Labor Day Weekstravaganza! Open Thread, viewing guide, and unwatchable filth

The real action kicks off tonight, folks.

Just got internet up (in the process of moving and of course Xfinity botched it). So, real quick schedule for tonight — and, of course, your open thread.

Tonight we get some awesome games, so buckle up. All times Central

Boise State +5.5 at UCF (6:15 ESPN) — This is Gus’ reinvigoration in Central Florida, and I think it will be a rousing success. Back where he belongs, in the midmajors, two of the G5’s biggest names square off. (If you’d like picks for these games tonight, well, you know what to do, degenerates!)

ECU at App. State (-11) ESPNU 6:30 — App. State is just not built for shootouts, preferring to win with defense and RTDB. But they just lost so much on offense: SBC POTY, top running back, three OL. Meanwhile, ECU was a much improved team down the stretch of 2020, and their aerial attack could give the ‘Eers trouble. This is the best ECU team in about half a decade

USF +18.5 at NCSU (6:30 ACCSN) — Want to know how to beat the pass-first ‘Pack? Rush the passer. USF had 7 sacks all of last season, and none against P5 teams. Could be a long, long night for the Bulls vs. an experienced ACC sleeper.

Ohio State -14 at Minnesota (7:00 FOX) — This is the one I’m really interested in. I think OSU’s offense will be better in the long run with Stroud pulling the trigger, and the Bucks have the best proven WR tandem in the country. But Minnesota has 20 returning starters and a knack for playing well above their head at home under PJ Fleck. The Gophers have 9 months of film on how to attack those pedestrian OSU LBs too. Upset alert? Maybe. The Buckeyes rarely open the season on the road in-conference.

Tennessee -35 vs. Bowling Green (7:00 SECN) — Want an encore to an NCAA investigation, losing 27 players to the Quitter Hole, a losing season, a fired head coach, a fired AD, and complete disarray? How about hire your 6th choice, Josh Heupel. It’s gonna be a long year in Knoxville this season, but this should be one of the bright spots, as UT goes up-tempo for 60 minutes against one of the worst teams in America. (Those with a pecuniary interest in this ghastly team can likely figure out what I suggested for this one.) Strictly for the gamblers and scouting future opponents though — don’t actually watch this garbage.

Chime in below, and let’s get ready to football.