Unlike the pros, college football has no exhibition season. So handicappers are forced to start the season working off last year's stats and this year's hype. That said, here's my take:
BOISE ST. -3 against OREGON
I know Oregon is playing with revenge, and they're featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated's college preview edition, and the wise guys have bet this line down significantly from the opening -5-. But the Ducks are starting 4 new players on the offensive line. Don't see that working...not tonight on the 'smurf turf' where the Broncos have not lost a reguar season game since 2001. That's 49 in a row, folks. Make it 50.
MICHIGAN -13 against W. MICHIGAN
There's been a lot of noise coming out of Ann Arbor the past few weeks. Bad noise. Combine that with the fact that the Wolverines have been embarrassed in their last two home openers. Last year was a complete washout as they finished 3-9. In only his second season, Coach Rodriguez is feeling the heat. This is Michigan's statement game and I look for them to come out swinging. They'll control the ground and the clock and cover with ease.
STANFORD -16- at WASHINGTON STATE
The Cougars fell to unimaginable depths (for a Pac-10 team) last year. They return 15 starters from last year's team but still have to be considered amongst the worst teams in the country. Stanford will score at will and win by about 4 TDs.
CALIFORNIA -21 against MARYLAND
The Bears didn't particularly like it last year when the Terps moved up the start time of their game to 12 noon est. (9 am Cal time.) This year the Bears have returned serve, moving the start time of this year's game to 7 pm, pacific coast (10 pm Terps time.) Cal is still pissed about last year's upset and are about to get even. Star RB Jahvid Best should have a field day against a Maryland defense returning only 3 starters. Cal romps.
USC -32 against SAN JOSE ST.
Fully realize that the Trojans are starting a true freshman at QB but gotta believe that Coach Carroll wants this kid to gain a lot of confidence for that big game against Ohio St. next week. That's why I look for a huge margin of victory here and perhaps even a shutout.
MISSISSIPPI -17 at MEMPHIS
This is uncharted territory for the Rebels...starting the season in the Top 10, laying nearly three TDs against a hated rival on the road. Are they up to the task? My money says yes. They're loaded with talent and brimming with confidence. Lay it.
MIAMI +6- at FLORIDA STATE
This is a fierce rivalry and the favorite usually lays about a field goal. In fact, the underdog has won this game outright 6 out of the last 7 years. I'm not a big trends handicapper but a stat like that convinces me to take any points that are available.
As always, best of luck!
BOISE ST. -3 against OREGON
I know Oregon is playing with revenge, and they're featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated's college preview edition, and the wise guys have bet this line down significantly from the opening -5-. But the Ducks are starting 4 new players on the offensive line. Don't see that working...not tonight on the 'smurf turf' where the Broncos have not lost a reguar season game since 2001. That's 49 in a row, folks. Make it 50.
MICHIGAN -13 against W. MICHIGAN
There's been a lot of noise coming out of Ann Arbor the past few weeks. Bad noise. Combine that with the fact that the Wolverines have been embarrassed in their last two home openers. Last year was a complete washout as they finished 3-9. In only his second season, Coach Rodriguez is feeling the heat. This is Michigan's statement game and I look for them to come out swinging. They'll control the ground and the clock and cover with ease.
STANFORD -16- at WASHINGTON STATE
The Cougars fell to unimaginable depths (for a Pac-10 team) last year. They return 15 starters from last year's team but still have to be considered amongst the worst teams in the country. Stanford will score at will and win by about 4 TDs.
CALIFORNIA -21 against MARYLAND
The Bears didn't particularly like it last year when the Terps moved up the start time of their game to 12 noon est. (9 am Cal time.) This year the Bears have returned serve, moving the start time of this year's game to 7 pm, pacific coast (10 pm Terps time.) Cal is still pissed about last year's upset and are about to get even. Star RB Jahvid Best should have a field day against a Maryland defense returning only 3 starters. Cal romps.
USC -32 against SAN JOSE ST.
Fully realize that the Trojans are starting a true freshman at QB but gotta believe that Coach Carroll wants this kid to gain a lot of confidence for that big game against Ohio St. next week. That's why I look for a huge margin of victory here and perhaps even a shutout.
MISSISSIPPI -17 at MEMPHIS
This is uncharted territory for the Rebels...starting the season in the Top 10, laying nearly three TDs against a hated rival on the road. Are they up to the task? My money says yes. They're loaded with talent and brimming with confidence. Lay it.
MIAMI +6- at FLORIDA STATE
This is a fierce rivalry and the favorite usually lays about a field goal. In fact, the underdog has won this game outright 6 out of the last 7 years. I'm not a big trends handicapper but a stat like that convinces me to take any points that are available.
As always, best of luck!
