College Football is not generally my wheelhouse. I am constantly evolving and growing, but my college football knowledge is still in its early-childhood years. Out of necessity, my research and understanding is increasing exponentially, as I am half of The Campus Cover podcast. Still, I find myself constantly making picks based on my gut reactions, or something that makes me laugh. Much like that one girl that always wins your March Madness pool even though she just picks based on the uniforms she likes more (if UNC doesn’t win on her bracket, don’t trust her).
Based on this propensity, I am going to split my egos. The first half of the week, I’ll be non-football guy 
The games begin on Thursday with an in state battle between Tulsa and Oklahoma State.
The following paragraph is the most serious I’ll be in this column or any future column of this type. Tulsa’s mascot is the Golden Hurricanes, which is really cool. Unfortunately, real hurricanes are not very cool, which is something we are seeing right now with the absolute devastation in Houston. If you are in a position to help physically, please do. If you are not, then please try to donate, or at least have the families that are having their lives negatively altered in your thoughts and prayers.
Additionally, I kind of feel like it’s my place to pick against Tulsa this week, just as a matter of principal (it helps OK state is just far superior).
Saturday, September 2nd is when the season officially begins. That point in the year where you can sit on your couch from noon to midnight and do nothing but watch football until your eyes bleed.
First, at 3:30, is my game of the weekend. If there is one thing that I love very much about gambling, it is pride bets. You may ask, “Hey, PJ, why do you have money on the Sixers to win the NBA title this year, despite the fact that two of their three most important players are rookies?” To which, I would respond, “Well, dear reader, I did it because I love having my heart ripped out as I lose money and Joel Embiid still only plays half a season.”
This is the same reason I am picking Temple to waltz into South Bend and take care of business against Notre Dame, despite their 18 point underdog status. Also, I am ignoring the fact that they have a new coach and a new quarterback. But, none of that matters. While the Irish are passed out as the sun is setting so they can sleep off their day of Irish debauchery, the Owls will do their whole nocturnal hunting thing.
Additionally, I would like to use this as an excuse to remind everyone that Brian Kelly blamed his 4-8 season last year on all of the in-season fundraising he has to do. That is less of a football-guy thing to do than this article I am typing out right now. That is less of a football-guy thing than The Butt Fumble.
At 7:30, West Virginia travels to FedEx Field to face Virginia Tech
I am going to use this time for a quick history lesson because if there’s something I love as much as pride bets, it’s American history.
The year is 1861 and The American Civil War is on the horizon due to the southern states secession.
For those of you already bored because “ugh… history is so boring and pointless,” this is important today because people are currently trying to protect statues of some important figures from the Confederate States of America (note: these are not founding figures of the United States of America, but the nation that tried to destroy it). But, I digress.
As the war approaches, the citizens of western Virginia, mostly poor farmers, decide they do not support the southern plight. This is especially significant because Virginia is the South’s economic and political center. So, at the Wheeling Convention of 1861, West Virginia officially becomes a state of its own, and becomes part of the Union. Ultimately, West Virginia became a very important border state during the Civil War.
Is any of this relevant to a football game being played in 2017? Absolutely, 100% no. But, is it relevant to a guy that likes history more than football? Absolutely, 100% yes. West Virginia is a 4.5 point underdog, but you should take them straight up with the money line to win money because America.
Check in next Tuesday at noon eastern time for next week’s picks. Go Owls. Go America. Stay safe, Houston.