At long last, the college football season is upon us. There are some big games on tap for this weekend, though a couple of the
games in Florida have been postponded due to Hurricane Francis. (And with good reason too, I might add!)
It seems as though everyone has their own opinion about how things will go this year and who will win it all. And there are a ton of national "experts" who pick the winners of games each week. One that I regularily read but rarely agree with is USA Today's Erick Smith. He's picked games for this week from the top 25, but honestly, there are some other, non-top 25 games that also interest me.
Figuring to have a little fun, I will post a couple of games each week and predict the winner. You're welcome to join in by leaving your picks in the comments--just as long as you get them in by noon on Saturday. (aka before kick-off of the games). Then, you can come back later in the week and either hear me reveal in my victory or you can mock my picks. Either way, fun will be had by all...
So, let's get to it...
1. UNLV at Tennessee (Sunday 8 p.m. EST, ESPN 2)
When the Vols take the field at Neyland Stadium Sunday evening, they'll be making history in a lot of ways. First Sunday game in Neyland, first freshman QBs starting the season (a first for both Tennessee and the SEC). First chance to wash away some of the bad feelings left over from the loss in the Peach Bowl last year. I expect the Vols to do enough to win, but not show too much. That will come Sept. 18th against Florida. Also, no matter which QB starts, they will both get a lot of work. Also, we've got a good wealth at running back, but the real question is--who will step up and be the running back the Vols need this year?
Tennessee 31, UNLV 18.
2. South Carolina at Vanderbilt (Saturday 12:30 p.m. EST, JP Sports)
A must win game for both teams as it will define their seasons. According to local media reports, Vandy is ready to make that next step and start contending to at least go to a bowl. Also, Lou Holtz of South Carolina has called Vandy the best team he's ever played. But he says that about every team he plays to motivate his players. I hate to say it, but I am gonna give this one to Vandy for the home field advantage.
Vanderbilt 21, South Carolina 17
3. Tulane at Mississippi State (Saturday, 6 p.m. EST, ESPN 2)
The Sylvester Croom era begins in Oxofrd. Hopefully, he gets it off on the right foot non-conference cause that conference schedule is gonna be murder. Mississippi State struggled to win two games last year. They should get halfway toward their total wins from last year, this week.
Mississippi State 28, Tulane 24
4. Kentucky at Louisville (Sunday 3:30 p.m EST, ESPN)
The annual battle for Kentucky bragging rights. This one matters more in basketball than in football,but it should be a great grudge match.
Louisville 24, Kentucky 17
5. Memphis at Ole Miss (Saturday, 7 p.m EST, No TV)
Ole Miss begins life after Eli Manning. Memphis could be a surprise team this year out of Conference USA.
Memphis 28, Ole Miss 21
Well, that's it for my picks this week. There would be a few more, but the hurricane postponed some games. I'll make up for it later.
It's not too late to join your fellow bloggers in picking the winners of the college football games on Yahoo Sports! Link are below:
College:
http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/college
League ID: 8558
Password: blog
posted by Michael Hickerson at 9/02/2004 04:31:00 PM |
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