Was walking into the kitchen and saw this down the hill from the backyard.  Walk outside and had to take this.  It was a nice repose from a day that needed it.

So this week the Big Ten changes the rules to appease the blue bloods and the dollar signs.  Before this season of covid challenge began an edict went out to all Big Ten participating members.  Though shalt play in at least six conference games to earn the right to play in the Big Ten title game was how we understood it.  When the rule was written they forgot to add an addendum that said unless you are Ohio State.

I know this is not the normal season.  Hence the rule was put in by the Big Ten.  Why not?  I mean, how can you not expect some tweaks to a football season that is not the norm?  Had Ohio State been ranked #4 and only played 3 games would we still be here?  How could we know?  It will go down in history as the Indiana Rule.  How will we ever forget this season?  The rule stands unless Indiana is in the way.  Then we change it.  Indiana is 6-1.  Ohio State is 5-0.  Indiana played the number of games that were expected to participate in the Big Ten Championship Game.  Ohio State did not.  That is why the Big Ten had to change the rule.  The Indiana Rule.

While we are at it, this season was the best example yet that is testament to the need to eliminate preseason polls.  Let us get to week 5 before we decide who belongs there instead of counting on pedigree.  No offense to Bama or Clemson or Notre Dame or fill in the blue blood blank.  Let’s get down the road a piece before we decide a team that has yet to play a game is number 1 or 3 or 7 or 18.  We  know the usual cast of characters.  They are embedded in our college football landscapes.  But if ESPN is going to pay more than 5 times what CBS is paying for the right to broadcast the SEC football game of the week, well, lets just start making divisions and playoffs in every semi-pro region.  That is ridiculous.

And so it goes.  

Glad I had that nice picture to take this afternoon.

This week’s picks:

Bama beats Arkansas…Won’t be close.

Georgia beats Mizzou…Bulldogs are still playing for something.

Northwestern beats Illinois…And just like that the Wildcats become my favorite team this week.

Minnesota beats Nebraska…This might be the other way around.

Wake Forest beats Louisville….Might miss this one too.  Just have a feeling for the boys from Winston-Salem.

North Carolina beats Miami…The Tar Heels have a good team.

Army beats Navy…Jarrett was in the Army.  Can’t root for Navy.

Iowa beats Swissconsin…And I hope it is not even close.  Go Hawkeyes!

Tennessee beats Vandy...Poor old Vandy.

Florida beats LSU…LSU has had a time.  No better this week.

Auburn beats Mississippi State….Hope I miss this one.  Enjoy watching a Mike Leach team.

UCLA beats USC…Hate to miss this one in The Rose Bowl.  Been to the last two there between these teams.

2020 has given me a chance to count my blessings.  You look back at bit when you can’t look around like you want to.  Looking ahead seems like a tempt of fate in some regard.  Going to college football games has been that way for me.

I picked 12 games this week.  Looking at the teams, the only ones I have not seen in person in my lifetime are:  Navy, Florida, and believe it or not, Mississippi State.  The other 21 I have seen at one time or another.  I am blessed.  

I hope we all have a healthy weekend.  I have heard many a sad story involving poor health and loss within some folks I know.  Been a tough week.

Get some rest this weekend and if you need to, speak the rights!

Danny Johnson