Well, this is a change of pace.

Normally I arrive fashionably late to the weekend Daily Dose parties, but this time I’m the first one here. So I’ll just throw in my two-cents (plink, plink), munch on some hors d’oeuvres and wait for someone else to arrive.

Wish you were here: In my opinion there are two Top 20 teams with must win games this weekend, No. 9 Mary Hardin-Baylor and No. 20 Ohio Northern. The next loss will be the second for either team and will put them firmly on the playoff bubble. In a perfect world I’d watch the Crusaders fight for their playoff life against Hardin-Simmons in Abilene.

UMHB can’t win the ASC because of its rain out versus Louisiana College, so Pool C is its only door to the postseason. Would a 7-2 national runner-up make the playoffs as a Pool C team? Maybe, but it certainly isn’t a slam dunk. And Cru fans know the pain associated with relying on an at-large bid.

This is as close as we’re getting to a playoff game in Week 8. Let’s get it on.

Game that will disappoint: Usually this is Pat’s department, but I’ll “borrow” it since it connects with my last point. It seems every year we go into the off season saying, “You know, if [insert OAC runner-up here] brings everyone back, in the right situation they can beat Mount Union next year…”

Nope. Doesn’t happen. Just ask Baldwin-Wallace, Capital and John Carroll. And I can’t see it happening for ONU either, especially in Alliance.

Don’t sleep on this one: Trinity (Texas) hasn’t blown out anyone this season and I don’t see why that would change with 6-1 Centre in town. In the USAC Methodist gave Ferrum a fight last Friday night. I’d be surprised if they don’t do the same when CNU comes to their place tomorrow.

Most Likely Top 25 Team to Lose: There isn’t much to pick from other than the games involving two Top 25 squads. Maybe Brockport upends a travel-weary Wesley in New York.

Gordon’s Super Ridiculous Pick of the Night: Four words for you — Kenyon Lords, Conference Champs. If they beat OWU tomorrow, it becomes more than a mathematical possibility. PS — I still haven’t nailed one of these. I’m due.

Saturday Night’s Alright: After a quiet Week 7, west coast visitors and night owls get a treat when the other undefeated pacific coast team with an exciting QB plays Redlands. Occidental is the favorite and would be a very compelling Pool C candidate should the Tiger stumble. And it’s always fun when both broadcast teams do such a good job that you don’t know whom to listen to. We’ve got links to both broadcasts on the scoreboard.