The Degenerate's Digest v.44

Degenerates! Here we are. Amidst a global pandemic, civil unrest, political separation, economic instability, and parts of the world literally burning to the ground. Times like these, it’s tough to find good in the world. Luckily, I’m here to spell it out for you. FOOTBALL IS BACK! If there’s anything I’ve learned this year, it’s how much the little things in life can impact your mood and overall well-being. I’ve had the biggest fucking smile on my face since Thursday morning knowing that I will now (knock on wood) have football to look forward to every week until this year from hell is over. We’re still here, football is still here, let’s win some fucking money.

Syracuse @ (18) UNC: UNC 1H -12.5

This Tar Heels team is coming in with some of the highest expectations the program has had in years. Mac Brown had a hell of a year last year getting this team in place to make some noise. And with an 82% return rate, names like Sam Howell, Michael Carter, and Dazz Newsome all back and ready to pick up right where they left off (blowing the doors off Temple in a bowl game smdh) – I think they are up to the task on paper. With that said, this is a kind of team whose narrative has to prove me first before I nestle up next to them and follow along for the entire season. While I like them against an absolutely doggy poo team like Syracuse (they’re honestly not even worth breaking down in my opinion they’re just a lost program), I’m not sold on the 23 points UNC is laying at home today. The O/U is up to 65.5 right now, if the spread is only 23 knowing how stinky the Orangeman are… seems to me that the sharps know they will at least be able to have some success offensively, maybe after the Tar Heels defensive is gassed in the 2nd half. Tar Heels pull away early, but look for 'Cuse to get things going eventually – along with the 1H -12.5 for the powder blue, I’d keep an eye on some live lines that favor 'Cuse in the 2nd half.

Final Score: UNC 42, Syracuse 24

Louisiana @ (23) Iowa State: Louisiana +12

The Ragin Cajuns finished the 2019 season top 10 nationally in total offense, scoring offense and yards per play. With an amazing number of players back, Levi Lewis, Elijah Mitchell, and Trey Ragas will look to build on those numbers and continue to lead Louisiana to the top of the Sun Belt. The Cyclones are going to come out throwing, I would guess, on pretty much every play. Which opens the door for some huge plays on both sides of the ball. If the Ragin Cajuns can keep the ball on the ground, control the tempo, they will stay in this game. People are throwing CASH on Iowa State because of the conference/name bias and the fact that they come into the season a ranked team. Don’t be fooled. Take Louisiana with the points.

Final Score: Iowa State 34, Louisiana 27

Duke @ (10) Notre Dame: UNDER 53.

The first thick sack of the season is here, and I will gladly unzip the pants and drop my plums on a line just to welcome Notre Dame to the ACC. I’m honestly happy they finally got this under wraps because I was kind of getting over the ‘must be nice to not have to play in a conference’ jokes – even being a perpetual user of them myself. Technically, they are maintaining their ‘football independence’, but it’s a good step in the right direction for the program regardless. Will this finally be the season that Ian Book sells himself? Every Notre Dame fan will probably disagree with this, but as much as we’ve seen and heard about Book the past couple years, he hasn’t really done much as a college QB. But maybe new OC Tommy Rees will be his savior and design an offensive to meet Books strengths. There’s really no need to overthink this game, and rumor has it - Notre Dame is allowing a good number of fans into the stadium in South Bend. While the Fighting Irish will be able to put up some points on the Blue Devils, the Duke D will do enough to hold it from being an utter embarrassment. Don’t expect Clemson transfer Chase Brice to settle in too early, if at all, in this one.

Final Score: Notre Dame 35, Duke 17

Austin Peay @ Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh -24.5

Sure, The Governors have a game under their belt. Meh, so what? They stunk it up against Central Arkansas. They couldn’t get anything going offensively the entire game. Since 2015, Pitt has faced 4 non-major programs in their openers and have won all of them by an average margin of 15.5 points. While that’s not quite up to snuff with the line today, Austin Peay might be the worst of the non-major opening programs Pitt has faced in that sample size. If the Governors continue to struggle offensively against the number one ranked team in sacks from last year and one of the best defensive end tandems in Rashad Weaver and Patrick Jones returning, Pitt won’t need to do much. New OC Mark Whipple will look to get the Panthers moving early. Sprinkle the under 48.5 too if you know what’s good for you.

Final Score: Pitt 34, Austin Peay 7

Western Kentucky @ Louisville: Louisville -12.5

Is Micale Cunningham the next great Louisville QB? That remains to be seen, but the hype is there and I’m buying shares. I can already picture his highlight reel at the end of this season set to the tune of Hurricane Chris’s sensational classic, ‘Ay Bay Bay’. Not to mention the flashy run game coupled with receivers Dez Fitzpatrick, Justin Marshall, and Tutu Atwell who are all some of the best in the ACC. The Cardinals should have no problem getting on the board today. But just how close can DeAngelo Malone and the Western Kentucky defensive hold it to? While I think it will be back and forth for the most part, I don’t see Louisville not being able to runaway late by 2 or more touchdowns.

Final Score: Louisville 35, Western Kentucky 21

Running Record: (47-30-2)