It was a wild finish in the Fearless Football Forecasters in week 12, as we had a three-way tie going into the week. Suzianne Pass, Jeff Grimes, and John Spargo were all tied at the top setting up what would be a great finish.
It was another great week of football, as we saw Georgia continue to roll through the SEC, defeating Tennessee. Michigan, Texas, and Washington all survived tight games on the road, while Oregon and Alabam stayed in the College Football Playoff conversation with wins on Saturday as well.
All of the FFF panel correctly picked wins by Wisconsin, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Michigan, Texas, and Oklahoma. They also were all tripped up by losses by the Washington Commanders and Southern Cal.
Breaking out of the crowd to win the 2023 FFF title was Suzianne Pass, who went 13-3 in week 12. We talked with the new champ over the weekend and was very happy to win the title. “I guess Scott changed his mind. We had agreed on Kentucky but last minute he must have changed to SC. That’s how he beat me this week. It’s been fun and even better when you win. Had to pick UGA even though I bleed orange. And we bled a lot. Got to get ready for the bowls now.”
Finishing one game back was John Spargo and the defending champ Scott Ramsey. Ramsey went 14-2 for the week also and is looking forward to the Bowl Pick-Em. “Well Spargo just gave it to Pass by picking Tennessee over Georgia. She is a Tennessee fan and didn’t pick them. She went for the win over team loyalty. I have had a blast this year, even though the one week I let Capprice pick cost me yet another championship at least I beat Kevin AGAIN!! Congrats to Pass on the community effort that resulted in her win. At least it stays at FCHS. Can’t wait for the bowl picks. Maybe Eddie will do better in that.”
Spargo went 10-6 in week 12 and was disappointed in his finish but vows to be right back in the hunt again in 2024. “I cannot believe Suzianne and I disagreed on three games and she won all three. I had a feeling she might win one, but not all of them. Heck I even let Ramsey come up and catch me. The Vols looked awful Saturday, not to take anything away from Georgia, they’re awful strong, but gosh. I guess I’ll try to regroup and win my second Bowl Pick-Em in a row. I was really hoping and trying to bring the title back to the Rec Center, but oh well.”
Finishing in fourth place, going 9-7 in week 12, was Coach Jeff Grimes, who was part of the three-way tie with Pass and Spargo. “I had a great run…though I maintain that my rivals hired a PI firm to dig up dirt on how I make my picks and that’s why I ended up thinking the Vols would upset Georgia! Still, I’m proud to represent the Basin and our Cougars!! And I loved every second of it! Congrats to all, and I’m looking forward to Michigan taking down Ohio for the 3rd straight year because they haven’t beaten Michigan in 1, 450 days…and counting!”
Next up is Andy Whitener, who went 12-4 in week 12 to finish in fifth place. “Congratulations to Suzianne on winning this year’s competition. Also congratulations to her and the cross country team for their achievements. Go dogs!”
Eddie O’Neal, former champion in the FFF, went 11-5 last weekend to finish two games behind Whitener. O’Neal was pulling for his Rec Department buddy, but was happy for the winner too. “Congrats to Suzanne. I was hoping that Spargo could bring the trophy back to the Rec Department but like the Vol’s offense, his picks sputtered out. I am worried about Dr. Ramsey though. I am not sure how he will make it through another winter after the Dawgs embarrass Bama again.”
Going 13-3 the final week of the FFF was Kevin Panter. Panter, happy about Georgia’s win over Tennessee, might be more happy that he doesn’t have to spend the off-season in the basement of the FFF standings. “Well, Christmas has come early for me. How about them Dawgs? The one game of the year, I always want to win and we did. My season picks were not what I hoped for. They were just like Tennessee football, up and down. Luckily for me I didn’t finish last. I hope my friend Brandon Holloway enjoys the basement till next season. Luckily, I was only there a few weeks and Andy Whitener left that place a mess. Lol . The good news is Ramsey didn’t win and Spargo didn’t either, and at least a good Georgia fan won. Congratulations Suzanne I am already working on my bowl picks!”
Finishing week 12 with a record of 9-7 was Brandon Holloway. “Who would have ever guessed Suzianne could have won it. Probably the same people that thought UT could beat UGA. Go Dawgs.”
Thank you to all of you who kept up with the FFF crew each week and also the ones who participated in the weekly football contest. Please join us right here next month for the annual Bowl Pick-em to see how you stack up with our panel of experts.