WEEK ONE: UGLY BUT DONE

We knew going into the first full weekend of college football it was going to be a wee bit crazy given so many unknowns especially with new head coaches, new players, and new story lines.

While our results were less than stellar we weren't disappointed in the games in terms of excitement, suspense, and the unexpected twists and turns.

With that being said, we went 4-4 for the weekend. Disappointing, yes. Devastating, no. If you've followed us in the past, our approach to gaming is long term, much like playing the stock market. One weekend does not a season make so let's get ready to Make Mo' Money™.

SIDELINES: what we learned this weekend....

• If there was any doubt if Nick Chubbs could return to his old form, doubt no more. Chubbs had 222 yards on 32 carries. And in the process, newcomer Jason Eason's arm lived up to its billing in his first collegiate game. The SEC East just got a little more interesting.

Howdy do, my peeps

• The Texas Longhorns found their new quarterback. Shane Buechele became the first freshman quarterback to start for Texas since since Bobby Layne in 1944. The kid racked up 280 yards in a 16 of 26 effort as Texas beat Notre Dame in 2 OT periods. Seems Charlie Strong is slowly winning over the Horn faithful that were calling for his head just last season.

• Thursday night's performance by Tennessee definitely showed that the Vols were overrated in the preseason polls. Senior Dobbs played like a freshman, the offensive line got pushed around, and once again Botch Jones was out coached....by Appy State. Let's hope they get their act together for their big shindig at the Bristol Motor Speedway.

• LSU is not what we thought after Wisconsin upset the Tigers. Look for things to heat up for head coach Les Miles. And Brandon Harris erased any thoughts that the quarterback had improved. Nope. But is the real problem in Baton Rouge Les Miles or offensive coordinator Cam Cameron who has yet to demonstrate that he can effectively develop quarterbacks?

• Alabama showed why they are number 1 with a 52-6 beat down of Southern Cal. Score one for Lane Kiffin.

TallyTown Ted is a happy camper

• Florida State showed why they are one of the top teams by storming back from a 28-6 deficit to beat Ole Miss 45-34. The Noles had a monster comeback in which they scored 33 unanswered points. While rb Dalvin Cook was kept in check, freshman qb Francois lit up Orlando with 419 passing yards, the most ever in the ACC by a freshman quarterback.

• Ole Miss ought to make Florida State defensive end DeMarcus Walker a member of the Rebel backfield since he spent so much time there, sacking Chad Kelly 4.5 times in the second half. Seems the Reb o-line had no answer for containing him.

• With Oklahoma losing to Houston, look for more grumbling about Bob Stoops in Norman. Despite being the winningest coach in OU history, the Sooner faithful are anxious for titles.

• Mark Richt has the Miami Hurricanes back in the Top 25 for the first time since November 2013. Richt's 'Canes pummeled the Florida A&M Rattlers 70-3.

From The Mail Bag...

Here's a quick sampling of comments and feedback received over the last few days:

From a Seminole Fan: "Happy 5th season and welcome to Bayou Bengal! Excited to see this season begin!"

From a Bama Fan: "Hey!  Put this in the hate mail section next week. The hell you say my coach Saban isn't warm and fuzzy.  Grizzlies are IN FACT, "warm and fuzzy!"

More from Bama Fan: "A panel of experts" without The Bear?  In fact ZERO representation from college football's most storied, most elite, hottest over the past decade and trending up program?????  F#*& U!! (editor's note: Alabama is, in fact, represented in our panel with Kenny Clyde, a long time respected Tide contributor).

From Knoxville: "Please remove me from the VIP list. While I appreciate the insight and candor, receiving Woolard's Weekend Winners may jeopardize my wife's employment." (editor's note: This is a first. You've been removed. Have a nice season).

From West Coast Willie: "Thank you, thank you, thank you. Woolard's Weekend Winners helped me make enough money to buy a new coffee maker." (editor's note: we do what we can).

Let us know what you think. It's easy. Just use the nifty comment box below or shoot us an email. We love to hear to from you.

Look for Week Two picks later this week.

MAKE MO' MONEY with MARK™