The Degenerate's Digest v.39

Well, while we had yet another winning week last Saturday, we also lost one of the best gambling waves of 2019. Vegas finally made the wave come crashing down on the Ohio State covers. All season we have been able to rely on the Buckeyes for money, and their game against that pop warner squad known as Rutgers, was just too much to handle. Johnny Tsunami couldn’t even handle a wave that big (-52.5). I felt like George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg in that final scene of The Perfect Storm when I placed my bet on that line, but it had to be done.

It was a good run, and I have to credit them for bailing me out a couple weeks. Credit to me for telling you degenerates to take a future on them to win the championship at +950 all the way back on October 5th! With that said, there’s still money to be made, wave or no wave. Onto Week 13.

(10) Minnesota @ Northwestern: Minnesota -13.5

I think Minnesota has more pride as a team then most football teams in the country. That’s the one thing that got them going this season. Their commitment, chemistry, and comradery that they have as a unit is unmatched. Last week was a classic Big Ten let down spot. They will be out here today looking to prove that they are still one of the best in the Big Ten and beyond. I bet Northwestern is feeling themselves too after giving a spanking to quite possibly the worst team in college football (Umass) last week. Which is understandable, I’d have my head held high too if I just got a win for the first time since September 14th. But that will not work in their favor today. Golden Gophers are ready to lay the smack down.

Final Score: Minnesota 42, Northwestern 17

Kansas @ (22) Iowa State: Over 58

This is my Pepe Silvia Pick of the Week. I looked at this each way, in and out. Forwards and backwards. I went back to it probably 72 times before I finished my first cup of coffee. ‘Why is Iowa State favored by less than half the total score?’. ‘Do I take Kansas +25?’. ‘Why is the away team total points 16.5? Isn’t that cause to take the under?’. ‘Is Alexa sending these thoughts to Vegas? Is someone watching me tinker with this line, laughing out loud, spilling champagne and bits of lobster all over the Elon Musk tablet they’re watching me on?’. ‘I should stay away from this game, there’s no way I should bet on this game, they’re in your head Joe! They’re in your head! Don’t bet on this game!’

Final Score: Iowa State 38, Kansas 21

Texas @ (14) Baylor: Baylor -5

Such a tough loss for Baylor last week, giving up a 28-3 lead at the half. With the Falcons Super Bowl choke job still fresh in people’s minds, people are starting to ask – is a 28-3 lead the worst lead in football? While Baylor’s playoff conversation hopes are out the door, they still have their pride in an overall fantastic season. I got to watch Matt Rhule when he coached at Temple a few years back, and let me tell you one thing I know for sure after a heartbreaking loss like that last week – he won’t let the boys stay down about it. If anything, he lets that fuel the fire. Need proof? Try the 2015 #22 ranked Temple Owls after a devastating loss to #9 ranked Notre Dame. Probably one of Temple’s, and coach Rhule’s, biggest games of all time. What did they do the following week in response? They put up 60 on the road against SMU. While I am anti-Matt Rhule for leaving us, as all coaches with an over .500 season at Temple seem to do, I can at least stand by knowing he’s going to have his guys ready for a big showdown in The Lone Star State.

Final Score: Baylor 35, Texas 21

(6) Oregon @ Arizona State: Oregon -14

Oregon is still, in fact, in the running for a playoff spot. If Georgia can go down to a team like Texas A&M today, or Ohio State can get upset by the Nittany Lions, I would venture to say that their resume (pending performance tonight) would make them one of the top 4 teams in the country. Again, their only loss coming in week one on a neutral field against Auburn – and the loss coming on the final drive of the game at that. They have to, need to, prove it though. While other outcomes might be out of their hands, the only way they will see a Sunday game is if they dominate teams that they should dominate. They should dominate Arizona State.

Final Score: Oregon 35, Arizona State 17

TCU @ (9) Oklahoma: Over 65

TCU’s offense is putting up an average of 32 points per game. Oklahoma’s offense is putting up an average of 47 points per game. ‘But Joe, what about the Sooners defense under the lights at home? Don’t you think they’ll just make a mockery of the Horned Frogs and win 45-7?’. No. I don’t think that. Because in their last 3 games, Oklahoma’s defense has given up on average 40 points per game. And the Horned Frogs can hang with the best of the Big 12. Beating Texas, and keeping one possession games with Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and Baylor. I smell shootout.

Final Score: Oklahoma 42, TCU 35

Running Record: (33-25-2)