This week starts the first of 19 Weeks of Football on both Saturday and Sunday, so sit back and enjoy the football! The National Football League starts this week with the games that count after five weeks of boring exhibition games. And there are six games worth previewing, but I'm going to bypass the second of NBC's games, the Giants/Cowboys game, mainly as I can't stand either team, and I'd rather preview the hometown Eagles opener. Then, in the college game, there are a few games featuring top 20 opponents, so it's a good weekend full of football.
College
No. 12 Florida at Miami, Noon, ESPN
This game marks the return of a rivalry, and it can be the return of a meaningful one, as Miami has not been too good over the past decade or so, not going to a BCS Bowl since the 2003 Season and the Orange Bowl. But, under Al Golden, their football team has been improving, going from 6-6 in 2011, to 7-5 last season and winning the Coastal division, to a favorite to win the Coastal again this season. Miami has some veteran offensive players as well, and they can easily win this game too. The reason why? Florida struggled last week against MAC team Toledo, and they are inexperienced defensively, so this could be a huge momentum builder for either team. But, go with the Canes, as they need this game to really prove to not only the ACC, but to the nation that they're back.
Pick: Miami 31, Florida 26
No. 6 South Carolina at No. 11 Georgia, 4:30, ESPN
This is a huge game for both teams, as this is the first game of the SEC portion of the schedule for both teams, and it will go a long way in helping to determine the Eastern division winner. Georgia really needs this game to keep alive any chance of a national title. Georgia was incredibly competitive last week in their opener against Clemson, so if they play like that again this week, they have a good chance of knocking off the Gamecocks, especially if South Carolina plays rather sluggishly like they did against North Carolina.
Pick: Georgia 34, South Carolina 28
No. 15 Texas at BYU, 7, ESPN2
This is a very intriguing game, as Texas was horrible in the first half of last week's game against an awful New Mexico State team, and BYU is coming off a loss at Virginia where they fumbled away the game, literally. Texas has found its quarterback of the next two years it seems though, with David Ash getting better and more mature over the past two years. BYU meanwhile, is looking for its first win over a top 20 opponent since the 2009 Las Vegas Bowl when they beat #16 Oregon State. And, BYU's defense is a good one, led by All-American candidate linebacker Kyle Vannoy. Plus, since Texas isn't used to the altitude in Provo, go with the Cougars.
Pick: BYU 24, Texas 20
West Virginia at No. 16 Oklahoma, 7, Fox
This game looks good on paper, and looking back at last season, it was an amazing game, with both teams combining for 99 points and shattering school records, but now that West Virginia lost some big time names like Tavon Austin and Geno Smith to the NFL, their offense now is looking for a rhythm, and it was a struggle against FCS opponent William & Mary. Imagine how it's going to be against a powerhouse like Oklahoma.
Pick: Oklahoma 45, West Virginia 10
No. 14 Notre Dame at No. 17 Michigan, 8, ESPN
This game will be very close. It's a rivalry game, College GameDay is there, it's only the second ever night game at the Big House, the other one also coming against Notre Dame two years ago, and oh yeah, it's the last scheduled meeting between these two teams at the Big House. Both teams are very good, both teams are motivated, and both teams are coming off good wins last week. The teams are evenly matched, so look for a good one here. Just watch some good football.
Pick: Michigan 28, Notre Dame 27
NFL
Baltimore at Denver, tonight, 8:30, NBC
Normally, this game would be held in Baltimore, as traditionally has been the case with previous Super Bowl winners. But, since the Orioles wouldn't move their game to the afternoon, the game is in Denver. No matter, the game full of excitement, as it's the rematch of the epic double overtime Divisional game from last season. Both teams have lost plenty of talent, but also went out and got a bunch of talent. This is going to be another great game, as most of the key components are returning. But, go with Baltimore, as Denver is without starting corner Champ Bailey and starting linebacker Von Miller.
Pick: Baltimore 31, Denver 27
Cincinnati at Chicago, Sunday, 1, CBS
Both teams are coming off 10-6 seasons, but one resulted in the playoffs, with the Bengals, and the other, the Bears, in losing their coach of nearly a decade in Lovie Smith. Both teams have strong defenses, and have good quarterbacks. Chicago's quarterback though, Jay Cutler, is looking to improve under new head coach and supposed quarterback guru Marc Trestman. Trestman is coming in from the CFL, where he led the Montreal Allouettes to consecutive Grey Cups. Cincinnati is looking not just to make the playoffs for the third straight season, which would be a franchise record. The problem is winning a playoff game, and the Bengals believe they've got the team to do that. This is a very close game to call, could be why the betting line is at three points in favor of Chicago, and I'll go with the experts in Vegas.
Pick: Chicago 27, Cincy 24
Atlanta at New Orleans, Sunday, 1, Fox
Both teams are looking to capture the NFC South title. New Orleans is looking to rebound from an off year, where they didn't have their coach for the entirety of last season, due to the "bountygate" scandal and truly wrecked their season last year. This year, they're starting fresh, and are looking to return to the postseason and knocking off the reigning champions of the NFC South. Atlanta is looking to hold on to its grip of the division, and they certainly have quite the team to do it, with the only big differences of Michael Turner is gone, but Steven Jackson was brought in to replace him, and he will fare quite well. Then, Osi Umenyiora was brought in to replace John Abraham on the defensive side. This game will make quite the splash, and allow the Saints to take a one game lead to start off the year, and make Payton and Brees 11-2 against the Falcons.
Pick: New Orleans 31, Atlanta 30
Green Bay at San Francisco, Sunday, 4:25, Fox
This is a game between what is looking like a potential NFC Championship game. These two teams tussled twice last season, once in the opener, and again in the playoffs, where San Francisco won twice. The games were completely different though, as San Francisco used a rather basic offense to beat the Packers by eight in the opener, then the Niners won by two touchdowns using the mosy dynamic quarterback in all of the NFL in Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick came in midway through last season, and took over the offense from a conservative one to one which truly was a combination of a college zone read and pro style. Plus, San Francisco's defense isn't too shabby either, with multiple Pro Bowlers on the team. But, don't forget about the Packers, who are a perennial contender in the NFC. But, since this game is in San Francisco, and I don't think Kaepernick is a one year wonder, go with the Niners in another shootout.
Pick: San Francisco 49, Green Bay 38
Philadelphia at Washington, Monday, 6:55, ESPN/Channel 6 ABC
This game is going to be an interesting one. The two reasons why are because it's the true debut of Chip Kelly's blur offense, which was a hit in college and the other is the return of Robert Griiffin III, who is returning from injuries to his LCL and ACL in his right knee. So, the questions will be if RG3 can return to his dynamic self and what kind of rust will he have after no preseason snaps? The other question will be if Kelly's blur offense can translate to the NFL. Now, you may ask, what is the blur? Simple, try to get as many snaps off in a game as possible on offense to try and slow the opposing defense. But, if the offense sputters and the defense is subject to multiple long drives, they'll be the one to get burnt out. These will be fun questions to get at least somewhat answered on Monday night.
Pick: Philly 34, Washington 28. (Hey, I'm a homer and I'm being optimistic.)
Enjoy the first weekend of football!
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