-
-
Harmon Forecast:
Game of the Week
Miami (Fla.) 17, *Florida State 16
The Hurricanes have won six consecutive games against the Seminoles, including last year's 16-10 overtime victory. Two years ago in Tallahassee, the Hurricanes won 22-14.
Week of Sept. 3
Major Colleges - Div. I-A
Air Force 19 *Washington 14
*Alabama 20 Middle Tennessee 7
*Arizona State 34 Temple 13
*Arkansas 31 Southwest Missouri State 6
*Auburn 23 Georgia Tech 20
*Baylor 27 SMU 17
Boise State 30 *Georgia 24
Boston College 27 *BYU 17
Bowling Green 26 *Wisconsin 20
*California 36 Sacramento State 6
*Cincinnati 27 Eastern Michigan 19
*Clemson 21 Texas A&M 19
*Colorado 24 Colorado State 21
*Connecticut 39 Buffalo 6
*East Carolina 20 Duke 16
*Florida 27 Wyoming 13
*Iowa 30 Ball State 10
*Iowa State 30 Illinois State 3
*Kansas 24 Florida Atlantic 21
*Kansas State 37 Florida International 7
*LSU 23 North Texas 14
*Louisiana-Monroe 34 Northwestern State 14
Louisville 31 *Kentucky 10
*Marshall 32 William & Mary 17
Miami (Fla.) 17 *Florida State 16
*Michigan 29 Northern Illinois 16
*Michigan State 24 Kent State 19
Minnesota 31 *Tulsa 28
Mississippi 20 *Memphis 19
*Missouri 31 Arkansas State 9
Navy 20 *Maryland 17
*Nebraska 31 Maine 9
*New Mexico 20 UNLV 13
*New Mexico State 24 UTEP 23
*Northwestern 35 Ohio 14
Notre Dame 23 *Pittsburgh 20
*Ohio State 19 Miami (Ohio) 14
*Oklahoma 26 TCU 17
*Oklahoma State 33 Montana State 7
Oregon 30 Houston 21
*Oregon State 30 Portland State 3
*Penn State 19 South Florida 15
Rutgers 26 *Illinois 20
*San Jose State 31 Eastern Washington 21
*South Carolina 23 Central Florida 17
Southern California 27 *Hawaii 14
*Southern Miss 20 Tulane 14
*Tennessee 35 UAB 14
*Texas 38 Louisiana-Lafayette 12
*Toledo 44 Western Illinois 7
UCLA 28 *San Diego State 13
*Utah 38 Arizona 10
*Utah State 23 Nicholls State 12
*Virginia 34 Western Michigan 10
Virginia Tech 27 *N.C. State 10
*Washington State 45 Idaho 16
Wake Forest 27 *Vanderbilt 21
West Virginia 20 *Syracuse 13
Mejia:
Week 1
Louisiana-Monroe 28 Northwestern State 20
Wake Forest 37 Vanderbilt 13
Washington State 40 Idaho 17
Minnesota 34 Tulsa 10
Marshall 38 William & Mary 16
Oregon 41 Houston 34
South Carolina 24 Central Florida 23
Arizona State 45 Temple 7
Utah 31 Arizona 17
Toledo 48 Western Illinois 14
Connecticut 52 Buffalo 6
Indiana 34 Central Michigan 19
Iowa 55 Ball State 3
Iowa State 37 Illinois State 10
Kansas 37 Florida Atlantic 24
Kansas State 41 Florida International 6
Texas 59 La.-Lafayette 3
Bowling Green 34 Wisconsin 31
Syracuse 31 West Virginia 27
Michigan State 41 Kent State 10
Air Force 34 Washington 24
Mississippi State 38 Murray State 3
LSU 38 North Texas 13
California 66 Sacramento State 10
Alabama 24 Middle Tennessee 13
Georgia 31 Boise State 27
Maryland 20 Navy 9
Tennessee 31 UAB 17
Missouri 61 Arkansas State 10
Baylor 40 Southern Methodist 17
Nebraska 44 Maine 6
Oklahoma State 42 Montana State 3
New Mexico 36 UNLV 10
Oregon State 41 Portland State 7
Penn State 38 South Florida 16
Texas-El Paso 41 New Mexico State 17
Boston College 28 Brigham Young 13
Arkansas 44 Southwest Missouri State 9
Rutgers 27 Illinois 24
San Jose State 34 Eastern Washington 20
San Diego State 28 UCLA 27
Southern California 55 Hawaii 17
Michigan 28 Northern Illinois 16
Clemson 31 Texas A&M 24
Northwestern 35 Ohio 13
Colorado 31 Colorado State 16
Notre Dame 26 Pittsburgh 24
Ohio State 31 Miami (Ohio) 13
Duke 35 East Carolina 24
Cincinnati 48 Eastern Michigan 20
Utah State 31 Nicholls State 14
Florida 59 Wyoming 24
Virginia 45 Western Michigan 12
Auburn 24 Georgia Tech 20
Oklahoma 47 TCU 10
Louisville 41 Kentucky 21
Virginia Tech 23 North Carolina State 13
Southern Mississippi 26 Tulane 17
Memphis 42 Mississippi 31
Florida State 24 Miami (Fla.) 17 -
Guys, let me know if you want the non ATS picks, I would rather leave them out. Will also try to get some fade numbers for this thread after the picks are released.Comment
-
MSNBC Predicitons 101/ John Tamanaha
damn msnbc changed their format, have to copy and paste from 10+ pages with my crummy dial up, sheesh.
Last season: 106-33, 76.3% outright;
71-63-4, 52.9% against spread
THURS: CENTRAL FLORIDA at SO. CAROLINA
The Gamecocks were in the middle of the SEC pack in nearly every regard last season and just kind of there. Enter Steve Spurrier, taking over for Lou Holtz and changing the environment quite a bit. It will surely take time for the “Fun ‘n Gun” to mix in properly, but the ol’ ball coach doesn’t have too much of that as South Carolina travels to Georgia on Sept. 10.
In his tune-up versus Central Florida, Spurrier could play as many three quarterbacks and has only three starters back from last year’s defense, neither of which is a good sign. Luckily the opponent won’t pose too much of a problem for his inexperienced squad.
The second step for George O’Leary at Central Florida starts at the very bottom … 15 consecutive losses (only the last 11 can be included on O’Leary’s updated resume), one of the worst offenses in the nation last season (114th in total offense, 113th in scoring) and a move to a new conference (goodbye MAC, hello C-USA).
There is obviously plenty of work to be done in the next few years, but the good news is that O’Leary is a builder and making progress. There finally will be some celebrating in Orlando this fall, just not this early.
Opening point spread: South Carolina by 18.5
Pick: South Carolina 34-10
_______________________________________
FRI: ARIZONA at UTAH
The rest of the Mountain West Conference couldn’t be happier that they’ve seen the last of coach Urban Meyer and gunslinger Alex Smith, but they’ll still be up against it when facing the Utes this season. There is enough talent and winning residue from the last year’s dream season to easily keep Utah at the top of the mountain.
In the opener, the Utes will be stepping up in class to take on an opponent from a more powerful league, but if you are Utah rookie head coach Kyle Whittingham and you’ve got to put a 16-game winning streak on the line, Arizona is the Pac-10 team you want to draw (if Washington or Stanford aren’t available, that is).
Led by underrated RB Mike Bell, the Wildcat offense will be better this season, if not only because it was one of the nation’s worst a year ago. But Mike Stoops did hit the recruiting trail hard and had some good success.
Arizona ended last season on the right foot with a 34-27 upset of Arizona State and will have some good momentum going into this one. Mix in a secondary that returns all four starters and they just might get it done.
Or just come extremely close.
Opening point spread: Utah by 7
Pick: Utah 24-23
____________________________________
SAT: NO. 18 BOISE ST. at NO. 13 GEORGIA
If all goes right in Athens, quarterback D.J. Shockley could have Mark Richt reliving his days as an offensive coordinator at Florida State when he had Charlie Ward at his side. If things don’t go quite that well, the Bulldogs certainly will miss the accurate left arm of David Greene. But with a healthy stable of running backs led by Thomas Brown and Danny Ware, galloping behind a sturdy offensive line, Georgia might actually improve upon last season’s 27.9 points per game.
With Dan Hawkins still in charge along the Bronco sideline (how in the world is that still the case?), we’ll expect more of the same from do-it-all quarterback Jared Zabransky, who completed 63 percent of his passes last season, while throwing for 16 touchdowns and running for 13 of the team’s whopping 48 scores on the ground.
The Boise State offense won’t score its customary 50 points at Sanford Stadium, but it will have the locals shaking their heads and holding their hats.
And don’t forget about the opportunistic and underrated Bronco defense that will get the lion’s share of the credit if this opener is a success … and thus the biggest win in Idaho football history.
Opening point spread: Georgia by 7
Pick: Boise State 28-27
_____________________________________
SAT: WYOMING at NO. 10 FLORIDA
As they go riding into The Swap, the Cowboys will rely heavily on the arm of quarterback Corey Bramlet and the playmaking abilities of wideout Jovon Bouknight, as their top two rushers will be unavailable in the opener, leaving ground gaining duties to redshirt freshman Wynel Seldon.
One-dimensional is not what you want to be going into this type of environment, especially with emotions sky high for the debut of Gator skipper Urban Meyer, who is well aware of the good work being done in Laramie by third-year coach Joe Glenn.
On the flip side, the Wyoming defense was susceptible to the run last season and will be once again, as the strength of the unit lies in the secondary. That will pose a problem in Gainesville, where the Gators have a trio of running backs ready to fill the shoes of Ciatrick Fason, who left early for the NFL.
And remember, although the passing of NFL No. 1 draft pick Alex Smith got all the ink last season at Utah, Meyer’s offense also pounded out a healthy 236 yards per game on the ground.
The new coach likes to run it and we shouldn’t expect him to pull out much from his bag of tricks in this one (or the following week while hosting Louisiana Tech). Meyer figures to be saving the official debut of “The Chris Leak Show” for Sept. 17 at Tennessee.
Opening point spread: Florida by 22
Pick: Florida 42-16
__________________________________________
SAT: NO. 1 USC at HAWAII
It doesn’t seem quite fair does it? The Trojans get to bring everybody to Honolulu to face a home team that seems much too shorthanded. The defending BCS champs have their Heisman Trophy quarterback Matt Leinart back in the saddle to work among a collection of highlight producers.
With that in mind and knowing that Pete Carroll’s defense will always be one of the nation’s best, it seems only fitting that June Jones would be allowed to have NCAA all-time passing leading Timmy Chang back for just one more game. No dice on that one.
Jones’ problems, however, don’t end at the signalcaller position, as he’s got a grand total of zero returning starters at the other offensive skill spots, as well.
The situation is largely the same on the defensive side of the ball, but that’s a good thing as the Warriors were putrid last season. New defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville (yes, that Jerry Glanville … wouldn’t this make for a great reality show?) has been brought in to tend to the problem and will stress speed and, of course, plenty of blitzes from a new 3-4 alignment.
It’s a classic case of the haves versus the have nots … and a whole lot of trouble in paradise.
Opening point spread: USC by 32
Pick: USC 52-10
________________________________________
SAT: NOTRE DAME at NO. 23 PITTSBURGH
When Charlie Weis and Dave Wannstedt meet each other near midfield during the pregame warm-ups, they’ll have to remind themselves that they aren’t still in the NFL. The truth is that both of them have returned to their alma maters with heavy challenges ahead.
Weis is being asked to provide a rebirth, while Wannstedt’s mission is to remain in the BCS picture. Both of them haven’t had it this tough on campus since having to wake up early for those 8 a.m. chemistry classes.
Weis envisions junior quarterback Brady Quinn as his new Tom Brady, and with nine other Fighting Irish starters back on offense, there is some hope that there could be a slight resemblance by season’s end (… I said slight).
Sophomore RB Darius Walker and senior WR Rhema McKnight are proven playmakers and Quinn should enjoy adequate protection behind a veteran line that returns all five. If so, the bandwagon might be back in business.
Last season, Notre Dame lost to Pittsburgh 41-38 in South Bend. The Panthers return several familiar faces from that squad, especially on offense where QB Tyler Palko will pick up right where he left off last season when he passed for more than 1,824 yards and 17 touchdowns in the final six games.
Opening point spread: Pittsburgh by 4
Pick: Pittsburgh 27-24
__________________________________
SAT: GEORGIA TECH at NO. 16 AUBURN
Chan Gailey is worried about his young and banged up offensive line, but has gone out of his way to say that junior quarterback Reggie Ball will have an outstanding season. The equation doesn’t make lot of sense. Ball is Georgia Tech’s playmaker, but his completion percentage was under 50 percent last season and he threw 18 interceptions. He’ll need the proper protection to put his erratic performances behind him and get the ball downfield to top-notch WR Calvin Johnson.
It is also possible that the Yellow Jacket offense won’t have to score too many points to post notches in the win column, as the defense should be among of the nation’s elite. Led by middle linebacker Gerris Wilkinson, the Tech defense should hold up well versus the Tigers, who are now without NFL first-rounders Jason Campbell, Carnell “Cadillac” Williams and Ronnie Brown.
Auburn’s cupboard is by no means bare, but it will take time for the newcomers to put it altogether, even at home at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
The Tigers will win five of their first six games, but not this one.
Opening point spread: Auburn by 7
Pick: Georgia Tech 20-17
___________________________________
SUN: NO. 12 LOUISVILLE at KENTUCKY
As if the albatross of the Wildcat basketball team didn’t cast enough of a shadow over his gridiron gang, Rich Brooks helplessly watched as nearby Louisville got its football program into ultra high gear last season. Therefore a season-opening upset of the Cardinals would be a dream come true for the embattled coach who might not have much more time in Lexington without a turning point such as this.
But who are we kidding? Treating this like the Game of the Century will only help Kentucky’s morale until Louisville takes a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter. From then on, thoughts will gradually turn toward the more accommodating Idaho State game coming up next. The Wildcat defense allowed an average of 224 rushing yards per game and this year’s linebacker unit looks thinner than Nicole Richie.
That’s not a good situation to be in when facing a team that averaged a shade under 50 points during its complete demolition of Conference-USA last season.
The Big East won’t have any better success versus the Cardinals in 2005. Sophomore quarterback Brian Brohm proved last season that he’ll be able to step in and pick up right where Stefan LeFors left off.
Opening point spread: Louisville by 21.5
Pick: Louisville 41-13
_____________________________________
SUN: NO. 8 VIRGINIA TECH at N.C. STATE
We’re still surprised that the Hokies rebounded from last year’s upset at the hands of the Wolfpack to win their next eight games and take home the league title in their maiden voyage through the ACC. However, we won’t be surprised if Frank Beamer has an even better squad in 2005.
Quarterback Marcus Vick, who takes over for Bryan Randall, last year’s ACC Player of the Year, is sure to keep the ball moving and we’ve never doubted Tech’s abilities on defense and special teams.
N.C. State displayed the nation’s top total defense last season, allowing just 221 yards per game, but that was easily balanced out by an offense that turned the ball over 32 times and allowed 31 sacks. One can expect the offensive output to improve after last year’s hangover from the Philip Rivers era, but the defense won’t be as stout (especially in the early going) with the entire secondary and two linebackers having to be replaced.
The Wolfpack do have perhaps the best defensive line in the county, led by ends Manny Lawson and Mario Williams, but Vick is a hard man to hunt down.
Opening point spread: Virginia Tech by 5
Pick: Virginia Tech 23-16
_________________________________________
MON: NO. 9 MIAMI at NO. 14 FLORIDA ST.
Now that the fight with the NCAA to save their nickname has been won, Seminoles everywhere can focus on supporting Bobby Bowden’s team or (as many would prefer) raising the heat a few degrees on their 75-year-old coach. Now in the 30th season of his illustrious career, Bowden has just about done it all. But he hasn’t beaten the Hurricanes in his last six tries and that is beyond intolerable in Tallahassee.
Putting a stop to the skid will be as tough as keeping Courtney Love out of trouble, but at least Florida State will be at home and draws Miami early. With sophomore quarterback Kyle Wright being the Hurricanes’ only major question mark, they figure to pack a more powerful punch as winter approaches.
Wright, however, will be more experienced and prepared than whichever redshirt freshmen the Seminoles send out to take snaps, either Drew Weatherford or Xavier Lee.
Once again, Miami’s defense will be too much for Florida State. Same score as last year, but no need for overtime, thanks to Mr. Excitement Devin Hester and the return of LT Eric Winston.
Opening point spread: Miami by 3
Pick: Miami 16-10
----------------------------------------
Uggh, that was tedious, had to remove the ads as well>
msnbc for messin that format up.Comment
-
NY Post Bettors Guide
http://www.nypost.com/sports/betting/collegepicks.htm
guys if this link does not work, you may have to register at NYpost.com(it takes about 2 minutes). I'm including a scan of the picks this week, but might not next:Comment
-
Comment
-
USA Today/Eric Smith
No. 1 Southern California at Hawaii, 7 p.m. ET
Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush get an early look at Aloha Stadium — where they will likely return as NFL Pro Bowlers. Southern California 49, Hawaii 14.
No. 2 Texas vs. Louisiana-Lafayette, 7 p.m.
I'm going to get my one mandated positive comment about Texas out of the way early this year. Nice work by Mack Brown by allowing the Longhorns to have a confidence-builder in time for next week's showdown against Ohio State. Texas 48, Louisiana Lafayette 10.
No. 3 Tennessee vs. UAB, 12:30 p.m.
Even if four or five more Tennessee players were ruled ineligible before game time, it wouldn't matter against the Blazers. Tennessee 40, UAB 13.
No. 4 Michigan vs. Northern Illinois, 3:30 p.m.
No longer freshmen, Chad Henne and Mike Hart embark on their second season with high expectations. The big question for the Wolverines is the defense that fell apart in the final two games. Garrett Wolfe, the fifth-leading rusher from last year, provides a nice early test. Michigan 34, Northern Illinois 17.
No. 5 Oklahoma vs. TCU, noon
The new-look Sooners, with quarterback Paul Thompson, will be relying on their defense to get them through some close games early in the season. They're lucky that the ground-dominated Horned Frogs don't have the offense to exploit a very questionable secondary. Oklahoma 35, TCU 16.
No. 6 LSU vs. North Texas, 8 p.m. (postponed)
Hurricane Katrina and the tragedy in Louisiana again remind us that sports is just fun and games.
No. 7 Virginia Tech at N.C. State, 7:15 p.m. (Sunday)
The Hokies get Marcus Vick back behind center and have plenty of motivation against the only ACC team that beat them last year. The Wolfpack sport one of the top defensive lines in the country and a tremendous stable of young running backs. The play of quarterback Jay Davis will determine if they can knock off the defending league champs. Virginia Tech 16, N.C. State 14.
No. 8 Miami (Fla.) at No. 12 Florida State, 8 p.m. (Monday)
Two of the nation's top defenses will be facing two untested quarterbacks. First team to the end zone wins? That might be the way for Bobby Bowden and the Seminoles to finally end their six-game skid against the Hurricanes. Florida State 14, Miami 13.
No. 9 Ohio State vs. Miami (Ohio), noon
If the Buckeyes have their eyes looking ahead to Texas, they'll be tested by the RedHawks, who would love nothing more than to knock off the big state school. Ohio State 27, Miami 14.
No. 10 Iowa vs. Ball State, noon
Like an NFL exhibition game, fans better get to Kinnick Stadium early because the starters will be out before halftime. Iowa 45, Ball State 6.
No. 11 Florida vs. Wyoming, 6 p.m.
The Cowboys do have the benefit of facing Urban Meyer's complex offense twice while the coach was at Utah. Of course, the talent at Florida should prove to be a bit quicker than Meyer's previous players. Florida 38, Wyoming 10.
No. 13 Georgia vs. No. 19 Boise State, 5:30 p.m.
The Broncos provide a test to the Bulldogs and new quarterback D.J. Shockley. But there is enough Georgia athletes on defense and strength along the lines of scrimmage to deny Boise State a breakthrough victory. Georgia 31, Boise State 23.
No. 14 Louisville at Kentucky, 3:30 p.m. (Sunday)
Don't expect much dropoff from the Cardinals as they enter the Big East. Brian Brohm should be more than an adequate replacement for Stefan Lefors and Bobby Petrino is among the top offensive minds in the country. Louisville 40, Kentucky 17.
No. 15 Auburn vs. Georgia Tech, 8:45 p.m.
Ronnie Brown, Carnell Williams, Carlos Rodgers and Jason Campbell all were taken in the first round of the NFL draft. Auburn has the talent to replace those stars, but there will be growing pains early. Auburn 19, Georgia Tech 13.
No. 17 Texas A&M at Clemson, 8 p.m.
The Aggies, with multitalented quarterback Reggie McNeal, are a trendy pick to contend in the Big 12 South. Until they demonstrate an ability to win on the road, the jury is still out. This is the perfect opportunity to prove doubters like me wrong. Texas A&M 24, Clemson 20.
No. 18 Arizona State vs. Temple, 10 p.m. (Thursday)
Now an independent, the Owls are reduced to these types of games until they can get into the comfy surroundings of the MAC. Arizona State 45, Temple 10.
No. 20 California vs. Sacramento State, 5 p.m.
Nate Longshore won the competition to fill the shoes of Aaron Rodgers. This game, unfortunately, won't give us an idea whether he will be the latest in the line of outstanding quarterbacks produced by Jeff Tedford. California 47, Sacramento State 10.
No. 22 Boston College at BYU, 3:30 p.m.
Nice contrast of styles as Boston College will try to outmuscle the Cougars and their finesse passing game. With some early momentum, the Eagles have an excellent chance to follow Virginia Tech and win the ACC in their first year in the league. Boston College 26, BYU 21.
No. 23 Virginia vs. Western Michigan, 6:30 p.m.
Another year of high expectations for Al Groh and the Cavaliers. His problem hasn't been winning the easy games, it has been beating the top competition. Virginia 42, Western Michigan 10.
No. 24 Alabama vs. Middle Tennessee, 7 p.m.
The healthy return of quarterback Brodie Croyle gives the Crimson Tide some semblance of an offense to support one of the nation's top defenses. Now he just needs to avoid another serious injury. Alabama 28, Middle Tennessee 7.
No. 25 Pittsburgh vs. Notre Dame, 8 p.m.
Dave Wannstedt and Charlie Weis know each other well from their meetings in the AFC East over recent years. Weis is off to a fast start in recruiting and generating fresh enthusiasm around the program. Opponents better get the Irish early before the team gets comfortable with his schemes. Pittsburgh 24, Notre Dame 20.
Last year's record: 201-57 (148-114-2)Comment
-
College football news staff picks
dont think that link in post #1 works, heres another for college football news
http://www.collegefootballnews.com/2...xpertPicks.htmComment
-
thanks BB.... good stuff ......B sq'd ... kinda like L7 .
Watch out for The Crosstown Traffic All Along The Watchtower and Spanish Castles , while visiting Electric Lady Land ......oh shit , that 2nd tab of 25 is just now starting to KICK-IN ........
Last edited by Ldawg; 09-01-2005, 08:53 PM.Comment
-
No prob TomF.
Just a reminder guys, this is by no means my thread, this info is for everyone, so feel free to post what you can find on the net, or just reuse these links next week. I would really appreciate some help this year.
here's a partial list of the sites I get the info from:
cbssportsline
collegefootballnews.com
espn.com
SI.com
Foxsports.com
NYPost.com
Chicago sun times
chicago sports.com
dallasnews.com
miamiherald.com
newsday.com
usatoday.com
msnbc.comLast edited by Blackbeard; 09-01-2005, 08:58 PM.Comment
-
SI.com Predictions
Week One
Mon., 8 p.m. ET ABC No. 9 Miami (Fla.) (0-0) at No. 14 Florida St. (0-0)
I'm not trying to be funny here, but isn't it bizarre that a month ago it was "Seminoles" that was considered to be the insensitive nickname? The Hurricanes have an 11-game win streak against Sunshine State foes (FSU, UF and FAMU) dating back to 1999. It's about to be twelve.
Miami 17, Florida State 16
Sat., 7 p.m. ET ESPN2 No. 1 USC (0-0) at Hawaii (0-0)
Lost is filmed in Hawaii, and that's exactly what the Rainbow Warriors are now that record-setting QB Timmy Chang and his four top receivers have said Aloha to Oahu. Oh, and a defense that allowed 38.4 ppg in '04 faces an offense with the country's two leading Heisman candidates.
Southern Cal 70, Hawaii 7
Sat., 5:30 p.m. ET ESPN No. 18 Boise St. (0-0) at No. 13 Georgia (0-0)
Boise State coach Dan Hawkins has the best record of any I-A coach this decade (44-6) ... whereas Sophie B. Hawkins had the worst record of any artist last decade (c'mon, sing it: "Damn! I wish I was your lover ..."). I mean, even grammatically, that's incorrect. The Broncos return 17 starters, but they are not the same team away from the smurf turf as they are on it.
Georgia 34, Boise State 21
Sat., 8:45 p.m. ET ESPN Georgia Tech (0-0) at No. 16 Auburn (0-0)
You know how when you attend a Stones concert and Mick lets Keith handle the vocals (e.g., Little T& A), you say to yourself, bathroom break? That's how I feel if Ron Franklin is not calling an SEC night game. Ron's behind the mic for this one (with Bob Davie on backup vocals). Start me up!
Auburn 17, Georgia Tech 13
Sat., 8 p.m. ET ABC No. 17 Texas A&M (0-0) at Clemson (0-0)
Call me nuts, but safeties often look like the studliest players on the field. Guys such as John Lynch (Stanford), Greg Myers (Colorado State), Troy Polamalu (USC) and Ed Reed (Miami) are all former All-Americans. I think they'd like watching Aggie free safety Jaxson Appel, a four-year starter who's led A&M in tackles the past two seasons.
Texas A&M 31, Clemson 30
Sat., 3:30 p.m. ET ABC No. 22 Boston College (0-0) at Brigham Young (0-0)
If the crowd at this game had been the test audience for The 40-Year Old Virgin, Steve Carrell would not yet be a household name. Speaking of which, if you can pronounce it, Mathias Kiwanuka's name is one to remember. The Boston College defensive end has 28 career sacks, but I like BYU to upset BC. The Eagles are breaking in a new QB and have a history of September road hiccups.
BYU 28, Boston College 24
Sat., 8 p.m. ET ABC Notre Dame (0-0) at No. 23 Pittsburgh (0-0)
Wake up the echoes? After an 11-13 record the past two seasons, it's more like "Power up the defibrillator!" in South Bend. The last time Charlie Weis stood on a Pittsburgh sideline, the Pats beat the Steelers in the AFC title game. This time the opposition has the better QB in Tyler Palko. "Paddles! Clear!"
Pittsburgh 38, Notre Dame 35
Sat., 3:30 p.m. ET TBS Colorado (0-0) at Colorado St. (0-0)
The NCAA mandated that media guides may not exceed 208 pages, which means that no longer can you peruse Colorado's edition, which is compiled by the tireless Dave Plati, and learn that Plati's younger brother, Mark, was David Bowie's guitarist for five years. Is there no limit to the NCAA's inhumanity?!?
Colorado 27, Colorado State 10
Mon., 4:30 p.m. ET ESPN Ole Miss (0-0) at Memphis (0-0)
The good news for the Tigers: RB DeAngelo Williams is the active NCAA leader in rushing yards, rushing TDs, yards per carry and all-purpose yards. The bad news: None of the top three QBs on the Tigers' depth chart has attempted a collegiate pass (outside of Beale Street). Not an exciting week to be the Ole Miss nickelback.
Memphis 23, Mississippi 17
Sat., Noon ET ESPN Bowling Green (0-0) at Wisconsin (0-0)
This game smells a lot like the Badgers' 32-20 loss to Fresno State at Camp Randall four years ago. Mid-major with a monster talent at QB (then, David Carr; now, Omar Jacobs) invades Madison and pulls off the upset.
Bowling Green 21, Wisconsin 20Comment
-
I have ESPN insider plays if you want me to post2010 One play a day record
22-19-1 51%
+0.74 units
Passes: 7 days
Streak: L2Comment
-
please do Larry, I'm counting the picks now, and need more data, some of the sites I use are very slow to publish(dallas news, fox sports > still waitin on these)Comment
-
Comment
-
Here you go...
Friday
Arizona +7 at Utah: That noise you hear is the air coming out of the balloon at Utah. After last year's 12-0 party, it's got to feel a little lonely with the departure of the magic man, Urban Meyer (to Florida), plus the vacancy sign left by the NFL's top pick, QB Alex Smith. Also gone are Smith's favorite targets, Paris Warren and Steve Savoy, leading rusher Marty Johnson and defensive leader Morgan Scalley. They're not exactly replacing them with you and me, though, because Meyer didn't leave the cupboard bare. The big question is can QB Brian Johnson run the offense half as well as Smith did? Defensive coordinator Kyle Whittingham takes over, keeping much of Meyer's system in place.
Arizona, playing a much tougher schedule in the Pac-10, showed a lot of promise last season in coach Mike Stoops' first year. Despite needing a search warrant to find the offense, the Wildcats played Utah as close as anybody (losing 23-6), and then lost early heartbreakers to Wisconsin (9-7) and Washington State (20-19). Things improved late with a 10-point victory at Washington and an emotional win over rival ASU. Again, the defense will carry this team. Stoops has eight starters back from a very good defense that can be a great one this year. If QB Richard Kovalcheck can connect often enough with B.J. Vickers, this can be a very decent year for the Wildcats.
The pick: Arizona in a possible upset.
Saturday
Bowling Green +2 at Wisconsin: This game could wind up 49-48, thanks to Bowling Green's amazing offense and not-so-amazing defense. This is coach Gregg Brandon's third year (since Meyer left) and he's continued the tradition of playing the big guys tough. Two years ago the Falcons upset Purdue. The year before that, they upset Missouri and Kansas, and last year they lost respectably at Oklahoma, 40-24.
QB Omar Jacobs is back and will be a contender for the Heisman Trophy. Most of his offense is back with him, which means if the BG defense can hold most teams to 31 points, it should be enough to win. And holding Wisconsin under 31 may be possible. The Badgers were carried by their defense last year and only averaged 21 points a game. QB John Stocco is back and should be able to take advantage of a weak Bowling Green secondary. You can also expect more punch from the Badgers' running game with Booker Stanley.
The pick: Bowling Green, with a late score. If the Falcons are going to get off to a good start, they're going to have to win one of two critical early road games: at Wisconsin or at Boise State. This one looks like an easier task than winning on the blue field. (Note: Wisconsin was a 4½-point favorite 10 days ago).
Miami (Ohio) +15 at Ohio State: The RedHawks of Miami are loaded, with 18 starters coming back for new coach Shane Montgomery. QB Josh Betts should improve enough to possibly lead them to the MAC Championship game. But will it be enough to stay in it at Ohio State? We think so. Betts will have great receivers to work with and a very big and experienced offensive line. The defense will also be tough, especially in the middle.
Ohio State is not exactly a shooting duck. They also have 18 starters back and the multi-talented Ted Ginn Jr. The good news is Jim Tressel didn't get fired. But Tressel likes to play them close to the vest and the Buckeyes rarely blow anybody out. Last year they handled Cincinnati 27-6 in the opener, but then just squeaked by an average Marshall team, perhaps looking ahead to NC State. This year, they might be thinking ahead to the Sept. 10 date with Texas.
The pick: Ohio State, unless the line moves up to 17 or more. Miami will keep it close, especially at halftime, but don't be shocked if the Buckeyes' talent pushes the margin to three TDs at the end.
Pittsburgh -3 over Notre Dame: There'll be no looking ahead of this one for Pitt. What a way to open your season, with the Irish coming to town with a brand new coach to christen. For that matter, the Panthers have a new coach of their own, Dave Wannstedt, a defensive specialist, who can give the Panthers help where they badly need it. The offense, thank you, is doing just fine. Tyler Palko is back at QB and might be the best pure passer in the country. The ground game is also bound to improve with the addition of potential star RB Rashad Jennings.
Charlie Weis may wish he's back with the Patriots after looking at the first five games this year. After Pitt, the Irish are at Michigan, host Michigan State, and at Washington, where Tyrone Willingham will be waiting. That is followed up by a home game against the nation's best team, USC. Unfortunately, Weis has his hands full, talent-wise. The defense again will be dreadful and the offense needs a shot of imagination, which Weis is sure to add.
The pick: Pitt. The Panthers won a 41-38 shootout in South Bend last year. Expect another track meet this time. In the battle of the ex-NFL coaches, superior talent and home field win out.
Oklahoma -26 over TCU: Despite the loss of QB Jason White, the Sooners have reloaded and look more powerful than ever. They have more than one quarterback capable of doing the job for just about anybody, and with Adrian Peterson running the ball, who needs to worry? Their defense has a solid front seven, but will once again be vulnerable to the pass. TCU, though, doesn't appear to be able to take advantage.
The Horned Frogs were awful on defense last year, giving up 35 or more points six times. Things should be better this year, but not much, now that they're in the pass-happy Mountain West, where they open hosting Utah on Sept. 15.
The pick: Oklahoma. Bob Stoops might just want to remind everyone that Oklahoma is a team to be reckoned with again this year. The Sooners will run and throw at will.
Clemson +1½ over Texas A&M: Clemson has slid under the radar in the ACC. They have a veteran QB returning in Charlie Whitehurst along with 14 other returning starters. And Clemson is very good at home, having won 13 of its last 15 there, including several against some very tough ACC opponents. The Tigers' late-season upset win at Miami last year is the game coach Tommy Bowden is building on. With this game listed as a toss-up, a team with that kind of home-field record can't be overlooked.
In last year's opener, A&M was crushed by Utah, but nobody knew Utah was that good. The Aggies followed that with six straight wins and a very respectable season. Led by QB Reggie McNeal, they'll present plenty of problems for anyone. If they can patch up their problems in the defensive backfield, this could be quite a season.
The pick: Clemson, in a home-field decision.
Colorado -7 over Colorado State: Sonny Lubick's Rams had an off year last year thanks to many key injuries and a sloppy defense. But QB Justin Holland is back after throwing for 403 yards in last season's 27-24 opening-game loss to Colorado. Holland broke his ankle in the sixth game and the Rams' season quickly melted after that. Lubick has 17 starters back, including plenty from a defense that allowed 5.2 yards per rush. The main cog in that defense was going to be FS Ben Stratton, but he went down last week with a torn ACL and will miss the season.
Last year Buffaloes coach Gary Barnett banded his team together after all the off-field controversy and rallied them to an appearance in the Big 12 title game. He's got 15 starters back plus both kickers, so Colorado should be tough again this year. QB Joel Klatt had a very inconsistent year and will have to improve or be replaced. Despite the QB questions, the Buffs look like the class of the Big 12 North again.
The pick: Colorado. The Rams have played Colorado tough in four of the last five meetings, but the sudden loss of Stratton is huge. He was the heart and soul of the team.
Kansas -24 over Florida Atlantic: Here's the bottom line on this one: Kansas is loaded and FAU has lost just about everyone who contributed to its 5-0 opening last season. This line was only 18 less than two weeks ago. Florida Atlantic's offense will be small and the defense should be good again, but both lack experience. Howard Schnellenberger is good, but he can't do the impossible.
The Jayhawks are coming into their own under Mark Mangino, now in his fourth season. Although going 4-7 last year, they were in nearly every game and lost heartbreakers to Texas and Texas Tech. Adam Barmann is back at QB but the star of the team is the defense, led by maybe the nation's best defensive back, Charles Gordon.
The pick: Kansas, in a romp. And if things aren't bad enough for FAU, they host Oklahoma State five days after this one. (Best bet).
Sunday
Louisville -22 at Kentucky: How good is Louisville? While assigning odds to win the national title, Vegas rated them with the fourth-best chance, behind only USC, Texas and Michigan. Nine of the Cards' 11 wins last season came by 27 points or more and they look absolutely loaded again. Stefan LeFors might be gone but Brian Brohm will step right in and probably be a better all-around QB. As a freshman last year he came in cold at Miami, when LeFors was knocked out, and led the team on a TD drive in his first set of downs.
Louisville's lost a few other skill people, but coach Bobby Petrino has the replacements to carry on. He could be the most skilled offensive coach in the country and he doesn't mind running up the score. The defense should be nearly as good with the only possible drop off being in the back four.
Kentucky seems as sad as ever. There was a time when Kentucky wouldn't play Louisville in basketball. With the Cards now in the Big East, the day might come when they don't play the Wildcats in football. Andre Woodson is bound to be better than Shane Boyd was last year at QB and the running game might be a tad better, too. But we're talking about a team that struggled offensively, scoring 10 points or less five times last year and 17 or less nine times. The defense doesn't look much better, and coach Rich Brooks is as lame as a lame duck can get here. At home, the Wildcats will get up for Louisville, but Petrino will show no mercy.
The pick: Louisville (Best bet). After all, this is a battle of local turf, as well.
Monday
Miami -3 at Florida State: It's hard to believe the Hurricanes have beaten FSU six straight times now. And I can't remember the last time the Seminoles were underdogs at home. But there's good reason. Bobby Bowden's team is as bad as it's been in years, with huge questions at quarterback and on both lines. Linebacking again is the team's strength, along with RB Leon Washington. No matter who the quarterback turns out to be, FSU might have to look to incoming frosh receivers to catch the ball. Bowden might find out this year what Joe Paterno went through last year.
Miami coach Larry Coker is 44-6 after four years, with half of those defeats coming last year. Kyle Wright should have a better year at QB than Brock Berlin had for the 'Canes. And Miami's defense is as menacing as ever. If they have to play at FSU, catching the Seminoles in disarray in the opener is exactly what Miami would wish for.
The pick: Miami. Expect the defense to dominate again.2010 One play a day record
22-19-1 51%
+0.74 units
Passes: 7 days
Streak: L2Comment
Tweet
Comment