My burned-out ass doesn’t want to go through all the Prem scheduling – but here is the linky-poo for you to peruse at yer leisure.

Let’s get to those wacky, “No homo obvs” Senegalese!

I mean, before we get into the…not great, Bob!…let’s acknowledge that the (Butch) Lions of Teranga have quite a bit positive about them.  Free-flowing play, a combination of flashy and defense-minded talent, a charismatic and cool as fuck manager (Aliou Cisse), winner of the last Afrikan Euros.  They even spared us of more Liverpool ball gargling, taking out Egypt (and Mo Salah) in both the Afrikan Euros and the WC qualification playoff round.  Their fans are coloUrful, engaging, and joyous.

That said, especially at…THIS  particular World Cup, the nation’s troubling, highly performative homophobia is really vexing.  NO, every heavily Muslim country is NOT like this.  Fuck’s sake, Everton’s own Idrissa Gana Gueye refused to be included in PSG’s squad when they wore their “equal rights” matchday kit.  Two years running.  His teammates and even sadder, Cisse – didn’t just ask for his privacy and religious “concerns” to be respected, they went over the top in “hurr durr, cancel culture!!!111” fashion.  It was really gross.

I wasn’t super enthusiastic about Gana returning to Everton.  In addition to homophobia being very much contrary to the club’s ethos, Gana is also…not really that good anymore.  Sadio Mane has also lost a step, and was questionable in terms of making the final 26 due to injury (he was indeed included, we shall see how much and how well he plays).  Afrikan Euros star and talisman Mendy has been dropped in goal for Chelsea this season (under two managers).  One questions whether their recent trophy is more “culmination of a sunsetting golden generation” than “harbinger of World Cup success.”

Who might step up?  Watford’s Ismaila Sarr.  If they make it through to the knockouts, or even the quarters (that’s their ceiling, in Hippo’s view), the Moose Hornet winger/forward will be essential.  And with a FIFA ranking of 18 and a fairly easy draw (NED, Ecuador, the Cutters), the path is there.

Schedule:

Monday, 21 Nov – NED (11:00 EST)

Friday, 25 Nov – QAT (8:00)

Tuesday, 29 Nov – ECU (10:00)

I’d expect their qualification to go down to the final matchday.  If they draw with NED, I suspect they’ll be fine.  Lose the opener, and the Cutter match becomes a bit ass-clenchy.

Missouri (+20.5) at Tennessee (Noon, CBS)

It’s “Trap Game Window” in the League That Means MOAR, though I’d be more worried for the Vols if this’un were in Mizzou.  Still, the Tigers often give the big boiz fits, and the emotional hangover from last week’s trip to Athens is likely immense.

LSU (-3.5) at Arkansas (Noon, ESPN)

Does LSU feel like “Mission Accomplished?”  If so, Pig Sooey will whip ’em, especially coming off a no-doubt annoying home loss to the Libtards (see below).  This one IS on the road, so Vegas catches onto the danger.

Purdue (+6.5) at Illinois (Noon, ESPN2)

Because Hippo don’t do social media, I don’t “follow” the Sickos Committee.  But surely this matchup has to be on their radar.  There Will Be Punts.

Liberty (-14) at UConn (Noon, CBSSN)

Shout out to the mighty Fightin’ Horatios, on the precipice of bowl eligibility.  They just have to tell the Libtards to SUCK IT! obvs.  All things coming up Horatio since Gooner flag acquisition day.

Alabama (-12) at Ole Miss (3:30, CBS)

This line makes fuckall sense.  Has nobody actually SEEN BAMA PLAY, since Bryce Young first got dinged up?  And he’s still playing well, just not heroically enough to cover up their myriad flaws elsewhere on the roster.  Johnny Reb will be up for this fixture, rest assured.  FERGET HAYELL!!!!

Boston College (+19) at NC State (3:30, ACCN)

Hopefully y’all get “Starwipe Network” coverage, so you can watch along with Hippo.  Wolen Sort seem to have found something with true freshman QB MJ Morris.  He certainly pulled the season out of the fire starting with the second half comeback against VPI.  Too bad SillyCuse week happened first.  SIGH.