Updated Expectations

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Stanford Steve and the Bear. Oh yes, a home team getting points. What's better than that? Welcome in week 12.

Stavver Stephen the Bear podcast, Wednesday morning. Another great rankings out there. Bear just pumping out the content last night in that D block getting the show going. Can we get you up higher?

I don't need to hear from people if they're not going to say anything. Let's get into doing there and mix it up a little bit more. Will you? You might have to take that up with management.

I'm kind of like the space filler at the end of the show where we need Dr. Pilot more time with this throw throw bear on there and just say some ridiculousness and get a reaction. With that reaction, last night, obviously the obvious idea of Michigan still being ahead of Michigan State. And when I look down, Bear, obviously Oklahoma probably drops, you know, they dropped the farthest who happened from 13.

Five spots. Ole Miss eight and two with I don't really feel anything to play for or, you know, any chance of moving up. Although I am very excited to learn that the egg bowl is back on Thanksgiving night, which would be a good one. And what's that?

Do some McAllister Memorial Egg Bowl. All right. Didn't one year at snow? I feel like we had snow one year.

I'm going to go. They probably didn't. We didn't really get surprised. I didn't know they get snow down there.

11 Baylor, Wake Forest 10, Oklahoma State nine, Notre Dame eight, and obviously Michigan State plays Ohio State and elimination game will happen all that. This idea, and I know Reese said it's going to get traction, and I'm buying it right now. The idea of Notre Dame. Assess.

They need Cincinnati to get in. It's my opinion. So I mean, is that possible? I was just running through some scenarios as well.

I mean, say you have Ohio State wins the Big Ten, Georgia, we win the SEC, Ohio State wins the Big Ten, since then, Cincinnati wins out and say Oregon loses the the Pac-12 championship game and say Oklahoma State beats Oklahoma and the regular season loses or Oklahoma gets there and they lose in Dallas, the one lost Big 12 team. Then you're looking at options. You're looking at Notre Dame, who would have to be a one lost team. Or you're going to be stuck taking a two lost team that didn't win its conference.

Whether that would be Oklahoma, whether that would be Oregon, or that that would be Alabama. That's the scenario that they need. They need to whenever the one lost leader is in the Pac-12 or to be Oregon since they'll give a loss or Oklahoma State to lose the Pac-12 championship game and then put themselves in a mix with a bunch of two lost teams. Because the idea of how much we've held this Cincinnati Notre Dame game and the weight it's carried, like I almost think if that's not the chaos otherwise, and it was never Cincinnati, they'd have to have Cincinnati lose twice.

Correct. You just can't override that. I know the guys are saying that it's going to get played out and it'll be a lot more clear, but man, this is not actually. No, this is an outy thing I could totally see them getting jumped.

Obviously, we'll talk about this week. The idea of them not being able to cover a game as a big favorite. I know gambling is not part of it at all, but that's what I want to see when I'm seeing these teams giving double digits every week after week. I'll have Ohio State last week.

You want to prove your in it? Go out and handle business like that. Do it again this week. Okay.

Then you can put a lot of people like me questions to bed. That's the thing. I mean, it was 3820 and they needed that interception late to give them a 17 point win. I don't know.

I think they're going to wind up getting in because I do. I do. I think I think George will win the SEC Championship. This is right now.

Obviously, things can change based on injuries or whatever, but I think we're going to get Georgia winning the SEC out there and get Ohio State winning the Big Ten. I think Oregon is going to win out. I think they're going to do it. I think Utah's a good match up for them, and that's potentially two of their three games.

Then I think that would knock Alabama out with two losses. And I think Cincinnati would have was going to get in. That's my hunch. But who the hell knows?

I've been right about much. Let's start there with the idea of Oregon because as was predicted on this podcast the last couple of years, I've been able to see the fact well in the spot where they're going to peed on their leg. I'm with you there. This week, I think they do.

Going back and looking at that. I remember where I was. I was at the Big Ten title game where a guy time angle sat down and took in that Pac-12 title game where you saw in Oregon, everything. Utah was a win and end.

They were win and end. And they played their worst game of the year. Going back. They were down 20 to nothing that half and that thing was done.

It was just a terrible performance on the biggest possible. It was everything that they in the conference did not need. I mean, it was gross how terrible they were. It couldn't get a first hand.

No. And the idea of Oregon, and that was that was Fardell two years ago, Russian for over 200. I think like 208. And they rushed for 240 as a team.

And that's see, that's the difference here with Oregon and Crystal Ball. Even though I don't really care for much in game, you know, Sarah, I think him and more had to do a great job of getting their team ready and shot against Ohio State with the run game. And when I think you're going to see what Oregon here getting Anthony Brown more into mixed because he hasn't been great throwing the ball is getting him going in the quarterback run. And obviously, we know all the Xs and those and gets quarterback about the run.

It gives you an extra blocker. All that thing. So I sort of lean towards Oregon in this matchup plus the points in this one, but I could totally see myself taking Utah in the rematch knowing what will be at stake. And we just got some odd sense to us from Caesars.

Even though it's doesn't have the big 12 teams ranked higher than Oklahoma, which is puzzling to me. And you have where are they? Basically, you're basically looking for an Oklahoma State audience to make a play up, right? Yeah, I want to see Wake Forest too.

I think there's a pass. Let's see. I think the drafting might have some stuff up on top. Oh, well, you look at those.

I will prove his roughings. How about that? Here's the deal. And if you are a believer in Oregon, there are plus 300 to make the playoff.

And I mean, you're not going to get a better price than that because if they win, obviously, the odds will go lower. Oklahoma is also plus 300. And you know what you mean? I didn't get was the updated Heisman, and Caleb Williams haven't gotten that one.

Yeah, that might not be off the board after. Hey, it was absolutely worth the shot at 60 something to one. I'm never going to regret taking a flyer on someone who's 50 or 61 who had a realistic path to be in this country. So anyone, anyone who wants to take a shot and talk about what a joke it was, fine, go go right ahead.

I make the bet all over again. Yeah, the interesting thing is like that being said, I think now is the time to bet CJ Stragg. I think we're talking about this because I think they're going to beat Michigan State. And I think then voters, of course, because they react to records will not kind of walk or down a little bit.

I think Georgia's going to win the SEC and that will give Bryce Young a second loss. And people will knock him down. He's not not an SEC champion. No one from Georgia is going to win the Heisman.

And I think you're going to be looking at CJ Stragg there, even though he probably is the fourth best player on the offense behind the two receivers in Henderson. I think he's the guy who's going to garner the vote. But nothing up on Draftings yet. Okay, my friend is fandrel.

Do not have Oklahoma State or Baylor or Wake Forest up either. So would you say since Connecticut legalized game, we have more friends or less friends at these places that are offering the I have, I have, I have a lot of friends. Okay, I have great friends at Bar School who have been awesome. I have friends, great friends at Draftings who have been awesome.

Okay, Sugar House has been great. MGM, we had a little paperwork. Oh, but we we hammered that out, which was terrific. It's just been kind of one that's been all right.

Okay. What do you do? Go ahead. I was gonna say, go ahead and finish this and then we'll circle back to something.

Because I've come to, it just feels like we get asked to do it a lot. What do you despise more talking Heisman or talking NFL MVP? NFL MVP. What the hell cares?

What the hell cares? Like seriously? I asked because I actually, because here's the day I didn't realize the goal was to win being identical and people. I thought the goal was to win the Super Bowl.

Yeah, correct. We're winning the conference. So we need division and just go back to the high, does anybody want to win the Heisman? That's the problem I have this year.

And you mentioned Stroud, I get your point. It's a great point. But like you said, he's not even close to the best player on their office. Not even close.

I still can't tell how good he is because of the throws. That system gets just wide open. So I like your point there. I'll take a look at the old Stroudster and we'll get it down.

Do you think I'll have to explain? Yes. Yes. I do.

But I don't think I don't think next week's to get me at all. No. I think I think up there with how well that Michigan defensive line has been playing, I think it could be interesting. I do think they do think they want to be 10.

Okay. We would use that for a future that we had at the beginning of the year. Ohio State currently minus 220 to make the playoff. And I would say, like I said before, it's only going to go up if they win this week, because that eliminates another team from the conference and puts them on the ladder ahead.

And then it would come down to I don't see Michigan on this list. Oh wait, there they are plus 350. So they're leaving it up to that game next week, which in early talks, I know we saw the early SEC line, which is Georgia minus three minus three and a half to where you look. Have you seen Ohio State Michigan posted anywhere?

I have not. I would think it's going to be probably around Ohio State six and a half seven. By the way, what did you say Ohio State was to us? Was it Ohio State to make the playoff or Ohio State to win the big game?

Basically the same thing. Yeah. I got Ohio State at minus 160 or 180 before the year. And now they are they're minus 220 to make the playoff Michigan plus 350.

So there you go. If you're into the money line and looking ahead and parlays and all that, our A&M obviously didn't get there last week. So that was a one game closure. But what we talked about though, you play A&M and then if they lose, you play Ole Miss on the money line.

And that's exactly what I did. I played Ole Miss on the money line plus money to up against my $6.30. And I was able to get more addressings. But yeah, and it came out and worked out fine.

Yeah, that A&M pick I gave it out. And as the week goes on, I mean, that's the deal. Giving us an all Wednesday. You guys are there on Saturday.

I'm like, they're going to win this game. I know the one thing that I'm mad at myself about over this is not giving more credence to the fact that they could play one true road game and that was it? That was it? That's totally good.

Yeah. I totally get you there. And like I said, that's as the week's going on, it's like this, it's not going to happen. And I mean, credence to them getting back in the game.

Obviously it turned over killed. But shout out to Ole Miss and DJ Durk and man, like that defense from what they were to what they look like now. Obviously still have plenty to play for with that egg ball. And I would think they got a good chance at New Year's six, right?

Oh, yeah. Yeah. They went out there. They're going to be in that mix.

And I know they're there. They're talking about hoping to be able to get to the shirtable, which would be a unbelievable. Wow. The Grove travels to New Orleans.

Yikes. All good times down the the Grove. People take care of you. Oh, it was fantastic.

Okay. It was fantastic. We we had a couple of great meals, got to hang with with right on Friday night, which was a whole lot of fun. Haven't seen him in a while.

But what a pretty little, I mean, the square was all decked out with some Christmas lights up. It was it was just beautiful weather with a little chill in the air. It was great. They know how to do it.

That is for sure. I had a good time in Charlottesville. Thanks to my man, Mr. Long.

And I just want to admit that I have a crazy love for Notre Dame tied in like a mayor. That guy, I can't I can't begin to tell you better how impressive he is. Have you had have you had Notre Dame? Have you had Notre Dame games?

Sure. No, we we we we deemed a did the Chicago show and then left. I can't get over the bill to this guy. We had them obviously in the ACC Championship game last year.

We had the North Carolina last year. Yeah. And he's not even draft eligible after watching him in person. I can't begin to tell you how much I think he's I think of him.

He's he's a good. He has every tool built like a Greek God. And the idea of him playing college football again next year is something that I'm really looking forward to because we're going to appreciate it as it's happening. Also, looking at this week, obviously matching of got going again last night, good game.

Talk about the grandica and it done again. Nice little comeback late seven and four back the three every year, every year. What is the percent chance you put on James Franklin being a coach Penn State next year? My question back to you would be where do you think he goes?

USC. I would say that's not going to happen. Okay. All right.

That's I think that my I like like James. I think he's a really good recruiter. I think he's very charismatic. I want to be a 10 championship there.

But it almost it does feel like a situation where because his name is always linked, whether it's whether it's real or whether it's his agent doing work. The fact that his name is always out there and gives kind of the impression that he's job hunting. Maybe that ultimately does alienate a lot of Penn State fans and more importantly decision makers. But look at the fact that there are more jobs now that are open.

I don't think LSU was realistic for him either. Nope. I don't think so. But you've got Virginia Tech, which is open.

You've got what people think Miami could open. I think with the 80 getting fired that probably is better than 50 and I like many a lot. I think Florida people think Florida could potentially open. What are the ones on my missing Akron Washington Washington is another one that would be that would be an interesting possibility.

So because here's where I think it's 50. Okay. All right. That's what Scott said too.

I just I had him at one Penn State fan that would be upset if he's not the coach next year. And my question back to them though is can you upgrade? Compensate upgrade from Franklin. That's the question.

Who do you think you are? You are not getting that. I will tell you that right now. Yeah.

That rule is going to be in Carolina next year. Red Hot. Red Hot. So like who do you think you're getting?

Do you hire Dave Ploss? I would hire Dave Ploss if I were a higher profile program than Wake Forest. Guys, great offensive mind. And I would the only thing I would say is I want Warren Rijerio, the office coordinator, make sure he's in the deal too.

Because that thing is just I don't know how to explain it when you watch their offense. It's it's amazing to me. And all right. So we're there going just real quick.

If you're Washington, who would you target? We were kicking our we were kicking our we were kicking our before. But I know that's going to be a hard sell to the fan base because of his lack of offensive prowess and what they've looked like a cow. That's that's the problem there because that's exactly what Washington has right now.

And I think that's a conversation you got to have where I mean just what I say. All right. You hired off it's a corner and I'll take the job. And I think he would do that knowing what he's had to deal with a cow is just something I don't think had coaches feel like they should have to answer into the different nuances that have come across there.

I will say this LSU. I really want Billy Napeer to get that job. And I'm not sure I don't know where it is. I haven't talked to people.

But when you look at that and how fat like they go to they go to Tuscalo, Lussey and compete with their third stringers like the recruiting there like a guy that can just come in and win right away. And the idea of what he's recruited to Louisiana and it ties yesterday SEC the guys a flat out football coach. And that's why I would hire him at LSU. You've had the bravado with Les and winning the press conference with coach Oh and get a tight a lot of coach Oh and now to be able to come back and just get a football coach.

I would hire Billy Napeer at LSU and Baton Rouge. That's my take on the coach. I think I think maybe or and probably Jimmy Chadwell or probably would be the two guys reaching tech. It doesn't feel like a pretty good progression for either of those two guys.

And Chadwell's needs Tennessee guy and and and maybe or being from that. I think maybe your trouble will be two guys to look at at Virginia temperature. I don't know. I honestly don't know.

I like I don't know who they think they're getting. And I honestly have no idea. You also got a really good job out there. We didn't bring up as Tc who you talk about facilities and everything in hotbed and being right in the middle of everything.

The only thing I would say about that is how does T the TcU job get perceived now that the big 12 is kind of not a power. Not it's a pet. Technically it's a power five but it really isn't a power five league anymore with with with with with Oklahoma and and Kansas is you know what leaving the the conference. Yeah.

But but in terms of what the what what they did what what G-PAT did building that up in the facility. Everything is brand freaking new. Unbelievable. That's yeah.

See I think I think there's enough where it's enticing for the coach. And you can win that league. Now that's a saying. You can win that league.

Facilities recruiting all of it. It's incredible. And like just being in Charlottesville this week like whoa does that place need an upgrade with facilities. Yes.

I haven't been I haven't been to Charlottesville probably in 15 years since we did a Thursday night game there. That's a change. That's a change. So it takes some of the NCAA tournament basketball money.

Yeah. We do the football program. And that's why I think they were smart and holding Armstrong out last week. Yeah.

We talked about that. I got up on the show a couple of years ago how Bryce Love played against Notre Dame. They had no chance of making the playoff. No.

Bryce had no chance of winning the high. He played him against Notre Dame. He got dinged up even more than he was. And they needed him against USC.

And they lost a close game. It's an opportunity for Virginia to win the ACC. You got Clemson as down as they're ever going to be. And you're going to face someone else for the conference title.

Yeah. You're a big underdog. I'm surprised that they're about to go with underdog. But you could be pit and beat the Virginia Tech during the ACC Championship game with a real real chance to win a conference title.

So I think it was smart for Armstrong not to play last week. I know I know it probably pains you as a former player to hear that because you only have a finite number of games. But if you don't think you can help the team and you've got bigger goals in terms of winning a conference, I think that was a pretty good thing. No doubt.

I it sucks because what I was saying, you know, it's funny because literally going around tailgates and everything people were like, Oh, he's out next guy. Oh, no, he got fitted for a special flak jacket. He's going to play tonight. And it was just amazing how different they've been.

And I'm like, wow, this thing is really, really tight to the best. But when you when you look at that, okay, there's the deal. How many chances are you going to get to play Notre Dame at home on ABC? And that's that's where it is.

You get a chance to show yourself. They got they got it. You know, they got recruits, you know, coming in like the sideline was flooded. You still get all that.

It's just a chance to show out but also being smart about what lies ahead. You know, recruits are all over the place where I'm in a sweet Cooper Manning box and I'm like, arches here for Virginia. He's like, no, I have a daughter that goes to score. I was like, oh, man, well, I was about to break some news.

But great talking to God. I can't believe I was in tears laughing at him. He's so funny. But Virginia, and let's start, you know, looking at this week's lines.

I mean, Virginia plus 14 and a half with Armstrong, the idea that give me that. I know, people in that game on the field with him. I brought that up. One of my one of my secret CFP follows the tailgate tent with always every week.

He's like, line that line that you're surprised with line that's too good to be true. And the line that I was said was surprising was pick minus 14 14 and a half against Virginia because I assume Armstrong will be back and yeah, we'll be able to jump down my throat. It's good to score 60. You've seen Virginia play defense here.

Well, they held Notre Dame to 28 last week. We said the same thing about North Carolina's defense the week before and they seem to do a pretty good job, certainly in the second half against Pitt. So I don't know, I think Virginia was on strong. We'll put up points.

Yeah. I like it. Virginia. I'm staying with the self-imposed band of the new games to help me out.

And there are some people who will not be laying the 19 with Ohio State this week. No, not official. Not as an official pick. I could see myself having I also, I think the most fascinating game to me on the board is Wake Forest Clemson, just because I want to see what Venables dials up against this.

Now, I know they're not as great defensively as they have been or even in the beginning of the year losing per se. But the idea of Wake Forest scoring 45 and winning at or home against NC State last week, who I think is a pretty good defense, right? And you just go through and look at these defenses that Wake Forest has faced and they've done well. No matter what, I mean Syracuse, I still think it's a pretty good defense.

That game goes to overtime. Well, you got to make two of my losers last week. What Syracuse and NC State gave up one, about 90 points. Appreciate that.

Okay. That's great. There you go. So with that, I mean, Venables is a guy I put up at the top of the list in the country when it comes to defensive coordinators.

And he probably gets more notoriety because he has better players than say Jim Leonard, who's another guy at Wisconsin, who I think of when it comes to defensive coordinators, right? And Jim does a lot more with less talent, I would say, to put it that way. But Wake Forest, no one what's at stake, there is a path, they can do it. But can you go on the road, they clump, you're an underdog.

And people are telling you that. And I think Wake Forest is that's exactly what they want. Colossum going in there saying it, you know, three lost teams favorite over you, go and improve yourself. Do you have a field?

I mean, Wake Forest's defense is just the problem. And I mean, the army, the idea, North Carolina, obviously Clemson has been as disappointing an offense as there has been in the country. So it's Please healthy now. I run in the ball, I run in the ball better now with him back in there.

So that's promising. And that's that's why I would give the edge of Clemson in this game because the possessions might not be as ample as they were and say a North Carolina game where Clemson's going to try and I would think do what they can to keep the ball, you know, keep the ball in their hands and move the change. So I'm room for Wake Forest because they have that opportunity and it doesn't come along a lot. But if I had to lean in this game, I would take Clemson.

Yeah, I would too. I'm back to the other game I mentioned the Michigan State Ohio State game. I would wait for an Ohio State team total. I guess you're looking at what around 42, probably if you look at minus 19 total of 60, like 60, like 42, 24 is kind of what they're expecting.

I would go in this game. I mean, you've got the worst pass defense in terms of yards per game in the country. I mentioned that you had what do through for what five 30 a couple of weeks ago in Michigan State's last game is as good as Walker has been running the ball that they can't keep teams from from throwing on it. They can't keep opposing offenses up the field.

The one they do, it's just big, big plays. I would wait. And now you've got the number one offense in terms of efficiency in the country. Three wide receivers and Henderson like will Michigan State potentially get some points?

Yeah. I would wait and look for you in Ohio State team total of getting up in other than Ohio State. And I didn't say that before with the playoff. Like one thing that I people are going to say, I think in the next world, it doesn't matter for Georgia if they win or lose or in the title game.

Oh, it matters. It definitely matters because if they win, you're the number one seed and we were half of the debate before, but who's going to be four? It's as Addy as it like if you lose Alabama is going to be number one and you're going to be stuck in a two, three game with Ohio State. You talk about a massive, like Cincinnati or Ohio State, what would you like to do?

So like that is easy title game. I'm sure Kirby and his staff are going to be in gray like beat Alabama beat Alabama beat Alabama beat Alabama matters. So because if they lose, you're going to be stuck in a semi final that is very worthy of being a title game. Yeah, it's a lot like the idea going back to 0 8 and 0 9 with Alabama and Florida.

And that season, I mean, I was on Alabama the year before they how they didn't cover that game. I never know. That was a way and then 0 9. They come in and that's what that season.

I mean, here guys talk about that season was all about just beating Florida and I was absolutely loving the idea and I thought it would be that, you know, the way they came in with that mindset and knowing how focused they were on beating Florida and then everything else is going to be icing on the cake. So to me, Georgia has that same feel to be able to put Alabama away and knock them out and do all that and get over the hump at beating them. There's going to, there's all that on the table for them, which is, which is another opportunity that you must live for and possibly having it happen. Another big 10 game that sticks out to me is Nebraska plus nine and a half at Madison.

And the idea was constant finding, you know, people say their identity, right? They're running the football. They got their true freshman running back who's just incredible to watch. And you know, like the idea of them in Notre Dame and how they've gotten fixed or they got it right, right?

But they've just played in fear. You're telling, you know, Wisconsin played, you know, one six in a row, you know, they gave it to Iowa who was reeling off of that loss. So is Wisconsin fixed? Do they, are they a bigger threat to Ohio State than Michigan?

I don't think so. Are they going to be a pain in the ass to play? Yeah, defense will make things difficult and they'll get in struts face, but they're going to have to score with Ohio State. And I don't think they could do that.

But the idea in Nebraska, who this year, one thing they've done is played good defense. And I'm really interested to see how that matches up because you know, you're not going to be able to trust Martinez on the road. You know, that's the numbers, nine and a half. But basically, does that you know you're already giving Wisconsin seven for a pick six?

There's like really the numbers like the big thing to the number or is a lot like really to it. I was like, yeah, it's dangerous, dangerous. Yeah, to me, it's just I want to see what's got to show like show me you have all every asset fixed every facet. And that's, you know, goes back to the quarterback playing well where they've just said you're not going to throw the ball, we're going to run it.

So I think Nebraska has a good to hang around that game. Will they have the cataclysmic turnovers? Yes, probably. Just like Maryland, how Maryland didn't cover that game last week against Michigan State.

I still don't know, but that's why they put the lines on the games and we don't. And that's why it was it was 10 to be a long time ago, we had double that's why you're Vanderbilt. That's why you're Nebraska. That's why you're Maryland.

Roodle, brutal turnovers. What else here? You got a pitch? Let's start with the picks.

Oh, yeah, I love Oregon this week. I think it's a really good match up for the ducks. I think everybody is assuming that they are going to lose. This is a game in the trenches.

And Oregon was still in the physicality of the defensive front seven. The offensive line the way Di is been running the ball. You mentioned Anthony Brown quarterback run game. I don't think Utah has the offensive skill and the pad out deep to really force Oregon to respect that.

I like Oregon a whole lot in this game. I think it's a really good match up for them. You talk to me feels a lot like the narrative around Notre Dame. Like, Hey, have you seen him lately?

Have you seen what they're doing? And it's crazy to me because everybody just throws away last week because they say it's a look ahead spot and Tucson. Oh, they've annihilated Stanford. You know, Oregon lost the Stanford.

You realize Stanford stays now. Yes. And Oregon did not lose that same team as we talked about last week. You know, your B UCLA at home without Dorian Thompson Robinson.

You know, whereas it's just, you know, we want so much more from Oregon, but Utah sort of has the same, I mean, they went to Corvallis and lost by, you know, lost by eight, you know, beat Arizona State and Oregon beats Cal beats UCLA beats Colorado beats Washington beats Wazoo all by double figures going back to the UCLA game. So it's funny to me that everyone's going to be on Utah here. I do like the idea of Oregon plus the points I would definitely buy it to three and a half because I think if you saw wins, it's a field goal game. I don't I don't see this being a big blowout.

I still think Oregon has the goods to hang around. Obviously they should. They're number three team in the country. But yeah, I would lean with you there on Oregon.

I love the pack. Oh, wait, I love almost every pack 12 game. Well, there's only one game because it's big game. That's the only one I don't have a player.

Well, I'll give you one. Take the visiting team given the point. You'll let your let your lay in the point. I mean, McKee's back, but he hasn't played in a couple of weeks.

How good you going to be. And I just think about Cal bear here. And I think about the angst that that poor team must have and not being able to play, you know, like it's tough like the weeks, I'm sure. Oh my God.

And then on top of that, you get to go out against your arch rival who you lost to last year because of blocked extra point. Like everything funnels for Cal to come out and play their best game of the year with a coach I've talked finally about his whole tenure there who I think the world of and getting his team ready. And you look at the other side like there's nothing to hang around me. Yeah, McKee's back for Stanford, but like that's there's no guarantees.

He doesn't have the guys he had at the beginning of the season. The offensive line isn't what it is. The defense is just brutal. So I look at Cal here in a possibility to make a statement.

They still have games at UCLA and USC. But man, that's also how bad is college football in the three biggest recruiting places in the country, Florida, Texas and California. It's horrendous. Scott and I were talking about the other day on the pot.

I mean, it is so bad. But anyway, that's that'll be one of my picks. I'll ride this thing going against Stanford and take Cal minus the one and a half. And that that line was five.

And then the McKee News came out yesterday. He practiced, I believe. And that's Cal minus one and a half. I still think they won the game.

Obviously take a money line. I'm gonna take Colorado plus the six and a half. Love them. Love them.

You can't you can't bet Washington with the LaMara's accord about you just can't offensively. They are absolutely inept. And I do appreciate the cover for me last week. It was easy.

It wasn't easy. Absolutely. Whether you got you and Scott did a terrific job on bad beats with that. We were absolutely the right side of the game.

And if they would have not covered, I would have probably thrown things through through the wall. The games, everything that I figured would be Arizona State being dumb, unable to move the ball on a good Washington defense. And then 2024 14 the fourth quarter to what it was. But yeah, I think after the way that game went last week for UW, Jimmy Lake officially being terminated.

Like you lose, you lose, you lose to Oregon, now you're going to Colorado just sounds terrible. And see you actually shown a bit of pulse last couple of weeks to beat or they played okay last week at UCLA. But the I'm on Colorado getting the six and a half year problem with a little bit of money line on as well. All right, I will stay in the pack 12 and I'll take UCLA in the greatest uniform game there is.

I don't know why they're only giving three points. But people say it's stinky. You could have that USC outfit right now. I will take UCLA with their full coaching staff.

And I saw Jackson Dart's gonna start. I didn't know what was going on in that. Who were they playing where they were rotating? Oh, I was on state behind Arizona State two weeks ago.

Didn't understand that. But yeah, I'll take UCLA. And when we got four o'clock, that'll be nice. I'm just going to go down on unis.

Yeah. Great. But seriously, you're right. Why?

I have to do a double take when I saw this alone. Is the USC finally figure out to get tough physical guys on the defensive line to slow down a power running game. They all suddenly emerge from the blue is Drake London miraculously healthy enough to play. No, I don't understand it.

Like it's the Notre Dame game without Drake London. The way Kyle Williams and the Notre Dame offense is boy. Yeah, I'm I mean, and it hasn't moved. I've looked at it Sunday.

I'm like, that game is circled. I think it's going to go to four, maybe even five. I still take UCLA there. You talked about how the way Cal lost last year to Stanford, the way UCLA lost last year to USC.

Like you think you think shipping those guys have been steaming over that for a year waiting for an opportunity to get back up them? Yeah, yes, I do. Two totals in the SEC. I wanted to touch on because I like the under and the Bama Arkansas game.

I don't think Arkansas is going to be able to do much offensively at all. And I look at how frustrating the Arkansas past defense can be in that Russian three and dropping eight against Bryce Young. I'm not saying they're going to hold them down all game, but I think like I went back and and watched last year like that's the worst game Mac Jones had thrown the ball. He only threw the ball for 200 yards.

I think the Vontay had two returns in that game possibly, but I look at the ability for Arkansas not to stop obviously, but to slow down. And I think Alabama's going to really want to try and get the run game going again because they know they're not going to be able to win games just thrown all across the yard because Young's not going to have that time against Georgia when you look down the road and Auburn also has a good secondary too. So I think the focus will be on running the football for Alabama in that Arkansas game. And that's why I think that's a high total of 58 and a half.

It is you've got obviously injuries in the Alabama as well. We were Williams be being lost probably for the year and then elsewhere. So like I think this is a interesting situation for for Alabama is well, how they approach this game as a big favorite. Knowing you have Auburn next week and then potentially Georgia in the SEC championship game.

So I agree I think that potentially could be an under type game as well. I'm going to take it back out west quickly. Yes. I'm playing against Arizona State just like I did last week.

I guess you on the road specifically, you talk about brutal, warm, difficult travel. Tempe, oh, we have to see out back down to Tempe back to Corvallis the next week and they would have lost that game of Washington at Pulse of offense. Now you've got a team who will Oregon State's defense is not very good. You've got offense.

It's really good. And as you every time they go on the road, it's same stuff. Turn over as penalties are disciplined. And I like Oregon State or I like Oregon State here getting the points here as well.

Pack 12 bear. Love it. I'm in honor of you and honor of the ball Walton and I'm on the pack 12. I'm in the conference champion in honor of me wanting to go to Las Vegas on Friday night to call the pack 12 championship game with Chris Fowler and Kirk Herb Street.

That's what I'm all in for the pack 12. Okay. I'm thinking it's line of the week. I have mine.

That's disgusting Baylor plus one and the little apple against our purple cats. That makes no sense and scares me away. Man does that smell Baylor probably coming. It's got to be the biggest win under a rando right last week.

And now you go out like everybody's patting on the back. Great job. Now a randa's job's getting thrown around for a possible openings and you're an underdog. And what will be what time I believe that's a five or three.

What a weird time. They'll be what is it not. What's the what's the what's their chant? Well, what do they do?

Nemo or whatever. Yeah. Yeah. I was going to say Sky my I know that's Minnesota.

But yeah, that's my stickiest line. It's my it's my as well. Okay. All right.

Now it's actually picking a lot of places. I mean, it's Kansas State of pass, right? Yes. Yes.

That's disgusting. Two intro. Go ahead. I was going to say I like Barbara this week too.

You do. Yeah, Lane seven. I mean, no bonyx I know, but fairly competent. They should be able to shut that South Carolina offense down.

Okay. I know people probably are playing against Auburn because they have Alabama next week and they'll mix. But I think the way they were they lost that game last week. I'd like to set it back there.

Uh, two games involving non-power five games who are there's good programs involved though. UAB plus four and a half at our roadrunners, which some in San Antonio are calling the biggest game in school history. And also Louisiana plus four and a half at Liberty. I like Louisiana.

I got no feel on either of those. Two good games. Yeah, really good games. I'll be watching those.

You're not obviously selfishly as a fan of all the rooting for you TSA. Do I take Kansas again? What? Do I take Kansas again?

How great was that? How great was that? Was that not awesome? Incredible.

Incredible. It was terrific. I was so good. Two weeks early on them.

So good. I was very, very willing to sacrifice my Kansas under one big 12 one ticket as long as you go. You got to go in there and beat Texas. That was freaking awesome.

Okay. They almost did a couple of years ago. People remember. I know.

Less almost went in there. They just remember, college football has been blown up for realignment and everything. For a team that lost a Kansas on their home field is a 30 point. So just really upset.

Boom. And that's why people don't like Texas. Am I too late to jump on the go against Cincinnati train with SMU plus 11? Probably are.

You probably are. I'm staying away from the game. That's interesting to me, man. That's like, you can score points on that.

Because everybody obviously before the year, you talked about the Indiana Notre Dame game, right? But Cincinnati, those two games by week in between blah, blah, blah, blah. SMU is by far a better football team than Indiana. I mean, it's not even close to me after looking at what Indiana did last week and how they've trended.

So I do, I mean, I just thought Cincinnati's defense would dominate more and they haven't. And now you face the best offense you face. I mean, numbers wise, they're better than Notre Dame was when you played them when they're playing the three quarterbacks. So yeah, that's what 330, you know, weather report at historic Nipper Stadium.

But probably cold and dark. So some of somebody down at 415, it'll be probably in the low 40s and good historic Nipper Stadium. Very cool place by the way I've been there. I have not.

Well, the way the state is kind of built by the very very campus. 47 degrees. Perfect. That'll go down.

Yeah, that I'm I'll be taking SMU in the office for sure. Are you worried about Michigan and a look ahead, Spotland 15 at the snake pit? Yeah, I am. Because the Maryland has the ability to score.

But again, just like you we talked about before with Nebraska, there go at some point, Talia is going to throw an interception and it's going to be costly and I turned the ball over him in a little little little break serve and we'll have to trace points the rest of the way. But no, absolutely. I think that this is a game where where more Maryland can just kind of, I don't think the wing of it. I don't think it'll ever feel like Michigan is in jeopardy of losing, but it's going to be one of those where it's like, I'm kind of kind of still in it hanging around.

I take a plus of points that I have to play the game. I got some info on Navy. ECU shout out to our pirates. Absolutely still still alive, technically, to reach the AC championship game.

Really? Right? Because since they play, they play Cincinnati still, right? They got Navy and Cincinnati.

So if Cincinnati were to lose one of these games and they were to beat Cincinnati, then they could be that second place team, but when did they hit the head tie break? Okay, a Navy insider, let's just call Bill. Let me know this one. Got a text.

I'm riding with Navy plus four this week. ECU just clinched the bowl berth for the first time since 2014. Navy has won 17 consecutive games on senior day with fans in the stands. The mids lost the Tulsa 19 to 60 year ago on December 5th, senior day in a cold and empty Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

He likes Navy plus the four knowing what's at stake for senior day. Thanks to our Navy insider bill. All right. It's BYU good.

I don't know, because their game in 20 and going to Georgia Southern, like they should smash them. Smash them. I don't know if they will. I don't know if they will either.

Would you rather take Miami at home minus eight and a half or Oklahoma State on the road, my state? Oklahoma State not even close. Why? Why?

Because Oklahoma State has a defense. Texas Tech coming off that emotional big win. Oklahoma State's got the got a battle next week, but that defense is good. And I trust them to slow Texas Tech down.

Yeah, I can't. I can't. Miami is going to terrible favor. I mean, who knows what the hell you're going to get out of a G tech?

I will sell. Well, say Miami is, Miami is not lost as team and they're still playing hard for him, but can't lay close double digits with with with a bad defense. Eight o'clock. I'm going to say this week.

Eight o'clock Fox late night in Lubbock lookout. Would you think that would you rather give 36 and a half with Ole Miss or 37 with Army? Who's Ole Miss out this week? Vandy.

This is an easy one for me. I wouldn't give out Army, but it's a new game. I probably would say Army as well. Just because I think there's a bit of a come down for the Rebs after last week and that game.