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LGHL A nearly nice percentage of Buckeye fans feel good — not great — about Ohio State’s national title chances
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A nearly nice percentage of Buckeye fans feel good — not great — about Ohio State’s national title chances
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
You ask, we answer. Sometimes we ask, others answer. And then other times, we ask, we answer.
Throughout the Ohio State football season, we will be asking and answering questions about the team, college football, and anything else on our collective minds of varying degrees of importance. If you have a question that you would like to ask, you can tweet us @LandGrant33 or if you need more than 280 characters, send an email HERE.
Big Ten season is finally upon us as the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes travel to East Lansing, Michigan tonight to take on the Michigan State Spartans at 7:30 p.m. ET in a game to be streamed exclusively on Peacock. In our weekly fan survey, as we do every game week, we asked Buckeye Nation what they thought the margin of victory would be in the game tonight, but we also wanted to gauge their feelings on OSU’s national title chances.
The expectations for a Buckeye team are always to win the national title, but it feels different this year. The players have been saying “national title or bust,” but the road to a College Football Playoff Championship doesn’t feel as fraught as it has in recent memory, at least not to me. So, we polled the fandom to see where they are following the first three games of the season.
You can check out the collective responses below, and if you want to share your agreement (or disagreement), feel free to do so in the comments at the bottom of the page. You can also sign up to be a part of LGHL and SBNations’ weekly Reacts surveys here.
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I know that Ryan Day — and a certain segment of the Ohio State fandom — are primarily focused on the negative so far this season, but I’ve got to tell you, I am having more fun watching this team through three games than I have in a long time. Perhaps that has to do with me turning over the gameday controls to the Land-Grant Twitter account for the first time since 2017 meaning that I don’t have to see the real-time toxicity during games. Or, it could just be that this time is really good and really fun.
Obviously the Buckeyes haven’t been perfect, there are things to improve — still want to see the offensive line perform against better competition, would like the defensive line to create more havoc, and the special teams... woof — but through three not-very-competitive games, they have exceeded my expectations. I feel far more confident about this unit’s ability to win a national title than I have in recent years. So as they enter Big Ten play, all I have to say is Let’s F***ing Go!!!
So, while the respondents to this week’s survey were ever so close to being nice, I think they are right, but if I could straddle the good and great answers, that’s where I would be.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25646720/OhioState_2_092524.png)
When odds for the game were released last Sunday, the Buckeyes opened as 24.5-point favorites according to the FanDuel Sportsbook. The gold standard college football analytics system SP+ projects a score of 35-6 in favor of the Buckeyes over the Michigan State Spartans, so the respondents in the survey were pretty fairly in line with the numbers.
As we do every week, members of the LGHL staff all made our predictions for the game. We’ve got score, storyline, and MVP picks, and while you should click on that link and see what we’ve got to say, I will tell you that I am going 42-6 in favor of the Buckeye. I went further in-depth on this morning’s edition of the “Land-Grant Tailgate Podcast,” which you can listen to below.
Login to view embedded media
Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Ohio State fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
You ask, we answer. Sometimes we ask, others answer. And then other times, we ask, we answer.
Throughout the Ohio State football season, we will be asking and answering questions about the team, college football, and anything else on our collective minds of varying degrees of importance. If you have a question that you would like to ask, you can tweet us @LandGrant33 or if you need more than 280 characters, send an email HERE.
Big Ten season is finally upon us as the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes travel to East Lansing, Michigan tonight to take on the Michigan State Spartans at 7:30 p.m. ET in a game to be streamed exclusively on Peacock. In our weekly fan survey, as we do every game week, we asked Buckeye Nation what they thought the margin of victory would be in the game tonight, but we also wanted to gauge their feelings on OSU’s national title chances.
The expectations for a Buckeye team are always to win the national title, but it feels different this year. The players have been saying “national title or bust,” but the road to a College Football Playoff Championship doesn’t feel as fraught as it has in recent memory, at least not to me. So, we polled the fandom to see where they are following the first three games of the season.
You can check out the collective responses below, and if you want to share your agreement (or disagreement), feel free to do so in the comments at the bottom of the page. You can also sign up to be a part of LGHL and SBNations’ weekly Reacts surveys here.
Question 1: How are you feeling about Ohio State’s non-conference performance?
I know that Ryan Day — and a certain segment of the Ohio State fandom — are primarily focused on the negative so far this season, but I’ve got to tell you, I am having more fun watching this team through three games than I have in a long time. Perhaps that has to do with me turning over the gameday controls to the Land-Grant Twitter account for the first time since 2017 meaning that I don’t have to see the real-time toxicity during games. Or, it could just be that this time is really good and really fun.
Obviously the Buckeyes haven’t been perfect, there are things to improve — still want to see the offensive line perform against better competition, would like the defensive line to create more havoc, and the special teams... woof — but through three not-very-competitive games, they have exceeded my expectations. I feel far more confident about this unit’s ability to win a national title than I have in recent years. So as they enter Big Ten play, all I have to say is Let’s F***ing Go!!!
So, while the respondents to this week’s survey were ever so close to being nice, I think they are right, but if I could straddle the good and great answers, that’s where I would be.
Question 2: What will the margin of victory be in Saturday’s game against Michigan State?
When odds for the game were released last Sunday, the Buckeyes opened as 24.5-point favorites according to the FanDuel Sportsbook. The gold standard college football analytics system SP+ projects a score of 35-6 in favor of the Buckeyes over the Michigan State Spartans, so the respondents in the survey were pretty fairly in line with the numbers.
As we do every week, members of the LGHL staff all made our predictions for the game. We’ve got score, storyline, and MVP picks, and while you should click on that link and see what we’ve got to say, I will tell you that I am going 42-6 in favor of the Buckeye. I went further in-depth on this morning’s edition of the “Land-Grant Tailgate Podcast,” which you can listen to below.
Login to view embedded media
Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Ohio State fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Continue reading...
LGHL Streaming expert has the best way to watch Ohio State vs. Michigan State without cable
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- 0 Replies
Streaming expert has the best way to watch Ohio State vs. Michigan State without cable
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images
It’s a Peacock-exclusive, so there’s really no other option this week.
The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes are back in action after an odd Week 3 bye. On Saturday, Sept. 21, they will welcome the Marshall Thundering Herd to Ohio Stadium. The Bucks and Broncos will kick off at 12 noon ET in a game airing on Fox. This will be OSU’s first Big Noon Game of the week, and with it comes the Big Noon Kickoff traveling road show. The pregame show will begin at 10 a.m. ET also on Fox.
This season, the Buckeyes will play on three different broadcast networks (CBS, Fox, and NBC), at least one cable channel (Big Ten Network), and exclusively on a streaming service (Peacock); it can be tough to keep up with where and how to watch your favorite team.
As cord-cutting has become far more the norm than the exception across the United States, it would not be a surprise if you gave up cable or a live-streaming service following last year’s season only to realize that it’s the day of the game and you have no way to watch it.
And I know it can be incredibly confusing to find the best way to watch a game in today’s entertainment landscape. Fortunately for you, I am something of a streaming expert... no really, I write about streaming services for a living. So, I am going to walk you through the best — and cheapest — ways for you to stream today’s game.
Game Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: Peacock
Broadcasters: Andrew Siciliano, Colt McCoy
Betting Line: Ohio State -23.5 | 48.5 o/u
Not only is this the best streaming option to watch the Ohio State vs. Michigan State game today, but it is, in fact, the only way to watch it at all. While having to sign up for a new streaming service just to watch your favorite team beat the snot out of an overmatched opponent (let’s hope) is not ideal, Peacock is about the best option for doing so that you could hope for.
NBCU has made the service one of the cheapest subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) platforms on the market. You can sign up for the ad-supported Peacock Premium for just $7.99 per month or the ad-free Premium Plus for $13.99. At one point, Comcast offered a version of Peacock for free and a subsidy to Xfinity cable and internet subscribers, but that is no longer the case. Also, there is no free trial to the service, so if you want to watch the Buckeyes and Sparty, you will need to cough up at least $8.
However, with all of the Big Ten action — and sports in general — on the streamer, it might be worth it keep the subscription moving forward, especially if you are a fan of “That’s what she said” jokes, real housewives, and four-chair turns.
Best Streaming Option for All College Football Games:
If you’re either looking for a streaming service just for this weekend of football or to watch as much college football as possible, then Hulu + Live TV very well might be the perfect option. Everyone who signs up gets a three-day free trial, so you can watch the entire college football Saturday, NFL Sunday, and “Monday Night Football” without having to pay a single penny.
But, if you are looking for something for the whole season, then Hulu is great because it comes with ESPN+ (more on that below), so in addition to all of the channels available on the live streaming service, you also get all of the streaming-exclusive games via the worldwide leader’s platform.
Hulu + Live TV has one of the few guaranteed multi-day free trials in the industry and provides nearly all of the major cable channels on the market. The basic package comes with all of the major broadcast network channels — all of which have college football — ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. It also has ESPN, ESPN2, Big Ten Network, FS1, FS2, ESPNU, CBS Sports Network, SEC Network, ACC Network, and the NFL Network (yes, they have college games) without having to sign up for any sports add-on plans. However, if you do want more sports, you can add NFL RedZone, MLB StrikeZone, FanDuel TV, the Tennis Channel, and more.
What’s great about Hulu + Live TV is that in addition to all of the broadcast and cable channels that you could possibly want, it also comes with the Disney Bundle for free. So, you also get the full on-demand Hulu library, Disney+, and ESPN+, which also has hundreds of college football games every season.
Currently, a subscription to Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month after your three-day free trial. However, that will go up to $82.99 in mid-October. But between now and then, this is the best choice for watching college football
DIRECTV STREAM: $79.99 per month five-day free trial
Sling TV: As low as $40 per month | First month 50% off | Get four months with all sports channels for $199.
Fubo: $84.99 per month, at least a one-day free trial
YouTube TV: $72.99 per month
Below is your Ohio State vs. Michigan State 2024 game thread. Be respectful, be kind and — as always — keep it classy, BuckeyeNation. If you like GIFs, lay ‘em on us. In all, be good fans, cheer for your teams, be cool to each other (even if somebody else isn’t) and everyone wins. Let’s finish the season strong!
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images
It’s a Peacock-exclusive, so there’s really no other option this week.
The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes are back in action after an odd Week 3 bye. On Saturday, Sept. 21, they will welcome the Marshall Thundering Herd to Ohio Stadium. The Bucks and Broncos will kick off at 12 noon ET in a game airing on Fox. This will be OSU’s first Big Noon Game of the week, and with it comes the Big Noon Kickoff traveling road show. The pregame show will begin at 10 a.m. ET also on Fox.
This season, the Buckeyes will play on three different broadcast networks (CBS, Fox, and NBC), at least one cable channel (Big Ten Network), and exclusively on a streaming service (Peacock); it can be tough to keep up with where and how to watch your favorite team.
As cord-cutting has become far more the norm than the exception across the United States, it would not be a surprise if you gave up cable or a live-streaming service following last year’s season only to realize that it’s the day of the game and you have no way to watch it.
And I know it can be incredibly confusing to find the best way to watch a game in today’s entertainment landscape. Fortunately for you, I am something of a streaming expert... no really, I write about streaming services for a living. So, I am going to walk you through the best — and cheapest — ways for you to stream today’s game.
How can I watch the No. 3 Ohio State vs. Michigan State college football game?
Game Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: Peacock
Broadcasters: Andrew Siciliano, Colt McCoy
Betting Line: Ohio State -23.5 | 48.5 o/u
Only Option to Stream Ohio State vs. Michigan State: Peacock
Not only is this the best streaming option to watch the Ohio State vs. Michigan State game today, but it is, in fact, the only way to watch it at all. While having to sign up for a new streaming service just to watch your favorite team beat the snot out of an overmatched opponent (let’s hope) is not ideal, Peacock is about the best option for doing so that you could hope for.
NBCU has made the service one of the cheapest subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) platforms on the market. You can sign up for the ad-supported Peacock Premium for just $7.99 per month or the ad-free Premium Plus for $13.99. At one point, Comcast offered a version of Peacock for free and a subsidy to Xfinity cable and internet subscribers, but that is no longer the case. Also, there is no free trial to the service, so if you want to watch the Buckeyes and Sparty, you will need to cough up at least $8.
However, with all of the Big Ten action — and sports in general — on the streamer, it might be worth it keep the subscription moving forward, especially if you are a fan of “That’s what she said” jokes, real housewives, and four-chair turns.
Best Streaming Option for All College Football Games:
Hulu + Live TV | 3-Day Free Trial
If you’re either looking for a streaming service just for this weekend of football or to watch as much college football as possible, then Hulu + Live TV very well might be the perfect option. Everyone who signs up gets a three-day free trial, so you can watch the entire college football Saturday, NFL Sunday, and “Monday Night Football” without having to pay a single penny.
But, if you are looking for something for the whole season, then Hulu is great because it comes with ESPN+ (more on that below), so in addition to all of the channels available on the live streaming service, you also get all of the streaming-exclusive games via the worldwide leader’s platform.
Hulu + Live TV has one of the few guaranteed multi-day free trials in the industry and provides nearly all of the major cable channels on the market. The basic package comes with all of the major broadcast network channels — all of which have college football — ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. It also has ESPN, ESPN2, Big Ten Network, FS1, FS2, ESPNU, CBS Sports Network, SEC Network, ACC Network, and the NFL Network (yes, they have college games) without having to sign up for any sports add-on plans. However, if you do want more sports, you can add NFL RedZone, MLB StrikeZone, FanDuel TV, the Tennis Channel, and more.
What’s great about Hulu + Live TV is that in addition to all of the broadcast and cable channels that you could possibly want, it also comes with the Disney Bundle for free. So, you also get the full on-demand Hulu library, Disney+, and ESPN+, which also has hundreds of college football games every season.
Currently, a subscription to Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month after your three-day free trial. However, that will go up to $82.99 in mid-October. But between now and then, this is the best choice for watching college football
Other Streaming Options for College Football Week 5:
DIRECTV STREAM: $79.99 per month five-day free trial
Sling TV: As low as $40 per month | First month 50% off | Get four months with all sports channels for $199.
Fubo: $84.99 per month, at least a one-day free trial
YouTube TV: $72.99 per month
Join the conversation
Below is your Ohio State vs. Michigan State 2024 game thread. Be respectful, be kind and — as always — keep it classy, BuckeyeNation. If you like GIFs, lay ‘em on us. In all, be good fans, cheer for your teams, be cool to each other (even if somebody else isn’t) and everyone wins. Let’s finish the season strong!
Continue reading...
LGHL Ryan Day provides final updates before Ohio State opens Big Ten play at Michigan State
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- 0 Replies
Ryan Day provides final updates before Ohio State opens Big Ten play at Michigan State
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images
All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.
Look, we get it. Your days are busy and you don’t have time to read all of the stories and tweets from the three dozen websites dedicated to covering Ohio State athletics, or the 237 Buckeye beat writers churning out hot takes and #content on a daily basis. But that’s ok, that’s what your friends at Land-Grant Holy Land are here for.
Monday through Friday, we’ll be collecting all of the articles, tweets, features, interviews, videos, podcasts, memes, photos, and whatever else we stumble across on the interwebz and putting them in our daily “Why is this News?” article. That way, you’ll have a one-stop shop for all of the most important Buckeye news, jokes, and analysis.
You’re welcome!
Subscribe to the Land-Grant Podcast Network for all of your Ohio State needs
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio
Ryan Day is wrong, there is plenty to feel good about concerning this Ohio State team
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land
Ryan Day provides update on Jayden Fielding, kicking situation for Week 5
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row
Ryan Day Radio Show: Ryan Day Says Michigan State QB Aidan Chiles is “Very Dangerous” and That the Spartans “Certainly Have Our Attention” As Ohio State Starts Big Ten Play
Chase Brown, Eleven Warriors
How can Ohio State football beat Michigan State? Three keys for its Big Ten opener
Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch
Three Keys for Buckeyes in primetime showdown at Michigan State
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
Ohio State has owned Michigan State football lately; the MSU defense wants to end that
Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press
Things you need to know about Michigan State — and a few you don’t need to know, but are fun anyway
Josh Dooley, Land-Grant Holy Land
Football: Cody Simon Named to Witten Man of the Year Watch List
Oio State Athletics
Film Study: Curious Decisions with the Defensive Structure and More Dominance on the Ground Against Marshall
Kyle Jones, Eleven Warriors
Evaluating grades beyond box score as Buckeyes head into Big Ten opener
Austin Ward, Dotting The Eyes
Jeremiah Smith still learning from mistakes amid incredible start to career
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
Ryan Day confident in Tegra Tshabola, Austin Siereveld; Buckeyes will continue to rotate at right guard
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Patience a virtue? OSU’s Jackson learned it with hamstring injury
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch
MC&J: Week 5 in the Big Ten features Ohio State’s first road game
Brett Ludwiczak, Land-Grant Holy Land
Cotie McMahon earns preseason All-Big Ten honor for Ohio State women’s basketball
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land
OSU hoops coach Jake Diebler must win now
Rob Oller, The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State men’s basketball player preview: Sean Stewart
Justin Golba, Land-Grant Holy Land
Cannot wait for Season 2 to come out.
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images
All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.
Look, we get it. Your days are busy and you don’t have time to read all of the stories and tweets from the three dozen websites dedicated to covering Ohio State athletics, or the 237 Buckeye beat writers churning out hot takes and #content on a daily basis. But that’s ok, that’s what your friends at Land-Grant Holy Land are here for.
Monday through Friday, we’ll be collecting all of the articles, tweets, features, interviews, videos, podcasts, memes, photos, and whatever else we stumble across on the interwebz and putting them in our daily “Why is this News?” article. That way, you’ll have a one-stop shop for all of the most important Buckeye news, jokes, and analysis.
You’re welcome!
For your Earholes...
Subscribe to the Land-Grant Podcast Network for all of your Ohio State needs
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio
On the Gridiron
Ryan Day is wrong, there is plenty to feel good about concerning this Ohio State team
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land
Ryan Day provides update on Jayden Fielding, kicking situation for Week 5
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row
Ryan Day Radio Show: Ryan Day Says Michigan State QB Aidan Chiles is “Very Dangerous” and That the Spartans “Certainly Have Our Attention” As Ohio State Starts Big Ten Play
Chase Brown, Eleven Warriors
How can Ohio State football beat Michigan State? Three keys for its Big Ten opener
Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch
Three Keys for Buckeyes in primetime showdown at Michigan State
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
Ohio State has owned Michigan State football lately; the MSU defense wants to end that
Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press
Things you need to know about Michigan State — and a few you don’t need to know, but are fun anyway
Josh Dooley, Land-Grant Holy Land
ICYMIRyan Day and the Buckeyes spoke to the media yesterday ahead of their first B1G Ten matchup of the season
For more on the Buckeyes#GoBucks | https://t.co/jxMn2cbilq pic.twitter.com/b6yI5Vm5Hb
— Ohio State Buckeyes (@OhioStAthletics) September 26, 2024
Football: Cody Simon Named to Witten Man of the Year Watch List
Oio State Athletics
Film Study: Curious Decisions with the Defensive Structure and More Dominance on the Ground Against Marshall
Kyle Jones, Eleven Warriors
Evaluating grades beyond box score as Buckeyes head into Big Ten opener
Austin Ward, Dotting The Eyes
Jeremiah Smith still learning from mistakes amid incredible start to career
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
#CFB’s Fastest Five Players of Week:
T2. @OhioStateFB’s Quinshon Judkins
RB, 86-yard TD Run 21.4 MPH️@quinshon_ #BuckeyeNation #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/FMEMDTMbdG
— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) September 25, 2024
Ryan Day confident in Tegra Tshabola, Austin Siereveld; Buckeyes will continue to rotate at right guard
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Patience a virtue? OSU’s Jackson learned it with hamstring injury
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch
MC&J: Week 5 in the Big Ten features Ohio State’s first road game
Brett Ludwiczak, Land-Grant Holy Land
On the Hardwood
Cotie McMahon earns preseason All-Big Ten honor for Ohio State women’s basketball
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land
OSU hoops coach Jake Diebler must win now
Rob Oller, The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State men’s basketball player preview: Sean Stewart
Justin Golba, Land-Grant Holy Land
And now for something completely different...
Cannot wait for Season 2 to come out.
Continue reading...
LGHL MC&J: Georgia and Alabama’s clash is the star of Week 5’s national slate
- News
- 0 Replies
MC&J: Georgia and Alabama’s clash is the star of Week 5’s national slate
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images
Picks for the Bulldogs-Crimson Tide and six other fun games nationally on Saturday’s schedule.
Last week ATS: 11-8 (4-3 National, 7-5 B1G)
Season ATS: 42-38 (13-12 National, 29-26 B1G)
My picks for this week’s games involving Big Ten teams can be found here.
No. 20 Oklahoma State v. No. 23 Kansas State (-4.5) - 12:00 p.m. ET - ESPN
Both Oklahoma State and Kansas State enter this game coming off tough losses. The fourth quarter rally of the Cowboys against Utah fell short, while the Wildcats were dominated by BYU in Provo. With each team having a conference loss, this has the feel of an elimination game in the Big 12.
Where has Ollie Gordon II been this season? After rushing for 126 yards in the opener against South Dakota State, the Oklahoma State running back hasn’t cracked 50 yards on the ground in the last three games. The Cowboys need Gordon to get back on track since Alan Bowman is a decent quarterback, he’s just not a game-changer.
On the other hand, Avery Johnson has the potential to be the difference in games. I’ll chalk up his performance against BYU to it being his first real road test. The Wildcats completely shut down Arizona in Manhattan a couple of weeks ago and I can see them making life miserable for Mike Gundy and company.
Kansas State 35, Oklahoma State 20
No. 22 BYU v. Baylor (-3.5) - 12:00 p.m. ET - FS1
What am I missing here? Sure BYU has to hit the road, but it’s not like Waco has any mystique as a place that is tough to win at. Also, you have to wonder what letting Colorado tie the game on a hail mary on the last play of the fourth quarter, followed by losing in overtime will do to the Bears.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25645358/2171352359.jpg "BYU v SMU")
Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images
BYU is looking better with each outing. The Cougars have won three of four games by at least 20 points, with their only tight game being an 18-15 win at SMU. Could we have a Jake Retzlaff Heisman campaign starting? Even though I’m joking about that, the BYU quarterback has been very impressive this season. Retzlaff adds to his legend by keeping the Cougars undefeated with a win in Waco on Saturday
BYU 27, Baylor 17
No. 15 Louisville v. No. 16 Notre Dame (-6.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - Peacock
Notre Dame has rebounded from their shocking loss to Northern Illinois with wins over Purdue and Miami (OH). I’m still not sold on the Fighting Irish, though. Riley Leonard is very pedestrian at quarterback, which could make a huge difference in this game. We saw in their loss earlier this season just how much Leonard can’t be trusted when the pressure is raised.
Do you want to know who has been sneaky good this year? Louisville’s Tyler Shough. The former Oregon and Texas Tech quarterback hasn’t thrown a pick so far in three games this year while tossing eight touchdowns. After doubting the Cardinals last week against Georgia Tech, I joined the bandwagon and backed them to add to Marcus Freeman’s problems.
Louisville 31, Notre Dame 27
Arkansas v. No. 24 Texas A&M (-3.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - ESPN
I’m trying to figure out why Texas A&M is ranked aside from the voters trying to pack the poll with SEC teams. The Aggies lost at home to Notre Dame, won in Gainesville against a weak Florida team, and struggled with Bowling Green. You can’t honestly tell me they are one of the best 25 teams in the country.
Arkansas has to be kicking themselves for not finishing off Oklahoma State in Stillwater. Imagine where a 5-0 Razorbacks team would be ranked! Taylen Green has been entertaining this year. It hasn’t all been good, but at least it has been fun to watch. Running back Ja’Quindon Johnson already has eight rushing touchdowns this year, cracking 100 yards on the ground in three of four games.
The annual meeting in JerryWorld so be another interesting contest. This feels like SEC version of El Assico. I like how Arkansas has been playing more than the Aggies this year, so I’ll grab the points on the neutral field.
Arkansas 28, Texas A&M 24
No. 21 Oklahoma (-2.5) v. Auburn - 3:40 p.m. ET - ABC
This game has beautiful disaster written all over it. Oklahoma had an SEC debut they would love to forget, not putting up much of a fight in Norman against former quarterback and assistant coach Josh Heupel and his Tennessee Volunteers. Adding to their issues, there are quarterback issues with Jackson Arnold having some underwhelming performances.
Auburn is also coming off a 10-point loss at home in their SEC opener against Arkansas. The Tigers already have two losses at Jordan-Hare after falling to Cal a few weeks ago. Even though Auburn’s offense hasn’t look good, I just think Oklahoma has some problems right now on offense. This feels like a low-scoring game with some shenanigans.
Auburn 23, Oklahoma 20
No. 2 Georgia (-2.5) v. No. 4 Alabama - 7:30 p.m. ET - ABC
Normally we would be salivating for this matchup. With the expansion of the playoff, the game loses a bit of luster just because there’s a very good chance we could see this in the SEC Championship Game, and in the playoff. This will be the first installment of Kirby Smart against Kalen DeBoer.
Last time we saw the Crimson Tide they were toying with Wisconsin in Madison. Jalen Milroe has yet to throw an interception this year and rushed for two touchdowns in each of Alabama’s first three games. The level of difficulty will turn up on Saturday night when he tries to solve a Georgia defense that has yet to allow a touchdown.
Both teams will be coming off bye weeks, so they are fresh. I have a feeling Georgia is going to respond a little better. I’m sure Kirby Smart wasn’t too happy with a 13-12 win last time out at Kentucky and he likely let his team know about it the last two weeks. The same mistakes won’t be made on Saturday.
Georgia 31, Alabama 21
Washington State v. No. 25 Boise State (-7.5) - 10:00 p.m. ET - FS1
This matchup is fascinating to me. Washington State is undefeated and if they beat the Broncos they would have an inside track to the Group of Five playoff spot since they have a manageable schedule the rest of the way. John Mateer has been a fun watch this season. The quarterback has 16 total touchdowns for the Cougars, who are coming off a thrilling 54-52 overtime win against San Jose State.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25645359/2172497769.jpg "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 20 San Jose State at Washington State")
Photo by Oliver McKenna/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Winning in Boise won’t be easy. The Broncos are 2-1 this year, with their only setback being a close loss in Eugene to Oregon. Running back Ashton Jeanty has run wild so far this season, rolling up nearly 600 yards and nine touchdowns this year.
I’m rooting for the Washington State magic to continue so I’ll take the points here. Mateer outduels Jeanty on the blue turf in a high-scoring thriller.
Washington State 38, Boise State 34
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Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
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Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images
Picks for the Bulldogs-Crimson Tide and six other fun games nationally on Saturday’s schedule.
Last week ATS: 11-8 (4-3 National, 7-5 B1G)
Season ATS: 42-38 (13-12 National, 29-26 B1G)
My picks for this week’s games involving Big Ten teams can be found here.
National games:
No. 20 Oklahoma State v. No. 23 Kansas State (-4.5) - 12:00 p.m. ET - ESPN
Both Oklahoma State and Kansas State enter this game coming off tough losses. The fourth quarter rally of the Cowboys against Utah fell short, while the Wildcats were dominated by BYU in Provo. With each team having a conference loss, this has the feel of an elimination game in the Big 12.
Where has Ollie Gordon II been this season? After rushing for 126 yards in the opener against South Dakota State, the Oklahoma State running back hasn’t cracked 50 yards on the ground in the last three games. The Cowboys need Gordon to get back on track since Alan Bowman is a decent quarterback, he’s just not a game-changer.
On the other hand, Avery Johnson has the potential to be the difference in games. I’ll chalk up his performance against BYU to it being his first real road test. The Wildcats completely shut down Arizona in Manhattan a couple of weeks ago and I can see them making life miserable for Mike Gundy and company.
Kansas State 35, Oklahoma State 20
No. 22 BYU v. Baylor (-3.5) - 12:00 p.m. ET - FS1
What am I missing here? Sure BYU has to hit the road, but it’s not like Waco has any mystique as a place that is tough to win at. Also, you have to wonder what letting Colorado tie the game on a hail mary on the last play of the fourth quarter, followed by losing in overtime will do to the Bears.
BYU is looking better with each outing. The Cougars have won three of four games by at least 20 points, with their only tight game being an 18-15 win at SMU. Could we have a Jake Retzlaff Heisman campaign starting? Even though I’m joking about that, the BYU quarterback has been very impressive this season. Retzlaff adds to his legend by keeping the Cougars undefeated with a win in Waco on Saturday
BYU 27, Baylor 17
No. 15 Louisville v. No. 16 Notre Dame (-6.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - Peacock
Notre Dame has rebounded from their shocking loss to Northern Illinois with wins over Purdue and Miami (OH). I’m still not sold on the Fighting Irish, though. Riley Leonard is very pedestrian at quarterback, which could make a huge difference in this game. We saw in their loss earlier this season just how much Leonard can’t be trusted when the pressure is raised.
Do you want to know who has been sneaky good this year? Louisville’s Tyler Shough. The former Oregon and Texas Tech quarterback hasn’t thrown a pick so far in three games this year while tossing eight touchdowns. After doubting the Cardinals last week against Georgia Tech, I joined the bandwagon and backed them to add to Marcus Freeman’s problems.
Louisville 31, Notre Dame 27
Arkansas v. No. 24 Texas A&M (-3.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - ESPN
I’m trying to figure out why Texas A&M is ranked aside from the voters trying to pack the poll with SEC teams. The Aggies lost at home to Notre Dame, won in Gainesville against a weak Florida team, and struggled with Bowling Green. You can’t honestly tell me they are one of the best 25 teams in the country.
Arkansas has to be kicking themselves for not finishing off Oklahoma State in Stillwater. Imagine where a 5-0 Razorbacks team would be ranked! Taylen Green has been entertaining this year. It hasn’t all been good, but at least it has been fun to watch. Running back Ja’Quindon Johnson already has eight rushing touchdowns this year, cracking 100 yards on the ground in three of four games.
The annual meeting in JerryWorld so be another interesting contest. This feels like SEC version of El Assico. I like how Arkansas has been playing more than the Aggies this year, so I’ll grab the points on the neutral field.
Arkansas 28, Texas A&M 24
No. 21 Oklahoma (-2.5) v. Auburn - 3:40 p.m. ET - ABC
This game has beautiful disaster written all over it. Oklahoma had an SEC debut they would love to forget, not putting up much of a fight in Norman against former quarterback and assistant coach Josh Heupel and his Tennessee Volunteers. Adding to their issues, there are quarterback issues with Jackson Arnold having some underwhelming performances.
Auburn is also coming off a 10-point loss at home in their SEC opener against Arkansas. The Tigers already have two losses at Jordan-Hare after falling to Cal a few weeks ago. Even though Auburn’s offense hasn’t look good, I just think Oklahoma has some problems right now on offense. This feels like a low-scoring game with some shenanigans.
Auburn 23, Oklahoma 20
No. 2 Georgia (-2.5) v. No. 4 Alabama - 7:30 p.m. ET - ABC
Normally we would be salivating for this matchup. With the expansion of the playoff, the game loses a bit of luster just because there’s a very good chance we could see this in the SEC Championship Game, and in the playoff. This will be the first installment of Kirby Smart against Kalen DeBoer.
Last time we saw the Crimson Tide they were toying with Wisconsin in Madison. Jalen Milroe has yet to throw an interception this year and rushed for two touchdowns in each of Alabama’s first three games. The level of difficulty will turn up on Saturday night when he tries to solve a Georgia defense that has yet to allow a touchdown.
Both teams will be coming off bye weeks, so they are fresh. I have a feeling Georgia is going to respond a little better. I’m sure Kirby Smart wasn’t too happy with a 13-12 win last time out at Kentucky and he likely let his team know about it the last two weeks. The same mistakes won’t be made on Saturday.
Georgia 31, Alabama 21
Washington State v. No. 25 Boise State (-7.5) - 10:00 p.m. ET - FS1
This matchup is fascinating to me. Washington State is undefeated and if they beat the Broncos they would have an inside track to the Group of Five playoff spot since they have a manageable schedule the rest of the way. John Mateer has been a fun watch this season. The quarterback has 16 total touchdowns for the Cougars, who are coming off a thrilling 54-52 overtime win against San Jose State.
Winning in Boise won’t be easy. The Broncos are 2-1 this year, with their only setback being a close loss in Eugene to Oregon. Running back Ashton Jeanty has run wild so far this season, rolling up nearly 600 yards and nine touchdowns this year.
I’m rooting for the Washington State magic to continue so I’ll take the points here. Mateer outduels Jeanty on the blue turf in a high-scoring thriller.
Washington State 38, Boise State 34
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