Campus Confidential

Opening weekend, here are a dozen you should pay attention to.

Clemson (-5) vs. Alabama
The Tigers' offensive line is a big question, but the bigger issue is Alabama's offense. And its going up against a fantastic defensive unit. Pay close attention to Tommy Bowden's front four.

Illinois vs. Missouri (-8.5)
Missouri has to prove to me it can play defense. I think the Tigers will win, but this will be an exciting one.

Tennessee (-7) at UCLA
I can see the Rick Neuheisel era getting off to a fast start, despite the offseason injury problems.

Syracuse at Northwestern (-11.5)
Syracuse is really bad and Northwestern's offense is pretty darn good and will put up some serious points.

Bowling Green at Pittsburgh (-13)
The Panthers are a hot pick this year because of LaSean McCoy, and it's hard to deny them with such a talented running back. If they're as good as advertised, no reason they shouldn't win this by 2 scores.

Hawaii at Florida (-34.5)
I generally hate big lines, but Florida is going to lay it to the Warriors in preparation for Miami next weekend.

Southern Cal (-19.5) at Virginia
Virginia has a good defense and some pretty good skill position players, but young quarterback Peter Lalich won't enjoy facing USC's scary-good defense.

Oklahoma State (-7) at Washington State
The Cowboys' powerful offense shouldn't have many problems against a weak Pac-10 team.

Utah at Michigan (-3.5)
The Big House will certainly be rocking for Rich Rodriguez's opening game, but it won't be enough. RR's offense is not in the state it needs to be to beat a solid team like Utah.

Florida Atlantic at Texas (-23)
Colt McCoy lost a fair amount on offense, but Texas' defense will pitch something close to a shutout in this one.

Western Michigan at Nebraska (-13.5)
You better learn the name Marlon Lucky. If you don't know by now, you'll be watching his multiple touchdown runs on SportsCenter Sunday morning.

Memphis at Ole Miss (-8)
Houston Nutt kicks things off with all kinds of trickeration. Quarterback Jevan Snead (Texas transfer) is going to love playing for Nutt.

By Adam Abramson

I headed into Manhattan last night to kick off the season. My intention of watching North Carolina State-South Carolina was quickly dashed as I I headed to a Miami alumni bar.

I finally found a TV with the game I was hoping for towards the end of the second quarter and quickly saw both schools were sloppy. The Wolfpack has a host of problems on offense, as I figured. Also, thoughts to NCST freshman Russell Wilson, who was carted off the field.

Steve Spurrier is lucky State isn't a good ball club, because he got away with Tommy Beecher chucking interceptions. Any decent team would have taken all of that to the bank. We'll see what he decides to do after last night. Smelley, a sophomore, played in half the team's games last year and wasn't too bad. Might have to go with the hot hand.

Tom O'Brien's team, on the other hand, had 138 yards of total offense (49 through the air). That's bad. He could have used Matt Ryan. He has highly touted Mike Glennon redshirting this year, and we'll see if he'll keep the shirt on (I think he will). But expect Glennon to be the guy of the future in Raleigh.

I was able to watch much of the Miami game. Now, I know it was against Charleston Southern, but let me say I came away extremely impressed with Jacory Harris. He showcased his speed, vision and arm. Randy Shannon moved the pocket for him and Harris made some nice throws on the run. You could see the true freshman come out in him now and again, but he's going to be a special player in Miami and will be the catalyst, should the Hurricanes return to their familiar dominant state by 2012.

Moving west, how about Toby Gerhart of Stanford? When I saw him rumble for 46 yards down the sideline, I thought it was NC State running for a TD (helmets are similar, give me a break). But when I saw it was Gerhart crushing my dreams of an Oregon State cover, I had to say I was impressed. The Cardinal was able to withstand 490 yards of Beaver offense by forcing two picks and a fumble on the one-yard line to end OSU's comeback. See what happens when you take care of the football and take advantage of turnovers?

And props to Riley Skinner. He's continuing to impress everyone in Winston Salem and he makes the Demon Deacons a tough draw in the ACC. Last night's performance against Baylor is exactly what the team needs to kick start another big season.

I'll be back later with some picks.

It's here! It's really here!

I have a 6pm dinner in the city at a place without TVs. I hope my company understands I'm leaving at 7:40 for kickoff.

Here are my picks for tonight. I'll be back with more tomorrow for the weekend.

North Carolina State @ South Carolina (-14)
Line has moved a lot, but it's because NC State isn't good yet. They need to find their identity under O'Brien.

Oregon State (-3) @ Stanford
Stanford isn't quite there yet.

Wake Forest (-11.5) @ Baylor
Showing a lot of love for the favorites, but it's Baylor...

That's all I'm picking. Tomorrow I'll come back with so many picks that your brain is going to hurt (Well, just 12 or so).

BY MIKE ROSE

I gave my five games to watch yesterday. But he's a quick thumbnail of some other games worth mentioning as college football season starts tonight.

Thursday, Aug. 28

N.C. State at South Carolina, 8 p.m.: Is this the season that Steve Spurrier gets the Gamecocks into the land of SEC giants? South Carolina gets Georgia, LSU and Tennessee at home. So the schedule is favorable. The Gamecocks need a strong showing tonight to build momentum.

Saturday, Aug. 30

Virginia Tech at East Carolina, noon: Dangerous game for the 17th-ranked Hokies. East Carolina isn't backing down from any team, with West Virginia next. This has to be an upset alert, along with Utah at Michigan.

Hawaii at Florida, 12:30 p.m.: Hawaii couldn't handle Georgia seven months ago. Now they get Florida in "The Swamp." June Jones and Colt Brennen are gone. I'm always interested to see Hawaii play, but Florida should have an easy time.

Appalachian State at LSU, 5 p.m.: We all remember the scene of App State blocking that Michigan field-goal attempt and sealing the upset in The Big House last season. Can App State do it again, in Death Valley? Perhaps. If this game is close in the fourth quarter, watch out.

Michigan State at California, 8 p.m.: Which Michigan State team will show up? Better yet, which Cal team shows up? Cal was as high as No. 2 in the country last year before falling apart.

Sunday, Aug. 31

Rivalry games are always fun. Kentucky (minus Andre Woodson) visits Louisville (minus Brian Brohm) at 3:30 p.m. Colorado State goes to Colorado at 7:30 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 1

Fresno State at Rutgers, 4:30 p.m.: Yes, this game definitely has BCS implications. Fresno State could win 10 games this season. Rutgers won't fall too far after losing Ray Rice to the NFL.

By Adam Abramson

Miami begins its season tonight in a new stadium and with a new quarterback.

That man is freshman Jacory Harris. At this time last year, Harris was gearing up to lead Miami Northwestern High School to a state championship and a national No. 1 ranking. He never lost as Miami Northwestern's QB (30-0...much like Brock Berlin at Evangel Christian Academy in Louisiana), and threw for 49 touchdowns last season.

Harris has the tools. He's 6'4, 185 pounds with great speed. But he's a pass-first quarterback. Miami Northwestern achieved its success with Harris using the spread offense. His read progressions are impressive and could make him far advanced as a freshman quarterback in Coral Gables.

Coach Randy Shannon needs a spark. He raided Miami Northwestern and came away with their talented senior class. While tonight's bout against Charleston Southern won't be much of an indicator, the Canes head to Gainsville next week and will have a better chance to see what they're working with. It doesn't get much easier after that with games against Texas A&M, North Carolina and Florida State.

After struggling with Kirby Freeman and Kyle Wright, it's a new and promising dawn in Miami. And if the Hurricanes can start the season 3-2 with Harris as QB -- things could be looking up.

BY MIKE ROSE

Yes, it's only the first week of the season, but trust me -- there are plenty of good games to keep an eye on.

Each week I'll highlight five that I think are noteworthy. So here we go with the five for Week 1:

Saturday, Aug. 30

Saturday features two very good games and a few others that will be interesting.

USC (No. 3 AP and No. 2 USA Today) at Virginia, 3:30 p.m.: I think USC's defense will take charge. With defensive tackle Fili Moala, linebackers Brian Cushing and Rey Maualuga, and free safety Travis Mays (who is built like a strong safety at 6-4 and 225), USC has stars on defense. But the Trojans should also do some good things on offense. Quarterback Mark Sanchez, who dislocated his left kneecap about three weeks ago, has made a quick recovery and has been cleared by doctors to play against the Cavaliers. Plus, running back Joe McKnight and wide receiver Vidal Hazelton are rising stars. Virginia won nine games last season, but lost a lot of talent. Still, the Cavaliers will be tough at home. In the end, USC has too much talent and gets a hard-earned, but fairly easy road win.

Utah at Michigan (No. 24 in USA Today), 3:30 p.m.: The Rich Rodriguez era begins at The Big House. I'm very curious to see Michigan play. The offense will be a lot more wide open than we're all accustomed to seeing. I don't think Michigan will really be clicking until mid-October. Utah has been predicted to have as high as nine or 10 wins. But I'm going with Michigan in a close one. No App State this year.

Alabama (No. 24 in AP) vs. Clemson (No. 9 in both polls) at Atlanta, 8 p.m.: Clemson has all of the pressure. The Tigers have the high national ranking, are the favorite to win the ACC, and probably the best backfield in the country (with running backs James Davis and C.J. Spiller, and quarterback Cullen Harper). Historically, Clemson hasn't played too well when expectations are high. Alabama will be much improved in Nick Saban's second season and has star Julio Jones on offense. I'm going with Clemson in a close one, maybe 31-27.

Illinois (No. 20 in AP and No. 19 in USA Today) vs. Missouri (No. 6 AP and No. 7 USA Today) at St. Louis, 8:30 p.m.: Missouri won last year's opener 40-34. I really like the Tigers this year with quarterback Chase Daniel and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Illinois can counter with quarterback Juice Williams and wide receiver Arrelious Benn. I think both defenses will be good this year. The one difference in this game is the absence of Rashard Mendenhall from the Illinois backfield. With Mendenhall gone, Williams will have to do more. Juice looks great one play and not so good the next. Missouri wins this one.

Monday, Sept. 1

Tennessee (No. 18 in both polls) at UCLA, 8 p.m.: First, Pat Cowan was named the starting quarterback, but tore his ACL. Now quarterback Ben Olson is out eight weeks with a broken foot. So Kevin Craft, who played some at San Diego State, will be running the offense for UCLA. But don't feel too bad for the Bruins. Rick Neuheisel is back in Los Angeles as the head coach. And Norm Chow is running the offense. UCLA will find a way to score points. On the other side, Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer is clearly on the hot seat this season, in a very tough SEC no less. Plus, Erik Ainge is gone to the NFL, replaced by new QB Jonathan Crompton. But I think the Vols come out strong in this one and win the opener. Tennessee by a field goal.

By Adam Abramson

Ohio State freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor is still fighting for snaps with the second team in Columbus.

That's the word, according to a Grand Rapids Press report. Tressel did say he thinks his prized recruit will play in Saturday's opener against Youngstown State.

His role in that offense will be one of the more important story lines this season, so we'll be following closely.

I was asked about my thoughts on Virginia Tech redshirting Tyrod Taylor, so here it goes.

After reading all of the comments to come out of Blacksburg, I thought Taylor should have been playing this year. The staff kept saying the two quarterbacks were even in throwing the ball, so why not go with the guy who brings more versatility with his legs (see 3rd and 31 against Florida State last year when Taylor ran for a first down).

However, now that the decision has been made and everyone has made their statements, I guess they did what everyone thought was best. Many forget that Taylor had intentions on redshirting when he arrived in Blacksburg, so now he'll able to mature via practice, film and learning from the sidelines. It should be good for him.

It was a big decision for QB coach Mike O'Cain, because Sean Glennon, the fifth-year senior, has to perform the way he's been touted by his coach. There's little room for error. However, I think Glennon will be more than serviceable for the Hokies, who will win at least nine games.

And I'll have some picks for opening night, just a day away!

BY MIKE ROSE

Earlier in the summer, I put together a list of 10 or so Heisman Trophy contenders. I promised I would cut that list down, and now I have. Below are my five Heisman Trophy leaders (Ranked as I see them at this point).

Tim Tebow, Jr., QB, Florida: You must start the new season with the reigning Heisman winner in the top spot. Tebow had an incredible year in 2007 -- over 3,000 yards passing with 32 touchdowns to go with nearly 900 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns. The one thing that scares me is that Tebow takes a lot of punishment in the tough SEC.

Chris Wells, Jr. RB, Ohio State: Wells is the best running back in the country. He rushed for over 1,600 yards last season. The Buckeyes will be in the national championship picture all season. So Wells will get plenty of attention. If he can eclipse last year's totals, he'll be tough to beat for the Heisman this season.

Chase Daniel, Sr., QB, Missouri: Daniel threw for over 4,000 yards and 33 touchdowns last season. If the Tigers can win the Big 12 and challenge for a national title, I think Daniel should get strong consideration, because his statistics will be better this time.

Pat White, Sr., QB, West Virginia: White rushed for over 1,300 yards last season and threw for over 1,700. But I think this is the season where he makes a serious bid for the Heisman. With Steve Slaton gone, it is White's team. New coach Bill Stewart has indicated that White will throw more this season. As long as the Mountaineers stay in the national title hunt, White will be a contender.

Knowshon Moreno, So., RB, Georgia: Some will tell you he's the second coming of Herschel Walker. I wouldn't go that far -- yet. Moreno rushed for over 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns as a freshman. Unfortunately, Moreno is in the same backfield with star QB Matthew Stafford. And freshman Caleb King will also get his share of carries. So that doesn't bode well for Moreno's chances this season. Still, he'll be a threat. If Moreno stays in school, I think he's the 2009 Heisman frontrunner.

1. Chris Wells, Ohio State RB (Jr.)
If he gets the ball 325-350 times this year, he could flirt with 2,000 yards and 30 touchdowns (last year 274, 1,609 and 15 TD). A big performance against USC and a Big 10 title could earn him the hardware.

2. Tim Tebow, Florida QB (Jr.)
It's going to be difficult to match last year's out-of-this-world numbers. If he flirts with it and Florida looks good, he very well could join Archie Griffin as the only two-time winners.

3. Pat White, West Virginia QB (Sr.)
West Virginia is going to have a lot of wins and be one of the big stories in college football this year. Impressive numbers will get him an invite to New York.

4. Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech WR (So.)
I'm standing by the fact he should have been invited to New York last year. Nobody has sniffed a season like that since Larry Fitzgerald in 2003.

5. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma QB (So.)
The combination of Tim Tebow, Colt Brennan Chase Daniel kept him out of serious consideration last year. He'll establish himself as one of the country's top signal callers, but he still might be a year away from a Heisman invite.

Who are your top five? Chime in.