my week one pick reviews

College football 2013 style is almost here. Just one more day to endure the withdrawal symptoms and wham, the Ole Ball Coach's team and North Carolina will get the party started. I'm so excited, I can hardly contain myself. Thank goodness the start is just around the corner, because I have had enough information about Johnny Manziel to last me more than a lifetime. Speaking of Johnny the Party Animal, does anybody believe that this moron was at South Beach, holed up in a hotel room for more than eight hours on the eve of the National Championship game, signing over a thousand autographs, and not taking any money for it. Yea right; Manziel would rather donate an evening in some hotel room as opposed to attending some party. The same Manziel that was thrown out of a frat party at the University of Texas, the same Manziel that was seen court side at an NBA playoff game, the same Manziel that threw out the first pitch at a major league baseball game; you get the picture. I believe him about as much as I did when Bill Clinton said "I did not have sexual relations with that woman;" however, if the question had been about Hillary, I could understand his reply. Now, begs the question; will Texas A&M play Johnny Manziel before the NCAA finishes its investigation on the situation. You bet they will. I wonder if anyone has asked Gene Stallings for his opinion on the matter. Remember, Stallings was the coach at Alabama when Antonio Langham put his signature on a paper napkin of a potential sports agent, which led to an NCAA investigation and landing the Tide on probation. Stallings is one of the trustees on the Board of Regents at Texas A&M. When it comes to the NCAA and their rulings, it's right on par with a crap shoot. I would comment on the NCAA; nevertheless, I will save that for another time and place. Meanwhile, let's get this party started where it counts and pick some football games.



Alabama (10) vs Virginia Tech @ Atlanta - I heard somewhere that the last time that the Turkeys were at least a 20 point dog was more than 20 years ago. I do think that this line is a little inflated; but, not by too much. If Alabama plays to their potential on both sides of the ball, this game could be over by halftime. Then again, what do I know. All it takes is for Beamer Ball to rear its ugly head; and, 10 points could go up in smoke. Who am I kidding; take the Tide and ride. Alabama rolls over the Hokies, 40-17. So much for that inflated line theory.



Mississippi State vs Oklahoma State (9) @ Houston - I haven't heard too much about how good or bad Mississippi Lite will be. If that offense hasn't made any significant changes since last year, the Cowboys will be on cruise control by the start of the fourth quarter. The only saving grace for the puppies is that this game will be played in Houston, and not in Stillwater; nevertheless, in the end, the Pokes should run away from the Bulldogs, 38-23.



Purdue @ Cincinnati (8) - The Tommy Tuberville saga continues. About 15 years ago, he stated that the only way that he was leaving Ole Miss, would be in a pine box. Two weeks later, he was hired by Auburn. A decade later, Saban showed up in Tuscaloosa; and, two years later, and a 36-0 beat down, Tubs was shown the door. After a short time off, Tuberville shows up in Lubbock, right after Mike Leach was run out of town, saying all the right things. How does Tuberville thank the Red Raider fans? Simple, by jumping ship for the Cincinnati job. I guess Tuberville has a strong affinity for Skyline Chili, which is what Cincinnati is famous for; because football (college or pro), sure isn't on anyone's menu, concerning that town. As for the match up, Purdont will not pose much of a threat for Tubb's opener. Bearcats over the Boilermakers, 34-20.



Syracuse vs Penn State (7) @ East Rutherford - Bill O'Brien did one of the best coaching jobs in the entire country for Penn State, last season; considering all that occurred to that program, compliments of the NCAA. As for Syracuse, I have no clue, nor have I spent any time looking for one. Since this game will not be played in the Carrier Dome, I'll take the Nittany Lions over the Cuse, 27-18.



LSU (6) vs TCU @ Dallas - Tough match up here. Patterson can coach. So can Miles. But, Miles seems to have lady luck on his side, more times than naught. Although LSU lost a lot of underclassmen to the NFL draft, they also have quite a bit of talent waiting in the wings, on both sides of the ball. Come Saturday night, the Tigers will be on the prowl looking to catch a few frogs off guard, 23-13.



BYU (5) @ Virginia - If offense is your desire, don't tune to this game. This contest will be a ground pounding, low scoring affair. Whoever wins the turnover battle, will win this game. Look for the Cougars to have more muscle in the trenches, BYU over Virginia, 19-14.



Northern Illinois @ Iowa (4) - Do you know what baffles me? Kirk Ferentz is still the head coach at Iowa. How? Let him lose this game and his fate will be sealed. As for Northern Illinois, they went about as far as they are going to go, last season, with a 12-2 record; losing to Iowa by one, and being blown out by Florida State, to end the season. Hawkeyes over the Huskies; but, not by much, 21-17.



Boise State (3) @ Washington - This is the second game in a row that I have picked against my favorite breed of dog. Yes, I know that Washington has renovated Husky Stadium; and, I applaud them for playing a quality opponent instead of somne cupcake team to showcase their new digs. I just think that Boise State has more experience in key positions which will allow the Broncos to squeak out another road victory against a Pac-12 team. The Horses over the Dogs, 33-28.



Georgia @ Clemson (2) - In breaking this game down, here's what I see. Best offense, Clemson. Best defense, Georgia. Special teams, toss up. Best coaching, Georgia. So, why am I picking Clemson; simple, it's being played in Death Valley. Should be a great atmosphere for a hotly contested game. In the end, Clemson should have just enough to beat Georgia. Tigers over the Dawgs, 35-31.



Northwestern @ California (1) - As you can tell, I'm picking the Bears. Now, here's why. First, Northwestern has to travel across two time zones; and, if history has taught us anything about teams having to travel a great distance. Crap, I can't use that excuse. Next thing that I will hear; how about Oregon winning at Tennessee; or Boise State over Georgia, at Atlanta; or UCLA winning at Tennessee; or Boise winning over Virginia Tech at Washington DC; you get the picture. Nevertheless, I'll take the Bears to win with a new coach and a true freshman at quarterback. Yes, I've gone mad. Golden Bears over the Wildcats, 38-35.



That puts the wraps on another insane edition of picking games. Remember, I do this for fun; in addition to you having fun while laughing at my idiocy; so tread at your own risk. It's great to be back. Happy Labor Day Weekend to everyone, and stay safe. Enjoy the games, and last but not least; ROLL TIDE.

Jljmbaker