Are You Ready For Some Football?

We're just a few hours away from that special time of year with the kickoff of another exciting season of college football. And, if you're like me, the first game can't get here fast enough (okay, Georgia State played last night but that was just an appetizer leading up to tonite's buffet of big boy football).

If you're familiar with Woolard's Weekend Winners (and who isn't?), then you know this is the place to make some money.

Back for the third year, each week we highlight 8 different games (the Great Eight) and provide you with insight and inspiration on what teams will come out on top.

Our bookie in Vegas, Fran

Last season we blew the doors off the college gaming world with a 71% hit rate on winning picks. That translates into some serious money, and hopefully you took advantage of our brilliance. If not, that's your loss but this is a whole new season and a chance for redemption.

Next week, we'll be taking a look at one of our favorite topics because it typically has major repercussions that ripple year round. We're talking about coaches that are on the hot seat. And, if history repeats itself, a good number of  coaches will be turning in change-of-address slips before the year's end. So, look for that nugget next Tuesday.

So, without further ado, let's kickoff the 2014 season.

 Here's Your Weekend Winners...the Great Eight...

#21 Texas A&M at #9 South Carolina... the Gamecocks will be missing some major talent in the likes of QB Connor Shaw and DE Jadeveon Clowney, but their running game will be powered by one of America's best tailbacks, Mike Davis. This may be problematic for the Aggie defense because stopping the run last season was their weakest link as they ranked dead last in the SEC and 110th nationally in rushing yards per game (222.3 yds). But this season the Aggies have a lot more depth especially on the defensive line, and I've heard they've spent a lot of time working on important stuff...like tackling. On the offensive side, this will be the first season under Kevin Sumlin without boy wonder, Johnny Football. With an 18-game home win streak, beating the Cocks in Columbia is a tough order. That's why we're taking Spurrier's crew, and so should you. Cocks crow tonight.

#18 Ole Miss vs Boise State... if you haven't looked at the Rebels lately, you might be surprised to see a program that is quietly getting better. While I'm not convinced that Ole Miss will be seriously competing for the SEC West Division anytime soon, Mister Freeze is assembling a cast that one day may find itself playing in the SECCG for the very first time in program history. Their top recruiting class is now entering its sophomore season so continued improvement should be evident. And it appears that QB Bo Wallace is finally healthy and ready to lead the Rebels/Black Rebel Bears/Whatever. Meanwhile, Boise State comes to Atlanta hoping to knock off another SEC team like they did in 2011 when they opened with a win over Georgia. The Broncos have an entirely new coaching staff (the crew from Arky State including friend, Steve Caldwell of Tennessee) so look for some new wrinkles. This should be a really close game but we think Ole Miss has more pieces to the puzzle and will pull out a win in the Georgia Dome. Rebels revel.

More fiber in his diet may help

Utah State vs Tennessee... the Vols have the opportunity to set the pace on their road to recovery with a big win Sunday night in Knoxville. We like Butch Jones' methodical rebuilding of a once proud program. And with back to back strong recruiting classes, the shelves at Neyland Stadium are starting to be stocked with talent and depth. Now we'll see if that translates into winning, which the Big Orange faithful has missed for so long. If, and that is a big if, QB Justin Worley can play consistently, and take advantage of a receiving corps that is coming into its own (e.g. Marquis North, Pig Howard, Von Pearson, and Jason Croom) then the Vols should be able to dominate a revamped Aggie secondary. UT's crew of receivers return nearly 83% of its receptions from a year ago and that's why Tennessee should prevail on Rocky Top. Vols are victors.


#13 LSU vs #14 Wisconsin... being played in Houston, this is one of the weekend's most intriguing matchups. In typical Les Mile's fashion, he's being coy about who will be the Tiger's starting quarterback. My guess is Anthony Jennings (ex Marietta Blue Devil), only because he's so much deeper into the LSU playbook and has actual game experience. But you can be sure that freshman Brandon Harris will also see the field.  Harris has a cannon arm and is extremely mobile, which is a dangerous combination for opposing defenses. But this game could very well be settled by the two running backs, the Badger's Melvin Gordon and LSU's frosh Leonard Fournette. With a slight edge in talent, we're betting on the Bengal Tigers. Geaux Tigers.

Gonna be a hot one in Athens

#16 Clemson vs #12 Georgia... this will be the last matchup of these two programs for awhile, which is a shame because this series has consistently provided some really entertaining contests (see the 2013 edition). While UGA typically falls short of meeting fan expectations, we see the pooches as the team to beat in the SEC East. No doubt Aaron Murray will be missed but Georgia is loaded with tons of play makers including Heisman hopeful, Todd Gurley. Meanwhile Clemson faces the season without two of its best playmakers, Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins, but the Tigers defense should be pretty stout, led by DE Vic Beasley. If the Clemson defense can ruffle Hutson Mason's fur, this could be a tight one in Athens. Dawgs get it done.

#1 Florida State vs Oklahoma State... perhaps the only thing that could derail a Seminole victory over the Cowboys is if FSU QB Jameis Winston fills up on stolen crab legs and lobster rolls and sleeps through his alarm clock. But even then, Jimbo Fisher has plenty of weapons so the Noles wouldn't miss a beat. Meanwhile the cowpokes from Stillwater are replacing their quarterback, top receivers, and a bunch of veteran defenders. This won't be a blow out but should be a comfortable way for the reigning national champions to open the season. Noles knock the cowpokes.

Advocate for safe biking

Louisville vs Miami... love him or hate him, Bobby Petrino can coach, especially his quarterbacks. In nine years as a head coach, Petrino's starting QBs have averaged 63% completions, 8.8 yards per attempt, 21 TDs and 8 interceptions. This weekend, QB Will Gardner will lead the Cards against Al Golden's Hurricanes that features a pretty stout run game with Duke Johnson along with a tough defense led by one of America's top linebackers, Denzel Perryman. The Cane's freshman QB Brad Kaaya will shine in this one but not bright enough. Cards conquer the Canes.

#6 Auburn vs Arkansas... the big question floating around the Plains is whether QB Nick Marshall will stay out of trouble long enough to see the field on Saturday. For certain he'll be sitting out the start of the game but Gus Malzahn will find forgiveness and eventually insert Marshall. After all, weed is now legal in a dozen or so states. Looking ahead to Saturday's game, which could be a rainy affair, Bret Bielema's play book will be heavily flavored with Badger run plays. Last season, the Razorbacks were third in SEC rushing and this season the Hogs will rotate at least three tailbacks to keep legs fresh. Auburn also had a strong run game, leading the country in rushing which they did with almost 72% of their snaps. And if it's a wet day at Jordan-Hare, you can bet that the Tiger/War Eagles/Plainsmen will have a dominating ground game. War Eagles fly high.

Let's check back next week and see how we fared. Meanwhile...

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