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.