Week One

Week One has arrived.  Time to discuss the top games, the top players, tailgating, music, food, travel and anything else that comes to mind. 

Top Five Games

Alabama vs. Virginia Tech.  Atlanta, GA.  Saturday night.  SEC vs. ACC.  Beamer vs. Saban.  Both teams ranked in the Top 10.  The Hokies and the Tide both have great defenses.  Offenses are unknown right now, but QB's Tyrod Taylor and Greg McElroy are looking for a huge win to start their junior year campaigns. I would give the slight edge to Va Tech.  Look for a low scoring game until the fourth quarter.  A turnover or special teams play could decide the outcome. 

Georgia vs. Oklahoma State.  Stillwater.  Saturday.  Rare non-conference away game for a top SEC program.  Everyone knows Zac Robinson and Dez Bryant are special, but the Cowboys are awful on defense.  Bill Young is the new DC and he's worked magic in the past at Kansas, Ohio State and many other stops.  Everyone is sensing a Cowboys victory, but I'm not so sure.  Richt is a great coach - especially on the road.  I think the Bulldogs eek out a close victory, 35-31. 

Cincinnati vs. Rutgers.  Early season Big East match up between last year's champ and this year's expected champ.  The winner will have a huge advantage in winning the Big East.  I am picking Rugers because the game is at Rutgers and Cincinnati is replacing 10 starters on D. 

Florida State vs. Miami.  Monday night.  Was it that long ago when the winner of this game played for the national championship?  The Canes and Noles are desperate to start the 2009 season with a victory - esp Miami because their first four games are FSU, Ga Tech, Va Tech and Oklahoma.  0-4 is quite possible.  FSU looks to be a little better right now.  Expect a high scoring game.  FSU by 8. 

Boise State vs. Oregon.  Thursday night, Boise.  Boise is again a BCS buster favorite.  Oregon has a new HC Chip Kelly.  Boise won last year in Eugene and is looking to make it two in a row at home.  I'm inclined to say first team to 45 wins, but more point might be necessary.  I think Oregon squeaks out a narrow win giving the PAC 10 a much needed non-conference victory.

Other games to watch:

NC State vs. South Carolina, Oklahoma vs. BYU, Illinois vs. Missouri, Baylor vs. Wake.