I like Herm Edwards. I am not sure how anyone couldn't. The man exudes enthusiasm and positive thinking. He was extremely well thought of in Kansas City during his time at the helm of the Chiefs. Is still well thought of. But he was fired for a reason. I honestly thought Herm would spend the rest of his career in the comfort of a studio talking football. The passion he has for the game is apparent. You get the feeling he could talk football non stop 24/7 if that pesky need for sleep did not get in the way. 

I have a feeling the Sun Devils could evolve as the week unfolds into one of those "trendy" picks most you guys know from past discussions I loathe. Despite the beat down Edwards club laid on Texas San Antonio last week I am far from sold. Not even close. But in my opinion what we have is some legit value created here off opening week. Combine that beatdown over a lousy Texas San Antonio with the closer than expected game between the Spartans and Utah State and the result is a VERY manageable line for Michigan State to clear here in my humble opinion. Make no mistake about it, the Spartans are the vastly superior club here and yes, sorry but better coached. Herm does wonders with his locker room speeches. Epic hall of fame locker room talks I am told. But when it comes to the pesky business of actual X's and O's, well, that is a different story. Stubborn fact here is this very salty Spartan club returned a ton of starters from last years very strong 10-3 team. On the flip side the Sun Devils lost half their strength from a mediocre club last season. Also dealing with a new HC and staff. I like Manny Wilkins but this is an entirely different kind of animal he will be stepping in against Saturday night. To be honest what concerns me most is not the players the Spartans will be dealing with but the heat. I'm telling you, dry heat or not it is football in the desert and it is f---g HOT. I have talked with some of the guys on Mizzou who played down there on a Saturday night a few years ago very early in the season. The Michigan State depth will be a savior here. Bottom line is I think the Spartans pull away in the final quarter and cash for us. Triple on the Big 10 and Michigan State to show their class. 

Okay, onward we go. Many sincere thanks as always guys. Best of luck to each of us and enjoy the game. 

Saturday Note! As we all can see this line has dropped. Seems Arizona State is a trendy pick. Most of you know my stance on trendy picks. I saw them burn people too many times over the years. Seems to me the primary logic I see being used in the heat. Yes, it will be hot. It's the desert guys. I know many of you perhaps have had to play in heat before. I know in mid Missouri it gets hot AND humid and can be a issue. But, with that being said Mark Dantonio is a sharp head coach. He and his staff will keep the kids hydrated and I do think they have the depth to deal with it. I am just not that impressed with the opening win over Texas San Antonio. I still feel we are getting a much better club here at a very reasonable number. Bottom line is I still very much like our chances here. I won't be surprised if ASU gets off to a good start in front of the home crowd. Over the course of four long quarters however I just do not think they have the horses to keep within the number. It's one game so as always please do not over bet it. Many thanks again and best of luck to each of us. Enjoy the game. Gonna be a late night.