"The Challenge- Week 9"
Each week, Sovereign Communications News/Sports Director Joe Dexter and JT pick a few U.P. High School, Collegiate, and NFL football games. The winner- gets bragging rights for a year- the loser- wears a t-shirt of the winners choice in Marquette for the day.
Week 7: JT 6-2 Joe: 6-2
Overall: JT: 38-13 Joe: 36-15 2GB
OK- Joe and I will be honest here- “Week 8” of the challenge didn’t happen because- well- we were both extremely busy. So we will call that our “bye week”
Here are this weeks picks (NOTE: ALL PICKS WERE MADE BEFORE LAST NIGHTS ACTION)
Westwood at Negaunee
JT: Negaunee can win the Mid Peninsula Conference Title outright Thursday night if they defeat Westwood. I am willing to bet that the Miners believe that they let last weeks game at Marquette get away from them. Westwood is very banged up and is low on numbers, which is never a good sign for any football team. Negaunee defeats Westwood
Joe: The Patriots go in banged up against the Miners but look to compete with a team that’s going to be angry after losing their first game of the season. Coach Beckman always plays Negaunee tough – I’m expecting the Pats to go out there and give it all they got, but Negaunee will be just too much.
Ishpeming at Gwinn
JT: This is an interesting match up to me. Ishpeming has not looked like “Ishpeming” the last two weeks- and QB Alex Briones being injured has not helped. Gwinn has surged in the second half, becoming a less of a pretender and more of a contender. The Modeltowners play really well at home, but the Hematites are a pretty darn good road team. Ishpeming defeats Gwinn
Joe: This game is so important for Ishpeming, because it gives them a chance to get healthy while safely installing a healthy game plan for their playoff run. Look for Ishpeming to sit some of their starters but still cruise to the victory. Ishpeming
Northern Michigan at Wayne State
JT: Wow- what a win for Chris Ostrowsky and the NMU Football team last week- dismantling Grand Valley by 28 points! The Wildcats offense looks like a finely tuned machine with senior QB Cody Scepaniak running the show. The NMU defense is also starting to come around- which is a terrific thing, considering the youth on that side of the ball. Wayne State is the team NMU wants to become- a contender in the GLIAC. Wayne State over Northern Michigan
Joe: Who would of thought that the Wildcats would defeat Grand Valley State last week? I’m looking for my Wildcats to roll in back to back weeks. I think they do so against Wayne State (hopefully going on a whim pays off!) Northern Michigan
Michigan Tech at Ferris State
JT: Another tough game to pick. Ferris State plays awfully well at home- they upset Grand Valley two Saturdays ago. Michigan Tech is coming off a homecoming win in which the Huskies erased a 21-7 2nd quarter deficit against Northwood. In order for Tech to win Saturday, they must take the early lead- on the road- or else. Michigan Tech over Ferris State
Joe: I’ll take the #25 Huskies on the road in Big Rapids. Tony Annese has done a great job with Ferris, but the Huskies are on a roll. Michigan Tech
Michigan State at Michigan
JT: The Spartans have won 4 straight games over the Maize and Blue- and that streak may come to an end Saturday. Michigan State, outside of RB Le’Veon Bell, has no offensive rhythm. Michigan has no offense outside of QB Denard Robinson. Right now, I give Michigan’s defense a slight edge over Michigan States. This game is in Ann Arbor, and whichever team does not turn the ball over wins. Michigan over Michigan State
Joe: Michigan State at Michigan – Can Sparty win four years in a row? Highly
doubted. I’ll take Michigan.
Green Bay at St. Louis
JT: Aaron Rodgers is simply on fire right now after throwing 6 TOUCHDOWNS at Houston on Sunday. My bet is that “Mr. Discount Double-Check” stays hot this week. Green Bay over St. Louis
Joe: The Packers are on a roll. Aaron Rodgers will dominated St. Louis’ secondary. Look for a two score difference. Green Bay
Detroit at Chicago
JT: This game is on Monday night (MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL WOOHOO!!!!). The Bears have had 2 weeks to prepare for the Lions. Detroit is coming off an emotional win at Philadelphia in overtime. The offense that scores first wins this game. Oh and by the way, I hate the Bears. Detroit over Chicago
Joe: This is going to be an interesting game. Not sure though if the Lions can pull it out. Chicago