Blog Article
The Chess Match: Two Coaches, Two Programs, One Bowl Game Collision – SMU at Penn State
Nobody expected SMU’s Rhett Lashlee to pull off what might be college football’s most remarkable transformation story of 2023.
Nobody expected SMU’s Rhett Lashlee to pull off what might be college football’s most remarkable transformation story of 2023.
Okay, folks, get ready. It’s that time of the week again when we dive headfirst into the chaotic, beautiful mess that is college football. Friday’s episode of the Targeting Winners podcast (available on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts) is coming at you hot, and trust me, you don’t want to miss this. They’ll be talking Xs and Os, dissecting matchups, and uncovering those hidden gems that’ll have you cashing in come Saturday.
Today, I’ll share my weekend bets and prep with you. I’m not just throwing darts at a board. I’m breaking down film, analyzing stats, and getting into the nitty-gritty.
This week, I’ve got three games I’m reviewing: San Diego State at Boise State, Ohio State at Penn State, and Pitt at SMU. We’re talking potential upsets, high-scoring shootouts, and maybe even a bit of old-fashioned smashmouth football. So read my breakdown below, make your picks, and fire up Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts on Friday afternoon. Then, get ready to ride the wave with us.
Join today to get access to all posts and forums.
Already A Member? LOG IN HERE
A Short Week, High Stakes, and a Whole Lotta Texas Swagger
Dallas, baby. Where else would you want to kick off a Friday night college football fiesta? This ain’t your grandpa’s BYU-SMU matchup, folks. We’ve got Big 12 ambition clashing with ACC aspirations, all under the dazzling Friday night lights.
BYU: The Cougars Ain’t Kitten Around
Kalani Sitake’s crew rolls into town with a swagger that says, “We’re Big 12 now, y’all.” They steamrolled Southern Illinois, but this isn’t Carbondale. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff looked sharp in Week 1, but can he sling it against a real defense? And let’s talk about that BYU run game – it’s like a two-headed monster with LJ Martin and Hinckley Ropati. SMU’s defense better be ready to rumble.
Sitake’s got his eye on:
SMU: Mustangs Lookin’ to Gallop
Rhett Lashlee’s Mustangs are the Vegas favorites, and they’re chomping at the bit to show the ACC what they’re made of. They squeaked by Nevada, then ran wild against Houston Christian. Now, they’re facing a real test in BYU.
Lashlee’s got his mind on:
The Hot Seat Sizzle
Neither coach is sweating bullets yet, but this game could set the tone for their seasons. A BYU win would send shockwaves through the Big 12, while SMU needs a victory to prove they belong in the ACC.
So grab your popcorn, folks. This Friday night showdown in Dallas is going to be a good one.
Prediction: It will be close, but I’m giving the edge to SMU. They’re at home, they’re motivated, and they’ve got something to prove. Mustangs win a nail-biter, 31-28.
Bloomington, Indiana: Where the expectations are sky-high, but the schedule… well, let’s just say it’s a bit softer than advertised.
Indiana: FCS Foes, No Sweat
Curt Cignetti arrived in Bloomington preaching a winning culture. He even got off to a hot start, snagging a W in his debut. But now, instead of gearing up for a Louisville showdown, they’re hosting Western Illinois. Look, the Hoosiers are supposed to dominate this one. They’ve got a 14-game winning streak against FCS teams, and Western Illinois is riding a 25-game losing skid. This ain’t David vs Goliath; it’s more like Goliath vs. Goliath’s little cousin who’s still learning to tie his shoes.
Cignetti’s got his mind on:
Western Illinois: Leathernecks Looking for a Miracle
Bless their hearts, the Leathernecks are in a tough spot. They’re facing a Big Ten team on the road and haven’t won a game since October 2021. This is the kind of matchup where you hope to keep it respectable, maybe force a turnover or two, and pray for a miracle.
The Coaching Landscape
Cignetti’s still in the honeymoon phase, building his program and establishing his culture. This game is more about fine-tuning and giving younger players a chance to shine. For Western Illinois’ coach, Myers Hendrickson, every game is a chance to build towards that elusive victory and turn the tide for his program.
The Elephant in the Room
Indiana fans were looking forward to Power Five opponent, Louisville. Instead, they got Western Illinois. This scheduling change has raised eyebrows and left a sour taste in some mouths.
Prediction: Indiana wins big. Like, really big. 52-10. The only drama will be how long the starters play and whether Tayven Jackson gets his moment in the spotlight.
This ain’t your typical Friday night lights matchup. We’ve got the Duke Blue Devils, fresh off a win in Manny Diaz’s debut, heading north to Evanston to tangle with the Northwestern Wildcats. And let me tell ya, there’s more intrigue here than a season of “Friday Night Lights” – Coach Taylor would be proud.
Northwestern: Breaking the Streak, Building a Legacy
David Braun’s got the reins at Northwestern, and he’s aiming to do more than break their five-game losing streak against Duke. He’s looking to build a legacy. Breaking that streak is a damn good start. They squeaked by UTEP in Week 1, but can they handle Duke’s high-flying offense? QB Mike Wright needs to hold onto the ball (two fumbles last week, yikes!), and that defense better be ready for a shootout.
Duke: New Coach, New QB, Same Old Swagger
Manny Diaz has brought a Texas-sized swagger to Durham, and QB Maalik Murphy is slinging it like he’s back in the Lone Star State. They rolled over Elon in Week 1, but Northwestern’s defense is a different beast. Can Murphy keep the magic going on the road? And let’s not forget about that Duke defense – they racked up eight sacks last week. Northwestern’s O-line better bring their A-game.
The Hot Seat Sizzle
Braun’s in his first full season, so the seat’s not exactly scorching yet, but a win against an ACC opponent would sure make a statement. As for Diaz, he’s got that new coach glow, but a loss here could dim the lights a bit.
X-Factors
Prediction: This one’s gonna be a nail-biter. I’m leaning towards Northwestern in an upset. They’re hungry, they’re at home, and that rain could play right into their hands. Wildcats win a close one, 20-17.
All Times are PDT
BYU at SMU
Time: 4:00 PM
Watch on: ESPN2
Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium
Western Illinois vs Indiana
Time: 4:00 PM
Watch on: Big Ten Network
Location: Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, IN)
Duke vs Northwestern
Time: 6:00 PM
Watch on: Fox Sports 1
Location: Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium
Duke Blue Devil:
As this year’s chair, I call the meeting to order. The first order of business is to welcome the latest members to the conference, Cal, Stanford, and Southern Methodist University. Then we’ll get onto pending litigation. Put the shillelagh down, Leprechaun. You know our policy on weapons in the committee room.
Notre Dame Leprechaun:
I was fully clothed at the time of the accident! Any allegation to the contrary is slander! It was not a full-size bus. That’s a gross exaggeration. It was a minibus, and I’ll have no witty remarks regarding my stature!
Duke Blue Devil:
Duly noted Leprechaun. The chair recognizes The Demon Deacon of Wake Forest.
Demon Deacon of Wake Forest:
I object to the presence of Cal and Stanford in our conference. Do I have to say it? They’re from the West! The home of sin and perdition. This is the Atlantic Coast Conference. Having Pacific Coast teams among us is wrong! It’s contrary to nature! It’s Blaspheme, that’s what it is!
Hokie Bird of Virginia Tech:
Give it a rest, deacon. You went 4 and 8 last year. Times are changing.
Duke Blue Devil:
The chair recognizes the Clemson Tiger. Thank you for raising your paw.
Clemson Tiger:
Yeah, man. Oski the Bear. I get that—a bear. I’m a tiger, and he’s a bear. But what the hell is going on with Stanford? A tree? You come in here as a tree?
Stanford Tree:
I have googly eyes! I’m both relatable and ironic!
Clemson Tiger:
No man. That’s abstract. You got to be something real. Like a tiger, for example. People understand tigers.
Ramblin’ Reck of Georgia Tech
I’m with Syracuse. Nobody likes concepts. I’m a wreck, a wrecked car. It’s a thing. People like wrecked cars!
Notre Dame Leprechaun
I rest my fecking case.
Duke Blue Devil
Language Leprechaun!
Otto the Orange of Syracuse:
I protest that reasoning! I’m orange! I’m not an orange. I’m not the orange. I’m just orange. I’m a concept. A tree is a concept too! You all need to open your minds!
Duke Blue Devil
6-7 last year Syracuse. You might consider running the ball. The chair recognizes Mrs. Wuf, from North Carolina State.
Mrs. Wuf of NC State
I rise to speak to the issue of academic excellence. Our friends from the west come with august records of academic achievement. Some among us have allowed our standards to lapse.
Osceola and Renegade – Florida State
Here we go again, everyone hating on Florida.
Sebastian the Ibis – University of Miami
Excellence has a price. Sometimes the students have to pay it. That’s all I’m saying.
Duke Blue Devil
Put out the cigar Sebastian. There is no smoking in the committee room! The chair recognizes the Wahoo.
The Wahoo – University of Virginia
Let’s get down to the real issue here, competitiveness. I’m talking TV ratings and NIL. Cash in hand! Daddy needs a new stadium. Who is to say these new teams can run with the ACC?
Duke Blue Devil
Okay. Uh, for Southern Methodist University we have Peruna the Mustang. Can you speak to that question?
Peruna of SMU
Thank you Blue Devil. It’s a pleasure to be here. We went 9-0 last year, and won our division. We deserve to play in the ACC.
The Hokie Bird of Virginia Tech
You were in the AAC! You beat Tulsa, Temple, and the University of East Carolina. If your schedule was any lighter you’d be playing high school teams!
Duke Blue Devil
Settle down everyone! Settle down! Oskie? Any comment?
Oski the Bear – Cal
We’re rebuilding. We have a great team this year and we’re looking forward to returning to the Rose Bowl!
The Hokie Bird of Virginia Tech
The last time you were in the Rose Bowl was 1959. When are you going to be done rebuilding, the year 3000?
Ms. Wuf – North Carolina State.
I find Oski’s cardigan very attractive.
Duke Blue Devil
Ms. Wuf, where is Mr. Wuf today?
Ms. Wuf
We’re exploring our sexuality through an open relationship. He’s up chasing a Husky in Connecticut. Oski? Are you into experimentation?
The Demon Deacon of Wake Forest
Abomination! We cannot have inter-conference, inter-species, intermingling! I object! I object! I object!
Duke Blue Devil.
4 and 8 last season. Maybe a little less from the pulpit and a little more from your backfield. Stanford?
The Stanford Tree
We have twenty Nobel laurites on our faculty!
The Clemson Tiger
You went 3 and 9, second worst in our division!
The Stanford Tree
Our band is extremely unconventional!
Duke Blue Devil
Settle down everyone, settle down! Well, it’s not like we have a choice in the matter. They’re in the conference now and that’s that. Oskie, we’ll give you the last word.
Oski the Bear – Cal
Thank you, thank you. Well, it’s no secret that we miss the Pac- 10. We miss bus rides up and down the coast, playing the other schools in the West as the sun set over the Pacific. I guess the only comfort we can find is that no matter how stupid it is for us to play in the ACC, how illogical, how ridiculous it is… at least Stanford has to do it too.
Duke Blue Devil
Quiet everyone, quiet! Leprechaun! Are you peeing in the closet?
The Leprechaun of Notre Dame
I had a late breakfast.
Duke Blue Devil
Hey Clemson! Florida, and Florida State. Sit down. The meeting isn’t over. Where do you think you’re going?
The Clemson Tiger
The SEC is having a tailgate. We thought we would stop by and do some networking.
Sebastian the Ibis – University of Miami
This is fun and all, but keep one word in mind going forward: “realignment.”
The Duke Blue Devil
Meeting adjourned!