Say what you will about adversity. Go ahead. Adversity sucks. It would be sweet if things were easy peasy lemon squeezy. Unfortunately, life is also rather difficult difficult lemon difficult. But that’s ok, because without them lemons we’d be ravaged with scurvy. No one wants bleeding gums nor delirium. Or maybe you do, who am I to judge.

Well, all of our favorite teams are going through the throes of citrus based calamity in different ways right now. Ohio State keeps losing extremely vital players. Michigan State keeps rearing back and punching itself in the junk. North Carolina has a geriatric problem. And Michigan can’t cheat anymore.

It’s all very difficult.

Not to mention CMU, Western, and the potential of GVSU’s coach getting stolen right before the playoffs begin. You didn’t answer me in the chat, Kevin. Don’t leave me hanging.

But again, what are the highs without the lows? Being great isn’t just how you win. It’s how you handle losses. It’s how you handle getting knocked down.

My (our) Buckeyes are silly little jesus freaks, but it has me thinking a lot about the bible lately - mainly VeggieTales. Some Buckeyes - including Emeka so I’ll let it slide - went on another podcast and were asked who in the Bible, outside of the obvious, would you want to hang out with. They all gave rather shallow answers like Paul, or Jonah because of course. Me though? Give me Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When we step into that boardroom, that production set, that big interview, or even a rec softball game, we’re stepping into that furnace. The flames of adversity are constantly whipping at us from all sides. But guess, what? We’re built different. They love the bunny, but we stay focused. They keep turning up the heat on us, but that’s how we thrive.

Turn it up all you want.

We’re still coming for ya.

****

SHOWTIME

Purdue vs. Michigan State, Friday 8:00 pm EST on Fox

Black (jersey) Friday for Michigan State. The uniforms look sharp, and that’ll probably be the only good looking thing about this game. Purdue is dog water. MSU is stinky smelly. It could maaaaybe turn into a sicko watch, but the chances are slim. Basketball season is mercifully here, so maybe these two schools can have good seasons in that sport, as a treat.

#5 Indiana Hoosiers vs. #2 THE Ohio State Buckeyes, Saturday BIG NOON on Fox

The furnace is white hot for our Biblebucks at this point. Another terrible injury on the Offensive Line. This time to our All-American and Remington Award Favorite Center. It’s going to be a very difficult path forward for Ohio State this late in the year. But, they seem as confident, and as pissed off, as ever. I hope they get it done. Coach Cigs is no joke. Let’s see it boys. Another Top 5 game approaches. Expect a big game from Emeka Egbuka, though. He shines on the brightest stage.

North Carolina vs. Boston College, Saturday 12:00 pm EST on The CW

This could be another great uniform matchup. UNC always brings the heat in that regard. But, the product on the field is less than eye catching. I think Hampton will be going Melvin Gordon Mode yet again against BC. Bill O’Brien is doing a good job out there, but I think the Tar Heels are just going to grind his defense down too much. Mack Brown contract extension soon?

Northwestern vs. Michigan, Saturday 3:30 pm EST on FS1

The Wolverines are back in action after their bye week, and I can already hear their fans screaming in agony thinking about Sherrone Moore making more in-game decisions. They are helpless to stop him. Northwestern’s WRs and QB are a little underrated right now because as a whole their team is absolutely doodoo diaper pants. But, the WRs are better than Penn State’s so I could see them giving Michigan some very slight trouble on 3rd downs. Good thing Mr. Martindale excels on those downs. But the Wolverines should win comfortably here. Just sit on em.

#14 Indianapolis vs. #4 GVSU Lakers, Saturday 1:00 pm EST

First round of the D2 playoffs is this weekend! GVSU hosts Indy at Lubbers Stadium! We played them last year and killed em. But this year isn’t last year, and they seem much better. It’s a true gauntlet for the Lakers to make it to the championship game this year. And we will have to face Ferris State yet again if we make it out of the first 2 rounds. Here’s to revenge (not a tour though, do you hear me universe?). Also fun fact, our stadium is named Lubbers not for the play on words for Lakers and “land lubbers”, but after the last name of a large school donor. Rather serendipitous and extremely on brand.

FINAL: Western Michigan 14 - Central Michigan 16, Tuesday 11/19

The 2024 Battle for the Victory Cannon Sponsored by Jim Tressel was a fun 2nd Half watch. Or a fun full game watch if you’re a special teams freak. Speaking of which, WMU and their QB freaked it hard. Way to lose to a lame duck head coach y’all lol. Fire Up!!

NFL x WTSBETS

Lions vs. Colts

With all this Indy talk, maybe I should’ve visited this weekend instead lol. But YOUR Detroit Lions head to Lucas Oil Stadium to ritually sacrifice Seth, Blue, and the Colts over the span of 3 hours. And <sigh> if the Lions play like the other Michigan teams that have been there lately, this game will be over expedistiously…..<sigh>

But GO LIONS BABY!! THE SUPER BOWL MARCH CONTINUES!! CRADLE YOUR TINY DOGS! DRINK A GIANT COFFEE!! KILL A MAN IN TEXAS!! IT’S GO TIME!!!!! FORWARD!!!

Chiefs vs. Panthers

Rooting for Sir Purr and the Panthers big time here. The Chiefs are now firmly on Fraud Wath from here on out. I truly hope their luck/magic/bribery slush fund has run out. Also change your name you losers. Go Panthers! #KEEPPOUNDING