It’s finally here.  Opening weekend and I’m breaking down the top games to watch and what to look for. 

If you are looking for an early game, I’d take this one
#17 Virginia Tech at East Carolina  11:00C ESPN
The Hokies are taking on the pirates.  I heard this is a pick’em.  ECU gave Va Tech all they could wanted in Blacksburg last year.  I expect Va Tech’s improving front line to take control of this one while ECU is trying to fill their hole at RB. 
Va Tech by 7

The second time slot on Saturday is a toss up for me, but only because I enjoy the OSU cowboys and their misery.  I’ll be flipping between these two, but you should just watch the first one.
 
Utah at Michigan 2:30 C on ABC
Who has more motivation?  The Wolverines who were upset in the Big House last year by App St or the Utes who have fell on their face 2 season openers in a row.  My heart’s cheering for Utah to embarrass Rich Rod the sellout in his home opener, but my head is choosing the Utes to lay another egg.  They have a phenomenal secondary though, so if it comes down to passing, they could hang in there. 
Michigan wins this one.

Or the self proclaimed greatest offense on the planet going to Pullman
Oklahoma State at Washington State 2:30 C FSN
Hope spring eternal for both of these perennial bottom feeders of their respective conferences.  In order to judge this pillow fight, you need to look at the strengths and what’s changed.  OSU’s strength last year was rushing offense (8th) and their weakness was passing defense (112).  OSU returns a pretty good offensive line but has a RB merry go round behind them.  WSU had the 8th ranked passing offense in the country and the 67th ranked rushing D.
I’m picking the home team in Seattle.

Or you could just take a nap and rest up hands for working the remote tonight.   Either way, you win. 

The Firebobbyjack.com tailgate crew will be on the top floor of the student union parking garage for the kickoff of the Sooners opener against the dreaded UT-Chattanooga School of stenography and cobblers.  These ladies are serious though leading their Moc’s to a 2-9 record in the vo tech league last year.  Come see us before the game and ask for a Q’s your daddy special.

In the late game, you have a couple to choose from: 

#24 Alabama at #9 Clemson 7:00PM ABC/Gameplan
Everyone wants to know if this is the game Clemson loses that they had no business losing.  Not yet.  Give them a few weeks.  Clemson has an offensive line that is so new they still have the tags on them.  Alabama is good, but they’re young.  I expect them to keep it close for 3 quarters but Clemson’s strength (their skill players) will prevail over Bama’s weakness (their defense).
Clemson by 4. 

20 Illinois at #6 Missouri 7:30ESPN
This one will be a shootout.  I think the Illini are going to be able to hold their own against the media darling of Mizzou.  This one will come down to QB play.  Booger Daniel has the key to St Louis right now and will try to keep it that way with the help of Macklin and a much improved defense.  If Juice Williams plays within himself it will be close.  If they get down early he will be careless with the ball and it will be a double digit game.  I’m picking the latter. 
Mizzou by 12.

Sunday you have one of my favorite games to watch year in and year out. 

Colorado State at Colorado 6:30 FSN
This game is like watching two drunk sisters duke it out in a parking lot over a guy.  Must see TV.  The Rams come into Denver with a new head coach, a rookie QB and not much more than a couple good running backs and a can of soup.  The Buff’s d line is pretty salty and won’t be giving up too much between the tackles.  If Cody Hawkins finds some receivers this could be a blow out, but it rarely is. 
Colorado by single digits.

Monday
#18 Tennessee at UCLA 7:00pm ESPN
There’s a New Qb for the Vols and a Neuheisel in UCLA (and a Norm Chow).  UCLA has struggled to keep players healthy and the Vols have stunk on the road.  Who’s tougher?  The Bruins with a spring in their step and a new coach. 

You heard it here first (and the only place) UCLA by 5.

 OUT!!!

Anyone else cheering for UCLA?