The last time my brother, Darrell, attended an IU football game with me in 2023, this is what Memorial Stadium looked like at kickoff.
Darrell is going to be in the stadium for tomorrow’s game. I’ll be in the press box. Darrell is in for a treat.
I don’t like it when I hear announcers saying (I know they need to say something) that the Golden Gophers of Minnesota are taking on the defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers. Not really. Most of that team is gone. Anyone who follows Indiana Football knows that. They know the difference. Nothing against Josh Hoover. Not at all. God bless him for taking on the challenge of replacing THE MAN. That Josh Hoover comes to Indiana just underscores the mastery of Coach Curt Cignetti. Guts for Guts. That’s why I am rooting for Josh Hoover. It took guts to sign on to play quarterback at the school that produced last year’s Heisman Trophy winner. It’s still all a blur to many of us.
I’m not naive. I know what college football players are being paid. I grapple with that in quiet moments when it’s just me and me fighting it out. Still, to have the courage to take snaps at the school that produced last year’s Heisman winner is more than commendable. That’s not for everybody.
Josh Hoover has proven he is a winner.
This week’s picks:
Duke beats BC… The Dukies are at home.
Illinois bears Maryland… Even at Maryland, with all their turmoil, the Illini get this one.
Notre Dame beats Navy… We’re all waiting for Notre Dame and Miami.
Iowa beats Wisconsin… How many Hawkeye fans are breathing a sigh of relief knowing this one is at home.
Michigan beats Rutgers… The Wolverines were close last week against the Hoosiers. They get this one.
Ole Miss beats Auburn… Coming off of two different worlds…or weekends. Rebs win at home.
Louisville beats Stanford… The Cards get a much needed one.
Georgia beats Florida… In Atlanta? Shame.
Indiana beats Minnesota… Must say I am looking forward to seeing the Gophers QB in live action. Drake Lindsey is a hoss from Arkansas. I have enjoyed watching Goldy this season. I always do. I have a soft spot for Goldy. Watched them play 3 Music City Bowl in the early 2000s. Indiana is a 20-point favorite. Indiana’s defense is the catalyst of their team this year. Anyone here remember the old axiom defense wins championships?
Cincinnati beats Utah… Wow. Another good one. I picked UC to beat Texas Tech last week. Nippert Stadium is a place that is hard to describe. Outside The Rose Bowl Stadium, I don’t know of another more unique place to play. This falls in the Bearcats favor.
UCLA beats Nevada…Empty the bench and have fun. Could we see UCLA against Indiana in Indy in December?
Penn State beats Purdue… Home game in Happy Valley.
Ohio State beats USC… USC was handled by Wisconsin last week. This is an important game for SC…and Coach Riley. Especially Coach Riley.
Oregon State beats Fresno State… Coach Mark Hagen is working greatness with the Beaver defense. 2-10 last year, Oregon State brought in a new staff and they are 5-2 and have won 5 in a row.
Enjoy this last October weekend. This is the best weekend of the year.