Wow, it seems like only yesterday that I heard an advertisement on the radio that college football kicks off in 90 days. Where did the off-season go? And, what an off-season it was. We had players getting kicked off of teams for various rule violations (Honey Badger); coaches getting kicked out of their jobs for questionable behavior (Bobby Petrino); and one school placed on life support because nobody in charge gave a damn about a freaking pedophile doing whatever he felt like to whoever on campus facilities (Penn State). As for the upcoming season, I'm getting goose bumps just thinking about it. So without further ado, let's get to the selections for week one.
Marshall @ West Virginia (10) The last time we saw West Virginia in action, they were on their way to setting an Orange Bowl record for most points scored by a team, 70. That broke a record which had stood for nearly forty five years, when Alabama beat Syracuse, 66-6. As for their game against the Thundering Herd, I don't expect Marshall to put up much of a fight. In fact, this game could get ugly with the quickness; and, since this isn't the Hatfields against the McCoys; but, more like the Hatfields against your cousin Earl; I'll take the Mountain Men over the Stumbling Herd, 45-17.
Southern Mississippi @ Nebraska (9) Remember way back about twenty years ago, Southern Miss beat Alabama and Florida State and Auburn, within a two year span. Care to guess who the quarterback was? A better question: How does the nephew of Brett Favre wind up at Mississippi State? No wonder the NCAA has opened up a satellite office in Starkville. Nevertheless, I'll save that info for next week when I'm sure we will have Auburn at Mississippi State, to pick against. As for this game, Nebraska is a seasoned team on offense. As for their defense, we will find out Saturday. As for the score, look for the Corn Huskers to clip the Golden Eagles wings and grind them to a halt, 37-20.
Iowa (8) vs Northern Illinois @ Chicago---I see where a lot of the so called experts are picking this as a trap game for Iowa. It could happen. I remember in 2003, Northern Illinois came to Tuscaloosa and beat Alabama; but, like Dorothy from the movie The Wizard of Oz said, "We ain't playing Kansas anymore, these boys from Iowa are good." Yes, I know she didn't say it like that, but what the heck. In my opinion, Kirk Ferentz is one of three coaches on this week's pick'em games that are on the hot seat. A loss here would probably send Hawkeye supporters to the brink of extinction. On the other hand, a win by Iowa ______________ yawn; will not rock anyone's world since the opponent is Northern Illinois. Hawkeyes over the Huskies, 23-14.
Nevada @ California (7) Moving on to coach number two on the hot seat, Jeff Tedford of Cal. Tedford better have his act together, or he will be looking for a new job at the end of the season. He better win at least eight games this year, and quite frankly, considering his track record, I don't see that happening. I have him losing three games within his own division, the Pac 12 North. Those three being Stanford, Oregon, and Washington. One thing that baffles me is that Tedford has had a wealth of talent. He just can't coach worth a crap. As for the game, look for the Bears to feast on a bowl Wolf Stew, say 38-27.
Michigan vs Alabama (6) @ Dallas---It's great to be from and for Alabama. In my lifetime, the Tide has won NINE (count em Cane) NINE, national championships (61, 64, 65, 73, 78, 79, 92, 2009, 2011). So if Miami is referred to as the "U," then Alabama is referred to as Championship "U." As for this game, ESPN is hyping it as the game of the week. Maybe. The last time these two teams hooked up was in the Orange Bowl after the 1999 season; a game which Michigan won in over time, 35-34. The last time we checked in on Michigan, the refs were busy giving them a victory in the Sugar Bowl, when the stupid zebras took a touchdown away from Virginia Tech. Tech was forced to kick a field goal to tie the game, which they missed. Come Saturday night, Michigan will need more than the refs to help them stay close to Alabama. Plus, Saban has never lost an opener at Alabama. In fact, Alabama's margin of victory has been 33 points in those five games, which includes Clemson and Virginia Tech. With a boost from Hurricane Isaac, the Crimson Tide rolls over the Wolverines, 33-13.
Ohio @ Penn State (5) Considering my feelings about Penn State, I will not spend too much time on this match up. Penn State over Ohio, 23-10.
Clemson (4) vs Auburn @ Atlanta---Alas, the easy picks are over. Time to separate the men from the boys. Clemson has had seven months to digest that UGLY loss to West Virginia. During that same time frame, Auburn has replaced both coordinators and a quarterback. In addition, Auburn suspended their starting center this week because of being drunk in public (see comedian Ron White). Plus, Auburn's top running back recruit was ruled ineligible by the NCAA because of an illegal grade change (see Auburn's sociology dept). Plus, Auburn sent their top quarterback recruit, Zeke Pike, home due to being drunk in public (that seems to be a pattern down on the Plain). Nevertheless, Clemson has had its share of off season woes; no Sammy Watkins for Saturday night. One thing is for certain, the Tigers are going to win. I'll take the Clemson Tigers over the Auburn Tigers, 31-25.
Colorado State vs Colorado (3) @ Denver---This pick is based on how these two teams finished last season. Colorado won two out of three while CSU was pretty much in the crapper. CSU is breaking in a Nick Saban disciple at head coach, in Jim McIllwain. With that in mind, I'll take the Buffalos over the Rams, 27-23.
Northwestern (2) @ Syracuse --- I have no clue with this game. Rock, paper, scissors; flip a coin; draw numbers out of a hat. I still don't have a clue. Wait a minute; now I have a clue; Colonel Mustard did it with the candlestick, in the dining room. I'll take the Wildcats over the Orange, 23-21.
Miami @ Boston College (1) And finally, coach number three on the hot seat, BC's Frank Spaziani. I really thought that he would have been fired last season; however, his team managed to beat Miami in the final week; thus giving him a brief stay of execution. As for this game, I like the discipline factor of Boston College to edge out Miami, 24-19.
Well, that puts the raps on this week's attempt at perfection. As usual, this is just for fun, so tread at your own risk. Everyone have a great weekend and a safe Labor Day. Enjoy the games and ROLL TIDE.
Jljmbaker
