row boat

Las Vegas - Back in the 1960s, 'Michael, Row the Boat Ashore' was one of the biggest hits on radio. The original was sung by the Highwaymen. Check it out on YouTube. It starts with a whistle and goes into a gorgeous harmony. In 2021, Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck relies on the 'Row the Boat' culture. They 'Row' together as a team, and it has been quite a ride for the Golden Gophers. They were on the back foot last season with all the COVID-19 issues, and wound up 3-4. The year before, they bolted out of the starting gate on a 9-0 run, and finished the season at 11-2.
FIFTH-YEAR senior quarterback Tanner Morgan is looking for a bounce back from a mediocre 2020 season. Key words in that sentence, FIFTH YEAR, which equals experience and cool under pressure! It looks like Minny is healthy and deep, which is why we're expecting Morgan to skew closer to his 2019 stats, which were gorgeous. How gorgeous? Talking 66% completions with 30 TDs and just 7 picks. The Gophers also have a kid by the name of Mohamed Ibrahim, and he is special. He gobbled up 1,076 yards and scored 15 TDs.

Okay, now we have to mention a new factor in handicapping and it's the NIL. That's Name, Image and Likeness. Ohio State's new QB, C.J. Stroud, has NEVER attempted a pass at the college level and he already has a brand SPANKIN' new car. Gotta wonder how these kids are gonna play and react with potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars flowing in to their bank accounts before ever stepping to the NFL. Maybe Stroud is the second coming of Justin Fields, but just NOT in his first game ever.

Like the Gophers but not gonna throw too much gold on the table since we expect the Buckeyes to squeeze out a W. But remember, we're just at the start of the football marathon that's gonna last till February, so handle your early bank with care.

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