It’s hard to pick the Beavs in this one given the Cougs beat Wisconsin, but I’m sticking with the undefeated rage season until it doesn’t work. I’m going to assume the past few weeks of lackadaisical play is normal for tune up games, and now that conference play has begun the Beavs turn it on 100%. I’ll say this: I’m not as confident in the undefeated season after seeing flaws in DJU’s game and the overall lackadaisical play. What I do like is despite that uninspired play they’re getting pressure on the QB consistently and generally have had sound tackling and overall fundamentals. Things like that win tough road games.

26-24 Beavs. Gotta factor in Smith botching at least one extra point.

Gooooo Beavs!

38-17

Can you believe it’s week 3 already? Pac will be gone before we know it! Sad.

Beavs got this, of course.

38-17

I’m going to be out and about today so I’ll put the game thread up early.

Gooo Beavs!

Final prediction: 49-17 (Original score adjusted for Smith’s overly aggressive coaching errors)

Just some quick takeaways from Saturday before moving on to my prediction.

Needs improvement:

1. Defense was lethargic, but that picked up by Q2.
2. Smith still doesn’t understand FGs and probabilities. This will obviously never correct, and anything to the contrary is an excuse by fans to protect “their guy”. It’s going to be bad in close games vs good opponents, though, so it’s a big deal.
3. WRs. Irish can’t be the #3. This is the same as last year when Martinez should have been the starter from day 1. This staff doesn’t always get the best option on the field. I’d like to see Zachary Card get a shot. He had great film. Vaslin. Even Noga looked better. Irish can’t be the guy, though.
4. Ivy had a bad game, and that could get uglier vs better competition, but he had good form, and that will go a long way. Secondary overall was fine. D was fine. No drop off as others expected. If anything they seemed to get more pressure and finish more plays. Good tackling overall.

I think this week is even uglier for the opponent. Beavs are tuned up and at home.

56-17, Beavs. Though, the quicker clock does make higher scores harder…I’ll say a 5TD spread.