The Fraud Five by Mike Kern – October 25th Edition

Mike Kern’s Fraud Five

October 25, 2020

Michigan State — Rutgers hadn’t won a Big Ten game since 2017. Both teams have a new coach. Rutgers has Greg Schiano, in his second stint in North Jersey. The first had its share of moments. Now he took the Scarlet Knights to East Lansing and came away with a 38-27 victory. I guess somebody had to be THAT opponent. Might as well be Sparty.

SMU — It’s OK to lose to Cincinnati, even at home. But you were favored by a field goal. And you lost 42-13. That’s usually not the way you show you’re legit.

Virginia Tech — The Hokies were ranked 19^th, going to Wake Forest. Did I mention that Wake coach Dave Clawson, a former Villanova offensive coordinator, always seems to do a great job? Anyway, Tech went back to Blacksburg a 23-16 loser. It happens, but maybe it shouldn’t.

Minnesota — Gophers were slight underdogs at home against Michigan, in opener for both teams. Both were ranked, Michigan slightly higher. The final was 49-24 Wolverines, which just feels excessive.

Georgia Tech — It’s not really OK to lose to Boston College, even on the road, especially as a slight fave. But the Yellow Jackets did, 48-27, which appears to be borderline impossible. Of course I could be thinking that Steve Addazio is still coaching the Eagles. Silly me.

Maryland — Have to admit I know very little about either Maryland or Northwestern. But I sort of know that Terps shouldn’t be losing that game 43-3, even if it was in Chicago. But again, it was the first game, so perhaps I’m being a little harsh.

Dishonorable Mention — Ohio State coach Ryan Day. So his team scores a real late touchdown on a short run by a reserve to beat Nebraska at home 52-17. And afterward he apologizes for not just running out the clock, which is bogus to begin with if you ask me. But the explanation was priceless. He said he didn’t have the right personnel in at the time to run the difficult take-a-knee play. He’s kidding, right? Of course, Nebraska coach Scott Frost called a timeout with three seconds left to run one more play. Good for him, unless one of his guys would have got hurt on that final snap. Oh well. Aren’t you glad that conference is finally back. They say things come around if you stick around long enough. I guess we’ll find out. And what is the right personnel for a kneel-down anyway? Never heard that one before. Hope to never hear it again.