Curator & Coach - Week 4

Game of the Week - Curator Sam Burnham
​Texas A&M vs Arkansas

I’ve seen more than one person publicly eating crow regarding their skepticism and criticism of Arkansas hiring Sam Pittman as their head coach. I don’t understand why he was so underestimated as a coaching hire. He’s a well seasoned coach, he has a varied experience, he’s a proven recruiter, and he has spent much of his career coaching hogs. I make no apologies for being partial to the offensive line. It is by far the most important role on the field. That offensive line mentality likely helps fuel Pittman’s success. Close your mouth, do your job. If you fall down, get up and do it all again.

Now the Razorbacks play host to former SWC rival Texas A&M. The Aggies are a formidable foe and the history is rich. Admittedly I do not have near the admiration for Jimbo Fisher as I have for Pittman but he’s a top tier coach who will bring a well-prepared team into this game.

Arkansas has yet to beat A&M since the latter joined the SEC in 2012. That’s nine straight losses for those keeping score at home. But Arkansas has already seen a marked improvement since Pittman’s arrival. Any success at all would be commendable, considering their schedule. But the Razorbacks showed us all just what they can do when they sent the Texas Longhorns back to Austin with their tails between their legs.

These are two good football teams. I expect more fight out of the Aggies than we saw from the Horns. But I still expect the Hawgs to come out on top.

Game of the Week - Coach Drew Burnham
Notre Dame vs Wisconsin

This game is a statement opportunity for both teams. Notre Dame looks to solidify themselves as a playoff contender following 3 consecutive attention drawing performances that have seen them escape with 3 wins, albeit by a modest 20 total points. Florida State, Toldeo and Purdue have all taken their best shot at an Irish team whose schedule is about to stop doing them favors. They’re looking down the barrel of a very talented and well coached Wisconsin team followed by a visit from Group of 5 juggernaut Cincinnati and a night game in Blacksburg, VA. That’s no easy slate and if the Irish are to survive this stretch, it all begins in Chicago on Saturday.

Wisconsin is in pure survival mode. They’re not out of the playoff hunt, but they certainly have to win out to make it and, in their position, a statement win against a playoff veteran would go a long way in the eyes of the committee. With all those chips on the table this one will be a heck of a lot of fun.

There are a couple angles to this one. First, and psychologically most difficult, Notre Dame QB Jack Coan will stand opposite his former team donning the gold and blue. I have played against a former program of mine 3 times in my career and it’s weird every time. He will be saved SOME stress with the game being in Chicago and not in Camp Randall. I’ve done it both ways and it’s definitely easier when it’s not a true road game. You try to prepare yourself and you try to think through everything as much as possible to not be caught off guard on game day, but it gets you. It wins every time. We’re professionals and we do our jobs, but something always just feels a little off about it. How Coan handles that test will go a long way in determining the Irish’s offensive success.
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Apart from Jack’s psych battle, there is the normal chess game that will take place. Jack Coan and Irish Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees face off against Preseason All Big 10 LB Jack Sanborn and Jim Leonhard, Defensive Coordinator for the Badgers. The Wisconsin Offense sputtered against Penn State scoring just 10 points while turning the ball over 3 times. The Badgers need to keep Notre Dame’s strong offense in check and keep the score low into the 4th if they are to find a way to win this one. Leonhard is one of the best in the business, likely my favorite defensive coach in the country right now. He’s sharp and he will have a few looks up his sleeve to attack the Irish and keep Rees and Coan on their toes. That’s where this game will be won.

Something to Watch - Curator Sam Burnham
Gut Check Time for Clemson

Clemson sandwiched a cupcake between a tough loss to Georgia and a near loss to Georgia Tech. They’ve shown a few flashes of greatness, mostly in their defensive efforts against Georgia. But this team is underperforming. This is not the Clemson team we’ve come to know. They’re riding into Raleigh to face a Wolfpack team they should beat. But State is dangerous. If Clemson comes out flat or looks past State, they’re going to lose. If they hope to salvage their season, they need to get this game right. It’s gut check time for Clemson. Let’s see how they respond.

Something to Watch - Coach Drew Burnham
Southwest Conference Flashbacks

​Speaking of chips on the table, the wild wild Southwest is back this weekend! 3 games featuring 6 of the final 9 Southwest Conference teams are on the docket for the weekend. With the new name, image and likeness rule being passed this year, those nostalgic matchups make me wonder what could have been in that conference if this law was pushed through 40 years ago. SMU at TCU, Texas Tech at Texas and Texas A&M vs Arkansas are all on the menu Saturday. What a wild time that was full of unbelievable football. Long time fans of the game should enjoy seeing those this weekend. Kind of makes me excited. Almost excited enough to go buy recruits Trans Am’s in hopes that they’ll commit to my program instead of the one down the road…but I don’t…. because that’s still illegal and will get your program shut down. Bummer. Enjoy the weekend!

Curator’s Picks (6-9)

​Notre Dame over Wisconsin
Arkansas over Texas A&M
Oklahoma over West Virginia
Kentucky over South Carolina
LSU over Mississippi State

Coach’s Picks (6-9)

​Notre Dame over Wisconsin
Arkansas over Texas A&M
Oklahoma over West Virginia
Kentucky over South Carolina
Mississippi State over LSU