Jarvis Benjamin Variety Hour

Incredibly late this week! My apologies: real-life oblos happen. We’re getting very close to Playoff time folks; and man is it exciting. There are a ton of high-leverage games this weekend and even more that have bowl season implications! 

Lost again last week (2-3). My CFB record on the year is now 40-30-1 (56.3%). As I’ve mentioned here, that’s fine. It will turn a profit; and most people can’t pick games that well. As I’ve also mentioned here: that’s lower than where I want to be. Big week coming. 

The Top 25ish Teams in the country:

1. Michigan Wolverines (9-0) This Week: -4.5 @ Penn State (8-1): So I guess people do care about this Connor Stallions/sign stealing situation. I’ve kind of made my stance on that (non)issue known. Jim Harbaugh being prohibited from coaching ONLY on Saturdays probably rivals only his own self-imposed suspension from earlier this year for leader in the laugh-out-loud department. I was waiting a little bit to see if the line would move, and after about 2 hours? Nothing yet. That should tell you all you need to know. It’s Michigan; by a lot. 

2. Georgia Bulldogs (9-0) This Week: -11 vs. Ole Miss (8-1): I was very close to bumping the Dogs back up the the number one line this week. I have been nothing short of impressed (and quite frankly a bit surprised) with how well they have played offensively without Brock Bowers. With that being said, this is the toughest test to date for Georgia this season. I think the Dogs will come out on top, it’s just a matter of by how many.  

3. Ohio State Buckeyes (9-0) This Week: -31.5 vs. Michigan State (3-6): I’m not entirely sure what to write here to be honest. Michigan State poses no threat to the Buckeyes this week. Minnesota poses no threat to the Buckeyes next week. Michigan the week after that are a major threat. Until then? I expect Ohio State to continue to check boxes (and root for Michigan to stumble). Look for Ryan Day and co. to run the score up this week and ‘assert their dominance’ in the Big 10. Real talk: With Jim Harbaugh not allowed on the sidelines, there are quite literally no more excuses for Ryan Day.  

4. Florida State Seminoles (9-0) This Week: -14.5 vs. Miami (6-3): Hand up. Two TD’s (and a hook!) is far too many points for me to pass on with, and I quote, “the most confusing team in the country”. Hand up, again. I’m not sure if this is as big of a rivalry as I think it is. I’m going to need anyone on location in Florida to weigh in. Plain and simple? I love the spot for the ‘Canes. Florida State needs to win their games the rest of the way to reach (and eventually win) the ACC Championship. In my humble opinion: Florida State does NOT need to win any more games convincingly to qualify for the CFP as an (supposed) ACC Champion. Picking up what I’m putting down? Miami will throw everything they have at FSU here. 

5. Alabama Crimson Tide (8-1) This Week: -11 @ Kentucky (6-3): There was a time it was a hot-take, but Jarvis’ (eventual) SEC Champion: the Alabama Crimson Tide, have finally reached (close to) their peak. In the win over LSU (and Darrel), Jalen Milroe became the first QB to rush for four touchdowns in Alabama history. I’m known for my horrid memory; but that feels like it should have/could have definitely happened before recently. I digress. If the SEC Championship was tomorrow, I’d probably go as low as Georgia -3.5(?). If it wasn’t clear by now: we will be seeing Coach Saban in the Playoff. 

6. Washington Huskies (9-0) This Week: -9.5 vs. Utah (7-2): Washington was able to get past (passed? (struggling this week)) USC last week, with almost all of the credit going to Lincoln Riley’s pathetic defense. Deja Vu. I can’t in good faith, rank Oregon higher than Washington at this point. The Huskies looked great in their victory over the Ducks; and have only really checked boxes since then. Some part of me thinks that if Washington is the great team that they portray to be, they are just getting ready for the rematch against Oregon. Most of me thinks they are playing a very dangerous game. #Think about it.

7. Oregon Ducks (8-1) This Week: -15.5 vs. USC (7-3): Oregon is going to win this game by 40 points. I truly believe that the line play is going to be so obviously tilted in Oregon’s fashion this week that USC won’t stand a chance. USC will not be able to move the ball as easily as they did last week, as the Ducks defense is far more formidable. As I mentioned above, I can’t in good faith rank Oregon higher than the Huskies due to the head-to-head loss. Don’t worry Euguene (and Fairfield (shoutout GTT), the rematch is coming. 

8. Texas Longhorns (8-1) This Week: -12 @ TCU (4-5): If the ‘Horns weren’t in the driver’s seat in the Big 12 last week; they certainly are now. Jumping out to a 17-0 lead over K-State was the difference in my mind. I believe Quinn Ewers is back this week; which ironically, makes me want to fade Texas. TCU is scratching and clawing for bowl eligibility and this feels like a spot where they are going to throw everything but the kitchen sink at Coach Sark and the boys. Probably #Fuck the points. 

9. Penn State Nittany Lions (8-1) This Week: +4.5 vs. Michigan (9-0): If you’ve made it this far, you know I’m on Michigan this week. I’m aware that it is probably a bit of a sucker spot. I’m also aware that Penn State shoved my Maryland CLV trophy right back in my face last week. Plain and simple? I don’t think Penn State is competent enough on offense to get the job done. In theory (I’m about to be an ass): if Michigan doesn’t know exactly what the Nittany Lion offense is going to attempt, Penn State probably has a fighting chance. Now let me reiterate (what I assume is fact): Michigan does NOT know what Penn State is going to do. Penn State does NOT have a chance. #Think about it.  

10.  Ole Miss Rebels (8-1) This Week: +11 @ Georgia (9-0): As I alluded to earlier, Ole Miss is about as live as dogs come. Lane Kiffin has the horses on offense to make Kirby sweat and have to press a little bit. As of lately (famous last words), Ole Miss has the defense to keep this game in hand! In this matchup in years past; the Bulldog offense has been able to land the KO blow, and this year feels different. I know, I’m probably getting in front of a runaway train here, but I think the Rebs can keep it close. #Fuck the points

11. Oregon State Beavers (7-2) This Week: -20.5 vs. Stanford (3-6): Did anybody have DJ and the Oregon State Beavers as the highest ranked two-loss team on their Bingo card? I certainly didn’t. That defense and run game are no joke; and with that? The Beavs stand a chance in any game. The orange and black are on my short-list for the Rose Bowl (strictly for jersey purposes), but I’m not sure they have the inside track. Their game in Eugene the last week of the season is going to be must-see.   

12. Missouri Tigers (7-2) This Week: +2 vs. Tennessee (7-2): Mizzou gave Georgia pretty much all they could handle last week. They were actually IN the game until the fourth quarter and then the clock struck twelve on the Tigers. I expect more of the same this week. Last week was really Mizzou’s chance to make their move, so to speak. Yeah, a win over Tennessee would be huge for this program, but not nearly as much. You with me?

13. Tennessee Volunteers (7-2) This Week: -2 @ Missouri (7-2): Tennessee was able to get past blue-blood UConn last week (59-3) in what could be a second weekend game this year. Unlike Mizzou, I think Tennessee is trending more in a positive direction. Most of the reasoning here is, admittedly, the let-down for the Tigers. I can earnestly see this game going either way, but I have a lot easier time seeing Missouri not bring their A-game two weeks in a row. #Think about it. 

14. Louisville Cardinals (8-1) This Week: -20.5 vs. Virginia (2-7): (31-24 Win. THURS): Somehow, in Week 11, the Louisville Cardinals are the 14th best team in the country. Yes, I am just as shocked as you are, Jarv-Head. I’ve definitely mentioned it before, but Jeff Brohm is not your stereotypical first-year Head Coach at a new program. I’ll really start to drink the Kool-Aid next year if he can come within 50 yards of his success this year without Jack Plummer (some relation, I think). Side note for the dozen UVa football fans out there: My boy Colandrea plays, and you’re in another game. #Think about it again. 

15. Kansas Jayhawks (7-2) This Week: -4 vs. Texas Tech (4-5): The Kansas Jayhawks in the Big 12 Championship game was also not on my Bingo card, for those keeping track at home. Kansas making it to that game is probably a bit of a long-shot, but I’m done writing off the Jayhawks. All they did after taking down Oklahoma, was travel to Iowa State and ACE the let-down spot test. Consider me impressed. Keep checking boxes Coach Leopold. 

16. LSU Tigers (6-3) This Week: -15 vs. Florida (5-4): Since my boy Dillon Gabriel crapped in his pants, I’ve hitched myself to the Jayden Daniels Heisman bandwagon. Although injured late, he starred AGAIN and kept LSU in front for most of the first half. LSU’s lofty post-season aspirations are all but finished now. To be totally transparent: I’m pretty low on Brian Kelly after a ‘season ending’ loss and I’m strongly considering saying #Fuck the points. Investing my hard-earned money on this year’s Gators feels like not the smartest call, however. You’ll have to join the Twitter Space to find out! #PLUG

17. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-3) This Week: IDLE: It seems that all of the NY6 revenge game over Brian Kelly OR Tommy Rees #Somethings talk may have been for naught. The Irish were caught sleepwalking by Dabo Swinney (who I’m certain has no idea how stocks work) and the Clemson Tigers last week. The Irish will be in a relatively prestigious bowl game, but the focus already seems to be on what Coach Freeman is building for the future. A 2-win season was never on Notre Dame’s mind. 

18. Oklahoma State Cowboys (7-2) This Week: -2.5 @ UCF (4-5): Sneaky Gundy late season push! He’s a man, he’s 40! All the power to the Pokes and Ollie Gordon. My man has been carrying Alan Bowman on his back for the last four weeks at least. I don’t think he’ll be able to really play his way into the Heisman conversation; but it certainly is a fun argument to make. P.S. Let-down spot of all let-down spots this week. 

19. Oklahoma Sooners (7-2) This Week: -13 vs. West Virginia (6-3): Duh! If that hadn’t been so predictable last week, the Sooners would almost definitely be in the Shame Spot this week. It is definitely a little poetic to see Oklahoma lose the final Bedlam (for some time), especially after they practically told Oklahoma State, ‘we’re better than you’. This week? WVU feels semi-live, but you have to assume Coach Venables can stop the bleeding at some point. 

20. James Madison Dukes (9-0) This Week: -24.5 vs. UConn (1-8): It takes an adult to realize how funny it would be for UConn to be the team to take down JMU. I am an adult. I am rooting for the Huskies here; but I am not holding my breath. There is still no ruling from the NCAA re: JMU Bowl Eligibility; but you have to figure that’s coming soon. I personally think that if good news was coming, it would have come already. #Think about it. 

21. Tulane Green Wave (8-1) This Week: -23.5 vs. Tulsa (3-6): Last year I rode the Green Wave all year and was rewarded with an outright victory over my boy Lincoln Riley in a bowl game. Jeff Brohm and Louisville this year feel like it would be too modest for Tulane after what they accomplished last year. Who knows? Maybe there’s a rematch with Lane Kiffin and the Rebs in store! (That would be awesome)

22. Liberty Flames (9-0) This Week: -13.5 vs. Old Dominion (4-5): No; I don’t think Liberty will qualify for the CFP if they finish the year undefeated. Obvious answer to a question that nobody asked? Check. Shoutout Jamey Chadwell for another 50-burger? Check. Old Dominion is frisky, but stands no chance here. The Flames will roll. 

23. Toledo Rockets (8-1) This Week: -19 vs. Eastern Michigan (4-5): (49-23 Win. WED): The Rockets got past the big number in a bit of early week MACtion this week. They will be (heavily) favored in every game going forward, and could be tracking towards a NY6 bowl! DeQuan Finn is really fun to watch and based on the quarterback play in the NFL lately, could be a pro. 

24. North Carolina Tar Heels (7-2) This Week: -14 vs. Duke (6-3): UNC has reached rock-bottom. The free-fall stopped last week with a throttling of FCS Campbell. I’m not the keenest (word?) guy in the world when it comes to how the conference championships are determined in the division-less ACCs of the world; but, I’d venture to guess the Heels now are hoping for Louisville to slip up to even have a chance. In my opinion: UNC vs FSU makes for a far better game than Louisville vs FSU. I’m just rooting to be entertained.

25. Arizona Wildcats (6-3) This Week: -10.5 @ Colorado (4-5): Three straight wins over ranked teams for the friskiest team in America, with a stifling 27-10 win over UCLA last week. As I previously mentioned, I am not too keen on conference championship games and all of that jazz; but, I’m fairly sure the Wildcats are still technically alive in the Conference of Champions. Coach Prime poses no problem this week. Utah next week will be a tough task. Arizona State remains after that. I expect the Wildcats to be bowling, AT THE LEAST. 

26. Fresno State Bulldogs (8-1) This Week: +1 @ San Jose State (4-5): Brutal matchup/spot this week for the Bulldogs. They probably have to win out to be the Group of 5’s NY6 Rep. 

27. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (6-3) This Week: +1 @ Iowa (7-2): The over/under for this game is currently 28.5 (and dropping). 

28. Kansas State Wildcats (6-3) This Week: -21.5 vs. Baylor (3-6): Stop me if you’ve heard this before; start the game on time. 

29. USC Trojans (7-3) This Week: +15.5 @ Oregon (8-1): This is the newly formed, “Cry In Your Mother’s Arms on National TV (Yes, somehow that’s real)” Spot. Admittedly, the name is going to need some work. 

30. Air Force Falcons (8-1) This Week: -19.5 @ Hawaii (3-7): Calling my shot on Army taking down Air Force is why I do this folks. It is also the reason that (starting next year) I’ll be tracking the results of the predictions (can you even call them that if they come true more often than not?) I make in these articles. 

North Carolina State is the 31st best team in the country and the darkest horse in the ACC race. 

1st ever CFB Slate Breakdown Twitter Space is live tomorrow at 11 AM EST. I will be breaking down the slate, games I like that didn’t make the card, hopefully a few caller questions and definitely some #Fuck the points specials. X : @JBV60SHOW 

200 years too late. 

Be Well.

JB