1. It's only the third week of the season and we've already seen some highly ranked favorites drop out of national championship contention. Preseason favorite Cal dropped to #21 after a loss and a pair of underwhelming victories. Who's your pick as the next NC contender to take a fall?
As much as I'd like to pick Buffalo over Auburn on Saturday, I think we're going to have to say au revoir to Florida on the 30th. Alabama is going to play the defense card and stop the Gators dead in their tracks.
Florida barely beat a not-so-great Tennessee team. They are ripe for the picking.
2. By that same token there are several schools hanging around without a loss that all of a sudden look like surprise contenders. There are also a few one loss teams with a legit shot at getting back into it. Looking at the rankings who's the team no one's talking about with the best shot at crashing the party?
Virginia Tech seems to be the only team in the ACC that hasn't yet been exposed. Sure, the only thing more full of cupcakes than their non-conference schedule is Phil Fulmer, but they may emerge unscathed from the ACC by default. And we were all bellyaching about the Big East in the preseason!
3. Every team has their quicksand away game. You know. That place you should win but somehow find ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory or at least scare the @&>%^ out of you every year. Did you know that over the last 21 years Kentucky wasn't won once in Knoxville? Where is your team's yearly sandtrap?
We're about to step in it. Wisconsin hasn't won at Michigan Stadium since 1994. Prior to that ... would you believe 1962? That's right. Overall, Wisconsin is a less-than-ideal 6-25 when visiting Michigan. The full list of victory years? 1994, 1962, 1959, 1934, 1928, and 1893. Eesh. The last time the Badgers played in Ann Arbor was 2002, when a 5-0 start morphed into a 7-6 catastrophe before a memorable Alamo Bowl win over the Colorado Buffalos. The game at Michigan Stadium featured the Badgers spotting Michigan a 14-0 lead before five minutes had passed, and the #12 Wolverines Lloydballing their way to a 21-14 victory.
4. Now that you've looked into the darkest place in your football soul, free Escalades aside, turn and look into your crystal ball. Conference play is either just starting or a single game in. Based on what you've seen so far, give the order of finish in your conference, and if you've got a Conference Championship game tell us who the winner will be. Independents must predict the remainder of their schedule. The results your predictions will be held against you at the end of the season.
We're back to the Big Two/Little Nine again. Sigh.
Ohio State
Michigan
Michigan State
Wisconsin
Iowa
Penn State
Minnesota
Purdue
Illinois
Northwestern
Indiana
5. In keeping with the spirit of Maize n Brew, name your beverage of choice on game days and why. It need not be alcoholic, as there are some of us who choose not to imbibe on game day. Further, it need not be limited to a single brand/type/category. If you enjoy drinking PBR and Kraft Turkey Gravy at the same time (which I have personally witnessed), please, elaborate. Finally, if you should feel so inclined, and this is not a requirement, add an anecdote involving said beverage choice.
If you like beer and come to Madison, your visit is not complete without trying Spotted Cow from the New Glarus Brewing Company. This cloudy ale is a delight for the tastebuds. It does not, however, breed humorous anecdotes, as this is a libation you'll prefer to savor. If you want to get intoxicated, do shots of Aftershock. If you want to enjoy a tasty beverage, Spotted Cow is the way.
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