Lucky Luke’s Week 8 Losers: Backward and/or Forward Edition

Author’s Note: I’m sorry to say that The Professor has been admitted into a long term care facility. He’s over 111 years old and he deserves this long awaited and much needed rest. I’m Luke and I was the Professor’s longtime personal assistant and he asked me to continue with this series, hence the series title change, “Lucky Luke’s Losers.” It should be fun, I hope you’ll stop by each Thursday.

Another week has come and gone with so much happening, both good and bad (just ask Tennessee and Alabama) that I’m left scratching my head. As the number of undefeated teams shrink, everyone hopes their favorite team is still among the few. So, let’s hope that this weekend, certain teams manage to win and not go backwards (Clemson). Sometimes the harder we work, the further we fall behind. Now, it’s time for the inaugural edition of Lucky Luke’s Losers, let’s go!

Iowa at No. 2 Ohio State

For some strange reason, Iowa intrigues me. They stand at (3-3) and have played their ranked opponents close but…not close enough. There are a lot of rumblings about Brian Ferentz’s offense in general and specifically his quarterback. Things aren’t going well in Ames but they still intrigue me.

I’m not going to fall into the ‘walking dead zombie lockstep’ mantra surrounding Ohio State. Clearly they’ve done little spectacular except beating up on the inferiors of the midwest but heck, they’re No. 2 so what do I know?

Nothing would please me more than to see Iowa swoop into Columbus and steal a victory but reality suggests otherwise. As the Buckeye zombies march forward, Lucky Luke’s Loser, Iowa.

Texas A&M at South Carolina

Speaking of Losers, Shane Beamer’s Rattlers truly believe they’re ready to compete with the best the country has to offer but, as always, they’re delusional.

Jimbo Fisher’s Aggies arrive in the Columbia industrial wasteland off Bluff Road to show they’re ready to compete with the best, but can prove nothing in this game. Both teams have their moments, mostly bad, but as much as it pains me to say it, while the rattlers are bad, they’re lucky. So, Lucky Luke’s Loser in this one, Texas A&M.

No. 24 Mississippi State at No. 6 Alabama

Taking about going backwards, Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide took a painful step backwards and let Tennessee fly on by. I’m not giving up on Alabama and I’m certainly not ready to anoint and welcome Josh Heupel’s Volunteers into the College Football Playoff quite yet. They’re still unproven, in my opinion.

I look forward to seeing what “The Pirate” Mike Leach has planned for the Red Elephants. But it won’t matter, Nick Saban is pissed and dangerous. Lucky Luke’s Loser in this one, Mississippi State.

No. 20 Texas at No. 11 Oklahoma State

It’s interesting, that after all the hype surrounding the vast superiority of certain conferences over others, the most competitive, interesting games have been played in the “Pitiful” Big 12 and the “Pathetic ACC.” This one is just another example of such a game.

I learned a few things during my time with the Professor, location, location, location. Yes, sometimes a game played between two good teams, it matters where it’s played. This year the GPS is set for Stillwater. After losing on the road last week, Mike Gundy’s Cowboys will feel the hometown love. I believe the Cowboys will take a step forward on Saturday. Lucky Luke’s Loser, in the nail-biter, Texas.

No. 17 Kansas State at No. 8 TCU

Again, another superior game from an inferior conference. This matchup will provide a clear leader and path to the conference championship. I believe TCU has the capacity to exert it’s will on those remaining on their schedule, but Kansas State might provide some fireworks.

The Horned Frogs, like most teams going forward, are susceptible to a fall and this might be the week but I gotta pick somebody so I’ll go with the home team. Lucky Luke’s Loser, in another nail-biter, Kansas State.

Boston College at No.13 Wake Forest

Dave Clawson’s Deacons keep (pardon the pun) clawing forward and thus far this season, they’ve rebounded from the early season loss to Clemson and look to keep the momentum going. I suspect they will find little resistance from Jeff Hafely’s BC Eagles.

Honestly, Boston College is a hard-nosed, stubborn, feisty little brother to most of its conference-mates but they’re outmatched most Saturdays and this weekend in Winston Salem will prove no different for the feisty, little brother. Lucky Luke’s Loser, with honor, Boston College.

No. 7 Ole Miss at LSU

I only included this game in my list this week because, I relish seeing the facial gymnastics by the instant Cajun Brian Kelly when they are getting walloped and Ole Miss is in Baton Rouge to do just that.

There are some mitigating factors that might soften the blow for LSU, the crowd, the weather but the Rebels are in town for one reason on Saturday night, to take over Baton Rouge. After all it’s appropriate that the big red stick be held by the big red Rebel. Lucky Luke’s Loser, LSU.

No. 14 Syracuse at No. 5 Clemson

Now, finally, the only game that matters to most of you reading this article. The orange’ versus ‘THE REAL ORANGE.’ It should be a great Saturday afternoon for Homecoming Football in Clemson, South Carolina.

No 14 Syracuse is a complete team, maybe among the most complete the No. 5, 4 or 7 ranked Clemson have faced. Our rankings are clearly a ‘one step forward, one step back’ proposition. Regardless of the actual ranking number, the Tigers will be the most complete team Dino Babers’ team will face as well.

Depending on the direction of the wind, recently only one side of Dabo Swinney’s team has shown up to play. Both halves have got to come together and show up this weekend, then keep their paws on the pedal and find that killer instinct to finish team’s off without leaving doubt

I’m confident this will be close well into the second half but Death Valley, the crowd, the weather and the belief of all Clemson Nation will prove the difference. Lucky Luke’s Loser in a sizzler, Syracuse.

Well, I hope you will do me the honor of now following Lucky Luke for my insight into college football. That’s about all I’ve got for y’all this week. It should be a very, very interesting week and everyone hopes their favorite team wins, not take a step backwards. Thanks for stopping by and I look forward to our visit next week! Until then, stay safe, stay vigilant and always stay The real ORANGE!