Picks in Bold
Yes Boise State lost star Running Back Ian Johnson to graduation and Oregon is one of the favorites in the Pac-10, however the choice here is the Broncos. BSU went into Autzen Stadium last year and beat the Ducks 37-32 and that was with the Ducks scoring 19 4th quarter ponts. Yes Jeremiah Masoli did not start that game, however playing their home opener on the smurf turf, with everything on the line for a BCS berth, the Broncos make a statement.
Minnesota -7 @ Syracuse
Despite being a Cuse grad, this pick was not a hard one to make. The Orange have no one to stop the duo of Adam Weber and Eric Decker and you cannot bet on a team that is starting a Point Guard at QB.
Nevada +14 @ Notre Dame
Would not bet on Nevada winning this game outright but they have enough weapons to make it interesting. Colin Kaepernick, Vai Taua, and Luke Lippincott can all move the ball on the ground and their defense is good enough to not let up 50 points. Too many points against a bowl team for the Irish.
Oklahoma State -5.5 vs. Georgia
Georgia poses a solid defense for the very talented Cowboys offense to go up against. The problem is on the offensive side of the ball for the Dawgs where Joe Cox and Caleb King take over for 1st round picks Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno. In a road environment, on opening week, that is a tough matchup and the Cowboys will surely score in the 30's.
Alabama -7 vs. Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is dealing with the loss of top RB Darren Evans and considering their QB play has been erratic for a few years now, the Bama defense should keep the Hokies in check while their offense does just enough to cover them number.
UTEP -8 vs. Buffalo
Buffalo is not the same team from 2008 that defeated Ball State and made the International Bowl. QB Drew Willy is gone and last week they lost RB James Starks for the season. The Miners return star QB Trevor Vittatoe and WR Jeff Moturi, who surely will light up the scoreboard in El Paso. Miners are an up and coming team which should roll up 40+ in Week 1.
Central Michigan +13.5 vs. Arizona
Arizona is definitely the better team, with the better talent, however 13.5 points is way too much against a team with an experienced and talented QB in Dan LeFevour. The Chippewas know how to move the ball up and down the field with a solid group of receivers, while the Cats groom a new QB after the departure of Willie Tuitama.
Cincinnati +5.5 @ Rutgers
Many experts are proclaiming Rutgers as the eventual conference champ. Not so fast. Cincy, last seasons BCS rep, returns Marty Gilyard and Tony Pike, while the Scarlet Knights replace Mike Teel with Jabu Lovelace. I will take the experience in a huge matchup in Week 1 every time.
Other Leanings
Miami FL +5.5 @ FSU
Ole Miss -16.5 @ Memphis
Oklahoma -22 vs. BYU
Western Michigan +12 @ Michigan
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