expect more of what you saw from the Michigan Man against Nebraska in this one.
Others: Arkansas (+36) at Bama, The Mothership; Cuse (-3.5) at Pitt on ACC Net

Mid Afternooners

Main Event: LSU (-2.5) at FLOrida - 330 on America's SPorts Network - Cannot bet against Coach O right now. He's got his team hummin'.
Main ACC Option: Free Shoes U (+12.5) vs Da U - 330 on ABC - Miami's sky's high off of a absolute bludgeoning of the Carolina Tar Heels. What could go wrong against their in-state rival to the North (who have struggled for the better part of the year)?
Other Option: Iowa at Minnesota (+7) - 330 on B1G Net - Coach Fleck in as a home dog is a divisional game? ROW THE DAMN BOAT.
If you must: Indiana (+27) at Ohio STate - 4pm on Fox; Zona State at Colorado (-2.5) 4pm on PAC12 Net; Clemson (-18) at Wake, 330 on the Mothership


Night Games

Main Event: Notre Dame vs Virginia Tech (+5.5) - 8pm on ABC - Blacksburg is the once again the epicenter of college football on a Fall Saturday. Going with my heart and leaning into my roots on this pick: Welcome to the Terror Dome, Notre Dame. Geaux Hokies.
Great Option: Kentucky (+6) at Texas A and M - 7pm on the Mothership -  Finna ride this wildcat wave. Benny Snell uber alles.
Another Great Option: Auburn (-3.5) at Miss State - 730 on the Deuce - A beat up and wounded Miss State team and program hosts a confident Auburn squad looking to back door themselves into the ACC title. Oh the anxiety.
Elsewhere: Vandy (+27) at UGA - 730 on SEC Net; Nebraska Big Red at Wisky (-20) - B1G Net at 730; I cannot take enougn points for Washington over UCLA (currently 21 pt fave) 730 on Fox

Late Night

Main Event: Utah at Stanford (-5) - 1030 on the Mothership - Both programs look to rebound in what has become sneakily one of the more underrated matchups in the PAC12.
Next Up: Cal (-2.5) at Zona - 10 pm on FS1 - Still not a believer in Sumlin. Fight me.
If y'all must: Nevada (+13) vs Fresno - 10030 on the U; Hawaii at Midnight (-3)

Enjoy the games!

2018 VIEWERS GUIDE VOL. 5

Carolina and yours truly were both in the win column this past weekend. Carolina bested Pitt for the 6th consecutive time since the Panthers joined the ACC and yours truly went 15-13-1 in last weeks picks. Those results have Carolina sitting with a 1-2 record, tied for the lead in the Coastal while I'm enjoying the 37-28-1 picks position that's put me in the green. Week 5 is L.O.A.D.E.D. and it's starts for yours truly's alma mater on Thursday.

THURSDAY NIGHT BALL

Carolina at The U - 8pm on the Mothership - Arguably the biggest game of the year that isn't a rivalry game. Carolina looks for a season altering win after sputtering out of the gate. Miami is an 18 point fave. Pick coming later.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Memphis (-14) at Tulane - 7pm on the Deuce - Memphis heads to the Big Easy for a lil Friday night stroll down Bourbon street. The Tigers air raid won't be stopped in the Bayou. 

UCLA at Colorado (-10) - 9pm on the FS1 - I'm predicting the continued free fall from the Bruins this Friday night. Chip is burning it all to the ground this year.

FOOTBALL SATURDAY

As I alluded to it, this Saturday is LOADED. Ranked matchup is something we'll get to tune into all damn day. Absolutely cannot wait. 

High Nooners

Main Event - West 'By God' Virginia (-3.5) at Tejas Tech - High Noon on the Deuce - Big Game Billy Grier looks to add another line item for his quest for the Heisman.
Next Option - UVA (+5.5) at State - 1220 on ACC Net - I'm all in on the UVA squad. They have a somewhat decent defense aand has shown explosiveness in the run game. Here's to a Wahoo win in West Raleigh.
This is about it for the Nooner slate. Here's your Honorable Mention picks.
Klimpsun (-24) over Cuse courtesy of Trevor Lawrence, OK State -18 over Kansas.

Mid-Afternooners

The spread of mid-afternooners has the potential for complete and utter chaos with several ranked teams as double digit faves against sneaky opponents. Here are my favorite games with Chaos potential.
Baylor (+23.5) at Oklahoma - 330 on ABC
UCF (-17) vs Pitt - 330 on the U
Texas (-9) at Kansas State - 330 on FS1
VAWLS (+31.5) at UGA - CBS, you know what time
Southern Miss (+27.5) at Auburn, 4 on SEC Net

Evening Games

Given the stretch of ballgames in the afternoon slate that may have blow out potential, it's worth noting the ballgames and picks that'll peak your interest in the wedge between afternooners and night games.

Main Event - Florida (+8) at Mississippi State - 6pm on the Mothership - Thought about a bounce back game from the Dawgs but that run defense got straight EXPOSED last weekend.


Night Games

This Saturday night is likely the biggest since opening weekend. There are two main events which you'll want screens for:
Main Event A: Ohio State (-3.5) at Penn State - 730pm on ABC - A likely playoff elimination game and B1G East crown is on the line for this one. Happy Valley. White Out. Saturday Night. Sign me up.
Main Event B: Stanford (+6) at ND - 730pm on NBC - The annual meat grinder between the Cardinal and the Golden Domers arrives a tad earlier than years past. Again, this is a likely playoff elimination game for both programs. A win for Notre Dame sends the world on a full fledged Irish HYPE TRAIN.
Next Screen: BYU (+17.5) at Washington - 830 on Fox - I like Washington to get the dub in this one, but 17.5 felt like too many points against a rejuvenated Mormon empire.
Another good option: Ole Miss (+12) at LSU - 9pm on the Mothership - I somewhat wanted to take the Rebels outright in this one but Saturday Night in Death Valley prevented me. Maybe I'm living too much in the past....
Another Good Option - Virginia Tech (+5) at Duke - 7pm on the Deuce - I think Duke wins outright, but in a tight one.

Late Night

Lovely lil slate of night caps for your viewing and betting pleasure. It ven includes a matchup between two top 25 squads.

Main Event: Oregon (-2.5) at Cal - 1030 on FS1 - The Carolina fan in me wants Cal to keep winning to help my psyche out with the early season loss. However, Oregon looked straight dominant for 3 quarters last week.
Next Option - Southern Cal (-3.5) at Zona - 103 on the Deuce -  Southern Cal may have a shot at being a 9 or 10 win team after all. Too much talent to sleep on them.
Toledo at Fresno State (-8) - 1030 on the U - This is the degenerates pick this week. By no means should be interested in the game other than if you have money on it.

Enjoy the weekend. Go Heels. 

2018 VIEWERS GUIDE VOL. 4 (we skipped 3)

After a week off it was time to bring the thunder and set y'all up with a weekend full of ballgames and picks. Hope this weekend doesn't disappoint as we build off a 11-5 performance in Volume 2. We're currently sitting pretty at 22-15 on the year. 

Thursday Night Football

Tulsa at Temple (-6.5) - 730 on the Mothership

We're looking insanely BLESST for a mid week American Conference snoozer. Based on what Temple did to Maryland last week, I'm all in on them and the points.

Friday Night Lights

A trio of ball games worth your time await us this Friday evening which are worth every bit of your attention

FAU (+14) at Directional Florida (UCF) - 7pm on the Mothership

90 degrees at kickoff in Orlando between two spread teams that love to run n' gun. ALL OF THE CRAMPS.

Penn State at Illinois (+28) - 9pm on B1G Net

I sorta believe in a Lovie cover. Just a hunch.

WaZu (+4) at Southern Cal - 1030pm on the Mothership

Four Verts vs a struggling SC team that looks slow? Hello Mike Leach.

FOOTBALL SATURDAY

High Nooners

Another football Saturday is upon us. This week has several sneaky ballgames that could end up where Wisky found themselves around 330pm this past Saturday. The mayhem could start as early as the Noon ballgames.

Main Screen - Notre Dame (-8) at Wake Forest - High Noon on ABC

Wake showed us last week that they can put some points up on the scoreboard, while ND showed us that they still have a bad habit of overlooking opponents in their squeaker against Vandy. Will Lord Purple Face appear for his 2018 debut?

Next Screen - Louisville at UVA (-4.5) - 1230 on ACC Net

UVA looked pretty solid last week in their romp of Ohio. We're still trying to figure out L-ville. Expect lots of points in Cville this Saturday with UVA edging out the Birds.

Third Screen - UGA (-14)  at Mizzou - High Noon on the Mothership

If you enjoy watching UGA bludgeoning another squad to a pulp, tune into this one.

Fourth Screen Nebraska BIG RED (+17) at THE MICHIGAN MAN  - FS1 at High Noon

Scott Frost is burning down the house this year.  They'll keep it close for a half only for Michigan to turn on the jets in the third quarter.

My Screen - Carolina vs PITT - Pitt is currently favored by 3.5. - ACC Net at 1220pm

This is the ballgame I'll be tuned into. Will Carolina make a QB change? Will Carolina show up? Is this this just another continuation of the crumbling of the Carolina Football program. Pick in separate post.

 Honorable Picks: BC -6.5 at Purdue on the Deuce at Noon, Buffalo -7 at RUTSgers on B1G Net Deuce, Minnesota at maryland (-2.5) B1G Net at Noon

Mid-Afternooners

Main Screen- Bama vs Texas A and M (+26.5) - 330 on CBS

Never bet against Saban when  he's a double figure favorite. Never do it, well unless there's 26.5 points involved. Kellen Bond keeps this one within striking distance.

Next Screen - TCU at Texas (+4) - 430 on Fox

Safe to say Texas is finding a groove? I love this team at home especially if McConaughey is on the sideline.

Third Screen - Sakerlina at Vandy (+2.5) - 4pm on SEC Net

Vandy showed me a lot last week against ND. Defense is stingy and they play the ball control game very well. Fans of them at home in a game that'll most likely end 11-8.

Fourth Screen - Kansas State (+16.5) at West By God - 330pm on the Mothership

Will Grier keeps showcasin to the country that he's a Heisman frontrunner. Kansas State keeps reminding folks that you can never sleep on them even if you're an FCS team. I'm leaving toward a classic Bill Snyder effort that luls you to sleep and keeps this one too close for the Neers' comfort.

Honorable Picks - Virginia Tech (-28) at ODU at 330 CBSSN, Clemson -17 at Georgia Tech on ABC at 330, Northern Illinois +10 at at FSU 330 on the U

Night Games

Main Screen - Stanford at Oregon (+1.5) - 8pm on ABC

Saturday Night is Cristobal's shining moment. Ducks big at Home.

Next Screen - Wisky (-3.5) at Iowa - 830pm on Fox

A pissed off Wisky squad with a nightime roadie in Iowa City; Lawd have mercy.

Third Screen - FLOrida at Vawls (+4.5) - 7pm on the Mothership

This game used to be an elimination game for the SEC and sometime Natty Title crown. Now, it's a battle for 4th or 5th in the SEC East race. Things just aren't the way they used to be.

Fourth Screen - Sparty (-4.5) at Indiana - 730 on B1G Net

Sparty looked dreadful against HERMMMMMM out in the desert. Gotta think they'll sloppily bounce back in Bloomington.

Honorable Picks - Arkansas (+29.5) at Auburn 730 SEC Net, NC State (-5.5) at Marshall CBSSN 7pm, Miss State BULLDOGS (-10) at Kentucky on SEC Net

Late Night

Main Screen - Zona State (+18) at Washington - 1030 on the Mothership

Here's to hoping this HERM TRAIN keeps a rollin'

Second Screen - Directional Michigan at SDSU (-10.5) - 1030pm on CBSSN

SDSU introduces the Mac to Man Ball.

Third Screen - Air Force(+10.5) at Utah State - 10:15pm on the Deuce

Two options teams late at night. Yes indeed.

One Minute Before Midnight - Duquense (SHOUTS TO DA BURGH) at Hawaii  featuring this beautiful man 

SLEPT ON IT (TWICE): A Debacle Two Years in the Making

Saturday afternoon, circa 6 pm, from a little bar called Curbside Cafe, in the Fan District in Richmond, VA, I watched Carolina's Football program hit rock bottom. Following a thorough ass kicking at the hands of what many thought was a candidate for the worst program in FBS, the boys in Carolina Blue, and the coach, showed little regard for what occurred in Dowdy-Fickett that afternoon. Midway through third quarter, I too, quit. I had had enough. I promptly asked the bartender to turn off that embarrassing effort and the submersed into the rest of the afternoon and evening slate. Watching the likes of A&M vs Clemson, Georgia vs Sakerlina, and Stanford vs SC, I felt the ever growing itch for big time 'ball to find a home in Chapel Hill. While we sniffed periods off big time 'ball finding a home in Chapel Hill in 2015, that kind of program never settled there. Instead, it pulled a quick move (like yours truly in Ohio) and vanished as quick as it came. Does Big Time College Football have a place in Chapel Hill? Sure it does. However, Head Coach Larry Fedora is no longer the captain to man that ship.

The date is December 6th, 2015. Carolina had just taken eventual National Runner-Up Clemson to the brink in the ACC Championship Game. Many argued that Carolina had been shorted off a chance to tie the ball game following a terrible offside penalty on a successful onside kick. Excitement and program trajectory was the highest it had been since the off-season prior to the 2010 season. Needless to say, that excitement was short lived. A measly 24 days later, UNC was pasted by a Baylor team led by their 4th string quarterback. I should have seen the writing on the wall. What followed the highest of highs was followed by performances where the defense was straight dominated by Baylor and UGA. The issues of 2013-2014 began to resurface in 2016 when the defense couldn't stop a beach ball and offense lacked rhythm and cohesiveness. Inconsistency, undisciplined play, questionable coaching and in-game decision making returned as the overwhelming theme of Carolina's Football program. These themes are as apparent as ever in the box score:

Since the end of the 2015 regular season:
- UNC has failed to finish the year ranked in the Top 25
- UNC is 2-8 against Top 25 competition
- UNC is 7-15 against P5 competition
- UNC is 0-4 against In-State Rivals NC State and Duke. They will be 0-6 by the end of this season unless a miracle occurs.
- UNC recruiting ranking average is on a consistent downward trend since 2011 (even post sanctions)

These figures are completely unacceptable.

With each transition, there's plenty at stake: money, the human element, the right fit, timing, etc. I cannot see UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham making a move without a plan and unfortunately a plan takes time. My bet is Larry Fedora's time in Chapel Hill ends following the 2018 campaign. There's too much money on the line ($13M+) to decide to fire a head coach following game two. My bet is the situation will be handled similar to John Bunting, an announcement sometime during October or early November. Fedora will be and SHOULD BE allowed to coach the rest of the season. You can't overlook Larry guiding the ship when the NCAA owned all real estate in our program's shorts.

Concurrently Bubba and his team will work to have a succession plan in place, one that gives them the right hire and the right time. While hire timing has a new variable with the early signing period, it's worth reminding folks, the upcoming hire isn't about saving the 2019 class. The next hire about setting up the foundation for the incoming classes of 2020 and beyond. It's about finding the coach who'll finally get big time 'ball to stay in Chapel Hill.

2018 VIEWERS GUIDE: VOL. 2

back and better than ever, ready to kick off another weekend in the college football world. Like in years past, the excitement surrounding Week 2 isn't quite the hype that surrounds week 1. With the the slate of games this upcoming weekend, I suggest to the readership to enjoy what may be the last lowkey weekend of football until early February. This week's line up of games will likely be just be a tad "meh," but it also could be the first CHAOS WEEK of the 2018 season.

Last Weeks Picks: 11-10

THURSDAY NIGHT BALL

- No Thursday Night Action in the College Realm. Instead here's to the Philadelphia Eagles dropping half a hundred on that trash NFL organization located in Atlanta. GO THERS. 

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

TCU at SMU (+23) - 8pm on the Deuce - We have some action this Friday night that shouldn't disappoint. SMU looks to pull themselves out of the wreckage that comes from getting blasted by a directional Texas school (lost 46-23 to North Texas), while TCU is riding high after tattooing a AA school. I sorta like the Frogs running away with this one but for SMU to at least put up a fight for a half. BELIEVE IN SONNY DYKES.

FOOTBALL SATURDAY

High Nooners

Main Event - Arizona at Houston (-3.5) - ABC/The Deuce Combo at High Noon - Khalil Tate vs Ed Oliver. Need I say more?

Next Option - CLANGA (-9) at Kansas State  - High Noon on the Mothership - Kansas State showed absolutely nothing in their opener. Gptta think Billy Snyder did that on purpose.

Another One - GiT at South Florida (+3.5) - ABC/The Deuce Combo at High Noon -Blake Barnett and Charlie Strong look like the have some solid chemistry. I like them straight up against Paul "Backwoods" Johnson. 

Honorable Mention - UCLA (+31) at Oklahoma - 1pm on Fox - the Sooners looked like they hadn't missed a beat with Bake Mayfield headed to the pros, while UCLA looked dreadful in Chip's debut. Bounce back potential in a game where there's a ton of points to cover?

Mid-Afternooners

Main Event: UGA (-10) at Sakerlina - 330 on CBS -  Sorta wish Verne tha GAWD would come out of retirement and make a guest appearance. Cola will be insane for this ballgame between border rivals, but UGA has a few too may weapons in the arsenal.

Next Option: Memphis at Navy (+6.5) - CBSSN at 330 - The American conference is coming in hot with this opener between squads that are usually in the running for the title come year's end. Early elimination game on CBS's extra network.

Another One - Colorado at Nebraska BIG RED (-3.5) - ABC at 330 - one of the fiercest rivalries that rarely played anymore. Nebraska fans and Colorado fans hate each other. What better way to celebrate Frost's debut after last week was rained out. 

Toilet Bowl - Carolina (-14) at ECU - The U at 330 - The battle for the worst FBS football team in North Carolina is set to kick off in Greenville this Saturday. Lord help me if Carolina loses this one.

Late Afternoon

EL ASSICO - 5PM ON FOX - Thank you so much to the Shutdown Fullcast guys for their preview of Iowa vs Iowa State 

Night Games

Main Event - Clemson at A and M (+12) - 7pm on the Mothership - Jimbo's first crack at Dabo at his new gig. We also may catch Trevor Lawrence if Kelly Bryant implodes. 

Next Option - Southern Cal at Stanford (-5.5) - 830 pm on FOX - After week 1 one, we still don't know much about either one of these teams. Just root for chaos.

Another One - Penn State at Pitt (+9) - 8pm on ABC - Could be the last Penn State vs Pitt game for a very long time. Let's see how the Nittany Lions respond after last week with a night game against a self proclaimed non-rival.

Honorable Mention - UVA (+6) at Indiana - B1G Network at 730 -  I'm gonna believe in Bronco in this one, although I'm fully prepared to get Mike London'd. 

Late Night

Go ahead and order those extra few pitchers and that pizza you don't need but deserve.... late night finna be lit. 

Main Event - Sparty (-6) at Zona State - 1030pm on the Mothership - This gonna be Herm's first upset or nah?

Next Option - Cal (+3) at BYU - 1015 on the Deuce - Cal made me a believer last week. \

Streaming Option - Rice at Hawaii (-17.5) - Midnight - Watchstadium.com - Bobby K bringing that fire. 

SLEPT ON IT (Twice): Cal Aftermath

Full disclosure: I did not watch the Carolina game in it's entirety until yesterday (Sunday) morning. A wedding full of yard work/concrete work, a Bar Mitzvah and a wedding of a close friend sorta took precedence.

Carolina boasted in the off-season about how this past year was sort of the effect of many unfortunate causes. However, what many of us watched this past weekend, seemed to be the same ol' thing, just in another season. While I worked to pull myself of the wreckage that came from watching two not very good football teams battle in front of what many in the Southeast and Midwest would deem as a "meh" crowd, I struggled to put this one to bed Saturday night. I fear that this program has fallen off of a cliff since their brief peak in 2015. But, instead of getting all worked up about yesterday, it's time to at least focus on the positives and the areas needing improvement to not let this season spiral.

What Went Well

The defense was not awful 
- Linebacker play looked like the best it's been since 2015. I really liked what i saw out of Dominique Ross. While he didn't wow you on the stat chart, he made crucial stops in situations Carolina needed to give them a shot at a comeback. I also loved how he was always around the ball when a tackle was made. The kid flows great from sideline to sideline and was tremendous in coverage.
- At Defensive Line, the levees didn't break. Time and time last year and in 2016, it seemed like the DL would be gassed from being on the field the entire game and our opponent would put Carolina away with a big play late. Despite numerous opportunities in the second half for Cal to blow the game wide open, they couldn't get it done. The front four provided pressure all game and I'm hopeful this front seven can carry this team. Malik Carney is a Grown Ass Man.
- No Quit. Last year, we watched the fire exit the team mid game. Didn't happen in Berkeley. Carolina roared back in the second half after being down 3 scores only to have a botched call prevent them from a shot at tying the ball game. This team will have to fight all year long.

Special Teams 
- This may end up being our best unit for the year. Punt coverage was tremendous and the return men showed signs of being able to break on big. Freeman Jones showed he can split the uprights from 40 yards plus and that he's got a pretty good leg for onside kicks. Special teams play will win us a game this fall.

What Didn't

Quarterback Play 
- Definitely the "uhhhhh ya think" take for this thread, Nathan Elliot was dreadful Saturday. He never looked comfortable, made the wrong reads on run/pass option time and time again, and play scared and timid. While he didn't get much help from his offensive line, he never looked like he was in control of the offense. This is certainly a cause for concern because rumors were we was the favorite to start over Surratt, even before the suspension.

Offensive Line Play
- We got whipped up front schematically and at the point of attack. Whether in pass pro or in run fits, the offensive line struggled to block the undersized 3-4 base attack from the Cal Bears. This is exceptionally concerning given that their defense is really nothing to write home about. Some of the vets and youngsters that make up this unit need to grow up fast.

 The "Smart" part of Smart, Fast, Physical
- Bad turnovers, poor play calling and a plethora of turnovers seem to be the big takeways from Saturdays ball game. Carolina hit that trifecta with ease in a season opener where we were promised otherwise. It's one thing to take a penalty and to take it making a a play or being aggressive in pursuit. However, when the the penalty yards pile up (13 penalties for 124 yards) for procedures and late hits, that's on the coaching.

Where does Carolina Football go from here?

Literally only one result is acceptable next week: Beat ECU. A loss sets this team and program back, and Larry will be looking for a new job in 2019.

As always, Go Heels.

2018 VIEWERS GUIDE VOL. 1

As I mentioned, we're headed back to our roots. Rooted early on on this forum was a game preview, that highlighted the week's biggest games, which soon evolved into a Viewers Guide, which was made more fun and interesting with picks where pride and money was on the line. 2018 will continue that tradition. Here is your Week 1 Viewers Guide....

THURSDAY NITE

It all starts Thursday Night. This year we may be lost on opening night because Sakerlina isn't the center of the College Football Universe on a Thursday in late August. Instead we get a smorgasbord of openers that features Peak B1G and The conFLiCT.

Main Screen -  Northwestern (+1) at Purdue - 8pm on the Mothership - Brohm is definitely the guy Purdue needs to grow the brand and program at Purdue. Gotta remember he's in year two. NW but close.
Secondary - UCF at UCONN (+23.5) - 7pm on the U - A game that features a trophy tthe winner doesn't want to acknowledge or bring home. Expect UCF, BIG.
Last Option - Wake Forest at Tulane (+6.5) -  CBSSN at 8pm - Y'all don't sleep on Willie Fritz. He's gonna land a big job in the next couple of years as long as he keeps up his momentum.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Friday doesn't really have any ballgames that jump off the screen at ya, but there are some sneaky ballgames that'll keep you plugged in.

Main Screen (Early) - Army (+14) at Duke - 7pm on the U -  I love the Army value this Friday. Duke should be solid, as the normally are under Cutcliffe. Army's Triple Option Threat was downright dirty last year and bested Duke nearly 9 months ago.
Main Screen (Later) - San Diego State (+14.5) at Stanford - 9pm on FS1 - San Diego State could give Stanford everything they can handle with so many questions looming at Quarterback for the Cardinal.
Secondary - Directional Kentucky Hilltoppers (+37) at Wisky - 9pm on the Mothership - Big Red is headed to a buzzsaw in Madison, but they'll force a late cover.
Last Option - Colorado at Colorado State (-7.5) at 9:30 on CBSSN - Bobo's hoping to bounce back. He will against in-state rival, Colorado.



FOOTBALL SATURDAY

High Nooners
The High Nooner slate features three ball games that I think you'll want to put action on a stay tuned in to. It also features a game we're putting on UPSET ALERT.
Texas at Maryland (+13.5) - Noon on FS1 - With all of negatives press swirling around Maryland, it just seems obvious that Texas is primed for a near letdown moment.
FAU (+21) at Oklahoma - Noon on FOX - Future University of North Carolina Head Coach Lane Kiffin looks to play spoiler in Norman in a year that the Sooners believe is "the year." It'll be a treat watching former stars from Last Chance U give the Sooners everything they can handle.
Ole Miss (+2.5) vs Tejas Tech in Houston - High Noon on the Mothership - The Landsharks are now official. Ole Miss is gonna surprise some folks this year as the program is still loaded with talent.
UPSET ALERT: James Madison over State in Raleigh...... BELIEVE

Mid-Afternooners
The Mid Afternoon slate has a bit more variety and excitement than the Nooners. We have a top 10 match up that could be repeated in the playoff and the door is oppen for more FCS Upsets.

Main Event - Washington (+2) vs Auburn in ATL... on the Mothership at 330 - Big game Chris Peterson makes an appearance early on in a city he's had success. Barners lose their mind shortly after.

Next Up - Tennessee (+10) vs WVU - 330 on CBS - Vol Nation starts a new era and I think they're gonna like what they see. 

Last Option - App State(+24) at Penn State on B1G Net at 330 - II sorta love the Neers for a value pick in this one.

UPSET ALERT - U of R over UVA. 

Night Games 

The night game slate should be so much better than it acutally is, but on paper there's a bunch of snoozers.

Main Event - Michigan at Notre Dame (-1) at 730 on NBC - Sorry Harbaugh.... I'm picking ND big at home at night. 

Next Up - Boise State at Troy (+10) - ESPN News at 6 - Never sleep on a Troy team at home. Never. 

Last Option - Louisville vs Bama (+24.5) - 8pm on ABC - Bama by 100 on this one. Bobby P will be interviewing for a new job this time next week.

UPSET ALERT - SDSU over Iowa. This would be PEAK Kirk Ferentz. Lose to SDSU, Beat Wisky and Penn State.

Late Night

Main Event - BYU (+12) at Zona - 1045 on the Mothership -BYU's gonna surprise some folks this year. Sumlinhas a lot to fix.

/TSA at Zona State (-17.5) -FSI at 1030 - HERMSSSSSSS BIG DEBUT

Navy (-11.5) at Hawai'i - 11 on CBSSN -  Hawaii Football afterdark means one thing and one thing only.... the GAWD 

WE BACK: INTRO TO 2018

Following that sappy post, it's time to get back to what we do best here: college football opinions, sometimes intelligent and insightful, with a sharp Carolina Tar Heel bias. After a disappointing 2016 8-5 campaign where Carolina couldn't find rhythm and a dreadful 3-9 season in 2017 littered with attrition, there seems to be some passive optimism that 2018 should provide an uptick in excitement. Let's explore to see the last times Carolina had a "dreadful season" and whether or not the program bounced back.

1988 and 1989 under Mack Brown - Both Seasons 1-10
Mack Brown posted the two worst football seasons in modern history his first two seasons at the helm as Carolina's Head Ball Coach. In a time when cross-town rival Duke was at it's late 20th Century Peak under Spurrier, it was a tough time to root for the Heels. Fortunately the off season prior 1990 brought Carolina the talent that helped Mack turn the program around and string together what would become the most prominent football years Carolina's ever had. 6-4-1 and 7-4 preceded Carolina's first bowl game under the Mack, when Carolina won the Peach Bowl and finished 9-3.

1999 under Carl Torbush - 3-8
Carolina hit a valley like they had a decade prior in Carl Torbush's second complete season, following up a somewhat disappointing 7-5 1998 campaign. This team, like 2017's Carolina squad was riddled with injuries. Rumors are school officials wanted to fire him following this season but player and fan support kept him around for another season. After another rough season in 2000, Torbush's time in Chapel Hill was up. 6-5 was not enough to keep around the man who led Carolina's wrecking ball, NFL talent filled defenses of the mid and late 1990s.

2003 Under John Bunting - 2-10
Bunting, a Carolina alum, led one of the most inconsistent eras in the history of Carolina Football. His first season at the helm produced an exciting 8-5 stint that included a huge upset of then 6th ranked Florida State. His 2001 was followed up with 3-9 in 2002 and 2-10 in 2003. Bunting assured folks around the program that they were on the right path and for at least one year, he walked the walk. Under Darian Durant, Bunting's squad posted a 6-6 record and earned a spot in the Continental Tire Bowl.

2006 Under John Bunting - 3-9
The 2006 Campaign was the final under Bunting's tutelage. His departure opened the door for Carolina to make the biggest name hire since the Mack, when the Heels brought on board Butch Davis. Davis, who built Miami back into a national power in the late 1990s, had just become available after a several year stint in the NFL. Butch had a new challenge ahead of him: to make Carolina a name.

2007 under Butch Davis - 4 -8*
I have to put an asterisk on that record for, while on paper, the record appears dismal, there was so much excitement and upward trajectory surrounding the Carolina program. Carolina lost 6 of 8 games by a touchdown or less and had just landed a top 10 recruiting class the previous February. Excitement was high for the program and Butch was building a foundation.

2017 under Larry Fedora - 3-9
Just two season removed from an ACC Coastal title and near upset of National Runner Up Clemson Tigers, Carolina sputtered to a 3-9 finish, which included 6 game skid in the heart of the schedule. The reasons for the set back of year mounted throughout the season and off season. Carolina saw wicked attrition on the offensive side of the ball from 2016, faced a plague of season ending injuries from 75% of the original 24 starters, and struggled with coaching cohesiveness as coaches shared play calling and formation duties. Carolina was forced to combat the attrition and youth with ramping back the offense and defense and focus on fundamentals. The team could barely tread water.

So where does this program go from here?

Of of the best ways to gauge a program trajectory in the college football realm is a combination of the following: previous results, returning experience and talent level, incoming/future talent level and player development through recruiting and coaching. Since Fedora set foot in Chapel Hill, he and his staff have preached recruiting the right type and best talent available and developing them through their system. His recruiting rankings at Carolina to date are as follows (Thanks 24/7 Sports for your composite rankings)
2012 (inherited class) - 41st nationally/6th in the ACC
2013 (first true class) - 28th/5th
2014 - 30th/4th
2015 - 28th/4th
2016 - 32nd/5th
2017 - 29th/5th
2018 - 20th/4th
2019 (current) - 64th/13th...

Despite Carolina's worst season since 1999, Carolina posted their best recruiting ranking since Larry set foot in Chapel Hill. Most of this was built off of the peak years during Larry's stint in 2015 and 2016, where Carolina was at the top of the ACC Coastal. However, sort of like how Carolina trailed off in the 2016 season and plummeted in 2017, next years recruiting rankings have taken a hit. Carolina only has two commits from the Top 50 recruits in the State of North Carolina, while state has several. If Carolina wants to get back to the level of play we saw in 2015 and parts of 2016, they have to get their recruiting back in order. At least for 2018 and 2019, Carolina should benefit the talent that's been brought in and developed the past few season. A positive, all of last year's suspensions yielded opportunities for Carolina to gain experience across the returning the two deep. The negative, 13 players were suspended for trying to make money off of their namesake (GOD FORBID) which was mostly comprised of returning starters (. Early on, Carolina will have to overcome the suspensions handed down and once again develop young, inexperienced talent. Carolina is able to stagger the suspensions to minimize the damage early on. With a September that includes roadies at Cal, ECU and The U and a home date against a hot UCF program, Carolina will need players to play above their heads as they ease into another season. 

Richmond is My Home and Future

30 plus months.....

Hard to believe it's been over 30 months ( or 984 days for those keep track at home) since officially signing off from my last post as the sole proprietor of Frats Pigskin Review. Not until recently did I decide to revamp and retry at this college football "bloggin" thing again. With failed experiments of trying to take this thing big time (RIP 104 Stadium Drive dot com), and the random twitter blast of picks from the 2017 season, we've decided to get back to our roots. We're back to providing y'all the Viewers Guides, the Picks, and the most biased and hottest takes related to all things Carolina and College Football. Much like in the last 30 months of today's world, yours truly has gone through some serious life and work changes.

Here's the necessary life update: First, I no longer call Pittsburgh my home and my future. I accepted an excellent work opportunity back in May of 2016, one that helped broaden my career and set up my current path for personal and career growth. In my first year at this job, my new path came at a significant cost, one that took me the better part of a year to come to grips with and accept. Yours truly was shipped out of the Burgh kicking and screaming back in November 2016. The life I had grown into and built in Pittsburgh became no longer part of my future and expected journey. With transition came what felt like a never ending spiral of heartbreak, physical and emotional distress. Having lived through several months of a personal hell, another move (with the same firm) gave me a window and a chance to build myself back up. This second move gave me the chance to truly start over, to truly give me the chance to finally let go and start living my life again. In the first several months, the work load didn't subside. I was stretched thin with 70-80 hour work weeks. All weeks filled with the mental and physical stress of a different daily construction crisis. These days turned to weeks and began to take a toll. It felt oddly too similar to the personal heartbreak that ripped my world apart just a few months earlier. I struggled to keep myself under control and to remain hopeful. Luckily, I listened to free advice. I was advised to "keep my head down, take care of myself physically, mentally, emotionally," and to just "keep scratchin', clawin' and pushin' that ball forward a little bit everyday." I was told to Just Keep Livin'. I give an incredible amount of thanks to those friends and family who gutted it out with me when I was at the brink. In due time work got a little better and easier. I kept living, I put my head down and sank into my support system. I lived for the folks who meant the most to me, embraced my new surroundings and kept taking care of myself. "Just Keep Livin' " remains my personal mantra. One year later, from the crater in my personal valley, I'm the happiest I've ever been.

Richmond became my new stomping grounds. I found a sense of place at work and in life. At work, I collaborated with 3 of the best professionals I've ever been around. Our team oriented mindset helped us achieve every personal and professional goal we set out to tackle. When the time on the road started to dwindle and our tour came to a screeching halt, each member of the team was fortunate enough to land where they wanted to. When I suspected our mission was set to end, I had one goal, solidify myself with an opportunity for career growth.

Richmond offered me another shot growing friendships and finding a gal that made me feel like the luckiest man in the world. After a few months of meeting new people and building on existing friendships, that amazing person walked into my life. Suddenly, I had THE REASON to make this new place home. This young lady, who challenges me on a daily basis to be the best version of myself, swept me flawlessly off my feet. I was fully dipped. She and I started a life together, one that grows every day. Whether it's renovating our house, exploring Richmond and the best the Commonwealth has to offer, or spending evenings on the couch with our Two Corgis, I live for her and I live for us.

As she and I grew closer and work topic became a reality, I knew what I had to do. It was finally time to choose life over work. It was time to prove to myself why I believe we're on put on this earth: to share a life with the one you love the most; to carry your morals, values, and opportunity through your children; and, to advance society through your work and stewardship. Thankfully, by the Grace of the Good Guy upstairs/Good Karma/The Stars and Planets were aligned, whatever you believe in, I secured that spot. I had finally made a move that was not only good for my career, but also I made the move that that is one for both my career and my life. Richmond and the blessings that have come with it, are my home and future.

I'm eternally blessed and grateful.