WEEK 9

I intentionally delayed writing this week’s recap in hopes LSU would kneejerk react and fire Brian Kelly today, but alas, my wait was for nothing.

That said, the Tigers, suffered their third loss of the season. It’s dismal times for the Bayou Bengals. In fairness, each of those losses has come at the hands of a top 20 opponent, but for a team that many felt had a chance at hoisting a trophy this year to fall 49-25 AT HOME AT NIGHT in Death Valley, adding a three in the L column before November even rolls around… not great my friends. And with Alabama and Oklahoma still ahead, we could be talking about a 5-loss LSU team come season’s end.

On the other sideline stood a scary (now) 8-0 Aggies group. Texas A&M all but stamped this playoff passport with Saturday night’s win, leading what could be an historic number of first-time playoff teams.

More entertaining than Brian Kelly’s demise? Lane Kiffin’s ascent. The dude was built for viral moments, and lately, those have been coming on the field as much as off the field. The Rebels bounced back from a brutal Q4 against Georgia last week to outscore the Sooners 10-0 in the 4th en route to a 34-26 win. With South Carolina, The Citadel, Florida, and Mississippi State remaining (best record amongst those is 4-4), Lane’s social media team better get ready for Prime Time, unless Ole Miss does Ole Miss things in these final four weeks.

Next up, the fairytale that may just be becoming reality. Folks, Vanderbilt is 7-1 and there is no more football to be played in the month of October. Think about that. They even survived the famed Gameday distraction, outdueling a top 20 Missouri team with a go-ahead TD with less than 2 minutes remaining in the game. Texas, Auburn, Kentucky, and Tennessee still await, but… and I really can’t believe I’m typing this at all, let alone October 26… Vanderbilt has a path to the CFP!

BYU put another massive dent in my aforementioned lock betting system, and I’m happy as shit to be wrong. My Brigham Boys are 8-0 after downing Iowa State on the road, and a TOP 10 team in the country. After a much-deserved week off, the Cougars have a MASSIVE clash with #13 Texas Tech. Game of the season – I’m calling it now.

Elsewhere, South (or is it Southern?) Florida blew it late to Memphis (one of those teams also has a real shot of being a playoff squad mind you). Washington moved to 6-2 after dismantling an Illinois team that I simply have not been able to get a read on all season. Iowa scored more points than in the prior 4 seasons combined, punishing the Gophers 41-3. The Aztecs blanked Fresno State 23-0. Cincinnati became a 7-1 dark horse while rolling over Baylor. And ESPN decided to go FCS on us, trying to convince us that anyone was actually going to beat North Dakota State (sorry Dodge#1 and Trojan317 for taking that bait).

In OTC, 404PointsNotFound came up two points short of a SECOND STRAIGHT PERFECT WEEK – and that one loss was South Florida, which could have easily gone the other way. Congrats on the 53, good sir. Care to share that crystal ball of yours with us bottom dwellers? Amazingly though, with top score two straight weeks, he still sits in 7th place overall. Top honors remain with dallas2697. RecordSetter 98 is a single point behind. And PSU 1996 remains the best thing happening for the Nittany Lions this season, four points further back in third. Sprint82, I see you lurking there ready to make a move…

We are a mere 10 days away from the first college football playoff rankings, and one thing is for damn sure: a LOT can still happen these final six weeks. Don’t miss the action. Think you’re slick? Make that pick!

                  VEGAS

#8 Ole Miss v. #13 Oklahoma (-4.5)

#18 USF (-3.5) v. Memphis

#15 Missouri v. #10 Vanderbilt (-3)

#11 BYU v. Iowa State (-2.5)

#23 Illinois v. Washington (-3.5)

Minnesota v. Iowa (-7.5)

San Diego State (-3.5) v. Fresno State

Baylor v. #21 Cincinnati (-3.5)

#3 Texas A&M (-1.5) v. #20 LSU

North Dakota State (-8.5) v. South Dakota State