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!