Week 9 Preview: This Is Where the Fun Begins

Welcome back, everyone, to the College Football Preview! Let me ask you all a question: Have you ever cooked up what seemed to be an absolute masterpiece, only to have it stab you in the rear later? Well, if you have, you can join James Franklin and I as we bask in our own self-inflicted defeat. For me, it was boneless pork ribs I stove-grilled an hour ago that were absolute fire until the last five minutes, when I started feeling them knocking on the door at the other end of my digestive tract. For Mr. Franklin, it was the Penn State football team he was hoping would carry him to a B1G Championship and a New Year's Six bowl (at the very least), as well as bigger and "better" things in store out west. Don't worry, Jim, the latter could still happen; thanks to the now 3-5 Illini, however, you'll have to wait until then for the other two.

Speaking of dumpster fires, let's get in to our short recap of week 8: #3 Oklahoma squeaked out the comeback upset over favored Kansas*, #8 Oklahoma State took a loss to help unranked Iowa State avoid an actual upset (somehow) and climb back into the Top 25, and then-#4 Georgia held an explosive Iowa offense to 2 field goals in a tight battle to keep their undefeated season alive (in spite of poor offensive performance all-around). Nothing else really happened this week as far as I'm concerned**, so let's get into the good part, shall we?

Smallest Upset of the Week: #4 Oklahoma over Texas Tech

Oklahoma has an opportunity here, and I mean it. Having squeaked out win after close win every week of the season so far, the Sooners quietly have one of the most impressive resumés in college football. If they can pull off an upset against a Texas Tech team that posted 35 points on a Longhorns defense boasting one of the most electrifying armband-wearers in the history of football—Demarvion Overshown—they might finally be respected enough by the media to be ranked as highly as they deserve. Oklahoma 35, Texas Tech 34

Biggest Chaos Moment of the Week: Five Ranked Teams Lose Before Oklahoma Even Has A Chance To

This would be the absolute best-case scenario for the weekend, and it's actually not too unbelievable. To prove my point, here are the 11:00 matchups for this week's Top 25 teams: #2 Cincinnati at Tulane, Miami at #17 Pittsburgh, #9 Iowa at Wisconsin, #6 Michigan at #8 Michigan State, and Texas at #16 Baylor. Add a Thursday night showdown between Troy and #24 Coastal Carolina, and we have ourselves some real interesting matchups.

Troy at #24 Coastal Carolina

Coastal Carolina is coming off of a close loss to Appalachian State, so we know they are beatable. Troy, on the other hand, only lost by nine to a South Carolina team that put up a whopping 13 points in a loss against the historic Georgia Bulldogs earlier this season, so they're no stranger to challenging good teams. I expect the Chanticleers to be shocked once again by an inferior foe, much like Penn State was in Week 8. Troy 23, Coastal Carolina 19

#2 Cincinnati at Tulane

This one is, in my opinion, the least likely to happen. However, it's still very possible. Cincinnati showed signs of vulnerability in their most telling game of the season thus far against Navy last week, and Tulane did keep it uncomfortably close against Oklahoma earlier this year. I think this game will be a lot closer than many expect, and even if the Green Wave can't pull of the upset, there's still plenty of opportunity for the fall of five ranked. Cincinnati 38, Tulane 35 (Final/OT)

Miami at #17 Pitt

This one would also be big surprise, but I think there's a very real opportunity here. Pitt's coming off of a signature victory over former powerhouse Clemson with high hopes and an ACC title that's there's for the taking. Miami has been completely ignored by the majority of college football conversation since getting blasted by Alabama and Michigan State at the beginning of the season. In the time since, however, the Hurricanes have secretly been reestablishing themselves as a team to be taken seriously. Last week, they upset the 18th-ranked NC State Wolfpack (knocking them out of the Top 25), and gave fellow ACC opponents North Carolina and Virginia very tough games in back-to-back matchups beforehand. Pitt may be on fire right now, but their sole loss at home against Western Michigan is proof that they aren't invulnerable. Miami 28, Pitt 17

#9 Iowa at Wisconsin

Honestly, as much as I hate saying this, I am not confident in Iowa's odds on Saturday. Riley Moss may be returning from injury this week, but I don't really see his return having even a minor effect on the Hawks' chances of winning. Iowa still has one of the best defenses in the country, but they also have one of the worst offenses in the country. If Jim Leonhard is even an average defensive coordinator, he should have no trouble holding Iowa's offense to 25 total yards, and the lack of next-level talent across Iowa's defensive line should allow Wisconsin to win the trench battle and give them enough yardage to put points on the board (or at least pin the Hawkeyes back deep enough to prevent Caleb Shudak or Tory Taylor from taking advantage of Graham Mertz's many unavoidable turnovers). Wisconsin 10, Iowa 9

#6 Michigan at #8 Michigan State

This game will automatically result in a Top 25 loss, and I'll break it down later, so we can just skip this one.

Texas at #16 Baylor

Baylor has been a big surprise so far this season, but I think the Longhorns will take this one and run away with it. Or have you all forgotten about Texas being home to both Demarvion Overshown and Bijan Robinson, respectively the most and second-most electric players in the sport right now? Texas 42, Baylor 21

Sluggiest Slugfest of the Afternoon: #6 Michigan vs. #8 Michigan State

This game is the college football equivalent of Paul Blart: Mall Cop vs. Nacho Libre. No one really thinks of either as "actually that good," but they're fun to watch, and to this point they haven't disappointed their fans. They do what they do, and they do it well. Because of this, the vast majority of people would (and absolutely should) put at least one of them in their top 10 rankings. I don't actually think either of these teams can hang with Ohio State, Alabama, or Georgia, much like I don't think Blart or Nacho could really hold a light to movies like The Dark Knight, No Country For Old Men, or Avengers: Infinity War. That doesn't mean I don't like them, and that absolutely doesn't mean I wouldn't love to watch a showdown between the two in either situation, regardless of who wins. Michigan State 31, Michigan 29 (Final/2OT)

Biggest Stat Line of the Week: Iowa LB/S Dane Belton

Once again, there are a ton of players I feel are destined for greatness this weekend, but none sticks out to me more than under-the-radar next-level talent Dane Belton, who plays the Cash position for the Hawkeyes. Despite the poor showing in Week 7 against Purdue, as well as the low expectations I have for Iowa this week, I feel the Hawks defense will re-cement themselves as the second-best unit in the nation this week by holding the Badgers to 3 offensive points (10 total) and being responsible for all 9 of Iowa's. I think this upcoming defensive struggle will also launch Belton into the top two rounds of the draft, and here's why:

• The Hawks will hold Wisconsin's offense to -3 net passing yards. This would be a huge booster for any pass-defender on any defense regardless of how run-heavy the opposing offense is, but the key play to put the Badgers under will be a sack by Belton himself.

• Belton will personally score 8 of Iowa's 9 points. Many Hawkeye fans might recall another recent loss to Wisconsin in which a sole defender—current NFL defensive back Josh Jackson—was responsible for all of Iowa's points. The aforementioned sack will happen in the Badgers' own end zone (resulting in a safety) following a gorgeous boot from legendary punter Tory Taylor, which pins Wisconsin back at their own 4. The other six will be the result of a first-drive pick-six on one of Belton's numerous tipped passes of the day.

• Speaking of tipped passes, Belton's impact on the stat sheet won't end with the points he scores. He'll also record another tackle for loss, 8 total tackles, and a whopping 6 pass deflections to add to his already impressive stat line (1 sack, 1 interception and 2 scoring plays). The Hawks may lose the game, but it certainly won't be #4's fault.

Feel free to respond to the opening question or ask me pretty much anything in the comments, I'll make sure to respond to as many people as I can. Thanks for the support!

*Kansas is a 1-6 team. Oklahoma "upset" everyone by coming back from being down big and winning against the team that everyone "favored" deep down inside.

**There were other relevant games this last week, but honestly, who really wants to hear about those?

Silver Screen Suggestions: No Time to Die

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The Plot (as Summarized By Google)

James Bond is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica after leaving active service. However, his peace is short-lived as his old CIA friend, Felix Leiter, shows up and asks for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond on the trail of a mysterious villain who's armed with a dangerous new technology.

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The Movie Specifics

Is It A Sequel/Remake? Yes, this is the fifth installment of the most recent James Bond series. If story continuity matters to you, I would advise watching the previous movies before this one.

Rating: PG-13 for violence, some language, and some suggestive material

My Read on the Rating: It doesn't push the limits as far as PG-13 movies go. The suggestive/sexual content of this movie pales compared to most other Bond films, and the violence, while abundant at times, is fairly tasteful and clean. There's some language, but once again, it's not a fixture of the film.

Runtime: 2 hours, 43 minutes

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Notable Names and People You Might Recognize That Are Involved with the Film

Actor Daniel Craig: Stars in the other James Bond films and "Knives Out"

Actress Ana de Armas: Stars in "Knives Out" and "Blade Runner: 2049"

Actor Ralph Fiennes: Stars in "Grand Budapest Hotel" and "Schindler's List"

Actor Rami Malek: Stars in "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Mr. Robot"

Actress Lea Seydoux: Stars in "Spectre" and "Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol"

Actor Christoph Waltz (☑️Silver Screen Suggestions Favorite): Stars in "Inglourious Basterds" and "Django Unchained"

Composer Hans Zimmer (☑️Silver Screen Suggestions Favorite): Composed the score for "Interstellar", "Inception", and "Lion King"

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Two-Sentence Selling Points

James Bond Grows Up

In literally every single Bond film before this one, James Bond is a bachelor (albeit a highly skilled and suave one) that bounces around from place-to-place (and person-to-person). In this film, Bond finally comes to grips with the incompatibility between his life as 007 and any chance of settling down for good.

It Grabs Your Attention Right Out of the Gate and Largely Sustains It

The opening two scenes, though spiraling from separate storylines, are supremely intense, emotional, and set the film up for its eventual successes without wasting momentum. As far as pacing goes, this is one of the most engrossing action movies (not just Bond films) that I've ever seen.

The Action Scenes Are Sensational

Bond films are always filled with engrossing action sequences, but this one takes it to a whole new level. Bond's skill and sheer will are put on full display in several extended, breathtaking action sets that top any other Bond film's in both realism and intensity.

The Use of Sound Is Top-Notch

From the opening theme sung by Billie Eilish (I am reluctantly a major fan of Eilish in general, and she is a perfect fit with a Bond theme song) to the overall score by Zimmer to the sound effects in the action scenes, this movie is truly a sensory feast. Not everyone appreciates the variations of a central musical theme that play throughout a film, but I personally found this film's utilization of that mechanism to be a wonderful addition to many other positives.

Just the Right Amount of Humor

One of my largest gripes with Bond films is that they can revert to sophomoric humor that undermines the "coolness" of the movie. This film pushes the right buttons by bringing some laughs that don't come at the expense of more emotionally resonant themes.

The End Is Abundantly Satisfying

I won't spoil this, but the end really does tie together what the entire series has built toward. We finally get to see what James Bond is capable of when his back is truly against the wall with no quick, easy out in his back pocket.

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Weak Points

The Middle Gets a Little Slow

The first and third acts of the movie are tremendous, but the middle can get a little long. In a nearly three-hour movie, the middle 45ish minutes can be a bit laborious to get through.

It Has a Pretty Generic Villain

I really like Rami Malek as an actor, and I don't think his performance is at all to blame for the fact that this movie's villain ends up being a familiarly motivated antagonist. One could make a compelling argument that the real villains of this movie are time and life's consequences, but the villain brought forth falls a bit short of the complexity of the rest of the film.

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Final Verdict: Is It Good?

YES! If you hadn't gathered from the tone of what you've read up to this point, I really like this movie. It's essentially exactly what I hoped James Bond movies would be in our modern cinematic era (one that trends a little darker and grittier than previous eras), and my disappointment with previous Bond movies only amplified the joy I experienced when I saw this one. Skyfall is the only other film that resonates in a similar manner to this one, but the combination of a feeling of finality throughout the film as well as the exceptional set pieces make No Time to Die the superior movie.

Craig's performance (as per usual in these films) is marvelous. I always enjoyed his portrayal of Bond, but he took the character to new heights in this movie. The female characters from top-to-bottom are competent, cool, and worthy of respect from the audience and Bond, which is such a welcome departure for this film in particular. For the first time in a Bond film, I really felt something when the characters were in peril, and that's a testament to the storytelling from director Cary Joji Fukunaga.

This is a very good movie.

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Viewing Recommendations

Should You See It In Theaters? If possible, yes. The sound effects and the more intense action sequences are elevated greatly by a theater experience.

Do You Need to Block Out Time For the Entire Movie If Watching At Home? I would truthfully say no. You could break this movie up into three hour-ish segments and get most of the same effect.

Should Your Kids Watch It? This is the most benign Bond film of them all except for the violence (which isn't overwhelming, there's just a lot of it). If you feel comfortable showing your kids the Mission Impossible movies, this film is perfectly fine as well.

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The JHMP

No Time to Die: An 8.8 out of 10.

Now go watch this movie!

The Contagion Column: Scarlet Fever

To kick off a new series on Cogito Ergo Cogito where I break down the way infectious diseases spread, affect the body, present as symptoms, and are treated, I will be doing a deep-dive into Scarlet Fever. This series is intended to give you an understanding of different interesting diseases in a way that is simple to digest!

Imagine, for a moment, that you are a parent in the mid-19th century. You've watched as your neighbors' children one-by-one started to complain of sore throats, pain swallowing, and then the tell-tale red rash. You hear crying coming from the children and parents within their houses. Not all, but many of your friends' young ones have died to this red-rashed "scarlet" fever. You turn to your own child and fear clutches at you as you study their sweaty, rosy cheeks.

This was the reality for many parents in the 18th and 19th century when scarlet fever was raging around the world. Scarlet fever presented in large outbreaks, or epidemics, regionally, then spread around the world, becoming a pandemic. In one large outbreak in Massachusetts circa 1850, over 2,000 children died. Death from scarlet fever, or "scarlatina", was rather common with between 15-20% of the infected dying due to the infection or complications from it before the advent of modern antibiotics.

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What is Scarlet Fever?

Scarlet fever is an infection of the back of the throat, or pharynx, known as pharyngitis. This pharyngitis causes fever as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit (for reference, normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees F), swelling of the throat, chills, and feelings of weakness or tiredness. The throat and tongue become inflamed and red and the tongue can become coated in a thick, almost cheesy white substance (also called an "exudate"). People often refer to this as "white strawberry tongue" due to the slightly spotted appearance that reflects the skin and seeds of a strawberry. This is shown above, sorry if you have a weak stomach! These symptoms usually begin to occur between 2-5 days after infection with the disease and last for 5-7 days.

About 12 hours to one day after a patient begins to show signs of fever, the characteristic red rash appears and spreads. It generally starts at the neck and then advances down the body towards the feet. The red rash tends to have a rough or sandpapery feel to the touch. Due to the incredibly bright color of the rash, the infection became known as scarlet fever. What makes the skin so red in this infection? Skin changes color as a result of inflammation, the body's natural immune reaction to infections. When infection occurs, the body senses that there is harm to cells and responds by sending white blood cells to areas of the body to fight the infecting materials. To help more white blood cells to the infected area, the body expands blood vessels to circulate more blood faster. This expansion of vessels and increase in blood close to the surface of the skin causes skin to take on the red hue of blood underneath.

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What Causes Scarlet Fever?

Scarlet fever is caused by a bacteria known as streptococcus pyogenes or group A strep. A stain of streptococcus pyogenes is shown to the right. Streptococci is a classification of bacteria based on the shape the organism presents in. The prefix, Strepto, refers to the chain appearance of linked sections of the bacteria. Coccus, or cocci when plural, refers to the spherical shape of each of the sections of the chain. Pyogenes is the species of bacteria which got its name because of the manifestation of pus or gunk in the throat. Pyo means pus and genes means forming so pyogenes means pus forming. Streptococcus pyogenes releases a toxin that causes fevers and the red rash in scarlet fever. This specific type of toxic is known as pyrogenic (pyro-heat or fire, genic-causing).

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What Complications Can Scarlet Fever Cause?

Being an infection that typically begins in the throat, many of scarlet fever's complications arise in the surrounding areas. Sinusitis or otitis media, infection of the sinuses and the ears, respectively, are some of the most common co-occuring infections with scarlatina. These are easily treatable and while not very fun to deal with, are not normally very concerning. There are many issues that can arise with scarlet fever that are concerning, however! Meningitis, inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord, can put pressure on the brain or infect the brain and become life-threatening. Hallmark symptoms of meningitis are severe neck and spine stiffness due to the swelling around the spine. Any infection in the body also poses a risk for sepsis, Sepsis is an infection that has reached the blood stream, and it is very dangerous. Sepsis can cause widespread organ failure and death if not treated. Signs of sepsis are changes in body temperature that are either much higher or much lower than normal, low blood pressure, high heart rate, or decrease in consciousness.

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How is Scarlet Fever Treated?

Like all diseases, scarlet fever had many unique and interesting treatments when it was at its peak in the 19th century. Many doctors of the day prescribed tinctures, medicine or plant extracts in alcohol, with little positive effect. Ammonia, which can be very poisonous, was also prescribed to be mixed with whatever the infected child was drinking for the day and consumed. Mild cases were also treated with the sore throat medications of the day, opioids and alcohol. To compliment the medications prescribed, people were also advised to make lifestyle changes while the infection raged. A patient's condition was expected to be greatly improved by "keeping the bowels free" through eating a diet that was mostly fruits and vegetables. It was also advised to keep a patient in a cool room and sponge their forehead with lukewarm water when their fever was at its peak, interventions we still recommend today for the treatment of fevers! Today's medications have changed greatly from the days of tinctures and ammonia, however. The ideal treatment of the 21st century is penicillin or erythromycin, antibiotics that can kill the streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. Outlooks are very good for those diagnosed with scarlet fever today. Good news as new cases are appearing more frequently once again!

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As always, thank you for reading! I hope this article was informative but easy to understand and that you've come away knowing a little more about a pandemic other than COVID-19! Have any infectious diseases that you're curious to learn more about? Leave an idea in the comments and I'll try to make an article about it! I will likely write about diphtheria, typhoid fever, and ebola later but more suggestions are more than welcome!