Stanford Steve and the Bear is presented by all state, save money like a champion with all states new lower auto rates Visit allstate.com or call an agent for a quote today championship savings for the win The underdog is howling Stanford Steve and the Bear Ah, yes a home team getting points. What's better than that? Welcome in last Stanford Steve and the Bear podcast of the 2021 year bear. How are you?
Calendar year calendar year. Sorry. It's okay. I knew I knew you would fix me We will have something prior to the National Championship Team.
Yes calendar year. Good catch by you. Where are you? Thursday was one of those three were those fun travel days.
So I'll just say let's start here. Where are you? I'm in Palandale Miami, south, florida Here for game day in the and the on the georgia, michigan semi-final more georgia michigan in the airport. I Fort Lauderdale, come on.
No signs of life. Especially this early. Especially this early Even though last night at dinner, there were more than There were more Michigan than Georgia. Okay.
All right. That gives us a feel. We'll get to those games later on Obviously the combo and the orange bowl are the semi-finals, but we got games before that before we get started I just want to mention a couple things first. Listen to the SVPOD this week We will have a full Christmas recap what Scott's looking forward to and possibly if he has a new year New years resolution.
That's my big question. We will be he will be answering Scott and I will be with you probably later in the week So look for that wherever you get your podcast listen and follow the SVPOD wherever you get your podcast and watch NBA today at three Eastern New Pacific on ESPN and ESPN app or listen to the show as a podcast A lot has happened bear since we've Last joined we got less games added games New point spreads that really just jumped out to me as I saw the week for this rockers line that we will get to But I I was want to say like good for central Michigan and Washington state and the people involved and sorry to barstool that they're gonna Lose the game. Well, I'm glad these guys I was listening to the Memphis has coach silverfield tell the story about how He found out and had to break the news to his team that they were in Hawaii and they were not going to be playing the next day in the Hawaii Bowl and they literally were in team meetings getting ready to go to their last meal As as a team the night before the game and that's when he had to break it to him and to hear him tell the story about how guys just You know walked out and went up to the room tears everywhere and thinking about the you know the super seniors that came back Memphis had a chance to be the first team in school history to win back to back bowl games That that kind of hit me man Uh to hear and the guys that the time is invested and then you hear that Hawaii practiced that day And then made the decision to cancel is just brutal. So it was I wonder I think the Hawaii deal was a real bad situation and again, I'm not gonna put any Words and anybody's mouth, but you know what?
Like I almost get a sense that was a lot more Just Hawaii not wanting to play the game the players kind of revolting against Graham and then yes I'm sure there were all my issues and globally which are all throughout the world But for for Memphis to fly basically halfway around the world and then find out in that matter just sucks And you gotta team like you can't rely on it too. We've kind of been building and come so close the last couple of years You're getting belowable and they're excited about being in a ball game and then that game gets hands And they're down here in DC bear like they're going sightseeing and they're doing all the activities I mean they're at the Capitol they're at the White House they're down all over the monuments taking it all in which you should do in a Bowl game and Poof it's gone and like I said the the toughest thing is to realize and you don't realize it when you're in the moment They're on that team. That's the last time that group's gonna be together I don't matter what um something's gonna happen where somebody else can't be there down the road if you do a reunion I've been there and I just hope everybody's I was saying brace the journey And I just sucks that that they didn't get to take the field those teams that didn't so My thoughts are with you not being able to lace them up That last time with your guys. So sorry to all those We do still have games Schedule games and we got lines on those games.
So let's move to uh Thursday December 30th 11 30 a.m. Eastern your Duke's mail bowl the Carolina bowl North Carolina South Carolina Um, I'm not a mail guy. We've talked about it, but I will be watching this game Uh Carolina is a big big favorite and minus nine. I wow.
All right. So this went down a little bit I thought I saw 10 out there earlier in a week over under 58 Are you going with your underdog theory here, which has been pretty pretty good bear? Yeah, if I have it, I don't love the game I just don't know how good South Carolina's offense is but But again, I would I would take South Carolina here Uh, I think most people will be on North Carolina here just because of somehow playing and coming back and trying to use this game as a Straight and springboard for last bit of game tape for his for his rough status But I think it's an opportunity there's a lot of excitement around the South Carolina program right now With the great signing class that they had with Spencer Rattler transferring in So it kind of feels like a side night and a half You get not in half at most places With the game got the fields like an opportunity for Machine Beamer and that team to which surprise ball team for this year With the momentum that they've had in the last a couple of weeks or so to kind of continue on and play a good game North Carolina's been a very disappointing team on most disappointing teams in the country this year Um, but I'm sure they'll be excited to play just because of the recruiting ramifications and the The rivalry there, but even during the regular season when they see him play to start the season up for most part These games were close games. I love I actually took South Carolina and there's a little bulk pickle pulls that we do So that would be the side I would suggest here.
Okay. I will say this Um, you know people have their opinions on Mac Brown I always think about him in these kinds of situations where he can muster up some stuff to get these guys ready to go They are a big favorite I go back to last year when they played A&M with hardly half the roster and they battled and how it was Awesome in that performance and they almost pulled it off And now this year I would guess this is gonna be uh how was last last game and I think they I think there'll be they'll be motivated to play this No one there is that you know, North Carolina, South Carolina border war whatever you want to call it Um, but I also think max a guy that's gonna know he wants to use these practices to get better and that defense can only get better And I think there's an opportunity here. You'd mentioned it how good is South Carolina's offense I'm still not a believer the numbers will tell you not to be a believer But they they must turn it up and got and got and got in them in a bowl where and they one game is down the stretch They weren't supposed to win. Um, so I think this is gonna be a competitive game I don't want I don't want to give nine points knowing what I've seen from that Carolina defense But it wouldn't be surprised me if they played with a better effort and and and and execute better on the defensive side No one that South Carolina is not really capable.
Um, South Carolina's defense has been good Um, but we'll see what well how it does. I'm room for him. I think the world of the kid And I really want to see him do well going out in his last game in that uniform So it's a stayway like like you. I took South Carolina in in the pickle pool.
So with the points obviously Um, so that's the old dukes male bowl later on that day We have Tennessee and Purdue. I was able to get um, Tennessee plus two and a half I think I got it at Yeah, when it first came out thinking that there was gonna be some opt-outs for Purdue now. It's Tennessee minus six um any field here You know, it's it's hard to to lay six now, but then again, you said kind of said the same thing about the western Michigan An Nevada game and that turned out to be a complete annihilation So is there an opportunity for that to happen here? Maybe I would still look at playing the over 64 and a half here Uh, we know Tennessee's defense has not been very good I still think with a lot of quarterback they're gonna be throwing even without bell Uh, that they'll be throwing the ball basically every play and opportunity to put up some points and you know, you know, uh A lot like South Carolina kind of an unexpected bowl seaboard for a for the voll's hookers saying he's coming back next year to To run it back and again, there's excitement around the Tennessee program right now in that offense I think without core lap this in the lineup or Purdue will put up some points I could easily see this being a really entertaining high scoring game.
So I I guess I would I would lay the points with Tennessee that I had to and uh, and I would look at the over 64 and a half Yeah, I like that call. Um, I still go back to I remember giving out pit against uh, Tennessee this year and watching that game I'm saying to myself if hooker starts that game They probably Tennessee probably wins that game. Um, and both teams went their own ways from that game and both had successful season I'd be super happy with what I saw from Tennessee and highples first year there. Um, obviously You've got to figure out your quarterback situation and it didn't happen as quickly as some might like it It happens all over the place.
Uh, look at what, you know, Utah did, um, to start the season and look where they are now And we'll talk about them in a bit, but I like your calling the over here. Um, I could see this being a high level game Uh, both teams motivated and trying to build towards that. So, um, I would lean I would lean the over there. Uh, later that day Pitman should see the up-down ball.
Yeah, um, sorry. I don't have anything here. You I would still take a chance on on the over as well. I mean, obviously it's a pretty soft landing spot for Uh, the pick back up quarterback come in and face the words past defense in the country Uh, and I still think Michigan state with some of the weapons that they have on offense, uh, we'll be able to support so I think you're getting a, uh, discounted price on the uh, on the total here.
So I would I'd stay away from the side, but I look at the over here. I mean, 55 is 20 mean 28 28. I mean, it's the 31 28's over. I like to very easily see that.
Okay. Uh, sorry. I just don't have anything. Yeah, no, it's fine.
I could get No, I don't know what to expect. So I don't want to act like I have a feeling on this game. So I'm just going to be up front. Um, later that night, uh, 10 30 Eastern ESPN, uh, The Las Vegas ball, Wisconsin eight and four Arizona state eight and four Wisconsin's up to minus six in this game over under 41.
Um, I I liked Wisconsin when this first came out. Um, I get in the game. I would lay the six. I might give out Wisconsin.
Just trying to figure out and get some more information. I just I love Jim Leonard and being able to prepare for a team that's limited on offense in Arizona state. Um, I believe their linebackers already announced these transfer Uh, to Ohio State. So he's not going to be there.
Uh, so I It's a trust factor here and I like what I've seen from Wisconsin more than what I've seen from Arizona state here. Um, so I like Wisconsin in this game. Yeah, I was looking at Arizona. I'm curious to see what they posted in Arizona state, uh, team total haven't seen one yet, but that's what the way I could see myself playing this game and let's say you're looking at 24 24 24 24.
24 17 is basically what the spread and totals suggest. Yeah, I I kind of be surprised if Arizona state hit 20 points in this game. Yeah Actually with you hit on Jimmy letter and their defense played well throughout the year and the fact that Wisconsin that's That's a crappy season last year. Um, an opportunity to win the season this year.
You know, with a ball win. Um, I think everything that works has been through Yeah, six is a, six is a weird number, but I'd look at the uh, Arizona state team total under once that comes out and expecting that to be Probably around 17. I can see myself opening a money line parlay with Wisconsin too. Um, just knowing that it might not be pretty I still I would most continue to get an ad in the league buddy.
Yeah, um, I just that Minnesota beating Wisconsin and watching them last night And I know, you know, not everybody's there, but that's still one of the shocking results to me this year is when Minnesota Uh, beat Wisconsin. I think I say it every week, but that it still shocks me that Iowa was playing in that title game I've you know, everyone was talking about Wisconsin and how they're gonna be able to defend Michigan and they never even got there in a big 10 title game. Um, the gator bowl is New Year's Eve day 11 a.m. Eastern.
We got a feeling it's wake forest minus 14 and a half against your son university of New Jersey getting to a ball at five and seven keep chopping off of the last the last six games which have Been scoring 16 points and a 40 to 16 laws against Maryland getting shut out by your nitty lions beating Indiana losing 52 to three to Wisconsin beating Illinois in a thrilling 20 to 14 win is a big underdog scoring seven points against Northwestern Sworn 13 points against Michigan State and that defense getting annihilated by Ohio State That's a ball team friends. And I want to ask you though was a play. It's way for us or past for me just because I like as a player like you're done like you're you're you're checked out mentally I'm imagining and then you're being told that you're oh, you gotta go prep and practice to play away for us team It's gonna want to run about a hundred plays in the game and throw the ball all over the place and you're gonna be playing on New Year's Eve morning and like yeah, basically like 10 days to get ready for the game like I can't imagine as a player Being too excited to play in this game given like if you knew you were going there fine great, but like You're the way the season ended for them getting blown up. I'm like I would think that mentally they're they're they're done in their kind of dangerous situation for them to have enough Yeah, and that's I mean you're leaving the scataway and getting down to florida I would imagine if there's a choice of watching some extra tape or going to check out some things and some nice weather In florida that's gonna play on your mind Um, the over under 62 and wake is minus 14 and a half So that I was wondering about the Rutgers team total in this because we've seen wake forces defense get diced up But you talk about how motivated this record is gonna be on top of knowing how limited they are offensively Uh, so yes, it's a wake force or pass for me early start 11 a.m Um, we'll see what what Rutgers could come up with but I would lean wake force in that one Um another fill in uh, the tony the tiger sun bowl central michigan making that four-hour trek across the border from tusan to el Passo uh washington state is going to be there.
Uh, they're head coach just tweeting out. We'll play anybody Uh, we want to play. I love seeing that. Um, you know, seven and five there they couldn't be riding higher after finally went in the apple Cup and uh central michigan comes in um, acleleleton a really good job at that offensive go back to what he did Last year, uh, as far as gray shirting and sitting guys.
I think it was close to 40 guys Um that didn't play and they central michigan is a team to keep your eye on next year. Uh, they I don't have more guys coming back than anybody in the country Um, they're getting seven against wazoo, uh and over under 57 and a half I look at the over here. Um, I know that the the preparation is not but I like the capability of both offices and Like you said the motivation factor the defense how how much of a deep dive can you do? I understand You could that you could break down some table a lot faster than you could in the 90s and 80s But uh both team strengths are offense.
So I would lean over here 57 and a half Yeah, that's the way I was working this game as well. But you know, it's a lot I think easier to have an offensive game plan and just Use it and it will and it will work and the defense is gonna have to adjust it now Uh, they'll have to adjust in game because they really won't have much Uh prep time who knows how much prep this could just be one of those just let let it let over it Uh, it can be a super high scoring end because you know both you know both offense that both teams are offensive minded Uh, we're with the head coach on the on the quarterback position. So yeah, I'm with you I would I would expect this to be a uh, an overtime game and just kind of a fun game because two teams I'm just gonna kind of be really happy that they're able to play after their opponents, uh, Duck out of the game. No doubt and when you look at these teams kind of coming in watching and state won three of their last four In those three wins 40 points 44 points 34 points.
Um, and then central michigan came in red hot Went in four in a row to end the season. They scored 31 against eastern 30 seven against ball 30 are 54 against kent state 42 against western michigan. So the the offenses they have some firepower there, um, You know For the season wise who average 28 points a game central michigan 33 and I know they play different schedules But I like I said they The ability is there on the offensive end. I like the over in that game That gets us to the semi finals 330 eastern, uh, we're gonna kick the cotton ball from jerry world and i'm just trying to make sure nothing has changed As far as this line.
Wow, it's down to 13 and a half some places. I would jump all over that That's what it's been. It's been 13 and a half while long. Oh, I thought I saw 14s everywhere Was it 14 somewhere?
Okay. Yeah, I thought I thought well, whatever if you're gonna take 14, I would buy 13 and a half um, you'll run their 57 and a half and Going back and forth. I when it first came out. I really um, I really thought since daddy has a shot Um and going back and watching this Uh in watching alabama and since an idea a couple things just stick out to me and I've used i've done some radio shows The past week talking about this game and the word that keeps coming to my mind bear is strain in the strain that alabama's offense puts on Your defense you saw it against georgia.
You saw it, you know in the last you know fourth quarter against Auburn Uh, I went back and watched the a and m game. Um, they they're they're they're so good because they make you defend everything Sideline to sideline and with a deep threat and the ability to create one on ones inside the formation to put where they have an advantage on an island against your disadvantage And when they line up since an idea will be They'll be ready to go. It's just that strain of land 60 minutes since nanny really hasn't had to do it against this type of talent And that's the difference to me. Uh, what bright shung has done.
You know, they're gonna be ready You saw their game plan with bill oberron for georgia. I mentioned that all the offensive assistants saving hires are forgetting like that and then game. I mean they've been looking ahead probably this game for a while. Um, and I just You know, I think it's an annual play well early and it's just how long can they can they play well?
I think a ton is on desmin ritter. Um, I really look at him trying to move the change whether it's third and six They got to stay out of long situations, uh, but can he move the change with his feet to keep alabama's offense off the field? I don't know and what the hell are they gonna do trying to block 31? They haven't seen anybody like him, uh, you know, people go back to the Indiana game when mcfadden got thrown out that game totally changed He's probably the best pass rusher.
Uh, they faced this guy's a whole different animal and he'll sacrifice himself on runs He'll put the line them up different spots. I don't know what Cincinnati is ready I don't know if they're ready for for this kind of guy. So I sorry for the long winded answer. I'm laying a 13 and a half No, you know, don't worry about a whole good answer.
That's why that's why we're here. It's interesting because I would normally feel pretty good about what you just said and be all in on that and again Maybe I'm just reading too much between the lies and the psychology of the number, but I spoke to a bookmaker out there You're not there. You're you're in you're in Maryland. You're not base But someone out in Vegas who his numbers actually have this game clued like 10 and a half And they just figured you know, we're gonna get Alabama money regardless of whether it's 10 and a half or 13 and a half.
So let's let's make it 13 and a half and And it leads me to believe that they feel pretty good about going into this game needing Cincinnati Which which I don't want to say worries me or concerns me But I just find it interesting that that kind of counter to what you and I kind of see this game so In a perfect world in a vacuum I would certainly lay the 13 and a half But then again, you look at Alabama with the before one score games that they played in the regular season I think the best play here is Cincinnati team total under. Okay. I don't know how I don't know what it's going to be I haven't done the math on it yet, but I would look it. I would look at that I don't know how many points they're able to score because I can see Anderson being just a problem I don't think their offenses dynamic enough to Really threaten and put a bunch of points on the board Maybe maybe they can stay in the game if their defense is able to control the the vertical passing game and maybe O'Brien and that often takes a little different approach in the game with the with the help I'm assuming they're running back to healthy right now.
So this might be a deal where they're looking to take away Uh billings Lee and James Williams and those guys and maybe maybe we just focus on control control Long scrimmage and running the ball. So we'll see what happens But I think they're gonna feel best about is a sis-a-teeth-to-lunder So I'm thinking right now. It's 57 and a half. So that's probably 35 21 You know right around there.
I feel pretty good about under 21. Yeah, um, so you have you have that there and listen I love what Cincinnati's done. I we got all year I think they deserve to be here. Uh, but when you go down it, you know, the receivers are good They don't have any advantages.
I don't think over the Alabama secondary. Um, Pierce is a good player Uh, but how accurate is rid of being a consistent basis? You know he's gonna have pressure and Alabama's got great athlete got elite talent in the secondary I'm showed up and and to your point with bam. I know they don't have met you But you're not getting Alabama the Alabama team we saw against like Auburn and LSU This is this is this is savings time and his guys will be ready I thought I go back to that Georgia game about bill o'brien was great Uh with a game plan there and and how fast that game flipped really you go back Really sticks out.
I mean it's 10 nothing that domes rockin with the red and black and one bat one blown coverage because of a key that O'brien put in where the they jumped the shell across and that leaves James and Williams wide open and he does his thing Uh, I love sauce gardener. I love goby brian For 60. I'm at yeah, I haven't had to play for 60 and that's what I keep coming back to They're gonna be playing on Friday. Yeah.
Um, I'm thinking back to you on this kind of as we say this like the reason why We both would be surprised. I just think back to When uh Oregon was favored over a Ohio state in the 2014 championship game And we just kind of went down and we're like outside of the quarterback position going into that game like Ohio state was better in every position grouping and I could just make no sense like You know, it's gonna take something like completely Alabama is better at every position grouping like there's it's gonna take I don't want to say i'm miracle But it's gonna take it's gonna take like the a plus plus game from Cincinnati and like a like a c minus Or a d game from Alabama in order with their cat stuff and then maybe maybe maybe maybe i'll maybe something will happen in the game on the Sort of upside down but I just yeah to me I've it feels like I've it feels like i've seen it. Um and and wanted the underdog to be there and and they are capable Uh, but I just said like that strain man for 60. I just I worry about that.
You can't prep for it Um, you know with the schedule you play but on the other side you've won the games you're supposed to win and you're here So now make the most our opportunity. There's the one thing I always say when you get to this stage I hope they play well. I know the time they put in uh, I'm not here rooting for a blowout Um, I want to see a competitive game because I think it'll do a great deal for the sport. Um, and knowing you know, people love the underdog And this is the ultimate, uh, you know, met you out he did catch 96 balls this year, which still is I opening to me But I there's enough from jojo earl.
I think robinson may be catching the ball out of the back field being healthy You still got lots of and billings Lee in that past game. So You know, and that's just gets me since now the you can't prep for all those guys because you haven't faced it and you can have a plan But it's some it's for the first time it to be full speed in a game That's what's crazy and that's where it catches up on you. That's why alabama is alabama and they're the only one so Um, that's that's the way I look at it. I if it does get out of hand Obviously the over is the play, but like you said since an ad team total I think I think if I if i was gonna get since any I think maybe first half maybe Uh, because you're gonna get an inflated number there, you know, um, you're gonna be catching on and the other thing is is you I mean they're turning to the can see cheese, but you you can't kick field goals against alabama and expect a win Now you might be able to cover a first half It's funny to say that because this kind of feels a little bit Like the the washington semi final game where I think alabama probably approached that game like We're just gonna go out and do kind of the I want to say bare minimum But kind of like just slow methodical bludgeoning like they could have played eight orders to win the game Like washington wasn't gonna score multiple touchdowns in that game ever It kind of feels that way to me where I don't think alabama really feels threatened from what since an ad he can do offensively in this And that was the idea and shame on me for not doing the proper prepper leading reading Uh things that came out after the alabama miami game to start the year and seeing how savings brought oh, brian It was like this is the offense.
You're gonna learn it and you know where I thought the other idea where you know brian would come in with Is different deals? I mean say what you want to go out to the guys at gm in the NFL The guy scored and moved the ball and yes He did have the shot watch at the NFL level But I always loved his offensive mind and to see that he went in and he learned the offense and then to see it against miami's like oh All right, so this is still the deal here. This is this is it and it's just constantly on the gas and that's There you go So that's that's what it comes down to for me is they haven't seen it and I hope they play well I just I I've seen too many times. I'll lay the points.
Uh the orange ball where you are Um, I'll let you go first on this one michigan georgia. What are we at now? Go for it I'm I'm laying it. Uh, I just think the map look I think the match up favors is a lot more favorable for georgia than the uh the alabama match up was mainly because of Something that you just hit on with with the strain that the alabama offense puts on your defense and of course the psychological factor where Georgia headed so much on that not so much on the line, but like we can finally beat our nemesis and they did But but I think here you've got it in offense that I would expect josh gaddis and jim harv would have a little bit different of a game But I don't I think they're smart.
They know that they just can't run the ball First down every single play against this defense and expect to win the game So I would think that there are going to be some wrinkles in here Uh, where were a lot of play action on first down a lot of throw it to the tie down like they did against pen state and the other play that ultimately uh, broke back game open But I just have too much faith and belief in what we saw I think the the knee jerk reaction was okay. We need to completely reevaluate everything we saw from Georgia Over the course of the year. I have to wear alabama did it's alabama that was easily by far the best offense they faced all year Now now they're facing an office which is good believe what they have done running the ball last two weeks against alabama state and iowa has been Incredible, but can I just trust kurti and will in that defensive staff to put that game on the shoulders of akonara And I don't know if they have the offensive weapons to be able to expose george's weaknesses on defense the way alabama did And I would and I would think george offensively will come out and play better as well. I think I think there is something psychological there with that The alabama and once you hit on that one play like it was like, okay, here we go again We will see what happens again the number north of seven and a half Seven and a half Michigan's a public underdog.
Um, I think george comes out and plays a really good christian like they did for Every single game this year on defense with the exception of one and uh, I think they come out get it a couple of things When you go back and watch michigan and you michigan finish say what you want the only game they threw the ball well Consistently again. So was michigan state and the worst past defense in america. Uh, that's one thing. Uh, the motivation factor the biggest Uh thing i'm dying to see is what is george are coming out at are they they got that hunger back Was this layoff good for them to reassess things and get their minds right?
I think one thing that really helps is looking at michigan when that joe moor for the best offensive line in the country Was that what happened with the what year did alabama win that yep or the other you hear or was that oh that was no Alabama that was kylar, uh, yeah and and listen they to me michigan deserves that award But the idea of curvy being able to take those pictures and put them in the locker room and say hey boys You want to get back up off your butts looking what you got to face here. Let's get motivated It's a different it's a different run game. Uh, then what george has seen I think their overall ability You know when you go down the line by these guys is where you're going to see it It's not it's not really a zone scheme for from michigan It's more gap scheme and the talent georgia has up front. I like that matchup against a gap run scheme Um What is georgia going to do off on the offensive line?
They got to be better. They got to play against anderson You've got to think they're going to be motivated to play against such and sin with all of that He's got and he deserves all the love he played his ass off. Uh and he's he deserves every act lady's getting Uh, but what are you gonna? Are you gonna?
Are you gonna? You know double him? Are you gonna try and run you know some mesh adam to you know see how he plays that you're gonna I think georgia is going to do a lot of things to try and keep him not being able to just have free goes at the quarterback Uh, they've seen enough of what he could do when he is all by himself on that Um, so to me We've gone back and forth with about georgia the last couple years on this pod and I have not really given them the benefit of the doubt Here's your chance. You got your chance.
You've wanted it and here it is You had a chance Um against alabama to close the door you didn't but there's that door down the road if you want to go in it You got to go down this one first. So um You have that um I would think georgia, uh, you know seeing them keep rushing the pastor not getting home against alabama I think gave them a sense of actually what they really do have on the back end But I don't think that's a problem in this game. Uh, no one would get they could disrupt up front Um because we talk about georgia having to face alabama michigan did what they had to do They haven't seen guys like georgia has up front. Uh, so i'm right now.
I think georgia wins the game I'm just not sure I want to lay the seven and a half Um I there's a huge game too for obviously touching on versus field goals Uh because there's not gonna be as many of them as i'm expecting in the alabama game So right now i'm leaning georgia wins the game Uh, I will lean taking the seven and a half here I do think it's gonna be that high level of a game with with with the match ups we have up front It's gonna be awesome to watch. Uh, but I would I would lean taking the points. I think georgia definitely wins the game And we have another we have another sc big 10 match up with uh arkansas and penn state kicking things off on On the years day. I initially liked arkansas in this game.
Um, but now they're favored Yeah, if you didn't get him a plus two and a half there three like it was early I don't know if you want to lay the point of penn state with no job like I don't know how penn state can score Then we'll be able to run the ball all year long. Uh, now you have dots and out Um, it feels like an under game for me because I would think the penn state defense is still gonna show up and come to play And I know It's kind of a big game for penn state with the way they're season went losing some close games To end the year and how opportunities to win some games, but uh, yeah 48 and a half or 48 rather I would look at going under here under 48 and i gotta stay away from the side being that this thing is cross zero Yeah, uh, I think the optouts are big in this game too. Uh, you mentioned dotson all pence penn state's best corner is also out arkansas's best receiver is out Um, this is my most hated thing of the bowl season is having to watch a seven and five big ten team on new years day I'll just say that and leave it there. It's been touching my life for my whole life It's having to watch all these big ten scc teams have to play on my birthday every year and it bothers me still when i'm going to be in my mid 40s Pure pechety perpetual Christmas friends Well, at least it's not north western this year.
I've uh woke up to too many outback bowls with north western and whatever you have But I think both these teams are motivated to play in this game and you talked about it's big spot for penn state No one how their season's gone clifford coming back. Um, and I I just I want to see arkansas against somebody different You know what what back and watch the penn state auburn game and man did auburn have chances in that game And I know it's early in the year a lot of things change and you look what auburn did arkansas arkansas totally different team now Uh, then they were you know middle of season when they played so I would lean arkansas in this game Um in its totality. I think it's a big spot for their program. Um down the road when you look I don't know how much better it'll get than a possibly a nine and four season for san pitman in fayetteville I think I think they're happy with that maybe you know down the you pull off an upset or a game you're not supposed to win Um in years coming, you know, whether it's going to be against a highly ranked anm team or a highly right bama team You already be a and i'm this year But you know that her obviously in your divisions balabama But I think it's a great opportunity for arkansas to show what they got and uh, i'll go arkansas in that game Uh fiesta bow one o'clock very early out in arazon, um interested to see this happened with what washington and penn state when they played that was like the early In an afternoon game too.
Yeah, right? I don't think it's quite that early. Yeah, it was definitely an afternoon game. Yeah, so you're looking at what i don't know what time i don't know what time i was right Two hours, yeah, that would be my guess Uh, yeah, i got confused between the two and the three i two and the three deal as well i thought it was two I love uh love what gundi said if we have to find 11 guys to play.
We are playing this game I love that mindset and everything brings to the table. Noordam's got some big opt-outs, uh and in injuries Um that are gonna keep guys out fire up to see um with the new head coach brings to the table I think he's gonna have his guys ready to go obviously i'm interested to see his his demeanor on the sideline You know, you know, you're you're here everything positive about coach freeman. He's he's buttoned up He knows all the all the right things to say, you know, get his defense motivated now. He does it for his team Uh, i would imagine time he reaches gonna have a lot more say in the offense even though he already does have a ton of say in the offense Uh, so this is it's a cool dynamic to see how what noordam's gonna look like going in the future.
Um, I I like with no kinder in william's i think that's huge for noordam's offense. I love the kid Uh, I love watching him play it. I'm i'm sad. I'm not gonna be able to see that and i just i don't know what to expect from their office without him That's my biggest question about this game.
It's an absolute 100% total pass rate I based on the gundi comments like who the heck knows a who's gonna be out there for a state b the mindset after coming so close to potentially Uh having a playoff chance or winning a big 12 title against an or team with without its best offensive player It's a player like it's This is a this is a pass for me. Sorry. I don't got much more than that No, I'm what you know what like I guess it's just a weird thing about me I don't have a really aside on the game, but i'm really interested to watch this game Because I have no idea how it's gonna play out and sorry if you don't like that take um Later on um that day the greatest day of the year Uh So my grandfather's birthday too Happy birthday cramps Iowa kentucky one o'clock. Oh, it's not later that day.
It's also kicking off the same time Uh, nor did i'm Oklahoma State's on the spn. Iowa kentucky citrus bowl abc the tuckie minus three over under 44 And tucky here you know, it's that you want to lay three points with no here. No, um, I I haven't seen An opt out deal. I'm curious to see what could tell if all kentucky's guys on defense play.
Um, you know Pascal Uh obviously has a future in the next level. Um, I haven't seen anything. I think good since the only one i've seen from i always up there, right? Okay, uh, yeah, I lean Iowa here with the points.
Um This is surprising to me. That's a higher over under than most of the low of the wisconsin's 41 and the las vegas well is 41 This one's 44. I think 21 points wins this game Yeah, I would say some of 21 24 would be you can sign me up for that and I'd be good um Yeah, I Under I like iowa maybe In game teaser, iowa and the under Yeah, that's what we're talking about get that in before Just what's been kentucky's biggest issue this year is turning the ball over. Yes What is iowa capitalized on more than any other team out there?
It's getting Creating turnovers putting teams in bad situations to capitalize on mistakes and i just again turnovers aren't necessarily Predictive and you don't think they're gonna happen but they always seem to do when uh when i was involved so Plus it plus three. I'm gonna take the hook guys Yeah, I just i'm going to sacrifice and and open myself up to the wrath of the uh, Kentucky head coach. I'm sure we'll give you a hard time once he once he sees it. Here's that Uh, I was just saying this I know it's hard for people to get out of your mind What I will look like the last time you saw him And that's why I think people are just gonna blindly take it tough, you know But I I was done well in plenty of spots in bowl games where they weren't that outmatched talented uh talent wise And I think this is one of those circumstances So I I like iowa plus the points in that one the grandaddy five o'clock eastern esbn You'll be there.
Obviously the opt-out for your oh house state have been announced Um major major names the line is down the four and a half 64 doing some radio Uh out in utah there are already out in la Um, they're all in Uh, I saw some things where they're even buying all house day tickets. I would expect a huge huge contingent of of utah people there Um, and that can only help them because they're gonna need it. Um, a la Cincinnati in alabama This is a matchup that I look at Um, I know that some of the guys are out for al house day, but utah hasn't seen anything like this offense Uh, I don't care who ryan day plugs in there to take off the opt-outs. Uh, I think it's the best player call in the sport I've said at the time and time again, uh, but utah is gonna bring their game to the table and Can they match up and in game plan for it?
No one what they have the defense has just wrecked havoc over underman Offices in the back 12 and that's that's the match up here for me. Um, utah I believe will figure things out eventually offensively against that Ohio state defense But how long can utah hold up defensively? That's what it comes down to for me in this game Yeah, I I'd be careful here with any if you missed the number on utah, I would certainly wouldn't Take four four and a half now. It's crazy to think that you've got all those opt-outs for Ohio state And you still have Jackson Smith and injured but you've got barben harrison.
You've got drive yon henderson You've got cj stradd like That's a pretty good hand to uh take it to the rose ball. Yeah I almost wonder now with the It's an opportunity for these all the younger Ohio state players in some of these other positions to really make a uh And name for themselves. I'm strongly considering uh lay in the four four and a half of the Ohio state in this game Just because like they they're their talent level is still Through the roof and I think kind of everybody's expecting Utah to win this game now That Ohio state has those guys those guys out and to be excited about being there I just and you kind of hit on it. I just don't think the pack 12 was very good this year at all and what Utah did was awesome Yes, I know wargin went to columbus earlier in the year in one, but I don't know man I get a Get a feeling here that Ohio state's gonna show up just because of the respect that I know you and I both have For for Ryan day and the players that they're gonna be there to take nothing away from Utah what they did when he got home rallying Devin Lloyd is awesome.
Um, but Ohio state's got a lot more Devin Lloyd's than than Utah has Uh, I want to say I couldn't be happier for Utah 11 years in the conference Uh, and they've been close closer to bigger things But to finally get to this point is awesome to see and I'm I think the world a coach wit at Utah and what they brought You know, they're gonna bring that toughness in to me. Like I said, how long can they hold up? This number feels high because I think if Utah is in the game, it's gonna be low scoring 64 Um, it feels like a lot to me. So I would look at the under.
I'm with you there. I just I think about the Ohio state skill guys that are gonna be playing in this game in the conference They're gonna have knowing they have the best play call on the sport and in my first game in Pasadena And I'm probably gonna be open a lot and I'm gonna probably get looks. Uh, that's gotta be an awesome feeling Uh, so we'll see about that. I would lean under in this game.
I do Uh, Utah's gotta come out. Well, you know, they're not built to come back. Um, you know, as we saw Ohio state almost do against Michigan It's not that uh, they rely on that defense. Um, and we'll see what happens there Uh 845 that night the sugar bowl fired up baylor Ole Miss Ole Miss minus one and a half 55 and a half and Ole Miss is a team that if you bet there overs this year, you lost You lost a lot of money.
Um, and this is interesting to me because of the matchup I love that carouse plan. I think this is an enormous spot for him That could boost him all the way to the be in the first quarterback taking in the draft I know people are out there and already think that um, but I love the idea of he's playing lebi's gonna coach in this game Which I think is a huge, um, a huge deal for Ole Miss and on the other side You got the ultimate ultimate prepare. Um, oranda is a guy that looks at this as a great opportunity I would I would lean the over in this game even though Ole Miss is involved and their numbers have been inflated all year And this is another game I probably won't have a A play on even though I'm sure I might have to throw something up on the border. I'll say they killed that.
Um, I'm really looking forward to this game though. Like, yeah, me too I've gone back and forth on this one and the The college football fan in me is rooting for Ole Miss just because of carouse play I want to see him be rewarded and all mis-rewarded for him playing for for lebi's stay in and calling the plays So I can see in that defense has played well Baylor went in one of the big 12 is an amazing accomplishment they got to the sugar walk up years ago Didn't go well against Georgia who should have been the playoff. That's a conversation another time But I love I think if I had to play this game right now, I'll be leaning towards Ole Miss Okay, I'm with you there. Um, I'm with you there.
I do look at that. Oh, I just I love crimes on the other side calling plays for Baylor and What they did in the big 12 title game was awesome Um, and I think they're gonna be riding a pretty darn high off of that win. So I expect them to play well. I um, I just feel like I know more about Ole Miss because of the idea with corral getting the snaps And that's why I mean we mentioned lebi's name.
He's the office coordinator for for Ole Miss He's going out, uh, Oklahoma to take over the same job and he's an Oklahoma guy But I think it's it's really cool that he's staying the coach this game and it tells you what kind of kid I think mackerel is Um, so I think it's a real high level game. I'm pumped as the last game of New Year's Day Um, as opposed to unfortunately what we're getting in the peach bowl, which was a game I was really fired up for originally Uh, but yeah, I like Ole Miss and over in this one Um, and then Tuesday January 4th Unless you can't just stay the texas bowl if you have a thought go I do not I mean it did gotta be can't just stay there pass right? Why is the number only for you to have with the LSU team that Who knows what they're gonna do? I don't know how they're practicing Yeah, I I mean they didn't have enough players at times during the regular season and they've got key opt-out I got I was wondering by the time this daily game rolls around for them to play Well, I did gotta be can't just stay in a pass I'm with you.
I'm with you there. Uh, that's just looking at it and knowing what's um There I mean there's talks about LSU might play. I haven't played a wide receiver Uh at quarterback and there's a deal with nuss mire and red shirt and just a bunch of stuff going on I don't know who's coaching the game for them. Um, you know, what we're I believe what we're came in the locker room after They ain't I'm game and told go-chow that was it so he could I mean he's not even Not even around.
Uh, there's the most master motivator that he is Big Mike happy recap The big Mike happy recap you start sir Um, I will go Pit Michigan State over. Mm-hmm. I will go Arizona State team total under With Georgia Give me Cincinnati team total under Um, give me Penn State Arkansas under in the Iowa Give me the Ohio State University Okay, uh, I will take Wisconsin minus the six Alabama minus the 13 and a half maybe have the over in the column Um, I do like Arkansas also I'm with you on Iowa I'll take the under in the Rose Bowl and Ole Miss and the over on that sure both will make the column, um, there so Get back to your busy day down in south Florida sir I will I have to actually have a couple other little things I need to do I gotta head over to the stadium and knock out the uh the daily wager stuff this afternoon and then I'll uh Come back and probably what's your dinner? That's that's what I was just thinking about.
I don't know what's the word prime a possibility No, no, but being up at home earlier. It's a little too far. It's a Billy Stone grabs Yeah, we went we went there last night with Larry Kalamazoo the uh Recerist Recerac announcer for the Triple Crown and longtime friend of mine so it was good to Good to see him. I don't know what we're gonna It might just be an eat like an order out tight night and eat in just watch watch the bowl games tonight Okay, take back.
I got a nice view of the ocean some I just open the sliders and hear that you're the waves crashing By the tv up and just kind of do a little door dash or root reaser grub hub or something like that All right. You mentioned uh a little horse racing. Uh, there's a track close to you Uh, but how about the effort out of flatline? Now he's a really super Oh Super talented sprinter.
He's only run a few times so clearly there are some issues with flatline, but he is a uh Freaky fast horse and wow, I guess the question now for for racing fans is will we see him? Uh, how many times before the met mile which I went to soon would be the next logical spot for him Maybe maybe we'll see him uh once before that, but he's uh, he's a freak and it'll hopefully he can stay Uh healthy for the course of the year and see him in the uh the breeders cup that i'm sectovid this year Almar del mar John saddle normally doesn't ship to seretoga so something tells me he'll probably be uh delmar based for west west based okay for most of the year maybe maybe you can talk eat if uh, If there's a race for him derby weekend, but yeah, it was uh an awesome race again And now we're getting to the time where the two-year-olds are about to turn three and the uh, obviously a ton of storylines around the uh Derby this year with the bob african three-year-olds who uh none of them are getting points right now because of the uh, the ongoing uh Look into the the derby result from last year and so we'll see ultimately what happens with that so that like corn each is a really talented Horse who like if you would have to like change trainers right now in order to start getting points towards the uh, the derby So yeah, that's certainly an interesting story to follow along as we uh get going here on crown trail with some of these three old Derby preparations coming up in the next few weeks. Yeah, that's what I think uh, i'm gonna put this on you uh for the year 2022 You know how you could set your alerts on a esbana like whenever the islanders play you can get it Yes, you get a text about you know the score. I need the horse updates when certain horses are gonna race I need those alert any alerts that's your just able now the other race reform Uh, you can put you can put in a horse and then the stable mail.
Yeah, and whenever they are entered you will receive notification. Yes, okay All right, I gotta do that. That's my that's my new year's resolution. Uh, I have been finding myself driving over to Virginia to uh, Plan some apps in this holiday season You know what you know why I found out yesterday um, I was I was lee I I was sitting around in um It was Bradley getting ready for the uh To leave and yeah, and I want to fire in some coach of the year stuff and um I got 35 to one on flores.
I got 750 on zaktail or I played with ravel I think it like 12 to one just because I didn't think that mat before should be plus 175 And I tweeted that out and of course every packer's family will disagree with me in a shocking development Um And about a very good handy cap or friend of mine sent me a DM saying totally agree with you Um, the two the two people I bet were zaktail or and nix siren on my idea. Thank you siren. He made he laid out a really good Case for seiren on who was 65 to one. So I I send a uh, text message to a buddy of mine who lives in Virginia And he's like I can't play it.
We can't bet on awards in Virginia. I'm like what? Yeah, I guess because it's technically a vote. Uh, I don't know.
I guess they have to stand there They're high moral ground there to disallow voting on awards. So I was able to contact the Another buddy of mine who propped the proper people Able to help me out. So yeah, I got a bet in seiren. I need 65 to one as well and then That they get that comeback player of the year stuff like I couldn't believe like when I'm going through this I'm like why is dak like minus 625 to win this thing?
I'm like, yeah, he's a cowboy. Everybody loves not everybody loves cowboys But one of more popular teams out there. I'm like borrow leads the borrow leads the league and like yards for a temp he's second behind Aaron in quarterback ratings at a better qbr than dad He's got Is more yard for drop like the numbers kind of support borrow based on like where they were supposed to be that both had horrific injuries But like i'm sure dakl win, but I don't think it should be priced like the police slam dunk I think more criteria needs to be put in that comeback player earlier like they both played in the season last year um And they kind of young guys to be wearing winning comeback player the year, you know like let's have like six years in the league at least In order to win comeback player earlier, uh speaking of uh, you can bet futures in Virginia And i'll just tell you know bet the warriors to win the NBA title just do it right now. Just do it They're gonna win.
Do you think do you think the um, i'm sure it's already baked in the price of the just knowing that place coming back? Yeah, uh, I got a six and a half to one and i'll i'll take that I'm gonna bet the Lakers before the oh god. Do not Now's the time. Uh, I did get where is it 11 to 1 before the season.
So i still think it's worth it. Uh, I I've not really um Been excited for something more to see in the NBA than to see clay comeback. He's he's the best I can't wait to see him and I think they're gonna be phenomenal when he comes back He's done a really good job of building that roster and getting guys that could score and that's what you got to do in this league Um, but that's our NBA breakdown. Um enough of your time.
You got things to do. I have to go wrangle A bunch of kids and that's not what i'm looking at. You have fun with that. Oh, yeah, wait, wait Hopefully I got some boxes of mac and cheese left to cook for lunch.
Let's just put it that way That's the only time it's quiet is when they're eating Now you cut up some hot dogs and put like little hot dogs in the mac and cheese They like it all separate they like they like their hot dogs on the grill some martins potato rolls and then the old mac and cheese So we will get that done now. I'm probably gonna get yelled at because it is past our normal lunchtime and now there's more people involved So there's more people being mad at me. So it's all good. Oh, I'm never mad at this use Uh, we got like 10 days.
I think so we get to see each other in Indianapolis. Oh, for awesome. We're doing dinner sunday night. Get it ready.
Yes Okay, totally all right, you're a man. I'll talk to you soon be a down there in your old style grounds I will plus you bet for you. You can listen to follow the stand for Stephen of air podcast. We have you listen to podcast plus Don't miss more from stamper Steve on ESPN sports in o with Scott van pelt and check out the bear on college game day on ESPN