Week 4 Predictions: Jay's Picks

Jay’s Picks (5 of 5 Week 3, 15 of 20 on the Season)

Both Tommy and I were perfect last week although Eureka sure made things interesting. Besides the UMM and IWC game, every game was decided by 10 points or less which again speaks to the parity in the UMAC this year. Through three weeks, we have an idea about each team in the conference, but I don’t think we can have a really good feel for the UMAC until the end of week 4 or 5.  Will Eureka come back to earth? Is Westminster for real? These are just some of the questions I have that will be answered this week.

Iowa Wesleyan @ MacMurray- In addition to the “Game of the Week”, I think we need to implement the “Game of the Weak” (see what I did there?) to lowlight the matchup of two bad teams against each other. If you don’t think “Game of the Weak” is clever enough, please I am open to suggestions. I still haven’t gotten it approved by UMAC Central, but I think this idea could definitely take flight just like anyone who doesn’t watch where they are going when they score a TD at Friesen Field. MacMurray 30 Iowa Wesleyan 20

Martin Luther @ Greenville- I don’t see any way that Martin Luther stops Greenville. In fact, if I was really bold, I would predict 0 punts for the Panthers. Even if the Knights put Luke Rothe on defense, there is no way they stop Greenville. Now, Greenville’s defense isn’t exactly the ’85 Bears defense either, but I like their chances to get several turnovers and a few timely stops. They’ll give up some points, but it won’t matter. Greenville 48 Martin Luther 28

Crown @ Northwestern- If Crown could go into Northwestern on their homecoming and win; it would be Crown’s equivalent of winning the Stagg Bowl. Crown’s defense should be able to manage a struggling Eagle offense for the most part, but can the Storm offense score enough points to win the game? The last time Crown beat Northwestern (in 2010, after losing like 20 in a row) they had probably their best team in Crown’s school history and barely beat (a six point victory) a Northwestern team that finished 1-8. Taking that into account, logic says don’t put any money on Crown this week. I just have this sneaky suspicion that the Storm might sneak away with one here. What is wrong with me? Am I crazy? I reserve the right to claim temporary insanity if I am wrong. Crown 21 Northwestern 20

Eureka @ Minnesota Morris- This should be a great game. I think Eureka is the better team, but I am worried that they will suffer a withdrawal from the Greenville loss. It’s tough to lose a heart breaker, focus all week in practice, and then have an 8 hour road trip to boot. Fortunately for the Red Devils, I think that defense is good enough to keep them in the game if the offense has a sluggish start. I really like the battle between the two QBs Blake Robles and Caleb McLaren. Football is becoming all about the QB, and I think Robles gets the better of McLaren this week. Eureka 27 Morris 24

Game of the Week

Westminster @ St. Scholastica- One reader this week thinks we have Westminster too high in the Power Rankings. We’re about to find out this weekend. RB Ronnie Seals Jr. has been one of the biggest surprises this season, but I think he is going to find running against St. Scholastica’s defense is a completely different animal. Westminster’s defense, which has not been tested either, faces the challenge of stopping a very physical offensive line and running game. I think QB Joe Plassmeyer will be the key. So far he has avoided turnovers and has been extremely efficient. However, against the Saints, Plassmeyer will be forced to make big time throws to keep the chains moving. If the Jays can run the football, avoid turning the ball over, and dominate the trenches they will have a chance to win. That’s a lot of ifs though. I think Westminster keeps it close for most of the game, but can’t quite keep up in the fourth quarter. St. Scholastica 35 Westminster 21