So, last year I started off the season with the best of intentions of posting a couple of games of interest each week and then picking the winners. Well, you know what they say the road to hell is paved with...and after a few weeks, despite picking pretty well, this feature fell by the wayside.
But hey, I had fun and I figured I'd try to resurrect it this year. So here we go with Big Orange Michael's Pigskin Prognostications, Year 2. Please remember--the opinions expressed here are my own, replete with my own biases toward certain teams. Also, these are posted just for fun. The picks here should not be used to whip up on people in the Yahoo Pick 'Em League nor should they be used for gambling purposes...seriously, if you're using my picks as the deciding factor on how to place a bet, you really need to look into some serious help.
1.
UAB at Tennessee, Saturday, 12:30 p.m. EST, Jefferson Pilot Regional File this under the category of--gee, like you thought any other game this weekend would really NOT be number one to me. So, the Vols kick-off the 2005 campaign with a game against UAB at Neyland Stadium. An early start for the Vols (game airs in Nashville at 11:30 a.m. on Jefferson Pilot sports (our motto: no more than two consecutive plays without a commerical break!) ) and one that should equal up to a solid win. Don't expect much to be shown by the team as we get ready for a showdown in the Swamp in two weeks. Also, I expect both Ainge and Clausen to get playing time if only to force Florida to prepare for both QBs. And I expect it to be closer for a half but the Vols to pull away in the 2nd half.
Prediction: Tennessee 38, UAB 202.
Vanderbilt at Wake Forest, Thursday, 7 p.m EST, ESPN UVanderbilt will try to do something tonight they haven't done in seven years...win the first game of the year. With the mantra of "We've got lots of seniors" and "Our defense is better" Vanderbilt will try to make some progress this year. I'd almost say I hate to pick against the SEC, but then again it is Vanderbilt..and they hardly qualify as an SEC school football-wise.
Prediction: Wake Forest 21, Vanderbilt 14
3. Central Florida at South Carolina, Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EST, ESPN
You know, I gotta be more specific in my prayers. For years I prayed Steve Spurrie would leave Florida. And he did--but only to go and coach my favorite team, the Redskins. Then I prayed he'd leave D.C. and he did...but to come back to the SEC. I guess on some level that is good as he's coaching again and I can stop pretending to like him and get back to despising the man...so I guess on that level all is right with the world. Now what would really make all right with the world would be to see Central Florida pull an upset here and spoil Spurrier's debut on ESPN. File that one under: So NOT going to happen!
Prediction: South Carolina 42, Central Florida 12
4. Boise State at Georgia, Saturday 5:30 p.m. EST, ESPN
Outside of the UT game this weekend, this is one of the few games that I find compelling..and not just becuase of my undying hatred of all things UGA. I really think that Boise State has a chance to come in and do some damage against Georgia. And should the game be close, this one could just be an upset. So, I'm gonna go with pick this one as my upset of the week. (Which again...this should be proof that these picks should NOT be used for gambling purposes!)
Prediction: Boise State 21, Georgia 17
5. Wyoming at Florida, Saturday 7 p.m. EST, SunSports, PPV
The Gators kick off the Urban Myer era in Florida. Also, they must try to shed the SI cover jinx...as must USC and Texas. Good job to SI for jinxing three teams this year instead of one by going regional with that. I think Florida will be good, but they're a year or so away. I don't see Chris Leak getting the entire new Urban Myer system, despite reports out of Gainesville. That said, I think they win this one fairly easily.
Predication: Florida 49, Wyoming 28
6. Middle Tennessee at Alabama, 7 p.m. EST, Comcast SportsSouth, PPV
A few year ago, Middle Tennessee opened up against Bama and more than held their own. In fact, I remember wondering at the time if Middle Tennessee was that good or Bama was just that bad. Looking back, it was a combination of both, I think. Fast foward to now where Middle Tenenssee is looking to make a big jump in terms of wins and respect in Division 1A. But wait..Bama could a much improved team and is bouncing back from years of probation.
Prediction: Alabama 31, MTSU 17
7. Georgia Tech at Auburn, Saturday 7:45 p.m. EST, ESPN
Again, another intiguing game beyond UT vs UAB for me. Tommy Tuberville has said that this year's Auburn team could be better than last year's. I don't think you lose four first round picks and get better, but you never know. This one could be close and could be one of the better games this weekend.
Prediction: Auburn 28, Georgia Tech 24
8. Louisville at Kentucky, Sunday 3:30 p.m EST, ESPN
The battle for bragging rights in Kentucky kicks-off the season. Louisville made some noise last year. Kentucky fans will ask by the middle of the third quarter--so when does basketball season start?
Prediction: Louisville 42, Kentucky 12
Other games (winners in bold) :
Ole Miss at Memphis,
Missouri State at Arkansas,
Murray State at Mississippi State
So, those are my picks. If you wanna join in on the fun, you can join our Pick 'Em group...or leave me your picks in the comments.
Go Big Orange!!!!!!
posted by Michael Hickerson at 9/01/2005 09:20:00 AM |
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