Friday, September 29, 2017

FMQ Week #5

I Should Really Wait To Hit “Post”
In what was an almost perfectly posted-post this past Wednesday, Louisville’s brass got it’s collective act together in the face of an FBI investigation and put Jurich and Pitino on leave, as they have to wait 10 days to officially fire them after they inform them that they are being fired for cause.  Just the way legal contracts work.  And that happened about 5 minutes after I hit “Post”.
And the hits just keep on coming!  Now, we have proof positive that Pitino lied his ass off when he stated he was shocked.  Pitino has been identified as “Coach #2” in the indictments that had multiple conversations with Adidas VP Gotta leading up to Bowen accepting Louisville’s offer.
Is There An Easy Way To Avoid All This?
For a great summary of the FBI story and indictments, read the next link.  It’s a lunchtime read, (lengthy, but worth it)
If you happen to be on the can “dropping a Pitino” or otherwise indisposed and want The Reader’s Digest abridged version, here you go:
In the continuing fall-out of what I’m going to now refer to as the “Beginning of the End”, quite a few commenters and talking heads have all stated the same thing:  Everyone knew what was going on, the sleezy guys continued to figure out ways to get away with it and the straight and narrow guys just complained about it.  Well, the complainers may finally have their day and Universities and the NCAA may soon have to change their stripes on “Amateurism” in the very near future.
What’s clear at this point is that Shoe companies are willing to expose executive level personnel (with “drops in the bucket” cash) to very risky behavior in order to secure the “wink-wink, nudge-nudge” rights to individual players and the potential money they can make once they reach the NBA for shoe endorsements.
And student athletes, parents, coaches and advisors are willing to take those drops of cash (6 figures or so) for their one and done season.  And in the meantime, the United States FBI is spending a lot of taxpayer dollars arresting all the cogs in the machine that up to this point, were getting this transaction done, albeit “illegally”.  And were going to waste more taxpayer money jailing these “criminals” for these crimes. 
All due to one stupid rule.
All this investigation will probably accomplish is making the inevitable more challenging for the wanna’ be rule breakers moving forward.  These people, on both sides of the trough, are going to find a way to get this done; they will find a way to transfer money from the “we want you on our team” side to the “we need or want our money now” side.  There’s just too much cash involved on the giving side (shoe and athletic companies) and too many needy parents or guardians on the other side not to get things secured for all parties involved.  Money, as they say, always finds a way…I see a couple of scenarios playing out in the near future.
In one scenario, the NCAA and ultimately, Universities, will finally wake up and recognize the error of their ways and move forward into the 21st century, abandoning the idea of amateurism altogether.  I have opined constantly that if a student athlete can get an endorsement deal from a shoe company, clothing company, golf ball company, baseball or softball bat company, Gatorade, WHATEVER, they should be allowed to use their likeness and get the endorsement.  Allow the money to be deferred until after graduation, but it’s there waiting for you when you get your degree.  Non-athletes can start their own business in college.  If sports is what this student athlete’s profession is going to be, let them start earning now.  You are purposefully exploiting student athletes by not letting them earn money on their own.  I’m more or less proposing that Unversities adopt the Olympic model here…
IF everyone can agree and allow this to happen, everybody gets what they want and the NCAA still has a product.  Maybe even a better product.  Students may stay in school longer if they have the luxury of a million-dollar endorsement behind them vs. bolting for the NBA or NFL.  Will every student be able to get an endorsement deal?  Of course not.  But not every student-athlete is going to make a living in sports, either.   
Another way this could go is the NBA and NFL (that’s floundering so bad it’s mind boggling) could startup development leagues for kids that don’t want to go to college but just want to play for pay.  Or they can go play in Europe.  After a couple of seasons, they get called up from the farm team to the big show, pending they are skilled enough. 
If this scenario goes down, the universities and NCAA lose their product (the One and Done rule has already damaged college hoops).  Attendance and viewership would drop dramatically.  Of course, ticket prices would go down, and overall revenue would drop, also.
I thought the results of the Ed O’Bannon case would have had a broader impact at this point.  If you recall:  The court ruled that a player “owns his likeness” and the schools cannot sell or market that likeness without said player’s permission.  And if they did use it, compensation was in order.  In my mind, that opened the door for student athletes to eventually sell their university jersey signed for cash that the student athlete could keep.
Of course, that wasn’t the case.  The NCAA and Universities have since stopped using former player’s likenesses in video games and marketing material and that’s about it.  They continue to exploit current marquis players for their own gain. 
Big Universities and the NCAA need to change…And quickly. 
While I don’t personally like the guy, Jay Bilas agrees with me:
THE FMQ
Nuts.
I hate Week #4 in College Football.  This is the FMQ.  A losing week is inevitable, it’s just the way I lost.  TCU and Georgia were big surprises.  I knew Georgia was better than advertised but TCU (4-7 in 2016) is the team that probably surprised me more.  Oh well, to gamble means you’re going to lose every now and then. 

Still in The Green!!!!  But if Iowa would have just batted that pass down!
On the bright side, we’re still above $1,000 and just need to get right in the head
On to this week’s picks:
Week #5 is another tricky week for betting college football.  I’m going to be extra critical of my picks and maybe bring the amount down somewhat.
USC @ Wash State (+5.5 ):  Hmm, Mike Leach’s name hasn’t been in the National News a lot and an upset here would definitely rectify that.  I foresee a close game and while the Zoos may not pull off the win, they might keep it close enough to cover…
Take Wash State and the 5.5 for $30
Maryland @ the Gophers (-11.5):  Maryland Student Newspaper Help Wanted Ad:  Anyone with eligibility that is a full-time student that can pass a football, please come to the Maryland Practice field on Monday.  Durkin cannot – I repeat – CANNOT catch a break and loses the 2nd string QB for the season.  Maryland was looking to go for maybe 7-8 wins this season and now they desperately need a QB.  I don’t think they find one this week….
Take The Gophers and lay the 11.5 for $40
Northwestern @ Wiscy (-14.5):  I was hoping this line would move a little.  It did. The wrog way.  It opened at 13.5 in some places.  This is not a great Fitzgerald Kitty Kat team.  However, as soon as I think that, the kitties usually bite me in the ass.  What I once thought would be a game for the West, it now seems like Wiscy will roll in this one.... 
Take Wiscy and lay the 14.5 for $20
Indiana @ PSU (-18):  Another B1G spread against a B1G team that’s can keep a game close.  Granted, IU is better at keep it close at home, but can keep it close none the less.  PSU coming off an emotional win at Iowa may not be ready for IU coming in to town. I know Saquon and Trace will be connecting, but .
Take Indiana and the 18 for $25
Florida State @ Wake Forest (+8):  An ACC Home Dog…Against a team that doesn’t have a QB.  And Wake Forest can play defense.  I’m not sure FSU is ready to pack it in yet, but there are definitely fans that think without a QB, Jimbo Fisher can’t coach his way out of a wet paper bag…
Take Wake Forest and the 8 for $20
Iowa @ Sparty (-3):  So the bookies are telling me this is a neutral site pick-em game?  That seems extreme as I think – THINK  - Iowa is the better team here.  Sparty has turnover issues and seems hell bent on taking themselves out of games they may have a chance in.  I’ll take the visiting Hawkeyes and the points.
Take Iowa and the 3 for $20
Ole Miss @ Alabama  (-28):  Another gift?  Ole Miss is a shell of its former self.  Taking Bama and laying points this season has been the right play for every game, I think.  I’m here to make money this week.
Take Bama and lay the 28 for $30
Clemson @ Va Tech (+5):  In arguably the biggest game of the weekend, resurging Va Tech is only getting 5 at home against the reigning National Champs.  I’m thinking that Va Tech and Coach Fuente can be competitive, but staying within a score against Clemson seems like a very tall order indeed….
Take Clemson and lay the 5 for $30
PARLAY!
3 Bet/Team Parlay:   6-1

Clemson – Alabama - Gophers:   $50

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

CBB Armageddon & Mid-Week Round-Up

CBB Armageddon - The FBI Follows The Money

College Basketball will never be the same.  And I hope that in fact is a good thing.  This could change the entire collegiate sports landscape and we may finally get past this asinine idea that college athletes are “amateurs”.  There are plenty of people interested in paying players, and the FBI is figuring that out for the NCAA.

In a shocking story that unfolded yesterday, the FBI announced the arrest of 10 individuals, 4 assistant coaches from USC, Auburn, Oklahoma and Arizona, an Adidas high level exec, a prominent AAU Coach and various agents for financial fraud and bribery. Anyone among the readers a lawyer or know more about the law than the MMQ?  Why wasn’t there a RICO Charge?  Doesn’t all of this fall under the heading of a “Racket”? 

Anyway, it also made very clear that three other universities, Miami, South Carolina, and Louisville were involved in shady dealings as well.  One deal specifically involved Louisville landing heralded 5-star recruit Brian Bowen via a $100,000 payment to associated parties (AAU coach, parents, etc.) in 4 installments that took place in May of this year, about the same time Stripper-Gate was coming to a close and sanctions were handed down to Louisville and Pitino.

Of course, Rick Pitino is again “SHOCKED” that this happened on his watch!  And I think you all know how I feel about slimy Rick Pitino. 


Hey Rick, you know what?  I don’t think it matters that you did or didn’t know at this point.  If your AD Jurich doesn’t have the balls to lop your head off, the NCAA has ample evidence at this point to step in and shut Louisville down for either A.  Paying a recruit to come play or B.  Your lack of institutional control.  I’ll patiently wait to see if the NCAA and Emmert (Who should also be canned if these kind of shenanigans are going on under his nose and he has no clue about it) give Louisville the death penalty as advised by Louisville native Pat Forde (Link).


But, the NCAA is known for backing off the Big Time programs that generate television revenue and eyeballs to screens.  Shut Louisville down for a season and that’s a lot of dough you’re kissing goodbye…

How deep will all of this go?  DEEP10 people are facing jail time in Federal “Pound Me In the Ass” penitentiaries.  And the FBI left it wide open, and I quote:

“Because the affidavit is being submitted for the limited purpose of establishing probable cause, it does NOT INCLUDE all of the facts that I have learned during the court of the investigation.”



The FBI and acting US Attorney Joon Kim also advised: “If you yourself engaged in these activities, I’d encourage you to call us.  I think it’s better than us calling you!”
You can BET that they’ll be some singin’ in rooms with single light bulbs regarding who else might be dirty in all of this…Pop the corn and sit back and watch.  Also expect every AD across the country is spending the next day or two with his hoops coach and coaching staff asking a LOT OF QUESTIONS. 

Wetzel has a pretty good take on what could happen based on his discussion with now infamous Myron Piggie, another former AAU Coach that was charged with essentially the same thing in April, 2000, and chose to serve time rather than snitch.  He believes the coaches and others will talk.


No AC?  And NO X-Ray Machine?

In what would be bush league for the MAC, Purdue apparently didn’t do anything with their visitor locker rooms during the multi-million dollar renovation.  Harbaugh went off on Monday “Pretty Hard”, even for Jimmy, regarding the sanitary conditions, trainer’s table and lack of basic necessities, including AC.  Harbaugh had the 1st stringers sitting on a bus in AC to help keep cool during half time as temperatures in the visiting locker room were a stifling 110 degrees.


Purdon’t not only played dirty, but tried to create an un-level playing field by failing to meet the most basic locker room needs.  Not Classy, Boilers, not classy.  Of course, this is a school in Indiana…Should we really be all that surprised?

O’Korn Gets Even

Tony Levine, the Head Coach at Houston while O’korn played there, was also the coach that benched O’Korn in his Sophomore season. This was AFTER O’Korn was the AAC Player of the Year as a Freshman!  Needless to say, O’Korn was elated to get into the game opposite his former coach and have a great game.  270 yards and 3 scoring drive led by O’Korn kind of “rubbed a little salt”.

O’Korn stated that Coach Harbaugh had to “Talk me down after the first couple of series.”  God for O’Korn.  Revenge is a dish best served cold…

PS:  Another reason O’Korn played so much better than the last time we saw him against Indiana last season?  Indiana was a driving snow storm and in the mid 30’s.   O’Korn is a Florida kid.  Methinks he plays better in the heat…

Sparty Game Time is Prime Time

In case you HAVEN’T heard:  The worst kept secret or un-surprising announcement of all time:  Sparty Michigan game time is 7:30 PM.  Meaning a full day shot and a late evening before getting home.  Whateva’.

How Bad IS the SEC?

If you’re a fan of statistics, they’re pretty bad.  With one exception, Duh.  But everyone else underperforming to the SP+ Power Rankings have dragged the SEC down to last place, with regards to Statistical Performance and expected outcomes. 

All that means is that the SEC might be worse than advertised, but we won’t know much until the entire season plays out.

How Bad ARE Things In Mizzou?

Pretty bad.  I mentioned about enrollment being at an all-time low and now Residence Life has figured out a way to offset a $5M deficit from having to close 7 residence halls:  Rent Dorm Rooms during home games.  Yep, you read that right.  For $120 a night, you can rent a Dorm room during a home football game.  Mizzou is going into some dangerous territory…Can you imagine a bunch of 20-year old fans wanting to drag booze into the dorms for a throw back party?


The Climb – Part IV

Dr. Sap’s continuing saga of the 20 Year Anniversary of the1997 Championship Season.  They’ve all been great reads!  I hope you’re able to follow:


Also – I know Woodson is the Honorary Captain for the suckeyes, but has anyone in the collective heard ANYTHING about bringing this team back for a 20 Year Reunion? 

I know I should know, but I have not seen or heard anything.  

Monday, September 25, 2017

Week #4 Thank Go They're Still Purdon't


First things First:

The Good

Michigan is 4-0 heading into the BYE!
John O’Korn looked capable as the QB and actually seemed to spark the offense (initially)
And he figured out to look for Perry early and often
Chris Evans looked good against Purdont’s weak run defense. 
The DEFENSE is possessed.  Purdon’t only had 10 yards and a single 1st down in the 2nd half
Purdon’t went 0-12 on 3rd down conversions

The Bad

Speight getting hurt – I know some of you cheered for that, but losing any QB is never good
O-Line still has some issues and will be problematic when Michigan faces PSU and the suckeyes
Get used to Michigan starting off slow.  Jim Harbaugh would rather play close early than try to jump on teams quickly.

The UGLY

Purdon’t penalized for targeting twice. 
Purdon’t should have been flagged for the hit on Speight – I thought it was late.
The first two series for Michigan on Offense were pathetic….

Michigan won, but….

What’s it all mean?

Someone once said Michigan has the only fan base that can be absolutely miserable when their team is winning or even, undefeated.  And right now, I’m one of those fans….
Michigan is obviously a terror on defense.  That part I really, REALLY Like.  Take that back:  Love it!!!   So why do I have this sense of trepidation with this team?  Because the offense makes me feel uneasy.  I meant what I said in the Ugly above regarding Michigan’s first two offensive series.  Putrid.  Horrifyingly inept.  Almost like this unit never practices together or can’t find a way to gain a yard. 

It seems like Michigan is stuck in a do loop when it comes to putting teams away late.  I was flummoxed early in the game when it seemed like Purdon’t kept running the counter pass play that was effectively gobbling up chunks of yardage in the 1st quarter.  And it all felt nauseatingly familiar.  Michigan seems to come out in their standard defense/offense and sees what the other guy’s gonna’ do and then they make adjustments.
I just wish it didn’t have to happen every single game!

I felt the exact same way watching Cinci and Air Force

I guess we just need to get used to it as fans…

Michigan now gets two weeks to get ready for the seemingly resurging and always a pain in the ass Sparty.  Sparty actually out-statted the Domers on Saturday, but shot themselves in the foot with turnovers.  I have a feeling they’ll be motivated coming into the Big House on October 7th

Still no game time announced.

The Rest of the Mess

Uh…In case you missed it:  This chick either has a totally awesome Dad or totally awesome Brothers.  Either way, she’d probably be a hit at any party/tailgate. 


NEW SECTION:  YHMA You Have My Attention

PSU:  The FMQ called for the upset outright (and if Iowa could have played a lick of defense in that LAST DRIVE they still might have pulled it off) but PSU was able to score on an 80 yard drive with a minute and change left on Saturday night to keep their record perfect.  Penn State has a couple of “payback” games like that coming as they’ve lost several last second heartbreakers in similar fashion.  Barkely is the real deal and should be at the top of most Heisman voting ballots.  He’s at the top of mine.

NC State:  I know that FSU lost their starting QB for the season, but FSU had multiple weeks to prepare for this game and not having a QB that could execute the basics was unforgiveable.  But NC State earned the victory and could now be in a position to make some noise in the ACC.  However, I really can’t condone this:  Act classy and act like you’ve been there before, Mr. Chubb.


TCU:  In what was the biggest surprise of the day for the MMQ, Patterson took the Horned Frogs up to Stillwater and beat the pants of Man Gundy.  I was really baffled by this game in that I just didn’t believe TCU was that good.  They could be the sleeper in the Big iiX.

Georgia:  In what I would have said were my “2 Best Bets” for the weekend, TCU and Georgia completely destroyed the competition they faced.  I figured MSU was on a roll after taking down LSU (which, how bad is LSU?) and the Bulldawgs just stood on the accelerator the entire game and showed MSU why the SEC East still matters…

CUD – Complete, Unmitigated Disasters!!!

FSU:   You were the 3rd ranked team in the country and you’re now sitting at 0-2 and may not get a chance to win a game in September with an undefeated Wake Forest looming large in the windshield.  Out of the top 25 for the first time since 2011, FSU and Coach Fisher have some SERIOUS work to do.

Mizzou:  Mizzou is a mess.  Barry Odom is in over his head and this team is reeling.  I’m really not sure how Mizzou wins another game this season.  Honest.  And I’ve never written a Power 5 school off this quickly.  But they’re really bad…

CBOTL – Come Back Off the Ledge

These are losses that looked bad, but there’s no reason to panic and sell the season duckets yet.

Oregon:  It’s make no mistake time for Oregon after getting upset by the Sun Devils.  Taggart has to rally the troops and try to win the rest of the Pac 12 games on the slate….

PGL – Pretty Good Loss

Sparty:  Losing to the Domers sucks, but you out-statted and more or less played a good football game, with the exception of all those fumbles and turnovers.  That part isn’t a good look.  With a pissed off Iowa team coming into East Lansing, Sparty could have 2 losses heading into A2 next week.   

WWB – We Won, But…We Should Be Worried

Nebraska:  You beat Rutgers by the spread (or tied, really) but Tanner Lee still has multiple, MULTIPLE issues.  It’s going to be a long season in Lincoln and its going to be even longer to see if Riley can coach this team up enough to save his job.  Or maybe he doesn’t want to?

Domers:  I’m not sure they’re really any better this season.  Sparty exposed several Domer issues that other teams will exploit moving forward.  I’m sure Domer fans everywhere are thinking the same thing. 

Michigan:  Still here.  Sooner or later Michigan is going to need the offense to take over and win a game.  The sooner they figure out a way to get that done, the better. 

And the Rest…

Florida VS. Kentucky:  The Wildcats gave Florida a scare, but Gatorland found a way to pull out the victory.  Keep winning Gatorland!

Oklahoma vs Baylor:  In what the FMQ thought would be the blowout of the day, Baylor put up a pretty good fight in what turned out to be a high scoring affair.  Conference play has started.  Don’t take anyone for granted…

Pitt vs. GTU:  Pitt is now off to a 1-3 start which I don’t think has ever happened in the Narduzzi Era.  Narduzzi might be available if Pitt doesn’t fix their ways.

Duke vs. UNC:  North Carolina is a disaster.  I know Duke is pretty good, but losing to your rival in the manner that UNC did, well…I’ve sung Fedora’s praises here before, but he’s another guy that might be looking for a job in November.

Washington vs. Colorado:  A lot of talking heads were saying that the Buffs could pull off the upset in this one.  Uh…Have you met Washington Coach Petersen?  He doesn’t let his guys get down and he had them ready to go.

Louisville vs whoever:  Doesn’t matter what the score was.  Check out this little guy!


The 5 Stages of Slappy Fan Grief

  1. Denial and Isolation Oklahoma State.  In the “must win the rest” of our games this season mode.  Bedlam is still out there and that could create a big, sloppy mess at the top of the Big iiX if they can pull off that upset.   
  2. ANGER –HuskerNation They got their pound of flesh with the canning of Eichorst, but Huskers are still pissed and want more.  I’m not sure Riley would want to hang around another season and have to face these fans.  Here’s letters that were sent to Nebraska last week.  Fans get pissed.  Here’s proof: http://www.pe-sports.com/here-are-the-angry-emails-fans-sent-nebraska-after-the-loss-to-niu/
  3. Bargaining –Boilers… You’re 2-2 and thinking you could easily be at least 3-1 (Louisville was beatable) but Michigan just showed you that you have a long way to go...
  4. Depression –Pitt, Louisville, FSU, and maybe Sparty....    
  5.  Acceptance – Mizzou.  You’re done….

Ref Rants!

Targeting and late hits.  I looked for a clip on the Speight hit but I couldn’t find it.  I thought the Purdon’t targeting calls that were called were all spot on.  Texas A&M should be really pissed for this screw up:  The Refs called A&M QB out of bounds when he clearly wasn’t.  A&M didn’t score the touchdown and had to settle for a field goal.

Idle Thoughts from Saturday
-Gorgeous weather in Michigan for the 1st day of fall
-Nicer than a lot of days we had this summer…
-Longest 3-4 hours of the day is after Game Day before Michigan has a 4:00 PM Kick
-Where’s the game?
-Fox Business Channel?
-What channel is that?
-Here we go.
-Ugh.  What is wrong with this offense?
-Come on D!  What are you doing?
-Quit letting them pass that back!  Someone get in there and bust it up.
-Finally. 
-Uh-oh.  That hit on Speight was late!
-Where’s the flag!!!
-Speight out.  Offense floundering.
-O’Korn not too bad.
-There you go!
-Chris Evans looks good!
-Of Course, it is Purdon’t.
-Can’t take credit – Is Chris Evans the Human Torch or Captain America?
-I think he’s just the Human Torch until he earns his Stars and Stripes!
-Defense looks much better 2nd half. 
-Purdon’t has no answer.
-Offense clicking.
-Finally.  Why does Michigan take so long to put the game out of reach?
-Infuriating at times….

THE MMQ’s “I DON’T NEED A COMMITTEE!”
Will return when the Committee makes their first ranking!

The Hot Seat
Still looking for Hot Coach’s wives suggestions!
Due to technical difficulties, no photos available this week of Coach's wives but will retrun next week1
  
ZAPPED List

We’ll keep track of who’s gone as the season progresses….
  1. “Holier than Thou” Hugh Freeze 
Electric Chair of Death Seat!
  1. Riley – Nebraska.  Now that his AD has been released, I’m going to assume that the Riley death knell is what you hear.  I don’t see how he survives a new AD hell bent on getting Nebraska back to being Nebraska.  But which AD and which coach gets you there?
  2. OdomMizzou.  If Mizzou wasn’t having serious issues outside of the Athletic Department (enrollment down to its all time lowest) Odom’s seat might be even hotter.   If you have 6 minutes, watch the Odom Presser…And you’ll get a sense of the pressure these coaches feel…

The Hot Seat


  1. Mulzahn:  No reason to move him this week.  Destroying Mizzou doesn’t get your seat temperature reduced.
  2. Sumlin:  Seat is still hotter than Brett’s, even though he won
  3. Bret Bielema:  Brett luck to have Jeff Long as his AD.  Long has a lot of patience…
  4. Ogeron:  No move this week.    
  5. Butch Jones - Tennesse.  Taking an entire game to finally defeat a winless U-Mass isn’t going to get the fire turned down.  Probably going to get hotter…
  6. McElwain – Ditto-ditto
  7. Mora –losing to Stanford is okay, but sooner or later…Gotta win.
  8. Rich Rod:  Arizona is a mess and he needs some wins…
  9. Graham:  Upset Oregon, but not sure that’s enough…
  10. ManGundy:  Losing to TCU in a season where it’s supposed to be you isn’t a good look…

Friday, September 22, 2017

FMQ Week #4 2017

Let’s all say a little prayer for Mexico and Puerto Rico….
And 1/4 of the season is under our belt.
3 games of 12 have been completed (for most teams, anyway) and it’s on to conference play.  The 10 biggest surprises to date:
1.     Oklahoma/Okie State.  Can’t say enough about these two teams and the appearance they have right now regarding “turning the Big iiX around.”  It can easily be argued that either or both of these teams could make the CFP and legitimately have a shot.  Both are ranked in the top 5 on offense.   That’s just impressive.
2.    Nebraska:  I really didn’t see Nebraska starting out 1-2.  In fact, I was giving Riley a “Year 3 Surprise Factor” that year 3 coaches usually get now that some of their recruits are playing.  I remember Riley was king of the Pac 12 for a while in the mid 2000’s, but his slide at Oregon State may have already started there before he got to Nebraska.  I hate to see the cornsuckers start over, but when you’ve got a coach in his 60’s and it appears the game is passing him by (See: FLECK, PJ & Herman, Tom), well, sometimes it’s better to cut bait….
3.    LSU getting pantsed in Starkville.  MSU is good and they will give Bama a fight, but I cannot remember the last time LSU was BEAT by 30 points.  I don’t think Les Miles ever lost a game by that much. That one’s gonna’ leave a mark…
4.    Michigan’s Offense.  I believe the MMQ stated in the Pre-Season Spectacular that I thought the D would be good, but I remember stating that the Offense might be better with Speight coming back and, Harbaugh.  I am nervously regretting that prediction and hoping that some of the things that are causing problems get fixed.  And soon.  Because This: https://sports.yahoo.com/ready-big-stage-purdue-offensive-002822952.html
5.    Clemson not missing a beat.  I thought there would be National Title hangover in Clemson.  I was wrong, and I don’t mind admitting it.  I just don’t LIKE HAVING TO admit it.
6.    The suckeyes getting pantsed at HOME and losing in disturbing fashion to a QB that was surgical and a FB that was always open, cause Defense Sucks and you gotta cover somebody….
7.    Texas A&M losing a 34 point lead to UCLA who then lost to Memphis at Memphis.  
8.    Minnesota (3-0) and Purdue (2-1) each on the up-swing and getting better…
9.    Rutgers on the down-swing and getting worse…
10.  How dysfunctional/irrational fan bases can get when things go against their team…oh wait, that one doesn’t surprise me.  Still, apathy is looming large for once mighty programs that can’t seem to put it together and make a Championship run.  LSU, Texas A&M, Arkansas, South Carolina, Tennessee, Nebraska,  etc…
Well THAT Escalated Quickly
Right after the MMQ identified Nebraska as one of, if not THEE, Top Hot Mess in CFB on Monday, Nebraska’s Chancellor fired Eichorst, the un-popular and not very well liked AD.  You can bet this won’t bode well for Riley, the coach that everyone likes (think Hoke) but can’t get squat done on the field.  Thamel writes a pretty good article on the state of Nebraska and who they were, are and who they want to be…
I guess Karma is still haunting the Huskers for firing 9-3 coaches.  I’m not sure who’s going to want that gig, but I doubt and big name (Kelly) is going to jump at it.  The Best Bet, per the FMQ?
Yep – I’m going there:  Les Miles.  Turnaround man with 4-5 good years left in him.
Anyone wanna’ bet?
Is Quinn Nordin From This Planet???
Kickers are by nature a quirky breed.  There are plenty of examples out there and the Mighty Quinn appears to be “RIGHT THERE” on the quirkiness scale. But then there’s this:

In warm-ups before Saturday's game, he took aim at the near goal post directly in front of him and on four consecutive attempts clanged it right off the metal. Kornblue said most of his kickers start every practice with this drill, focusing on the smallest target they can find so that putting it through the uprights instead of hitting one of them seems a lot easier when the game gets started. The idea is to put the ball as close to the goal post as possible; not many guys can hit it, especially four times in a row.
"That's not very common," he said. "That's not common at all."
Then again, neither is Nordin.
Truly Sick Hazing Incident
I glanced at this article and was stunned to read that one of the accused is the son of former Lion and suckeye football player Chris Spielman:
The alleged victim suffered shoulder injuries in the incident and has had two surgeries. He’s no longer a student at the school and told police the incident has been “devastating.”
Wheaton players James Cooksey, Kyler Kregel, Benjamin Pettway, Noah Spielman and Samuel TeBos had arrest warrants signed in their names on Monday. The five players are facing charges of aggravated battery, mob action and unlawful restraint.
Spielman is the son of former Ohio State linebacker and current Fox Sports broadcaster Chris Spielman
I didn’t copy what the players actually did as this is a family friendly blog for the most part, but if you want details of the stomach turning, heinous crime, here’s the link:
Sick….
Wiscy Fans Pull Off The Near Impossible!
In somewhat stunning news and due to the fact that Provo only has two bars, Wisconsin fans filled them both up and while not quite emptying the coolers and refrigerators of all alcohol, they did finish off all the Pabst Blue Ribbon in one joint:
Whiting said ABG’s capacity is 128 people and that the bar was “packed” for three hours with patrons who were “a little loud,” but otherwise were the best group of traveling fans he’s seen in 27 years of ownership.
“It was a wonderful thing,” he said. “The people from Wisconsin are fabulous. They’re the nicest, funnest people we’ve ever had here.”
Added ABG bartender Bryttan Johnson to the Deseret News:
“We didn’t run out of (anything but Pabst beer), but they did drink a lot. It was way fun. They were all very nice.”

THE FMQ
Because someone asked me:  I use www.oddshark.com for my lines.  I think it has a pretty good format, they post lines very quickly (usually Sunday/Monday) and they provide a history of the moves, which is nice. 
Once Again, winning a little is better than losing…A Win is A Win.
I love it when the MONEYLINE UPSET and the 3-Team Parlay Pays OFF!!!!
You know, if I could just lay off betting Michigan and against the schools I hate, I’d have done really well last week.  Instead, the suckeyes, Michigan, Texas and the expectation that Michigan’s offense was going to magically show up screwed me.  Otherwise, I made money..
On to this week’s picks:
Historically, Week #4 has been Feast or Famine for the FMQ.  I guess it’s due to the fact that Conference Play is beginning and there’s no more screwing around. This week, there’s just so many games where I like spreads.  I’m going to spread it around!!!
PSU @ Iowa (+14  MONEYLINE  $600):  For a team that’s undefeated and the favorite to win the conference, this seems like a slightly tight spread.   Ah, I see that PSU has had three scrimmages against teams that ALL HAVE LOSING RECORDS after three games…Of course, Iowa is also undefeated and at HOME, and if you’re a B1G fan, well…you know what THAT can mean.  I hate the fact that the only real reference for Iowa is the Iowa State game.  Iowa’s defense is suspect, but this is a conference game.  Kinnick WILL BE LOUD at 7:30 at night….We know those Hawkeye fans distill their own corn-liquor and will have imbibed all day which only makes the situation louder.  Iowa’s troubles last week might have been due to looking ahead…Those two factors might be enough for Iowa to cover.  And maybe I’ll add some juice on a MONEYLINE Bet.  I like Ferentz to school Franklin in a coach’s war…
Take Iowa and the 14 for $30
MONEYLINE:  $20
BC @ Clemson (-32.5):  No hangover here this week.  Clemson is going to throttle a very weak BC Eagles team in front of a hyped-up Death Valley crowd that will welcome home the victors over Louisville.  The Tigers continue to roll….
Take Clemson and lay the 32.5 for $40
Rutgers @ Nebraska (-10):  Nebraska is reeling.  Rutgers is a mess…Do I have to bet this game?  No, I do not!  Sometimes the only winning move is not to play!
Seeing as how we can’t do that…Two weeks-ago I would have laid 21 points and taken the Cornsuckers…Now, I’m nervous. 
Take Nebraska and lay the 10 for $20
Syracuse @ LSU (-22):  HMMMMMMM…The ‘Cuse isn’t playing bad football right now.  In fact, they’re playing okay for Syracuse.  I know wins over CMU and Central Connecticut aren’t much, but they do move the ball.  Is LSU a wounded dog ready to drub someone or have they thrown the towel in on the season? I don’t think it’s the latter… And I know the Tigers lost their leading rusher, but I’m not sure it matters.  Tigers may make Syracuse pay for MSU last week.
Take LSU and lay the 22 for $25
Florida @ Kentucky (+3):  Don’t look now…But Kentucky is undefeated.  And Florida by all accounts should really be reeling at 0-2.  The sludge fart game that Florida and Tennessee displayed for 3 quarter last week only worsened when desperation set in on both sides.  Gatorland has no offense and while their defense might hold Kentucky, I expect another close game.  And Kentucky might end the 30-game losing streak....
Take Kentucky and the 3 for $20
USC @ CAL (+16 MONEYLINE:  $600):  Don’t Look Now – Part 2.  Cal is also undefeated and is 3-0.  USC has beaten some tough and not so tough competition (Texas and Stanford – I’ll let
 
you decide which is which).  I know that USC can explode for points, but Cal’s defense has been the deciding factor in the games its won.  Will the ghost of Alum Aaron Rodgers(QB the last time Cal beat USC)  be roaming the sidelines? I like Cal getting points at home.
Take Cal and the 16 for $20
Oklahoma @ Baylor (+27):  This one seems too easy…Oklahoma has revenge for some Baylor defeats some years back that they want to make up for.  Rule of Thumb:  you should never play the Sooners when they are rolling…  I foresee an 0-4 start for Ruhle’s season. 
Take the Laters and lay the 27 for $50
TCU @ Okie State (-11.5 O/U: 71):  While I don’t mind laying points with Okie State, 11.5 is a tricky number that a field goal either way could make the difference.  Still, Okie State at home should be too much for Patterson’s Horned Frogs…But I do guarantee that both these teams will score.  A lot.  I MEAN A WHOLE LOT!
Take Okie State and lay the 11.5 for $40
Take the OVER for $30
Domers @ Sparty (+4):  So two teams that finished 4-8 and 3-9 last season square off again for the
Baby, We’re Back Bowl!”
until one of them loses this game. Wait – The Domers already lost a game!  But, that might make them a little more battle tested.  This was the game last season where they both went off the rails and each team spiraled into oblivionHOWEVA’, Dantonio is usually at his finest in spots like this:  Home Dog, no respect, Big Chip…But the problems from last season may still linger.  Sparty beat the Domers last year…Do the Domers get their revenge?  I’m leaning yes…with a cover. 
Take the Domers and lay the 4 for $20
Bama @ Vandy (+18 MONEYLINE:  $750):  Vandy is 3-0 and playing with house money, looking for a big upset at HOME with a defense that has been solid.  Vandy has not beaten Bama since 1984.  Hmmm.  I like the 20 here with Vandy at home.  Is this a good money-line game?  I love the 7.5 to one, but….nooooooooo.  Which means I’ll look really stupid if the Commodores pull of the upset of the century version whatever…Flip-Flop.  I don’t trust myself.
Take Bama and lay the 18 for $20
MSU @ Georgia (opened: -7 Current: -3.5  MONEYLINE  Open: $240  Today:  $170):  I think I did a double take when I saw that spread on Monday as I figured after the pasting that Mississippi State put on LSU, MSU would be favored in this game.  Not so.  Then I read that LSU had defensive players banged up and other issues on offense.  But I jumped on the 7 early none the less.  Glad I did.  This line has moved A LOT and I think the 7 here on the road is a gift.  I might be knee-jerking a little, but the MSU Dawgs might just be the real deal.
Take MSU and the 7 for $50
MONEYLINE (+240) for $50
Texas A&M vs Arkansas (+3   In Arlington):  In a game played at Jerry’s World, the “U-Haul Bowl – Cuz the losing coach is packing his bags!”, Arkansas is a road dog getting 3 points.  The same Arkansas that just lost to TCU by 3 scores and a Texas A&M team that is still reeling from losing to UCLA after giving up 34 in the last 17 minutes of the game.  I like Arkansas getting points here.  They’re both desperate, but Arkansas can play defense
Take the Hawgs and the 3 for $20
Michigan @ Purdue (+8):  Nobody Panic!  Remain calm!  All Is Well!!!
Ohhhhhh, boy-o-boy-o-boy-o-boy.  I knew this day was coming and I don’t like it.  Amazing how teams that Michigan hasn’t played for 4 seasons suddenly GET BETTER when Michigan is on the schedule…Sheesh.  Can we all agree that Michigan’s D should neutralize the Purdue Offense, for the most part.  The question is, can Michigan win a double-digit game on the road and can the offense PLEASE SHOW UP?  We’re all tired of waiting.  Purdue believes they can win.  And Brohm has given them that unlikeable thing that some opponents get:  Swagger.  I have been lousy the last two games picking Michigan ATS (1-2 on the season) but I have a strangely confident feeling about this one…   
Take Michigan and lay the 8 for $30
PARLAY!
3 Bet/Team Parlay:   6-1

Mississippi State – Oklahoma - Clemson :   $50