Well, here we go again. Not exactly. Things have changed for the better. No, I’m not talking about THAT change. I am here to report that the North Harrison Cougars won Sectional 31 of the Class 3A Indiana High School Football Playoffs last night.
The final was 8-7 and it was a beauty. We’ll talk more about this game later this weekend. I need it to marinate and savor just a little while longer, before we speak the rights about this one.
Today the Michigan Wolverines come calling to Memorial Stadium to take on the Indiana Hoosiers. And get this, Michigan is 5-4 and Indiana is 9-0. Say it with me! INDIANA is 9-0! They will get to 10 wins today for the first time in school history. My truly positive feelings about Coach Tom Allen notwithstanding, Indiana was 9-27 in the previous three seasons before this one. Let that sink in. It does not compute. That is why the Paul Finebaum’s and Kirk Herbstreit’s of the world still think Michigan will beat Indiana today, even if they tell you otherwise. Then when the Indiana Hoosiers beat Ohio State in two weeks, it might not even be a quality win just because Ohio State was defeated by Indiana. That is what the Hoosiers are still up against, even at 9-0. They can’t win when they win. I have never been a fan of the old adage “perception is reality”. My Oxford English Dictionary argues that. Maybe 10 wins will change some of that with the SEC snobs. No, probably not. I already said it would take 2 National Championships in 3 years to move that muddy needle. Hornsby said it best. That’s just the way it is. Some things will never change.
Let’s get to the picks! Last week was a weak one. 8 winners and 6 losers. Season total: 102 winners and 38 losers.
Texas beats Florida… There is a germ in me that says the Horns come out slow. Still, they win.
Rutgers beats Minnesota… I like the Scarlet Knights at home.
Ohio State beats Purdue…. Gives the Buckeyes an extra week of rest before they face the Hoosiers.
Cincinnati beats West Virginia… The Bearcats are scrappy and always play well at home.
Clemson beats Virginia Tech… After the loss they had to Louisville, the Tigers will be hungry.
Duke beats NC State… Short ride from Durham to Raleigh. Happy short ride home.
Ole Miss beats Georgia… Yes, at home with all to prove. Vaught-Hemmingway will be rocking.
Indiana beats Michigan… Y’all know what I think about this one. But chew on this: In 40 major team stats, Indiana is either #s 1, 2, or 3 in 29 of those 40. 17 of those 40 they are ranked #1.
South Carolina beats Vanderbilt… The mighty Commodores go down today.
Oregon beats Maryland… Sure hope Maryland pulls one off here.
Tennessee beats Mississippi State… Night game on Rocky Top. Lots of noise and rowdies and Vol TDs.
Alabama beats LSU… I know Coach Kelly is 13-0 in night games at LSU. I just take Milroe over Nussmeier in a battle of QBs. See who turns the ball over.
Notre Dame beats Florida State… Contractual obligations had to be involved to put this clunker on NBC during primetime.
Pitt beats Virginia… Pitt looks to rebound after a loss to SMU. look out for those ponies.
BONUS PICKS….
Montreal beats Toronto in the CFL Eastern Final… I am rooting for Chad Kelly and the Argos. But the Als should take this one.
Winnipeg beats Saskatchewan in the CFL Western Final… Think Green Bay Packers here. The Bombers and Riders are the last two community-owned teams in the CFL. They are feeling the love. I think Trevor Harris will let a ball or two sail and the Blue Bombers will take proper notice. Their D has been solid.
The Grey Cup is next Sunday.
Hey! Have a great weekend.
Speaking the rights…
Danny Johnson