I like the way last week worked out so I’m going to switch this column to that format, at least until I go 4-12 again. This is the last week with byes, as the NFL seems to be determined to use the weirdest possible convention for their bye format.
The wrong team appears favored here. Yes, Tulane has the better record and has dominated the American for two years. But SMU’s powerful showings the past few weeks have suggested this team really wants to go out of the American with a league title.
On one hand, we’ve got Michigan, undefeated and hardly scratched, despite having to face both Ohio State and Penn State out of the Big Ten East.
On the other hand, Iowa managed to win a bad Big Ten West that had just two other bowl-eligible teams out of six.
The game had all the makings of a wacky Ravens loss: a lopsided effort by one side of the ball, playing down to a lesser opponent, a head-scratching error by the team’s most consistent player. But I overlooked one key detail – no one blows games like the Chargers.
We absolutely needed that one over at Wreathway Rainmakers LLC. Hopefully that was enough rain to wash away the drought that had been specifically affecting my betting process.
If ever there was an argument against the two best records in a conference meeting for the league title game, this game might be the one. Oklahoma State just doesn’t seem to have either the talent or the personnel to hang with Texas.
Pickett did not throw for a touchdown, but he did not throw an interception and finished with 278 passing yards. He now faces the Cardinals, who allow 26.8 points and 377.9 total yards per game.
Since taking over in 2020, Staley’s Chargers have been a rudderless circus doomed to disappoint. The team’s uncanny ability to blow games in new ways every week dates back well before Staley’s time, but he’s done nothing to combat the narrative.
In a crowded AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) and the Cincinnati Bengals (5-5) both look to avoid being sent to last place in the division. If the playoffs started today the Steelers would have the final wild-card spot locked up.