Week Thirteen

Week Twelve was a rough week for me as Utah fell to one of the worst teams in the conference. It was embarrassing, and I get mad still just thinking about it. As for the rest of the week, Kaylee went 3-3, so she is at 43-29 overall. I went 4-2 and am at 53-19 overall. This week has a lot of really good games because it is rivalry week. We've got the Rocky Mountain Rumble, the battle for the Wagon Wheel, the Apple Cup, The Game, the Iron Bowl and the Florida Cup on tap among others.

No. 22 Utah at No. 9 Colorado

Jordan's Pick: Utah Kaylee's Pick: Utah

After the excruciating loss to Oregon, Utah is looking to spoil its new rival's chance at winning the South division. Colorado is just trying to get a chance to play the winner of the Apple Cup in the Pac-12 Championship. Utah will need to play better defense if they want to win this game. The secondary will have to play their best game of the year, while the linebackers will have to learn how to tackle in just a week's time. Joe Williams will have to keep doing what he's been doing and Troy Williams will need to make some big throws to pull this off. If Utah's offense can keep the Buff's defense on their heels, they might sneak by. I'm going to go with Utah (surprise, surprise), because Utah is a great underdog, and Kyle Whittingham's teams don't quit.

Something to think about: If Utah wins, they will have beaten all other Pac-12 South teams, but won't win the division.

Utah State at BYU

Jordan's Pick: BYU Kaylee's Pick: BYU

Utah State is awful. BYU has gotten some good momentum going and the Aggies won't be able to slow them down. BYU needs to just keep playing like it has been the past few weeks and it won't be close. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if BYU sneaks into the polls this next week. If not, it might sneak in if it can win a bowl game against a ranked opponent.

No. 5 Washington at No. 23 Washington State

Jordan's Pick: Washington Kaylee's Pick: Washington

Two incredibly efficient offenses collide in the Apple Cup this year. Washington needs to win to keep its playoff hopes alive (and probably would make the playoffs). Washington State is just looking for a chance at the Pac-12 Championship game. These two offenses are poised to have a shootout, but I think Washington's defense will be able to hold Wazzu to under its 42.5 average. I'm going to take Washington because the Huskies are the better team, especially defensively. Washington will make stops that Wazzu can't match.

No. 3 Michigan at No. 2 Ohio State

Jordan's Pick: Ohio State Kaylee's Pick: Ohio State

The Game might actually be the game of the year. Two great coaches going at it with Harbaugh and Meyer. Both teams are coming off lackluster wins against inferior competition, probably looking forward to this game. Ohio State has the better quarterback. The Buckeyes' running back has the edge in yards, but I love the way De'Veon Smith runs for Michigan. Michigan has the better defense. It's going to be a great game that could come down to one of those plays we'll be talking about until next year. I'm going to take Ohio State because of J.T. Barrett and coach Urban Meyer though. I think Meyer will be victorious in the big game based on experience.

No. 13 Auburn at No. 1 Alabama

Jordan's Pick: Alabama Kaylee's Pick: Alabama

Will this be the week that Alabama finally loses? Remember 2013 when Auburn returned a missed field goal for a touchdown? Could that happen again this year? No. Alabama is too good. I wouldn't be surprised if Alabama rolls Auburn just to show off going into the conference championships and playoff. Auburn's only chance is to force Hurts to throw the ball, but even then, you need to be back also to stop the throw, which I don't think they will be able to accomplish both.

No. 15 Florida at No. 14 Florida State

Jordan's Pick: Florida State Kaylee's Pick: Florida State

This is an interesting game, because Florida's defense is good enough to win this game, but its offense isn't good enough to score points to win. Florida State, like I've said before, is a one-trick pony. If you can stop Dalvin Cook, you could beat them pretty easily. I think Florida will stop Cook, but I don't know if the Gator offense will score any points. I wouldn't be surprised to see a 3-0 game here for Florida State. I think FSU's offense will get a couple points (probably off a turnover), and Florida won't be able to get close enough to score. I'm taking Florida State in a close one.

Week Twelve

Last week was a crazy week in college football, but we mostly avoided the havoc because I didn't expect those teams to lose. Kaylee went 3-3, bringing her to 40-26 overall. I went 4-2 and am now sitting at 49-17 overall. Week 12 has some pretty good match ups, just not in Utah.

Oregon at No. 12 Utah

Jordan's Pick: Utah Kaylee's Pick: Utah

Oregon hasn't done much this season. They are in a position to just play spoiler at this point. The Ducks give up a ton of yards and a ton of points. They haven't been able to keep up with anyone in conference except Arizona State. Utah should roll.

Massachusetts at BYU

Jordan's Pick: BYU Kaylee's Pick: BYU

UMass is awful. BYU should be able to show up for this win. It shouldn't be close at any point once BYU scores its first points. BYU rolls.

Utah State at Nevada

Jordan's Pick: Utah State Kaylee's Pick: Utah State

Utah State finally is playing an opponent that it can beat. Nevada gives up a ton of rushing yards (nearly 300 a game). Utah State's strength is in the run game. When the run gets going, Kent Myers will be able to throw better. Utah State should win its fourth game.

No. 22 Washington State at No. 10 Colorado

Jordan's Pick: Colorado Kaylee's Pick: Colorado

This match up is super intriguing. Washington State hasn't lost in conference, while Colorado has an outside shot to the playoff if it continues winning. I am a huge fan of Sefo Liufau from Colorado, but there's also something about the air game of Washington State that makes me love their game play too. If Colorado isn't careful, they could end up in a shootout that doesn't bode well for the Buffaloes. I'm going to go with Colorado because of defense. Colorado's defense only allows 176 passing yards a game. Wazzu's Luke Falk will have a tough match up this week. Colorado will knock Washington State from going unscathed through conference play.

No. 23 Florida at No. 16 LSU

Jordan's Pick: Florida Kaylee's Pick: LSU

Who doesn't love a defensive battle? I know I do. This is going to be a slow, grind-it-out type of game. LSU may have the top running back in the nation (Leonard Fournette), but he has struggled this year, and Florida's defense is good enough to hold him to limited yardage. That will force Danny Etling to pass, which isn't a good sign for Tiger fans. Florida will be more balanced and be able to open up the field a bit more. Florida wins in a close one.

No. 9 Oklahoma at No. 14 West Virginia

Jordan's Pick: Oklahoma Kaylee's Pick: Oklahoma

West Virginia may be the most underrated team in the nation (just ask their fans on Twitter, they'll tell you). Oklahoma may be one of the most overrated teams...always...I mean, this year. Both teams are more willing to air it out than keep it on the ground. In that type of game, West Virginia is favored defensively, but the Mountaineers are a little more balanced than the Sooners. I think this is one of the closest games on paper. It's a toss-up. I'm going to take Oklahoma though because Baker Mayfield will be able to make more plays than West Virginia's whole offense.

Redefining 'Millennial'

I am 25 years old, so I am considered a millennial. Of all the titles I hold or will ever hold, millennial might be the worst one. I've spent some time thinking about this the last week or so as the election was in process and now afterwards thanks to the rioting.

Picture from searchenginejournal.com.

In case you don't know what a millennial is, here is a definition from urbandictionary.com (sure, not the best source, but I thought it was pretty accurate and funny):

"Special little snowflake.

Born between 1982 and 1994 this generation is something special, cause Mom and Dad and their 5th grade teacher Mrs. Winotsky told them so. Plus they have a whole shelf of participation trophies sitting at home so it has to be true.

They believe themselves to be highly intelligent, the teachers and lecturers constantly gave them "A"'s in order to keep Mom and Dad from complaining to the Dean. Unfortunately, nobody explained to them the difference between education and grade inflation so they tend to demonstrate poor spelling and even poorer grammar.

At work, millennials believe themselves to be overachievers who just aren't understood by their loser bosses. Even Mom said so when she showed up for the interview."

Not everyone agrees on dates, but most people agree the dates go from somewhere in the 1980s up to about 2000. Basically, millennials are regarded as lazy, entitled, spoiled, participation-trophy-needing individuals. The good things that people say about millennials are that they are technologically advanced.

This election cycle has brought out the worst of the millennials as they riot in the streets and think their candidate, whomever it might have been, should have won. 

Doesn't this seem so true? Ecard from theodysseyonline.com.

The future looks bleak if you think these people who are rioting in the streets, burning the American flag, calling for a war against Trump supporters, and sobbing over the election will one day run businesses, states and even this country.

I'll tell you this though, millennials that will eventually run this country are not in the news right now. These millennials are finishing up school, still in school, running their own businesses already, or working hard to make their way to the top of their profession. Millennials may have received participation trophies and whatnot, but the best millennials took that as motivation to be better next time.

The best millennials will eventually rise up to take over those top spots in the workplace and politics because eventually the "newsworthy," loud-mouthed, entitled, lazy and spoiled millennials will fall by the wayside expecting things in life to be given them on a silver platter (or in the form of a participation trophy).

Don't judge all millennials on what you see on the news, because the best millennials are working their way up to make this country better than it has ever been.

Picture from pinterest.com.

The best millennials realize that this picture is correct. We will be silent until it is our time to take over what is needed. We are not the loud ones yelling obscene things about Trump on your TV. We are the ones that are silent until it is necessary. Don't fear for future generations.

Post-Election Thoughts

America has a new president. Donald J. Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in an election for the history books. Trump proved that America is against corruption in the government by beating Clinton who has many different questionable attributes about her.

I'm not going to lie, I voted for Trump. If you think that makes me an awful, racist, sexist human being, then you should definitely keep reading so I can prove you wrong.

Here is a paragraph from ABC News (also where I got the picture) about what Trump plans to do on his first day in office:

"Trump said he will repeal and replace ‘Obamacare,' immediately suspend the admission of Syrian refugees, order a review of every single regulation issued over the last eight years, begin lifting all regulations that are hurting our workers and our businesses, terminate every single unconstitutional executive order signed by President Obama, restore the rule of law to our land, begin implementing plans for construction of a wall along our southern border and get rid of international gangs of thugs and drug cartels."

Although, I don't agree with all of these things, I think that is a great start to a presidency. 

President Obama, whom I disagree with a lot but respect and support 100 percent, said eight years ago he will bring about change. But there wasn't a lot of change that happened. Sure, he brought about the Affordable Care Act. He legalized gay marriage (after states already voted on it). He helped rid the world of Osama Bin Laden. I feel like Obama didn't bring about the change everyone needed.

President Barack Obama. Picture from whitehouse.gov.

I think Trump will be able to make changes that seem crazy, but will help everyone in the country that is a citizen. He wants to impose term limits on all members of congress. That's a great idea. He also wants to reduce the size of the government by freezing all hires. He will decrease taxes and will figure out our trading with other countries. We've been getting screwed by China lately, so we needed to do something about that. Decreasing taxes could be good or bad, we'll see.

Trump is also looking at replacing the Affordable Care Act. I understand the usefulness of this act for some people, but it also gouges others. I think with a lot of help from former presidential candidate and former surgeon Dr. Ben Carson, Trump will be able to put a more effective health care reformation in place.

Dr. Ben Carson. Picture from lifenews.com.

Trump will uphold the Constitution of the United States. He will fight and probably defeat ISIS. He will fix our educational issues. He will fight for the average American. He will take care of our veterans. He will make America great again!

Week Eleven

Last week, Kaylee and I both went 5-1. Kaylee is now at 37-23 overall, and I am at 45-15 overall. This week was a quick turnaround with the craziness of the election and Utah playing on a Thursday night. So here we go with week 11 picks.

No. 15 Utah at Arizona State

Jordan's Pick: Utah Kaylee's Pick: Utah

Both teams are coming off of bye weeks and losses before that. Utah needs to prove that it can still win the South portion of the conference while Arizona State is just looking to spoil Utah's chances at this point. Utah will need to play good in the secondary to win this game. ASU will need to have learned what defense is to win this game. I don't really see that happening in a two week span if they haven't figured it out thus far. Utah should win.

SUU at BYU

Jordan's Pick: BYU Kaylee's Pick: BYU

We attend SUU. Kaylee's cousin plays for BYU. This is an intriguing match up for us based on the teams playing. It shouldn't be intriguing outside of that. SUU is a solid football team, but I don't think that they will be able to pull this out. BYU has more speed, talent and better coaching. BYU should roll for only the second time this season.

New Mexico at Utah State

Jordan's Pick: New Mexico Kaylee's Pick: Utah State

Utah State is not doing well. The Aggies have not shown any progress either. I don't think Utah State has what it takes to finish this season strong in the last three games. The Aggies may be facing three more losses if they're not careful. New Mexico is a run heavy offense this year, and has a good defense against the run. Utah State's Kent Myers will have to throw to win this game. I don't think that is going to go well. New Mexico wins.

No. 20 USC at No. 4 Washington

Jordan's Pick: Washington Kaylee's Pick: Washington

This is by far the best match up of the week. USC is on a five-game winning streak and only Colorado was even close. Washington is undefeated and looking like a playoff contender, but this is a huge test for the Huskies. Washington has probably the best defense USC will face. USC has the most speed and talent in the Pac-12. USC's QB Sam Darnold is the real deal, but it will be a hostile environment in Washington. It will be incredibly close, but I am going to give the edge to Washington because it is at home.

No. 24 LSU at No. 25 Arkansas

Jordan's Pick: Arkansas Kaylee's Pick: LSU

LSU has a great defense, Arkansas doesn't. I want to pick Arkansas in this game, but I don't know why. Arkansas is coming off of a beat down of Florida. LSU is coming off a close game against Alabama. Arkansas' QB is 10 times better. You know what, I'm going to do it. I'm going to take Arkansas. I think they'll key on Leonard Fournette and make LSU beat them through the air, which won't happen. Arkansas will make enough plays, especially if they can flip the field and make it a difficult punting situation for LSU.

Ole Miss at No. 8 Texas A&M

Jordan's Pick: Ole Miss Kaylee's Pick: Texas A&M

These two teams are incredibly similar. Both teams are not great defensively, high-powered offenses and without their star quarterbacks. Ole Miss is looking for any type of momentum going forward in the SEC. Texas A&M is looking to rebound from an embarrassing loss to Mississippi State (speaking of, why are they ranked at 8? That's ridiculous). It'd be tough for Ole Miss to pull this one off if A&M comes out firing because of last week. A&M has a better rushing offense, but we'll see how it goes. I'm going to take Ole Miss in a big upset.

Election 2016

Hey guys, Jordan here getting a little political. Utah has always been predominantly a red (republican) state, so politics hasn't really interested me that much. In fact, the last time Utah voted democratic was in 1964 for Lyndon B. Johnson. Before Johnson, Utah voted democratic for Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman from 1932 to 1948.

  

            Franklin D. Roosevelt             

Harry S. Truman

Lyndon B. Johnson

Pictures from WhiteHouse.gov.    

It seems everyone I talk with is incredibly concerned about this election. Who wouldn't be? It seems like we have two of the worst candidates we've ever seen. I mean, both of them are being investigated for crimes committed in their past. Hillary Clinton has a lot of big question marks about her integrity, while Donald Trump has said many off-color things that have turned people away from voting for him.

Donald J. Trump

Hillary R. Clinton

Photos from cnn.com.

Many people in Utah are looking for another option. It seemed they were going to go for Gary Johnson until he couldn't name a foreign leader. Now, they've turned to someone that everyone seems to think is a moral vote in Evan McMullin.

I, too, was caught up in the idea of someone being different than Clinton or Trump that looked clean. He worked for the CIA for 10 years, he seems to know a lot about politics and is very professional. I have since stopped following McMullin. And I'll explain why.

First, let's look at his website. It's incredibly clean and well thought-out. I really only have one issue with his policies. From his website, evanmcmullin.com, it says, "Evan will impose tougher sanctions on Russia and increase America’s military presence in the Baltics in order to deter and reverse Putin’s aggression, rather than pretending that he is a partner for peace in Syria."

That's scary to me! I don't want to battle Putin. I think Putin is not someone to be messed with until he does something that is against America. There is only one thing that can come from "military presence in the Baltics." That's war. We don't want that.

Evan McMullin

Picture from Twitter.com.

Next, let's look at McMullin's past. Oh wait, there isn't any. It's all a big secret. He could be working for Clinton, Putin, Trump or anyone else for that matter. We know nothing about this guy. He is quoted on YouTube saying he is running to keep Clinton and Trump from the White House, but then continues saying if he keeps Trump out of the White House, he would be successful. That doesn't sound like a fellow republican/conservative.

I think Utahns are running in to vote for a man that they don't fully understand. They cite reasons like it's a moral option, but what if you found out he isn't actually Mormon? What if it came out that he is working for Hillary Clinton to dupe the Mormons? What if he is just trying to ensure Hillary Clinton wins the election? Would you vote for him then? I doubt it.

So that left me with the two viable candidates: Clinton or Trump. Email Scandal or rape case? Benghazi or Mexico/America wall? I ultimately had to pick Trump. It seemed easy once I found that Clinton will be looking to place three new liberal judges on the Supreme Court. If that happens, the Constitution will be obsolete (but more on that later if Clinton wins tomorrow). Clinton's running mate, Tim Kaine, has also been recorded saying that religion will have to change to make way for the new rulings. That's not OK with me.

Trump has vowed that he will make safer choices for the Supreme Court. He is pro-christian, pro-life and pro-America. He is being investigated for the rape case, but based on the number of big name rape cases that have been fabricated in the past for athletes, celebrities and others in the spotlight makes me skeptical if Clinton didn't pay someone to say things that aren't true (it wouldn't be the first time).

Trump's final election ad.

Trump may not be a saint, but he is willing to make America what it used to be. This is why I'll be voting for Donald J. Trump tomorrow. 

Whatever happens, keep America in your prayers because we will need it whether Clinton, Trump, McMullin or anyone else wins. God bless America!

Beautiful image from http://dave-amy.com/faith/god-bless-america.

Week Ten

Week nine saw the end of Kaylee's impressive win streak. Kaylee went 3-3, and I went 5-1. Utah losing hurt me on more than one level. It was a tough loss. Week ten will have Utah on a bye week, but I really want to pick the Colorado vs. UCLA game, so here it is on Thursday.

Utah State at Wyoming

Jordan's Pick: Wyoming Kaylee's Pick: Wyoming

Wyoming has been one of the biggest surprise teams in the nation. They are coming off a huge upset over Boise State. Utah State is having an awful year record-wise. I don't think Utah State will be able to sustain a run game against the Cowboys, which will make them lack a passing game also. Wyoming should win.

BYU at Cincinnati

Jordan's Pick: BYU Kaylee's Pick: BYU

BYU is coming off a bye week, which was good timing for them after an emotional loss to Boise State. Cincinnati is having a rough season against good opponents. I think Jamaal Williams will be able to run all day. Taysom Hill won't have to throw the ball much, which fits perfectly into BYU's strengths. BYU's secondary will have to play well, but I think they will be able to contain Hayden Moore. BYU should win easily.

UCLA at No. 15 Colorado

Jordan's Pick: UCLA Kaylee's Pick: Colorado

This game is incredibly intriguing. Colorado is the lone leader in the Pac-12 South. UCLA is on the verge of not even making a bowl game. UCLA has a great team, but has fallen short on too many games. This game will be on the shoulders of the Bruin defense. I think UCLA's Mike Fafaul will be able to throw over Colorado's defense, forcing Colorado to keep up. I don't think the Buffs will be able to keep up completely. Upset alert!

No. 1 Alabama at No. 13 LSU

Jordan's Pick: Alabama Kaylee's Pick: Alabama

This game should be an incredibly low-scoring affair. Remember LSU beating a team 3-2 a few years ago? That could potentially happen again. I think LSU will be able to contain Jalen Hurts in rushing, but Alabama will keep Leonard Fournette from rushing much also. This game will come down to which quarterback can throw better. I think Hurts will be able to pull off this victory through the air, but it won't be by much.

No. 10 Nebraska at No. 6 Ohio State

Jordan's Pick: Ohio State Kaylee's Pick: Ohio State

A huge battle of Big Ten opponents. Nebraska is coming off of its first loss against Wisconsin. Ohio State is trying to make its way into the top 4 of the College Football Playoff rankings after suffering a loss to Penn State two weeks ago. Nebraska gives up huge amounts of yards and JT Barrett will be able to execute fully. I think Ohio State will win, but I'd be surprised if they cover the 17-point spread.

Georgia Tech at No. 21 North Carolina

Jordan's Pick; North Carolina Kaylee's Pick: Georgia Tech

This is an interesting match up. UNC and GT are both incredibly similar teams. GT runs the ball much better than UNC, but UNC throws the ball much better. I'm going to have to go with North Carolina because passing is going to be a lot easier than the rushing in this game. I think GT will go home looking at another close loss to a ranked team.