Weekly links: Las Vegas Bowl worth watching for once, just because of coaches Chris Petersen and Bryan Harsin

Saturday might mark the first time that the Las Vegas Bowl is a highly anticipated event.

And it is all because of the two coaches.

Outgoing Washington coach Chris Petersen coaches against Boise State — his former program — in his final game as Huskies’ coach.

He’ll be pitted against Broncos coach Bryan Harsin, his replacement at Boise State. The two spent 10 seasons together at Boise State, the last five with Petersen as head coach.

They were the masterminds of the wild Fiesta Bowl trickery when then-offensive coordinator Harsin went for the all-time trifecta in crazy plays that worked in the 43-42 overtime upset of Oklahoma.

You may recall the hook-and-lateral for a touchdown on fourth-and-18 to force overtime. Or the call for a receiver to take a direct snap and throw a touchdown pass in overtime. And, of course, the famous Statue of Liberty play for the winning two-point conversion.

Pretty sure star running back Ian Johnson, who scored the decisive points, did the proposal to his cheerleader girlfriend on national TV on his own.

Both Petersen and Harsin were doing the ‘we’re not the story’ nonsense leading up to the game. Remember, these guys are major control freaks who are used to manipulating people and figured they could get their way.

But think real hard: Why else would you turn on the Las Vegas Bowl?

Not to see Petersen’s highly underachieving 7-5 squad, that’s for sure.

And teams with 12-1 records — like Boise State — aren’t supposed to be found in minor bowl games played before Christmas.

So we’re tuning in to see Petersen versus Harsin. Will Coach Pete go out with a win over his former school? Or will Harsin out-do him like when the two coaches met on the blue turf of Boise in 2015?

Yes, for real, the Las Vegas Bowl is actually worth watching.

Thanks to the two coaches.

Here is the stellar preview — https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories/?storyId=56915

 

NFL

Raiders-Chargers

The Chargers are playing their final game in the miniature soccer stadium in Carson and that means it has already been three seasons since leaving the paradise of San Diego. The Raiders, of course, are departing their sewage-filled stadium (nope, not talking about the Black Hole folks) for the 115-degree temperatures of Las Vegas.

Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/nfl/raiders-vs-chargers-preview-and-predictions/

 

Cardinals-Seahawks

The Seahawks are one of four 11-3 teams in the NFC and there is no telling whether they are a Super Bowl contender or a postseason pretender. What the Cardinals are is no secret of course and that’s not changing anytime soon.

Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/nfl/cardinals-vs-seahawks-preview-and-predictions/

 

Packers-Vikings

The Monday night game should be a good one with the Packers one game ahead in the NFC North. The Vikings also are headed to the playoffs and they look like a dangerous team to me.

Here is the stellar preview — https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories/?storyId=57106

Weekly links … Strasburg has his ring, so now it’s time to head home to San Diego

If you’ve ever lived in San Diego, you know the thought of someday living on the East Coast is horrifying.

And trust me, Stephen Strasburg has noticed what a nightmare it is to go from sensational San Diego to the bitter Washington D.C. area.

This matters because Strasburg, fresh off his classic World Series MVP performance in helping the Washington Nationals win their first title, can opt out of his contract by Saturday night. He has four years and $100 million remaining on the original seven-year, $175 million deal.

There are two primary reasons Strasburg should opt out:

1) Use his leverage to get a more lucrative deal from the Nationals.

2) To beat it from the East Coast and hope to play out West … you know, like in his hometown of San Diego.

Strasburg was a big fan of the San Diego Padres as a kid and Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn was his idol.

He later pitched at San Diego State with Gwynn as his head coach and developed into the No. 1 overall pick by the Nationals in 2009.

You may have noticed the Padres could use a starting pitcher, especially an ace with the arsenal of Strasburg.

Coming home would give him the opportunity to pitch for the team he loved AND make wheelbarrows full of money.

And yeah, he could wake up every morning in 70-degree weather. None of that East Coast humidity nonsense and none of that scraping ice off the car windows gibberish.

Sounds like opting out and relocating 3,000 miles away is the easy move.

Here is a stellar look at the Nationals’ upcoming decisions (it is also in the New York Times, a site where I have exceeded the story limit) — https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories/?storyId=52152

 

NFL

Ravens-Patriots

I’ve been hitting the Greenbelt for exercise and/or running errands on Sunday nights but here is finally a time to stay indoors. Lamar Jackson’s special skills have turned the Ravens into the NFL’s second-best offense and the Patriots have the league’s top defense. Here is the stellar preview — https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories/?storyId=52112

Packers-Chargers

The big question here is will Green Bay fans make up 85 percent of the attendance at the small soccer stadium in Los Angeles or will it be over 90 percent? The Chargers fired offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and made him the scapegoat when he all know the Spanos Goofs are the problem. — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NFL/packers-vs-chargers-preview-and-predictions-/

Buccaneers-Seahawks

Jameis Winston has thrown seven interceptions the past two games as it becomes clearer Tampa Bay needs to go in a new direction at quarterback next year. Russell Wilson has 17 touchdowns against one interception — and he entered the league with a loss less hype than Winston but is about 300 times better. — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/nfl/buccaneers-vs-seahawks-preview-and-predictions/

 

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Boise State-San Jose State

Boise State has never lost to the Spartans and that won’t change this time. San Jose State is forever famous in my mind from the time we did the postgame interviews there in a pop-up tent behind the end zone stands. For real. Here is the stellar longform preview — https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories/?storyId=52027 … or if you prefer, the stellar shorter preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/ncaaf/boise-state-broncos-vs-san-jose-state-spartans-preview-and-predictions/

Utah-Washington

Chris Petersen is on his way to a five-loss season — and getting paid a lot of money to deliver a record that many less-publicized coaches could deliver. Utah typically has troubles beating the Huskies but its defense has been incredible lately so this year might be different. Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NCAAF/utah-utes-vs-washington-huskies-preview-and-predictions-/

NBA

Jazz-Kings

Mike Conley made more baskets (11) in his fifth game with the Utah Jazz in his first four games combined (nine). Sacramento is horrible under first-year coach Luke Walton and I’m pretty sure their defense couldn’t stop you and four of your neighbors from scoring. Here is the stellar preview — https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories/?storyId=52179

 

Weekly links — Alabama-South Carolina game displays that SEC schedule is a complete joke; maybe Andy Dalton fits

This reveals how ridiculous scheduling is in the SEC: Alabama and South Carolina play Saturday for the first time since 2010. Since Alabama lost that game, perhaps there is a reason.

Oh yeah, the next meeting isn’t until 2024.

So two teams in the same conference will play each other just once during a 13-season stretch. That is embarrassing.

But these same jokers don’t mind playing teams like Charleston Southern and Wofford every November.

The best part is that Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban – who hasn’t experienced a happy day since he was age 7 – loves to complain about the schedule.

Good thing he coaches in a conference that is just as backward as he happens to be.

Time to be a grown man Nick and tell your conference that the league’s scheduling policies are asinine.

If a conference can’t figure out how to make some of its members play each other more than once in a 13-year stretch, it is time to boot some teams out, pump up the number of conference games or cut out the November body-bag games.

Or perhaps do all three.

Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/ncaaf/alabama-crimson-tide-vs-south-carolina-gamecocks-preview-and-predictions/

 

OTHER COLLEGE FOOTBALL 

PORTLAND STATE at BOISE STATE

This game involves an FCS team and is on ESPN2. LOL. Perhaps ESPN’s schedule maker got his or her start in the SEC. Here is the stellar long form preview — https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories/?storyId=47945 — and the stellar capsule-like preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/ncaaf/portland-state-vikings-vs-boise-state-broncos-preview-and-predictions/

HAWAII at WASHINGTON

Hawaii is 2-0 against Pac-12 teams hoping to make it three straight. Either Hawaii is kinda good or the Pac-12 is once-again bad. Probably the latter. Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/ncaaf/hawaii-rainbow-warriors-vs-washington-huskies-preview-and-predictions/

 

NFL

49ERS at BENGALS

Some columnist ordered the Bengals to get rid of Andy Dalton a few weeks ago. Cincinnati ignored the advice. Interesting to see Dalton pass for a career-high 418 yards in his first game in coach Zac Taylor’s progressive system. Here is the stellar preview — https://sports.yahoo.com/bengals-ponder-passing-attack-against-061052114.html 

BROWNS at JETS

Sam Darnold of the Jets has mononucleosis and most of us don’t want to know how he got it. Then there’s Baker Mayfield of the Browns doing a lot of yapping and his team loses its opener by 30. Here is the stellar preview — https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories/?storyId=48112

CHARGERS at LIONS

Melvin who? Holdout running backs can be forgotten quickly. Austin Ekeler made it harder for Gordon to get his cash. And hey, the Lions, the team that blew an 18-point lead in their opener and needed an overtime field goal to attain a tie. Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/nfl/chargers-vs-lions-preview-and-predictions/ 

SEAHAWKS at STEELERS

Pittsburgh sure won’t miss helmet-head Antonio Brown in the locker room but it remains to be seen if the offense will click without him. Seattle’s Russell Wilson tossed five touchdown passes against the Steelers in 2015. Here is the stellar preview –https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/nfl/seahawks-vs-steelers-preview-and-predictions/

Weekly links — Antonio Brown’s outdated helmet has damaged his mind; plus much more reading in an epic nine-preview week

Weekly links is back …

Something is seriously wrong with Antonio Brown’s head.

Perhaps that outdated helmet caused him to get his bell rung a little too often because the thinking part of his brain is severely damaged.

The stellar receiver has been nothing but a headache for the Oakland Raiders after wearing out his welcome with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

And it appears Brown will be suspended for Oakland’s season opener on Monday against the Denver Broncos.

Brown must have majored in drama in college because that is all he is producing thus far. The Raiders might be forced to part ways with a guy who might have trouble finding another team to put up with his nonsense.

Of course, it couldn’t happen to a more deserving organization.

The stellar preview can be found here — https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories/?storyId=47481

 

BILLS at JETS

Le’Veon Bell wants to carry the ball 50 times but who knows how stubborn Jets’ play caller Adam Gase sees things. Buffalo sent LeSean McCoy packing and is ready to rely on three backs to carry the load. … Here is the stellar preview — https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories/?storyId=47406

COLTS at CHARGERS

Andrew Luck’s stunning retirement leaves Jacoby Brissett in control of the Colts. The Chargers still have Philip Rivers behind center while Melvin Gordon is holding out and nobody seems to miss him. … Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/nfl/colts-vs-chargers-preview-and-predictions/

BENGALS at SEAHAWKS

Seattle robbed Jadeveon Clowney from the Houston Texans while Russell Wilson is carving out a legendary career. The Bengals typically don’t know what they’re doing and new coach Zac Taylor is praising Andy Dalton, a tune that may be different at the end of the season. … Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/nfl/bengals-vs-seahawks-preview-and-predictions/

 

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

MARSHALL at BOISE STATE

Freshman quarterback Hank Bachmeier looks like he might be the real deal based on a strong debut against Florida State. Marshall doesn’t figure to enjoy its view of the blue turf — or the scoreboard. … Here is the stellar preview — https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories/?storyId=47304

RUTGERS at IOWA

Nate Stanley will finish his career as Iowa’s leader in career touchdown passes and he figures to throw a few against hapless Rutgers. The fact the Scarlet Knights are in the Big Ten continues to be one of college football’s biggest jokes. … Here is the stellar preview — https://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories/?storyId=47260

NEW MEXICO STATE at ALABAMA

Remember this contest when Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban whines about how tough his team’s schedule is this season. The 55-point underdog Aggies are there just to collect a check — and hope none of their players get paralyzed. … Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/ncaaf/new-mexico-state-aggies-vs-alabama-crimson-tide-preview-and-predictions/

NORTHERN COLORADO at WASHINGTON STATE

Someone named Anthony Gordon passed for 420 yards and five touchdowns in his first career start last weekend, which further proves that anyone can be a star in Mike Leach’s high-powered Washington State offense. Northern Colorado’s chances of slowing down the Cougars start at slim and will probably drop to none. … Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/ncaaf/northern-colorado-bears-vs-washington-state-cougars-preview-and-predictions/

CALIFORNIA at WASHINGTON

The Golden Bears beat the Huskies 12-10 last season, making it clear Chris Petersen’s team were complete pretenders. Hard to see another upset on the horizon with Washington looking for its 16th straight home win. … Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NCAAF/california-golden-bears-vs-washington-huskies-preview-and-predictions-/

Weekly links: Nailing the Alabama-Oklahoma prediction, Urban’s headaches, Bol Bol’s dad, Chargers will flop, Gilbride’s the worst

Figured it was a good time for a Weekly Links post so I will have it on record that I picked the correct winner in the College Football Playoff game between Alabama and Oklahoma.

You say that isn’t hard to do? Try doing it my way.

The No. 1 offensive player on my 2019 NFL draft board plays for Oklahoma. Some people think Kyler Murray will be fine with being just another player on the Oakland Athletics.

Not a chance — you will see him tearing up the NFL someday. But first you will see him roll up the points on Saturday.

That’s right, I’ve got Oklahoma winning the contest.

And the proof is right here in the stellar preview: https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NCAAF/oklahoma-sooners-vs-alabama-crimson-tide-preview-and-predictions/358719/

Remember, I’m the guy who picked Villanova to beat North Carolina in the 2016 college basketball title game when everybody else was picking the Tar Heels.

Not only that, I almost predicted the exact final score. Villanova won 77-74 on Kris Jenkins’ memorable game-winning shot. I picked Villanova to win 77-73.

That’s about as good as it gets when it comes to predicting college basketball scores.

Anyway, you can find the predicted score inside the preview link but don’t be the least bit surprised when Heisman Trophy winner Murray outduels Heisman runner-up Tua Tagovailoa (wow, just spelled his last name without looking it up for the first time ever).

And you will remember where you heard that the Sooners would prevail.

ROSE BOWL — Ohio State vs. Washington

Urban Meyer’s last game as a college coach. Ummm, sure. He’ll be back, headaches and all. I’ve got him going out a winner against Chris Petersen’s underachieving Washington squad.

https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NCAAF/washington-huskies-vs-ohio-state-buckeyes-preview-and-predictions/360497/

 

NFL

Chargers-Broncos

Unfortunately, the Chargers are going to the playoffs. Now comes the fun part. Is it better to have them collapse in the opening round or reaching the AFC title game before being sent home? Either way, the Super Bowl is for winners so there is no need for any people named Spanos to be in the building.

https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NFL/chargers-vs-broncos-preview-and-predictions/365804/

Seahawks-Cardinals

Seattle just gave coach Pete Carroll an extension through 2021 while Arizona is likely to fire coach Steve Wilks after one season on the job. You have to be highly overmatched to lose your job after one year so it must be clear to everybody in the front office that Wilks has to go. Even horrible Kevin Gilbride (worst NFL head coach I covered) got 22 games before being fired.

https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NFL/cardinals-vs-seahawks-preview-and-predictions/365809/

 

COLLEGE HOOPS

Kentucky-Louisville

I guess people in the state of Kentucky are excited but seems this game has lot a bit of his luster. Perhaps Rick Pitino can show up and do something stupid. If you see Kentucky freshman guard Ashton Hagans around, guard your stuff. He steals everything in sight and matched the school record of eight thefts in the Wildcats’ last outing.

https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/basketball/NCAAB/kentucky-wildcats-vs-louisville-cardinals-preview-and-predictions/366400/

Oregon-Boise State

Bad deal for the people in Boise as Oregon freshman star Bol Bol will miss the contest with a knee injury. Not much good to see from the Boise State side but at least the Ducks are evening things up with three injured players missing. Oh yeah, asked Manute Bol for some of his time before a CBA game once and he grazed the right side of my body and yelled “Right now, you’re crazy!”

https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/basketball/NCAAB/oregon-ducks-vs-boise-st-broncos-preview-and-predictions/366394/

 

Weekly links … Work Ethic of the Year award clinched, no fans in L.A. for C-word, football Gods punish Urban, Alabama is unstoppable

Weekly Links … Pretty sure I will win national Work Ethic of the Year honors for 2018.

I wrote nine previews on Tuesday — one shy of my personal best — in addition to writing seven or eight breaking news stories and editing eight to 10 more articles.

That is more work than many print reporters do all week. Check that, 16 or 17 articles would be a heavy month’s work for some of those dudes.

I can recall how a competitor would whine when his newspaper would ask him to write a second story. Geez, so overworked having to write TWO stories in one day.

Most sportswriters wouldn’t last two weeks in the online world. I can do their job, they can’t do mine.

Of course, one of the drawbacks in my work life is having to occasionally write about the C-word. Yep, drew the Spanos buffoons again this week.

How about the ticket situation for those clowns? Pretty embarrassing that they can’t get fans into their 27,000-seat children’s playground. Of course, nobody in Los Angeles cares that they are around. And nobody ever will.

All their fans are 100 miles away and they are enjoying what a joke the franchise is becoming.

So keep me up for Work Ethic of the Year honors and let’s nominate Dean Spanos for dumbest decision by a sports owner in NFL history.

Here is the stellar preview of Titans vs. Chargers in London —

https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NFL/titans-vs-chargers-preview-and-predictions/324717/

 

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Oregon-Washington State — The Pac-12 is pretty much a joke of a conference for a second straight season. Oregon somehow is about the best team the conference has to offer. Until the Ducks lose to Washington State and the team coached by nutty Mike Leach is the best. Yeah, not a good year for the Pac-12.

http://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=20531

Ohio State-Purdue — Everyone seems to have forgotten Urban Meyer’s unethical nonsense. Everybody except for the football Gods. You don’t think this Nick Bosa injury and ensuing departure just happened? The Buckeyes aren’t winning the national crown without Bosa and that means the rest of us win.

https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NCAAF/ohio-state-buckeyes-vs-purdue-boilermakers-preview-and-predictions/324082/

Alabama-Tennessee — The Crimson Tide seem on their way to another national title. The boring run-based offense of earlier this decade is now a wide-open attack with speedy wideouts everywhere. Give Tennessee credit for showing up on Saturday and then watch the deluge of points from Alabama.

https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NCAAF/alabama-crimson-tide-vs-tennessee-volunteers-preview-and-predictions/323779/

Weekly links — Brewers haven’t been in World Series since 1982? Have co-workers who weren’t alive then; let’s move Steelers-Bengals into octagon, Crimson Tide rolling

Weekly links …

My research showed me that the Milwaukee Brewers haven’t played in the World Series since 1982.

Then it sinks in — I have co-workers who weren’t alive in 1982.

That doesn’t feel so good. Where the heck did the last 36 years go?

Hopefully the Brewers will return to the World Series this year. Because that will mean that the Dodgers won’t.

Doesn’t seem all that long ago that a powerful Milwaukee offensive team — think Cecil Cooper, Paul Molitor, Ben Oglivie, Ted Simmons, Gorman Thomas and Robin Yount — lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in a stellar seven-game  series.

Yikes, that was so long ago that the Brewers were in the American League.

Milwaukee has another great offensive team this season — led by probable MVP Christian Yelich — but the Dodgers probably have a more complete team. Should be a good National League Championship Series.

Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/baseball/MLB/dodgers-vs-brewers-preview-and-predictions/320805/

 

NFL

Rams at Broncos — The Los Angeles Rams are fun and exciting and one of two remaining undefeated teams in the NFL. This after being a boring lifeless team just two seasons ago under Jeff Fisher. And even better, “Los Angeles” fits nicely with their team nickname. The Broncos are on their way to a fourth straight loss.

Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NFL/rams-vs-broncos-preview-and-predictions/320864/

Steelers at Bengals — Perhaps they ought to put these two teams in the octagon and let them go wild on one another. Some recent meetings have been more vicious than a UFC bout. Who can forget the way Pittsburgh wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster laid out Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict last season on Monday Night Football? Seems the Steelers always win the game and Cincinnati claims the penalty yards’ title.

Here is the stellar preview — http://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=20122

Chargers at Browns — Who can forget the last time the Chargers visited Cleveland on Christmas Eve during the 2016 season? The lowly Browns defeated the Chargers for their lone win over a two-season span. That was the type of embarrassment owner Dean Spanos deserved on his way out of San Diego. The Browns are much better now so perhaps there will be a repeat.

Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NFL/chargers-vs-browns-preview-and-predictions/320846/

 

College football

Missouri at Alabama — The Crimson Tide have looked so good you have to wonder if anyone can beat them. The offense has been explosive and the defense keeps scoring touchdowns (four off interceptions). Missouri is one of those programs that might stun a Top 20 program but has little chance to beat a powerful top-ranked team. And yeah, the Tigers are 0-14 all-time against No. 1 teams.

Here is the traditional stellar preview — https://www.gwinnettprepsports.com/sportsxchange/no-alabama-rolls-into-second-half-with-mizzou-up-next/article_eeb9eec7-5583-55b9-9c20-6f02090b3219.html

Here is the broken into team sections stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NCAAF/missouri-tigers-vs-alabama-crimson-tide-preview-and-predictions/320276/

Minnesota at Ohio State — Urban Meyer feels great now because he no longer is facing questions about his questionable handling of the situation in which assistant coach Zach Smith was accused of domestic violence. He won’t face much distress this Saturday when his team faces Minnesota either. The Golden Gophers have no chance of beating the Buckeyes.

Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NCAAF/minnesota-golden-gophers-vs-ohio-state-buckeyes-preview-and-predictions/320279/

Weekly links — Raiders-Chargers not much of a rivalry these days, Chip Kelly’s team is bad, hoping David Price remains winless

Weekly links …

Raiders versus Chargers no longer sounds so fun these days. Oops, I just used the C-word.

Still, the future Las Vegas team against the squad playing in a small soccer stadium doesn’t pack any luster.

Oakland visiting San Diego is a rivalry. Oakland visiting Carson, Calif. means absolutely nothing.

This isn’t Don Coryell’s offense rolling up 55 points on the Raiders and it surely isn’t Ken Stabler to Cliff Branch while picking apart soft Chargers’ defenses.

Both teams have superb quarterbacks — Philip Rivers for the Chargers, Derek Carr for the Raiders — but even a shootout won’t make this feel like an important game.

Not when the Chargers are playing in a miniature stadium with a populace that doesn’t care they are in town.

The Chargers aren’t even the most popular team playing in the StubHub Center. Ever heard of the L.A. Galaxy?

Here is the stellar preview — http://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=19657 

Rams at Seahawks

The Rams are way more popular in Los Angeles than the Chargers and for good reason. The team is way more exciting and is one of two remaining unbeaten teams in the NFL. They also belong in Los Angeles. Now they get a chance to remind the Seattle Seahawks there is a new king in the NFC West. Oh yeah, how did it go last December? Try Rams 42, Seahawks 7.

Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NFL/rams-vs-seahawks-preview-and-predictions/317119/ 

Packers at Lions

Aaron Rodgers takes shots at coach Mike McCarthy after his team won by 22 points. Who is he taking advice from — Danica Patrick? Hey, I wonder if Rodgers’ family is on speaking terms with him again now that he has a new girlfriend. The Lions will try to silence Rodgers this weekend.

Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NFL/packers-vs-lions-preview-and-predictions/317109/

 

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Washington at UCLA

Something has to give here — Washington hasn’t won at the Rose Bowl since 1995 and Chip Kelly has a horrible team. Check out UCLA’s schedule and see if you find two wins. May turn out to be zero. The Huskies shouldn’t encounter much difficult winning in Pasadena for the first time in 23 years.

Here is the stellar preview — http://fieldlevelmedia.com/washington-rewire-history-ucla

Alabama-Arkansas

Nick Saban complained that the student section was lackluster for last week’s drubbing against Louisiana. Um yeah, then don’t schedule a lackluster opponent. Sounds like Alabama students are pretty smart by not showing up. As for this week, there is zero chance of Arkansas pulling an upset.

Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NCAAF/alabama-crimson-tide-vs-arkansas-razorbacks-preview-and-predictions/316216/ 

Indiana-Ohio State

Ohio State is now the third-ranked team in the country and everybody has forgotten Urban Meyer’s embarrassing antics when it came to former assistant coach Zach Smith using his wife as a punching bag. That is exactly what the school administration was hoping. Hopefully, there are two losses to come to keep the school out of the College Football Playoff. Not seeing the Hoosiers delivering one of those setback.

Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NCAAF/indiana-hoosiers-vs-ohio-state-buckeyes-preview-and-predictions/316231/

 

BASEBALL

Yankees-Red Sox, Game 2

Don’t usually include baseball due to the short shelf life of a preview but this one needs to be included. Boston left-hander David Price is 0-8 in nine postseason starts and it will be fun to see that zero in the win column remain. Can he break the drought Saturday? Perhaps, but know this: He went 0-3 with a 10.34 ERA in four starts against the Yankees this season.

Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/baseball/MLB/yankees-vs-red-sox-preview-and-predictions/317683/

Weekly links — Yes, I sometimes have to write about the ‘C word,’ mouthy Josh Rosen gets his chance, Saban loves cupcakes

Weekly links …

Sometimes I have to write about the “C word.”

There is just no avoiding it unless I want to get a boring, mundane job doing something else.

Objectivity always wins out since I am paid well to be a professional.

But that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy this tweet that came across my Twitter feed.

Just left @Vons in La Jolla where I spotted a C word Poster. I kindly let the supervisor know that they should take the poster down and that people on Twitter are boycotting them for it. She said I’m right and she’s going to contact the store mgr about it 🤣.

— Candice (@candice61812) September 26, 2018

Oh yeah, the C word. … Chargers.

What a C word it is. A poor one when San Diego isn’t in front of the team name.

The Chargers are 1-2 but get the good fortune of facing C.J. Beathard at quarterback this Sunday after the San Francisco 49ers lost starter Jimmy Garoppolo last week. But hey, we all know how often that franchise has lost games it should win over the years.

Tight end Antonio Gates says they don’t select Super Bowl teams in the first four weeks of the season. True. They select them in mid-January.

And think, the Chargers were selected all of ONE time. And certainly won’t be this season either.

So yeah, let’s talk about the “C word.”

Here is the stellar preview — http://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=19137

Seahawks at Cardinals — Josh Rosen has done a lot of bragging about how he is the best quarterback of the 2018 draft class. Only time and results determine that, not someone’s mouth. But know this — the Cardinals have scored 20 total points in three games. Rosen can’t be worse than Sam Bradford. Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NFL/seahawks-vs-cardinals-preview-and-predictions/313133/

Lions at Cowboys — Ezekiel Elliott wants more carries. Hard to argue when he is getting only 16 per game but is tied for the NFL rushing lead with 274 yards. Plus, quarterback Dak Prescott isn’t as good as his strong start to his NFL career. Hasn’t reached 200 yards this season and has cracked the mark just twice in the past 11 games. Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NFL/lions-vs-cowboys-preview-and-predictions/313103/

 

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Louisiana-Alabama — The Crimson Tide are once again playing the biggest cupcake available. The only suspense is whether coach Nick Saban calls off the dogs when his team leads by six touchdowns or waits until the advantage moves over 50. The coach at Louisiana — Billy Napier — used to be the receivers coach at Alabama so you can see the payday favor is in play. No other reason the Ragin’ Cajuns would show up. Here is the stellar preview — http://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=19050

Or if you prefer the type of preview that breaks it down into team forms, here is your stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NCAAF/ul-lafayette-ragin-cajuns-vs-alabama-crimson-tide-preview-and-predictions/312440/

Boise State at Wyoming — It was pretty humorous Wednesday afternoon when I was out getting exercise that Boise State was pumping crowd noise into practice. Even more hilarious when I got back in the area 75 minutes later and it was still going on. Thought they must have been playing an opponent with an 80,000-seat stadium. Nope, playing at Wyoming and its cozy 29,181-seat stadium. I covered five games at Wyoming and only once was the attendance more than 20,000. The lowest three were 15,661, 14,012 and 13,757. Sorry, crowd noise isn’t deciding this game. Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NCAAF/boise-state-broncos-vs-wyoming-cowboys-preview-and-predictions/312446/

 

Weekly links — RIP Celia, FitzMagic about to slay Jameis, Urban Liar returns, Sun Devils own Huskies, please let Seahawks be 0-3

Weekly links …

Going to be hard-pressed to write a sadder story all year long.

The murder of Celia Barquin Arozamena while she was playing a round of golf in Ames, Iowa is one of the most irritating things that can occur. The 22-year-old loved being on the golf course more than anywhere else and a homeless clown decided to stab her to death and dump her in the pond near the ninth hole.

I should have been writing her name at some point during my career. But it should have been for her golf exploits, and not because she was victim of a heinous crime.

Barquin Arozamena played in the most recent U.S. Women’s Open at Shoal Creek, missing the cut by three strokes. She was the Big 12 champion and Iowa State’s female athlete of the year.

The native of Spain appeared to have a real promising future. But one moron has left that chapter unwritten.

Here is the stellar article (accurate through Tuesday) — https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sports-barquin-arozamena-death/man-charged-in-death-of-former-iowa-state-womens-golfer-idUSKCN1LY2X4

 

NFL

Steelers at Buccaneers — FitzMagic is everywhere and a lot of people near Tampa hope Ryan Fitzpatrick’s roll will continue. That would mean Uber crotch grabber Jameis Winston would be on the sidelines watching. And what is with Pittsburgh receiver Antonio Brown? Can someone get him a pacifier? Here is the stellar preview — http://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=18624

Cowboys at Seahawks — How great would it be to see Seattle start 0-3 for the first time since 2002? Around where I live, those bandwagoners who were suddenly Seattle fans when the team made the Super Bowl will be shedding their gear soon. Then again, who wants to see Dallas win? Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NFL/cowboys-vs-seahawks-preview-and-predictions/308991/

Bills at Vikings — Cornerback Vontae Davis quit football at halftime of the Bills’ last game and I think that means he suddenly realized he had signed with Buffalo. Minnesota safety Andrew Sendejo got fined $53,482 for a hit in last week’s game against Green Bay. I hear there are people who don’t make that much money in a year. Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NFL/bills-vs-vikings-preview-and-predictions/308981/

 

College football

Texas A&M at Alabama — Nick Saban is 12-0 against former assistants and Texas A&M’s Jimbo Fisher is going to try to end this streak. He wasn’t able to do it last year when he was at Florida State and I surely don’t give him much chance this season against an Alabama team that looks like it can go undefeated. Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NCAAF/texas-am-aggies-vs-alabama-crimson-tide-preview-and-predictions/308384/

Arizona State at Washington — How silly is it that the Sun Devils have won 11 of their past 12 meetings with the Huskies? Perhaps Washington coach Chris Petersen should spend less time engaging in his silly feud with the ESPN (silly on ESPN’s part too) and prepare his team a little better. Washington was supposed to trample Arizona State last season and scored seven measly points. Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NCAAF/arizona-state-sun-devils-vs-washington-huskies-preview-and-predictions/308380/

Tulane at Ohio State — Urban Meyer is back coaching and that means it is time for a lightweight opponent. The Buckeyes sure didn’t miss the Urban Liar while routing their first three game opponents. And now that we know he has a faulty memory, it is 50-50 that he knows how to find the stadium. Here is the stellar preview — https://www.scoresandstats.com/previews/football/NCAAF/tulane-green-wave-vs-ohio-state-buckeyes-preview-and-predictions/308388/

Penn State at Illinois — The Nittany Lions have a showdown with Ohio State next week so maybe they come out sluggish against Illinois. Actually, the Fighting Illini will fold at some point regardless of Penn State’s effort. How about giving up 18 straight fourth-quarter points to lose to South Florida? Bad stuff. Here is the stellar preview — http://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=18495

Boston College at Purdue — Boston College is ranked for the first time in 10 years. Almost makes you think college football on the whole is in decline mode for that to happen. Purdue quarterback David Blough passed for 572 yards last week. Not even school legend Drew Brees did that. Here is the stellar preview — http://fieldlevelmedia.com/latest-stories?storyId=18507