I'm baaaaack! I know, some of you may have been wondering where this blog went, and like last year, it's laziness for the most part. And, the majority of you probably could've cared less whether this blog was here or not. But, I do this blog for not only you, whether you care about it or not, but for myself and to try and improve my writing skills.
Now, for some things which you may have missed over the offseason. First, Alabama is loaded again, along with the rest of the SEC. Secondly, the Big East no longer exists, well, in the football form anyway. The Big East's basketball only and predominantly Catholic universities split and created their own conference while retaining the Big East name. The new name for the conference is the American Athletic Conference. Thirdly, games will no longer be on FX, as Fox Sports translated Speed into an all sports channel known as Fox Sports 1, which will now be the home of the majority of Fox's games. Now, on to the picks!
Thursday Games
North Carolina at No. 6 South Carolina, 6, ESPN
Now, this really isn't that bad of a game. While these two teams haven't played since 2006, it's still going to be a fun game. This game also features the consensus number one pick in the 2014 NFL draft, Jadeveon Clowney, who can and will wreak havoc on the running and passing games of the Tar Heels. But, the Tar Heels will use a high tempo offense brought in by coach Larry Fedora from Southern Miss two years ago and it succeeded in bringing the Tar Heels to a 8-4 record last year. But, with South Carolina trying to win the SEC East and with Clowney and experience with quarterback Connor Shaw, look for the Gamecocks to take their first step in trying for their first BCS bid.
Pick: SCAR 34, UNC 21
Tulsa at Bowling Green, 7, ESPNU
Yes, this may not seem like this game should be on the top ten list, but read on. These two teams are very competitive in their mid-major conferences, and Tulsa even won the C-USA title last season, going to the Liberty Bowl. Bowling Green on the other hand, finished second in the MAC East, and went on to lose the Military Bowl to San Jose State. Bowling Green also has a fairly stout defense, and is bringing back a senior at quarterback, so that will also help them to try and win the MAC this season. Tulsa meanwhile, is favored to win C-USA before they move on to the AAC. So, look for a fairly high scoring game though, but go with the away team here.
Pick: Tulsa 38, BGSU 31
Utah State at Utah, 8, FS1
Both teams will be coming out swinging here, in this annual rivalry game. Last year, it was an incredibly close game, and went into overtime in Logan. I don't expect anything less in this game. Utah may have more talented players, as they play in the ultra competitive Pac-12 South, but don't count out USU, as they are just a notch below playing in the Mountain West with Boise State and San Diego State. Go with the home team here, as they are seeking payback from last year and they are the home team.
Pick: Utah 31, Utah State 23
Saturday Games
Syracuse vs. Penn State, 3:30, ABC at East Rutherford, NJ
Both teams are coming off winning records last season, with Syracuse defeating West Virginia in the Pinstripe Bowl. Then, Penn State, after falling to their first two opponents, then went 8-2 down the stretch and finished second in the Leaders division to Ohio State. But, Syracuse this year, starts anew with a new conference in the ACC, a new coach in Scott Shafer, and a new quarterback in a mystery man. Penn State is expecting to continue to do well while under sanctions with a solid running game, and a passing game led by new quarterback Christian Hackenberg who stuck with the university even under sanctions. Syracuse is in a rebuilding year though, as they have all these firsts, and only 11 starters back combined between offense and defense, so look for Penn State to have a solid start to their second season under Bill O'Brien.
Pick: Penn State 27, Syracuse 12
Temple at Notre Dame, 3:30, NBC
Temple has no shot. They are a nice story, going to three straight bowls for the first time in school history and they are trying to keep it going under first year head coach Matt Rhule, but they're playing in hallowed grounds. Temple players will be too awed by the stadium, the rich history of Notre Dame, and the fact that Notre Dame is looking to go back to a BCS Bowl game for the second straight season with a lot of returning starters. Expect this game to turn out like last year's opener for ND, a blowout.
Pick: Notre Dame 49, Temple 13
No. 1 Alabama vs. Virginia Tech, 5:30, ESPN, at Atlanta
Alabama is building a dynasty in Tuscaloosa. Nick Saban can recruit and coach probably better than anyone else in college football. They will play tough defense, run the ball, and senior quarterback AJ McCarron will exploit any weakness you may have in the secondary. Virginia Tech, meanwhile is looking at a rebound year, after going 7-6 last year, which in Blacksburg is not what Hokie fans are accustomed to seeing. Hokie fans are looking to get back to the ACC title game and a BCS Bowl. It would be considered a moral victory if they come within two touchdowns here.
Pick: Bama 41, VT 23
No. 5 Georgia at No. 8 Clemson, 8, ABC
This is obviously the premier game of the opening weekend, as it has two top ten teams, national title implications, and will be a great interconference match up. Both teams feature Heisman candidates in their quarterbacks as well, with Georgia having Aaron Murray and his pro style attack. Clemson has Tajh Boyd who is a classic dual threat quarterback. Both teams are contenders in their respective conferences as well. Plus, Georgia can easily be in the SEC title game, if their defense can get in order, as they lost seven starters. Clemson, meanwhile needs this game more than Georgia, as if they want to stay in the national title picture, their conference is weaker than Georgia's. Plus, Clemson is looking to be the first team to win consecutive games against top ten SEC teams. Clemson defeated LSU in last year's Chick-Fil-A bowl. Plus, since Clemson is at home and is returning more starters, go with the Tigers.
Pick: Clemson 36, Georgia 31
No. 12 LSU vs. No. 20 TCU, 9, ESPN, at Arlington, TX
This game is going to be a very hard fought defensive battle, as both teams are perennially ranked in the top 20 in the nation as far as scoring defense. Both teams have questions regarding their offenses, so look for the punters and kickers to be showcased. LSU's defense will need to reload, as they lost eight players on defense. LSU will try to get better passing, as they have back their starting quarterback, Zack Mettenberg, along with their trio of talented running backs. TCU meanwhile, is still somewhat trying to come out of the shadows of the Mountain West and get into the title hunt in the very competitive Big 12. TCU, I think will come out on top here, due to the fact that they're at home and are returning more starters on defense, and have a better offense than LSU.
Pick: TCU 21, LSU 14
Labor Day
No. 11 Florida State at Pitt, 8, ESPN
Pitt, welcome to the ACC, and your first opponent is defending ACC champion Florida State. Florida State is expecting to compete for the Atlantic division title again, despite losing their starting quarterback, and two key members of the secondary to the NFL. Pitt, allow yourself to get comfortable squandering in the bottom half of the coastal division.
Pick: Florida State 42, Pitt 20
