Week 8 Precap

Connecticut vs. West Virginia

I've been trying to come up with something touching yet noble to say about the death of Jasper Howard, but I can't even begin to think of anything. Most of what comes to mind are confused phrases along the lines of "God damn it" and "What the fuck?!" Maybe someday I'll have something better to add, but right now I can't even come up with a way to think about this.

Of all the games being played this weekend, this is by far the strangest. Somehow, Connecticut needs to get fired up to play a game that probably doesn't seem all that important any more. West Virginia somehow needs to get fired up to make life that much harder for the Connecticut football program and all the people in it. This is uncharted territory for just about everyone, so it's hard to say how the players and coaches will be affected. What I do know is that this game may be therapeutic, it may be salt on the wound, it may be just a benumbed blur. But the game is happening, be it good or bad.

Considering everything that is surrounding this game, I am not going to make a pick. I wanted to say something meaningful, but I find myself speechless. There is simply no sense to be made of the senseless. I can only express condolences to the family, friends, and teammates of Jasper Howard.

Florida State vs. UNC

Which ACC team has more losses? Florida State? Then I'll pick them to win.

Ohio State vs. Minnesota

Right now, Ohio State's psyche is hanging by a thread. And they are going to the last place on earth that they should be right now: their own stadium. The fans are restless after several years of near misses and disappointment, and now they are venting a lot of frustration at a team that is in transition between offenses, with a quaterback that is adjusting to more of a pro-style offense, and is starting two backups at the tackle positions. The fans are going to boo the quarterback. They are going to boo the coaches. They are going to boo all of the players. And, much to the disappoinment of everyone in Ohio Stadium, the Buckeyes are going to win.

Arkansas vs. Ole Miss

Does anybody really care how this game turns out? Okay, fine, Arkansas and Ole Miss fans care. I would think they care. Do they care anymore? Anyway, let's go with Arkansas; they have at least been mediocre this season.

Oklahoma vs. Kansas

Whoa Nelly, we're all looking forward to this legendary matchup between the #24 and #25 teams in the country. You know, when you are hanging onto the rankings by that thin of a thread, I think it's actually less embarrassing to be unranked. Kansas will be less embarassed come Sunday afternoon.

Penn State vs. Michigan

So far this year, Penn State has played one good team: Iowa. They lost. Michigan has played three good teams: Notre Dame, Michigan State, and Iowa, and lost two out of three. At least Michigan has one win against a good team. I'll pick them to win at home.

Oregon vs. Washington

Remember when people could not understand how Washington was ranked behind USC after they beat them on the field? Oregon will prove even more that Washington is not a good team. Does this mean USC is the 93rd best team in the country?

TCU vs. BYU

Your guess is as good as mine on this one. I'll go with TCU, though. Defense gets you places in this sport and TCU's is excellent.

Texas A&M vs. Texas Tech

Remember when everyone was saying that Texas A&M is a force to be reckoned with this year? Mike Sherman continues to justify my lack of faith in him. Take the children out of the room for this one, it won't be pretty.

Iowa vs. Michigan State

It's going to be close throughout, but expect Iowa to do just enough to win, and Michigan State to do just enough to lose.