"If You Aren’t First, You Are Last Ricky Bobby”
Written by Wendi
Well in the interests of the seniors for Michigan who decided to stay their final year, it paid off. Michigan went out to dominate Iowa in the Big Ten Championship game 42-3. After many (including myself) thought that they would lay an egg after the emotional win of Ohio State. Luckily they did not and they are now playoff bound to match up against Georgia in the Orange Bowl. Anyone want to go big on Michigan?
We all thought that Georgia would beat the breaks off of Alabama with the rate Alabama had been playing. But as in Nick Saban fashion, he came out blazing and never stopped. Alabama went on to beat them 41-24. Georgia looked mediocre. But in all reality, they have not really played anyone. Sure they beat #8 ranked Arkansas at the time. But Arkansas went on to lose several more games. They beat an 18th ranked Auburn but Auburn ended up only winning six total games. Yeah they beat Clemson the first game of the season while they were ranked #3. But look at Clemson now. They beat 11th ranked Kentucky but Kentucky is currently sitting on three losses. So did they really play anyone of note? But no matter, Bama will square off with Cincinnati at the Cotton Bowl.
In a rematch between Oregon and Utah for the Pac 12 Championship, maybe things would have gone different the 2nd go around. Nope! Utah still dominated the Ducks 38-10. In the two matchups they had this season, Utah outscored Oregon 76-17. Remember when Oregon used to score a lot of points? Utah will now have a shot at beating Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Go Utes!
Cincinnati went on the break that glass ceiling by beating Houston 35-20 and securing the #4 spot in the playoffs. Can they compete with Alabama? After all, they lost to a good Georgia team last year in the bowl game by a field goal. So anything is possible. It will be an interesting matchup for sure. The test will be Cincinnati’s defense. But one of Bama’s star players (Metchie) is out due to an ACL tear. Will that help Cincinnati or will it be a "next man up” thing?
Nobody beats Baylor twice in one year. Nobody. With four interceptions, Spencer Sanders could not keep their offense on the field when needed. Their defense kept them close in the game but it all came down to the last drive and they came within a couple of inches to win. What a heartbreaker. But in two drives, you weren’t able to get the TD and the Baylor defense stopped them at the goalline. Baylor wins over Oklahoma State for the Big 12 Championship 21-16.
Who would have thought that Pittsburgh and Wake Forest would be playing for the ACC Championship game? With Wake Forest’s four turnovers and Pittsburgh 385 offensive yards, was enough for the Panthers to declare victory 45-21. Pitt kept them scoreless in the 2nd half by outscoring them 31-0.
San Diego State laid an egg and lost to Utah State 46-13. San Diego State was favored to win and looks like they didn’t even want to be there. We all lost points on that game. A lot of them high points. The Ragin Cajuns went on to beat Appalachian State for the AAC trophy 24-16. Northern Illinois blew past Kent State 41-23. Did anyone happen to notice the uniforms Kent State was wearing? They looked an awful lot like Pittsburgh uniforms that they were wearing in their game. I kept having to do a double take.
In a very late game in the Pack 12, the reschedule game of USC And Cal went a little like this…..ok, I admit I didn’t watch it. Heck, it was hard for me to stay up late to watch the Michigan game. But what I do know is that Cal won 24-14 and now Lincoln Riley will get started on coaching and recruiting for USC.
FUN FACT: Pre-season, they had Michigan a 2% chance to win the Big 10 Championship game. How about those Wolverines? (yes I know we will probably lose to Georgia)
We finally have a winner folks. Marc took the top spot with Mom finishing in 2nd place two points behind him. Mom, why did you go 7 points on Oregon? But you still get prize money for 2nd place so I guess that is better than eleven of us.
Kim went on to snag 3rd place to get a piece of the action. Cindy lost out on some big points early on and was not able to hold on to 3rd place. Sean had his arm extended out waiting on someone to grab on to it and pull him in but it never happened. Next time Sean, next time.
Now that Stemple had his first dose of the Hall Family, will he play in the Bowl Pick’ems or will he throw in the towel and say, I didn’t win and they are all better than me? Prove me wrong Stemple.
In what seems like a first ever, David did not even finish in the top 5. He finished 8th and now will be looking for redemption in the bowl games. Sorry David, as I said before, your reign is over. Even with Adam’s 18 points, he will still able to finish 1 point behind David.
Wendi and Mike finished guarding the kiddie table with Mike the star entertainer. Sam took home the trophy for the Kiddie Division along with $10 and a pack of Pokémon cards. Noah finished 3 points ahead of Jacob in last place. Who will take home the Kiddie trophy for the bowl games? Sam, Noah, Jacob or Mike? My vote is on Mike.
Most points for the week: With only losing three games, David was able to snag 35 points. But I see how quick you are to put 10 on Michigan and 1 on Bama? Closet Michigan fan?
Least points for the week: Adam ended his season like FSU. They only difference… Adam gets to play in the Bowl Pick’ems and FSU doesn’t get to play in a bowl game. Adam was only able to muster up 18 points.
Best pick of the week: Doubt this was done intentionally but Noah went 5 on Baylor and it paid off. Without that win, Noah would have finished last for the week.
Worst pick of the week: Mom’s 7 points on Oregon lost her 1st place.
Here are the final rankings:
1. Marc -506 points
2. Mom - 504 points
3. Kim - 474 points
4. Megan - 470 points
5. Cindy - 469 points
6. Sean - 465 points
7. Stemple - 462 points
8. David - 460 points
9. Adam - 459 points
10. Wendi - 453 points
11. Mike - 446 points
12. Samuel - 443 points
13. Noah - 425 points
14. Jacob - 422 points
Good luck on Bowl Pick’ems!
