WHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN' GOING ON!
Although college football officially kicked off last weekend with a few under-card matches, this is THE WEEKEND that things really get cooking.
And what a line up of high octane games!
Atlanta becomes the epicenter with two high profile games at the brand spanking new Mercedes Benz Stadium.
Saturday night features the Crimson Tide of Alabama taking on the Florida State Seminoles. Then on Labor Day evening, Tennessee tangles with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (I'll be using my WWW media pass to access the action). And a bunch of other great games are sandwiched in between. Wowzer. No weaklings or soft cupcakes here.
It truly is a weekend in which you, the college football fan, get to to see some great football, and have the opportunity to Make Mo' Money.™
In Their Words...
To kick off the weekend we've asked four of our top scribes to pen their outlook on top contests.
From Whatta You Have...Tennessee v Georgia Tech
To kick off the weekend we've asked four of our top scribes to pen their outlook on top contests.
From Whatta You Have...Tennessee v Georgia Tech
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| Bees could sting |
Monday Night Football in the Brand New Benz!!
The Volunteers head down to Atlanta for Part II of the Chik-Fil-A Kickoff Classic against Georgia Tech. For me in particular, this is a tough pick. The alma mater versus my childhood team right here in my hometown.
New Digs Aren't So Bad
While alot has been said about the new Mercedez Benz Stadium, neither team will particularly miss the Georgia Dome. Tennessee's record in the Dome has an abysmal over the years, winning only a couple of SEC Championship Games here while getting paddled in post season bowl games. Tech's final game in the establishment ended up as a 38-3 drumming by LSU. Both teams will be hot to not only start the year off right, but establish the Benz as friendly confines away from home.
Unfamiliar Faces on Both Sidelines
Despite only a 3-hour drive in between the universities, GT and UT haven't matched up since 1987. Tennessee hasn't seen the flexbone in person since it hosted Air Force in 2006, while Tech rarely faces a team of this size and speed.
And while each team is unfamiliar with the other, there are plenty of new faces on either sideline that fans haven't been acquainted with yet. Both UT and GT have yet to announce who is starting under center at quarterback - one to replace Knoxville's beloved Josh Dobbs, the other to come in after the graduation of Yellow Jacket Justin Thomas. Both were seen as top performers at their positions in the SEC and ACC respectively. UT has had a slew of injuries this preseason, and will likely rely on Todd Kelly to get them to the endzone. GT dismissed All-ACC running back Dedrick Mills just two weeks ago.
Can UT, which hasn't faced an offense this unique, slow down Tech's running scheme? Can Georgia Tech, which boasted a more-than-unimpressive defense a year ago, find a way to stop the Vols? I think this could be a close one, and ideally I'd love to pick a tie. I'd give the Vols a slight advantage in what could be a close, high-scoring matchup.
The Volunteers head down to Atlanta for Part II of the Chik-Fil-A Kickoff Classic against Georgia Tech. For me in particular, this is a tough pick. The alma mater versus my childhood team right here in my hometown.
New Digs Aren't So Bad
While alot has been said about the new Mercedez Benz Stadium, neither team will particularly miss the Georgia Dome. Tennessee's record in the Dome has an abysmal over the years, winning only a couple of SEC Championship Games here while getting paddled in post season bowl games. Tech's final game in the establishment ended up as a 38-3 drumming by LSU. Both teams will be hot to not only start the year off right, but establish the Benz as friendly confines away from home.
Unfamiliar Faces on Both Sidelines
Despite only a 3-hour drive in between the universities, GT and UT haven't matched up since 1987. Tennessee hasn't seen the flexbone in person since it hosted Air Force in 2006, while Tech rarely faces a team of this size and speed.
And while each team is unfamiliar with the other, there are plenty of new faces on either sideline that fans haven't been acquainted with yet. Both UT and GT have yet to announce who is starting under center at quarterback - one to replace Knoxville's beloved Josh Dobbs, the other to come in after the graduation of Yellow Jacket Justin Thomas. Both were seen as top performers at their positions in the SEC and ACC respectively. UT has had a slew of injuries this preseason, and will likely rely on Todd Kelly to get them to the endzone. GT dismissed All-ACC running back Dedrick Mills just two weeks ago.
Can UT, which hasn't faced an offense this unique, slow down Tech's running scheme? Can Georgia Tech, which boasted a more-than-unimpressive defense a year ago, find a way to stop the Vols? I think this could be a close one, and ideally I'd love to pick a tie. I'd give the Vols a slight advantage in what could be a close, high-scoring matchup.
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| Gators chomp Wolverines |
From Golden Gator....Michigan v Florida
These two teams together lost enough prior year starters to bring worry to most
coaching staffs. But neither Harbaugh nor McElwain seem concerned. It's
because they know the new starters are damn good. Michigan feels it's offense
rivals last years; Florida is confident their offense will win games this year. And Florida knows it has a defense with real
talent, one that will be stellar after a few games.
So who wins and why......
Florida will start Franks to quickly test the Michigan deep backs. But Zaire will take early snaps as well. Michigan will be aggressive in the air early but an early interception will end that plan
The winner will be the team with the fewest mistakes, always an issue with young teams in early games and the best place kicker. Florida has the best place kicker in the college game.
33-24 Florida with Eddie Pineiro kicking four field goals.
Florida will start Franks to quickly test the Michigan deep backs. But Zaire will take early snaps as well. Michigan will be aggressive in the air early but an early interception will end that plan
The winner will be the team with the fewest mistakes, always an issue with young teams in early games and the best place kicker. Florida has the best place kicker in the college game.
33-24 Florida with Eddie Pineiro kicking four field goals.
From Lair of the Bear...UCLA v Texas A&M
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| Lair of the Bear at 2016 Aggie game |
On offense, Josh “the Chosen” Rosen has his third offensive coordinator in as many years. Coach Jedd Fisch has spent the past two seasons with Jim Harbaugh in Ann Arbor, and Harbaugh says he’s ready for a head coaching job. Fisch describes his UCLA offence as “aggressive”, “physical” and “fun” having rolled out a flea flicker and a tight end pass during training camp. Fisch has also given Rosen veto power over plays to enhance his comfort in the offence.
On defense, this UCLA Football team boasts what might be one of the best secondaries in the PAC-12. That’s a strength they will need to rely on as the Bruins gain experience across the D-line, break in a few new LBs and face one of the best WRs in the country in A&M’s Christian Kirk.
Buckle-up. This should be a high scoring affair. If the Bruins jump out to an early lead and keep the Rose Bowl fans in the game, the Bruins should come out on top.
From Kenny Clyde....Alabama v Florida State
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| Let the Tide Rolllllll |
52-6 stopped that drama train in its tracks.
This year its FSU jumping into the ring. And FSU is no USC. Let's take a look by key areas:
OL: Bama holds serve.
DL: Noles' first four a notch above. But Bama's depth pays off.
DB: Bama has two of the finest. Noles have four of the finest. Will present a test for a Bama QB with accuracy issues.
RB: Bama's depth is just too much. Four potential 100 yarders. Two to run past you. Two to deliver body blows.
WR: Its a toss-up. The Noles always find tall, fast hands.
K: Noles' royalty vs a pimply freshman. Noles win.
P: Bama--he's a weapon. But if he's in the game often, call Houston, 'cause we got a problem!
QB: Noles by a hair. Hurts has been working hard, but who knows if he's ready. And BTW, learning a new playbook.
Coaches: Saban is still the best, but Jimbo is in his line of sight. Biggest question will be Bama's new OC, Brian Daboll. He's brought the Patriots' playbook--has the Bama O learned it yet? And can Jalen Hurts distribute the rock like Tom Brady?
Intangibles: The Noles are playing for the newly-found pride of the ACC. Will they take chances? And Bama? Well Bama lost a Nattie on the last play of a terrific game.
They'll be coming in hot.
It's a heavyweight fight. I'm picking Bama, 29-25.
THE GREAT EIGHT™ for WEEK ONE
#1 Alabama v #3 Florida State...this is one helluva matchup featuring two premier teams and two of the best head coaches in the business. Both teams have plenty of weapons, and both have large, loud crowds that faithfully follow their teams...just check out downtown Atlanta this afternoon! Bama may not have an over powering offense as in past seasons but qb Jalen Hurts has enough firepower to get the job done. But the big reason why the Tide will be dominant again this season is their smothering defense. And until someone can knock off Saban's crew (okay, Clemson did), Alabama remains our number one pick to show up in the College Football Playoff in December. Take the Tide. Leave the canoli.
#25 Tennessee v Georgia Tech... a victory here gets the winner off to a great start, and no one needs a bigger win than Tennessee's Butch Jones. UT's new AD is keeping Jones dangling without a contract extension which is a risky strategy because if Butch does have a strong season don't be surprised to see him give Rocky Top the orange-colored finger. He didn't hire Jimmy Sexton as his new agent for nothing. Although the Vols have had all summer to prep for the option, they have lost some key defenders in just the last few days including their best linebacker, Darrin Kirkland. Plus the Big Orange will be breaking in a new QB as will GT. If the Bees can execute their triple option and eat the clock, this becomes yet another long miserable night in Atlanta for the Vols. And it will be. Take the Jackets in an UPSET SPECIAL.
Texas A&M v UCLA...Kevin Sumlin is another head coach that needs a win Sunday night to keep the flames from toasting his rear end. The Aggie AD has made it pretty clear that Sumlin's crew need to perform at a much higher level. The Aggies return a bunch of talented guys on defense but will be breaking in a new QB, so lots of questions regarding their offensive punch. Meanwhile the Bruin secondary looks to be a strong point, and we have to give UCLA qb Josh Rosen his props despite going on his 3rd OC in as many years. The kid may hate going to class but he has the tools to make the Aggies miserable in the Rose Bowl. Bet on the Bruins to win big.
#11 Michigan v #17 Florida...if there is a bigger weenie in college football than Jim Harbaugh I don't want to meet him. He's a whiner...but he's also a pretty good coach and great recruiter that will be facing a potentially dangerous Florida team. We say 'potentially' because the body count of suspended Gators is getting higher than a Jim Jones farewell party (google it). The Gator qb, Franks, is going to be under duress all game with an aggressive Wolverine defense so don't be surprised if Florida rotates in its other two quarterbacks hoping to find traction. But it won't work. Michigan gigs the Gators.
BYU v #13 LSU...the Mormons only scored 20 points versus Portland State (who?) and they better get their offensive act together pretty quickly because the Bengal Tigers return a pretty stingy defense that gave up an average of just 15.8 points per game in 2016. And you know that Coach O is going to be hungry to start off 2017 with a bang. Look for LSU to clobber the Cougars.
#22 West Virginia @ #21 Virginia Tech...the guys are playing for the Black Diamond Trophy. Heard of it? Me neither. Anyway, the Hokies have a much improved offensive line, a strong linebacking corps, and an aggressive secondary. BUT they are breaking in a redshirt freshman quarterback. Ouch. This could be a tight game but we see the Mountaineers winning a close one. West Virginia mountain mamma wins this one in an UPSET SPECIAL.
#16 Louisville @ Purdue...we included this game because we wanted another ACC and Big 10 contest to throw into the mix. The Cardinals are a heavy favorite (24 points) and should be, especially with the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Lamar Jackson, under center. It will be a long day for the Boilermakers in Indianapolis. Take the Cards in this one.
Cal @ North Carolina...this is the very first meeting of these two teams despite their long histories. The difference in this game will be the quarterback play, and we think the Tar Heels have the distinct advantage with LSU transfer Brandon Harris taking the helm for UNC, plus he's backed by a pretty stout defense. Take the Tar Heels to bite the Golden Bears.
#1 Alabama v #3 Florida State...this is one helluva matchup featuring two premier teams and two of the best head coaches in the business. Both teams have plenty of weapons, and both have large, loud crowds that faithfully follow their teams...just check out downtown Atlanta this afternoon! Bama may not have an over powering offense as in past seasons but qb Jalen Hurts has enough firepower to get the job done. But the big reason why the Tide will be dominant again this season is their smothering defense. And until someone can knock off Saban's crew (okay, Clemson did), Alabama remains our number one pick to show up in the College Football Playoff in December. Take the Tide. Leave the canoli.
#25 Tennessee v Georgia Tech... a victory here gets the winner off to a great start, and no one needs a bigger win than Tennessee's Butch Jones. UT's new AD is keeping Jones dangling without a contract extension which is a risky strategy because if Butch does have a strong season don't be surprised to see him give Rocky Top the orange-colored finger. He didn't hire Jimmy Sexton as his new agent for nothing. Although the Vols have had all summer to prep for the option, they have lost some key defenders in just the last few days including their best linebacker, Darrin Kirkland. Plus the Big Orange will be breaking in a new QB as will GT. If the Bees can execute their triple option and eat the clock, this becomes yet another long miserable night in Atlanta for the Vols. And it will be. Take the Jackets in an UPSET SPECIAL.
Texas A&M v UCLA...Kevin Sumlin is another head coach that needs a win Sunday night to keep the flames from toasting his rear end. The Aggie AD has made it pretty clear that Sumlin's crew need to perform at a much higher level. The Aggies return a bunch of talented guys on defense but will be breaking in a new QB, so lots of questions regarding their offensive punch. Meanwhile the Bruin secondary looks to be a strong point, and we have to give UCLA qb Josh Rosen his props despite going on his 3rd OC in as many years. The kid may hate going to class but he has the tools to make the Aggies miserable in the Rose Bowl. Bet on the Bruins to win big.
#11 Michigan v #17 Florida...if there is a bigger weenie in college football than Jim Harbaugh I don't want to meet him. He's a whiner...but he's also a pretty good coach and great recruiter that will be facing a potentially dangerous Florida team. We say 'potentially' because the body count of suspended Gators is getting higher than a Jim Jones farewell party (google it). The Gator qb, Franks, is going to be under duress all game with an aggressive Wolverine defense so don't be surprised if Florida rotates in its other two quarterbacks hoping to find traction. But it won't work. Michigan gigs the Gators.
BYU v #13 LSU...the Mormons only scored 20 points versus Portland State (who?) and they better get their offensive act together pretty quickly because the Bengal Tigers return a pretty stingy defense that gave up an average of just 15.8 points per game in 2016. And you know that Coach O is going to be hungry to start off 2017 with a bang. Look for LSU to clobber the Cougars.
#22 West Virginia @ #21 Virginia Tech...the guys are playing for the Black Diamond Trophy. Heard of it? Me neither. Anyway, the Hokies have a much improved offensive line, a strong linebacking corps, and an aggressive secondary. BUT they are breaking in a redshirt freshman quarterback. Ouch. This could be a tight game but we see the Mountaineers winning a close one. West Virginia mountain mamma wins this one in an UPSET SPECIAL.
#16 Louisville @ Purdue...we included this game because we wanted another ACC and Big 10 contest to throw into the mix. The Cardinals are a heavy favorite (24 points) and should be, especially with the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Lamar Jackson, under center. It will be a long day for the Boilermakers in Indianapolis. Take the Cards in this one.
Cal @ North Carolina...this is the very first meeting of these two teams despite their long histories. The difference in this game will be the quarterback play, and we think the Tar Heels have the distinct advantage with LSU transfer Brandon Harris taking the helm for UNC, plus he's backed by a pretty stout defense. Take the Tar Heels to bite the Golden Bears.
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