The week after the first loss is tough. The drive home feels like it takes twice as long. You're tired all day on Sunday from a few too many drinks and 3 hours of yelling. And of course Monday morning at work is never complete without being trolled by coworkers whose teams are more awful than yours. All of that would be easier to swallow if not for that lingering mushroom cloud of bad memories and constant thinking about all of Tech's weaknesses. All that sure makes me feel like writing two nights later, but the show must go on.
This week is a step back in overall quality of games, but it's certainly no dog. I just wish the headlining game at the Texas State Fair didn't kick off at noon. If you've ever wondered what a particular food might taste like fried, the fine folks from the people's republic of Texas have likely already done it. Here is a but a small list of the delicacies you can find there:
- Fried PB, Jelly and Banana Sandwich
- Deep Fried Latte
- Chicken Fried Bacon
- Deep Fried Butter
- Fried Beer
- Texas Fried Frito Pie
- Fried Bubblegum
- Fried Dan Beebe
Thursday, October 6th
California at 9 Oregon -24 9:00 pm ESPN
Raise your hand if you know a thing about Cal. I didn't think so, neither do I. A little research shows Cal lost to UDub being +2 in turnovers with a 350 yard passer and a 100 yard rusher; not the first time Jeff Tedford has "done less with more". His golden year of 2003 with Aaron Rodgers is now 8 years past and his biggest rival, Stanford is in the top 10 for the second consecutive year. Tedford's chair may be be getting a bit warm down in the Bay. After losing this game he might want to take a big bowl hit to calm his nerves.
On My Radar: We all remember LSU, Auburn, Ohio State and Boise State shutting down Chip Kelly's Blur. Most have probably forgotten the work put in by Cal last year in a tight 13-15 loss. Cal's game plan last year was to flood the the edges and gaps with a 3-3-5 defensive look and to fake injuries every other play to rest. That's likely not forgotten by Kelly and with a raucous Thursday night crowd behind the Ducks, this could get ugly quick. Don't expect a release off the throttle
Pick: A big spread, bigger than I like, but I think Oregon wants to make a statement here. DUCKS!
Saturday, October 8th
3 Oklahoma -9.5 vs. 11 Texas (Dallas) noon ABC
Red River Shootout
No matter who wins on the field, Texas wins outside the lines.
No, OU you will not be going to the Pac12 without us. Yes, we get to keep our ESPN mouthpiece network and you don't get a dime. No, you don't get to pick the new members of the conference without our OK. You get nothing, You lose. Good day to you sir.
On My Radar: Texas rarely gets to play with house money. Not much was expected of the Horns this year after the turd they dropped in 2010. However there is new blood in the football offices, and that means new ideas. Expect multiple quarterbacks and packages on the field for the Texas offense. Watch the defense throw a lot of pressure and different looks at the Oklahoma offense.
Pick: Texas. OU wins, but in a closer than expected game.
***
Miami at 21 Virginia Tech -7.5 3:30 pm ABC or ESPN / ESPN3
Should I bitch and moan about last week's loss.. Or maybe I should slap on some blinders and move forward as if nothing is wrong... Or should I just hate on da U to make myself feel better...
The choice is clear. To hell with you Miami. Your bandwagon, didn't even attend the university, don't even know it's not actually in the City of Miami fans suck. Sun Life looks mighty empty these days. Your infamous backstabbing booster's best contribution to society might have been driving the hooker to the clinic. Your coach, the only one worth a shit to give your program a look in the last decade, was kept in the dark by your shady athletic department. He's gonzo as soon this season is over, don't fool yourself. Jacory Harris is your quarterback. (That joke writes its self.) You soiled your pants prematurely backulating against Maryland to start the season, and if that wasn't humiliating enough you did it again versus K-State two weeks later. Once the NCAA swats away your lawless program to permanent irrelevancy, the ACC can gladly replace you with UConn or Rutgers. Think about that, replacing you with a school from Piscataway or Storrs would make this conference happy. I can't wait until the Hokies slap the Heather Dinich out of you again.
On My Radar: Well that felt good, but back to reality. I expect Tech to come out focused with a dumbed down game plan hell bent on running the ball. If Logan Thomas runs the ball more than he did against Clemson it means he's healthy and that would be a good sign. I have to think the film floating around on Thomas has exposed his blind spots and tendencies. This is going to challenge him to not only make plays, but to lead his squad as he works through his own development. On the other hand, Miami is going to mash face with their big offensive line and talented running backs. Losing the Antoine Hopkins, Tech's most consistent defensive tackle, and replacing him with undersized true freshman Corey Marshall is not a pleasant thought. The Canes will likely gash the front seven on more than a few occasions. The goal is bend, until the defense can get Jacory into passing situations and then just let nature take it's course.
Pick: Hokies will cover, somehow, someway.
***
17 Florida at 1 LSU -14 3:30 pm CBS
Ever wonder if Les Miles feels like Neo from The Matrix Reloaded, when a thousand Mr. Andersons keep attacking him? That's the LSU Tigers schedule this season. This week, one of those Andersons is Florida. An exposed and beat up Florida, but still a talented team. The Gators are starting true freshman Jeff Driskel at quarterback after senior John Brantley was injured against Alabama last week. I know he was last season's number one quarterback coming out of high school, but the kid is going to be scared shitless, Tiger Stadium is called Death Valley for a reason.
On My Radar: Two touchdowns is a lot, but if last week versus Alabama was any indication, Jeff Driskel isn't ready for primetime. I expect Will Muschamp to have a good defensive game plan for LSU, but if there is little help Weis' offense, how soon until the defense collapses as well? LSU is best at grinding away points and creating opportunities one Honey Badger ball strip at a time.
Pick: Bayou Bengals covering.
***
15 Auburn at 10 Arkansas -10 7:00 pm ESPN / ESPN3
Points, lots and lots of points. Beautiful, well coached offenses featuring combo routes, players in space and misdirection plays make me happy in the pants. Watching the masters of their craft coach, makes me dream of the day I'll see execution like this from the orange and maroon.
On My Radar: This matchup has a Big 12 feel to it. Both programs are headlining wide open offenses and defense is clearly an afterthought.. Arkansas has more mature talent and Auburn is more balanced, but both get it done. Close your eyes and choose, it will probably come down to a late crazy play anyway.
Pick: Auburn keeping it close.
***
Ohio State at 14 Nebraska -10.5 8:00 pm ABC
Ok, so this game is sort of a dud. The Fickell era looks to be short lived, even if the deck given to him was (and is still) missing a few cards. OSU has been ill prepared and very questionable on offense. Quarterbacks Joe Bauserman and Braxton Miller continue to spin their wheels and kick up mud on the rest of their team each week.
Nebraska appears to be overrated. Running back under center Taylor Martinez can't pass, and they might as well be called the pinkshirts, not because of breast cancer awareness month. Pelini's defense is ranked 64th in the nation. Nebraska will perform much better this week, due to the Buckeyes' youth, but we see you Bo, we know what you don't have in Lincoln.
On My Radar: A pulse on offense from Ohio State. I am not asking for much, just show me and everyone else you got some game. For Nebraska, I expect they won't abandon the run this game at all. The Cornhuskers may not tune up Ohio State but they'll stay with their bread and butter.
Pick: Another large spread, but taking Nebraska and the points.
Tailgate Beer of the Week:
I was given Alchemist Heady Topper last weekend by reader and friend Dirt. It is an outstanding double IPA and in a tallboy can no less. Unfortunately, this beer can only be purchased in Vermont and even more unfortunate, I only have one left. I will enjoy this before walking into Lane on Saturday.
Quick Recap:
Remember these pics are against the spread.
Cal at Oregon -24
OU -9.5 vs Tejas
da U at VT -7.5
UF at LSU -14
Auburn at Arkansas -10
tOSU at Nebraska -10.5
Comments
week 6
cali-fornication
OU
da u to cover, VT to win. LET'S GO!
L$U
ARKY
NEB
Bench Logan
He showed us nothing last week, what a pathetic, embarrassing performance.
Oregon
Oklahoma
Miami
LSU
Arkansas
Nebraska
way to go BCO
maybe i'm headed for my first 1-5 week, but i like where your head's at for most of these
QUACKATTACK (i won on cal last year. i see no chance in hell of that happening again)
HOOKEM (way too many point for a redriver. way, way, way, way).
HOKIES (i generally don't like this spread, but methinks the powers that be (vegas) know something. they won't lose big underdog money twice)
LSU (too big, too fast, too mad hatter, too many lots of things for this UF team, including too $EC)
OUR-KANSAS (solid game last week, while auburn took an emotional one from the ball coach. goodnight, auburn)
HUSKERS (if they don't win big here, expect bo to eat both TMART and their offensive coordinator alive)
Don't Bench Logan
He gives us the best chance to win when he's on the field. He needs some help from a consistent gameplan and a pocket to stand in.
Oregon to win and cover
Oklahoma to win and cover
Virginia Tech to win and cover
LSU to win and cover
Arkansas to win, Auburn will cover
Nebraska to win and cover
Treading water to stay above .500
The ducksters win
Okies will carve up bevo
VT-surely we can't lay another egg this week, can we?
LSU-my brother-in-law-gator-fan would hate me for this, but the reptilians are too banged up
Arkansas, and I have no idea why
Nebraska, only because OSU has a coach named Fickell.....I mean, really?.....Fickell??
I need to get better than 3-3 each week
Cal
OU
Hokies
Geaux Tigers
Auburn
Huskers
Costanza week was effectively a bust.
Cal
Sooners
Miami - ugh
LSU -even if the spread was -30
Arkansas
Cornshuckers at home
Considering it's my last weekend in Colorado AND in the Army, I'm fuggin pouring it on with the CO beers.
Congrats and thanks
for your service to our country.
Thank you!
Don't overdo it though>
Another Thanks
No one here can thank you and our armed forces enough for what you do! Mucho Gracias!
Thank You Sir!
And good luck for whatever is next!
Get yo' hands on the wall and SPREAD 'EM WIDE
The point spreads this week are insane.
Oregon - for the record, I had a hell of a time deciding this and will be seriously peeved if I'm wrong.
Oklahoma - every single one of my picks involving a school in Texas has been wrong, so I'm picking the opposite of my gut feeling here.
Hokies - they built that roundabout on Main St to make it easier for us to TURN THE FUCKING BUS AROUND.
LSU - the only things I left Tennessee with are a law degree, a southern accent while drunk, and a healthy hatred of Florida.
Auburn - expecting a close game.
Braskypants - running train on the poster child for compliance.
re: mainstreet roundabout
wins on so many levels. damn you for thinking of that and not me.
+1
Love your comments about the roundabout. Though I avoided it at all costs last weekend
Trollin HARD IN THE MOTHA'F'N PAINT
These will make no sense to me but im seeing red today and going off emotion. Bad way to pick but here goes:
DUCKS -- Play EMMMILLLLIIIOO clips from the Mighty Ducks in the locker room all week. quack, quACK, QUACK!
HOOK EM' -- cant spell OverratUd w/o OU. Spelling was intentional.
Gobble Gobble Bitches -- Muck Fiami. I hate these bandwagon fuck heads.
Geaux Tigers -- Mathieu for Heisman
War Eagle -- Points, points, pernts, pints.
CornHuskers -- If that guy can rip a towel dispenser off the wall i'm sure he can find a helmet or two.
Beer: LOL Bourbon. It'll be that kind of weekend and its only wednesday.
week6
Oregon
OU
VT
LSU
Arkansas
Nebraska
If you like IPAs
'specially doubles, New Glarus (from New Glarus, Wisconsin) makes a helluva IIPA, it's called Thumb Print and it's fairly new. Had some last time I was in Madison; damn. Makes me sad coming back here to Virginia, where the beer is only okay. No wonder there's so much moonshine around here.
I've heard of Alchemist, it's pretty well regarded.
Anyway:
Oregon
Texas
VT
LSU
Arkansas
Nebraska
nice, will give it a shot
my old roommate lives in milwaukee. i've been there and partied a few times. thanks for the lead.
in general i prefer west coast ipa's. there are exceptions like bells two hearted, dogfish 90 and heady topper. heady topper might be the easiest drinking west coast double ipa i've ever had. it's not as good as russian river pliny the elder but it is reallllllly close.
It's about presence, I think
The east coast IPAs are more subtle, I think. West coasts are more BAM! Here I am, like, HOOAH! Sadly, when I was on the west coast, I was young and naive (and a broke as all hell sailor) and thought that Miller Lite and gut-rot, $5/gallon vodka was the only way to party. So I haven't had much exposure to 'em.
If you've never been to Wisconsin, though, it's one of the best things about that place. Before transferring to UVA, I started at UW-Madison, and the microbreweries and such- wow. Just so much variety, selection, and awesome beer. And it's cheap! Seriously, I could buy a plane ticket to Milwaukee, drink for a week, and it's still cheaper than drinking here in Charlottesville. AND you get good beer.
My hat is off to you, Hokie Beer Snob. ;) While they may not drink Zima 'round here, they sure don't have anyone who knows what the $#*% beer really is.
i love milwaukee
lots of good beer there and bar on every corner. did the lakefront brewery tour once.
went to madison once too, a great town. spent some time in the great dane, was pretty nice.
east coast ipa's tend to be sweeter grapefruity while west coast are more harsh, piney ... tho obviously it all depends on each. bear republic hop rod rye is my go too beer. bitter,dry and hoppy, love it.
yeah, good beer and youth, didn't work for me very well either. cville has to have a couple of good spots though right?
Hops, hops and more hops
There are bittering hops and finishing hops. As well, there are dry and wet hops. The left coast is more suited, and much more established (meaning thousands more times produced) than the east coast. They have wet bittering hops, hitting much higher IBU's but with better finishing hops too. To get to a high IBU on the east coast, you must continuously hop...Dogifish, or use a ton of bittering...Troeg's etc. We are looking to grow hops for a few local brewers so we are investigating what works on this side...
In the mean time, try a mixed 12 pack of Sam Adams Latitude 48. It's full of straight bittering, straight finishing, and some tweeners, with 2 blends of all 5 brews. Awesome 12 pack for a hop head!!!!!
columbus or warrior
my favorite, can and should be both!
Week 6...Get Sooommmeee
Oregon
Hook 'Em Horns
Team Logan Thomas (It was one game guys, give him an effing break...)
Tyrann Mathieu is an Animal
Arkansas
Nebraska
I did about as poorly as I expected last week. Maybe this week will be better
Cal... spread is too huge to pick the Mighty Ducks
Texas... although I think I swore to pick against anyone in the state of Texas for the whole season... oh well
Hokies... picking the Fighting Gobblers has been a bad choice every time I've done it, but I'm still sticking with us AND with LT3. I just wish I'd bought that "I <3 LT" shirt when I was at Lake Tahoe. For serious, I'll take him trucking TYVM
Geaux Tigers
Arkansas
Nebraska
VT will bounce back and I hate da U.. that is all
I am worried about the interior of our line, that's one thing I thought about a lot in the summer before Luther aka Uncle Luke showed up and then Marshall started playing on the inside very well.
Oregon
Texas
VT - Big bounce back
LSU - You can't pick against the honey badger. That kid is so badass
Auburn
Nebraska -Bo Pelini will try to extract revenge on a OSU team that's looking horrible
Uncle Luke
I trust him, but he isn't The Antoine Hopkins. Also, he might not even play, a high ankle sprain is still nagging at him. Does anyone remember another Tech season with so many injuries?
Yeah
Don't remember which season but I know there have been seasons when we lost several DBs and others on offense. at the same time. Tend to forget these things after time and everyone only knows what the final record was for the season. It just becomes a less than average season and no one knows why.
Low confidence in these picks
Cal beats the points
OU
U covers VT wins
L$U Corn Dogs
Auburn
O$U covers
Wonka mix is funny.
Cal Oklahoma VT LSU Arkansas
Cal
Oklahoma
VT
LSU
Arkansas
Nebraska
Picks
Cal
Tejas to cover
Hokies
Florida will give LSU a scare
Ar-Kansas
THE ohio state university
Oregon - I hate this spread, but I'll take the Ducks anyway.
Tejas - Haven't seen them play a down this year, so this is a shot in the dark.
Miami - They don't stop running the ball this year.
LSU - Could be close but I think Florida's O gives up a few turnovers.
Arkansas - I wanted to say Auburn but my picks are terrible so I'll go with the opposite.
Nebraska - I'm rather enjoying the meltdown of Ohio State this year.
Week 6 Picks
Oregon
Oklahoma
Virginia Tech
LSU
Arkansas
Nebraska
Proud 0f 3/6, i get better at that every week
oregami
oklahomie
vt hokie
lsoooooooie
war birdie
ost uoooooooooee
Beer of the week, I will drink it, you can kiss it, maybe she will suck it-all good by me.
6 Pick
Cal
OU
Miami
LSU
Arkansas
OSU
I expect another 3-3 week
Cal
OU
da U
LSU
Arkansas
Nebraska
Who knows?
cal
Texas
VT
LSU
Auburn
Nebraska
Seattle Hokie Week 6 Picks
5-1 and up to 57% after last week, stop TKP presses. I will do my damnedest to get back to .500 this week and what better way than making a pick sans booze. First pick tonight and the others on Friday.
Oregon I am raising my hand b/c I know something about Cal. I know they beat VT in the 2003 Insight Bowl. I also know that the lead singer of the Counting Crows was on the sidelines and I wished worse things than death on him that night. While the burning hatred for him has subsided a bit, one note of their crap suck songs will bring my blood to a boil and rekindle the unspeakable acts I want to befall him. But enough about that. I am a little disappointed that some Oregon cheerleaders didn't make the pick 6 this week but I know there will be other opportunities. Regardless, Chip Kelly will remember the injury fakes last year and really lay it on Cal good. Also, LeMichael James is starting to heat up, which is probably easier to do when not playing Alabama or LSU. Since I am picking the Ducks, any actual real money should go on Cal.
Almost looks like Aaron Rodgers without contacts, a haircut, and shave.
Remaining Picks
Not sure if this will be allowed. Someone had a few too many margaritas and Spaten Lagers last night and forgot to finish the post.
daU - Miami and F$U are back, baby!
LSU - HoneyBadger!
Auburn - Just to cover, not win.
Nebraska - What would the over/under of a tOSU/VT game be?
yuck....
Cal
Oklahoma
Virginia Tech
Florida
Auburn
Nebraska
These spreads suck
Cal - I still want Aaron Rogers to tear his ACL though
Hook Em Horns
TECH TRIUMPH!!!!!
Bayou Bengals
Whooo Pig Sooie
Bucknuts keep it close
I'll be in Blacksburg again this week. Two games in one season, crazy for me. Expect many Miller Lites and lots of Fuck Clemsons
Fuck. Clemson. I had to fly out of Greenville SC on Sunday -_-
Cal Oklahoma Miami Florida Au
Cal
Oklahoma
Miami
Florida
Auburn
Nebraska
Cal - Oregon wins but doesnt cover
Tejas with the shocker off the season, followed by endless twitter banter
Lamar Miller wins it by himself as I'm not sure the Hokies can put any points on the board offensively
LSU wins BIG
Auburn wins a close one
tOSU - the welcoming committee to the Big 12 is having a field day with Big Red
Le Sigh
Last weekend was a sober one, literally and figuratively. We have lots of work, especially in terms of putting Logan and our playmakers in a position to actually make plays. Hopefully we don't go into the game and fold up (play-call wise) the moment we get knocked in the mouth.
Ducks. Chip Kelly is gonna have his boys fired up and ready to make a statement.
Oklahoma. They are that much better, although we will finally have a barometer for how good/bad $Texas is (apologies to the second coming of Seneca Wallace, STEELE JANTZ).
Miami. This is probably the first time I am going into a game expecting a loss since Bama '09. I don't like the feeling. But until our offense manages to actually LOOK the part, I will have my reservations. "Oh but we managed to shut down Sammy Watkins!" This is completely different. Unlike Clemson, Miami doesn't have to really scheme for ways to get Lamar Miller involved into the offense. Simply have Jacory hand it off, and it's Mr. Miller against a depleted defense front. I hope our guys will rotate, stay fresh, and be able to hold their own. THAT BEING SAID...I think we will have opportunities to get some cheap TDs on defense. Jacory, Morris, it don't matter. There is a whole bunch of DERP under center for the U. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5yYl0HefoA
One more thing about this game. I've watched a couple of Miami's games this year (Maryland and KState). I'm REALLY interested to see how Al Golden manages his team in Lane. I like the guy, and I think he's done a decent job considering the situation he unknowingly walked into. Should be fun.
LSU. Florida might be better WITHOUT Brantley, at least there isn;t much tape for the Tigers to scout. But i still think it'll get ugly.
Auburn. Will anyone play defense? NOPE.
Nebraska. tOSU might have a worse offense than us...MIGHT.
ALSO
I will be in Blacksburg next week! SO EXCITED. It's been too long.
Nevin Shapiro certified picks
Oregon to win every game of the rest of college football’s existence because of this picture: http://t.co/CFHbczNp
Texas
Lamar Miller in points, Ray-Ray Anderson in interceptions, but David Wilson in wins
LSU
Razorbacks, War eagle in points
Bo Pelini
Oregon. that's a lot of points, but the Duck is mad. Stark raving Mad. Not Les Miles Mad, but Mad none the less.
OU. The old Mac Brown just aint what he used to be. The Sooners cover the spread and beat the big gorilla in the room called the Big8, Big12, Big whatever-this-week. The longhorns have done the Hokie Pokie more than we in Lane this year.
VT time to get back on the horse and remember what we're doing here.
Flo-rida in a tighter-than-it-should-be one.
Auburn. Two weeks in a row as double digit underdogs??!! Two straight weeks winning on the road as a double-digit underdog in the SEC.
Nebraska. They got their rookie hazing out of the way last week. Now, they get to welcome in the Scarlet in their own fashion. THIS is why the B1G wanted Big Red.
Not sure bout the beer this weekend. Could hit a beer fest, could just fill some growlers with local stuff. Either way, the smoker will be put to good use this weekend with the Red River shootout, the killing of the Ibis and the Regular Season opener for the Caps. Given the Red theme, might have to grab some red ales!
Cal to cover Texas to win
Cal to cover
Texas to win outright
VT
LSU in a blowout
Auburn
Nebraska to roll
These are awful.
Cal - In comparison to last year's team, Oregon are ducklings.
OU - DICKS DICKS DICKS http://www.shaggybevo.com/board/showthread.php/98092-2011-Texas-v.-OU-MS... (NSFW-ish)
da U - The Hokies to win, but Miami will cover. This will be a close, grind it out, play tight defense and win by a couple type of game.
LSU - Pray for [INSERT FLORIDA QB HERE].
Auburn - Auburn will cover, and I think they stand the better chance to win. Shootouts in the south are always close.
Nebraska - Brasky is going to take a lot of frustration out on the Buckeyes.
I was supposed to be in Blacksburg, but instead I'll be hammering down shots at home.
No clue week
Oregon - because of RusynHokie's picture
Sooners - 2nd best team in the country
The strippers - because I always pick against VT (worked well last week)
LSU - Best team in the country
Arkansas - Auburn couldn't buy a qb this year
Cornhuskers - crack the buckeyes
Pick Six
California
Oklahoma
Miami
Florida
Auburn
Nebraska
Con picks
my friend con ...
My picks:
Ducks
Oklahomos
The U--we've got issues everywhere ON the field......
LSU
Arkansas
OSU.....I hate both teams
Why fix what's Losing
Hopefully the Hokies are making more adjustments to their strategy than me, but I will continue to stick with what seems to be working and go with teams that I want to lose. The good news about VT falling in the rankings is that there is more hatred to go around for teams ranked ahead of us... yeah that doesn't make me feel better either.
Oregon I heard Oregon's band can tackle better than Stanford's
Okrahoma Hoping Texas ruins the Big 12's reputation just a little bit more
Miama Please let us score more than 3 pts and for the love of Beamer, run the QB sneak on the goal line! LT3 is 6'6" 254lbs!
LSU C'mon upset! Weis sucks but offense will be critical for U of F to pull the upset
Arkanslaw Will the Eagles fly again?
Nebraska tOSU is really bad. There is pretty much no chance of them pulling the upset and cheering for their offense is a lot like cheering for the Hokies offense... frustrating
week 6
Cal
OSU
VT
LSU
Auburn
OHIo State
I'm late, so can't pick Oregon-Cal.
Oklahoma
Miami
Elleshoe
Auburn
Nebraska
picks
Oregon
Texas
VT
LSU
Auburn
Nebraska
dang it... work's had me so busy I didn't even realize the Oregon-Cal game had already started... so ignore that pick (as I'm sure you would have without me saying this).
Only care about one of these...
Ducks
OU
I hate how they call themselves "the U"... Hokies!
LSU
Arkansas win, but Auburn will cover the 10
Cornhuskers
Texas VT LSU Auburn tOSU
Texas
VT
LSU
Auburn
tOSU
and the drive home after a win like we had against Miami makes the drive feel like a blip of time.