Week 2 Predictions

Week 1 is already in the books and the FCS schools made some fat stacks to kick of their seasons.  7 FCS schools raked in $2.3 Million. Four of those schools pulled off an upset.  The biggest being Eastern Washington, famous for their Kool Aid red field...

who became only the 3rd FCS team to beat a ranked FBS team as they knocked off then #25 Oregon State. Their red clad fans celebrated all day in Cheney...

On to week 2!

#2 Oregon @ Virginia - After a glorified scrimmage against Nicholls State, things get a bit tougher this week as the Ducks head to the eastern time zone for a date with the Cavaliers.  The Ducks O is lead by dual threat Sophomore QB Marcus Mariota.

Oregon was only an OT loss to Stanford from playing in their second consecutive BCS Championship game last season. Instead, the Ducks won their 3rd straight Pac 12 title and played in their third straight BCS game.  Oregon is in the midst of their most successful run in their program's history.  Despite all the different uniform combinations Oregon has used during their current dynasty...

... they still can't beat the uniforms of this Duck Dynasty.

Entering his fourth season as the helm of the Cavaliers program, Virginia HC Mike London is looking for some consistency.  London has sandwiched an 8-5 season in between two 4-8 seasons.  London came to Charlottesville with high expectations after leading his alma mater Richmond Spiders to the 2008 FCS National Championship.  So far he's fallen short of those expectations and his seat might be getting a bit toasty if he can't produce a winning season this year. His hopes will hinge the play of RS Sophomore QB David Watford, who red-shirted in 2012 after playing as a true freshman in 2011.

The Cavs will have to find a way to slow down the Ducks vaunted offense because they won't be able to keep up in a shootout.

45 - 17 Oregon.

San Diego State @ #3 Ohio State - After starting 2-3 last year the Aztecs ran off 7 straight wins before their bowl loss to BYU.  The offense is lead by JR RB Adam Muema, possibly the best SDSU RB since this guy...

Marshall Faulk

Muema will look to build on his 6.2 yds per carry ant 16 TD's from last season.  After a glorified scrimmage against E Illinois last week, the competition for the Aztecs gets WAY tougher this week.

The Buckeyes are on a mission and should easily be able to start 4-0.  How does HC Urban Meyer guarantee that?  Scheduling these guys helps...

OSU's non-conference schedule includes such delicious desserts as... Buffalo, San Diego State, Cal and Florida A&M. In addition to an easy non-conference slate, the Buckeyes will also be favored in every game in a watered down Big Ten.  Hell, with this team playing this schedule, this guy could go undefeated...

Jay Paterno

Ok, maybe not.

Other national title contenders have a much tougher road.  'Bama not only has to navigate the SEC, but also decided to play a road game at VA Tech.  The Hokies are no slouch, especially on their home field.  So is Urban Meyer a great coach in an average conference?  Or a good coach in a bad conference?  It depends on who you ask.

Meyer is also dealing with accusations from a Rolling Stone article that claims he allegedly covered up for some of Aaron Hernandez's crimes, including drug use and shootings, while at Florida. Whether you believe the article or not is up to you.  But it does raise questions of just how out of control things got at Florida under Meyer's watch.  Will that pattern emerge in Columbus also?

The Buckeyes first legitimate test will come against Wisconsin at home on Sept 28th. Their next toughest game will be their last game of the season against their bitter rival Michigan. The Game looms large on the schedule. Michigan would love nothing more than to knock off an undefeated OSU squad in the Big House and crush the OSU title hopes.  Until then, Braxton Miller will continue to pile up ridiculous numbers and the media will continue to profess their love for Urban Meyer.

Buckeyes 45 - 17

South Carolina State @ #4 Clemson - Clemson took care of business at home scoring a huge 38-35 win against Georgia in their opening game.  QB Tajh Boyd officially threw his hat into the Heisman ring with an outstanding 5 TD effort (3 passing, 2 rushing).  The Tigers will be favored in every game until Oct 19 when they get the FSU Seminoles in Death Valley.  If they can avoid an upset until then, that game will have national title implications. As for this glorified scrimmage, let's just say I'm not using any good material on a cupcake like this. 

54-3 Clemson 

San Jose State @ #5 Stanford - West Coast Sparty is coming off an 11-2 season, one of their most successful in school history.  They opened last season with a 3 point loss to Stanford and want some revenge this year.  HC Mike MacIntyre left to take over the dumpster fire that is the Colorado program. The last time Colorado was relevant?  (Sorry Michigan fans)

The Spartans are lead by new HC Ron Caragher. SJSU took a page out of Stanford's playbook and hired Caragher away from the University of San Diego, where he took over for Jim Harbaugh after Harbaugh left for Stanford. Can Caragher match his predecessor's success with a program that is, historically, a difficult place to win?

The Cardinal replaced Harbaugh with HC David Shaw in 2011 and barely missed a beat. Shaw has gone 11-2 and 12-2 in his two seasons at Stanford, including Stanford's first Rose Bowl win since 1972.  After taking over as a RS FR in the middle of last season, QB Kevin Hogan stabilized the Cardinal offense and was named MVP of the Rose Bowl.

He returns this season to run Stanford's pro-style attack that will need to replace RB Stephan Taylor and TE Zach Ertz, both of whom are now playing on Sundays.  Outside of a shootout with Rich Rodriguez's Arizona squad, the Cardinal D never allowed more than 24 points in any game last season, including holding Oregon to just 14 points. They'll look to build on their Rose Bowl win and play for a national title this year.

31 - 17 Stanford

#6 South Carolina @ #11 Georgia - DE Jadeveon Clowney's first game was sub par.  The Gamecocks rolled UNC, but Clowney looked almost disinterested at times and took some plays off. One game does not a season make, but the Heisman voters are a fickle bunch with short attention spans who are easily distracted...

... but Clowney is still a beast and will deliver a big play when his team needs it.

Georgia may have the toughest first month of the season of any team in the nation.  The Bulldogs opened with a tough loss at Clemson, and now much face South Carolina in Athens, then a virtual bye week against North Texas before taking on #12 LSU in Athens.  If Georgia can run the rest of that gauntlet...

... they should only have 1 loss heading into Florida on Nov. 2.  The Bulldogs miss Alabama in the regular season as well and if they can knock off the Gamecocks will still be in the hunt for the SEC East title.

26-23 Bulldogs

Sam Houston State @ #7 Texas A&M - The Manziel "Autograph-gate" has finally come to a conclusion, and that conclusion is...
                                                          You're in Timeout, Mister! 

The NCAA... I'm at a loss for words. Is the NCAA trolling us? Do you think the investigators were sitting around a table figuring out the strangest/funniest way they could come up with to punish a player who, by their own admission, did nothing wrong? Who's making up the rules in Indianapolis?

30 minute timeout!?  Really!?

Manziel took his 30 minute timeout like a man and watched the first half of A&M's opener against Rice. This week he gets FCS foe Sam Houston State before the Aggies meet 'Bama next week in the biggest game of the young season. Manziel used the 'Bama game last season to launch his Heisman candidacy and the Tide will be looking to crush a repeat performance.  Will A&M get caught looking ahead?  Probably, but they still win.

38-10 A&M

E Kentucky @ #8 Louisville - After easily dispatching with Ohio 49-7 to open the season, the Cardinals and Heisman candidate QB Teddy Bridewater continue their soft as cotton schedule against FCS opponent E Kentucky this week.  My guess is Louisville wanted to see how they'd fair against only the Eastern part of Kentucky this week before they take on the entire state of Kentucky next week.  This is another trap game leading up to a rivalry game against an in state rival next week.  Louisville will have to iron out any wrinkles in their schemes this week as Wildcats HC Mark Stoops would love to ruin the Cardinals title hopes before they even get started.

52 - 3 Louisville

UAB @ #9 LSU - The Tigers scored a victory over a tough TCU team in their opener.  QB Zach Mettenberger was efficient, leading a balanced Tigers attack.  LSU will have a couple cupcakes before opening up SEC play against Auburn in a few weeks.  The Blazers lost in OT to Sun Belt rival Troy in their opener.  Things will only get tougher for UAB as they face a much tougher D this week.

45-10 LSU

#12 Florida @ Miami -Da U is another program in the NCAA crosshairs, and has been for some time. HC Al Golden will be coaching his 26th game in Miami, and for the 26th game, he won't know the fate of his program that's been self imposing penalties for two years hoping to appease the NCAA investigators.  How long has the NCAA dragged this thing on?  Let us count the ways...

• The Miami Heat have won back-to-back NBA Championships (June 2012 and June 2013)
• The Miami Dolphins have gone through three head coaches (Tony Sparano, Todd Bowles, Joe Philbin)
• Reggie Bush played his entire career for the Miami Dolphins (the NCAA loves Reggie so much)
• The world didn’t end on 12/21/12
• The Royal Baby was conceived and born
• Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria actually spent money on the roster, then sold it all off
• Trayvon Martin was shot, George Zimmerman was arrested and acquitted
• Detroit Filed for Bankruptcy
• Casey Anthony was acquitted
• The Miami Cannibal hit the news
• The NBA solved it’s lockout
• The NHL ended it’s lockout
• The Miami Hurricanes have played two seasons and are two games into a third

Canes fans want to know what's up...

 The Manziel situation was wrapped up in a matter of weeks, because after all, that was a money matter.  But Miami is still left guessing what kind of asinine penalty the jackasses in Indianapolis can come up with.  Anyone with even a passing knowledge of how the NCAA operates knows what's really going on ...

If Miami wants to get this over with, the solution is easy, have Jay Bilas start tweeting for them...

On the field, Miami is looking to improve on a 7-5 finish from last season.  The only thing consistent about the 'Canes was their horrible defense.  We learned in week 1 that 'Canes RB Duke Johnson is the real deal.  Miami was sloppy in their 34-6 win against Florida Atlantic. SR QB Stephon Morris is still inconsistent.  The 'Canes will need to play way better if they hope to knock of the Gators this week.

Florida's D looked stout as usual against Toledo last week but it was again a lackluster offense that turned in a 24 point effort against Toledo.  If the Gators can get their offense in gear, they will be right there with 'Bama as national title contenders this season.  If not, HC Will Muschamp will find himself on the hot seat in Gainesville.

23-20 Florida

#13 Okie State @ UT-San Antonio - Okie State QB JW Walsh won the starting gig after sparking the Cowboys O to a 21-3 win against Miss State in their opener.  Walsh relieved QB Clint Chelf who was ineffective.  Walsh was effective through the air and on the ground, getting the offense some momentum with a 46 yard scamper.  The Cowboys D held the Bulldogs in check all night.  UTSA is trying to build a program after a successful 8-4 inaugural season at the FBS level.  HC Larry Coker knows a thing or two about winning, having coached Miami to a national title in 2001.  The Roadrunners are well coached and are building a nice program in San Antonio.  Scoring an upset against a Big XII team would go a long way for their program, but I don't see the Cowboys offense being held in check in this one. Go Cowboys!

Okie State 45-17

#14 Notre Dame @ #17 Michigan - Most big time program's seem to have a Sugar Daddy, or in Oregon's case, a Sugar Corporation.  Michigan is no exception as it just received $200 Million from Billionaire Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. No word yet on whether that entire donation will be put towards a new football facility seating 200K with a retractable roof, on field cameras with a 1st down line visible in the stadium, a locker room with robot servants and a visit from the ghost of Bo Schembechler at half time of big games or if, you know, some of it might actually go towards academics.

The Wolverines kicked off the post Denard era with a 59-9 romp over Brian Kelly's former school, Central Michigan.  The game was over by the half as Michigan lead 35-6.  QB Devin Gardner threw for a TD and ran for another but also threw two picks.  Despite the offensive barrage, there is definitely room for improvement as Michigan faces Brian Kelly's current school this week.

Do you consider Notre Dame v. Michigan to be a historic rivalry?  Irish HC Brian Kelly does not... but Kelly later reversed course and lauded the game. So which is it? Nobody can ever replace the Buckeyes as the most hated rival in Ann Arbor, but from what I've heard from Michigan fans, Notre Dame is either second or third depending on a Wolverine fans' hatred of Sparty.

The Irish scored on their first two possessions against the Temple Owls and won easily 28-6, giving HC Brian Kelly his 200th win of his career. And he was ecstatic about it...

200 WINS!!!

It was not the offensive explosion some were looking for against an Owls squad that's not very good.  QB Tommy Rees, taking over for the departed Everett Golson, threw for 346 yards and 3 TD's.  Temple had some chances to score but just couldn't make a play when necessary.  The Irish's problems started in the stands, where spelling is not the strong suit of the Irish marketing staff...

The Irish will need to find their identity on D and someone will have to step up and fill the leadership role with LB Manti Te'o now missing tackles in San Diego.  This game will come down to turnovers, the team that can take advantage of them wins.

34 - 26 Wolverines

#15 Texas @ BYU - Texas HC Mack Brown is on the hot seat in Austin this season.  Many 'Horns fans think it's time for Brown to step aside and feel the game has passed him by.  And as FR QB Jameis Winston of FSU was having his college coming out party on national TV at the expense of Pitt, Texas fans couldn't help but wonder, what if Winston was wearing burnt orange instead of gold & maroon?
Florida State phenom QB Jameis Winston wanted to go to Texas
Is this a modern day version of the legendary recruiting story of Joe Paterno recruiting Jim Kelly to linebacker instead of QB?  Of course that recruitment took place in JoePa's heyday of the 80's and PSU is Linebacker U, but that doesn't make 'Horns fans feel any better.  The only thing that will is QB David Ash lighting up opposing defenses ala Colt McCoy or Vince Young.

The 'Horns installed an up tempo offense for this season and QB David Ash started off shaky tossing two INT's against New Mexico State in the second quarter.  Fortunately Ash steadied himself and tossed 4 TD's as Texas stomped the Aggies 56-7.  Texas will look to keep the offense in gear against the Cougars of BYU.

The Fightin' Steve Young's lost 19-16 to Virginia when the Cavs scored the go ahead TD with 2:36 remaining.  BYU QB Taysom Hill completed only 13 of 40 passes and the going does not look to get any easier against a Texas D eager to prove they belong in the national title discussion.

Hook 'em horns!

45-10 Longhorns

WVU @ #16 Oklahoma -   The Mountaineer faithful could feel it comin' in the air tonight...

... and it wasn't a couch set ablaze to celebrate a huge win.

The Book of Genesis is playing out in Morgantown. God creates Rich Rodriguez as his regent, but Rich Rod proves disobedient by bolting to Michigan and God destroys the WVU program through Coach Stew.  The new post-Stew program is equally corrupt, but God does not destroy it, instead calling one man, Dana Holgorsen, to be the seed of its salvation.  At God's command, Holgorsen descends from the press box onto the sidelines, where he dwells as an offensive guru, as do his players, Geno Smith and Tavon Austin.  Geno and Tavon leave for the NFL and through a lack of defense, the WVU players descend to a 7-6 season. With 85 scholarship players in all, God promises them a future of greatness.  Genesis ends with Coach Holgorsen in Morgantown ready for the coming of the next Geno Smith and a national title.

There you have it... Genesis.

The loss of all the offensive talent showed big time this past weekend as the Mountaineers needed a late TD to beat FCS William & Mary 24-17 in Morgantown.  WVU found themselves down 10 at the half, at home... against an FCS opponent.  Ouch.  Holgorsen is known as an offensive guru, but what makes him tick?

Ah yes.  Defense.  The Achilles heal of offensive guru's everywhere.  WVU is going to have to figure it out on both sides of the ball quickly as they head into a road game against Big XII foe Oklahoma.

 The Sooners held a potent LA-Monroe offense scoreless to open the season. In his first collegiate start QB Trevor Knight's rushing ability that was on display against the Warhawks.  Knight was only 11 of 28 for 86 yards through the air, but did connect for 3 TD's.  He rushed for 103 yards and 7.9 yards per carry.  Like most dual threat freshman QB's, his running ability is way ahead of his passing abilities right now. Knight has a few games to figure it out before facing tough defenses capable of limiting his ground game for three weeks in a row.  Notre Dame, TCU and Texas won't let him run wild.  On the other hand, the Mountaineers will be chasing him all over the field.

31-17 Sooners

'Cuse @ #19 Northwestern - 'Cuse lost a boring and offensively challenged game in to PSU last week in Giants Stadium, spoiling HC Scott Shafer's debut.  The Orange played solid D but could not take advantage of some PSU turnovers and couldn't cover WR Allen Robinson once he entered the game. QB Dwayne Allen was inconsistent, combing some nice throws with some awful tosses, including a game clinching INT on a severely under thrown ball with under 2 minutes left.

The Wildcats flew west and took care of business against Cal to open their season. It wasn't pretty as the Wildcats D couldn't get off the field against a Cal team starting a true freshman at QB.  Northwestern also lost starting QB Kain Colter to a concussion on it's first offensive series.  They needed two pick sixes to put away the Golden Bears 44-30.  Dynamic RB Venric Mark was also limited with an injury.  Despite the obstacles, Northwestern is 1-0.  They'll have to put together a better effort this week if they hope to knock off a 'Cuse team that plays much better D than Cal. This is my upset special of the week.

Go Orange!

27-24 Syracuse

TN Tech @ #21 Wisconsin - New HC Gary Andersen is known for his spread offense, but the Badgers picked up where they left off last season running the ball for 393 yards against a UMass team that is trying to get their talent level up to the FBS standards.  Wisconsin had three RB's gain more than 100 yards on the ground. The Badgers completed only 9 passes but made them count, as WR Jared Abbrederis hauled in 2 catches for 122 yards and two TD's.  The ground game should be all they need again this week as they take on FCS opponent TN Tech.  The Badgers won't play a tough game until Sept 28th at Ohio State.

56-7 Badgers

Southern Miss @ #22 Nebraska - Southern Miss is now the proud owners of the nation's longest losing streak at 13 games.  Second year HC Ellis Johnson is still looking for his first win since taking over the program from Larry Fedora.  Prior to last season, Southern Miss had posted 18 straight winning seasons. To say Johnson is on the hot seat would be inaccurate.  A more apt analogy would be he's in the Abyss between the 7th and 8th levels of Dante's Inferno...

The Huskers won a barn burner against Wyoming 37-34.  The Huskers gave up 602 yards, which included 383 yards and 4 TD's through the air.  The Huskers were sloppy all game. The Huskers D, once known as the black shirts, will be unveiling their new alternate jerseys against Southern Miss.

Fortunately for the Huskers, Southern Miss stinks.

43-14 Nebraska

Buffalo @ #23 Baylor - The Bears haven't missed a beat since RGIII left Waco.  Baylor put up their most points since The Great Depression in a 69-3 shellacking of Wofford to open their season. RB Lache Seastrunk, who sat out last season after transferring from Oregon, debuted with 111 yards and 2 TD's.  Seastrunk is a dark horse Heisman candidate...

but if you ask him, winning the Heisman has been the plan all along.

Buffalo played tough against an Ohio State team thought to be a national title contender. The Bulls lost 40-20 but it was actually closer than people expected. Is Buffalo under rated or were the Buckeyes playing down to their competition?  Buffalo can play some D so we'll find out this week if Baylor's offense is as good as they think.

45-21 Baylor

SE Louisiana @ #24 TCU - The Horned Frogs O was held in check by LSU last week in a 37-27 loss.  Fortunately for TCU, that's the stingiest D they'll face this year. TCU should have an easier time against FCS SE Louisiana Lions.

45-20 Horned Frogs

Wazzu @ #25 USC - There's a QB controversy brewing in So Cal as Trojan QB's Cody Kessler and Max Wittek both played underwhelming in their opening game against Hawaii.  Despite a roster full of 4 and 5 star recruits, Lane Kiffin can't seem to figure out how all the pieces go together.

The Trojans D held Hawaii to 231 total yards and 13 points.  It's hard to tell if it the Trojan's D is really that good or if Hawaii's O is that bad.  It's most likely...

Wazzu put up an inspired effort against Auburn before losing 31-24 last week.  The Cougars had a couple chances to tie the game in the final minutes but couldn't connect on 4th downs.  Wazzu has been in the basement of the Pac 12 since Ryan Leaf was tossing TD's and his potential was being compared to Peyton Manning's.  

You think Chargers fans hold a grudge against the Manning family?  First they miss out on Peyton, then when they actually get Eli, he forces a trade and goes on to win two Super Bowls thus far.

HC Mike Leach is as polarizing as the sun's magnetic shift...

Or if that's too nerdy for you, how about the cast of 50 Shades of Grey?

Still nothing? Ok... this should do it...

Ah yes, the polarizing drama that is Tim Tebow.  A conundrum wrapped in a riddle, of which, neither can play Quarterback.

On the other hand, Lane Kiffin is not polarizing at all. Everyone thinks he's an asshole.  My theory as to why he's such a terrible game day coach... he's actually Daniel Tosh trolling USC and college football attempting to be the greatest troll of all time.

Well played Tosh, well played.  

24-20 Washington State. 

Since we're on the topic of look-a-likes, were you aware that Gary Schandling swam from Cuba to Key West? 

Gary Schandling

Diana Nyad

Games of Note

Directional Michigan @ Penn State - If you watched the first half of the PSU v. 'Cuse game last week you'd have thought JoePa was still on the sidelines.  It was boring. 6-3 at the half with little offense.  PSU WR Allen Robinson was suspended for the first half for allegedly punching teammate Adrian Amos during practice.  He started the second half and immediately made an impact, catching a 51 yard TD pass from true freshman QB Christian Hackenburg.  Hack showed off his cannon of an arm on a few deep balls but also had threw two INT's.  Those were forgivable for a frosh making his first start, but if he hopes to produce like now Raiders QB Matt McGloin he'll have to cut down on the turnovers. The running game was non-existent against an 8 man front for most of the game.  The Orangemen's plan was to make Hack beat them, and he did it.  There should be some more running room for RB Zack Zwinak this week against E Mich.

38 - 10 Penn State

Old Dominion @ Maryland - How ridiculous can the NCAA regulations get?  For your consideration, I submit to you the following:

We can’t get the game ball until after we leave school because it’s against NCAA regulations. We have the game ball but it’s in the archives,” Whitfield said. “That was crazy when I heard that (about game balls) when Coach (Randy) Edsall first got here,” said Whitfield, a fifth-year senior.

The NCAA told the Baltimore Sun that the school would not be in violation of extra benefit rules by awarding a player a football. "The answer is yes. A student-athlete can keep a game ball," NCAA spokeswoman Stacey Osburn said in an email response.

So why is Maryland with holding game balls?  It's again due to NCAA rules. 

"According to the Sun, it's because the school doesn't want to have the balls count towards the dollar cap on gifts players can receive. Per the NCAA, seniors can get $425 worth of gifts while all other underclassmen can have $225 of gifts per year. (Game balls retail at approximately $65 if you're wondering)"

It's the NCAA, not even Mark Emmert knows why they do whatever it is they do. 

On the field, Maryland flogged Florida International 43-10 last week.  All world WR Stefon Diggs had 98 yards and 1 TD.  QB CJ Brown was 20 of 23 and tossed 3 TD passes. ODU is in their first year of a 2 year transition to the FBS level where they will join Conference USA.  Maryland's secondary will see plenty of action this weekend as the Monarchs like to toss the rock around the field.  If it's defense and low scores you enjoy, this is not the game for you.  Maryland will have to avoid a shoot out, but should be able to put up some points and create turnovers.

38 - 24 Terrapins

Week 1 Predictions

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!!!!

We've been waiting for it...

The kids are going back to school...

our commutes look like this...

 Our lawns look like this...

We stop worrying about beach bodies...

and put more effort into our beer belly...

Yes... IT'S FOOTBALL TIME IN AMERICA!!!! EFF YEAH!!!!!

So grab a seat on the couch...

and get ready for some football.....  YEAH BITCHES!!!  FOOTBALL!!

Thursday August 29th

North Carolina @ #6 South Carolina - Let's remember where we left off. The last time we saw Jadaveon Clowney... (sorry Michigan fans)

And so begins the Junior DE's Heisman campaign.  He's trying to become the first defensive player to win the award since CB Charles Woodson (You're welcome Michigan fans)

UNC lost one of the top RB's in college football in Giovanni Bernard, who was the first RB to get selected in the NFL draft this past year.  They return multi year starter QB Bryn Renner, who played solid last season and will look to take the next step this year.  The Tar Heels have recruited well and have a built in competitive advantage with no-show, no-work automatic A classes for their athletes.  

South Carolina is trying to get over the SEC hump.  After winning the SEC East for the first time in 2010, the Gamecocks have posted back to back 11 win seasons but have yet to claim an outright SEC Championship.  That is the goal in Columbia this year and they may have the players to get it done, lead by the aforementioned man-child Jadeveon Clowney. Senior QB Connor Shaw returns to lead a potent Gamecocks offense. This is a great game to kickoff the season! 

Gamecocks 34 - 17 

#24 USC @ Hawaii - The Trojans began last season ranked #1 in the nation... and finished 7-6, worse than RB Silas Redd's old team, Penn State, who finished 8-4.  Redd also had 95 less yards than Penn State's leading rusher, Zach Zwinak, who finished with 1,000 yards despite playing sparingly in the first few games of the season.  So yeah.... you have to hand it to the guy, Lane Kiffin is a great recruiter... 

And an awful, terrible, horrible game day coach. But how hard can it be to recruit to a place that offers this? 

USC is breaking in a brand new QB after four year starter Matt Barkley moved on to the NFL.  Whomever wins the job will have one of the best WR's in the country to throw too in Marqise Lee.  The Junior wideout is one the most exciting players in college football, capable of taking it the distance on any catch.  USC has highly rated players all over the field but Kiffin just can't seem to translate that talent into production on the field.  Is this the year he finally gets his shit together?  

You may remember Hawaii HC Norm Chow as an assistant for such teams as the 1984 BYU national champions, or the 03 & 04 USC national title teams.  Despite his three national titles as an assistant, Chow has struggled as the head guy at his alma mater.  He's in year 2 of a rebuilding project that is one of the toughest in college football.  Hawaii has not been relevant since QB Colt Brennan was torching the NCAA record books and leading the Warriors to a BCS game.  It's looking like another tough year in Hawaii, but hey, they go to school here.... 

so don't feel bad for them. 

45 - 13 USC.  

Saturday, August 31

#1 Alabama @ Va Tech - Get ready to Roll Tide! 

The defending national champs head north to take on the Hokies in an intriguing first game matchup.  Unlike most of the SEC, the Tide are not afraid to play games north of SEC country.  The Tide return Heisman candidate QB AJ McCarron... and his girlfriend... 

The back field lost Eddie Lacy, but will be lead by the more than capable TJ Yeldon.  The WR position is an embarrassment of riches for 'Bama. The group that can arguably roll nine deep is lead by Sophomore Amari Cooper, who was tabbed as a Freshman All American last season.  There is a ton of talent on this team, especially on the defensive side of the ball.  The D also boast one of the best names in all of college football, Junior DB Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.  You read that right... 

Clinton-Dix. 

'Bama is in the midst of a dynasty and is attempting to become the first three-peat national champion in the modern era.  And to the victors go the spoils... 

That would be Alabama freshman DE Dee Liner and two of his friends posing with what we can only assume to be their scholarship money.  

Va Tech had a rough season in 2012, finishing 7-6, which prompted long time HC Frank Beamer to make staff changes this off season.  QB Logan Thomas returns for his senior season and hopes to up his NFL draft stock after a sub par junior campaign.  The ground game was non-existent in Blacksburg last season.  It will be imperative the Hokies get the ground game going if they hope to avoid another 7-6 season.  Playing against one of the best D's in the nation to start the season is not a good way to do so. 

37 - 10 Crimson Tide. 

Buffalo @ #2 Ohio State - The Buckeyes kickoff QB Braxton Miller's Heisman campaign against a MAC team coming off a 4-8 season.  Despite the presence of future NFL LB Khalil Mack, the Bulls had a terrible defense last season and it looks to be more of the same this year.  Who?  The NFL Scouts have taken notice, and you should too.  Mack has a chance to show his stuff against a big time opponent on national TV and the Buckeyes will have to account for him on every down.  

If they can block Mack, Miller will be dancing into the end zone all day. He may even throw a few passes just for fun. 

Urban Meyer went 12-0 in his first season in Columbus.  Did he set the bar too high for himself? 

The Buckeye faithful expect nothing short of an undefeated National Championship this year.  Anything short of that will be a disappointment.  Can he pull it off?  Even Alabama has lost in the regular season despite winning the national title last year. But that loss came at the hands of an SEC opponent and a Heisman winning QB.  Will the polls be as kind to the Buckeyes if they drop a game in an relatively weak Big Ten?  

52 - 3 Buckeyes. 

Nicholls State @ #3 Oregon - The post Chip Kelly era begins in Eugene.  New Ducks HC Mark Helfrich will try to build on what Chip Kelly, and Nike, started.  They'll begin with a brand new, $68 million football operations building that makes CAA's headquarters look like a pile of puke. 

When the Ducks aren't relaxing in brand new, state of the art facility, which is obviously meant to help the players focus on their academics because, after all, they are "student athletes", they'll actually have to play some games. Heisman candidate QB Marcus Mariota returns to lead a potent and fast offense.  He's joined in the backfield by RB De'Anthony Thomas, who stands 5'9" and weighs 176 soaking wet.  But to tackle him, you'll have to catch him first.  Thomas also runs track for Oregon and has been timed at 10.31 in the 100 meters.  Thomas will also split out wide to give defense even more headaches.  Wherever he's lined up, Helfrich will be looking to get him the ball.  

Nicholls State is a FCS Division team that will be happy to take their paycheck and their ass whooping and head on back to Thibodaux, LA.  

66 - 6 Ducks. 

#5 Georgia @ #8 Clemson - One could argue the SEC Championship game was the true national championship last year, and those people would be correct.  Georgia gave the Tide everything they could handle coming up just short in the SEC Championship.  HC Mark Richt has been very successful posting double digit wins in 8 of his 12 seasons in Athens.  The Bulldogs have their own Heisman candidate in Senior QB Aaron Murray, one of the best passers in the nation.  He'll be handing the ball off to "Gurshall"...

that is the RB duo made up of two excellent Sophomore RB's in 5'11" 219lb Keith Marshall and 6'1" 232lb battering ram Todd Gurley. Richt's offensive game plan will be fairly simple this season... 

On the other side of the field, Clemson has their own Heisman candidate in QB Tajh Boyd.  The Tigers lost two of their top playmakers in RB Andre Ellington and WR DeAndre Thompkins to the NFL, but return lightning fast WR Sammy Watkins..

one of the most exciting players in the country. Watkins will look to take over as the main target for Boyd.  HC Dabo Swinney has put together back to back double digit win seasons, including their first 11 win season since 1981 last year.  Can he surpass that this year?  Can a team from the ACC be considered a national title contender?  The Tigers have a chance to serve notice that they're serious contenders with a win over the Bulldogs.  If not, an ACC Championship will be their ceiling this year. 

29-24 Clemson. 

Rice @ #7 Texas A&M - At this time last year, QB Johnny Manziel was almost kicked off the A&M team and was thinking of transferring.  My what a difference a year makes...

The reigning Heisman winner has had a tumultuous off season to say the least.  The ongoing soap opera is about as interesting as watching paint dry, which is exactly what Philadelphia sports have come to...

195 Flyers fans watched paint dry for world record attempt 

While Manziel was on the celebrity circuit, his teammates were practicing.  After all, A&M is attempting to build on their first year in the SEC, which was also one of the most successful in school history. The Aggies went 11-2, knocked off Alabama and whooped Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl.  What will Johnny Football do for his encore season?  With all the controversy surrounding Johnny "Drama" Football, it's easy to forget the stats that won him the Heisman last year.  He completed 68% of his passes for 3,706 yards, 26 TD's, 9 INT's and added 1,410 rushing yards and 21 TD's on the ground.  Those are Tecmo Bowl numbers!

Rice finished 7-6 and won their bowl game last year.  They have 19 returning starters, including 20 5th year Seniors, making them one of the most experienced squads in the nation.  They Owls finished on a 5 game winning streak last season and will look to carry that momentum over into this season.  If the Aggies lose early, the wheels could come off quickly... or they can put all the Johnny Drama behind them and Manziel will lead them to...

Aggies 48 - 13.    

Toledo @ #10 Florida - The Gators had one of the best D's in college football last year, accompanied by an terrible passing offense. The passing game looked something like this last year...

QB Jeff Driskel returns and looks to improve on the 118th ranked passing O from last season.  The Gators D should be stacked again lead by arguably the best DE this side of Clowney in Dominique Easley.  

The Rockets were a decent team last year, finishing 9-4.  They are lead by Senior RB David Fluellen who ran for 13 TD's and  just under 1500 yards last season.  He'll be hard pressed to find any running room against a Gators D that will again be one of the toughest in the nation. 

31-0 Gators. 

#12 LSU @ #20 TCU - Another early season match-up between ranked teams.  LSU HC Les Miles knows what it takes to win in the SEC, and that includes not kicking talented players off his team, no matter what their transgressions. RB Jeremy Hill plead guilty to a pair of despicable crimes this off season and Miles disciplined him by suspending him, pending a team vote whether or not he is allowed back on the team.  Apparently Miles values the democratic process, especially when it allows him to side step any responsibility for disciplining players that break the law.  As soon as a judge ruled Hill would avoid prison time, Miles reinstated him.  Miles poor judgment dates all the way back to his high school days... 

... when he apparently voluntarily wore a one piece leotard. 

Meanwhile, in College Station, Manziel's eligibility for allegedly signing autographs for money is in question.  

So to review, pleading guilty to misdemeanor battery while already on probation for pleading guilty to another misdemeanor and the NCAA will ignore it, because, after all, that is a legal matter.  On the other hand, a player making money by signing is own name to items is a big deal to the NCAA because, after all, that is a money matter.  

LSU boasted a solid D last year and, as usual, a less than stellar offense.  Perhaps Miles should allow the players to vote on his offensive play calls as well.  QB Zach Mettenberger returns to "lead" the offense.  He hopes to improve on his average numbers from last season.  If LSU hopes to win the SEC West, it will have to again rely on it's D. 

TCU HC Gary Patterson took note of Miles decisions to put Jeremy Hill's status up to vote.

"I'm sure if it was some opponent they'd beat by 100 points [the players] wouldn't have a vote," Patterson said. 

He's simply stating what everyone outside of Baton Rouge is thinking. The ironic part is TCU could be starting Casey Pachall at QB, who was arrested last season and left the team to enter rehab.  TCU was average last season, finishing 7-6. Their offense never got it going all year and their D was good but not great.  This is another chance for another conference to beat the mighty SEC.  Unfortunately, I don't see TCU pulling off this upset, at least not if Jeremy Hill is playing. 

LSU 20-17

Miss St. @ #13 Okie State - The Cowboys are the anti-TCU, preferring to outscore their opponents on offense rather than stopping them with their D.  The Cowboys have a QB controversy on their hands but HC Mike Gundy has said both SR QB Clint Chelf and SO QB J.W. Walsh will both play in the opener. But you know what they say, when you have two QB's....

they both suck. 

Whomever is behind center for Okie State will be looking to get the ball to JR WR Josh Stewart, the leading returning receiver for the Cowboys.  

The Bulldogs are looking to establish themselves as contenders in a loaded SEC West.  After finishing 8-5 and beating rival Ole Miss for the 3rd straight year, Bulldogs HC Dan Mullen will look to take the next step.  To do so, he'll need to improve an offense ranked 85th in rushing last season and 61st in points for last season.  Their D was good but not spectacular.  MSU plays 5 teams currently ranked in the top 13 to start the season.  Although the Bulldogs might be a better team than last season, they could end up with a worse record.  They can start this week by upsetting the Cowboys. 

37 - 34 Mississippi State. 

Temple @ #14 Notre Dame - The last time we saw the Fightin' Irish on the field, 'Bama was running around...

                                                                   
                                                                          by...

                                                   and through LB Manti Te'o...

The Irish lost starting QB Everett Golson for this season.  He's been suspended for "poor academic judgment", which sounds like something LSU would proudly vote to award to it's players on a weekly basis. Golson has stated he'll be back in the spring. In the meantime, HC Brian Kelly has tabbed last season 2nd stringer Tommy Rees as the starter for this fall.  The Irish also lose their top two leading rushers and leading receiver from last season.  Kelly is known as an offensive coach, and those skills will be put to the test this season.  The Irish D should be solid once again, as long as they don't have to play Alabama.

Temple has a new leader this season as HC Matt Rhule takes over an Owls program that has gone from perennial doormat...

to perennial cupcake...

which, given the history of Temple football, is a huge improvement!  Rhule will try to sustain the success started by former HC Al Golden.  Temple has no place to go but up after finishing 120th in the nation in passing offense last year.  It's going to be tough to get that offense on track against the Irish in South Bend.

27 - 6 Notre Dame.

New Mexico State @ #15 Texas - As we all know.... 

Including the pressure on HC Mack Brown. Rumors abound that Brown is on the hot seat. The 'Horns finished 9-4 last season, which in Austin is just not good enough. Texas has no problem recruiting, being the big dog in a state ripe with talented players, however those lofty recruiting rankings have not translated to wins on the field lately.  And now "little brother" Texas A&M has a Heisman winner and is playing in the SEC and looking a lot less "little". 

The Longhorns return 19 starters from last season, including one of the best defensive players in the country in SR DE Jackson Jeffcoat. The 'Horns will have to learn how to stop the run this year if they want to get into a BCS game.  On offense, they return QB David Ash as well as all 5 OL in front of him.  If Brown can put together another trip to a BCS game he may be able to retire gracefully, if not, he may be forcefully put out to pasture. 

47 - 6 Longhorns. 

LA-Monroe @ #16 Oklahoma - The Warhawks had a potent offense last year and return SR QB Kolton Browning, the 2012 Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year.  The Warhawks went to OT four times last season and won 3 of them, including an opening weekend upset against then #8 Arkansas.  As good as the offense was last season, the defense was equally as bad.  They wouldn't be able to stop the lingerie league from scoring... 

... then again, most of us would have zero chance of scoring with the lingerie league. 

Sooners HC Bob Stoops has selected RS FR Trevor Knight as his starting QB this season, relegating The Belldozer, aka JR QB Blake Bell, to the back up role he's played since arriving on campus.  Knight has drawn rave reviews while running the scout team last year and in spring practice this year.  Knight's running ability will open up a dimension to the offense that is all the rage in college football, an ability that won Johnny Manziel the Heisman last season. Could Knight be this year's Johnny Football?  

Sooners 45 - 24

Central Michigan @ #17 Michigan - Countries throughout Africa celebrated Michigan's Big Ten Championship last season... 

Which poses an interesting question about American sports history as understood by Africans. Could an entire generation have grown up celebrating a Buffalo Bills Super Bowl Dynasty? 

Michigan is moving on from the Denard Robinson era as HC Artie Lange enters his 3rd season in Ann Arbor.  

It might not be a bad idea for Michigan HC Brady Hoke to send Artie Lange out to recruit for him.  Not many coaches can be two places at once. 

After going 11-2 and winning the Sugar Bowl in his first season, Hoke's program took a step back last year finishing 8-5 and losing the Outback Bowl.  But more importantly, they lost to the hated Buckeyes who went 12-0 last year.  As always in Ann Arbor, success is relative to the success of the Buckeyes. Could Hoke find himself on the hot seat if he can't beat Urban Meyer?  Can't we all just get along? 

JR Devin Gardner takes the reigns of the Michigan offense, and while he doesn't have Denard's running ablity, he's no statue himself.  What Michigan loses in the QB's running ability, it more than gains in the passing department as Gardner is a much more adepth passer.  The defense took a major blow in the off season as star LB Jake Ryan was lost for the season due to a torn ACL.  

The Chippewas of Directional Michigan ended the season on a 4 game win streak last year, including a bowl win.  Their D was not good, and their offense was average.  They were a middle of the pack MAC team, and they open this year on the road against a Top 25 Big Ten team. Then again, opening games are ripe for epic upsets...

Wolverines 45-10

Wyoming @ #18 Nebraska - SR QB Taylor Martinez and what may be the worst throwing motion of any D1 QB...

is back for what seems like his 10th year in Lincoln.  His arm is low, the angle is completely off, he's dropping his throwing shoulder, his lead shoulder is pointing god knows where, the front foot is pointed away from his target and he's not stepping into his throw. The result? 

If his NFL career doesn't pan out, Martinez might just be a world class javelin thrower.  He'll have to figure something out as the Huskers look to improve on their 90th rated pass offense from last season.  They were 8th in the nation in rushing, but it was ultimately their D that did them in.  Nebraska was punched out... 

by Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship game.  It was ugly.  Really ugly. (I'll give Huskers fans a chance to turn away before the next pic)... .

Wyoming had an above average passing offense last season, but combined with an awful running game and defense, it resulted in a 4-8 record for the Cowboys.  JR QB Brent Smith will test the Huskers D through the air.  He can scramble too, but if he has nobody to throw too, he'll be scrambling for his life.  The Huskers will wash some of the bad taste of the Big Ten Championship game out of their D this week. 

Huskers 52 - 24. 

#19 Boise State @ Washington - Everyone's favorite underdog is out on the road against a BCS opponent to open the season again.  

Boise is not afraid to play anywhere, any time, and they've had success in doing so.  Boise played Mich State in East Lansing to open last season and lost a tough game 17-13.  The Broncos went on to win 11 games last season, including a bowl win against the Huskie squad they open with this year.  

SR QB Joe Southwick will look to improve on his 19 TD's from last season. But it was the Broncos staunch D that got them 11 wins.  Boise's D was ranked 8th in the nation, surrendering only 15.8 points per game. If they hope to pull out a win against UW to open the season that D will have to be in top form. 

The Huskies were inconsistent last  year, knocking off then #8 Stanford and #7 Oregon State, while losing to then #3 LSU, #2 Oregon, and #13 USC.  If the Huskies hope to win the Pac 12 North, they'll need to find consistency on both sides of the ball. The offense was below average but it was not due to RB Bishop Sankey, who put up 1439 yards and 16 TD's as the Huskies main weapon.  The D should be solid again.  This looks to be a low scoring affair.  

17-14 Boise State. 

Nevada @ #21 UCLA - The Bruins were 9-2 before losing to Stanford for 2 weeks in a row and then dropping their their bowl game to Baylor and finishing the season 9-5.  UCLA lost leading rusher Johnathan Franklin to the NFL, but returns dual threat SO QB Brett Hundley.  When was the last time UCLA's QB situation was stable as compared to rival USC's?  I'm thinking you'd have to go all the way back to this guy... 

who lead the Bruins to their last Rose Bowl appearance during the '98 season.  HC Jim Mora Jr is looking to break that streak and get the Bruins back into The Granddaddy of 'em All, which also happens to be UCLA's home field.  

Nevada is most famous for producing Niners QB Colin Kaepernick...

... who ran HC Chris Ault's "Pistol" offense to perfection during a 13-1 season in 2010.  Ault has since retired and we all know about Kaepernick now.  New HC Brian Polian, the son of former NFL Executive Bill Polian, takes over in Reno.  

Polian will have his own Kaepernick clone to lead his offense with JR QB Cody Fajardo returning. Fajardo has been absent from the national scene thus far but deserves some recognition.  Last season he posted a 67% completion rate, 2,768 yards, 20 TD's, 9 INT's to go along with 1,121 yards rushing and 9 TD's on the ground.  This kid can play.  Look for him this fall. 

 All of the offensive fire power will mean nothing if Polian can't improve on the Wolfpack's 102nd ranked D. This game will be closer than expected. 

UCLA 38-35 

#22 Northwestern @ Cal - HC Pat Fitzgerald has built his alma mater into a consistent winner but has yet to deliver a Big Ten championship.  The Wildcats won 10 games last year and successfully ran a two QB system and both SR QB Kain Colter, the runner, and JR QB Trevor Siemian, the passer, return this season. Northwestern's passing offense stunk last year, ranking 110th in the country. But the real spark plug that makes this offense go is SR RB Veneric Mark, who can take it to the house on any given play. 

The Wildcats goal is to make it back to the Rose Bowl for the first time since Darnell Autry was toting the rock in Evanston way back in 1996. 

Cal fired Jeff Tedford and hired offensive guru Sonny Dykes from LA Tech.  Dykes offense at LA Tech was explosive and he'll look to duplicate that wide open passing offense in the Pac 12.  Dykes will have his work cut out for him. 

Northwestern 33 - 24 

UMass @ #23 Wisconsin - When you think UMass football, you instantly think of this guy... 

Who?  Why that's none other than man you know better as... 

As would be expected, the Minutemen's first season at the FBS level was ugly. HC Charley Molnar, a former Notre Dame offensive coordinator, is looking to build his own program but it's currently a work in progress. Will he ever be able to finish the project? 

Wisconsin has been to three straight Rose Bowl's, losing all three, which, as we know, makes them a dynasty in Africa. 

Despite the African dynasty, HC Brett Bielema saw the ceiling of the Badgers capped at the Rose Bowl and bolted for a middle of the pack SEC school, taking over the Arkansas program.  The Badgers hired HC Gary Andersen away from Utah State to replace him.  Andersen lead the Aggies to an 11 win season in 2012 and will look to improve on his predecessor's success, but can he? Three straight Rose Bowl's is tough to pull off.  Last season Wisconsin finished third in the Big Ten Leaders division, but thanks to NCAA the two teams ahead of them were ineligible for the post season.  The Badgers lose leading rusher Montee Ball to the NFL and started 3 different QB's for a passing offense ranked 115th in the nation.  The D was solid as always and Andersen will have to rely on it early in the season as his players learn a new offensive system. 

Badgers 31 - 3.  

E Washington @ #25 Oregon State - The Beavers started 6-0 and were ranked as high as #7 last season before finishing off and on the rest of the year and tallying a 9-4 record. JR QB Sean Mannion returns but needs to find consistency.  His top wideout is now playing for the Steelers so he'll look to JR WR Brandin Cooks instead. The Beavers leaned heavily on the pass last season, ranking 19th through the air and 101st on the ground. 

E Washington could pull off the upset of the young year by knocking off a top 25 BCS program.  Stranger things have happened. 

Oregon State 47 - 6 

Sunday, September 1

Ohio @ #9 Louisville - HC Frank Solich has built a nice program at Ohio.  The Bobcats started 7-0 and entered the top 25 for the first time since 1968 last year en route to a 9-4 finish and a bowl win. SR RB Beau Blankenship and his 1600+ yards and 15 TD's return along with SR QB Tyler Tettleton.  The Bobcats were average to above average on both sides of the ball but will look to improve on last year's 9 wins and want a MAC Championship. 

Louisville JR QB Teddy Bridgewater is on everyone's short list for the Heisman this year and is potentially the #1 overall pick in next year's NFL draft.  

Louisville will look to match their basketball program's success by playing for a national title this year.  To do so, the Cardinals will have to go undefeated due to the overall weakness of the Big East, neigh, the American Athletic Conference. HC Charlie Strong signed an extension after posting 11 wins including a Sugar Bowl victory over then #4 Florida.  If they hope to make it to the BCS Championship, the Cardinal will need to improve on their 105th ranked rushing offense from last season.  Bridgewater is good, but he can't do it alone. 

Louisville 45 - 17 

Monday, September 2

#11 Florida State @ Pitt - If you're wondering what the state of Pitt football is these days, here is some insight...

In last year, Pitt has faced more roster turmoil than sanctioned Penn State

So Pitt leads Penn State 19-17 in transfers from the program in the past year.  Pitt fans will tell you it's because HC Paul Chryst is cleaning house and other Pitt fans will nod their head in agreement.  But those outside of the Pittsburgh area know you don't run off your best RB if you can help it.  Pitt's star RB Russell Shell left the program, then wanted back in, then was denied coming back before finally settling on transferring to West Virginia, Pitt's other hated rival.  

The Panthers started off by losing to FCS Youngstown State, but still managed to salvage the season by beating then #13 VA Tech and #19 Rutgers, and almost pulled the upset of the season, losing to #3 Notre Dame in South Bend in triple overtime.  In true Panther fashion, they missed a game winning FG from 33 yards out. 

HC Jimbo Fisher delivered a 12 win season in Tallahassee.  Only a clunker against NC State and a tough loss to bitter rival Florida kept them from playing for a national title.  The Seminoles will be replacing first round pick QB EJ Manuel with redshirt FR Jameis Winston and the hype is already building. Winston is a dual threat QB with a cannon for an arm. Could he be the next Johnny Football? FSU has a manageable schedule with their toughest games on the road against Clemson and Florida at the end of the year.  If the 'Noles can avoid their annual mid season clunker, they could be playing in the BCS Championship.  

Since this game is on Labor Day and many of us will be celebrating the end of summer, beginning of football season, you can always record this game on your DVR. 

31 - 13 Seminoles 

Games of Note 

'Cuse v. Penn State - Penn State rallied from an 0-2 start to finish 8-4 in HC Bill O'Brien's first season as the helm.  This season he won't have the steadying hand of a SR QB to help the offense and will rely on JUCO transfer Tyler Ferguson (#5) or true FR QB Christian Hackenburg (#14) to run his offense.  

Whoever is behind center will be throwing to WR Allen Robinson, one of the best WR's in the college football.  

The D lost their heart and soul with LB Michael Mauti now playing on Sundays.  Will someone from the short handed Nittany Lions be ready to step up as a leader and play maker on the defensive side of the ball? 

'Cuse will be breaking in a new QB as well with Ryan Nassib now playing for the Giants, the occupants of Giants Stadium where this game will be played.  New 'Cuse HC Scott Shafer was promoted from Defensive Coordinator upon the departure of Doug Marrone to the Buffalo Bills.  Shafer will try to build on the Orangemen's 4 game winning streak to end last season, including a Pinstripe Bowl over West Virginia.  

This game could very well go either way but will come down to which team makes the least mistakes.  

Penn state 24-20

William & Mary @ West Virginia - The Mountaineers started off as the hottest team in college football, winning their first 5 games, including a big win at Texas and putting up video game like offensive numbers, but then they completely forgot how to play defense. WVU lost 5 in a row playing Ole' defense that former HC Rich Rodriguez would find embarrassing.  And Michigan fans are keenly aware of how much Rodriguez loathes defense. 

HC Dana Holgorsen righted the ship in time for WVU to make a bowl game, but the season can't be considered anything but a disappointment.  WVU loses QB Geno Smith and leading WR's Tavon Austin, a top 10 draft pick, and Stedman Bailey.  Holgorsen is considered an offensive guru and he'll have to show his coaching chops with new starters on offense if he hopes to avoid another lack luster season in Morgantown. 

But hey, at least they're not Pitt. 

William & Mary will play the role of FCS sacrificial lamb to open the season. 

56 - 27 WVU