Football Pick’ems: Who Was That Masked Stranger?

There’s a new top dog in the I-81 Sports Pick’em Standings.

El General Naranja, that masked luchador, catapulted to the front of the field after going 15-5 last week. Mike Cox topped the field with a 17-3 mark.

As the college season starts to wind down, we’ll see more FCS playoff games, and more NFL games down the stretch. So buckle up.

Here are the current standings and this week’s picks:

1. El General Naranja, 15-5 last week, 106-55 overall
2. Mike Cox, 17-3, 104-57
3. Mark Vicars, 14-6, 104-57
4. Thomas Stokes, 13-7, 104-57
5. J.T. Chadwell, 11-9, 101-60
6. Jacob Townsend, 14-6, 99-62
7. Steve Wilmoth, 10-10, 99-62
8. Scott Felts, 11-9, 98-63
9. John Moorehouse, 12-8, 97-64
10. Mike Roberts, 13-7, 93-68

MARK VICARS (Owner, I-81 Sports)

•  Tennessee Tech @ ETSU – Bucs take the SoCon.  
• Arizona @ Texas Tech – Arizona has had 2 noon kickoffs in the last couple years and hammered both opponents in them.  I don’t think Texas Tech is near the level they were last season.  Wildcats on the road
• Florida vs Georgia – I think it’s highly unlikely Kirby Smart loses 2 games in a row.  I think it’s even less likely that Georgia would lose a game off a bye week.  Bulldogs roll after being drunk against Auburn a couple weeks ago.
• Virginia @ Wake Forest – This Wake team is quite good this season.  Playmakers at every position for the Demon Deacons who could maybe get in the playoff discussion before the season is over.
• Northwestern @ Oregon – Chip Kelly coming into Eugene for a revenge game?  SIgn me up.  The wheels have fallen off for Oregon and it’s only getting worse.
• South Carolina @ Oklahoma – I’m going to ride the hot hand.  The good LaNorris Sellers shows up and makes enough plays to take down Oklahoma.
• Ohio State @ USC – This is a game I would completely stay away from on the betting side.  New quarterback for the Buckeyes could be a bad thing, but could also be good.  You never know with these elite teams how a QB change can affect them. USC is good at home too.
• Auburn @ Ole Miss – Take the Rebels off a loss and don’t be afraid to lay the 13.5 either.  Ole Miss stomps Auburn.
• Utah @ Cincinnati – Trap game for the Utes before the Holy War.  Cincinnati can trip them up at home.
• Clemson @ Florida State – Hard to believe Dabo has gone from national titles to can’t finish above .500 in the ACC in less than 10 years.
• Missouri @ Arkansas – Cheat Sheet Feature.  Tigers roll
• South Dakota @ South Dakota State – Jackrabbits have always been the better side in this rivalry
• North Dakota @ Youngstown State –  Points look to be scored here, North Dakota isn’t losing 2 in a row.
• Richmond @ Holy Cross – After not playing for 61 years, Holy Cross ruined Richmond’s homecoming last year.  Spiders wont forget that.
• Western Carolina @ Furman – Lots of purple in the stands for this one.  Furman wins by scoring on defense.
• Wofford @ Samford – Can Wofford make it 3 in a row? No way
• Titans @ Bengals – If nothing else, Titans fans can at least enjoy a trip to Skyline Chili.  A cocktail at New Riff Distillery before the game is also a top choice.
• Vikings @ Lions – Lions are riding high after the win against the Packers and Vikings have beat some soft teams recently.  Minnesota not ready for the step up in class.
• Browns @ Steelers – Browns are starting to hit their stride.  DeShaun Watson makes enough plays to steal one on the road.

SCOTT FELTS, I-81 Sports Contributor

• Tennessee Tech 28, ETSU 24: The Golden Eagles are 7-1 and rolling in the SoCon; the Bucs sit 6-2 and undefeated in conference. Home field in Johnson City helps ETSU, but Tech’s efficiency edge should be enough. Two Tennessee teams playing each other is basically a family reunion where someone ends up crying. 
• Texas Tech 31, Arizona 27: Both 6-1 and ranked (Wildcats 22nd, Red Raiders 13th). Tech is a small home favorite in Lubbock. Arizona has been sneaky good, but the Red Raiders’ physical style usually travels better at home. It’s a Big 12 heavyweight bout where the only thing getting more airtime than the offenses is the “who’s really the better 6-1 team” debate. 
• Georgia 31, Florida 17: Classic Cocktail Party in a different venue (Atlanta). Georgia is 6-1 and ranked No. 3; Florida is 5-2 and ranked 17th. The Bulldogs have owned this series lately and the line (Georgia by double digits) reflects it. Florida will show up, make it interesting for a half, then remember why the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” usually ends with one side needing more than just a cocktail. 
• Wake Forest 34, Virginia 17: Wake is 6-1 and ranked 14th. Virginia is fighting to stay relevant. The Demon Deacons are a double-digit favorite at home. Virginia’s offense will try, but Wake’s defense should treat them like a practice squad. This one might finish early enough that Virginia kids can still make Trick-or-Treating. 
• Northwestern 27, Oregon 23: Wildcats are 6-1 and ranked 20th. Ducks are hanging around at 4-3. Oregon is a slight home favorite in Eugene. Northwestern has been the surprise of the Big Ten, and Autzen at night still has a way of making visitors look like they packed for a different sport. Too much going on for the Ducks though with a new OC and QB. Expect a competitive, slightly messy Big Ten-style grind. 
• Oklahoma 24, South Carolina 20: Both teams are 4-3 and searching for identity in the SEC. Oklahoma is a home favorite. The Gamecocks can hang with anyone on a given Saturday, but the Sooners’ home-field edge and Carolina not bringing their own officials this week, should have OU winning out. It’s the kind of game where both fan bases will claim moral victory no matter the score. 
• Ohio State 34, USC 23: Buckeyes are No. 2 and 6-1; Trojans are looking up at the standings from the outside. Ohio State is a solid road favorite. USC has talent, but the Buckeyes’ physicality and depth usually win these kinds of primetime matchups. What impact will Ohio State missing its QB have? Lincoln Riley’s offense will put up points—just not enough of them. 
• Ole Miss 34, Auburn 17: Rebels are ranked 12th and 5-2; Tigers are 4-3 and inconsistent. Ole Miss is a double-digit home favorite. Auburn can be dangerous, but the Rebels’ offensive firepower at Vaught-Hemingway should be too much. Classic SEC “hope for the best, prepare for the worst” afternoon for the visitors. 
• Utah 33,  Cincinnati 21: Utes are undefeated at 7-0 and ranked No. 6; Bearcats are solid but not in the same stratosphere. Utah is a clear favorite on the road. Cincinnati will make it interesting early, then the Utes’ defense and balanced attack take over. Another week of “are the Utes for real?” answers itself. 
• Florida State 27, Clemson 24: Two ACC blue-bloods who have both been mediocre this year. FSU is a home favorite. This rivalry still has juice even when both teams look like they’re searching for the instruction manual. Expect a messy, emotional game that feels more important than it is. 
• Missouri 28, Arkansas 17: Tigers are ranked 23rd and 5-2; Razorbacks are 3-4 and searching. Missouri is a solid road favorite. Arkansas has moments, but the Tigers’ consistency should carry the day in Fayetteville. Another SEC West-ish game where one side leaves wondering what might have been. 
• South Dakota State 27, South Dakota 24: Border battle. Coyotes 7-2, Jackrabbits 6-2, both ranked in the FCS top 10. SDSU has the home edge in Brookings. These two always play tight, physical games that feel like they should come with a weather advisory. Expect a hard-nosed MVFC slugfest decided by a couple of big plays. 
• Youngstown State 28, North Dakota 21: Penguins are ranked higher and 6-2.  The Fighting Hawks are 6-3. Youngstown State should handle business at home. North Dakota is capable, but the Penguins have been the more complete team. Another FCS heavyweight bout that won’t get the national airtime it deserves. 
• Richmond 27, Holy Cross 17: Spiders are 6-2 and ranked in the FCS top 25. Crusaders have been uneven. Richmond should control this one on the road. Holy Cross will compete, but the Spiders’ balance is the difference. Solid Patriot League afternoon with a clear favorite. 
• Western Carolina 24, Furman 20: Both struggling in SoCon play (Catamounts 3-5, Paladins 2-6). This feels like a “someone has to win” game. Western Carolina gets the slight edge on the road based on recent form. Expect a low-scoring, mistake-filled affair that only a mother (or a SoCon die-hard) could love. 
• Wofford 27, Samford 17: Terriers are 5-3; Bulldogs are 2-6. Wofford should take care of business on the road. Samford has had a rough season, and this one looks like more of the same. Another SoCon game where the better just needs to keep it simple. 
• Bengals 31, Titans 13: Titans are 1-6 and looking for any positive; Bengals are 4-2 and rolling. Cincinnati is a double-digit home favorite and should cruise. Tennessee will try, but this has “get healthy and move on” written all over it for the visitors. 
• Vikings 27, Lions 24: Undefeated Vikings (6-0) visit the 4-2 Lions. Detroit is a slight home favorite. Minnesota has been impressive, but Ford Field and a Lions team that has won consecutive games make this a true NFC North test. Expect a tight, physical game decided late, Dan Campbell gets a little too cute sometimes though. Vikings roll on. 
• Steelers 24, Browns 20: Two 5-2 AFC North squads. Pittsburgh is a small home favorite. These games are always ugly, low-scoring, and somehow still dramatic. Expect three yards and a cloud of dust, multiple field goals, and a late score that makes both fan bases equally miserable/happy.

JOHN MOOREHOUSE (Editor in Chief, I-81 Sports)

•  Tennessee Tech @ ETSU – I’ve gone back and forth on this pick all week. Tennessee Tech’s entire offensive and defensive two deep is comprised of juniors and seniors. That’s 44 players for you math majors. ETSU has 38 juniors, seniors, and fifth years on its entire roster. Tech looked shaky against both Wofford and The Citadel, while ETSU has been playing strong overall football for the past four games. I’ll take the Bucs in a close one.
• Arizona @ Texas Tech – The Red Raiders looked like paper tigers last week against Cincinnati.
• Florida vs Georgia – I still think Georgia is the best team in the country. The Bulldogs should have never lost to Auburn.
• Virginia @ Wake Forest – Looks like last season was a fluke for the Wahoos.
• Northwestern @ Oregon – This season for the Ducks kind of reminds me of 2005 for the Vols.
• South Carolina @ Oklahoma – I’ll take the Sooners at home.
• Ohio State @ USC – The Buckeyes are vulnerable after losing Sayin.
• Auburn @ Ole Miss
• Utah @ Cincinnati 
• Clemson @ Florida State – Both these teams might have new coaches by January.
• Missouri @ Arkansas – I was tempted to take the Hogs here, as crazy as the SEC has been. But Arkansas is just too bad.
• South Dakota @ South Dakota State 
• North Dakota @ Youngstown State –  Beau Brungard at home? Yes please.
• Richmond @ Holy Cross
• Western Carolina @ Furman – The Paladins are going to be playing with emotion after Clay Hendrix announced he’s stepping down. Emotion won’t overcome that paltry offense.
• Wofford @ Samford – The Terriers are dangerous. That Nov. 14 ETSU game at Wofford has “trap” written all over it.
• Titans @ Bengals – Titans basically surrendered for the season by trading Simmons.
• Vikings @ Lions 
• Browns @ Steelers – Aaron Rodgers looks like Grandpa Joe from Willy Wonka trying to avoid the pass rush. 

MIKE COX, Voice of the Patriots on 93.7 The Fan

•  ETSU 33, Tennessee Tech 28. Picking against Tennessee Tech has been a bad idea for me in the past, but here I am doing it again. At least it’s in the name of my first alma mater this time. Go Bucs!
• Texas Tech 45, Arizona 42. At least the Wildcats will put up a lot of points. But this Tech wins.
• Georgia 37, Florida 27. Other than ETSU, it seems that I’m going with a lot of very well used team nicknames this week.
• Wake Forest 24, Virginia 14.
• Oregon 33, Northwestern 30. Would not mind being wrong on this one, honestly.
• Oklahoma 24, South Carolina 21. Picking against South Carolina wasn’t a good plan last week. It may not be this time, but here I am doing it…and depending on Oklahoma to do something good.
• Ohio State 31, USC 28. Honestly wish these two could either tie or both lose.
• Ole Miss 30, Auburn 17.
• Utah 24, Cincinnati 21.
• Clemson 27, Florida State 26. Let’s go Tigers…the orange team.
• Missouri 21, Arkansas 14. Hope picking that well used SEC mascot name against the most unique one doesn’t hurt me.
• South Dakota State 27, South Dakota 22.
• Youngstown State 19, North Dakota 16.
• Richmond 27, Holy Cross 25.
• Western Carolina 26, Furman 15. Catamounts (mountainous wildcats, so I understand) are the lesser of the two Purple SoCon Evils. Game 2 where I wish college games ended in a tie.
• Wofford 30, Samford 23. But I’d be very happy if the Bulldogs win…just don’t think they’ll be able to.
• Bengals 23, Titans 16.
• Lions 19, Vikings 18. In the NFL, they CAN tie…but it’s so rare I’m not predicting it. I’ll go with the Lions since their celebration of the offside (except for the guy pointing at a Packers helmet, that’s taunting all day long) because dancing like the Peanuts kids is FUNNY.
• Steelers 23, Browns 12.

MIKE ROBERTS (Contributor, I-81 Sports)

• ETSU over Tennessee Tech
• Texas Tech over Arizona
• Georgia over Florida
• Wake Forest over Virginia
• Northwestern over Oregon
• South Carolina over Oklahoma
• Ohio State over USC
• Ole Miss over Auburn
• Utah over Cincinnati
• Clemson over Florida State
• Arkansas over Missouri
• South Dakota over South Dakota State
• North Dakota over Youngstown State
• Richmond over Holy Vross
• Western Carolina over Furman
• Wofford over SamfordBengals over Titans
• Lions over Vikings
• Steelers over Browns

THOMAS STOKES (FCS Writer, I-81 Sports)

•  ETSU over Tennessee Tech- The Bucs win if the crowd gets into the game. I hope as the week has progressed the content media hyped this game up even more since it is homecoming. This game should move ETSU in the picture for at least a 9-16 seed and home Thanksgiving weekend. 
• Texas Tech over Arizona 
• Georgia over Florida 
• Wake Forest over Virginia 
• Oregon over Northwestern
• Oklahoma over South Carolina 
• USC over Ohio State
• Ole Miss over Auburn 
• Utah over Cincinnati 
• Florida State over Clemson 
• Missouri over Arkansas
• South Dakota State over South Dakota- I think the Jackrabbits is the best team in the MVFC and one of the best teams in the country. 
• Youngstown State over North Dakota- South Dakota beats UND a second week in a row, after a tough overtime game Fighting Hawks go on the road and loses. Is Beau doing enough for a second Walter Payton? 
• Richmond over Holy Cross- This is a sneaky game that I did not send John. Holy Cross is not what they were a few years ago with a guy named Bob Chesney, wonder what he is doing now a days, I think they keep the game interesting, but the Spiders are my pick for the Patriot League auto bid at this point. 
• Western Carolina over Furman- Would be a feel-good win if Furman would be able to pull it off since Clay Hendrix announced he will not return in 2027. I don’t think with the offensive output they have had it is possible that the Paladins beat WCU. Especially after the embarrassing loss that WCU had last week they will look to right the ship. 
• Wofford over Samford- Wofford has life in the conference battle; it might be life support but there is an outside shot of being in that conversation. Every game is a must-win for them now. 
• Bengals over Titans 
• Lions over Vikings I was so excited to follow the Lions this year as Saylors was announced RB 2 but I have yet to see him get any touches outside of special teams 
• Browns over Steelers 

JACOB TOWNSEND (Host of the Morning Monster, WXSM)

•  ETSU

• Texas Tech

• Georgia

• Wake Forest

• Oregon

• Oklahoma

• Ohio State 

• Ole Miss

• Cincinnati

• Florida State

• Missouri

• South Dakota State

• Youngstown State

• Holy Cross

• Furman

• Wofford

• Bengals

• Lions

• Steelers

STEVE WILMOTH (TriCitiesSports.com Vice President Publishing & Technology)

 Tennessee Tech

Texas Tech

Georgia

Wake Forest

Northwestern

Oklahoma

Ohio State

Ole Miss

Utah

Clemson

Missouri

South Dakota State – Go Jackrabbits!

Youngstown STate

Holy Cross

Western Carolina

Samford

Bengals

Lions

Steelers

El General Naranja (Man of Mystery)

Editor’s Note: El General Naranja is our Mystery Predictor, a man weathered and hardened from battles from the gridiron and the squared circle. 

Well,well,well I told you Egg Sucking Dogs it wouldn’t be long till the mask man was out front in the picks , now on with my predictions!!

Tenn Tech will roll into Johnson City and give the Bucs a good ole East Tenn Dog Whooping ( my man Ron Wright coined this phrase ) 

Tx Tech

GA

WF 

NW     These boys are good 

Ohio St is still good without their QB

Pete Golden will get Ole Miss back on track 

Utah wins this one for Pat M 

Fl St 

Missouri 

S Dakota State 

Youngstown St

Richmond

WC

Samford 

Bengals the Titans are bad 

Vikings 

Steelers