#(sparty does not want either.)

[fjordfolk]

ended up paying a little more for an updated non-stop glacier wool on sale instead of paying slightly less for the older version used. 🤞 for fitting

[frauschneidersridingcrop]

I'll take one Spartacus AU and one Selkie AU please 🌼

TWO?!?! You’re lucky we’re friends (jk ilysm) 

I’ll put the snippets under the cut

Spartacus AU:

So I’ve rewritten this about...50million times in my head, but the one thing that never changed about it was that Till and Richard are Germanic warriors who get captured by Romans after a disastrous battle. They’re separated, and Till is sent off to become a gladiator. 

It’s very angsty and there’s a lot of yearning, but tbh y’all should expect that from me by now.

-

Selkie AU

I’ve said it before, but if I had a nickel for every time you and I have had similar ideas for stories, I’d have two nickels.

I’ve changed this one up a little, but like the Spartacus AU, it’s kept a similar premise. This is also the closest I’ve ever come to writing something in Modern Day, but even then I failed because it’s set in the 80s. :P

Basically Till is a Bear Selkie who’s forced to work for this evil circus. Richard, Paul, Flake discover this, and plan to bust him out.

(Sparty)

Not once has he seen the Sun since arriving in this place, and he never realized how much he took it for granted. All he can see of it is the faint light from its rays that shine through the gaps between planks of the ship’s upper deck. It’s the only thing that tells him how many days have passed.

The ship has not moved in sometime. He can hear people speaking a language he does not know and the telltale squawks of gulls outside the ship. They’re at a port far from his homeland, or at least somewhere on the coast, but where exactly they’ve stopped he does not know.

It’s the sound of men descending below deck that wakes him fully. Two of them--both Roman. One is the captain of this vessel that he had been sold to by the soldiers that captured him. The other is an older man dressed in finery. In his hair there are few traces of his original hair color as most of it has long since turned gray.

The appearance of these two seems to be a shock to the other prisoners in the pens. It’s a shock to him as well. He had assumed that they were to be auctioned as no one but the captain himself and the sailors under his command are allowed in here. Though given the other man’s appearance, he probably had enough coin to bribe his way in here.

The Romans are speaking, and with every word the surprise of the other men turns to resignation. He wishes he knew what they were saying, but his understanding of the Romans’ tongue is minimal. None of his fellow prisoners share the same language so he can’t ask them either.

--

(Selkie)

“Will you go if Scholle comes along?” Hearing Paul mention him was enough to get him to stop absently playing his guitar.

“Wait, what am I being volunteered for?”

Flake adjusted his glasses. “Paul is trying to get me to go to this circus with him.”

Scholle snorted. “A circus? Really? What are you, seven?”

A crumpled up flyer was shoved into Scholle’s hands. There was a drawing of a clown being fired out of a cannon that looked like it had been poorly copied from another drawing, The ink rubbed off on his fingers whenever he touched it.

“My parents used to take me every year when I was a kid. I thought they had shut down!” Paul’s eyes gleamed with childlike wonder.

“They probably should have stayed that way. It just got worse and worse every year. I don’t know why you’re so eager to watch a bunch of sad clowns try to walk an unraveling tight rope.”

“It’ll be nostalgic!” Paul plopped down on the couch next to Scholle who held on tightly to his guitar to keep from dropping it. He grabbed Scholle’s shoulders and shook him playfully. “C’mooooonnnnn. If you don’t come, Flake won’t.”

“I never agreed to that.” Flake quickly interjected.

“If you want to go so badly, why don’t you just go by yourself?”

Paul looked at Scholle like he was crazy. “Because that would be so lame. What grown ass man goes to a circus by himself? People are going to thing I’m weird.”

“These two people” Scholle gestured to himself and Flake. “already think you’re weird.”

“If the three of us go, it’ll be cool in an ironic way.” Paul lightly shoved Scholle. “C’mon it’ll be totally punk.” There was no way Paul was ever going to convince either of them that a circus was ‘punk,’ but…Scholle could kind of see where he was coming from. There was something appealing about wanting to relive memories from a simpler time.

[theoi-crow]

Hey there! I was wondering if you knew any introduction rituals to Ares. I couldn't find any and you seemed like the right person to ask! thank you heaps!

Hi!

I haven't seen any either but I can give you the formulas I use.

I am a spoony witch and my energy levels are very unpredictable so I have 3 formulas for different energy levels:

1) Low energy/casual

2) Med energy/ semi-formal

3) high energy/ very formal

Before I begin, I want to talk a little bit about Ares and the things he rules and those who fall in his domain: (LINK)

His Symbols and Attributes: (LINK)

His animals are: poisonous snakes, vulture, woodpecker, barn owl, eagle owl, boar, dogs, the horses that pull his chariot, dragons, bronze bulls

His Symbols: Spear, shield, helmet, chariot, Sparti (The Spartoi were armed warriors which sprang fully-grown from the earth, when the teeth of Ares' Guardian Drakones were sown in a field sacred to the god), his iron fortress, weapons of any kind, arrow shooting birds he gave to the Amazons, his daughters the Amazons, etc.

His personality: Ares is passionate and can control chaos. He's a protector and will fight very hard for his children and won't stop (he is the type that will continue to fight until he can't, which is why he gets knocked out in some myths for his own protectection. Hermes does this on a couple of occasions), he is playful when there is no war but will spring into action the moment he smells war coming. He gives passionate speaches to raise the moral of his troops and he does the same for his devotees think Brave Heart:"they may take our lives but they will never take our freedom!"

He is drawn to: potential devotees/followers who need to learn to defend themselves. Those who are treated like doormats, children who need protecting, teenagers and young adults who are battling the world inside (insecurities, motivation, responsibilities) and outside of themselves, anyone who needs to fight for their rights (fighting racism, sexism, LGBT-phobia, disabilities etc.) You don't have to be a good fighter because he will help you become a great warrior.

Low energy/casual

1) Make a playlist of songs that make you think of Ares, songs that you think he would like (but they have to be songs you also enjoy, no point in playing a song you can't stand).

2) Feel his energy all around you and imagine what he looks like to you. Imagine him appearing and let him tell you you're going to be okay.

3) Talk to him: this can be out loud or in your head. Introduce yourself, tell him why you think he's amazing (flattering a god is always a great offering) and why you want to work with him, and take in anything that pops up or if nothing happens that's okay too. He heard you.

4) thank him for listening and give him the option of staying or going. (If this is the first time he's seen you he will stick around and assess you and your environment but chances are he already knows who you are.)

Medium energy/ Semi-Formal:

1) light a candle and offer incense (I usually give him Frankincense, Sandlewood or anything like that or whatever you are drawn to)

2) play music that's a little more relaxed but still songs that would move a warrior's heart to tears or fill it with pride.

3) write a hymn or a poem. Be sure to use his epithets.

4) Talk to him either out loud or in your mind. Introduce yourself, compliment him as an offering and tell him why you want to work with him.

5) thank him and let him go on his way or give him the option of staying if he wants to stay.

High energy/ very formal:

1) Make sure you have a drink to offer or food. He likes red wine (or anything stronger, like whiskey, vodka, any other type of hard liquor), Black coffee, Coca-Cola or any other type of Coke. For food he loves "guy food" like steak, ribs, very spicy food, anything that youd think a typical Hollywood dude-bro guy would like, or Greek food is always a yes. (You can offer the drink OR food, or both if you'd like.)

2) play him instrumental music so you can give him a good vibe but the lyrics won't interrupt your prayer to him.

3) Give him this Homeric Hymn written for him (or find another one you think would be better suited):

Ares, exceeding in strength, chariot-rider, golden-helmed, doughty in heart, shield-bearer, saviour of cities, harnessed in bronze, strong of arm, unwearying, mighty with the spear,

O defence of Olympus, father of warlike Victory, ally of Themis, stern governor of the rebellious, leader of righteous men, sceptred King of manliness, who whirl your fiery sphere among the planets in their sevenfold courses through the aether wherein your blazing steeds ever bear you above the third firmament of heaven;

hear me, helper of men, giver of dauntless youth!Shed down a kindly ray from above upon my life, and strength of war, that I may be able to drive away bitter cowardice from my head and crush down the deceitful impulses of my soul.

Restrain also the keen fury of my heart which provokes me to tread the ways of blood-curdling strife. Rather, O blessed one, give you me boldness to abide within the harmless laws of peace, avoiding strife and hatred and the violent fiends of death.

4) Introduce yourself and compliment him.

5) tell him why you want to work with him.

6) Give him a gift, (it can be a crystal, a necklace, something you made him, something you bought for him, something that made you think of him, or anything you think he might want.)

7) Thank him for coming, allow him to go or stay.

What to do with the food offerings: you can dispose of them in a bio friendly way, I hesitate to say you can bury them because salt is bad for the soil and other ingredients can possibly harm the environment, you can do what I do and eat it (LINK)

After introducing yourself to Ares: if you're a gamer, play a video game (I recommend Assassin's Creed Odyssey but trigger warning: blood), think about something that you're afraid to do, but NEED to do, and make a step by step plan to do it. Write inspirational and encouraging messages to your future self and hide them around your home for you to find later. Watch an underdog movie that inspires you and makes you root for the little guys. Look at a cause that's near and dear to your heart and think about how you can help them like body positivity, fighting racism, helping the #Me Too movement, help save the environment or literally anything that has you joining forces with those who want to make the world a better place because Ares is a warrior who protects or for change, and all of these individuals and groups are fighting for something they are protecting or trying to change.

Or you can relax and focus on yourself and being kind to yourself because you are fighting battles in your life too, protecting people/things/personal philosophies or trying to change your life for a better future so be sure to be kind to yourself because you are doing your best and Ares is proud of you.

I hope this helps.

May Ares forge you into the kind of warrior who will be kind, but fierce, friendly but fair. You are strong, worthy and unstoppable.

[gunnygazette-blog]

‘22 Week #2 Game-by-Game

GAME OF THE WEEK

(#16) Mediocres (0-1) @ (#18) ‘Mercans (0-1)

Why?:  The Loser finds themselves in a hole

Why not?:  This could be a sloppy game

There are a lot of questions still here.  As far as what this game tells us...probably not a lot that could be positive...and for the losing team...not eliminated...but a pretty big hole for only the 2nd game of the season…  Looking up at both your division mates will make it hard to battle on...especially as your opponents get more difficult.

The Mediocres are smarting after a 12-6 loss that spoiled their debut in front of the home crowd…  Not a lot of offense than...and I don’t expect much in this game either…  If they can manage a passing game, they will have a chance…  Defensive is a question for me…  If they can weather an early storm to keep it close, they should have enough defense to find a win…it’s the offense that I question most...    

The ‘Mericans learned a valuable lesson week #1...a game is 60mins long…  They jumped out to a 20pt lead but forgot there was a second half…  They might find a tougher opponent this week for their offense to handle so I don’t see them getting to 20pts…  Defensively...not sure that if last week was a depth issue or a secondary meltdown…but they will have to improve their pressure up front as well as tighten up the back end if they want to have any success in this league...

The Computer:  Mediocres squeak by...17-16...

My take:  I don’t have any facts to argue with the algorithm...just enough to say I would keep my money in my pocket and lay bets elswhere...

***

Game #2

(#15) Flat Fish (1-0) @ (#11) Mee-Ah-Mee Raid (0-0)

Why?:  Split series last year

Why not?:  Flat Fish are not road warriors...

Last year these two fought a close battle at the Raids house...but it was a fish blowout when they went to Ft. Meyers…  The Flat-ones went on the roads last week and won a shootout over the physical Care Bears…  Offensively they were hot and cold last year.  They started off with two games scoring 20 or more points and than had a slide of three games of single digits only to find enough offense the rest of the year to put up double digits again…  They had issues with protection and allowed too much penetration to be consistent.  So a slow plodding offense like the Care Bears was a good opponent for them...this week they get more speed…  Defensively the back end carried this team last year...which is never a winning formula unless your playing an impatient team…  Their defensive line lacked explosion and their linebackers had problems getting off blocks…so it doesn’t surprise me that the Care Bears put up points…  Last week was a test of toughness, this week they get tested by explosiveness.

For the volatile Raid, they got out-scored by the Fish 64-36 last year...and more specifically...as the week 13 Game of the Week were handed an embarrassing 56-24 thrashing that cost them a play-off home game. Offensively they were their own worst enemy as penalties and ball security killed promising drives…  If they have the patience and hold on to the ball, they can work the ball down the field on the ground until the Fish start walking safeties down…  If the run game does damage, on early downs they could catch some one-on-ones without center field help for a big play...but it’ll come late in the plays and require the QB to be patient.  On obvious passing downs if he holds the ball for the defense to get stretched, he’ll find running room.  The problem is if they press...the turnovers will come…  Defensively they’ll get all their pressure from the edges...and if the D-tackles keep them clean, the LBs will jamb up the holes…  If they don’t get that pressure, their back end will get exposed...

The Computer:  Raid find a way to pull it out in the end...17-15...

My take:  I think the Raid won’t take this game lightly...struggle early...but finish with the win...

***

Game #3

(#10) the Otha Sparties (0-0) @ (#12) Pee-Rats (0-1)

Why?:  The Ol’ Sparties and the Pee-Rats were similar teams

Why not?:  We haven’t seen the ol’ Sparties in a while

Alot of supposition based on the past, but both teams were/are similar and the curiosity to see if they are still matched evenly is one of the teasers here.  The Pee-Rats have been steadily improving and prefer a physical style of play they just lack the size/talent in the trenches to make it work against decent teams.  Not particularly explosive on offense and a lack of depth all-around is typically covered by their scrappiness early in the season and in games.  But time wins all…as injuries and wear-n-tear takes it’s toll. Defensively, they rely too much on one player to cover their deficiencies with his hustle and needed to give him some pieces to bolster.  One injury could completely sink this defense.

For the Sparties, they originally joined the league as an I-Formation two back team that battered teams and than play-actioned their way into a passing attack...but as they lost talent to the Aud-i-Bulls...they shifted to a spread offense and relied heavily on the Qbs mobility to generate offense…  As they retracted to the QB being the engine of the offense, the Defense found themselves getting more field time...and thus would wear down as the season and games went…

The Computer:  Home field advantage...barely...14-13...

My take:  

***

Game #4

(#2) Waskily Weasels (1-0) @ (#9) Reaps (0-0)  

Why?:  Top 2 returning teams in the Atlantic Division  

Why not?:  Out of 12 meetings...Reaps only have one win...

Two teams that are familiar with each other as they have met a dozen times with the results being either a close game or Weasel blow-out…  For the five one-score games there have been seven ugly blow outs as the total score differential of 334-116…

The confidence that this will be another DonutBoyz blowout kinda evaporated last week as the Waskily-ones had to pull out a last minute win to be the only home team to win…  A close win is not necessarily alarming...but it was at home...against a team that had all of one win last season.  Offensively speaking, they were unable to sustain drives and often short circuited, either through dropped passes or penalties that got them off-schedule...  Defensively they did just enough...but a clinic in tackling it was not.  If their tackling doesn’t improve...this could be a long day for them...  

For the Dead-ones, they like to play physical a physical game...if they can grind it out on the ground...this is an opponent for them. If they give-up on the run game or the script gets out of hand...passing puts them in a bind and will amplify their mistakes. They have to stay out of ball security issues.  Defensively they have to not let the Weasels’ speed get behind them and keep the QB inside the pocket where he is not comfortable...  This could be a close game...

The Computer:  Waskily Weasels continue streak 17-8...

My take:  Similar to their first game last year...

***

Game #5

(#1) Sorry-ass Champs (0-0) @ (#19) Camel-toes (0-1)

Why?:  The Camel-toes ducked the Champs last year...

Why not?:  The Camel-toes duck the champs this year

So...scratch another Forfeit...

The Computer:  ...2-0...

My take:  Well facts are facts...

[racingtoaredlight]

College Football 2020 Season Week 10 TV Watch Em Ups: Some of these games will even be played

These are bad times for living but there is a slight shadow of hope. Hope doesn’t normally cast a shadow but, you know, bad times. Dark around the sun. Clouds for months. We live in a bog. Follow me on twitter for more mirth!

This is the way the games are listed right now at about midnight Eastern but the dominos they are a-fallin’. We might see some more cancellations / postponements but you know the rules by now. Shit’s not getting updated on this site unless there is something really crazy going on. Like one of the proprietors of the site actually looking at it during the day. Highly improbable, as you well know. Bad info (incorrect kickoff times, wrong channel listed, flip-flopped lines) is not my fault. Bad takes are all me. Just keep the good ones in mind when you are painting my portrait.

Saturday, November 14

Matchup                                                     Time (ET)                   TV/Mobile

9 Miami (FL) at Virginia Tech                     12:00pm                       ESPN

Virginia Tech is favored by 2.5 and I am legitimately puzzled. What is Vegas expecting here? Miami has been underwhelming at times but the Hokies have actually been bad for the most part.

10 Indiana at Michigan State                     12:00pm                        ABC

Sure, Indiana is undefeated and ranked #10 but this season shouldn’t count and they’re still Indiana. I laughed when Michigan State beat Michigan two weeks ago and I’ll do it again if they knock Indiana off their pedestal. To be fair, Sparty getting run the fuck over would also be funny. B1G 2020 - it’s even worse than it looks!

Vanderbilt at Kentucky                               12:00pm                        SECN

These two long-time SEC rivals should have more cancellations in their series history.

TCU at West Virginia                                   12:00pm                         FOX

Go WFV. I feel that in my heart but there’s no magic here.

Wake Forest at North Carolina                   12:00pm                       ACCN

I was happy for UNC when they were #5 but I also want to see them buried under the graveyard. The duality of man.

Western Carolina at 22 Liberty                    12:00pm                       ESPNU

Vegas Insider doesn’t have a line listed for this game so I guess Western Carolina is FCS but I really don’t ever know anymore. Especially in the mid-Adlantic region. Liberty had an all-time great stupid game ending last week so it would be perfect if they lose the rest of their games and we can forget all about this tragedy of a season that has Liberty ranked every week.

Middle Tennessee at 16 Marshall                12:00pm                      CBSSN

This is probably my backup for the Canes game but I can’t tell you anything about either team as of now.

Army at Tulane                                               12:00pm             ESPN2/ESPN+

On paper this isn’t even the worst game with a noon kickoff this week and let me tell you why that has my heart just glowing.

Penn State at Nebraska                                12:00pm                        FS1

Teenage me would have been overjoyed at the prospect of 1994��s co-National Champions playing in a nationally televised showdown of winless teams in November 2020. Is that weird? Sure, but I still hate both of these programs and love to see them struggle. Penn State has to win this one, I reckon, but there is still an outside chance at a cancellation. If we can end this season with zero wins for Penn State then all the risks were worth it.

Illinois at Rutgers                                           1:00pm                          BTN

Here is yet another example of a game that should have been cancelled in a non-pandemic year.

South Alabama at 25 Louisiana                     2:00pm                        ESPN+

A 6-1 Sun Belt team with a top 25 ranking is a clear indication that this season needed to be over before it started. This is madness.

Fresno State at Utah State                             2:30pm                           FS2

This is not a midday kind of game and, as such, should also be cancelled. Or at least pushed back 8 hours for the sake of aesthetics.

Georgia State at Appalachian State              2:30pm                       ESPN+

I have the song “Kill Em All” stuck in my head but the word kill is replaced with cancel. The meter does not work at all but it’s close enough for me and it’s my only comment on this game.

UTEP at UTSA                                                  3:00pm                       ESPN+

If you want to see the nation’s second leading rusher, his name is Sincere McCormick and he plays for UTSA. Yes, he is now second.

Louisville at Virginia                                         3:30pm                       ACCN

Great matchup of horrible teams that don’t always seem horrible.

Southern Miss at WKU                                    3:30pm                      CBSSN

There is no way to carry any self respect watching this shitty game, imagine writing about it? Imagine reading my writing about it? Goddammit, man, it might be time to give up on football altogether.

Texas State at Georgia Southern                    3:30pm                     ESPN3

Pure unadulterated misery.

USF at Houston                                                 3:30pm           ESPN2/ESPN+

I love it when these two programs thrive but this is not one of those years and the idea of actually watching this game this year is wholly unappealing.

2 Notre Dame at Boston College                            3:30pm                 ABC

Until beating Clemson last week the last time Notre Dame had beaten a #1 team was 1993 when they outlasted Florida State in one of the most mercilessly hyped games in college football history. Florida State dropped all the way to #2 in the polls and Notre Dame followed up that high with a loss to an unranked Boston College team. You know what they say about history - those who don’t remember how funny it is for Notre Dame to lose to Boston College are in for a real treat if it happens again.

Colorado at Stanford                                                3:30pm                ESPN

Great uniform matchup. Still rooting for the cancellation.

20 USC at Arizona                                                     3:30pm                FOX

UPDATE!: I still hate USC.

Hawaii at San Diego State                                       4:00pm      Spectrum PPV

I saw last week that you can download an app that lets you watch Hawaii games for free but I think you have to cast it from your phone to the TV for some reason. Also, I forget what the app is called.

Eastern Kentucky at Central Arkansas                   4:00pm               ESPN3

Is there a trophy for this game? Is it a rivalry? If it’s a rivalry and they don’t have a trophy already then I’d like to suggest awarding a barrel of moonshine to the winning team.

Baylor at Texas Tech                                                 4:00pm                  FS1

Look at this beautiful SWC shit being ruined by existing in 2020. Related: how did Baylor manage to do so much embarrassing shit as a school after the SWC collapsed?

23 Northwestern at Purdue                                       5:00pm                 BTN

I’ve mentioned it in these posts plenty of times but I have a truly inexplicable hatred for Northwestern.

Pittsburg State at Stephen F. Austin                         5:00pm              ESPN3

Without doing a modicum of research I’ve concluded that Stephen F. Austin transitioned to FBS this year but their schedule is still set to NAIA.

Nevada at New Mexico                                              6:30pm                FS2

How are there still so many games that haven’t been cancelled yet?

19 SMU at Tulsa                                                           7:00pm             ESPN2

SMU is #19 and I know there are no good teams this year but I feel it in my heart that this is too high for SMU to be ranked.

Arkansas at 6 Florida                                                  7:00pm              ESPN

I’m too busy being baffled by the amount of football being played to dispense with too much half-assed gambling advice this week but Arkansas +17 seems like the easiest play of any line I’ve looked at.

11 Oregon at Washington State                                  7:00pm               FOX

The only reason to play this game would be to try to give Mike Leach COVID but he isn’t even coaching Washington State anymore.

South Carolina at Mississippi                                      7:30pm             SECN

In a world full of COVID this game is an STD. The racist south is going to be wearing some stars & stripes themed uniforms, I think, which isn’t really markedly different than their Confederacy-themed normal look.

Florida State at NC State                                              7:30pm            ACCN

FSU is currently at the lowest point that any of the big three Florida programs has been at in my entire life. NC State is favored by 10.5 and that seems too low by half. NC State being unranked is very fair and they are still, from what I’ve seen, easily good for beating Florida State by 21. What a fucking world.

13 Wisconsin at Michigan                                             7:30pm          ABC

Michigan is totally going to win this game. It is written in the stars.

Temple at UCF                                                               7:30pm        ESPNU

Just realized it’s Tulane that’s playing Army. When I wrote the capsule I was thinking of Temple. Oh, well, nothing we can do about that now.

UNLV at San Jose State                                                10:30pm         FS2

There is no reason for this game to be played.

Oregon State at Washington                                         11:00pm        FS1

Has UDub really fallen this far this fast (again) or are they just forgotten? Let’s all agree to not find out.

GAMES OF THE WEEK

Memphis at Navy                                             Postponed

3 Ohio State at Maryland                                Canceled

Gardner-Webb at Charlotte                            Canceled

Air Force at Wyoming                                     Canceled

North Texas at UAB                                         Postponed

Arizona Christian at Abilene Christian          Canceled

1 Alabama at LSU                                            Postponed

Rice at Louisiana Tech                                    Postponed

12 Georgia at Missouri                                    Postponed

15 Coastal Carolina at Troy                            Postponed

[maggyme13]

Old Lady Part 10

Here the links to the previouse parts :) 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9

Happy looked down towards your hands, you had sneeked around his waist. Your head layed on his back, and you listened to his calm heartbeat.

"I asked Chucky if there is one of the doorms left for me to stay in  tonight."

He turned around with a frown on his face.

"Don´t look at me like that. You need to have a night of your own and do what you always do after a party."

"Milli-"

"You are sharing your dorm with me the whole time. You never thought about yourself these past days. You need this. You need to release steam. You almost killed Juice today because you are loosing control. And don´t worry. There is a whole clubhouse full of bikers between any intruder and me. Please Hap. Enjoy yourself - for me."

"I will try."

He hugged you tight and kissed you on your forehead.

"Come on, lets get ready. I want to see what you brought. Hulk didn´t want to tell me."

"You will like it."

You waited for him to get ready and leave the dorm himself.

As soon as the door closed after him, you took the dress out of the bag and started to get ready yourself.

After a quick shower, you put your hair into big curlers and started to finish  make up.

It was a decend one, so no one would mistake you for a sweatbutt or croweater.

Your  hair dried , you  put on the dress and heels.

After a quick check, you released the hair, enabling it to flow around your head and shoulders in big waves and curls.

With a pounding heart, you entered the mainroom and walked towards your brother.

Happy and Kozik sat at the bar, diskussing something you couldn´t understand.

"So, what  you think? Am I allowed to join the party or do I have to hide in one of the dorms?"

Both their heads turned towards you.  Kozik´s had a smile, Happy´s a frown.

Why ?

"Lookin´ beautiful sweatheart. Am I right brother?" Kozik asked his brother.

"Yeah. Hope I don´t need to kill a brother today. But I like it. Though the skirt could be longer."

"Longer? It´s already reaching my knees. "

He only cocked an eyebrow on your little outburst.

"Hulk said it looks good and  aint not to short." She pouted."No muffin for you next time."

"Ohh, sure you don´t want to take that back Happy? Last chance."

The blond biker laughed.

"You wearin something beneath that?" Your brother asked again.

"Nothing. Naked like the day I were born", You answered cooly, starting to get pissed.

Earning a deep glare by a breathless brother.

"Jesus. Who do you think I am ? A whore? Of course I am wearing underwear beneath the dress, and I will put a pair of shorts on, befor the sparty starts. I aint a Sweetbutt. You should really know me better."

Anger was visible in your voice.

Does he really think , with everything going on, I would walk around dressed like a whore?

"I am always wearing something beneath." with these words you walked away, not wanting to get in an arguement with your brother tonight. You really wanted to relax, you deserved it.

You headed towards the door. But when you reached out for the doorknop, you remembered the promise given to Hulk.

You looked around, searching for the hughe biker.

Maybe he´s outside?

You  opened the door and peeked outside.

It was already 7pm and the party would start soon.

Hulk lend on one of the ringpoles.

"Sometimes I hate my brother." You sighted. "Can you believe he said the skirt should be longer.?"

"Na. Its long enough. Don´t listen to him. He´s just worried. I think you look beautiful."

"Ohh thank you. I know why you are one of my favorites.So, do you know who will be here tonight?"

"As much as I know, only Samcrow, the five of us and maybe five Nomads. And the usual Croweaters, Sweatbutts and wifes of course."

"Just a little party then. Thank god."

"Jepp, just a little one. So if you want to crash, there are just a fiew witnesses." he laughed.

"Who told you my gameplan for tonight?" You answered with a smile on your face.

"What would I do without you ?"

"Right now? Probably trying to kill your brother because he had probably killed the mohawk boy earlier."

"Probably."

Both of you sat quietly next to each other for some minutes, watching Oli and the other prospects starting the BBQ,.Then the first Nomad turned into the parkinglot.

"Let´s head back inside. Your brother should be sorry by now" He winked and pulled her with him.

"He should. I told him he will never ever get a muffin again.", YOu answered with a little laugh in the voice.

"If not. I will happily take his." Was his answer, bevor heading inside the clubhouse.

"I bet"

Once back inside, Hulk joined his brothers at the bar.

"What are you doing Juice?"

He looked up startled and surprised. "I -uhm- I am checking the cams, to make sure they are working correctly. And I am arranging a private server, so we can save the records for some time. You know to check afterwards if someone was there to try something. Usually they don´t record you know" He answered shy.

"Please tell me you wount be sitting here this whole evening, watching these screens." You looked ad him sternly.

"Why do you look angry all of the sudden? No, the prospect and Scar will look at the screen. The Laptop will be over at the bar."

"Good. Because I don´t want you to miss the fun. Specially after your near- death experience this morning. We need to have a drink or two together and maybe a little round of billiard or cards."

He started to smile.

"-But NO Strippoker" She quickly added.

Now he looked shocked again.

"I -I- I would have never suggested that."

"I know. But these rooms have ears and we don´t want someone to have false hope or intentions, do we?"

He started to work again on his laptop. But glanced up every other second.

That didn´t get unnotices by you.

"Spit it out Juice. Do I have something on my face?"

"No. I, well you look good today. Not that you look bad the other days. You looke beautiful there to, but- " He frowned."-I should shut up now."

You don´t look bad yourself Juicy.

"You broke our IT." Tragger laugh behind you. "But he´s right. Ya looki´ georgeouse tonight doll. Wouldn´t kick ya off my bed ."

He held out a beer bottle,you greatfully accepted.

.-.-.-.--.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-..--.-..--.-.-.-.-.-.--.-.-.---..-

The evening was fun. Everybody forgot the things that happened for a little while.

Booze and beer seemed to flow endless. You played billiard and darts against half of the Tacoma and SAMCROW bikers. Sometimes winning, sometimes loosing.

The party weren´t even nearly the end, when you noticed your brother leaved for his dorm, a Sweetbutt flung over his shoulder.

I knew you would follow my suggestion. Have fun ,you deserve it.

You were in the middle of a staring contest with Juice ( one you would clearly win), when Chucky came over. Looking a bit worried.

"Whats wrong?" Juice asked him.

"Well. One of the Nomads puked on the bed in the dorm I readied for you ,Milli, and it all soaked . Your things as well."

"So you are telling me, the place where I wanted to crash isn´t any more?"

He nodded in shame.

"You can sleep in my dorm. I can crash on one of the couches." Juice imediatly stated.

"No."

"What- why?"

" I will not occupy your room and have you crashed on one of these couches." You stated stern.

"It´s ok."

"No either we both sleep in oyur dorm or none of us. And don´t argue with me on this."

"But, what about your brother. I don´t want to die." He squeaked.

Ok now he is paniking.

"Juice. What do you think what upset him more. Me sleeping in your dorm, as well as you, or sleeping in the main room on the floor?"

He frowned.

"Exactly. He will be more pissed if I sleep on the floor in the mainroom. So do you have an shirt I could borrow to sleep in?"

You had already turned and walked towards the dorm.

"Yer comin?"

The young biker handed your an old shirt and a pair of boxers to change into.

"You can change, I will grab something to drink for tonight, you want something yourself?"

"Yeah. You can bring me a bottle of water. I will change in the meantime."

He nodded and left the dorm.

When he returned. you had occupied his bed and were snuggling the sheats.

"I will turn around so you can get changed yourself."You told him sleepy.

You felt the matress dip, when he laided down next to you, but he cept as much distand as possible. Nearly falling of his own bed.

"Juice. I wont bite. Get YOUR ass in YOUR bed, the way it belongs. Or do I need to help you?"

It took some seconds, but he decided to listen to his guest.

"Happy will kill me if he sees us like that."he mumbled paniked.

Calm down boy.

"Juice for your own sake, stop worrying and start sleeping." You mumbled tired , starting to get angry.

"And don´t you dare to apologise now."

Not long after, both of you  were fast asleep.

A tickle on your back woke you up, a few hours later.

The  frown  on your face deepened when you felt weight around your waist, that weren´t there befor.

What the...Juice?

And indeed , Juice had snuck his arm around you and were snuggling his forhead against your head, letting his breath tickle you.

It was to dark in the room for your eyes to recognise any features, but he seemed to be relaxed.

This feels-good. I wonder....

A stir behind ended your thoughts, making you stopt breathing for a second fearing the young biker might wake up.

But he only snuggled deeper into your back. His upper body was now pressed against you.

With a smile and a warm feeling in the chest, you slipped  back into a deep and restorative sleep.

Part 11 is online

[auburnfamilynews]

November. It’s a month that sends shivers up the spine of any College Football fan. It’s a month that defines years in ones life. 1996? A miserable year. 1997? The way God intended a year to be. 2014? None of that sir. 2017? All that and twice on Sundays please. November is all of 10 days old and there are some teams that want to have a do-over already. “Who are they?”, you ask dear reader. Well pull up a cha…oh you’re already sitting. Well, sit back and enjoy this week’s BOOM! Roasted!

WILLIE CHAD MORRIS WATCH 2019

Arkansas has had a rough go of it for the past…well for a good while now. Member when BERT had them humming? Don’t worry, their fans don’t either. But Chad Morris came in two years ago with the promise of a HUNH offense that worked (sorta) at SMU and definitely did at Clemson. Well, the rebuild had the look of the movie The Money Pit. Everyone always saying, “It’ll take two more weeks.” More like two more years. We all got to see what I’m talking about a couple of weeks ago when the Auburn offense exploded on the Hogs for 51 points while the defense didn’t give up a point until its was second and third teamers against the Hogs’ ones in the second half. Well this week Arkansas hosted Western Kentucky for Senior Day. And the fan base came out in their finest

And boy did they sure show up for the contest too!

Wow, here's a photo of Razorback Stadium in the first quarter of the Arkansas- Western Kentucky game. Photo compliments of David Bazzel. pic.twitter.com/4kqlyHxkjy

— Randy Stowe (@rstowe1225) November 9, 2019

Well that doesn’t bode well for this watch to last long. As for the game?

This is the kind of day Arkansas is having. Western Kentucky's kicker did this! pic.twitter.com/x1IR60Up5h

— Max Olson (@max_olson) November 9, 2019

Oh good Lord…

The rest of the game didn’t turn out any better as the final gun would sound

Arkansas falls to Western Kentucky 45-19 on Senior Day. pic.twitter.com/0vxUvPhpiq

— THV11 (@THV11) November 9, 2019

Is it just me, or when you see it like that does it make it look even worse? I mean it’s bad, but that way make it even worse right? Well it wouldn’t take long, as one would expect, making this the shortest watch in the history of the Roasted.

Wins under Chad Morris: Eastern Illinois, Tulsa, Portland St. and Colorado St. Losses: Colorado St., North Texas, San Jose St., Western Kentucky AND every SEC game. What a strange year and a half for Arkansas football. https://t.co/MQKJROaaKl

— Jim Joyner (@jimthejam) November 10, 2019

So now we have FSU and Arkansas open for jobs and now the fun really begins as the rumor mill starts in full tilt!

“We’ve already crossed off Urban Meyer; we’ve already crossed off Bob Stoops. Today’s story — which is utterly ridiculous — is they are trying to reach out to Nick Saban to be the next coach at Florida State. The FSU coaching search is already off the rails.”—@ClayTravis pic.twitter.com/BloE3M0XgE

— Outkick the Coverage (@Outkick) November 7, 2019

Yup, coaching moves this year are gonna be stupid.

HAVE A GLASS OF WATER BIG FOURTEEN TEN, YOU’RE DRUNK

So, I sorta shorted you guys last week when I only did two games last week cause I couldn’t find another Boys II Men song that worked for me so I will make up for it here. First off, Michigan State is always known for a stingy defense and a coupe of guys they put out on offense and they sometimes score points, but not often. Well this week they hosted Illinois in East Lansing and it looked to be an easy day for the home team.

Michigan State has scored more points in 17+ minutes vs. Illinois (21) than it did the entire month of October (17). Spartans lead Illinois 21-3 early in the 2Q. pic.twitter.com/lYr16EmPrI

— Chris “Mack” Mackinder (@Chris_Mackinder) November 9, 2019

See what I mean about that scoring thing? Well they would hold a 28-3 lead over the Illini until the last play of the 2nd quarter.

HOW DID BRANDON PETERS PULL THIS OFF? He nearly fumbles before delivering a 47-yard TD strike to @JoshBhebhe to close the @IlliniFootball half: pic.twitter.com/2KZnAVHl0o

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 9, 2019

Ok, so that’s unfortunate but Sparty would add a field goal to make it 31-10 as we entered the 4th quarter of play. Layup win right?

Well…

Michigan State was up 21 on Illinois in the fourth quarter. What a wild day in East Lansing. pic.twitter.com/Tbxxb7iuZo

— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) November 10, 2019

Not good.

UNBELIEVABLE! @IlliniFootball comes back from 25 down to seal the largest comeback in school history. Oh, and they're going bowling. pic.twitter.com/Fp2VhUAPtQ

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 10, 2019

Oofa…

pic.twitter.com/4sHI4YIL4k

— no context college football (@nocontextcfb) November 10, 2019

Yeah, that’s…wow…

Also, it makes Illinois bowl eligible. It leaves Michigan State unable to make plans yet for after November.

And the worst part, this was at home. I am a Falcons fan (I know I enjoy pain but at least we beat the Aints) so I can commiserate with Sparty here but….damn dude, at least we did that to a good team, you did that to Illinois.

In the other half of the fun in the B1G, Minnesota played their first significant game since Roosevelt was in office against Penn State this weekend and the Gophers brought out the big guns to rattle the Nits.

Minnesota put a Gopher on the scoreboard during Penn State's FG attempt pic.twitter.com/EPo9MZQTgH

— SI College Football (@si_ncaafb) November 9, 2019

Well played Minnesota, well played.

As for the game, man was it fun. Back and forth battle where defense was optional but still had some great defensive plays sprinkled in. In the end, this would happen.

And with that, No. 17 Minnesota takes down No. 4 Penn State (via @GopherFootball) pic.twitter.com/lrLHi693MN

— SI College Football (@si_ncaafb) November 9, 2019

Which directly led to this

Absolute SCENES in Minnesota as the No.17 Gophers upset No.4 Penn State. ( : @theothermegryan) pic.twitter.com/9UUHo0EPDs

— theScore (@theScore) November 9, 2019

Good for Goldy, they were starved for a big victory since the last one they really had was Glenn Mason telling Georgia nevermind back after they fired Ray Goff. (YEAH TAKE THAT GEORGIA! A MINNESOTA COACH TOLD YOU NO!! HATE WEEK STRONG BABY!)

LAST ONE FOR THE ROAD

Pac-12 suspends referee 1 game for mistakenly accessing a hands to face penalty on Washington State player instead of Cal player, who committed penalty in WSU-Cal game Saturday. Remainder of officiating crew “downgraded” according to league office

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) November 11, 2019

SEC fans like to think we have the worst officials on the planet but apparently the PAC-12 asks for volunteers at that booth beside the Credit Card signup station before you enter the stadium. This is the 3rd...THIRD!...instance of the PAC-12 suspending one or a group of refs for making an egregious error during a game.

This is play incorrectly called against @WSUCougarFB’s @hd42___. It was 20-11 Cal at this point. Call resulted in a 59 yard swing against WSU. No one is suggesting the result changes on this call, but it’s another example of the ineptness of @pac12 officials. #GoCougs https://t.co/QzkluqKeQu pic.twitter.com/JO48mUjCpg

— Derek Deis (@DerekKXLY) November 10, 2019

I know its kind of hard to tell from the video but I can tell that only one helmet shot back. Man, I know the gonja is legal out there and all but there ain’t no dang sense in the refs gettin’ in to it in the pregame WEST COAST PAWL!

NOTHING ELSE HAPPENED THIS WEEKEND AND YOU SHOULDN’T SCROLL DOWN ANY FARTHER

I'm happy to bring you the content you didn't know you needed, but love to have. #LSUrep #sadfansaresad pic.twitter.com/IZyFH05CCh

— Michael Cauble (@Cauble) November 10, 2019

Aw, I told you not to! You….you guys….

from College and Magnolia - All Posts https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2019/11/11/20958556/boom-roasted-week-11

[thecollegefootballguy]

2017 Top Games of the Week Recap: Week 2

Week 2 definitely lived up to the hype. Plenty of big games with plenty of big outcomes. Let’s check out the damage.

Top Ten Games of the Week

10. #17 Louisville 47-North Carolina 35

Louisville’s offense could not be stopped. The Cardinals put up 705 yards on North Carolina with nearly 400 of them coming from Lamar Jackson alone. It’s a bit worrying that the score was as close as it was and it means that Louisville probably isn’t cut out for the big time just yet, but if they can gain yardage like that against better teams they won’t be out of any game.

9. Oregon 42-Nebraska 35

Oregon totally smoked Nebraska for two quarters, scoring all 42 points in the first half. The Ducks then proceeded to allow the Cornhuskers to get within punching distance of tying the game but they held on to preserve the win.

8. #20 Washington State 47-Boise State 44 (3OT)

A wild overtime game turned around what was shaping up to be a comfortable Boise State win. The Broncos held a 31-10 lead in the fourth quarter and somehow blew the game. This classic Boise meltdown could cost BSU a place in a NY6 Bowl.

7. Utah 19-BYU 13

Utah keeps their winning streak alive, now at seven games. The Utes outplayed BYU but a lot of the good they did was overshadowed by the ugly play on display. It wasn’t a very fun game to watch.

6. #23 TCU 28-Arkansas 7

In one of the most emphatic statements of the weekend, TCU completely dominated Arkansas. The Horned Frogs did everything right in a textbook efficiency-based win. Don’t look now but TCU might make the Big 12 race a bit more interesting.

5. #4 Penn State 33-Pittsburgh 14

Penn State took care of business against RIVAL Pitt. It wasn’t a total domination as much as the Panthers just could not figure out a way to score until it was too late. Still, the Nittany Lions are off and running and will start this week with pole position in the Big Ten East.

4. #15 Georgia 20-#24 Notre Dame 19

There’s no great way to sum this game up in a neat bow. There were turnovers, weird calls, questionable decisions, the whole shebang. The net is that Georgia had a nice road win and Notre Dame had another awkward and disappointing loss.

3. #6 USC 42-#14 Stanford 24

This one got ugly. USC outplayed Stanford from their first possession and didn’t let up. The score doesn’t indicate how overmatched the Cardinal looked for large stretches of this game. The Trojans look like the real deal.

2. #3 Clemson 14-#13 Auburn 6

Clemson’s defense was stellar. Or Auburn’s offense was terrible. Maybe both. It was a pretty ugly game to watch but the defending champions were sturdy in their first big test of the season. They’ll certainly need to score more points to outpace Louisville. If Auburn doesn’t figure out how to score their candidacy for the SEC West is dead.

1. #5 Oklahoma 31-#2 Ohio State 16

The big one. A close, hard fought game turned into a rout in the second half as Oklahoma swept Ohio State off their home field. The Sooners’ win is a huge shakeup of the Playoff scene as the Big Ten favorite takes an emphatic early loss. OU themselves have cleared most likely the best team they’ve played and could reserve themselves a spot in the Playoff early, leaving the other Power 5 conferences to scramble around to secure the final three spots.

-

5 Group of 5 Games of the Week

5. Illinois 20-Western Kentucky 7

Now this was a bit surprising. Either Illinois got better or Western Kentucky has fallen off. The Hilltoppers just could not convert on third down which killed most drives before they got serious. If WKU is taking a step back then C-USA might suddenly be a wide open race.

4. San Diego State 30-Arizona State 20

San Diego State earns a nice road victory over Arizona State. The Aztecs won the field position battle and with the help of some key plays they’ve suddenly become the Mountain West’s most viable NY6 contender. Too bad Stanford comes to town next week.

3. Houston 19-Arizona 16

Well it wasn’t pretty, but Houston gets their first win on the season and does it on the road against a probably bad Power 5 team. The Cougars have to tighten up their act before they take on the best teams in the AAC, who will most likely be better that Arizona.

2. Michigan State 28-Western Michigan 14

At least we can always dream about what would’ve happened if these teams had played in 2016...

1. Memphis 1-0 (0-0) at UCF 1-0 (0-0)

Cancelled due to Hurricane Irma :(

-

Notable FCS Games

5. #7 Washington 63-Montana 7

Well then.

4. #12 New Hampshire 22-Georgia Southern 12

Another FCS upset! New Hampshire capitalized on turnovers and mistakes to steal a win from the very recent FCS emigres. 

3. Temple 16-#8 Villanova 13

A very, very close game gives Temple the win over crosstown opponent Villanova. The Wildcats outgained the Owls but they had trouble converting that yardage into touchdowns. These teams are now tied in the all-time series.

2. #9 Richmond 20-#25 Colgate 17

Now this was a great game that you probably didn’t watch. It came down to the final minute when Richmond managed a field goal on the road to edge past Colgate. 

1. #2 North Dakota State 40-#6 Eastern Washington 13

Now this was unexpected, North Dakota State demolished Eastern Washington in what was supposed to be a Playoff preview. The Bison are looking real good and this bodes well for a drive to reclaim their title.

-

Other Notable Games

Duke 41-Northwestern 17

Is Duke better than expected? Is Northwestern worse?

Iowa 44-Iowa State 41 (OT)

Gotta love early rivalry games, especially ones that go into overtime.

Eastern Michigan 16-Rutgers 13

Ugh. Rutgers. Good on EMU though.

Middle Tennessee 30-Syracuse 23

If you want a guess at who could replace WKU atop the CUSA, this is the place to start.

Central Michigan 45-Kansas 27

Not a bad day for the MAC. If only WMU beat Sparty.

UTSA 17-Baylor 10

Baylor might go back to being the pre-Briles Big 12 punching bag they once were.

[junker-town]

8 March Madness teams that can win the national championship, ranked

These are the teams that can win it all.

The greatest event on the American sports calendar begins in earnest on Thursday when 64 teams begin their question to win college basketball’s national championship. March Madness is often defined by underdogs and upsets, but it takes a special team win six straight games in the NCAA tournament.

It feels like only eight teams in this field who can actually do it. Let’s rank ‘em.

8. Michigan State Spartans

Three reasons Sparty can go all the way:

Cassius Winston is one of the best point guards in the country

They’re full of smart, experienced, and dependable role players

This is a classic Tom Izzo team

March is supposed to be Tom Izzo’s month, but Michigan State has struggled in the NCAA tournament as of late, failing to get out of the first weekend three straight years. Why can this season be different? Because instead of relying on young players full of NBA potential, Izzo has a group of veterans who share the ball, hit shots, and defend.

Players in our top-50 countdown: 1

No. 8: Cassius Winston, PG

How hard is Michigan State’s path to the Final Four?

It feels manageable ... until the Elite Eight. The Spartans face a No. 15 seed in Bradley to open things up. Then they get the winner of Minnesota vs. Louisville for the right to go to the Sweet 16.

No. 3 LSU and No. 6 Maryland are potential opponents to open the second weekend, but neither should have Michigan State fans scared. LSU is without head coach Will Wade, suspended by the school for his part in the FBI’s corruption investigation. MSU beat Maryland by 14 earlier this season, and the Terps don’t exactly have a sterling reputation in March.

Duke likely awaits in the Elite Eight. That’s a different story.

7. Kentucky Wildcats

Three reasons the Wildcats can go all the way:

P.J. Washington is a stud

Kentucky owns the paint

The freshman are stepping up

Kentucky has another team loaded with five-star recruits up-and-down the roster. While there isn’t a future top-five NBA draft pick on this roster like fans in Lexington are used to, this team still has so many of the traits that John Calipari’s best teams have shared. Namely: Kentucky has immense size, gets after it defensively, and can dominate on the glass.

Players in our top-50 countdown: 1

No. 7: P.J. Washington, F

Tyler Herro and Keldon Johnson were each also considered.

How hard is Kentucky’s path to the Final Four?

Pretty tough. As the No. 2 seed in the Midwest, Kentucky faces Abilene Christian to open play in round one before meeting the winner of Wofford and Seton Hall. Seton Hall has already beat Kentucky once this year on a neutral court, while Wofford has hovered around the top-20 of KenPom over the last month thanks to a three-point heavy attack led by star sniper Fletcher Magee.

Iowa State or Houston could await in the Sweet 16, and both are formidable. The Cougars are 31-3 and finished top-25 in efficiency on both ends of the court. Iowa State is loaded with long, athletic players and just won the Big 12 tournament title.

In the Elite Eight, everyone will be wanting to see a Kentucky-UNC rematch from the game that Luke Maye won at the buzzer two years ago.

6. Michigan Wolverines

Three reasons the Wolverines can go all the way:

Michigan has an elite defense

The Wolverines have bucket-getters on the wings

Michigan has a great coach with a balanced roster

John Beilein teams are typically known for their offense, but Michigan has turned into a defensive powerhouse in recent years. This Wolverines squad ranks No. 2 in the country in defensive efficiency with point guard Zavier Simpson providing outstanding perimeter ball pressure and center Jon Teske walling off the rim. Ignas Brazdeikis, Charles Matthews, and Jordan Poole are all capable scorers on the wing, allowing Michigan to ride the hot hand rather than play through one guy on offense. A year after reaching the national title game, Beilein is back with another squad good enough to win it all.

Players in our top-50 countdown: 2

No. 35: Zavier Simpson, PG

No. 31: Jon Teske, C

Brazdeikis and Matthews were also considered.

How hard is Michigan’s path to the Final Four?

Real hard. After playing Montana in the opening round, Michigan could have to face a Nevada team that’s way more talented than its No. 7 seed would indicate. Jarrett Culver and Texas Tech’s No. 1 overall defense could be waiting in the Sweet 16, or maybe it will be a date with Nate Oats, C.J. Massinburg and Buffalo. That’s a lot of potential landmines.

Gonzaga will be the favorite to reach the Elite Eight at the top of the region, but don’t discount Florida State either, who made a run to that round last year. Michigan has its work cut out for them given the draw.

5. Tennessee Volunteers

Three reasons the Volunteers can go all the way:

Grant Williams is a workhorse

Admiral Schofield is a terrific co-star

Jordan Bone is playing his best ball of the season

The Vols had Final Four aspirations last season before they were shocked at the buzzer by Loyola-Chicago. The entire team returned this year and immediately solidified itself as one of the best in the country. Grant Williams — SEC Player of the Year as a sophomore — improved across the board as a junior and enters this tournament as one of the top players in the field. Can Tennessee’s guards hit enough threes when defenses collapses on Williams? If so, the Vols have every ingredient to make a run.

Players in our top-50 countdown: 2

No. 25: Admiral Schofield, F

No. 4: Grant Williams, F

Jordan Bone was also considered.

How hard is Tennessee’s path to the Final Four?

As the No. 2 seed in the South, the Vols should have a clear path to the Elite Eight, at least. A matchup with a tough Cincinnati team could be waiting in round two, but Tennessee should have enough weapons to advance. In the Sweet 16, Purdue and Villanova are both beatable.

Should Virginia also survive, it sets up a No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown for the right to go to the Final Four. The ‘Hoos are legitimately good (more on them in a second), but Tennessee has the horses to win that game.

4. Virginia Cavaliers

Three reasons the Cavaliers can win it all:

The offense has finally caught up to the defense

De’Andre Hunter is a certified lottery pick

The defense is still elite

A year after becoming the first No. 1 seed to ever lose to a No. 16 in the opening round, Virginia is back on the line with a team that feels better equipped for a tournament run. De’Andre Hunter being healthy helps, as does an improved offense off the strength of Kyle Guy’s shooting and Ty Jerome’s heady two-way game. Virginia enters the tournament as the team only team in the country currently No. 5 in both offensive and defensive efficiency.

Players in our top-50 countdown: 3

No. 24: Kyle Guy, G

No. 17: Ty Jerome, G

No. 11: De’Andre Hunter, F

How hard is Virginia path to the Final Four?

Assuming the ‘Hoos can actually get past No. 16 Gardner-Webb in the first round, a matchup with the winner of Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma looms. Wisconsin and Kansas State are two most likely Sweet 16 opponents, but don’t be surprised if an underdog crashes the party.

The Elite Eight game against Tennessee would be one of the best of the tournament, if it happens.

3. North Carolina Tar Heels

Three reasons the Tar Heels can win it all:

Coby White is emerging into a star

UNC plays FAST

The Heels have three senior leaders

The Tar Heels play faster than any team in the tournament field. UNC wants to turn every possession into a transition opportunity, even after made baskets. Coby White has shined as a freshman point guard — Carolina’s tournament run could depend on how hot he gets. Cameron Johnson and Luke Maye are seniors with size and shooting ability. Roy Williams is trying to make the national title game for the third time in the last four years. This team has the talent to do it.

Players in our top-50 countdown: 2

No. 19: Coby White, G

No. 14: Cameron Johnson, F

Luke Maye was also considered.

How hard is North Carolina’s path to the Final Four?

As the top seed in the South, UNC faces Iona in round one and then the winner of Washington and Utah State in round two. Auburn or Kansas could be tough Sweet 16 opponents, but Carolina has a much higher ceiling than either.

All eyes will be on that potential Elite Eight meeting with Kentucky. Lexington might burn if Luke Maye hits another game-winner.

2. Gonzaga Bulldogs

Three reasons the Bulldogs can win it all:

Brandon Clarke is unconventional superstar

There are so many players who can get hot on offense

Josh Perkins is an experienced lead guard

Gonzaga beat Duke, lost in overtime to Tennessee, and lost in a true road game to North Carolina this season, so no one can say the Bulldogs aren’t battle tested. The ‘Zags made the title game two years ago and this team might be even better: they’re loaded with offensive weapons and Clarke is arguably the best defender in the college game. This team is deep and loaded with high-level talent. No one should be surprised if they win it all.

Players in our top-50 countdown: 2

No. 13: Rui Hachimura, F

No. 2: Brandon Clarke, F

Josh Perkins was also considered.

How hard is Gonzaga’s path to the Final Four?

The West feels like the toughest region. A potential second round game against Syracuse and its wonky zone would be scary. So is a potential Sweet 16 game against Florida State, who made the Elite Eight last year. Markus Howard and Marquette or Ja Morant and Murray State could also crash the party.

Michigan could await in the Elite Eight. And if Gonzaga wins that game, a rematch with these guys is waiting next ...

1. Duke Blue Devils

Three reasons the Blue Devils can win it all:

Zion Williamson is a historically great player

Duke plays defense this season

They have the highest ceiling in the country

Duke has owned this season from the very start, opening the year with a 34-point win over Kentucky that served as a warning shot for the rest of the country. Zion Williamson has been beyond anyone’s wildest imagination, putting together a case that he’s one of the most dominant players the college level has ever seen. With an impressive defense and capable co-stars in R.J. Barrett, Tre Jones, and Cam Reddish, Duke enters the tournament as the favorite to cut down the nets in Minneapolis.

Players in our top-50 countdown: 3

No. 39: Tre Jones, G

No. 12: R.J. Barrett, G

No. 1: Zion Williamson, F

Cameron Reddish was also considered.

How hard is Duke’s path to the Final Four?

The path is clear. UCF or VCU shouldn’t have a chance in the second round. A potential Sweet 16 game with Virginia Tech would be difficult, but Duke would be a big favorite. Even in an Elite Eight game against Michigan State, Duke would have a huge talent advantage.

This season is national title or bust for Duke. Always has been. If anyone can handle that type of pressure, it’s Zion Williamson.

[spartytoon]

In which Sparty finally jots down her thoughts on Avengers: Endgame.  Spoiler free TL:DR: I liked it overall, but have some caveats.  Long read, spoilers below.

ENDGAME THOUGHTS

THE GOOD:

Well used fandom in-jokes. E.G. Cap checking out his own ass (“That IS Americas ass”).

Scott Lang in general.

Tony Stark being adorable with his daughter.

Cap using Mjolnir.

Thor’s reaction to Cap using Mjolnir (“I KNEW IT!”)

Rocket Raccoon in general.

Nebula in general.

Thor having a good talk with his mom.

Frigga immediately recognizing Thor as a time traveler.

When everybody showed up for the final battle.

Banner sharing his tacos with Scott.

2012!Loki being a lil’ shit.

2012!Thor using Mjolnir as a defibrillator.

“Lunch, then back to Asgard.”

2014!Gamora: That’s the guy?

Nebula: Yes. It was either him, or a tree.

I’ve been saying for a year that Guardians 3 and Thor 4 could be the same movie, and that looks like it is very much happening. Awwww yiss.

THE BAD: Oh boy. I’m going to keep this to continuity in-universe rules type stuff because that’s where the objective issues are.

It has been long established that one must be obscenely powerful to so much as TOUCH an infinity stone (except for the reality stone (it touches yooooouuuu), and the soul stone probably has some unique rules), much less USE one, but the Avengers were all barehanding the damn things without any issues.

Power levels are meaningless. I knew they were going to nerf their really powerful characters (Carol, Thor and Wanda), but I did not expect them to do it to this extent.

- Carol shows up for the final battle, destroys Thanos’ ship BY HERSELF, but is unable to blow 2014!Thanos to smithereens. SURE.

- It was established in Infinity War that Wanda could hold off Thanos with five stones in the gauntlet, yet she could not obliterate 2014!Thanos with no gauntlet. SUUUURE.

- Also in Infinity War it was shown that with the aid of Stormbreaker (which enhances his powers) Thor could stand toe to toe with Thanos with ALL the infinity stones, but he couldn’t beat 2014!Thanos. SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURE.

- At the end of the day, the final outcome of Iron Man sacrificing himself to save everyone was very, very contrived. Nerfing their really powerful characters was literally the only way to make that happen. Hell, 2014!Thanos without the gauntlet should have been manageable for Thor, Cap and Iron Man. There was really no reason they couldn’t take him down now that they were actually working as a team.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not unhappy with Iron Man sacrificing himself (very bittersweet), I just wish they’d had a more coherent way to get to that point. Like, maybe instead of Thanos coming down to draw them out personally, he sends his army down so that everyone has to fight their way to him, and Iron Man is the only one who manages to get close enough to do anything. We know the suit is strong/advanced enough to fight Thanos, but maybe not defeat him. And if he gets ahold of the gauntlet, well you know how that ends.

Moving on! They went on a long tirade about the rules of time travel, then proceeded to screw up the space time continuum anyway, and spark off several alternate realities (they did announce a “what ifs” series for Disney+ so that’s probably deliberately sloppy *eye roll*).  The Sorcerer Supreme is probably Disappointed, But Not Surprised.

Speaking of, they created a glaring plot hole. Thanos allegedly destroyed the infinity stones after he was done using them. But when they went back in time to collect the stones from the past, the Sorcerer Supreme explained to Banner that reality itself was based around those stones, removing one could potentially cause all sorts of chaos, not just alternate timelines.

But Thanos DESTROYED the stones. Destroyed them. The Sorcerer Supereme apparently knew this, and didn’t seem phased by the news. Possibly because A, she knows something we don’t, or B, they already forgot why they had the Avengers go back in time in the first place. Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. Personally, I don’t think the stones can actually be destroyed. It was likely that when Thanos “destroyed” the stones he actually just scattered them again, he just didn’t know it. So he wasn’t lying, he was just ignorant. If THAT’s the case, the Sorcerer Supreme not being worried about the stones being destroyed would make sense, because she probably knew the stones COULDN’T be destroyed, but finding them again could take eons, so she did ultimately go along with the Avengers time heist.

Endgame ultimately had a lot of the same problems as The Last Jedi: in an effort to be unpredictable, shocking and have things Not Go As Planned, they had to ignore the internal logic of the universe to varying degrees. You can’t spend 20 movies establishing how a universe works only to throw all the rules away as soon as it becomes inconvenient. You can certainly change things up, but there has to be a reason for it. And that reason has to make sense. None of this made sense. That’s sloppy writing at best, and an insult at worst.

THE WTF:

Sacrificing Natasha was sadly par for the course. I had hoped that by sacrificing herself there would be some sort of loophole wherein she wasn’t killed/sucked into the soul stone, buuuuut nope. I’m guessing the “sacrifice something you love” thing is probably a big fat lie, because Natasha and Clint were fighting over who got to be sacrificed, and Clint clearly didn’t WANT to sacrifice Natasha and… it just makes no sense. The Soul stone has a price. That price is a soul. Whoever’s left standing (or dangling near) the top of the cliff gets the stone. No emotional attachment necessary.

As a friend pointed out… ANT MAN DIDN’T HAVE ANY ANTS! He should have done the time heist with ants. It would have gone much smoother. Also he could have summoned hordes of ants to attack 2014!Thanos, which would have been horrifying, but a perfect “Welcome to Earth” moment. And hell, who knows how a titan reacts to ant bites. Might be deathly allergic, for all we know.

Aside from Nebula, Natasha, and arguably Carol, all of the female superhero’s basically just had cameos. I know they had a lot of characters to juggle, but their final battle stuff was another contrived moment.

Where did Brunhilde (Valkyrie) get her Pegasus? Are they summoning creatures? Is there a dimension somewhere where they hang out? How did they have time to go there and get a pegasus that was conveniently battle trained and ready? Are they sentient?

What was Spider-man swinging on? There was barely anything for him to swing on.  Yet, there was swinging.

Why didn’t Thor use his lightning more? We know he can use it. He knows he can use it. He can use it with pinpoint accuracy so it isn’t like it was a huge liability in a crowded battlefield. But he barely used it. Cap used it more than he did, and Cap was just winging it. And it was effective against Thanos so like… why didn’t they double team lightning bros… oh right. That would have worked. NERFED SO HARD. WTF was up with Clint? Was he going after people who were still causing problems after the snap? What was he doing? Why was Nat just okay with him throwing a homicidal temper tantrum? Professor Hulk in the uncanny valley. I’m with Valkyrie, one or the other. Both is weird. THOR:

I know a lot of people felt that what they did to Thor was one big fat joke. I have to respectfully disagree, insomuch that not taking care of yourself when you fall into a deep depression is A Thing. It’s a sad thing. And the humor of the situation was –  for me – part Thor saying or doing something genuinely funny, and partly just plain awkward. Like laughing at Peter B. Parker crying in the shower in Spider-man: Into the Spider-Verse. It’s funny because it’s sad.  We laugh because we don’t know what else to do. I’ll circle back around to Peter B. Parker in a minute. I would like to point out that Thor crashing, and crashing hard actually makes a lot of sense. It’s one of the few parts of the movie that DOES make sense. Consider Infinity War.

Thanos’ timing was probably deliberate. Was he thinking emotional devastation when he attacked the Statesman? Maybe. He was certainly thinking tactical advantage. Any emotional fallout was probably just a bonus. Finish off your biggest threat (what’s left of Asgard – I’m of the mind that Thanos was waiting around for Odin to croak), take out the most powerful player among them while he’s at a huge disadvantage (probably not a good idea to use your cool lightning powers on a big ship full of sensitive electronics), and as a bonus, emotionally break said powerful player at the same time. I don’t know if Thanos expected Thor to survive, but he wasn’t terribly surprised to see him at the end of Infinity War. Asgardians are notoriously durable, after all. And Thor especially so.

So, then what happens with Thor? Well he’s rescued, and he does everything he can to stay positive. He cracks jokes, he sympathies with Gamora, he’s a cheerleader for Etiri, and he does it all while he’s dying inside. He uses humor to keep himself together, but it’s clear he’s hurting BAD. He’s been in charge for maybe a couple of days and already ANOTHER huge disaster has befallen his people, and it’s only going to get worse if he doesn’t get his ass out there to put a stop to it. When Thor confronts Thanos in Wakanda, he initially does the right thing. The head is a much harder target to hit from a distance, so aiming for his chest was actually smart. He stopped Thanos in his tracks, brought him to his knees with that blow.

His real mistake was stopping to chat. I remember sitting in the theater watching Infinity War when Thor lands and does NOT immediately proceed to finish Thanos off. I believe my thoughts were “No - Thor… Thor, sweetie, just finish him off don’t stop to – aw shit.”

That mistake, that moment of weakness wherein he let his anger, and pain take over his better judgment is what cost half the universe. And he knows it. He knows it more than anyone else. He knows how powerful he is, he knows what he’s capable of. Everyone in Wakanda gave it their all. Tony, Spidey, Strange and the Guardians came close too, and Quill definitely fucked up there as well, but none of them are 1500 year old gods. They don’t have lightning running through their veins, they can’t fight for days on end without rest, they aren’t one man armies, they weren’t raised to be king and protector of the 9 realms, they didn’t have that burden placed on their shoulders. They aren’t anywhere near Thor’s level. They’re mortal. They make mistakes. They lose. Thor is far from perfect, but with the power he possess, the stakes are higher, there’s much more expected of him. And he fucked it up.

That’s not something someone simply recovers from. Not without help. And this is where there’s a big difference between Peter B. Parker and Thor becomes clear (well, aside from scale). Peter B. Parker is going through a rough patch. He’s gained a bit of weight. It is (gently) played for laughs.  But he has support. All of the other spider-people are there for him. Miles does a great job of getting him to wake up, to realize he’s gotta face his fears, and take that leap of faith. Thor, apparently, didn’t get that. Not until the time heist and he gets to talk to his mom.

As a proud member of #TeamThorNeedsAHug, I must ask… where were the rest of the Avengers? Too busy to check in on Thor? Or did they only contact him if they needed him for something? Did they brush him off, and assume he’d get better on his own? Were they so wrapped up in their own pain they just couldn’t reach out to anyone else? Cap had support group, did he not invite Thor? Or did he expect Thor to host support groups as well?

All they know is that they failed. But they’re not thinking about it from Thor’s context, they’re thinking about it from a human context. The human context is limited, fleeting.

So, Thor falls by the wayside. Any cries for help are brushed off. They get annoyed with him. They certainly got annoyed with him in Endgame. They stop keeping in touch with him.

The Avengers are pretty shitty friends.

This is why I am glad Thor is going off with the Guardians of the Galaxy for a while. The Guardians are weird, and they yell at each other a lot, and they fight, but at the end of the day, they’re a family.  Thor is in far better company. Also it will be HILARIOUS.

That said: THINGS I WANT TO HAPPEN IN GUARDIANS 3 (in no particular order):

Quill spends a little time on Earth and reconnects with his grandpa.

The Guardians work their magic and help Thor work through his depression and guilt.

A meta conversation pondering the power disparity between 5 years ago/current Thanos, and 2014 Thanos, and why Thor, Carol and Wanda (or Thor, Cap and Tony, for that matter) could not smush him like a bug while he was Infinity Gauntlet-less.

They discover that the infinity stones can’t actually be destroyed, Thanos just scattered them when he thought he had destroyed them, and there may be a way to get Gamora out of the soul stone.

They get Gamora out of the soul stone.

Mark Hamill is Space Hobo Supreme*

Thor becomes a Space Hobo and learns the ways of the Space Hobo from Mark Hamill

Thor goes sifting through Quills music collection at some point and asks if he has any Florence + The Machine.

We find out Rocket invited Thor to tag along with the Guardians figuring he needed a stable family environment, and time away from everything to recover.

Rocket is highly protective and supportive of Thor (much to Quills chagrin).

Awkward Drax Hugs (That Thor is totally down for)

Groot and Thor play video games.

Thor zaps himself back to being ripped for the sole purpose of annoying Quill.

Dance off.

Mantis does something really freaking cool.

Air guitar battle (because Guitar Hero exists, Thor plays video games now, and why the fuck not)

Nebula continues to soften up.

They bump into Loki in the least likely of places. A laundromat or something equally mundane.

* Back around the time The Last Jedi came out, Mark Hamill was joking around on Twitter (as he often does), that he was out of work, and needed a new job. James Gunn (possibly jokingly, possibly seriously) mentioned possibly having something for him to do in Guardians 3. This apparently, led into brunch, and a lot of unrelated silliness (Guardians of the 99!). I very much hope that Mark Hamill will be in Guardians 3 as a friendly Space Hobo.

[viraljournalist]

College basketball predictions - Will UNC complete the Duke sweep?

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College basketball predictions - Will UNC complete the Duke sweep?

Duke and North Carolina have their second meeting of the 2018-19 season on Saturday (6 p.m. ET, ESPN), and ESPN.com’s team of college basketball experts weighed in on whether the possibly still-Zion-less Blue Devils would earn the split or fall victim to the sweep. Our experts also made their picks for the much-anticipated Michigan-Michigan State rematch (8 p.m. ET, ESPN) and told us what they expected to be the most compelling conference tourney of the season.

Jump to score predictions for the weekend’s top games

It’s Duke/North Carolina, Part II. Tell us how this is going to go if Zion Williamson plays … and if he doesn’t.

Jeff Borzello, college basketball insider: I’m not sure it matters on Saturday. I guess it’ll be closer if Zion suits up in Chapel Hill, but I think North Carolina wins either way. If he doesn’t play — and Mike Krzyzewski’s comments make that appear the likelier scenario — I think the Blue Devils are really going to struggle. They’re a thoroughly average team without Zion and one that got steamrollered by North Carolina in Durham just two weeks ago. The Tar Heels dominated Duke in the post behind Luke Maye, Cam Johnson and Garrison Brooks, and that seems likely to happen again. At the other end, Duke hasn’t gotten consistent offense from anyone not named RJ Barrett, which could be an issue against a team that loves to push the tempo and put up points.

Coby White and UNC face RJ Barrett and Duke on Saturday. Can the Tar Heels pull off the season sweep? Lance King/Getty Images

Myron Medcalf, senior college basketball writer: Tough question. You can’t rely on the analytics for everything, but Duke without Williamson is a team that falls in love with the 3-pointer (42 percent of its attempts compared with 35 percent with Williamson available) and relies on Barrett’s straight-line drives. The Blue Devils are just easier to figure out and that’s what I think North Carolina will do (again) in a second win if Williamson doesn’t play because, as Jeff said, Duke isn’t really built to stop UNC in the paint without Williamson. If he plays, then Duke wins. Why? Because he’s the ultimate playmaker who fixes the flaws that were exposed (defense around the rim, post production, poor shot selection) in the first game.

Here’s your updated source for all of the latest on the NCAA tournament bubble.

Virginia, Duke and North Carolina all have top-seed cases … if they take care of business this week.

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John Gasaway, college basketball writer: This is going to go swimmingly for Duke if Zion plays. He changes the Blue Devils for the better on both offense and defense. That first part requires no further explanation, one surmises, but on D the freshman is a disruptor and a highly mobile wall of shot-changing menace. Fueled by Williamson’s return and, no less, by a desire to even the score after the game in Durham, Duke wins if Zion comes back. If not, this does not go well for the Blue Devils. Winning in Chapel Hill is a taller order than recording a home victory against Wake Forest.

Fill out your bracket for a chance to win $10,000 in Amazon.com gift cards and a trip for two (2) to the 2019 Maui Jim Maui Invitational! Fill out your brackets

Jordan Schultz, insider/analyst: Duke is winning this game, with or without Zion. As poorly as the Blue Devils played in a near upset loss to Wake, they still received tremendous production from Barrett, whose 28 points helped him pass Marvin Bagley III for most ever by a Duke freshman. Assuming Williamson can’t go, look for Coach K to once again run everything through Barrett, isolating him on the wings with flat sets that allow him to work out against a terrific Heels defense. We should expect more from the uber-talented Cam Reddish as well, who already hit Carolina for a career-high 27 points in Durham. If Zion does play, however, expect a heavy dose of post-ups and highlight-reel plays considering this will be the only time the prodigious future No. 1 pick ever plays in the Dean Dome. Either way, an angry Duke team wins what should be an excellent game.

And then immediately after, it’s Michigan vs. Michigan State from East Lansing. You expecting a Spartans sweep?

Medcalf: I just want to be there. The Breslin Center is just a wild place, especially when that bass player in the school’s band gets going. It’ll be crazy this weekend. And I think that will be the difference in a game that will feature two teams hoping to get healthier before the NCAA tournament arrives. I just don’t see Cassius Winston, who has been a hero and Wooden Award contender despite his ongoing bout with knee tendinitis, falling short in this season finale against his team’s chief rival. Ain’t happening. Michigan State gets the sweep.

Borzello: Man, this is a tough game to read. First, it doesn’t sound like either team is going to be healthy. Charles Matthews has missed two games in a row for Michigan, and John Beilein didn’t sound optimistic that Matthews would play on Saturday. For Sparty, Nick Ward is still hurt and Kyle Ahrens also missed the last game. Michigan State goes through stretches where it struggles to score due to its lack of options, and that theoretically will be magnified against an elite defensive unit like the Wolverines. That said, this is basically the same team that went into Ann Arbor — with Matthews playing 28 minutes — and beat Michigan by seven two weekends ago. In that one, it was all Winston. He had 27 points and eight assists and outplayed his counterpart, Zavier Simpson. I think that happens again and I think Michigan State gets the sweep.

Gasaway: Yes, the Spartans will sweep Michigan after going 0-2 against Indiana. How perfect is that? In the first game, Michigan State did what you’re not supposed to be able to do against the Wolverines. Tom Izzo’s guys attacked in the paint and it worked beautifully. No Big Ten opponent has scored as efficiently against Michigan as did the Spartans (1.23 points per possession), and no Big Ten opponent has shot anywhere near as well inside the arc (68 percent). True, Michigan State took better care of the ball than UM, which we can safely class as a true freak occurrence. Still, I like MSU’s chances in East Lansing.

Schultz: I do not. Michigan was uncharacteristically locked up by the rugged Spartans defense in Ann Arbor, going 7-26 (26.9 percent) from 3 while amassing just six total assists. True, Sparty is elite on both ends — top 10 in offensive and defensive efficiency, per KenPom — but the Wolverines have more firepower and once again will not have to worry about Ward, who continues to be sidelined with a fractured hand. The X factor for John Beilein & Co. is Matthews, if he plays. When he plays well and is confident shooting it, Michigan becomes much harder to guard, because Simpson and Jordan Poole are both deft at creating their own offense as well. Matthews — who went 1-8 with 4 points in the first MSU game — must discover his stroke in this one. I’m betting he will, and in turn, that the Maize and Blue steal a tight one on the road.

You are forced to watch every minute of one and only one 2019 conference tournament. Which one are you picking, and why? (Ivy League mini-tournament not allowed):

Borzello: No naps? I’m going to be at the Big East tournament, so I’ll leave that one out. If literally every second has to be watched, I think you have to avoid leagues with double byes. If you choose the ACC, you’re saying you want to watch Wake Forest or Georgia Tech or Pittsburgh twice in 24 hours. The Big Ten actually has interesting lower seeds, but still, no. The SEC has you grinding through two games involving Texas A&M or Missouri or something. Meh. I’ll go with the Big 12. There’s a ton at stake heading into Kansas City and fascinating storylines abound. Oklahoma, TCU and Texas all still have work to do to feel comfortable heading into Selection Sunday, so those opening-round games are interesting. Does Kansas bounce back after seeing its streak end on Tuesday night? Does Texas Tech stay hot? Can Iowa State stop losing? Will Kansas State start getting national respect? I’m all-in on the Big 12 next week.

Medcalf: Oh, man. Borzello’s pick makes sense. The Big 12 is always fun and it’s in Kansas City, where you can just walk across the street to the Power and Light District and party with Iowa State fans after the games. But I’ll take the SEC. I mean, Tom Crean in the opening round, where Georgia might score 98 points (win over Texas on Jan. 26) or 39 points (Wednesday loss to Missouri)? He might punt a basketball into the stands before halftime. Mizzou’s Jordan Geist taking 30 shots because why not? Can Billy Kennedy save his job? All of that before we even get to LSU, Kentucky and Tennessee? I’ll take it. I’d love to watch everything that happens at the SEC tournament, including Frank Martin and Bruce Pearl possibly pulling off upsets and giving us the best postgame interviews of the week.

Gasaway: Is this even up for discussion? Absolutely the Pac-12 tournament. One, no one in the conference not named “Washington” or, possibly, “Arizona State” (and even that second one is very iffy) is getting anywhere near the NCAA tournament without an automatic bid. These teams will all be playing like hungry carnivores, not like the “let’s just stay healthy” locks in certain other major conferences. Two, these completely off-bubble teams can, paradoxically win a game or possibly even two if they do get in the field of 68: Utah’s offense is excellent and the two Oregon teams are both playing quite well without anyone much noticing. Three, UW’s Matisse Thybulle is possibly Division I’s most entertaining player who’s also healthy. Last thing, 12-team tournaments feel like less of a slog on the first day than your true mega-leagues. I’d love to be there with my Maui Jim sunglasses celebrating the conference of champions.

Schultz: This is relatively easy for me, if hardly conventional, but I love the OVC, mainly because Belmont and Murray State each have All-America candidates. We all know about Racers all-world point guard Ja Morant, who is arguably the best player — and highlight — in the country, save for Mr. Williamson. But don’t sleep on Bruins senior hybrid forward Dylan Windler, a sterling offensive machine who can shoot it (43.2 percent 3s), make a play off the bounce and post up as well. Windler (21.1 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.4 SPG) is one of the most efficient all-around players in the nation and a legitimate pro prospect as well, as one NBA scout recently noted to me. To be sure, a Belmont-Murray State OVC final is the matchup we all deserve.

ESPN.com expert picks for this weekend’s top games

(Lines, published as they become available, from the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook.)

2018-19 college basketball predictions leaderboard

ESPN.com experts Last week SU Season SU Last week ATS Season ATS Jeff Borzello 7-3 51-19 4-5-1 38-28-4 Jordan Schultz 8-2 51-19 6-3-1 38-29-3 John Gasaway 8-2 51-19 4-5-1 31-33-6 Myron Medcalf 7-3 50-20 4-5-1 29-36-5

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[theglobetrottergp-blog]

Though my favourite form of travelling is with a backpack and a craving for adventure, every year I book onto a week-long package holiday to Spain. This is not something you’ll hear hardened travel bloggers admit very often! Package holidays spent almost exclusively within a hotel complex are usually my idea of a holiday nightmare. But yet Medfest is one of the highlights of my year! Why you ask? Well imagine your standard package holiday but then compare it to one where you are with 50 or so of your friends playing pool games on giant inflatables and having late night parties in a spa. (Pool conga anyone?!) Not only that but you are surrounded by 700 people who share your passions and hobbies (in my case this is dance.) Sounding a bit better isn’t it? I’ll go on to explain why I make ‘Medfest’ my annual tradition!

What is medfest?

Medfest is a week-long Ceroc dance holiday spent in a 4* hotel  in Calpe, Spain. Daytime activities include relaxing by the pool or on the beach, playing beach volleyball, playing water polo on giant inflatables, attending dance classes or playing games by the pool such as giant jenga, not forgetting Tim’s incredibly funny ‘pool exercise classes!’ There are also day trips you can go on if you feel so inclined but I have to admit this is one holiday where I chose relaxation over exploration! Trust me, this is unusual for me, but I guess everyone needs some chill time! The evenings are spent dancing into the early hours – my other favourite hobby alongside travel and photography. For the most part this is Ceroc and Blues dancing but there are also opportunities to dance West coast swing and Zouk!

What is ceroc and why do I love it?

For some of you, my last sentence may sound like gobbledegook. In a nutshell Ceroc is a partner dance which draws influence from lots of different forms of dance including jive and salsa. West coast swing is more about fancy footwork and zouk about swishy head movements and impressive body rolling! Here are some videos I found on you tube which show you what I mean…

Ceroc                                  Zouk                          West coast swing                      Blues

I personally started dancing about 9 years ago when I was volunteering in Ghana. My colleague was a salsa dancer and introduced me to local classes but I was so frustrated that I couldn’t partake properly in either hiking boots or flip-flops so I booked myself straight onto a salsa lesson once I returned to the UK and never looked back! For years salsa was my dance of choice and I danced it all over the world including in Malaysia and Australia! But over time, my love for salsa waned a little. The dance scene in Cardiff declined after lots of young people left to get married and start families and it just wasn’t quite the same. I missed dancing like crazy but when I moved into my new home, I discovered Ceroc – conveniently a  few minutes walk from my home! As soon as I arrived, it was like stepping into a big dancing family! I was made to feel so welcome and it wasn’t long until I was spending most of my time with my dancing friends and going away on weekends with them dancing all over the UK! My passion for dancing is as strong as ever and now I dabble in all of the dances listed above plus several others!

There are many reasons I love dancing so much! For starters it’s the sort of exercise I like – exercise which doesn’t FEEL like exercise! I can burn calories quickly without feeling hard done by for having to spend hours down the gym! It’s creative – I’ve mentioned before about my creative streak. This is one of the best things about Ceroc. It’s a lot more flexible than dances like salsa so I can get creative and add my own twist and style to the moves! But mostly I love how sociable it is! I’ve met hundreds of new friends through ceroc who live all over the country (and some abroad!) We meet up on dance weekenders and competitions and it’s like we’ve never been apart! Ceroc attracts people from all walks of life so my dance friends are by far the most diverse group of friends I have and I love this! Variety is of course the spice of life!

Dean and Rachel at the UV party

As I mentioned before there are loads of dance weekend events. We frequently take over Pontins in the UK (Ok not the classiest of venues) but it is a whole lot of fun! From chalet parties (imagine 60 + people squeezed into tiny chalets partying the night away) to the wide variety of dance lessons to the non stop dancing available from midday until 7am each morning! And yes I frequently stay dancing until 7am! I am a self-confessed dance addict after all! We also have several competitions throughout the year as well – in fact I have the Welsh Champs coming up this weekend! Wish me luck!! Between these weekend events and holidays, there are classes in most towns across the country. Find your local class here.

Okay so more about Medfest…

Accommodation

Held in the beautiful 4* Diamante Hotel with some people staying in surrounding apartments it’s a great venue. Just minutes from the beach and restaurants – Bar Tango and Bar 78 were our favourites! Bar Tango does super cheap cocktails -4 euros and I recommend the sea bass at Bar 78! Not forgetting the amazing ice-cream stalls! Creme Brule flavoured ice-cream anyone? The food was occasionally a tad random in the hotel restaurant but I certainly never went hungry!

Daytime dancing

Every afternoon there is dancing by the poolside with some great DJ’s. But you can also attend dance classes – everything from ariels to ladies styling to beginners zouk! The teachers do an amazing job!

Pool parties 

Even for the most restless of sunbathers there is plenty to do in the afternoons around the pool! From music quizzes to poolside giant jenga to ‘pool fitness classes’ with Tim. I admire how much energy he put into each class and he always had everyone in a fit of giggles! Our addition to the poolside fun this year was our giant inflatable pool polo! Imagine a swimming pool filled with 30 or so giant inflatables! Add to that plenty of people using supersoakers to get us even more wet! Trust me I didn’t need the extra help – I fell off mine often enough! Sadly not many of the inflatables survived the week – most were decapitated!

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  Sparty

My Absolute Medfest highlight! At 1 am after a few hours of dancing, the DJ decks are set up inside the luxury spa and the champagne is free-flowing! It starts off feeling very glamorous and civilised sipping champagne and eating chocolate truffles inside the jacuzzi but as the music gets cranked up so does the energy, and before you know it you’ll be doing the conga through the freezing cold plunge pool!

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UV party 

Another highlight of the week. Everyone gets dressed up in fluorescent clothes and body paint and head to the beach. There’s the flash mob where dancers suddenly launch into a dance routine on the beach front and this is then followed by an outdoor dance party under UV lights. There’s something really lovely about dancing outdoors! It does draw quite a crowd from interested passers-by so it’s also a great way to spread the word about Ceroc!

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Fancy dress final night 

This is the night generally most looked forward to and talked about! Every year there’s a new letter theme for the fancy dress – this year it was ‘P.’ So we all rocked up dressed as punks, police, power rangers and even Piccachu! Theres a competition for the best outfit so everyone goes all out! My personal favourite outfits were friends of mine, Linda and Terry who home crafted piñata costumes – it must have taken ages but it was so effective! We then all hit the dance floor though I learnt the hard way how hot it can be dancing in a pink spiky wig!

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  So why should I consider going?

If you are a Ceroc dancer already you will be surprised how many people you will know when you get there (I certainly was!) What could be better than a weeklong pool party with your friends?

If you’ve never danced before, you should still consider going! There are beginner lessons on all weekenders and holidays and people are super friendly and helpful towards beginners. And it doesn’t matter if you don’t know anyone – you soon will! My roomie this year didn’t know anyone at all and now she’s made so many friends she’s coming to visit us all in Cardiff this weekend for the competition!

I can not recommend Ceroc dancing as a hobby enough! It keeps you fit, is heaps of fun and you will make so many new friends from all walks of life! The basics of Ceroc are also easier to pick up than other dances so it’s accessible to anyone – yes even if you reckon you have 2 left feet!!

So if you’d like to find more, visit www.ceroc.com

Please feel free to comment below! have you tried Ceroc or want to give it a whirl? (Pun intended!) Or have you been on any holidays similar to this but catering for different hobbies? I’d love to hear all about your experiences!

      An alternative holiday - a dancing pool party in Spain - why Medfest is my annual tradition! Though my favourite form of travelling is with a backpack and a craving for adventure, every year I book onto a week-long package holiday to Spain.

[yahoo-the-dagger-blog]

The 10 best NBA prospects we’ll see in the NCAA tournament … and three we won’t

March is when careers are launched and dreams are realized, as this is a time for players to draw more attention to their budding careers.

[Tourney Pick’em is open! Sign up now | Bracket Big Board]

Who are the best future pros taking center stage in the NCAA tournament? And who are the best we won’t be seeing, thanks to struggling teams that won’t qualify for the tourney?

Glad you asked.

Grayson Allen, Duke

The Blue Devils junior never lacks for attention, but this March could provide another outlet for Allen to make headlines. As one of the go-to guys on a Duke team that, if healthy, has a realistic shot at winning the national title this season, Allen will likely carry a bigger load than he has in the past, especially in close situations.

Allen’s numbers are down across the board from his standout sophomore campaign, but he can restore faith with a strong showing over several games in the tournament, as he can now do for Frank Jackson and Jayson Tatum what Quinn Cook did for rookies like him during the 2015 national title campaign.

Lonzo Ball, UCLA

You have probably heard a thing or two about this guy. And you might not have seen him play all that much, given the late-night tips on the West Coast. But the Bruins point guard has lived up to the hype of his five-star billing by leading the nation in assists (7.8) and being the straw that stirs the drink for UCLA’s No. 2-ranked offense (per KenPom).

UCLA PG Lonzo Ball can make noise for both his team and his future this month. (Getty)

The Bruins play a fun brand of ball that is easy on the eyes, but they will be playing with the nation’s target on their backs as they take their show on the road. That could be good or bad, as Ball’s father’s outspoken support of his son will only up the ante for Ball to deliver on the big stage. And if the sharpshooter does that, well, who else would you want your favorite NBA team to draft this June?

[Tourney Pick’em is open! Sign up now | Bracket Big Board]

Miles Bridges, Michigan State

The Big Ten’s freshman of the year is the highest-scoring rookie (16.6) that coach Tom Izzo has ever had with the Spartans, answering the bell despite a midseason ankle injury that cost him six games. The 6-foot-7 former McDonald’s All-American is a force in the paint (8.6 rpg, 1.6 bpg) and from the perimeter (40.8 percent from 3), while showing tremendous passing ability.

It’s been an uneven year for normally March-reliable Sparty, which, despite currently sitting on the right side of the bubble, may still have some work to do. So how much longer MSU stays alive is anyone’s guess. But if the past few months are any indication, this will be the last call for Bridges to impress NBA teams before he is likely a lottery pick.

De’Aaron Fox, Kentucky

The freshman point guard has led the Wildcats to yet another SEC regular-season title, leading the team in assists while averaging 15.5 ppg. The shifty southpaw earned comparisons to NBA point guard and fellow lefty Brandon Jennings and he has shown a unique ability to get things done in traffic.

Fox can improve his outside shooting (21.1 percent from 3), but there is plenty to like about him, even in a guard-heavy draft.

Jonathan Isaac, Florida State

Isaac’s numbers have been solid (12.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg) for a Seminoles team that finished a remarkable second in the rugged ACC, and he is only going to get better. Yes, those ever-present draft buzzwords — “raw,” “upside” — are thrown around plenty when discussing Isaac, but how could they not be for a guy who stands 6-foot-10 and weighs just 210 pounds?

[Tourney Pick’em is open! Sign up now | Bracket Big Board]

The five-star freshman is as versatile as it gets, displaying a soft touch from outside (36.7 percent from 3) and a consistent-enough presence down low (1.5 blocks). Once he fills out that frame, though, he could be a matchup nightmare at the next level — something FSU hopes bears true these next few weeks on the national stage. (He nearly declared for the draft out of prep school last year.)

Josh Jackson, Kansas

Jackson, who will miss Kansas’ Big 12 conference tournament opener because of a one-game suspension, has the chance to both lead the No. 1 Jayhawks to the national title and then be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, much like former Jayhawk Danny Manning did in 1988. The reason both could happen is because the 6-foot-8, 207-pound Jackson is the ideal two-way player, chasing down shots (1.1 bpg) while harassing ball-handlers (1.6 spg).

Jackson was Rivals’ top-ranked prep player in 2016, and while he entered Lawrence with some questions about his shooting, his 51.1 percent clip (and 37.7 percent from 3) have minimized those concerns, at least for now. And with Kansas holding steady as one of the national title favorites, Jackson will have the chance to elevate his stock even more, at least for unfamiliar viewers.

Justin Jackson, North Carolina

Jackson won ACC player of the year honors this season, upping his scoring average from 12.2 ppg to 18.3 ppg. And while that can partly be attributed to the much bigger load he had to take on for the Tar Heels, there is no overlooking the fact that Jackson is a much better outside shooter now than he was before.

The 6-foot-8, 210-pounder nearly entered the draft last season after his sophomore year, but in returning to UNC he saw his 3-point shooting rise from 29.2 percent to 38.5 percent, all while attempting more than twice as many 3s per game this season. He passes and defends well, and the nation should see plenty of him as the No. 6 Heels look to make another deep tourney run.

Lauri Markkanen, Arizona

What’s not to love about a 7-footer who shoots 42.8 percent from deep? Markkanen has been everything he was made out to be with the Wildcats, as the freshman has poured in 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds a night. The son of former Kansas player Pekka Markkanen, Lauri has over many years developed the reputation of a gym rat. Defending players at the NBA level will be the next challenge for Markkanen, but he is certainly ready to take the next step after a standout rookie campaign at Arizona.

Malik Monk, Kentucky

It wouldn’t be a list of NBA prospects without multiple Kentucky players on it, and Monk may be the cream of the crop this year. He leads the Wildcats in scoring (15.4 ppg) and is capable of ridiculous shooting outbursts. (See: Monk’s 47-point game in a win over UNC). Monk is just 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, but with the way the NBA game is played today, there’s no reason to think he can’t fit in as a natural shooting guard and contribute immediately wherever he ends up.

Jayson Tatum, Duke

There’s little to pick apart about Tatum’s game, as the freshman has adjusted extremely well to a loaded Blue Devils team after missing some time early with a foot injury. He’s 6-foot-8, 205 pounds and scores from anywhere, with a mid-range game that will flow nicely to the next level. Tatum knows how to use his size, and his 16 ppg and 7.3 rpg aren’t too shabby, either.

Three NBA prospects we won’t see in the tournament

Markelle Fultz, Washington

While it’s difficult to reach a consensus, Fultz’s name is the one that appears the most atop mock draft boards, so it’s a shame a national audience won’t get to see him on the big stage this spring. The 6-foot-4, 195-pound point guard checks all the boxes statistically: 23.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 6.0 apg, 1.6 spg, 1.2 bpg and 50.2 percent shooting. He’s young (won’t be 19 till late May) and has a ridiculous wingspan (reportedly 6-10). Alas, the Huskies went 2-16 in Pac-12 play this season.

Frank Ntilikina, Strasbourg (International)

In a draft that is loaded with point guards, Ntilikina might be a lottery pick. He is widely projected as the first international player off the board despite minimal reported production this season in France (4.9 ppg in 15.2 minutes). Still, he’s 6-foot-5 and 170 pounds, has a reportedly large wingspan and can defend either position. Let’s not forget he’s playing with grown men right now, too. His teammates include former collegiate standouts Matt Howard, Erik Murphy and Erving Walker.

[Tourney Pick’em is open! Sign up now | Bracket Big Board]

Dennis Smith Jr., NC State

The freshman point guard made the most of what was a lost season for the Wolfpack, who fired coach Mark Gottfried and went 4-14 in ACC play before bowing out of the first round of the league tournament Tuesday. Tasked with a heavy workload, Smith has posted 18.5 ppg and 6.3 apg, doing his best to answer shooting questions by firing at a 46.1 percent clip (and 36.9 percent from 3). He’ll have a much better opportunity to showcase his talents at the next level.

More on Yahoo Sports: • Dirk Nowitzki becomes 6th player to reach NBA milestone • Tim Brown: Meet the man with the worst job in sports • Amazing 360 video of the Chicago Cubs at spring training

– – – – – – –

Matt Fortuna is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

Follow @matt_fortuna

[racingtoaredlight]

The degenerate’s guide to college football TV watch ‘em ups, 2019 season, week 2

Now do you want to read about college football or do you want to listen to your wildest fantasy of Jeffrey Epstein conspiracy theories in a podcast format? If you answered “college football” then click to read more! If you want to listen to an incredible podcast that will feed your absolute worst inclinations towards nihilistic disillusionment then click right here! True Anon is really all I’ve ever wanted in a left-leaning shitfest. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Now for the football. Hell, the CIA is behind this shit, too. The highlight of the week for me is the line on the Bammers game. No way Saban holds up his end of that bargain. Why the fucking hell is there even a line on that shit?

If you’ve read this nonsense before you know the drill. If not, the times are eastern, the schedule is ripped from FBSchedules and the gambling informatics are per Vegas Insider dot com. Degenerate football can alternately mean football that you only pay attention to for purposes of gambling or the low-level, barely FBS, preferably late night types of games that play for stadium crowds in the hundreds and TV audiences in the dozens. It doesn’t have to be college ball, the UFL is my true ideal of football degeneracy. If you gambled on that you are my target audience. Onward and downward we go.

Saturday, September 7

Matchup                                                                   Time (ET)        TV/Mobile

Ohio at Pitt                                                                11:00am            ACCN

Wow. What a special game. It’s got a one hour headstart and for what? Goddamn is this trash. Why is ACCN not just an extra ESPN channel? SECN and Longhorn Network are just parts of the ESPN app but ACCNe is just off by itself inaccessible to 90% of the country.

Southern at Memphis                                              12:00pm  WMC-TV / ESPN3

There’s no line on this game so just check on it to see what’s going on with Memphis. They beat their secret rival The Racist South last week but scoring less than 20 is weird for them.

Rutgers at 20 Iowa                                                    12:00pm              FS1

This being a conference game is funny. Maryland and Rutgers being in the B1G is funny. And stupid. Mostly stupid. But that’s why it’s funny. Take Iowa even at -19 because it’s Rutgers.

West Virginia at Missouri                                          12:00pm           ESPN2

Speaking of dumb conference stuff, both of these teams belong in the Big 12. That’s the true spirit of college football and it’s completely akilter. Is Mizzourah the good offense out of these two now? Everything is wrong. I wouldn’t touch a 14-point line in either direction here but over 62.5 seems worthwhile.

Vanderbilt at Purdue                                                   12:00pm            BTN

These are the same team but one has Rondale Moore. Otherwise there is no difference.

UAB at Akron                                                               12:00pm          CBSSN

I don’t like the beloved CBS Sports hosting a MAC team even if they are hosting UAB. Why did the o/u drop from 55 to 46 over the course of the week? That’s odd. I’d have to check with our dear president but I don’t think Ohio is in the path of any hurricanes.

21 Syracuse at Maryland                                             12:00pm          ESPN

From the bottom of my Georgetown-born, VA-burbs raised heart I hate everything about this game. I would love to see Syracuse lose even if it means Maryland winning. The odds have flipped crazily from opening Syracuse -5 to now having Maryland -1.5. Take the turtles.

Army at 7 Michigan                                                      12:00pm           FOX

I saw ESPN talking up Army last night so go all in on Michigan to beat the ever-living piss out of the troops. -22.5 is nothing.

Bowling Green at Kansas State                                 12:00pm            FSN

Good lord, no.

Charleston Sou. at South Carolina                            12:00pm          SECN

This is cancelled, right? If not pound the under.

Cincinnati at 5 Ohio State                                           12:00pm           ABC

Cincinnati sucks but count on Fickell to make an Ohio State University look bad one more time. Bearcats +16, book it.

Kennesaw State at Kent State                                     12:00pm        ESPN3

I think Kennesaw is the Welsh version of the British Kent. I could be wrong about that but who cares?

Old Dominion at Virginia Tech                                     12:00pm        ESPNU

VPISU should be better by now. I’m wrong a lot but it’s possible I was really wrong about Justin Fuente. Betting on ODU sounds like a bad idea but I fully endorse it.

Western Carolina at NC State                                       12:30pm          RSN

There is no reason to bet on a game like this. This is practice.

NIU at 13 Utah                                                                 1:00pm         Pac-12N

I could be wrong but off the top of my head I don’t think Utah usually covers in the first four weeks of the season. This is a guess you can use in your gambling.

Fordham at Ball State                                                     2:00pm         ESPN3

Blocks of Granite for the win. Book it.

USF at Georgia Tech                                                       2:00pm          ACCN

By my count Georgia Tech covered last week against Clemson. USF just hung out in a trash can for 60 minutes. Yet the Bulls are favored here. Charlie Strong was once a hot commodity that programs all over the country coveted. Hindsight is absolutely hilarious.

Tennessee Tech at Miami (Ohio)                                    2:30pm          ESPN+

There’s no line but I’m loading up the wagon for the Golden Eagles. This is the big auto mechanics school, right?

Southern Illinois at UMass                               3:30pm     FloSports / NESNplus

I, uh, guess, uh... Don’t watch this under any circumstances. Pack a cyanide pill if you must.

Southern Miss at Mississippi State                                3:30pm         ESPNU

This is an appealing bit of misery but there’s no chance I watch it. Miss State -16.5 seems crazy against anybody. I think.

12 Texas A&M at 1 Clemson                                             3:30pm          ABC

This is statistically expected to be Clemson’s toughest game and they’re still favored by 16.5. The money looks to be going towards aTm but I can’t shake the notion that Clemson is going to absolutely maul them from the get go.

Central Michigan at 17 Wisconsin                                    3:30pm         BTN

I don’t trust Nick Saban to do what’s right by gambling folk but Wisconsin is different. If they don’t humiliate undermanned opponents that means they are a bad team. -35 is the kind of line you see when the Badgers go for 80+.

Charlotte at Appalachian State                                          3:30pm       ESPN+

You’re on your own with this one.

Eastern Illinois at Indiana                                                   3:30pm        BTN

See: Charlotte at Appalachian State.

Grambling State at Louisiana Tech                                    3:30pm      NFLN

Is there a way to make a throwback game between Doug Williams and Terry Bradshaw take place here?

Illinois at UConn                                                                   3:30pm    CBSSN

Oh, come the fuck on.

25 Nebraska at Colorado                                                      3:30pm     FOX

The two Big 8 programs that benefited most from 5th downs are facing off on national TV representing the B1G and Pac-12. That’s horrible. Nebraska being a top 25 team but also being favored by only -4 against this version of Colorado is what is known as a paradox.

Richmond at Boston College                                             3:30pm  ACCNE xtra

No line. What cowardice.

Murray State at 3 Georgia                                                    4:00pm    ESPN2

Pound the under.

UTSA at Baylor                                                                     4:00pm       FSN

Go UTSA. We’re all rooting for you.

Western Illinois at Colorado State                                      4:00pm     ATTSN

Man, this is all trash. Not even the good kind.

New Mexico State at 2 Alabama                                          4:00pm      SECN

The predicted score by way of gambling is Bama 60, NMSU 5. Saban is pulling his starters in the second quarter, though, so put a buck or two on New Mexico State just for the hell of it.

San Diego State at UCLA                                                     4:15pm   Pac-12N

This is Pac-12 After Dark/CBS Sports fodder playing in the sunlight. Both teams might explode, literally.

Northern Colorado at 22 Washington State                       5:00pm  Pac-12WA

Pac-12 Washington? That’s a channel? Washington State lookd good in week 1 so hit the over (63) and see what happens.

ULM at Florida State                                                             5:00pm      ACCN

Oh, Willie. Poor, poor Willie. Why, Willie, why? Monroe +22 looks pretty good to me.

Gardner-Webb at East Carolina                                           6:00pm     ESPN3

Yeah, buddy, now we’re into it. If this game happens. I think it’s not happening. But if it does? Man, oh, man. You know what I mean.

Maine at Georgia Southern                                                  6:00pm     ESPN+

Why would you think Eagles could beat Black Bears? That’s crazy.

North Carolina A&T at Duke                                            6:00pm   ACCNE xtra

Let’s go A&T, beat the devil.

South Dakota at 4 Oklahoma                                               7:00pm   FS PPV

What lunatics are paying for this? You should feel ashamed.

Jackson State at South Alabama                                         7:00pm   ESPN+

Lots of bodybag games, even at the lower levels. I hate it.

Wyoming at Texas State                                                        7:00pm   ESPN+

Kind of beautiful but you’ll probably have to squint to see it.

WKU at FIU                                                                             7:00pm    ESPN+

Get your shit together, Butch. Now. Stop embarrassing me.

18 UCF at Florida Atlantic                                                     7:00pm   CBSSN

Oh, now this - THIS! is what CBS Sports is great for. What a shitty game that I love like a long lost child.

Tennessee State at Middle Tennessee                                7:00pm   ESPN3

Too Tall U vs. MTSU is cool in a way but it won’t be a fun thing to watch.

North Texas at SMU                                                               7:00pm   ESPN3

Spencer is visiting ms621 and my people are expecting a lot of scoring in this one with the lawyers coming out on top. /suggestive eyebrow raises

McNeese at Oklahoma State                                                 7:00pm   ESPN+

Chuba Hubbard should get about 8 touches so watch early if you’re watching at all.

 Furman at Georgia State                                                        7:00pm   ESPN3

Man, this is a long list of boring crap.

Eastern Kentucky at Louisville                                          7:00pm  ACCNE xtra

Other than the 24 fumbles I thought Louisville looked pretty good last week. Not enough to tune in for a minute of this but maybe they can fine tune some of the difficult football activities like “snapping the football” and “holding the football close to your body” or “handing the ball to the running back” against Eastern Kentucky and then when they pop up against Clemson later on it’ll be worth watching.

Coastal Carolina at Kansas                                                   7:00pm   ESPN+

Les Magic: Kansas is favored to start the year 2-0. Not by a lot, mind you.

BYU at Tennessee                                                                   7:00pm   ESPN

Nobody tell Bergie but I’m rooting for the Mormons here. Gotta go for what makes the most people feel the worst about sports.

Tulane at 10 Auburn                                                                7:30pm   ESPN2

Is Auburn rising in the polls enough to make me bet against them at home -17 vs. Tulane? It sure is. Auburn is just as chaotic as LSU but not as funny about it.

UT Martin at 11 Florida                                                          7:30pm  ESPNU

Fuck the Gators, man.

Western Michigan at 19 Michigan State                              7:30pm     BTN

Sparty, too.

Arkansas at Mississippi, Oxford                                         7:30pm   SECN

I am on a descent into hell here.

Buffalo at 15 Penn State                                                       7:30pm     FOX

If Notre Dame is next I’m hanging up on this post.

Eastern Michigan at Kentucky                                             7:30pm   SECN Alt.

Whew. Hill people that can only intermittently football. That is a huge relief right now.

Liberty at Louisiana                                                              7:30pm     ESPN+

Fuck the Falwells, and not in a good way.

6 LSU at 9 Texas                                                                    7:30pm      ABC

There is one ironclad rule in college football gambling: never bet on an LSU game. Those who fail to heed this rule will never see longterm winnings. Oddsmakers keep pushing the line towards LSU and I agree wholeheartedly that’s where the expectations should reside but would you be even sort of surprised to see LSU blow this entirely and lose? No, you would not. Neither would I.

Nevada at 16 Oregon                                                           7:30pm     Pac-12N

Oregon is favored by 24 and my very cursory impression of these two is that Nevada is a straight up better team than the Ducks. Granted, I’m really bad at this, but that +24 looks like easy money.

Stony Brook at Utah State                                                   7:30pm   Facebook

Not even a great QB talent is worth going on facebook.

Miami (FL) at North Carolina                                               8:00pm     ACCN

Pound the damn under. Also, ESPN talking heads are all on the UNC to upset train so put whatever money you have set aside for this contest on the Hurricanes. 

Prairie View A&M at Houston                                              8:00pm     ESPN3

That one good recruiting class is mostly a memory for Houston at this point but they’ll still be fun to watch once D’Eriq King and Dana Holgorsen get on the same page.

UTEP at Texas Tech                                                              8:00pm       FSN

Wasn’t Texas Tech supposed to run the ball more this year? One week in they’re leading the country in passing. Maybe they ran the ball more and it still wasn’t very much.

Tulsa at San Jose State                                                      9:00pm      ESPN3

This is the kind of game that should be played in a prison yard.

Arkansas State at UNLV                                                      10:00pm  Facebook

This is the kind of game that shouldn’t be played.

California at 14 Washington                                               10:30pm      FS1

I do believe I’m the span of this game away from getting fully on board with UDub rolling the Pac-12 again. The only team with similar talent, as far as I have seen, is USC. But there are a long list of other issues with USC.

Minnesota at Fresno State                                                  10:30pm  CBSSN

This is the kind of stupid game I love but I think I’ll be watching Pennywise the Dancing Clown at this point.

23 Stanford at USC                                                               10:30pm    ESPN

USC should just fire Clay Helton now, win or lose.

Northern Arizona at Arizona                                                10:45pm   Pac-12N

It would be very Pac-12 of Arizona to lose this game.

Oregon State at Hawaii                                   11:59pm     Spectrum / Facebook

I guess facebook is there to scoop from the most bootlegged team in college football’s illegal audience but I still hate it. Hawaii playing at home two weeks in a row means pound the over even at 77.5. It’s not like Oregon State plays defense, either.

[racingtoaredlight]

The degenerate’s guide to college football TV watch ‘em ups, 2019 season, week 1, part 3

Time to kick back and stop writing so much. I’ve earned it. I’m not going through all of my gambling advice to see if I did really awesome. Pretty sure Georgia Tech beat the spread against Clemson. Direct hit! So I am your guru.

Gambles with me and find the worst college football a viewer can find, I says. That’s the best way to live on a Saturday in the fall. Well, close enough.

What is there to say about this slate of games that hasn’t already been said? The schedules are per FBSchedules. The gambling infos are per Vegas Insider. If you lose money that’s on you. If you win money I’ve earned a commission. I’m just going ahead and taking this all the way through Monday because I’m already bored of this season.

Saturday, August 31

Matchup                                                               Time (ET)          TV/Mobile

South Alabama at 24 Nebraska                          12:00pm              ESPN

Nebraska is ranked. USA is probably not the team to expose them but that’s a mistake. Scott Frost is going to have to rely on an even lower tier of Florida talent to win in a tougher conference. He’s got believers for now.

Indiana vs. Ball State (in Indianapolis, IN)           12:00pm              CBSSN

Indiana is a 17 point favorite. Is that a typo?

Toledo at Kentucky                                               12:00pm               SECN

There are way too many footballs for me to deal with right now. I’m just gonna start listing off winners and throwing out numbers that have nothing to do with betting lines. Kentucky by 4!

University of Mississippi at Memphis                  12:00pm                ABC

Memphis by 18!

Northern Iowa at 21 Iowa State                              12:00pm                FS1

I was wrong about David Montgomery! Sort of. I said he wouldn’t go as the first running back and wouldn’t go in the first round. Direct hits!

Indiana State at Kansas                                          12:00pm                FSN

Oh, shit, here we go! I actually stopped to look this one up because of course I’m interested in Les Miles at Kansas. His presence has probably changed this from a pick ‘em to a -4.5 for Kansas. Plus: Kansas is favored! Minus: Indiana State has one good athlete in school history and he played basketball for them 40 years ago. And Kansas is only favored by 4.5.

Mississippi State vs. Louisiana (in New Orleans, LA)   12:00pm       ESPNU

Never going to learn which directional LA school goes by Louisiana. Miss State by 1!

Howard at Maryland                                                 12:00pm               BTN

Talent usually wins out. Howard by 14.

Florida Atlantic at 5 Ohio State                               12:00pm               FOX

FAU by 35.

East Carolina at NC State                                        12:00pm              ACCN

NC State by something.

Boise State at Florida State                                     12:00pm          ESPNews

LOL - this was such a good game when it was scheduled. Who would have guessed that neither team would be ranked and it would air as an ACCNe alternate? Boise by 20.

Akron at Illinois                                                         12:00pm              BTN

Poor poor Illinois.

James Madison at West Virginia                               2:00pm             ATTSN

Not sure I’m ready for the next chapter of WFV football, tbch.

Rhode Island at Ohio                                                   2:00pm             ESPN+

Is ESPN+ considered a higher tier or lower tier than ESPNNews?

Bucknell at Temple                                                       3:00pm            ESPN3

Finally, the Manny Diaz Era kicks off for Temple football.

Eastern Washington at 13 Washington                       3:00pm           Pac-12N

Jacob Eason is going to get drafted over Jake Fromm. UDub by 58.

Eastern Michigan at Coastal Carolina                         3:30pm            ESPN+

CCU by 32. Book it.

Georgia State at Tennessee                                          3:30pm           ESPNU

Tennessee still sucks. At least we all have that.

Holy Cross at Navy                                                        3:30pm            CBSSN

Navy has been destroyed by injuries the last couple of seasons but maybe they can get some good luck this year and get back to winning 10 and beating Notre Dame? Middies by 600 rushing yards.

ETSU at Appalachian State                                            3:30pm            ESPN+

Appy State by 32.

South Carolina vs. North Carolina (in Charlotte, NC)    3:30pm            ESPN

Mack Brown is back in Chapel Hill but there isn’t a lot of talent there. There’s a decent amount of talent at USCe but Coach Boom is still there. Sakerlina by 12.

Duke vs. 2 Alabama (in Atlanta, GA)                               3:30pm             ABC

Bammers by 64, Tua back in the good graces of Heisman voters.

Colgate at Air Force                                                         3:30pm         ESPN3

Toothpaste by 8.

Idaho at 15 Penn State                                                    3:30pm           BTN

Idaho self-relegated and rewarded themselves with a trip to Stepford. Penn State is going to win by 80.

Portland State at Arkansas                                             4:00pm          SECN

Virginia Tech at Boston College                                    4:00pm           ACCN

This might be two good teams. I’m not sure. 

Northwestern at 25 Stanford                                           4:00pm          FOX

I don’t think I can do any more of this. Let me check back in the morning to see if I want to update the rest of these.

IN THE MEANTIME ENJOY OUR HOLD MUSIC

CONTINUED!!!!!!

Montana State at Texas Tech                                         4:00pm          FSN

Lubbock is less handsome this year but they could be better for it. Montana State by 3.

Campbell at Troy                                                               6:00pm     ESPN+

This is a huge rivalry between former frat brothers. Troy by 27.

Incarnate Word at UTSA                                                   6:00pm        ESPN3

Isn’t Incarnate Word working towards D-1A or some nonsense? The FKA Cokers are still ESPN3 material, which means they’re better than FSU and Boise State. UTSA by 33.

Sam Houston State at New Mexico                                 6:00pm       MWN

New Mexico is only a 9 point favorite. That seems bad. Sam Houston State Houston Sams with the big upset here. 5 point win, 8-3.

22 Syracuse at Liberty                                                       6:00pm      ESPN+

I have no doubt in my mind that Bernie guy actually was a child molester but ESPN’s story was based on a guy saying they had sex when he was like 21 years old. I never understood that. Anyway, you absolutely hate to see Syracuse ranked in any sport. It’s an affront against god and man. Liberty is also an affront against god and man. But at least the Falwell’s pay their young male escorts exceptionally well. Liberty by 12.

UC Davis at California                                                       6:30pm   Pac-12N

Berkley vs. Davis. At least one of these starting QBs will be a mid-round prospect next year that some NFL fan base is forced to pretend they’re excited about.

VMI at Marshall                                                                  6:30pm     Stadium

Marshall by 47.

Monmouth at Western Michigan                                     7:00pm     ESPN3

Monmouth in a blowout, 14-13.

Stephen F. Austin at Baylor                                              7:00pm    ESPN+

As much as I want the Six Million Dollar Men to beat the only athletic program as hateful as Sparty or Penn State, I don’t think they have the bionic powers to do it. Six million dollars isn’t really very much for a football player in Texas.

SMU at Arkansas State                                                     7:00pm       ESPN+

Oh, yeah, Arkansas State is the one that’s FBS-level, not Central Arkansas. Oh, well, nothing we can do about that now. Fade SMU and take the over. Whatever that may mean.

Norfolk State at Old Dominion                                          7:00pm    ESPN3

Soon to be the state’s premier football rivalry, no doubt. The ODU #45s are the obvious favorite here. I bet they win by 22 points. So gamble accordingly.

Nicholls at Kansas State                                                     7:00pm     ESPN+

The excitement is palpable! Can Les Miles lead his gang of criminals to victory over the world’s premier screenwriting fellowship? YOU COULDN’T WRITE A BETTER UNDERDOG STORY THAN THAT!

Illinois State at NIU                                                             7:00pm   ESPN+

Fuck this game. NIU by 3 or so, I guess.

Alcorn State at Southern Miss                                            7:00pm      ESPN+

25 years ago Air McNair II was leading Alcorn State and he should have won a Heisman and I have no other thoughts on this.

Abilene Christian at North Texas                                       7:30pm       ESPN+

Go Spencer’s school! Beat the fucking Christians! I hate Christians!

16 Auburn vs. 11 Oregon (in Arlington, TX)                         7:30pm       ABC

Oh, this is why they were showing the “for all the Tostitos” game yesterday. Well, my gut tells me the War Eagle Tigers are a better team than the Ducks but that’s just SEC bias, to be honest. Patrick Nix’s kid starts as a true freshman which, if history serves, means he’ll ball out tonight, get progressively worse through the season, get benched at some point, then get humiliated when he comes back as the starter in a rivalry game (the rivalry game in all of college football tbch) and then he’ll show up somewhere else next year with immediate eligibility because he’s not moving for some frivolous reason like his mom is dying and his family’s going bankrupt.

3 Georgia at Vanderbilt                                                         7:30pm     ESPN

Vandy got the homefield for this one. Weird opener UGA. But a “tough” conference win in the early going is worth some #1 votes. Georgia by 84.

Georgia Southern at 6 LSU                                                  7:30pm       SECN

LSU has the best player in college football this year. Expect him to be injured either this week or next.

Miami (Ohio) at 20 Iowa                                                        7:30pm            FS1

Iowa has some shiny NFL prospect on their roster but I forget who it is. Is this where the ePenis plays? Whatever, this game is for the kids. Every Iowa home game is for the kids. Hawkeyes by 23.

Middle Tennessee at 7 Michigan                                          7:30pm         BTN

I have an inexplicable fondness for Jim Harbaugh but I can’t deny the joy I would get from seeing the Wolverines crash and burn in week 1. That’s always fun for everybody.

Missouri at Wyoming                                                             7:30pm   CBSSN

Mizzourah by 46.

Virginia at Pitt                                                                          7:30pm      ACCN

I could have sworn UVA was ranked. Guess not. Pitt is the pits (!!!) so the Hoos should dominate. Virginia by 6.

Louisiana Tech at 10 Texas                                                     8:00pm        LHN

Horns at #10 seems dangerous. That’s a bad idea, isn’t it? I’ve got Texas unranked until proven otherwise. And UT losing week 1 would be even funnier than Michigan doing it.

Grambling State at ULM                                                          8:00pm     ESPN3

So Monroe isn’t the one that goes by “Louisiana” now.

Houston Baptist at UTEP                                                       8:00pm      ESPN+

Oh, come on. This game does not need to exist. UTEP -17.5 is probably fine.

UAPB at TCU                                                                            8:00pm       FSN

TCU is unranked so they’ll go undefeated this year. Arkansas-Pine Box is going to get buried by 50+.

Weber State at San Diego State                                            9:00pm  Facebook

Oh, yeah, here comes the fun stuff. The dumb stuff. Let’s hear it for the Mountain West! What SDSU rusher will capture my heart this season?

Southern Utah at UNLV                                                        10:00pm    MWN

Last home opener at Sam Boyd Stadium, a place hated by all who ever visited it. I am not in that number yet but when it cools down I might feel compelled.

New Mexico State at 23 Washington State                        10:00pm Pac-12N

The very heart of Pac after darkness. Mike Leach has a new QB. Now what? Wazzou will still score but they will probably go back to stopping nobody. A year further removed from Alex Grinch is not going to help.

Fresno State at USC                                                            10:30pm     ESPN

USC had a real solid opportunity to fire Clay Helton but didn’t because it would have been too expensive. Think about how stupid that is. Go (CS)FSU.

Sunday, September 1

Matchup                                                                           Time (ET)    TV/Mobile

Houston at 4 Oklahoma                                                   7:30pm        ABC

Holgo to Houston feels like a circle is being completed somehow. Will the ghost of Jack Pardee smile down on the Cougs? D’Eriq King could go a long way towards becoming a national name with any sort of highlights in this one and, remember, Oklahoma’s defense has been remarkably bad the last several seasons. The o/u for this game is 83! Houston plus the points, baby, do it!

Monday, September 2

Matchup                                                                             Time (ET)  TV/Mobile

9 Notre Dame at Louisville                                                 8:00pm        ESPN

Brian Kelly really got a kid killed and the university paid his way out of it and he’s still coaching there and they’ll probably win 10+ games again this year. What a terrible world we live in.

[auburnfamilynews]

IT’S MARRRRRRRRRRRRCH

Welcome back to Bracketology!!!! Auburn sits in much better shape than the last time we did this and it was well past time to give you all an update. Personally right now, I see Auburn as 6/7 seed if the field were selected today. According to the bracketology experts, here’s what it’s looking like going into the final weekend of the Regular Season!

ESPN’s Joe Lunardi (3/8)

#6 Seed - Midwest Region vs. Ohio State - Tulsa, Oklahoma

Potential 2nd Round Opponent: #3 Texas Tech or #14 Georgia Southern

Auburn has moved up to a 6 seed in most brackets and sign me up for this matchup. The Buckeyes struggle on offense and their best player is currently suspended and they’ve looked terrible without him getting blown out at last place Northwestern on Wednesday night. The 2nd Round matchup with Texas Tech is extremely interesting. They have a ton of veterans on their team and play phenomenal team defense. This would be a low scoring slugfest if it were to come to fruition.

USA Today (3/8)

#7 Seed - Midwest Region vs. Minnesota - Columbus, Ohio

Potential 2nd Round Opponent: #2 North Carolina or #15 Wright State

This would be an interesting 1st Round Matchup. The Gophers have flown under the radar a bit but just knocked off Purdue that gets them on the right side of the bubble for now. They’ve played most of the best teams in the Big 10 close and are led by guard Amir Coffey (15.8 ppg) and Jordan Murphy (14.7 ppg).

But I want to talk about this 2nd Round Matchup possibility: Pretty much every other projection I’ve seen sends North Carolina to Jacksonville. Here, you would send UNC to Columbus to play a team that would be an hour away from home as Wright State is from nearby Dayton, Ohio. UNC is 3rd in the country averaging over 86 points a game this year so this could be a high-scoring, fast-paced matchup that would play into Auburn’s strengths, if they make their 3s. Coby White has become a star for the Tar Heels and seeing him go up against Jared Harper would be a great 2nd round matchup. But the Tar Heels have stars all over the court including forwards Luke Maye, Cameron Johnson, and Auburn High’s own Garrison Brooks. This would be a really difficult matchup for Auburn but one I would love to see.

CBS Sports (3/8)

#8 Seed - South Region vs. Oklahoma - Columbia, South Carolina

Potential 2nd Round Opponent: #1 Duke or #16 Campbell

I’ll respectfully disagree with this. I think Auburn’s played their way out of an 8-9 game.

Jerry Palm and Andy Katz continue to be the 2 guys that have Auburn lower than everyone else. I like the first round matchup against Oklahoma and depending on the status of Zion Williamson, if he’s not back and healthy, another matchup with Duke wouldn’t be as daunting if Zion is unavailable. RJ Barrett is a phenomenal player but the Blue Devils become solely dependent on him at times and they’ve struggled without Zion as a result. While I think Zion is back for the ACC Tournament next week, it’s something to keep in the back of your mind if Auburn gets paired with Duke again. Hopefully not though.

The Athletic (3/8)

#7 Seed - West Region vs. Utah State - Des Moines, Iowa

Potential 2nd Round Opponent: #2 Michigan State or #15 Texas State

Utah State is really good. They knocked off Nevada last weekend and will at least share the Mountain West title depending on what Nevada does in the final game tomorrow. Despite all the starpower at Nevada, Utah State’s Sam Merrill might be the best player in the Mountain West. The guard is averaging 21 points a game, shoots 39% from 3 and is a 90% free throw shooter. The Aggies would be no slouch for Auburn in the First Round. A potential 2nd Round matchup with Sparty would be interesting, as they’ve dealt with injuries this year but Cassius Winston is one of the best guards in America and him vs. Jared Harper would be a matchup worth watching.

Fox Sports (3/7)

#5 Seed - East Region vs. TCU/North Carolina State

Potential 2nd Round Opponent: #4 Purdue or #13 Hofstra

Look at Howie Schwab giving Auburn some love here with a 5 seed!

I don’t like the possibility of playing N.C. State again but they haven’t been drilling 3s the way they did against Auburn back on December 19th and Auburn’s the only good win the Wolfpack have this year. TCU has struggled lately as well so I like Auburn’s chances in this game.

While it would be likely we would meet Purdue in Round 2, don’t discount Hofstra as they have one of the country’s best players in Justin Wright-Foreman, averaging 26.8 points a game and shoots 44.3% from 3. If Purdue wins, it would be Jared Harper/Bryce Brown vs. Carsen Edwards averaging 23.4 points a game this year. Either way, this would be a great guard matchup as well.

And there you have it! We’ll probably look at this again before the SEC Tournament starts either next Thursday or Friday for Auburn.

from College and Magnolia - All Posts https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2019/3/8/18246227/bracketology-volume-iv