OFFICIAL GAME WEEK SCHEDULE

[Walter]

WEEK ONE

“Was it shrewd? Was it good tactics? Or was it stupid?”
“Don't call me stupid.”
“Oh, right! To call you stupid would be an insult to stupid people! I've known sheep that could outwit you. I've worn dresses with higher IQs. But you think you're an intellectual, don't you, ape?”

Here we go, folks….

THE GAMES

Note: Data on returning starters is from off-season mags, so they may not be accurate.

1. 31-AUG TULSA +18 at OK STATE
Tulsa went 10-3 last season and beat Central Mich 55-10 in their bowl game. They return 7 starters on offense and 6 on defense. They averaged a 42 points a game on offense and yielded 30 on D.
OKState also went 10-3 and also won their bowl game, beating Colorado 38-8. They get 7 starters back on offense and 5 back on defense. They averaged 38 points a game on offense and yielded 27 on D last season.

2. 31-AUG OHIO STATE -21 at INDIANA
Ohio state went 11-2 last season, losing their bowl game 31-0 to end the season. They return 8 on offense and 7 on defense. They averaged 39 points a game and yielded 15 on D.
Indiana went 6-7 last season, and narrowly lost their bowl game to Utah 26-24 to head into the off-season. They reture 6 on offense and 9 on D. They averaged 26 points a game on O and yielded 27 points a game on D.

3. 1-SEP NAVY -11 at FAU
Navy went 9-5 last season, losing their bowl game to LaTech 48-45. They return 4 on offense and 8 on defense this season. Last year they averaged 38 point on O and yielded 31 on D.
FAU went 3-9 last season and signed Lane Kiffin as new head coach. They averaged 26 points a game on offense and yielded 40 points on defense.

4. 1-SEP BOSTON COLLEGE -3 at NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Boston College went 7-6 last season, and won their bowl game, beating Maryland 36-30. They return 8 starters on offense and 7 on defense. They averaged 20 points a game on offense and yielded 25 points on D.
Northern Illinois went 5-7, but won 4 of the last 5 to end the season including the last 2 on the road. They return 5 starters on offense and 7 on D. Last season they averaged 31 points of offense, but yielded 30 on D.

5. 1-SEP COLORADO -6 at COLORADO STATE
Colorado surprised many last season, going 10-4, but lost 38-8 to OKSt in their bowl game. They return 9 on offense but just 3 on D. Last season they averaged 31 points a game, while giving up 22.
Colorado State Rams went 7-6 last season, losing a wild one to Idaho 61-50 in their bowl game. They return 6 starters on O and 8 on D. Last season, they averaged 35 points a game on O, and yielded 30 on D.

6. 2-SEP MIAMI OHIO at MARSHALL – PICK ‘EM
Miami OH went 6-7 last season losing to Miss St 17-16 in their bowl game while basically outplaying them. They return 9 starters on O and 8 on D. Last season they averaged 23 points a game of offense, but gave up 24 on D.
Marshall went from 10-3 in 2015 to 3-9 last season, losing their final game of the year 60-6 to Western Ky. They return 6 starters on O and 7 on D. Last season they averaged 26 points a game on O, and yielded 35 points on D.

7. 2 SEP SOUTH CAROLINA +6 at NORTH CAROLINA STATE
South Carolina went 6-7 last season, losing to USF 46-39 in their bowl game. They return 10 starters on O and 6 on D. Last season they averaged 21 points a game on O, but yielded 26 on D.
North Carolina State went 7-6 last season, beating Vandy handily 41-17 in their bowl game. They return 9 starters on offense and 8 on D. They averaged 27 points a game last season on O, and yielded 23 on D.

8. 2-SEP TROY STATE +11 AT BOISE STATE
Troy State went 10-3 last season, and beat Ohio in their bowl game 28-23. They return 8 starters on offense and 6 on D. Last season they averaged 34 points on O, and gave up 22 on D.
Boise St also went 10-3 last season, but lost their bowl game to Baylor 31-12. They return 5 starters on O, and just 4 on D. Last season, they averaged 34 points a game and gave up 23 on D.

9. 2-SEP MICHIGAN -3.5 vs FLORIDA - (in Arlington TX)
Michigan finished 10-3 last season and lost a thriller 33-32 to Florida State in their bowl game. They return just 4 starters on offense and only 1 on defense. Last season, they averaged 40 points a game and yielded just 14 on D.
Florida went 9-4 last season and beat Iowa 30-3 in their bowl game. They return 9 starters on O, and 5 on D. Last season, they averaged 24 points a game on O, and yielded 17 on D.

10. 2-SEP ALABAMA -7 vs FLORIDA STATE - (in Atlanta)
Alabama went 14-1 last season and lost the national championship game to Clemson 35-31. They return 6 starters on offense, and 5 on D. Last season they averaged 39 points a game and gave up just 13 on D.
Florida State went 10-3 last season, beating UMich 33-32 in their bowl game. They return 6 starters on offense and 9 on D. Last season they averaged 35 points per game, while giving up 25.

11. 2-SEP BYU +13 vs. LSU – (in Houston)
BYU finished 9-4 last season, winning their bowl game 24-21 against Wyoming. They return 6 starters on offense and 7 on defense. They scored an average of 30 points a game last season, while giving up 20.
LSU went 8-4 last year, beating Louisville 29-9 in their bowl game. They return 6 starters on offense and 5 on defense. They averaged 28 point per game on O, and gave up an average of 16 on D.

12. 2-SEP MARYLAND +17 at TEXAS
Maryland went 6-7 last season, losing to Boston College in their bowl 36-30. They return 6 starters on offense and 7 on defense. Last year they averaged 26 points per game on offense, but gave up an average of 30.
Texas went 5-7 last season, losing their last 3 of the year. They return 7 starters on offense but 10 on D. They averaged 32 points both on O and D last year.

13. 3-SEP TEXAS A&M +4 at UCLA
UCLA finished a disappointing 4-8 last season losing 6 of their last 7 games of the season. They return 9 players on offense, including their QB Josh Rosen, back from injury, and 6 on D. They averaged 25 points a game on O, but yielded 28 per game on D last year.
Texas A&M went 8-5 last year, losing their bowl game to Kansas State 33-28. They return 5 on offense and 7 on defense. They averaged 35 points a game on O, and gave up 25 on D last year.

14. 3-SEP WEST VIRGINIA +4.5 at VIRGINIA TECH
West Virginia finished 10-3 last year, but lost their bowl game to MiamiFL 31-14 to end the season. They return 5 starters on offense, but just 3 on D. Last season, they scored an average of 31 points per game, while yielding 24.
Virginia Tech went 10-4 last season, winning their bowl game 35-24 over Arkansas. They return 5 starters on offense and 7 on D. Last year they scored an average of 35 points on O and gave up 23 on D.

15. 4-SEP GEORGIA TECH +4 vs TENNESSEE (in Atlanta)
Georgia Tech finished 9-4 last season, winning their bowl game 33-18 over Kentucky. They return 8 starters on offense and 8 starters on defense. They scored an average of 28 points a game last year, and gave up 24.
Tennessee went 9-4 including a bowl win over Nebraska 38-24. They return 7 starters on offense and 7 on defense as well. They averaged 36 points a game last year, while yielding 29.

SUBSTITUTE GAME SHOULD BYU/LSU BE CANCELLED

16. 2-SEP CAL +11 AT NORTH CAROLINA
Cal went 5-7 last season and finished the year with a 36-10 win over UCLA at home. They return 6 starters on offense and 8 on defense. They averaged 37 points per game on offense but gave up a whopping 43 on defense.
North Carolina ended the season 8-5 last year, losing to Stanford 25-23 in their bowl game. They return 5 starters on offense and 7 on defense. Last year, they averaged 32 points per game on offense and gave up 25.

[Deleted]

1. 31-AUG TULSA +18 at OK STATE TULSA dammit Jim

2. 31-AUG OHIO STATE -21 at INDIANA INDIANA dammit Jim

3. 1-SEP NAVY -11 at FAU NAVY WINNING!

4. 1-SEP BOSTON COLLEGE -3 at NORTHERN ILLINOIS BAHSTON TIE

5. 1-SEP COLORADO -6 at COLORADO STATE STATE dammit Jim

6. 2-SEP MIAMI OHIO at MARSHALL – PICK ‘EM MARSHALL WINNING!

7. 2 SEP SOUTH CAROLINA +6 at NORTH CAROLINA STATE NC dammit Jim

8. 2-SEP TROY STATE +11 AT BOISE STATE BOYZEE TIE

9. 2-SEP MICHIGAN -3.5 vs FLORIDA - (in Arlington TX) BLUE WINNING!

10. 2-SEP ALABAMA -7 vs FLORIDA STATE - (in Atlanta) BAMA WINNING!

11. 2-SEP BYU +13 vs. LSU – (in Houston) BYU dammit Jim

12. 2-SEP MARYLAND +17 at TEXAS MERRYLAND WINNING!

13. 3-SEP TEXAS A&M +4 at UCLA(F)AGGIES WINNING!

14. 3-SEP WEST VIRGINIA +4.5 at VIRGINIA TECH WV dammit Jim

15. 4-SEP GEORGIA TECH +4 at TENNESSEE TENN MM dammit Jim


SUBSTITUTE GAME SHOULD BYU/LSU BE CANCELLED

16. 2-SEP CAL +11 AT NORTH CAROLINA DAH BEARSSS WINNING! (but doesn't count)

[bgovolfan]

TULSA +18 at OK STATE .................................................OK ST ...WON
OHIO STATE -21 at INDIANA..............................................OSU .....WON
NAVY -11 at FAU .......................................................NAVY ...WON
BOSTON COLLEGE -3 at NORTHERN ILLINOIS.................................NI
COLORADO -6 at COLORADO STATE..........................................State
[b]MIAMI OHIO[/b] at MARSHALL...............................................M O[/s]
SOUTH CAROLINA +6 at NC ST........................................USCe...........WON
TROY STATE +11 AT BOISE STATE ...................................Bosie St
MICHIGAN -3.5 vs FLORIDA ........................................Mich .... WON
ALABAMA -7 vs FLORIDA STATE.......................................Bama won
BYU +13 vs. LSU............................................................BYU
MARYLAND +17 at TEXAS................................................tEXAS
TEXAS A&M +4 at UCLA -................................................ TEXAS A&M ....WON
WEST VIRGINIA +4.5 at VIRGINIA TECH.........................Va Tech ....WON
GEORGIA TECH +4 at TENNESSEE ..................................UT ...but I'll take it with a smile

Bg(UT Vs Ga Tech isn't at Tn..it is in Atlanta)VolFan


SUBSTITUTE GAME SHOULD BYU/LSU BE CANCELLED
CAL +11 AT NORTH CAROLINA.........................................NC

[Deleted]

1. Oklahoma State. WIN

2. Ohio State WIN

3. Navy. WIN

4. Northern Illinois push

5. Colordo St. DAMN YOU!

6. Marshall

7. NC State

8. Boise State

9. An asteroid to hit the stadium (gators)

10. Florida St

11. LSU

12. Texas

13. UCLA

14. West Virginia

15. Tennessee

16. UNC

[Deleted]

1. 31-AUG TULSA +18 at OKLAHOMA STATE - TULSA

2. 31-AUG OHIO STATE -21 at INDIANA -INDIANA

3. 1-SEP NAVY -11 at FLORIDA ATLANTIC - FLORIDA ATLANTIC

4. 1-SEP BOSTON COLLEGE -3 at NORTHERN ILLINOIS - BOSTON COLLEGE

5. 1-SEP COLORADO -6 at COLORADO STATE - COLORADO

6. 2-SEP MIAMI OHIO at MARSHALL – PICK ‘EM - MARSHALL

7. 2 SEP SOUTH CAROLINA +6 at NORTH CAROLINA STATE - SOUTH CAROLINA

8. 2-SEP TROY STATE +11 AT BOISE STATE - BOISE STATE

9. 2-SEP MICHIGAN -3.5 vs FLORIDA - (in Arlington TX) - FLORIDA

10. 2-SEP ALABAMA -7 vs FLORIDA STATE - (in Atlanta) - FLORIDA STATE

11. 2-SEP BYU +13 vs. LSU – (in New Orleans) - BYU

12. 2-SEP MARYLAND +17 at TEXAS - MARYLAND

13. 3-SEP TEXAS A&M +4 at UCLA - TEXAS A&M

14. 3-SEP WEST VIRGINIA +4.5 at VIRGINIA TECH - VIRGINIA TECH

15. 4-SEP GEORGIA TECH +4 vs TENNESSEE - (in Atlanta)- GEORGIA TECH

SUBSTITUTE GAME SHOULD BYU/LSU BE CANCELLED

16. 2-SEP CALIFORNIA +11 AT NORTH CAROLINA - CALIFORNIA

[mscott59]

jamie lee curtis. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Aug 28, 2017 20:50:13 GMT -5 Walter said:

WEEK ONE

“Was it shrewd? Was it good tactics? Or was it stupid?”
“Don't call me stupid.”
“Oh, right! To call you stupid would be an insult to stupid people! I've known sheep that could outwit you. I've worn dresses with higher IQs. But you think you're an intellectual, don't you, ape?”

Here we go, folks….

THE GAMES

Note: Data on returning starters is from off-season mags, so they may not be accurate.

1. 31-AUG TULSA +18 at OK STATE
Tulsa went 10-3 last season and beat Central Mich 55-10 in their bowl game. They return 7 starters on offense and 6 on defense. They averaged a 42 points a game on offense and yielded 30 on D.
OKState also went 10-3 and also won their bowl game, beating Colorado 38-8. They get 7 starters back on offense and 5 back on defense. They averaged 38 points a game on offense and yielded 27 on D last season.

2. 31-AUG OHIO STATE -21 at INDIANA
Ohio state went 11-2 last season, losing their bowl game 31-0 to end the season. They return 8 on offense and 7 on defense. They averaged 39 points a game and yielded 15 on D.
Indiana went 6-7 last season, and narrowly lost their bowl game to Utah 26-24 to head into the off-season. They reture 6 on offense and 9 on D. They averaged 26 points a game on O and yielded 27 points a game on D.

3. 1-SEP NAVY -11 at FAU
Navy went 9-5 last season, losing their bowl game to LaTech 48-45. They return 4 on offense and 8 on defense this season. Last year they averaged 38 point on O and yielded 31 on D.
FAU went 3-9 last season and signed Lane Kiffin as new head coach. They averaged 26 points a game on offense and yielded 40 points on defense.

4. 1-SEP BOSTON COLLEGE -3 at NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Boston College went 7-6 last season, and won their bowl game, beating Maryland 36-30. They return 8 starters on offense and 7 on defense. They averaged 20 points a game on offense and yielded 25 points on D.
Northern Illinois went 5-7, but won 4 of the last 5 to end the season including the last 2 on the road. They return 5 starters on offense and 7 on D. Last season they averaged 31 points of offense, but yielded 30 on D.

5. 1-SEP COLORADO -6 at COLORADO STATE
Colorado surprised many last season, going 10-4, but lost 38-8 to OKSt in their bowl game. They return 9 on offense but just 3 on D. Last season they averaged 31 points a game, while giving up 22.
Colorado State Rams went 7-6 last season, losing a wild one to Idaho 61-50 in their bowl game. They return 6 starters on O and 8 on D. Last season, they averaged 35 points a game on O, and yielded 30 on D.

6. 2-SEP MIAMI OHIO at MARSHALL – PICK ‘EM
Miami OH went 6-7 last season losing to Miss St 17-16 in their bowl game while basically outplaying them. They return 9 starters on O and 8 on D. Last season they averaged 23 points a game of offense, but gave up 24 on D.
Marshall went from 10-3 in 2015 to 3-9 last season, losing their final game of the year 60-6 to Western Ky. They return 6 starters on O and 7 on D. Last season they averaged 26 points a game on O, and yielded 35 points on D.

7. 2 SEP SOUTH CAROLINA +6 at NORTH CAROLINA STATE
South Carolina went 6-7 last season, losing to USF 46-39 in their bowl game. They return 10 starters on O and 6 on D. Last season they averaged 21 points a game on O, but yielded 26 on D.
North Carolina State went 7-6 last season, beating Vandy handily 41-17 in their bowl game. They return 9 starters on offense and 8 on D. They averaged 27 points a game last season on O, and yielded 23 on D.

8. 2-SEP TROY STATE +11 AT BOISE STATE
Troy State went 10-3 last season, and beat Ohio in their bowl game 28-23. They return 8 starters on offense and 6 on D. Last season they averaged 34 points on O, and gave up 22 on D.
Boise St also went 10-3 last season, but lost their bowl game to Baylor 31-12. They return 5 starters on O, and just 4 on D. Last season, they averaged 34 points a game and gave up 23 on D.

9. 2-SEP MICHIGAN -3.5 vs FLORIDA - (in Arlington TX)
Michigan finished 10-3 last season and lost a thriller 33-32 to Florida State in their bowl game. They return just 4 starters on offense and only 1 on defense. Last season, they averaged 40 points a game and yielded just 14 on D.
Florida went 9-4 last season and beat Iowa 30-3 in their bowl game. They return 9 starters on O, and 5 on D. Last season, they averaged 24 points a game on O, and yielded 17 on D.

10. 2-SEP ALABAMA -7 vs FLORIDA STATE - (in Atlanta)
Alabama went 14-1 last season and lost the national championship game to Clemson 35-31. They return 6 starters on offense, and 5 on D. Last season they averaged 39 points a game and gave up just 13 on D.
Florida State went 10-3 last season, beating UMich 33-32 in their bowl game. They return 6 starters on offense and 9 on D. Last season they averaged 35 points per game, while giving up 25.

11. 2-SEP BYU +13 vs. LSU – (in Houston)
BYU finished 9-4 last season, winning their bowl game 24-21 against Wyoming. They return 6 starters on offense and 7 on defense. They scored an average of 30 points a game last season, while giving up 20.
LSU went 8-4 last year, beating Louisville 29-9 in their bowl game. They return 6 starters on offense and 5 on defense. They averaged 28 point per game on O, and gave up an average of 16 on D.

12. 2-SEP MARYLAND +17 at TEXAS
Maryland went 6-7 last season, losing to Boston College in their bowl 36-30. They return 6 starters on offense and 7 on defense. Last year they averaged 26 points per game on offense, but gave up an average of 30.
Texas went 5-7 last season, losing their last 3 of the year. They return 7 starters on offense but 10 on D. They averaged 32 points both on O and D last year.

13. 3-SEP TEXAS A&M +4 at UCLA
UCLA finished a disappointing 4-8 last season losing 6 of their last 7 games of the season. They return 9 players on offense, including their QB Josh Rosen, back from injury, and 6 on D. They averaged 25 points a game on O, but yielded 28 per game on D last year.
Texas A&M went 8-5 last year, losing their bowl game to Kansas State 33-28. They return 5 on offense and 7 on defense. They averaged 35 points a game on O, and gave up 25 on D last year.

14. 3-SEP WEST VIRGINIA +4.5 at VIRGINIA TECH
West Virginia finished 10-3 last year, but lost their bowl game to MiamiFL 31-14 to end the season. They return 5 starters on offense, but just 3 on D. Last season, they scored an average of 31 points per game, while yielding 24.
Virginia Tech went 10-4 last season, winning their bowl game 35-24 over Arkansas. They return 5 starters on offense and 7 on D. Last year they scored an average of 35 points on O and gave up 23 on D.

15. 4-SEP GEORGIA TECH +4 vs TENNESSEE (in Atlanta)
Georgia Tech finished 9-4 last season, winning their bowl game 33-18 over Kentucky. They return 8 starters on offense and 8 starters on defense. They scored an average of 28 points a game last year, and gave up 24.
Tennessee went 9-4 including a bowl win over Nebraska 38-24. They return 7 starters on offense and 7 on defense as well. They averaged 36 points a game last year, while yielding 29.

SUBSTITUTE GAME SHOULD BYU/LSU BE CANCELLED

16. 2-SEP CAL +11 AT NORTH CAROLINA
Cal went 5-7 last season and finished the year with a 36-10 win over UCLA at home. They return 6 starters on offense and 8 on defense. They averaged 37 points per game on offense but gave up a whopping 43 on defense.
North Carolina ended the season 8-5 last year, losing to Stanford 25-23 in their bowl game. They return 5 starters on offense and 7 on defense. Last year, they averaged 32 points per game on offense and gave up 25.

[beuycek]

Aug 29, 2017 8:44:54 GMT -5 mscott59 said:

jamie lee curtis. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Former VoiceStream/T-Mobile spokesperson.

[trnyerheadncough]

Wake up blimey fish!!!!!!!!

Ah, it is quite refreshing to sit back, kick up my heels, and not have to put together a list....

1. Tulsa +18 at Oklahoma State. Everyone is hyping the Pokes as a sleeper this year for the playoffs, what with a bevy of offensive weapons. Tulsa still has D'Angelo Brewer, who brings his 1425 yards and 7 touchdowns from a year ago, and a veteran offensive line. But the Golden Hurricane is without Dane Evans, who apparently has finally graduated after what seemed like a bachelor's, two master's, and a doctorate worth of years behind center. With the experience up front, and Brewer toting the rock, if Tulsa had any experience under center, they'd be a sexy pick to sneak in under the spread. As it is, I think they slow down the pace to keep the Pokes off the field and try to grind it out with Brewer. Oklahoma State hasn't exactly been awesome in getting pressure, only generating 15 sacks all year in 2016.

I'm probably wrong here, but what the hell...first game jitters and pressure of being talked about as a playoff team, I think Oklahoma State comes out a little tight and Tulsa is able to hang just close enough. Golden Hurricane.

2. Ohio State -21 at Indiana. Seems like every year we're talking about Ohio State and their loaded roster. Every year, for whatever reason, the Buckeyes have one or more of those WTF games. If Kevin Wilson was still stalking the sidelines for the Hoosiers, I'd more strongly consider leaning their way. But he isn't. Unfortunately, for them, he's on the other side of the field. That means he has a pretty good idea of what Indiana brings to the table. A slight pause at the fact that Indiana returns 9 on defense, but I simply don't see this being close. Indiana has been a thorn for several years, and the chestnuts will be prepped. Ohio State.

3. Navy -11 at FAU. I'm going to take credit for suggesting this game, noting the Lane Kiffen angle. In 2017, you know what Navy is going to do. The same thing they did in 2016. And 2015. FAU is more of an unknown. You have to think that even though Kiffen might not have all his guys that he wants, he still should be able to get production out of Driskel under center, and a solid offensive line which didn't surrender many sacks last year. I think the difference though is in the defense. A quick peek at the FAU depth chart shows that on the two deep defense, I'm counting at least 17 guys who are juniors, redshirt juniors, seniors, or redshirt seniors. Granted, I don't know if that's a good thing as they surrendered 40 ppg last season...including never giving up less than 25... All that being said, I like the 11 points. Hooters.

4. Boston College -3 at Northern Illinois. I always like Boston College. Kind of a grind it out team. Never a lot of weapons, but usually pretty solid. I like Addazio as a coach. Addazio's bread and butter is offensive line, and BC has depth and experience, which I like against an NIU squad that's just average against the run. Since 2011, NIU has won 4 of 6 home openers, and the two losses were an 18-17 loss to Iowa, and a 40-34 loss in triple overtime to Wyoming....so you gotta think they keep it close. I do think they keep it close again, but not within 3. Eagles.

5. Colorado -6 at Colorado State. At first glance when I started looking at this game over a week ago, I thought I'd be a no brainer pick for Colorado. Yeah, they have a new starter in Montez now that Liufau has moved on to greener pastures, but don't let that fool you. Kid has played more than you would think, and turned in some solid performances last year. In that wild win against Oregon last year, 23-32 for 333 and a hat trick of touchdowns. Oh yeah, also 21 rushes for 135 yards and another touchdown. I know Oregon was bad last year, but those numbers are good even if you're playing BYE Week. So...Buffaloes in a rout, right? In the immortal words of the Sunshine Scooter....NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND! Do my eyes deceive me? Colorado State with over 300 passing? Nearly 200 rushing??? 58 points?!?! How many journalists had a field day coming up with headlines featuring Rams and Beavers in that gridiron matchup?

Sorry....not enough to change my pick. I like Colorado State, but despite the final score, Oregon State imploded down the stretch moreso than Colorado State flexed its muscle. Colorado is going to make some noise this year. Buffaloes.

6. Miami at Marshall. I got no idea why this stinker made the list over Cal at UNC...but I'm not getting paid to make those decisions this year. Anyhoo, Miami returning 9 starters on offense is tantalizing, including the efficient Gus Ragland, and his 17:1 TD to INT ratio. For Marshall, they also return a solid quarterback in Chase Litton, who sports a 24:9 ratio himself. That being said, man...Marshall just wasn't good at anything last year. I still think they're a year or two away, and Ragland isn't going to give them too many opportunities. Ur Mami.

7. South Kackalacky +6 at North Carolina State. It seems like every year we have this sort of matchup, between a middling SEC team and what is thought to be a upper echelon ACC team, and the Atlantic Coast shits the bed and loses. It happened last year with Georgia and North Carolina (although FSU did dispatch Ole Miss). It happened the year before with South Carolina and North Carolina, as well as 2013. Is this finally the year when the ACC who is supposed to win convincingly actually wins convincingly?

My answer is....I think so. South Carolina bringing back 10 on offense is pretty stout, and you know Will Muschamp can coach some defense, assuming he doesn't blow a gasket on the sidelines. But this is supposed to be the year when the Wolfpack make some real noise. 17 starters back. 8 on that defense including all-everything Bradley Chubb, who is a certified badass. The Wolfpack were really only blown out of one game last year, that was against Louisville. When I have no idea, I'll usually side with the ACC for a later cover. Wolfpack.

8. Troy State +11 at Boise State. Another head scratcher as to why its on the list, but hey...I ain't runnin' the show. Troy returns 8 starters on offense, including Brandon Silvers, a quarterback starting his 75th season in Troy Alabama. 64% passer, 3000 yards. Nearly two dozen touchdowns. Boise State is a little thin on experience going into this season, and I like the 11 points. Troy.

9. Michigan -3.5 vs. Florida. A third head scratcher with these two scrub squads. I kid, I kid. Despite ET pumping sunshine, I'll believe that the Gators are dynamic on offense when I see it. Until then, as far as I can see, you only bring on Zaire as a grad transfer if your other options aren't very good. Franks has the measurables but isn't ready yet. Del Rio is a noodle armed game manager. Michigan graduated everyone but the water boys, but you have to think Harbaugh has generated some experience from last year and is a pretty good game day coach. Oh, and Callaway is suspended. That removes the threat of a special teams momentum play. UF will have another year like they did last year....8-4/9-3, which looks good until you realize the vast majority of their wins are against lesser teams. This isn't UMass. And the defense isn't as good this year. Michigan.

10. Alabama -7 vs. Florida State. The biggest matchup of the weekend. Bama thrives on these games, doesn't lose them because...well, it's Bama. But I'd wager they haven't played a team in any of these openers that's as good as FSU this year. Veterans all over offense and defense. Lockdown secondary. Deep and talented at DT and DE. Still....it's Bama, right?

If Bama was an up tempo team with an HUNH flow, I'd be worried. Not to say that I'm not worried because...well, it's Bama. But giving our offense time to get set is key. Get us into the right plays, and I like our defense against anyone. Question is whether we'll be able to score enough points as the offensive line is a question mark, and if Francois gets hurt, we're screwed.

I'll never pick against my Noles, but still....it's Bama. I kinda expect the game to be close in the 4th, and we come up a bit short, but well under the 7.

11. BYU +13 vs. LSU. Were this game in Houston, I'd be more tempted to pick BYU, the yawner against Portland State notwithstanding. Alas, the game has been moved to New Orleans, where no doubt a bunch of crazy Mormons are going to get drunk and fabulous on Bourbon Street. I don't think LSU is going to be all that fantastic this year, but they are better than BYU, and way better than BYU in the Superdome. LSU.

12. Maryland +17 at Tejas. The Tom Herman experiment begins. Returning 10 players on what should be a talented defense is something I simply cannot overlook. At the same time....17 points is a boatload. Maryland doesn't usually win games like this, and I don't expect them to either. But what is worse, they usually get blown out in games like this. 10 on defense? Ok...I'll ride that Herman can get enough to cover. Pronghorns.

13. TAMU +4 at UCLA. Getting Rosen back under center is big for UCLA, who, offensively, should be pretty stout. And we know all we need to know about TAMU's defense, which has never been known as a juggernaut, and no longer has Miles Garrett as a pass rusher. I'm kinda sick of looking up stats, but I just like UCLA at home. Four points don't scare me. I'll lay them. Ruins.

14. West By God Virginia +4.5 at Virginia By God Tech. Great season for the Hokies last year under Fuente. West Virginia is replacing a lot...on both sides of the ball. Is Will Grier slated to be able to play yet? The turkeys usually play pretty well in home openers, and I don't think Holgerson will have the boys from Morgantown ready to compete in a stadium like this yet. Gobblers.

15. Georgia Tech +4 at Tennessee. Finally....down to the last one. Ya know, if this game was played in the first weekend in October, I'd probably pick Georgia Tech to cover, and to win outright, just because it is a tough offense to prepare for on relatively short notice. But this is the opening game of the season. They've had all spring, summer, and fall to prepare for the triple option. I like that Georgia Tech is returning so much on both sides, and they should be a pretty good football team this year. But too much time to get ready for them, and they can be beaten. This will be one of those times. Volunteers.

It's K-K-K-Ken....coming to k-k-kill me!!!

[bamorin]

TULSA +18 at OK STATE .................................................OK ST.........WIN
OHIO STATE -21 at INDIANA..............................................OSU...........WIN
NAVY -11 at FAU .......................................................NAVY..........WIN
BOSTON COLLEGE -3 at NORTHERN ILLINOIS.................................NI............TIE
COLORADO -6 at COLORADO STATE..........................................CSU...........LOSS..opi?
MIAMI OHIO at MARSHALL.................................................Miami ........LOSS
SOUTH CAROLINA +6 at NC ST.............................................NCst ........LOSS
TROY STATE +11 AT BOISE STATE .........................................Boy Zee.......TIE
MICHIGAN -3.5 vs FLORIDA ..............................................Meatchicken...WIN
ALABAMA -7 vs FLORIDA STATE............................................Alabubba......WIN
BYU +13 vs. LSU........................................................BYU...........LOSS
MARYLAND +17 at TEXAS..................................................Mayland ......WIN
TEXAS A&M +4 at UCLA -.................................................UCLA .........LOSS
WEST VIRGINIA +4.5 at VIRGINIA TECH.................................... WVU..........LOSS
GEORGIA TECH +4 at TENNESSEE ..........................................Tenn..........LOSS

SUBSTITUTE GAME SHOULD BYU/LSU BE CANCELLED
CAL +11 AT NORTH CAROLINA..............................................Cal


A little "hustle up" by Tenn would have been nice in the first half

[cbisbig]

Golden Hurricane +18
Buckeyes -21
Owls +11
Eagles -3
Buffs -6
Thundering Herd
Cocks +6
Trojans +11
Gators +3 1/2
Roll Tide -7
Corndogs -13
Longhorns -17
Aggies +4
Hokies -4 1/2
Vols -4
Heels -11

[AlaCowboy]

Okla State
osu
FAU
BC
Colo. (but still pulling for My Man Bobo)
Miami (Ohio) THE State University Of Ohio
NCState
Troy State
Michigan
Alabubba
LSU
Tejas
uclans (aTm will be looking for a new HC by November)
VPI (that's the Hokies)
UTk (though I hate a team that wears jerseys the color of pumpkin guts)
UNC

[cyberobb99]

1. 31-AUG TULSA +18 at OK STATE - Tulsa

2. 31-AUG OHIO STATE -21 at INDIANA - Indiana

3. 1-SEP NAVY -11 at FAU - Navy

4. 1-SEP BOSTON COLLEGE -3 at NORTHERN ILLINOIS - NIlli

5. 1-SEP COLORADO -6 at COLORADO STATE - CSU

6. 2-SEP MIAMI OHIO at MARSHALL – Mimi

7. 2 SEP SOUTH CAROLINA +6 at NORTH CAROLINA STATE - NCSt

8. 2-SEP TROY STATE +11 AT BOISE STATE - Troy

9. 2-SEP MICHIGAN -3.5 vs FLORIDA - McChicken

10. 2-SEP ALABAMA -7 vs FLORIDA STATE - FSU

11. 2-SEP BYU +13 vs. LSU – LSU

12. 2-SEP MARYLAND +17 at Texas - UMd

13. 3-SEP TEXAS A&M +4 at UCLA - UCLA

14. 3-SEP WEST VIRGINIA +4.5 at VIRGINIA TECH - VT

15. 4-SEP GEORGIA TECH +4 at TENNESSEE UT

16. 2-SEP CAL +11 AT NORTH CAROLINA UNCheat

[daleko]

1. OK STATE
2. INDIANA
3. NAVY 
4. NORTHERN ILLINOIS
5. COLORADO 
6. MIAMI OHIO 
7. NORTH CAROLINA STATE
8. BOISE STATE
9. MICHIGAN 
10.FLORIDA STATE 
11.LSU
12.TEXAS
13.UCLA
14.VIRGINIA TECH
15.TENNESSEE 
SUBSTITUTE GAME SHOULD BYU/LSU BE CANCELLED
16.NORTH CAROLINA

[mscott59]

damn it. wrote this up this am only to see my connection go away. one of these days i will learn to copy posts to avoid the fist pounding... shortened version below.

1. 31-AUG TULSA +18 at OK STATE scoreboard operators will need back ups. new qb for tulsa goes on the road for the opener vs a cowboy offense that has nearly everyone back. tulsa just 5-16 ats vs big 12 foes. osu is 7-2 ats at home vs the golden hurricane, 12-6 ats at home vs ooc. oklahoma state.

2. 31-AUG OHIO STATE -21 at INDIANA 1st time tosu has opened w/a league game since '76, 1st time on the road since '75. high expectation for the bucks per usual, but iu has covered the last 6 in the series, and the last two in bloomington have decided by 10 pts total. hoosiers were much improved (100 yd/game stingier) on d last yr too. meyer is just 2-6 ats as big 10 road chalk of 23/less, iu 8-2 ats as home dogs of 10+, and (cfb nerd alert #1) conference home dogs who won 6/more the previous year are 12-7 ats in season openers since '88, while in the last 5 yrs league road chalk of 20+ in season openers are 0-6 ats. even w/ex-hoosier coach kevin wilson now calling plays for tosu, that's too many trends to ignore. indiana gets the backdoor cover.

3. 1-SEP NAVY -11 at FAU most people said 'fau-who?' when kiffin took the job, but he walked into a pretty good situation on offense. owls have 9 starters back, including a real good rb in devin singletary. the middies go on the road much less experienced, and are just 6-11 ats as double digit chalk. florida atlantic.

4. 1-SEP BOSTON COLLEGE -3 at NORTHERN ILLINOIS bc is rock solid on d, but their offense struggled moving a feather the last couple years. they're also 9-18-1 ats in openers. niu has beaten the last 4 power 5 opponents who visited dekalb, and the huskies are 9-2 ats as home dogs. northern illinois w/the mild upset.

5. 1-SEP COLORADO -6 at COLORADO STATE cu used a 44-7 rout of the rams last year to springboard a surprising 10-4 season. but most of those players are gone, and csu looked real good demolishing oregon state in their opener last week. they're also 6-1 ats the last 7 games getting points. colorado state.

6. 2-SEP MIAMI OHIO at MARSHALL – PICK ‘EM miami did something no d-1 program has done before last yr, losing its 1st 6 games then winning its final 6, and 17 starters from that comeback, uh, come back this yr. defensively the red hawks excelled. the herd fell to 3-9 after 3 straight 10+ win seasons, a perfect bounceback scenario. so, do i go w/the alma mater of my sister michele, or where dad (and mamaw scott) got degrees? i'll lean w/dad. marshall.

7. 2 SEP SOUTH CAROLINA +6 at NORTH CAROLINA STATE wolfpack is another program w/17 returning starters, and i think a darkhorse to make some serious noise in the acc atlantic. they're 15-5 ats as home faves and 11-2 ats vs ooc foes. muschamp doubled the win total in yr 1 from 3 to 6, and the gamecocks are 9-2 ats vs acc opponents, and normally i like sec teams getting pts outside the conference, but they're going up vs a very good d-line. nc state.

8. 2-SEP TROY STATE +11 AT BOISE STATE last yr troy came within a whisker of knocking off clemson on the road as 35 pt dogs. i like their qb, silvers, who's back this yr. plus the trojans are 7-1 ats as road dogs. bsu is just 12-27 as home chalk and may be peeking ahead to next week's matchup vs washington. upset alert. troy

9. 2-SEP MICHIGAN -3.5 vs FLORIDA - (in Arlington TX) um goes from the most experienced team in the country to the greenest, w/just 6 starters back. 1 on d. tough spot to open the season on the road vs a high profile opponent. uf is 14-6-1 ats on neutral fields, and their d appears to remain very good. but... you still wonder about the team karma after all the suspensions. ugly hats are 6-1 ats the last 7 times they've been favored by 7/less and there's this trend i saw this week (cfb nerd alert #2); teams who lost their bowl game as favorites of 7+ (um lost to florida st 33-32) who are dogs or favorites -10/less in game 1 the next season are 10-0 ats since 1990. that's science. you can't argue w/science. you can argue w/the choice of uni saturday night... those all maize gear um will wear may be harder on the eyes than last week's eclipse... but i'll go w/um surprising folks as a favorite, if that makes sense. michigan.

10. 2-SEP ALABAMA -7 vs FLORIDA STATE - so, just how long has it been since alabama had a returning starter at qb? lol. actually 2 good ones taking snaps here. my biggest question is whether fsu's o-line can keep francois upright most of the game. 6th straight yr the tide has opened on a neutral site (5-0 su, 4-1 ats), but the noles under fisher are more experienced (16 starters back, 10 on d) and are 9-1 su7-3 ats vs sec opposition. tide wins but florida state covers.

11. 2-SEP BYU +13 vs. LSU – tigers certainly look to have the advantage in all aspects (offense, d, special teams) as orgeron starts his 1st full season as head coach. that said, i like tanner magnum, byu's qb for most of the past 2 seasons. cougars looked mediocre in a 20-6 win over portland state last week, but i like dogs who have a game under their belt vs a team playing their opener. byu keeps it under the number.

12. 2-SEP MARYLAND +17 at TEXAS count me among those who think tom herman walked into a goldmine in austin. yes charlie strong went 5-7 last yr, but 5 of those 7 losses were by a total of 22 pts. 17 starters return for the longhorns, and after 3 straight losing seasons they are poised to make a big splash in the big 12 and maybe more. terps are just 3-9 ats getting 10+ pts, and even tho they made a bowl last yr, they went just 2-7 su/ats to finish the season. texas rolls.

13. 3-SEP TEXAS A&M +4 at UCLA lots of folks think both these coaches (sumlin, mora) are on the hot seat this year. aggies 15-0 su/10-4-1 ats in august/sept games the last 5 years, but just 3-7 getting pts on the road. bruins are even worse (3-10 ats at home). but they're 6-2 ats in ooc revenge games, and 13-5-1 ats in season openers. i thought ucla outplayed a&m in college station last year, and rosen is the better qb. slightest of leans to u-c-l-a.

14. 3-SEP WEST VIRGINIA +4.5 at VIRGINIA TECH glad to see these two rivals play again (52nd mtg, but 1st since '05). both are pretty green, but uf transfer will grier gives the 'eers an edge at qb. gobblers are 0-7 ats in season openers vs fbs teams. but wvu is only 14-34 ats vs acc opponents. virgina tech.

15. 4-SEP GEORGIA TECH +4 at TENNESSEE yellow jackets an impressive 10-5 ats as dogs lately, but i think this line is influenced by how badly the vols' injury-ravaged d played down the stretch last year. a shaky nod to bowo. tennessee.


SUBSTITUTE GAME SHOULD BYU/LSU BE CANCELLED

16. 2-SEP CAL +11 AT NORTH CAROLINA heels 8-4 ats as home chalk, bears 2-8 ats as road dogs. plus this game kicks off at 12 noon edt, which is 9 am pdt. too early. unc.

[beuycek]

TULSA +18 at OK STATE -- Pokes -- WIN

OHIO STATE -21 at INDIANA -- Hoosiers

NAVY -11 at FAU -- Owls

BOSTON COLLEGE -3 at NORTHERN ILLINOIS -- Eagles -- PUSH

COLORADO -6 at COLORADO STATE -- Buffs -- WIN

MIAMI OHIO at MARSHALL – PICK ‘EM -- Redskins...err, RedHawks

SOUTH CAROLINA +6 at NORTH CAROLINA STATE -- 'Pack

TROY STATE +11 AT BOISE STATE -- Trojans -- PUSH

MICHIGAN -3.5 vs FLORIDA -- Go Blue -- WIN

ALABAMA -7 vs FLORIDA STATE -- Bama -- WIN

BYU +13 vs. LSU – (in Houston) -- BYU

MARYLAND +17 at TEXAS -- Hook 'em

TEXAS A&M +4 at UCLA -- Bruins

WEST VIRGINIA +4.5 at VIRGINIA TECH -- Hokies -- WIN

GEORGIA TECH +4 at TENNESSEE -- Volunteers