Thank you to all out there that have asked about, prayed for, sent cards, texted me, sent messages or called my Dad while he has gone through his hip replacement surgery. In the dictionary under “hard head” you may find a picture of him. If the dictionary is true, you will. But I am delighted that he is making progress and I know one day he will be out on the golf course again blaming his new hip for a missed putt or a short chip. But at least he will be there having a good time. I thank you all.
Last night the North Harrison Cougars overcame a sluggish start and finally got in gear to cruise past the Eastern Musketeers by a score of 40-14. The Cougars are now 6-0 and will play a homecoming match-up against the Silver Creek Dragons who are also 6-0. This will be a first. Two 6-0 teams meeting in Ramsey. I must be dreaming.
On Friday night the hill will be packed. The corn will be shelled and I, for one, look forward to a great game. I am very greedy. When it comes to the Cougars I want to see more wins and more wins and I would also like to see a field goal soar through the uprights that travels longer than 38 yards. I know that ultimately the game situation will have to dictate whether this happens or not for the good of the cause. I also know I had a good view of the one that went over the goalpost from that distance. I want one to go farther! I want someone else in a Cougar jersey to know what that feels like. Don’t get me wrong. The kick that beat the Braves last week will always be “the kick” to me. How does it get better? Do it again in the sectional? Perhaps. Let’s just not get ahead of ourselves. One game at a time and all that good coach speak.
Three walnuts just fell from the tree behind me in the backyard. It is a sign that I need to move on to my college football picks. This morning is the only chance to breathe easy out of doors today so I am out here with my coffee and my picks before the heat and insensitive air take control out here.
Oh, a shout out to my friends in Brownstown. I know that beating Seymour last night just got their season rebooted after losing to the Cougars last week. Jackson County is an interesting place. They call the game there The Jackson Bowl. No offense to the one who came up with that nomenclature…but it is not very good name for a football game. The Watermelon Bowl makes much more sense in the realm of historic context games that are associated with fruit. That and the fact that greater watermelons you will not find outside Jackson County… plus T-shirts they print for the game every year could take on a much better theme. The Jackson Bowl? Phooey. Give me Watermelon or give me….a candy bar!
On the the picks….
Last week I was 8-4. For the season, 27 winners and 9 losers so far. It could get worse. It has before. I am not going to touch Iowa and Penn State tonight. There is not a game I look forward to more this weekend. I can’t pick against the Hawkeyes. I don’t have it in me. I am leading with my heart on at least one other pick and that will be that.
Louisville beats Kent State….Lou Holtz couldn’t help the Golden Flashes. U of L still washing the multiple stains out of their pants from last week’s Clemson debacle.
Florida State beats NC State…The Seminoles are ready to play again. Well rested and ready to score.
Alabama beats Vandy...Of course they do. Vandy is improved. Translation: 30 point loss instead of 40 point loss. The Tide Rolls on.
Duke beats North Carolina…No this is not my sentimental pick. I really do believe Duke will win. Have you seen them this year? They play good defense.
Indiana beats Georgia Southern…They will beat them…but it may not be by much. Emotion high for both teams coming in to this one.
USC beats Cal...The USC-Texas game last week was a September classic. Might be mid-November before we see a game that good again this season.
Clemson beats Boston College…Not exactly Puddin’ State, but BC is no match for the speed Clemson possesses on both sides of the ball.
Georgia beats Miss. State…I pass my heart to old Silverbritches. UGA needs to come through for the betterment of college football.
Florida beats Kentucky…Chris Doering won’t be suiting up for the Gators but his memory will. 24 years ago he caught a TD pass with 2 seconds left to secure the Top Ten Gators from being embarrassed even more in Lexington. 24-20 the Gators won. The Gators have won 30 straight over UK. Make it 31. My apologies to Mikey Mike Raymond.
UCLA beats Stanford…Josh Rosen bounces back in their own time zone.
Auburn beats Mizzou…Tigers v. Tigers
Purdue beats Michigan…That is my upset and I am sticking to it. Michigan has not been that impressive. Purdue has. Purdue looks like a workhorse and Michigan looks like a show pony that has to be awakened to perform. The workhorse is going to come up with a crucial special teams play or a turnover or two to make the difference. I have been wrong before.
Have great weekend everyone!
Speaking the rights…
Danny Johnson