Week 1 picks
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.
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Comments (12)
Adam... I can't let you get away without a VT - ECU pick. (Unless I missed it).
Sitting at JFK right now waiting for my flight to Charlotte to board.
Honestly, VT should be very nervous...The WR corps has a combined 3 career catches. A true frosh and r-frosh are getting the nod.
There are a lot of questions about the backfield with Ore gone, as well. But I honestly like the prospect of VT's running game this year more than last. There are 5 capable tailbacks down there. I'd like to see Bryan Steinspring run at least 65% of the time and ease that youth at WR into the passing game.
Also watch for Greg Boone lining up at WR and RB, in addition to his regular TE position. He's Tech's most dangerous weapon at 6'4, 275 with LEGIT 4.6 speed. I would imagine he will be a finalist for the Mackey award.
On defense, Tech replaces a lot up front, two great linebackers, an All-American corner and a longtime starter at free safety. The defense's first team is actually really good, but depth is a problem.
ECU will try to spread VT out with Pickney, and the Pirates could have a lot of success with it. The Pirates expect to win this game...
From a betting man's standpoint, I wouldn't touch the line of VT -10.5. I like Tech to win a close one, but who really knows. I guess that means I like ECU to cover.
If Tech cannot control the clock with the running game or there are turnover issues, goodnight.
(Laughing) What?!?!?!?! No Arizona State-Northern Arizona pick? Adam, I am surprised at you leaving such a big game out of your picks.
Didn't someone here say that the ECU - VT game would be worth watching? :-) :-) :-)
Now for Utah to put it to Michigan.
Stony Brook 42, Colgate 26
I realize it's division I-AA and no one cares. But Newsday should care. This is a Newsday blog right? Other than Hofstra, SBU is the largest university with major sports in Newsday's circulation area.
It was a really exciting game today. But Newsday has nothing about it.
Tralfaz,
I agree with you. SBU's program is on the upswing... Newsday should certainly provide coverage.
As for Yesterday, it was great day to be a MOUNTAINEER!
A Michigan Loss.
A Pitt Loss.
A VT Loss (Sorry Adam - But we do recruit the same areas)
AND A WVU WIN! (albeit against Div I-AA 'Nova - But you play who's on your schedule).
Adam, maybe Frank will start scheduling WVU again instead of ECU? (I know that won't happen)
Tralfaz... I just check the print version of newsday...there's a great article in there by Chris Mascaro on the SBU win.
Adam, could you please tell Art Staple "enough love for Pitt". Every season the 'Stash gets all the love and every year he disappoints.
The backyard brawl this year will be a grudge match..but Pitt will be so far out of it by that point it won't mean anything except as a spoiler game - AGAIN.
Yes, good article (also online). I jumped the gun. It was only three hours after the game and I thought there might at least be a brief summary. My apologies.
Folks should come out to Lavalle Stadium for a game! Next game is 9/6 vs. Elon. Tickets are very reasonable and there's not a bad seat in the stadium. SBU plays some exciting football!
Adam, you okay? Not often VaTech gets beat on a special teams play.
Paul,
Soneone should keep Adam and the other VT fans away from bridges and tall buildings this year. :-)
I assure you I could write 10,000 words about VT. I probably did on some message boards this weekend.
The bottom line is that it's a young defense and a vanilla offense led by a bad quarterback and a bad coordinator.
It's going to be a long season in Blacksburg with a lengthy bowl streak hanging in the balance.
I told my husband on Wednesday that ECU would beat VT. It's not that heartbreaking when you expect it. Hopefully the Pirates can make it two and a row this Saturday.