Opening Week Predictions

The setting, Boise, ID. The date, September 3, 2009. The time, 10:00 EST. Welcome to the opening game of the 2009 College Football season and what a way to start things off ! A rematch of last years game in Eugene, OR as the Boise St. Broncos battle the Oregon Ducks. Even though this is the first game of the season, a loss to Oregon will ruin any chances of the Broncos going to a BCS Bowl game. A win and Boise St. could run the table ! Even if Oregon loses this game, they have a loaded PAC-10 schedule to rebound from. The strength of the Boise St. defense are arguably the best cornerback duo in the nation in Brandyn Thompson and Kyle Wilson. Look for Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli to use his mobility and pick up huge chunks of yardage on broken plays and hand off to tailback Blount. Broncos QB Moore will put up impressive offensive stats but it won't be enough, the Ducks gain a measure of revenge.
PICK: Oregon 34 Boise St. 24

Our next game to view is the ACC vs. SEC challenge as Virginia Tech meets the Crimson Tide of Alabama in a neutral site (Georgia Dome). Losing starting running back Darrell Evans will hurt the Hokies but Tyrod Taylor is a similar player to former Hokie Michael Vick. That being said and even with Alabama breaking in a new quarterback, I like the Tide to roll over Va. Tech.
PICK: Alabama 20 Virginia Tech 13

This one should be fun ! The high powered offense of the Cowboys of Okie St. take on SEC perenial power Georgia. Some people are smelling upset as Oklahoma St. is actually a 4 point favorite. Bulldog Joe Cox finally get his chance to star for Georgia. I just think there is a little too much offense for Oklahoma St. I like the home team to win this one.
PICK: Oklahoma St. 31 Georgia 27

Jerry Jones gets his brand new Cowboys Stadium into the spotlight as a non-conference battle between Brigham Young and Oklahoma takes center stage. This could be interesting. I sense an upset here. I know...Oklahoma is loaded on offense and defense BUT the Cougars have 9 starters back on defense and I think they will pressure Sam Bradford into some hurried throws. I think Max Hall will have success throwing intermediate routes to negate the Sooner pass rush.
PICK: Brigham Young 27 Oklahoma 24

One of the most exciting players in the nation, bar none ! Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin can do it all with his feet and arm. The 6'-4" slingshot will make it difficult for Wake Forest to contain him and the much improved Bears defense will slow down Riley Skinner and the Deamon Deacon offense.
PICK: Baylor 37 Wake Forest 17

This one is near and dear to my heart. Ever since Warren Mooon donned the number 1 jersey and took apart Michigan in the 1978 Rose Bowl, I've always been a Washington Husky fan. But lately the Huskies have fallen on hard times. After dismissing Rick Neuheisel (after leading Washington to an 11-1 and 2nd ranked season), the Huskies hired Ty Willingham which turned into a complete disaster. Former Southern Cal. offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian takes over a roster starved for talent coming off a winless season. Fortunately the Huskies open up at home, unfortunately they open against SEC power L.S.U. Perfect game for coach Les Miles to open up the offense for Jordan Jefferson. Look for true freshman Russell Shepard to be heard from and the battering ram backfield duo of Charles Scott and Keiland Williams to run over an undersized Husky defensive front
PICK: L.S.U. 35 Washington 10

"Shake down the echoes"...okay I'm not singing the Notre Dame fight song, but this is the first step in what should be a BCS year for the Irish. Their opening day opponent can score points, but Nevada has no defense and Notre Dame and Jimmy Clausen should roll.
PICK: Notre Dame 41 Nevada 17

This game always produces points in bunches. This years Missouri-Illinois game should be interesting as Mizzou has to replace all time leading passer Chase Daniel and record breaking receiver and kick returner Jeremy Macklin. Juice Williams comes back to lead the Illini and will be throwing to one of the best wide outs in the BIG-10 in Arelious Benn. Curious to see how sophomore Blaine Gabbert will manage his first varsity start.
PICK: Illinois 33 Missouri 24

Tim Tebow should throw for 4 TD's in less than a half as the Gators obliterate Charlston Southern (did anyone know they had a football team ???). Total mismatch !
PICK: Florida 56 Charlston Southern 3

Colt McCoy will throw even more TD's than Tebow ! He'll play into the third quarter against powerhouse Louisiana-Monroe (okay, kidding..they are NOT a powerhouse). Lets have some fun, McCoy begins his Heisman campaign (18-22, 354 yards 5 TD's).
PICK: Texas 58 Louisiana-Monroe 10

This game could be closer than the experts believe. For three quarters anyway. Look for the Tigers of Memphis to keep in close for a half and up to three quarters before Ole' Miss QB Jevan Snead shreds the Tiger secondary.
PICK: Mississippi 34 Memphis 20

Everyone will be anticipating the debut of Trojan freshman QB Matt Barkley. It won't come as easy as everyone things. San Jose St. finished 21st in total defense last year and head coach Dick Tomey is known for his defensive squads. That being said, just too much talent on the Trojan side. Unfortunate injury for Southern Cal. as they lost starting wide receiver Ronald Johnson to a broken collarbone for 6-8 weeks. David Ausberry should step in as an adequate replacement.
PICK: Southern Cal. 38 San Jose St. 10

Just watched the movie "Express" the Ernie Davis Story. To bad Syracuse can't go back in the time machine and suit up Davis, Jim Brown, Floyd Little and Larry Czonka and have Donavan McNabb as the QB ! A new coach but not much talent as the Orange host the Gophers from Minnesota. Gopher coach Tim Brewster started off hot last year 7-0 then lost 6 straight. Game should be closer than most thing but the losing ways continue for the Orange.
PICK: Minnesota 26 Syracuse 14

A HUGE Big Least clash ! Assumption Colleges own Brian Kelly brings his Cincinnati Bearcats to Piscattaway, NJ to take on Rutgers. Defending champ Cincinnati has Tony Pike and an experienced offense but does lose alot of talent on defense. The Scarlet Knights have a one of the best offensive lines in all of college football but lose record setting QB Mike Teel and second round pick Kenny Britt. This should come down to the end and possible the kicking game. I like the coaching ability of Kelly (hey, could I pick against a former Greyhound ??) and the experience of Pike.
PICK: Cincinnati 26 Rutgers 17

My last pick game of the opening slate of games. The annual sunshine state battle between ACC foes Florida St. and Miami, FL. This one is being played in Talahassee and I like Canes' coach Randy Shannon team to win this one. I like the athleticism of QB Jacory Harris and new offensive coordinator Mark Whipple is an offensive guru ! He will open up the Miami offense and the usual stingy Canes' D will pressure Noles' QB Christian Ponder into mistakes.
PICK: Miami 24 Florida St. 17

My Bonus pick will be the Terps of Maryland flying cross country to take on the California Golden Bears. I have Cal in my top 10....I don't have Maryland anywhere. Nuff said, Bears RB Best has a HUGE game, Riley hits some big plays and Cal overpowers the visitors from the ACC.
PICK: California 41 Maryland 20

Those are my picks for the first big weekend of the 2009 College Football Weekend ! Check back next Tuesday for a total recap and see how my picks fared !