KICKING OFF 2015: THE RETURN OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Finally the universe returns to normal. College football is back!

Can I have an "Amen"?

After suffering through a painful summer of disappointment with the Braves and the challenge of keeping the lawn alive (mine died in June), we can now focus on the best of sports, and of course making Mo' Money.

This will be our 4th season of Woolard's Weekend Winners™. If you've followed us before then you know the drill. We highlight eight different games each week (The Great Eight) and provide you with insight on what teams will come out on top.

At the risk of sounding like Donald Trump, we're very very good at making money. Last season we had a 69% hit rate on winning picks and that translates into some serious cash. 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. Another "amen" please.

Along the way, you'll meet our guest experts like Golden Gator, Harry Husker, Mister Touchdown, Mister Big Ten, Gurley Gal, Rockin Reb, What'll Ya Have, Kenny Clyde, Jumpin' Justin, and more. All bringing their unique perspective and passion for college football.

 This Weekend

This opening weekend is typical of most seasons in which the majority of schools play low level, out-of-conference, small school weenies (a pet peeve of mine). Despite that, we've been able to select a pretty intriguing line up of games.

Let's get to it.

Here's Your Weekend Winners for Week #1...The Great Eight™...

#15 Arizona State vs Texas A&M...this could be the best matchup of the weekend. ASU has a ton of talent returning - 9 on defense, 6 on offense - but the higher ranked Sun Devils are actually 3 point dogs and playing at a "neutral site", Houston (wink wink). After a disappointing 2014, the Aggies look for QB Kyle Allen to lead the improving offense again and he has a great receiving corp at his disposal. The biggest weakness for the Aggies, defense, has hopefully been addressed with the hiring of new d-coordinator, Chief Chavis, lured away from LSU. Look for great improvement of a defense ranked 104th last season. This game could go either way but we feel good about the Sun Devils pulling the UPSET. Lay your cash on Arizona State.

#21 Stanford @ Northwestern....this is only the 7th time these two teams have met. Stanford, despite a great defense, limped to a 8-5 season in 2014, after 4 straight years of 11 wins. A lot of the top defenders are gone but senior QB Kevin Hogan returns. He's good. The Wildcats will start a freshman QB Clayton Thorson but look for tailback Justin Jackson to continue his strong play from 2014. In an UPSET SPECIAL, take the Evanston boys and the points. Wildcats win.

Not the smartest bunch. But it is Auburn.

Louisville @ #6 Auburn....when you mention Bobby Petrino's name in Atlanta, look out for flying objects. This guy is the slimiest of slugs. Who else lies to their team owner and bails out as head coach mid way through a season without the first goodbye to his players? Who else lies about an affair with a hot college coed....wait...better not have a show of hands on that one. In any event, Petrino returns to Atlanta to take on the AuburnTigers/ Plainsmen/War Eagle/Dying Oaks in the Kickoff Classic. And whether you love him or hate him, Petrino can coach. Here's our take. Auburn has re-tooled their defense with the hiring of Will Muschamp. So you'll see more of a slashing defense and QB pressure than in the past. Malzahn will start junior Jeremy Johnson who replaces the departed Nick Marshall. Johnson has a big time arm and a fleet of capable receivers. This game could very well be Auburn's coming out party as they march to the CFB playoffs. Yes, we believe Auburn will be among the final four. Take Aubbie over the Cards in a breeze.

Virginia @ #13 UCLA....last season we predicted that UVA's Mike London would be canned by mid term. In fact, we were really surprised he was even brought back for 2014 given his dismal track record in Charlottesville. Now with four losing seasons in five, London has to win or he's gone (thank you, Captain Obvious). And winning will not be easy for the Cavs. The heir apparent at QB, Grayson Lambert, is now at Georgia where it looks like he's won the starting job for the mutts. Which means UVA is starting over on offense along with a young defense. Doesn't bode well for London. Meanwhile the Bruins are breaking in true freshman QB Josh Rosen but he's supported by the 2014 leading PAC-12 running back, Paul Perkins. Put your bucks on the Bruins.

BYU @ Nebraska...BYU begins its death march in Lincoln. Check out their ball buster opening schedule: Nebraska, Michigan, UCLA, Boise State. That's enough to make you drink. Too bad they're Mormon. Meanwhile, the Bug Eaters break in a new head coach, Mike Riley, which was some what of a surprising hire given his career record. Making that transition easier is senior QB Tommy Armstrong. If Armstrong can quit throwing passes to opponents (12 picks in 2014), he could be the playmaker that Nebraska needs. The Cornhuskers are 7 point favorites. They'll cover...and more.

Texas @ #11 Notre Dame....if Texas wants to make a statement, here's their chance as they head to South Bend to take on the Golden Domers. But it won't be easy. The Irish defense is loaded with NFL prospects and their QB, Malik Zaire, looked pretty flashy in their Music City Bowl win over LSU. The key for the Longhorns is the play of Tyrone Swoops who was hot and cold last season. They'll need a strong effort from their defense to have a chance. Otherwise, folks in Texas will again be questioning the hiring of Charlie Strong. Look for the Irish to lasso the Horns.

Evil Duo: Saban & Kiff

#20 Wisconsin @ #3 Alabama....welcome to Jerry's World and a really good matchup of Big Ten vs SEC. We have tons of respect for the Badgers but they better have their helmets tightened up. Although Nick Saban has yet to name a QB starter (he has; he just ain't saying), Bama has one of the most potent ground games in America with Derrick Henry and T.J. Yeldon sharing snaps. They'll be a load to bring down. And you can bet that OC Kiffin has cooked up some new wrinkles. Meanwhile, expect to see Wisconsin stick with their bread and butter run game but it will encounter a stacked front seven. We see Bama taking control early and never looking back. Bucks on Bama.

#1 Ohio State @ Virginia Tech...beating the Buckeyes was probably the only highlight for the Hokies last season as Va Tech left Columbus with a huge win. Then the wheels came off, finishing 7-6. OSU is the defending National Champion and you have to hand it to Urban Meyer for working his magic with two different quarterbacks last season. Cardale Jones took over late in the season after J.T. Barrett broke his ankle in November. Most teams would never recover. And, as of this morning, Meyer has not announced his starter. Bud Foster will have the Gobbler defense ready but we think the Buckeyes have too much fire power despite playing in Blacksburg on Monday evening. Buckeyes in a beat down.

Let's check back next week and see how we fared. Best of luck for a great and profitable 2015.

MAKE MO' MONEY WITH MARK™