Here are my WEEK 1 Lines and Picks...
Thursday, Sept. 2nd:
South Carolina -14
Southern Miss
*Spurrier's best team as a Gamecock, FINALLY consistent QB play, arguably the best WR's in the SEC, as usual a stout defense, and a legitimate contender in the SEC east. Must slow down the explosive offense of Southern Miss, which the Gamecocks are more than capable of.
Final Score: S. Carolina 34-17
*Spurrier's best team as a Gamecock, FINALLY consistent QB play, arguably the best WR's in the SEC, as usual a stout defense, and a legitimate contender in the SEC east. Must slow down the explosive offense of Southern Miss, which the Gamecocks are more than capable of.
Final Score: S. Carolina 34-17
Ohio State -29
Marshall
*Terrell Pryor, top 10 defense, speed at WR, RB, veteran OL. This will be the team to beat in the Big 10. This one could get ugly, but Tressel rarely runs up the score on weaker opponents. Could possible see a backdoor cover in the second half, depends how ugly it gets in the first.
Final Score: Ohio State 45-6
*Terrell Pryor, top 10 defense, speed at WR, RB, veteran OL. This will be the team to beat in the Big 10. This one could get ugly, but Tressel rarely runs up the score on weaker opponents. Could possible see a backdoor cover in the second half, depends how ugly it gets in the first.
Final Score: Ohio State 45-6
Iowa State -3
Northern Illinois
*Ill take a Big 12 team by a field goal any day vs Northern Illinois, played Iowa tough last year who starts this year in the top 10.
Final Score: Iowa state 33-21
Utah
*Ill take a Big 12 team by a field goal any day vs Northern Illinois, played Iowa tough last year who starts this year in the top 10.
Final Score: Iowa state 33-21
Utah
PITT +3
*PITT fielding arguably best team to date under coach Wannstadt. Lead by conference rushing leader Dion Lewis, a stout defense, and NFL caliber wide receiver Jonathon Baldwin, Pitt should win this game in a slugfest.
Final Score: PITT 24-21
*PITT fielding arguably best team to date under coach Wannstadt. Lead by conference rushing leader Dion Lewis, a stout defense, and NFL caliber wide receiver Jonathon Baldwin, Pitt should win this game in a slugfest.
Final Score: PITT 24-21
Southern Cal -19
Hawaii
*USC enduring team sanctions, player transfers, new coaching changes, and a bruised ego. This is still USC, and it still has more talent stockpiled than anyone else. Lead by freshman phenom Matt Barkely, and embarrassment of riches at RB, and WR this is still a loaded USC team capable of hanging with anyone and obliterating the lowly. The defensive line is one of the best in the country, linebackers are fast, and the secondary will be a question mark, still...
Final Score: USC 49-14
*USC enduring team sanctions, player transfers, new coaching changes, and a bruised ego. This is still USC, and it still has more talent stockpiled than anyone else. Lead by freshman phenom Matt Barkely, and embarrassment of riches at RB, and WR this is still a loaded USC team capable of hanging with anyone and obliterating the lowly. The defensive line is one of the best in the country, linebackers are fast, and the secondary will be a question mark, still...
Final Score: USC 49-14
Saturday, Sept. 4th:
Florida -34
Miami(OHIO)
*Legendary Tim Tebow makes his way to the NFL, in steps 5-star recruit John Brantley. This is still Florida though, and that means ungodly speed at the skill positions. WR, RB and OL should all be fine. Defense takes a notch or two back, lead by a veteran and speedy secondary, Florida is still an SEC and National Title contender. Rout.
Final Score: Florida 56-3
*Legendary Tim Tebow makes his way to the NFL, in steps 5-star recruit John Brantley. This is still Florida though, and that means ungodly speed at the skill positions. WR, RB and OL should all be fine. Defense takes a notch or two back, lead by a veteran and speedy secondary, Florida is still an SEC and National Title contender. Rout.
Final Score: Florida 56-3
Missouri -13
Illinois
*Tough call. Ron Zook certainly has the speed and talent to hang, but hasn't lived up to standards the past two seasons. End of Juice Williams era means breaking in a new QB. Along with a sub-par defense, the key will be how the new play-makers perform. Nonetheless, playing a veteran team lead by QB Blaine Gabbert, The fighting Illinois will need to hit the ground running.
FInal Score: Missouri 34-21
Colorado -12
Colorado State
*Lost to in state rival Colorado State at home in 2009, field best team to date in Dan Hawkins era. This will be a revenge match, and a statement game to the Big 12, before leaving next year for the Pac 10. A opportunistic defense, and an offense lead by QB Tyler Hansen, a solid stable of RB's and veteran WR's, this one could get ugly. Rout.
Final Score: Colorado 38-13
*Lost to in state rival Colorado State at home in 2009, field best team to date in Dan Hawkins era. This will be a revenge match, and a statement game to the Big 12, before leaving next year for the Pac 10. A opportunistic defense, and an offense lead by QB Tyler Hansen, a solid stable of RB's and veteran WR's, this one could get ugly. Rout.
Final Score: Colorado 38-13
Texas -28
Rice
*Doesn't Texas always blowout Rice in the season opener? This series will be no different. A top 5 defense, and offense lead by a veteran OL, rookie QB Garrett Gilbert and insane speed at WR, RB and TE this team will not be stopped on offense, and will defensively shut Rice down. Rout!
Final Score: Texas 56-10
*Doesn't Texas always blowout Rice in the season opener? This series will be no different. A top 5 defense, and offense lead by a veteran OL, rookie QB Garrett Gilbert and insane speed at WR, RB and TE this team will not be stopped on offense, and will defensively shut Rice down. Rout!
Final Score: Texas 56-10
Michigan -3
UCONN
Tricky game to predict. UCONN very solid under Randy Etsall, coming off Bowl win upset of S. Carolina in 2009. May be best UCONN team to date under couch Etsall. Nonethless, RichRod has stockpiled insane talent and speed at QB and the skill positions, and the defense can go nowhere but up after giving up almost 33 ppg in 2009. This one will be closer than people think, but at the Big House, in year 3 of the RichRod experiment, I expect the Wolverines to blow this open in the second half.
Final Score: Michigan 33-21
Oregon -32.5
Tricky game to predict. UCONN very solid under Randy Etsall, coming off Bowl win upset of S. Carolina in 2009. May be best UCONN team to date under couch Etsall. Nonethless, RichRod has stockpiled insane talent and speed at QB and the skill positions, and the defense can go nowhere but up after giving up almost 33 ppg in 2009. This one will be closer than people think, but at the Big House, in year 3 of the RichRod experiment, I expect the Wolverines to blow this open in the second half.
Final Score: Michigan 33-21
Oregon -32.5
New Mexico
*Lose Jeremiah Masoli, in steps Darren Thomas and Nate Costa. Lead by stud RB LaMichael James, a speedy set of WR's, a veteran OL and solid defense, Oregon is the clear favorite to win the Pac 10. I have a bold premonition that Darren Thomas will have a breakout year, and be better than Masoli. Even with James under suspension for the season opener, this one still gets ugly. Rout.
Final Score: Oregon 56-13
*Lose Jeremiah Masoli, in steps Darren Thomas and Nate Costa. Lead by stud RB LaMichael James, a speedy set of WR's, a veteran OL and solid defense, Oregon is the clear favorite to win the Pac 10. I have a bold premonition that Darren Thomas will have a breakout year, and be better than Masoli. Even with James under suspension for the season opener, this one still gets ugly. Rout.
Final Score: Oregon 56-13
UCLA
Kansas State +2
*Kansas State at home under a team lead by defensive guru Bill Syder in what will come down to a field goal match. K-State also has the best RB in the conference in Daniel Thomas. This will not be one of the more exciting Saturday games, nonetheless, a win is a win.
Final Score: Kansas State 23-17
*Kansas State at home under a team lead by defensive guru Bill Syder in what will come down to a field goal match. K-State also has the best RB in the conference in Daniel Thomas. This will not be one of the more exciting Saturday games, nonetheless, a win is a win.
Final Score: Kansas State 23-17
BYU
Washington +3.5
*Why BYU is favored I have no idea. Breaking in a new QB vs a team that returns a conference high 18 starters and lead by potentially the number 1 overall draft pick QB Jake Locker, this team will be much better than people think. BYU will be good, Washington will be better.
Final Score: Washington 38-32
*Why BYU is favored I have no idea. Breaking in a new QB vs a team that returns a conference high 18 starters and lead by potentially the number 1 overall draft pick QB Jake Locker, this team will be much better than people think. BYU will be good, Washington will be better.
Final Score: Washington 38-32
Oklahoma St -14.5
Washington State
*Ranked in the top 10 in 2009, lose Zack Robinson and Dez Bryant, new offensive coordinator under the tutelage of Mike Leach and you got yourself a bon-a-fide rebuilding year. Right? Well not if your playing Washington State. The Cowboys will still be good, possibly even more explosive on offense with the new O coordinator. Washington State will still be bad.
Final Score: Oklahoma State 42-17
Alabama -39
San Jose State
*National Title contender, returning Heisman award winner Mark Ingram, starting QB, WR's and an always sound Saban coached defense. This one can get as ugly as coach Saban wants it. Starters will rest the entire 4th quarter, scary thing though, is the subs are just as good. Rout.
Final Score: Alabama 49-3
*National Title contender, returning Heisman award winner Mark Ingram, starting QB, WR's and an always sound Saban coached defense. This one can get as ugly as coach Saban wants it. Starters will rest the entire 4th quarter, scary thing though, is the subs are just as good. Rout.
Final Score: Alabama 49-3
Oklahoma -29.5
Utah State
*Oklahoma lost 5 games in 2009. That's right FIVE games. Stoops hates to lose, especially when the teams he fields are chalk full of NFL talent. Oklahoma is my favorite to go UNDEFEATED, win the Big 12 and the National Championship. Lead by Landry Jones (who I think will have a Bradford-like breakout year) veteran OL, stud set of WR's, RB Demarco Murray and another solid defense, this will be THE team to beat. ROUT!
Final Score: Oklahoma 62-10
TCU -13
*Oklahoma lost 5 games in 2009. That's right FIVE games. Stoops hates to lose, especially when the teams he fields are chalk full of NFL talent. Oklahoma is my favorite to go UNDEFEATED, win the Big 12 and the National Championship. Lead by Landry Jones (who I think will have a Bradford-like breakout year) veteran OL, stud set of WR's, RB Demarco Murray and another solid defense, this will be THE team to beat. ROUT!
Final Score: Oklahoma 62-10
TCU -13
Oregon State
*TCU was my darkhorse BCS buster last year, and are certainly even more so this year. Fielding one the top 10 offenses in the country, and another top 5 defense lead by underrated coach Gary Patterson, this is my favorite sleeper to make it to the BCS title game! Stud QB Andy Dalton, speed at ALL the skill positions, another highly touted secondary, this team will be relentless on both sides of the ball, and will defeat teams by a margin of 28+ points per game in the MWC.
Final Score: TCU 38-16
*TCU was my darkhorse BCS buster last year, and are certainly even more so this year. Fielding one the top 10 offenses in the country, and another top 5 defense lead by underrated coach Gary Patterson, this is my favorite sleeper to make it to the BCS title game! Stud QB Andy Dalton, speed at ALL the skill positions, another highly touted secondary, this team will be relentless on both sides of the ball, and will defeat teams by a margin of 28+ points per game in the MWC.
Final Score: TCU 38-16
LSU -1
North Carolina
*This will be one of Saturday's best games to watch. The NFL talent between these two schools is unreal, and this will be a defensive slugfest down to the wire. I'm gonna flip a coin and say LSU wins with more speed and play-makers on offense.
Final Score: LSU 21-17
*This will be one of Saturday's best games to watch. The NFL talent between these two schools is unreal, and this will be a defensive slugfest down to the wire. I'm gonna flip a coin and say LSU wins with more speed and play-makers on offense.
Final Score: LSU 21-17
Cincinnati -1
Fresno State
*Why Cincinnati is only favored to win by one point is beyond me! Yes they lose their head coach and stud receiver, but still return a stud QB in Zach Collaros, a stable of RB's and the best WR core in the Big East. This will be a fun shootout to watch.
Final Score: Cincinnati 47-34
*Why Cincinnati is only favored to win by one point is beyond me! Yes they lose their head coach and stud receiver, but still return a stud QB in Zach Collaros, a stable of RB's and the best WR core in the Big East. This will be a fun shootout to watch.
Final Score: Cincinnati 47-34
Wisconsin -19.5
UNLV
*Wisconsin starts the season in the top 10, with a veteran OL, QB, and stud RB John Clay. They also field an opportunistic defense, and solid secondary which puts them as a contender in the Big 10. They will the hit the ground running to open the season, coming off an impressive Bowl win vs Miami in 2009. Rout.
Final Score: Wisconsin 44-16
*Wisconsin starts the season in the top 10, with a veteran OL, QB, and stud RB John Clay. They also field an opportunistic defense, and solid secondary which puts them as a contender in the Big 10. They will the hit the ground running to open the season, coming off an impressive Bowl win vs Miami in 2009. Rout.
Final Score: Wisconsin 44-16
Georgia -27
UL Lafayette
*Arguably the best OL in the country, protecting NFL caliber RBs Washaun Ealey and Caleb King. Stud receiver AJ Green and the defense can only improve from last year, which was sub-par. SEC vs Sun Belt equals ROUT!
Final Score: Georgia 49-10
*Arguably the best OL in the country, protecting NFL caliber RBs Washaun Ealey and Caleb King. Stud receiver AJ Green and the defense can only improve from last year, which was sub-par. SEC vs Sun Belt equals ROUT!
Final Score: Georgia 49-10
Nebraska -35
Western Kentucky
*Nebraska starts the season in the the top 10 and is a trendy favorite to win the Big 12 and the National Championship. Coach Bo Pelini has put the Cornhuskers back on the map, and has turned them into a ferocious defensive machine. The offense is the only weak link, and an improved offense will dictate how far they can go. Nonetheless, this will get ugly.
Final Score: Nebraska 54-0
*Nebraska starts the season in the the top 10 and is a trendy favorite to win the Big 12 and the National Championship. Coach Bo Pelini has put the Cornhuskers back on the map, and has turned them into a ferocious defensive machine. The offense is the only weak link, and an improved offense will dictate how far they can go. Nonetheless, this will get ugly.
Final Score: Nebraska 54-0
Clemson -22
North Texas
*Clemson will be a contender in the ACC, and will field one of the best DL's in the country. The secondary will also be solid, and the return of QB Kyle Parker will put the offense in good hands. North Texas is stereotypically the beat-down cupcake, and this year will prove no differently.
Final Score: Clemson 42-7
*Clemson will be a contender in the ACC, and will field one of the best DL's in the country. The secondary will also be solid, and the return of QB Kyle Parker will put the offense in good hands. North Texas is stereotypically the beat-down cupcake, and this year will prove no differently.
Final Score: Clemson 42-7
Auburn -30.5
Arkansas State
*Auburn brought in new HC Gene Chezik, and new OC Gus Malzahn. The OC is what seems to have breathed new life into this once lackluster offense. Coming off a breakthrough season, including a down to the wire game against National Champions Alabama, Auburn is most definitely a contender in the SEC and dark-horse National Title contender. Auburn will flex its muscles and sort out the kinks week 1, ROUT!
Final Score: Auburn 54-13
*Auburn brought in new HC Gene Chezik, and new OC Gus Malzahn. The OC is what seems to have breathed new life into this once lackluster offense. Coming off a breakthrough season, including a down to the wire game against National Champions Alabama, Auburn is most definitely a contender in the SEC and dark-horse National Title contender. Auburn will flex its muscles and sort out the kinks week 1, ROUT!
Final Score: Auburn 54-13
Sunday, Sept. 5th:
Tulsa -7
East Carolina
*Why Tulsa is only favored by seven baffles me. East Carolina gets a new coach, and returns the fewest returning starters and letterman in college football. Tulsa is coming off another solid season, with a top ranked offense and much improved defense. GJ Kinne at QB has proved a nightmare for defenders, a former Texas recruit, has the mobility and arm to beat most of his attackers. This has ROUT written all over it! East Carolina will make freshman mistakes, and Tulsa will hum like a well oiled machine. This could get ugly.
Final Score: Tulsa 45-13
*Why Tulsa is only favored by seven baffles me. East Carolina gets a new coach, and returns the fewest returning starters and letterman in college football. Tulsa is coming off another solid season, with a top ranked offense and much improved defense. GJ Kinne at QB has proved a nightmare for defenders, a former Texas recruit, has the mobility and arm to beat most of his attackers. This has ROUT written all over it! East Carolina will make freshman mistakes, and Tulsa will hum like a well oiled machine. This could get ugly.
Final Score: Tulsa 45-13
Texas Tech -12
SMU
*SMU certainly has the WR's and firepower to hang with Texas Tech. I mean this is a June Jones coached team. But, it's hard to beat Texas Tech at it's own trademark playing style. Even with a new defensive minded coach in Tommy Tuberville, Tech will still be using their air raid offense formerly installed by coach Mike Leach. The defense though will switch back to a 3-4, and I expect huge improvement. This will be the difference maker, and ultimately Tech will be the more complete team.
Final Score: Texas Tech 42-21
Monday Sept. 6th:
*SMU certainly has the WR's and firepower to hang with Texas Tech. I mean this is a June Jones coached team. But, it's hard to beat Texas Tech at it's own trademark playing style. Even with a new defensive minded coach in Tommy Tuberville, Tech will still be using their air raid offense formerly installed by coach Mike Leach. The defense though will switch back to a 3-4, and I expect huge improvement. This will be the difference maker, and ultimately Tech will be the more complete team.
Final Score: Texas Tech 42-21
Monday Sept. 6th:
Navy -6.5
Maryland
*Everything I keep reading says Maryland will be a much improved team, and keep this one close. I'm not buying it. It takes tremendous discipline to defend the triple option, just ask Ohio State last year (who nearly lost their home opener to Navy) a far more talented and disciplined team than Maryland ever will be. Ricky Dobbs IMO is the best quarterback to ever run the triple option at Navy, and I don't see much of a drop-off in 2010. This could be close, or it could be a blowout. Either way, Navy wins.
Final Score: Navy 34-21
*Everything I keep reading says Maryland will be a much improved team, and keep this one close. I'm not buying it. It takes tremendous discipline to defend the triple option, just ask Ohio State last year (who nearly lost their home opener to Navy) a far more talented and disciplined team than Maryland ever will be. Ricky Dobbs IMO is the best quarterback to ever run the triple option at Navy, and I don't see much of a drop-off in 2010. This could be close, or it could be a blowout. Either way, Navy wins.
Final Score: Navy 34-21
Virginia Tech +2
Boise State
*OK, finally, the most anticipated game of week 1, prime-time, Monday night! I am looking forward to this game for just one simple reason, to end all the hype! Boise State is overrated, period, the end. There is no doubt in my mind that Chris Peterson is a great coach, but he's a great coach in a crap conference that hasn't beaten ANYONE on a regular basis. OK, so yes they beat Oklahoma three years ago, Oregon in the 2009 home opener, and TCU in the Bowl game, but so what? All three of those aforementioned teams play in much harder conferences than Boise State. That means game in and game out, being put to the test, being battle tested and worn down against quality superior opponents. Meanwhile, Boise just feeds on their opponents, wins in big chunks, goes undefeated and then expects the world to put them in a BCS bowl game. Nonsense! This is the year it all ends, Boise is said to have their best team to date, start the season ranked No. 3 in the country and hyped as "legitimate" contenders to make it to the National Championship and even win it! All this is is lost If they lose just one game, and with Virginia Tech and Oregon Sate on the schedule, it will be tough. Their first defeat WILL be vs. Virginia Tech. Tech will run the ball down Boise's throat with the best three-headed monster in the country; Tyrod Taylor, Ryan Williams and Darren Evans. Thanks for the show Cinderella, but it's midnight and time for you to go home!
Final Score: Virginia Tech 34-27
*OK, finally, the most anticipated game of week 1, prime-time, Monday night! I am looking forward to this game for just one simple reason, to end all the hype! Boise State is overrated, period, the end. There is no doubt in my mind that Chris Peterson is a great coach, but he's a great coach in a crap conference that hasn't beaten ANYONE on a regular basis. OK, so yes they beat Oklahoma three years ago, Oregon in the 2009 home opener, and TCU in the Bowl game, but so what? All three of those aforementioned teams play in much harder conferences than Boise State. That means game in and game out, being put to the test, being battle tested and worn down against quality superior opponents. Meanwhile, Boise just feeds on their opponents, wins in big chunks, goes undefeated and then expects the world to put them in a BCS bowl game. Nonsense! This is the year it all ends, Boise is said to have their best team to date, start the season ranked No. 3 in the country and hyped as "legitimate" contenders to make it to the National Championship and even win it! All this is is lost If they lose just one game, and with Virginia Tech and Oregon Sate on the schedule, it will be tough. Their first defeat WILL be vs. Virginia Tech. Tech will run the ball down Boise's throat with the best three-headed monster in the country; Tyrod Taylor, Ryan Williams and Darren Evans. Thanks for the show Cinderella, but it's midnight and time for you to go home!
Final Score: Virginia Tech 34-27
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