Following a dominating victory over an in-state rival, the Michigan football program turned full speed ahead as coaches and players alike focused their minds to their first prime-time game of the season as next Saturday had the mighty PAC-12 representatives Washington Huskies coming into Ann Arbor for a week two clash. Jayson Butler to say the least was hyped up and after his monster game against the Western Michigan Broncos? It was well warranted but many felt the first game was just a flex in power. Now with a up and coming team from the West Coast coming into the Big House it was a chance to put forth what he had improved and focused on his first college offseason. But on a Monday, he didn't have time to focus on the game, he was preparing dinner for a date night with one Olivia Dunne, who had some time off from gymnastics practice.

Jayson: OOOOOOOHHHHH I'M FIXIN TO LEARN YA TODAY LIVVY! THE ULTIMATE CHICKEN LICKIN' KNOCKOUT! MY MOMMA BEAR'S HOMEMADE SPICY CHICKEN CLUB SANDWICH! AND LEMME TELL YA.... THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY FREAKKKKKBOOTYYYY!

Olivia giggles as she watches the star wide receiver put on the theatrics as he presented two massive chicken breast cutlet sandwiches complete with a side of fries and salad with whatever dipping sauces she was feeling.

Olivia: This all looks so good, I didn't know you could throw down in the kitchen like this Jay!

Jayson: Pft. Where I'm from and with who raised me? It was only a matter of time before the cooking bug got a hold of me too. Unlike my mom, dad and grandparents, it took a lot of patience, trial and error, not to mention of shit ton of classes as well. So...

Olivia: Half of your life.

Jayson: Hell no, I'm only nineteen girl! I did a whole lot more watching than I actually did cooking with them... out of all the watching I did do, I did pick up a few pointers and ways to perfect their legendary recipes. For example....

He looks as she immediately opts for her half-lemonade half-tea beverage, glugging it down like a woman possessed. Once she sets the glass down she flashes him a deadly look.

Olivia: Cayenne Pepper?

Jayson: Good eye. You're close but no, it's a pineapple-habanero infused seasoning I picked up from my mee-maw on my dad's side before I left for college. It's like fifty-six percent pepper and forty-four percent pineapple. I masked some of the heat down with some mayo, pickles so if it's still too much for ya, lemme know I can get you a refill-

Olivia: No. It's bad enough you made it all this, I'd be a horrible guest if I couldn't eat it all.

Jayson: I won't stop you. Lord knows you can be a shit talker until hot food hits your plate.

Olivia: Oh shut up.

Jayson: How about nev-

Suddenly a vibrant ringtone of bells chiming hit his phone, which you could tell visibly annoyed the budding star wide receiver for Jim Harbaugh as he thought he had at the very most put it on vibrate mode or silenced it entirely so that mood of their atmosphere hadn't been ruined.

Jayson: Heh, heh. Damn thing, you mind for a couple seconds, Livvy?

Olivia: Please, it's no trouble. Go ahead and answer, I think I finally got past the first wave of heat. I'll update you on the sacrifice of my tastebuds.

Jayson: Smartass. Hello?

Chase: Jay, thank God you picked up when you did.

Jayson: I mean, you kinda ruined something for me here, but you know I'll make some time for you big bro. What's the word?

Chase: Listen, you know I hate fucking with you especially when you've got a game coming up-

Jayson: That's putting it mildly.

Chase: Well, I need a sitter for Bella. And I know you're pretty much swamped for Saturday and Saturday Night. Lex's trying to manage mommy duties and preparing for an in-ring return, Mom's busy on Sunday so please you're my only lifeline.

Jayson: How much you paying me?

Chase: Seriously?

Jayson: Just because I'm naturally gifted in the ways of babysitting doesn't mean I do it for free, you know this Chase. You probably would've done the same if I was the one with a kid.

Chase: ..... I plead the fifth. So, can I count on you?

Jayson: Sure, why not? I can start the Bella to Michigan pitch while I watch you rip into Detroit.

Chase: I wish you would, we know she's a Buckeye or Bayou Bengal when all's said and done.

Jayson: Shitttttt.... you better hope I don't win a Natty, Biletnikoff or a Heisman. We're already cooking on the season, it's a damn shame we've got to put some pups down. But anyway sure, I've been needing to spoil my favorite little girl, maybe she can give me motivation, help me towards my assignments on Sunday before I turn them online. Come by around after the game's over and I'll have back sleeping in your arms, better yet I had tickets to the game. I'll just find some noise canceling headphones at a Wal-Mart or Best Buy, put 'em on her head.

Chase: SHIT, THANK YOU! YOU'RE A LIFE SAVER. I'll cash app first thing tomorrow morning after I get out of practice. See you Sunday morning lil bro.

Jayson: For sure, stay safe. Tell Bella and Lexi hi for me.

Hanging up the phone and exiting his bedroom, he enters the kitchen to grab a carton of milk, still seeing Olivia struggling in finishing the last part of her sandwich.

Olivia: Seriously what the hell, are you sure these are habaneros? The heat feels like you literally went to the sun and harvested some of its rays!

Jayson: It's not that bad, I'm telling ya. You're just a big baby, Livvy! The ends aren't even that hot, you've gotten past that part.

Olivia: Shut up and gimme that two percent milk, NOW! Hang on, I'm just now noticing how silent it is aside from the TV being on standby. Where's Blake?

Hearing about his teammate, Blake Corum, Jayson rolls her eyes, thinking back to what his at times violent downhill runner on the squad would be at.

Jayson: Right! I told him I was hosting company over and he said it was cool, he wanted to get more work done at the training facility before they closed. That and he said he had his own date tonight, said something about goin' to Oberweis or Olive Garden. So tonight worked out for the two of us, we helped each other with homework despite having different majors and he stepped out shortly after. Shouldn't be back till at least ten. Now then, I believed I promised you a movie or show of any choice.

Olivia: You got Netflix?

Jayson: Ain't that a tad improper? This is only a casual "date", Livvy.

She thinks upon what he says and before he realizes it, a pillow goes flying to his face as they had now been on his and Blake's couch.

Olivia: THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT! G-G-G-GET THAT IMAGE OF ME OUT OF YOUR HEAD, JAY! I'M SAYING THE MOVIE I WANT TO WATCH IS ON NETFLIX! WHAT TYPE OF GIRL DO YOU TAKE ME FOR?!

She hides her head behind a pillow, her face clearly red of embarrassment and a tinge of anger.

Jayson: Sorry if I ruffled your feathers, Liv. I really didn't mean to do that, but you know the old saying. Netflix and Chill. Thank God you meant different. What movie or show did you have in mind?

Olivia: I've been busy as of late and meaning to do it... but the earlier season of Cobra Kai came out earlier this year, I was wondering if I was the only one that didn't catch up.

The overnight sensation cuts her off, immediately confirming he was in the same boat.

Jayson: You ain't the only one, I tend to hold off on an ongoing season to build suspense for my body and mind. I can find some popcorn and after, I'll walk you back to your room. Sound like a plan?

Olivia: Absolutely, two episodes sound good enough for ya? I know how early you've gotta be up in the morning.

Jayson: I can do three. It's only seven. Plus your room ain't even all that far from me.

The thumping pulse of the Netflix app is heard and with the navigation to Cobra Kai's particular sub channel, a night of fun and hilarity had concluded.

(Just a refresher. They are NOT dating right now. Just feeling each other out for the most part. He's focused on his career, potential NFL prospects and academics and the same for Livvy as she begins to grow a brand and maintain her burgeoning social media presence. You'll get plenty of moments of fluff leading up to when the ship sails.)

(The Next Day.)

Jayson: "Hence why the Golden State Warriors from 2017-19 were a team bought together not just by teamwork but deep, deep pockets. Because in a lot of people's mind including this writer's the second they broke news that a seventy-three win team had acquired Kevin Durant, the NBA was ruined for up to three years maybe even set back in terms of parity" And done with my horrible ass assignment regarding the worst teams. Let's see.... only ten in the morning? Christ, I always knew I was an early bird but even this is pushing it. It didn't help that Blake had been snoring like a possessed motorcycle.

SNOOOOOORRRRREEEE!

Jayson: Case in fucking point. Maybe a jog before our team meeting and I gotta get suited up would do something for my nerves before I play my first primetime game.

He shakes his head in an approving manner but before he could grab his team issued hoodie and headphones, his phone goes off, a call the byproduct.

Jayson: Hello?

Hello this is Macy from Golden Monkey Tattoo Shop, is this Jayson Butler I am presently talking to?

Jayson: Yep! What can I do for you?

Wonderful, I just wanted to confirm your appointment on Tuesday afternoon at 3 P.M.. Will you still be able to make it so we can get the work done?

Jayson: Oh yes, yes, yes! It almost slipped my mind until you called, so thank you. You guys have the designs we talked about a couple weeks ago?

Yes, Sir. And as you talked about, just your entire right arm and your left forearm. An appointment shouldn't take no more than seven-eight hours at most.

Jayson: Oh fuck, what did I actually sign up for? Good thing Lexi gave me some tattoo numbing cream and lotion. That doesn't bother me at all, I'm just glad I scheduled this after my last class for the day and we have no practice on Tuesday. Can you give me at least a thirty minute grace period? It takes a while for my class to end as my professor in question tends to have a run over time.

That's no problem, we look forward to seeing you.

Jayson: Right back at you. Goodbye for now.

He hangs up, and as he had planned originally grabs his hoodies, smartwatch and thermos filled with alkaline water. He then steps out of the dorm, the sun just starting to rise over campus. It was eerily silent, mainly due to the fact the school had been preparing for game night or on the rare occasion some had classes on the weekend that were already in session.

Jayson: Let's see, quick run to the stadium and back should be good enough for a morning workout. Nothing too extra. Put some tunes on.

Going to his premium Spotify account, he searched for his traditional mix for Gameday which had been a blend of Hip-Hop, Rock, the rare heavy metal song or two and country because surprise he was the Texan Nightmare. Selecting the song Light by Tee Grizzley and Lil Yachty.

I got that check and took (took off)
A lot of these niggas look lost (they though)
They broke they, they think it's my fault (fuck 'em)
Want smoke? We blowin' no cough.

He ran around the quad areas, the cool air beating on his face as he watched leaves of varying color degrees fall from their host trees.

I want the bitch, she caught
I'm drippin', I'm stuck with the sauce
Yo bitch be fuckin' me raw (good drip)
But she love you don't cut yo bitch off

Hitting a bend on the corner, he gets a wayward look of Michigan Stadium and what appears to be stadium maintenance preparing to work on both scoreboard and the playing surface as to ensure no injuries for either the home team or their opposition.

Brand new Givenchy it's white (that's light)
Limited Louis, that's light (too light)
Wraith in the city, that's light (that's light)
LED, look at the lights (too light)

He runs past a couple of stores with Michigan football fans enjoying coffee, early morning breakfast or watching College Gameday where the world famous crew had been running through the early stages of their programming. It was only after a slight break in his running that a kid and his parents recognized him as the mother was eager to visit her old stomping grounds having graduated by her appearance about ten years ago.

Kid: Mom, Dad! Look it's him! I'd recognized that 85 anywhere, you're Jayson Butler!

Jayson: Hm? Well hey there, little man! I almost didn't see you there. Yeah, that's me, guilty as charged.

Mother: I'm so sorry, I told Brent not to point at random people, it's very rude, son!

Jayson: It's no trouble, I don't mind having a few fans come up to me. In fact it's actually something I look forward to whenever I'm not laser focused preparing for a game. I see you all got an early start on the day. Not to mean any offense, but you do realize we're not kicking off until the evening, right?

Father: Yes, but the Mrs. and I wanted to explore our old school. It has been ten years since we met here.

Jayson: You're both fellow alum? Right on, my dad rest his soul was a 1999 graduate before he served! So I guess I wouldn't be too far in saying you're coming to Michigan soon, buddy?

Brent: You bet, I begged my parents to take me to tonight's game, will you score for me, Jayson?!

Jayson: This is too adorable. We'll see what the defense from Washington has to say, my guy.... but just for you, they'll just have to make due. I'm making up for lost time after the season got axed mid way last season. Just watch me. You and your parents are gonna get a show tonight, not just from myself though. It'll be a team effort. For now I gotta continue my weekly jog, so I'll leave you with this for now.

He offers a fist bump which the adolescent male returns with fervor and excitement before wishing them a goodbye as he continues his jog. After some time and grabbing an iced coffee with a steak, egg and cheese bagel and biscuit, of the same variety albeit with strawberry jelly, he made his way back to the dorm and in turn he and Blake's room just as his fellow sophomore was waking up for the team meeting.

Jayson: Just the person I was looking for, got your usual, steak and egg biscuit with jam. Bagel's mine. Got you a fruit punch since they ain't have Mountain Dew.

Blake: Nah, the fact you even did this shows you're a real one, Jay. Much appreciated, dude. So how was last night with you know who?

Jayson: Who, oh you mean Livvy? It was nice, gave her some of my hometown cooking from Texas, watched Cobra Kai and Futurama. Walked her back to her place, nothing too serious.

Blake: Yeah, I'm gonna call bull. You need to get on that, before anyone else does. I can tell she wants you, the boys know she wants you, her friends KNOW for damn sure she wants you. You're probably the only person that's really dense enough to see Liv wants you, Jaychocinco.

Jayson: Hang on, Jaychocinco?

He gives the Maryland native an incredulous look with Blake explaining his new nickname.

Blake: Yeah you hadn't heard? You wear eighty-five like the Ocho himself, and your play style has been compared to a hybrid of him and Larry Fitzgerald. You just don't showboat as much as he did when he was playing.

Jayson: Hmmm.... I wonder if I could trademark. I could make an absolute killing, I MEAN- sure whatever. I'mma get showered. my suit cleaned up and ready to go- holla if you need me.

Blake: For sure.

The Victors Walk.... 2 Hours to Game vs. Washington

The sun had began to set on the city of Ann Arbor and anybody that was somebody had flooded the campus of the University of Michigan. 1201 South Street was the designated venue to be as the stadium lights shone brightly on the FieldTurf. The Huskies, the unfortunate opponent on tonight's marquee had already seen their fair share of players in the stadium getting taped up or going through their individual or otherwise position-designated workouts before the coin toss. Jayson had been spending some time with the fans, running through his routes as with this plucky former five-star recruit, Coach Harbaugh told in his personal meeting, he was going to be lining up all over the field just as he had previously done in the blowout against Western Michigan. Once more excited for the challenge he got work with both new receivers coach Bellamy and former Wolverine Mike Hart, now back at the school as the team's new running backs coach.

Mike Hart: You ready, kid?

Jayson: You kiddin' me? I was born ready, coach. People forget I used to play running back in Pop Warner, explains why I'm so tough to get down. You just let me know when you wanna give Hassan and Blake a break, I'll be more than happy to take over.

Mike Hart: What I like to hear, go get taped up and the rest of your equipment.

(Gametime.)

P.A. Announcer: AND NOW LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS, YOUR MICHIGANNNNN WOLVERINES!

The Wolverines, withstanding a raucous ovation as per the norm in the largest stadium in these United States, stormed the field, touching the ever iconic Go Blue banner with the crowd signing the Victors Valiant fight song, staff and players all pouring out of the tunnel. The coin toss had been officiated and Jayson would have to wait as the homestanding would defer to the second half but he was occupied with the offensive coordinator much like the rest of that side of the ball.

Josh Gattis: All right boys, we all went over the game plan during warmups and film study today. We're going to punish these guys running the ball and only when these bastards are gasping for air and begging for mercy or their mommies, whichever comes first. That's when we'll air the 'skin out. Spread the wealth so to speak. When one eats, you all eat, understand?!

COACH!

Josh Gattis: Goddamn right, let's put these huskies down!

The Huskies, led by second year head coach Jimmy Lake were coming off of a loss to FCS powerhouse Grizzlies from the University of Montana, looked to get back into the rankings at the expense of their future in conferece opponent but just as quickly as they got on the field they were as quickly shut down and sent packing, the 3rd down becoming a fourth and very long following a Mazi Smith and Mike Morris combined sack.

SNAP! CLICK!

Snapping the chinstrap of his Speedflex in place to begin what would hopefully be a successful game following a two-score performance in the first game of the year which were career numbers nine and ten respectively in the blowout of the Broncos last week. On pace for a potential 1,000 yard and double digit touchdown scores, he started by lining up in the slot. After getting in tune with quarterback Cade McNamara who tapped his foot onto the turf, the Texas native went in motion as the play began to unfold and Cade simply flicked the pigskin on a jet touch pass, and with elite blocking as if it were Hassan Haskins or Blake Corum running straight into mashing teeth of the defense, they spring to the right knocking anyone who dare wear white, old gold and purple flat on their backs or asses as the sophomore got out to a 14-yard scamper being pushed out by a rather athletic defensive tackle. Moving at a breakneck pace, the next play came to the QB quickly in which he relayed to his running mates, snapping the ball on a two count. Jayson, after being told his specific route, a simple fly or "go" route which broke off into several routes of his choice, fired off of his left foot, fooling the matching up defensive back, quickly creating space off his defender who adjusted just too late, with Jayson opting to go with the post route.

Jayson: CADE! I'M OPEN!

And the quarterback acknowledges this, avoiding the early blitz from the front seven before launching the ball with all of his God given strength. A perfect high-arcing ball would be the end result, being dropped right into the bucket for Jayson to take advantage of.

CAUGHT BY BUTLER ON GO ROUTE TURNED POST, ABSOLUTELY LOSING HIS DEFENDER! HE'S RACING UP THE FIELD AND IT'S A FOOT RACE! TOUCHDOWN MICHIGAN! A 47-YARD BOMB DROPPED RIGHT INTO THE CANNON FOR JAYSON BUTLER!

Jayson hits a griddy just as his teammates raced up to dap him up, special teams getting set up in the madness. Before he got to the sideline for some oxygen he spotted Brent and his parents. And he decided he wanted to hold onto the football just for him.

Jayson: Just the little little Wolverine I was looking for. For you, kiddo. Sorry it took the team longer to get on the field!

Brent: NO WAY, THANK YOU!

Jayson: Thanks for staying, I'll always keep my promises!

After some exchanging three and outs by both teams throughout the first quarter. The score sat 14-0 in favor of the homestanding after Blake had tacked on an explosive 67-yard rush six minutes into the second half. Michigan had once again been pushing down the field after the Huskies quarterback had found himself picked off by D.J. Turner. Blending in their usual style of sixty percent run and forty percent pass, every so often would dot up Jayson for a couple of compact yet modest gains being that of thirteen, seven, fourteen and ten yards respectively, the underclassmen found himself already with six catches against ten targets for 105 yards, and this was just modest and unfortunately for Washington's defense, they still had another thirty minutes to torture to endure. But even he needed a break which brought to the one thing he hated doing in real games, blocking. But again, you gonna argue when you got two killer workhorses on your squad?

BOOOM!

Jayson: Now get your bitchass on the floor. Taste that turf, little boy! LITTLE BOY! BLAKE RUN THAT SHIT, MY BROTHER!

Blake churned right past him, keeping the legs going, even feeding his shoulder pads into an bigger yet unsuspecting Mike linebacker who had been preparing to wrap up the running back but was uninformed of Corum's running style. And all Jay would hear next is the band once more playing for Blake as he rushed in for a 27-yard touchdown, increasing the lead to 21-0 with the game slowly entering one-sided blowout territory. The game soon found itself in the final stanza, a gritty effort for the Huskies who, respectably, never quitted this game even going as far to score in the waning moment of the third but in the fourth, it was like an anaconda wrapping around Dubs II as then.....

TOUCHDOWN, MICHIGAN. Jayson Butler, 4 YARD TOUCHDOWN!

While it did take until the fourth quarter to secure another reception after being pretty much contained, hit or jarred loose of the ball in the second half, Jayson after the Wolverines had churned away enough time within the fourth quarter Cade had once again gripped it and ripped it, spotting Jayson for what would be his second score, career touchdown number twelve. This one came on a double move in-breaking route which commanded he go back inside after freezing his linebacking defending before caught the pass and slid to protect the ball from being punched out.

Jayson: OH MY GAWD! THIS FOOTBALL SHIT TOO EASY, SENT THAT BOI'S ANKLES TO THE MORGUE! SEND IN THE NEXT SORRY ASS TEAM!

And it was true, they wouldn't be facing an elite team for weeks but man. This college stuff was WAY too easy at least according to him.

End of Chapter 11! You thought I was gonna let this die, didn't you? Be honest. Real G's move in silence. Shhhhhhhhh-

Stats:

Receptions against Targets. 7 RECs against 12 Targets.

Receiving Yards: 109 Yards.

Touchdowns: Two Receiving Touchdowns

Rushing Attempts: 5 rushes.

Rushing Yards: 25 Yards.

Rushing Touchdowns: Zero.

NEW CHAPTERS COMING SOON. Just don't ask when, big pet peeve! Until next time, ENJOY!