Weekend Picks

Southern Miss (+17.5) @ Auburn: Despite last weeks thrashing of UL Louisiana, I am still not sold on that offense. Southern Miss represents a real challenge, ESPN's Bruce Feldman went as far as to pick them, and though I think Auburn will win, the Golden Eagles will keep it close.

Tulane (+30) @ Alabama: I think a bit of a letdown is to be expected from week 1 darlings Alabama. Tulane is no threat to win the game, but after last weeks emotional win in Saban's debut another big effort may be a bit much to ask.

Miami (+22.5) @ Florida: Yes, Miami is young. Yes, QB Robert Marve has never stepped on a college football field. Yes, Tim Tebow is a grown ass man. I still think this will be a closer than expected game. Randy Shannon is bringing the swagger back to the U and they certainly have the talent after last years #1 rated (ESPN) recruiting class to keep this one close.

Georgia (-24) vs. Central Michigan: The Chips feature the nations most underrated QB in Dan LeFevour, but they have always struggled when they step up in class as evidenced by losses last year at Kansas and Clemson by a combined 101 points. This years UGA squad is better than either of those teams so expect a blowout.

Mississippi (+7.5) @ Wake Forrest: Mississippi's speed will present some problems for the Deamon Deacons. Jevan Snead will only get more comfortable in his 2nd start for the Rebels as they march on towards a bowl game.

Arkansas (-13) vs. UL Monroe: UL Monroe continues its trip around the SEC West after getting blown out at Auburn last week. Bobby Petrino's team has some real problems after sqeaking by 1-AA Western Illinois last week, but I think he'll get the Razorbacks in order to beat the Warhawks by 2 TD's.

Last week 3-4, Season 3-4

Other picks I feel kinda good about.

Oklahoma (-21.5) vs. Cincinnati: As former Bearcat QB Ben Mauk tries to regain eligibility in court the still eligible guys try to gain some respect in Norman. Oklahoma's national title aspirations gain some ground here with a blowout of another BCS team.

California (-13.5) @ Washington St: Last week while Cal beat a decent Michigan St. team at home, WSU was busy getting blown out at home by Oklahoma St. Jeff Tedford made the right call in benching Nate Longshore for Kevin Riley last week and it paid big dividends with 38
points.

Last week 2-0, Season 2-0

Weekend Picks

The first week is always difficult to read. It's hard to tell who's made how much improvement during the off season. So that's my excuse when all these are wrong.
SEC
Mississippi (-7.5) vs. Memphis: The Rebels' season depends on Jevan Snead. Is he the guy that was once a top recruit or have the two years off hurt him? He should start out the season with a relatively easy win against a Memphis team that still hasn't recovered from DeAngelo Williams leaving two years ago.
Louisiana Tech (+8) vs. Mississippi State: I don't really know a whole lot about Tech other than Karl Malone went there, but I am not a MSU believer this year. QB Wesley Carroll was unimpressive enough in camp that JUCO Tyson Lee is likely to get some snaps. 2 QB systems almost never work and I don't think MSU can score enough to cover.
Florida (-34.5) vs. Hawaii: Hawaii didn't travel to the mainland well when it had stars like Colt Brennan and Timmy Chang, no reason to expect things to improve now that they are without a star QB for the first time in awhile.
Clemson (-4.5) vs. Alabama (at Atlanta): Clemson's yearly collapse isn't scheduled for another eight weeks so for now expect them to play the part of the national player they're hyped up to be.
UL Louisiana (+26) @ Auburn: I think Auburn will win this one quite easily, but 26 seems high to me for a team who also has some real questions at quarterback.
Louisville (-3.5) vs. Kentucky: Brian Brohm may be gone, but Hunter Cantwell is pretty good himself and should be good enough at home to beat a bad UK team by more than a FG.
Tennessee (-7.5) @ UCLA (Monday Night): I am a big UT believer this year and I think they'll use the national spotlight as a showcase. UCLA probably has more QB problems than any other team in the country with both their starter and backup out due to injury.
Other picks I feel kinda good about:
Missouri (-8.5) vs. Illinois (at St. Louis): The Border War has traditionally been a bigger deal on the basketball court, but recent successes by both teams have made the football field the newest home for battle for bragging rights. I think Missouri is for real and Illinois will badly miss Rashard Mendenhall.
Northwestern (-11.5) vs. Syracuse: Orange head coach Greg Robinson will be extremely lucky to survive the year. I'm not predicting big things for the Wildcats this year, but SU is going to be awful yet again. As a side note, I love the under of 56 in this game.