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.