The Degenerate Digest v.148

Turns out your gut speaks to you this time of year. We’re approaching some of the best eating seasons, of course it wants you in the win column. How else are you affording that smoked turkey and honey baked ham? 

With the penultimate week of college football upon us, I want to be clear in my intentions for today’s lack-luster slate. We need more. If year one of the 12-team playoff taught me anything, it’s that I want to hammer each and every game this post-season. And the only way to do that, responsibly, is to come into the post-season flush with dough. Sure the slate today might be mediocre as we gear up for rivalry week, but that doesn’t mean there aren't clear opportunities to come away stinkin loaded - depending on your definition of stinkin loaded (perspective, folks). 

For today’s games it’s important to remember where we stand in the season. Is it the last home game for these teams, aka Senior Day, aka the last time some of these kids could ever touch the gridiron? Are there playoff, conference title game, or bowl game appearances at stake? Can key players at down programs give their highlight tapes a few more plays before the transfer portal opens and schools have NIL budgets? I’m not saying I will be able to identify all of these factors in today’s card, but it’s the thought that counts.

Louisville @ SMU: SMU -3.5

If SMU wants to get back to the ACC title game, a game they lost on a last second field goal to Clemson last year, they’re going to need to win this one. Louisville has also lowkey been ass of late, losing 3 of their last 4 since they took down the U. Does this mean they just show up in big moments? Perhaps. But this game has to mean more to the Mustangs. It just has to. 

Reminder: Today is SMU’s last home game of the season. 

Final Score: SMU 38, Louisville 31

Kentucky @ (14) Vanderbilt: Kentucky +8.5

Kentucky is absolutely one of those teams that could see the transfer portal work against them after a mediocre season under hot seat candidate Mark Stoops. With that said, they have been kinda rolling of late with wins against Auburn and Florida, and holding their own against Georgia, Texas, and Tennessee. 8.5 just seems like too much to pass up here for a team who seems to have some players looking to finish strong. 

Final Score: Vanderbilt 27, Kentucky 24

Michigan State @ Iowa: Iowa -16.5

Reminder: It’s Senior Day in Kinnick. Always bet the Hawkeye’s on Senior Day in Kinnick. Last chance to wave to the kids this year.

Final Score: Iowa 42, Michigan State 17

Pitt @ (16) Georgia Tech: Over 59.5

Another massive matchup with ACC, and playoff, implications. Georgia Tech has Georgia next week, so the very much decent Panthers are going to look to play spoiler. The only way they will be able to do that, however, is to stop the run. I’m not so sure they will be able to. And thus, the only way they will be able to combat the long drives by the Yellow Jackets - will be to score a lot, and to score quick. 

Reminder: This is a fun prime-time over, just take it. There aren’t many games left! 

Final Score: Georgia Tech 32, Pitt 28

Nebraska @ Penn State: Penn State -7.5

Season from hell for the Nittany Lions. And likely some tough seasons ahead. But they have been playing well the past few weeks, almost taking down Indiana and Iowa, and taking care of business against the Spartans. Can you say, transfer portal highlight reels? 

Reminder: Last home game in Happy Valley. Make it count against Matt Rhule who might be your next head coach. Shit, does that mean he’ll need to win this game? Is it a resume game? Nope, nope, don’t overthink this. Too late, overthinking it, bet responsibly. 

Final Score: Not sure now.

‘Joey Digest, you said we need to take advantage of the time we have left this season’ 

‘Joey Digest, you didn’t even make picks on Mizzou/Sooners and Trojans/Ducks’

‘Joey Digest, what’s your address? I want to send you my family Christmas card you helped me pay for’ 

Relax ya weirdos. #PremiumMemberTickleTeaser is back. DM’s are open. Do not send me your Christmas cards. 

Running Record: (357-300-7)