GO FOURTH AND WIN.

Wow!  We had an awesome Week Three, going 7-1 for the weekend.

That translates into a nice pile of cash, which we’ll gladly re-invest on this week’s picks.

So now we’re sporting an overall winning pick percentage of 71%. Which is exactly where we want to be, especially as we make the turn into the thick of conference schedules and key marquee matches. 

So go fourth in Week Four and Make Mo' Money.™

WEEKEND REWIND

We be winning

• Willie Taggart of FSU finds himself on the hot seat as his Noles are 1-2 and not showing any signs of improvement. Folks in Tally Town are not use to losing.

• Alabama’s Tua Tagovailao continues to show why he is the best quarterback in America. He threw for 444 yards and 5 TDs to lead the Tide over South Carolina. Nick Saban is now 12-1 in SEC season openers at Alabama.

• Shout out to Georgia fans for wearing pink last Saturday to honor Arkansas State’s head coach Blake Anderson who just lost his wife to cancer a few weeks ago. Classy act by the Red & Black.

• 27 point favorite Georgia Tech lost to Citadel at home. And you thought Tennessee losing to Georgia State was bad. Jackets are going to have a long long season as they transition from the triple option. But the Citadel?

Opening later this year, the Official Beer Garden of Woolard's Weekend Winners. Stay tuned for updates and get your thirst ready. Special discount for fans of losing teams. Mention WWW.

THE GREAT EIGHT™ FOR WEEK FOUR

Dear Diary...another loss to Florida

TENNESSEE @ #9 FLORIDA…the Vols could right the ship if they could walk out of the Swamp with a W over the Gators. In order for that to happen they need to control the tempo and move the chains. Florida’s Kyle Trask will be under center and will face a decent UT secondary. Florida has won 13 of the last 14 in this series and hasn’t lost to the Vols in Gainesville since 2003. The Vols need to hang for 4 quarters in order to win. But, sadly for Big Orange fans, that will not happen. In a close game, Gators chomp the Vols in the Swamp.

#11 MICHIGAN @ #13 WISCONSIN…this is a great early season matchup of two Big Ten heavyweights and should not disappoint. While the Badgers are playing more as a complete team, rb Jonathan Taylor loves running against the Wolverine defense. As a frosh, Taylor ran for 132 yards and last season posted 101 yards. The key will be his ability to keep running, and score some TDs in the process. It’s going to be a grind but Wisconsin’s defense will be the factor that wins in Madison. Badgers bite the Wolverines.

MICHIGAN STATE  @ NORTHWESTERN…the Sparty defense has been awesome against the run, allowing only 23 rushing yards per game. Which means the Wildcats will rely on qb Hunter Johnson to get things moving. One huge problem though…he’s only completing 46% of his passes, has thrown for only one TD, and has thrown 3 picks. This ain’t the game where he will get better. Northwestern has won the last 3 games against MSU but will not make it four on Saturday. Take Sparty over the ‘Cats.

Bring on Bama

#8 AUBURN @ #17 TEXAS A&M…if you like a ground game then you don’t want to miss this 3:30 pm tango. The Auburn o-line has pounded away for 845 rushing yards and close to 6 yards per carry, and has only allowed 3 sack so far. Add to that the play of the defensive front - - just 3 yards per carry – and you have a formula for an Auburn win. But the Aggies will have a say in this, especially after limiting Clemson to 121 rush yards. In a low scoring game, Aubbie eeks out a win in College Station.

#16 OREGON @ STANFORD…the Ducks loss to Auburn really overshadows the success of their qb, Justin Herbert. He’s completed 73% of his passes, 868 passing yards with 11 touchdowns, and zero picks. The Oregon offense is working….Stanford’s not too much. The Cardinanl run game is flat and the passing game has yet to materialize. Although Stanford has won the last three straight in the series, we think the Duck will be quaking in joy Saturday night. Fly with the Ducks.

OKLAHOMA STATE @ #12 TEXAS…both teams have offenses that will make this a whacky shoot out and show, once again, that the Big 12 schools are not great at pass defense. Given the big game experience that Texas has from the LSU game, we think the Longhorns will have the edge. Run with the ‘Horns in Austin.

Is my breath offensive?

#7 NOTRE DAME @ #3 GEORGIA…if you can only watch one game on Saturday, this is it. UGA hasn’t faced any killers yet and has not seen an offensive line like Notre Dame’s, but it will ramp up the pressure. The defense logged 24 total sacks in 2018 and it already has 12 so far this season with big plays coming from the linebackers. Add to that the flawless play of qb Jake Fromm and the Red & Black will be partying in the Classic City. Dawgs bark at midnight.

LOUISVILLE @ FLORIDA STATE…if there is a coach who really needs a win, it’s FSU’s Willie Taggart. And we think he gets one on Saturday. The Nole defense has plenty of talent but needs to step up on scoring defense - -  dead last in scoring defense in the ACC, and the worst in America in first downs allowed. If the d can step up, the offense should be able to muster enough with Cam Akers running and James Blackman hitting on key long passes…enough to keep the chains moving and a huge Seminole win. FSU in a close one.

MAKE MO’ MONEY with MARK™

THIRD WEEK’S A CHARM.

 

Wow! Last weekend was pretty pretty pretty exciting. And rewarding!

We hit on three of four UPSET SPECIALS, which translates to some serious change if you called your sports book in time.

Overall we went 4-4, and are 63% for the season. Not too shabby, especially when you factor in multipliers for the upset specials. Cha ching, baby.

• Alabama clobbered New Mexico State but failed to cover their 55.5 point spread. Cha ching!

• Same thing with Clemson. They won but did not cover. Cha ching!

• BYU used the power of prayer in their overtime win in Knoxville. Cha ching!!

• Colorado Buffs stormed back to beat the Cornhuskers and the Big Red Nation that flooded into Boulder. Cha ching!

WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

Vol head coach Jeremy Pruitt endures another week of hate speech as foolish fans call for his head. He’s two games into his second season and you want to boot him? Seriously? He inherited a ton of untalented ingrates from Butch Jones and you already want to kick him to the curb? Check back in two years, please. Hopefully Tennessee rights the ship soon as they head into a buzz saw of a schedule featuring Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

Our Top 12 College Mascots. Whose your Favorite?

Mascots add a lot of fun, color and craziness to college football.  It all began in 1898 with Yale’s Handsome Dan, a bulldog that brought a lot of bite and charm to east coast football. Since then, every college has added it’s own mascot from animals, insects and reptiles to people, trees and colors.

As with anything associated with the sport, we felt compelled to produce our own ranking of America’s favorite mascots.

WWW’s Top 12 Mascots…Who made the list?

Bevo from Texas…badass longhorn that almost ate UGA last season.  Too bad it didn’t happen.

Ralphie from Colorado…another four hoofed badass with horns. Ate some Huskers last week.

Notre Dame’s Leprechaun…a little creepy but at least he’s not a priest.

Sparty…Michigan State’s guy that you don't want to meet in a dark alley. Sports very cool head gear.

UGA….no mascot drools more then this little mutt. He seriously needs a bib.

Traveler….Southern Cal’s white steed. Very LA.

Mike the Tiger…do NOT go near his cage, especially if you’ve been drinking all day in the Red Stick.

Chief Osceola…pride of the Seminole casinos.

Smokey the Blue Tick Hound…regal on Rocky Top. Sets a high bar for canine mascots.

The Duck…from Oregon…flies while high.

Bucky the Badger…this dude knows how to party down in Madison...brats, beer, and babes.

Sooner Schooner…reminds me so much Ralston Purina’s dog chow commercial from 1972 (google it).

What’s your favorite mascot?  Let us know. We promise not to laugh.

Opening later this year, the Official Beer Garden of Woolard's Weekend Winners. Stay tuned for updates and get your thirst ready. The place for Winners like you to mingle and mix.

THE GREAT EIGHT™ FOR WEEK THREE

We’re a week away from hitting some key marquee games but we still have an intriguing line up that promises to make us some serious cash. So let’s take a quick look.

#11 FLORIDA @ KENTUCKY…this game appeared earlier to be a pretty good matchup. But then Wildcat qb Terry Wilson injured his knee. So tomorrow a backup transfer from Troy, Sawyer Smith, gets his chance against the Gator D. Ain’t going to be pretty. And along comes Feleipe Franks and the Gator offense. It will click but it will be the Florida defense that makes the difference in this game, especially with a strong pass rush. This will be a close game but the Gators will growl in Lexington.

#2 ALABAMA @ SOUTH CAROLINA…here comes the Tide so buckle up Cock fans. Bama will roll in this one but it may be closer than expected. South Carolina has just enough talent to give Bama a fight. They have athletes and SEC skill but they lack depth to keep up the pace. Saban has the Tide revved up. QB Tua looks stronger, his receivers are doing a better job of taking short passes a long way, and the running game is poised to take off. The last time these two teams met was in 2010 and the Cocks pulled off a 35-21 win. Can it happen again? Not tomorrow. Take the Tide, leave the canoli.

#15 PENN STATE  @ PITT…the key to this game is if the Panthers can keep the chains moving and keep the Penn State offense off the field. Sadly – for Pitt fans – that won’t happen. Nittany Lion qb Sean Clifford has been great from the start, even overcoming lackluster output by his running backs. The line of 16.5 is tempting but we won’t bite.  Penn State over Pitt.

SOUTHERN CAL @ BYU…the Trojans are looking mighty strong after their shocking performance against Stanford. QB Kedon Slovis was deadly accurate, completing 28 of 33 passes for 377 yards. The USC run defense locked up the Cardinal ground game, yielding only 98 rushing yards. BYU got lucky against an inept Tennessee team but this week is going to be a lot different. This is only the third time these two have played…USC won both games in 2003 and 2004. Tomorrow they make it three. Trojans pound the Mormons.

FLORIDA STATE @ VIRGINIA…when was the last time the Cavs were favored over the Noles? It’s been a long long time. Let’s be honest. FSU is a hot mess right now. The defense can’t stop third downs, the secondary is getting lit up like a Christmas tree, and they look really out of shape. It’s going to be in the high 80’s in Charlottesville so the Noles better hydrate because Virginia is going to wear them out in dominating time of possession. UVA wins.

#20 IOWA @ #25 IOWA STATE…these two teams will battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy and a ton of in-state pride. Iowa is a one point favorite but you can throw that out the window. The key will be the Hawkeyes ability – or lack thereof – to put pressure on the Cyclone’s qb. They’ve been effective against the run; not so much with pass pressure. Like 6 of the last 8 matches, this will be another close fist fight for four quarters. Iowa State will hang around, but in the end, Iowa wins with a strong effort from qb Nate Stanley. Hawkeyes fly in this one.

#4 OKLAHOMA @ UCLA…poor Chip Kelly. His offense ranks 126^th in the nation in total offense. They can’t move the chains, there’s no running game, and the team is dead last in time of possession. Ouch. Meanwhile Sooner qb Jalen Hurts leads an offense that can score from anywhere on the field at any time. They lead the nation averaging 710 yards per game. Okay…it was against Houston and South Dakota, but still!  The Sooners will hit a few speed bumps with the Bruins but will blow this game open in the second half. Put your money on the Sooners and get ready to sing….Oklahoma where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain….

NORTH CAROLINA @ WAKE FOREST…this is a Friday night game with a 6pm kick so don’t sit on your thumbs too long. Dial up your sports book because this game has a lot of promise as Mack Brown continues his comeback tour with the Heels. QB Sam Howell has shown a lot of potential with his arm and big veteran receivers. But the real story for tonight is Wake’s qb Jamie Newman. He’s a playmaker and he’ll pick the Tar Heel secondary clean. In a tight game, Demon Deacons pull off a thriller.

MAKE MO’ MONEY™ with MARK

I’M READY FOR WEEK TWO. ARE YOU?

We started off the 2019 season with a bang, going 6-2 with our picks. 

That’s a 75% hit rate which translates into some serious change. The two games we missed out on were decided by an average difference of 4.5 points. 

Close but no cigar, but that’s football. This ain’t horseshoes. Most importantly, we MADE MO’ MONEY.

WEEKEND REWIND

So, what did we learn last weekend?

Some teams were ready to play and make a statement (see Alabama). Other teams embarrassed themselves by failing to show up (see Tennessee).

Oklahoma got a helluva quarterback in Alabama transfer, Jalen Hurts. He went 20 of 23 for 332 yards, 3 TDs plus 3 more rushing TDs with 176 yards on the ground in the Sooners big win over Houston. Does Saban miss him yet? Time will tell. And interesting to see Jalen top Tua in early Heisman polling FWIW.

Clemson hasn’t missed a beat but it was a newly packaged Georgia Tech the Tigers whipped, 52-14. So don’t get too crazy.

Notre Dame looked really strong in their 35-17 win over Louisville. But the Cardinals showed a lotta spunk. They’ll make some noise this season for sure.

FROM THE MAILROOM

BIG RED BUGEATER: “so turns out Tennessee IS an embarrassment. Told you so, butthead.” (WWW: let’s revisit this later, okay?)

MACKDADDY: “so glad WWW is back this season and hitting on picks. I need the cash since my divorce.”  (WWW: anything we can do to help a bro)

HARVARD YARD: “I’m giving up on you including an Ivy League game.”  (WWW: patience, my dear.  It’s coming}

‘CUSE ME PLEASE: “are you ever going to feature Syracuse? We play football, too.” (WWW: what conference are you in again?)

Opening later this year, the Official Beer Garden of Woolard's Weekend Winners. Stay tuned for updates and get your thirst ready. The place for Winners like you to mingle and mix.

THE GREAT EIGHT™ FOR WEEK TWO

#12 TEXAS A&M @ #1 CLEMSON…this game will feature a pretty potent Aggie ground game that will go against a brand new, rebuilt Clemson front four. Add to that Jimbo’s stud receivers that can score quick and often.  Tigers may win but NOT cover (17.5). Put your dollars on the Aggies.

#6 LSU @ #9 TEXAS…qb Joe Burrow set a LSU school record with 5 passing TDs as the Tigers up ended Georgia Southern, 55-3 But Longhorn qb Sam Ehlinger looked equally good with 4 TDs in their win over Louisiana Tech. The Bengal Tigers best be ready as they roll into Austin as Texas HC Tom Herman is 8-2-1 as an underdog. In an UPSET SPECIAL, Longhorns upset the Cajun Crazies.

BYU @ TENNESSEE…to say this is a “must win” for Pruitt’s Vols is an understatement. Given the heat that radiated from Rocky Top after their embarrassing loss to Sunbelt Georgia State, Tennessee needs to come out and redeem themselves quickly. In another UPSET SPECIAL, put your money on the Mormons. BYU over UT.

MIAMI @ NORTH CAROLINA…Miami looked confused in their season opener versus Florida. Meanwhile there is a lot of enthusiasm in Chapel Hill after the Tar Heels beat rival South Carolina. But qbs will struggles in their conference opener so defense will be the name of the game. Go with the Canes over the Tar Heels in a close one.

#23 STANFORD @ SOUTHERN CAL…the Trojans have lost their starting qb, JT Daniels, for the season. But the Stanford qb is questionable after getting his bell rung last Saturday against Northwestern. In the end, it’s going to be the Stanford defense that wins this game. In an UPSET SPECIAL, take Stanford over USC.

CAL @ WASHINGTON…if you like defense, this game might be for you. The Bear defense might have one of the very best front seven in the country against the run and they’ll bring a lot of pressure on Huskie qb Jacob Easom. The ex-UGA qb will start slow but put enough points on the board to grab a win. Huskies bite the Bears.

NEW MEXICO STATE @ #2 ALABAMA…whether or not Bama covers the 55.5 point spread depends on what mood Nick Saban is in. Given the Tide plays an SEC opponent next weekend, we think Saban will let up on the gas and put the Tide in cruise control earlier than normal. That spread is just too tasty to ignore. Tide will win but not cover. Take New Mexico State and the points. Cha ching.

NEBRASKA @ COLORADO…the Huskers will be banking on qb Adrian Martinez to continue to improve. He was the first true freshman ever to start a season-openeer for Nebraska. But don’t look past the Buff’s offense which features qb Steven Montez and soph running back, Alex Fontenot. He’s a beast. In a tight game…and another UPSET SPECIAL, the Buffs shuck the Huskers.

MAKE MO’ MONEY™ with MARK

WE’RE BACK! FOR OUR EIGHTH SEASON

Last January we contemplated the thought of turning WWW over to another party but after hearing from several long time subscribers we decided we couldn’t walk away. And we definitely didn’t want to leave after having a sub-season with our picks (we went 59% which was far below our norms). So, we’re back and hungry to Make Mo’ Money™ in 2019. Hopefully you are too.

OPENING WEEKEND THOUGHTS

Since this is really the first full football weekend of 2019, we’ve brought back some of our home boys with their thoughts on what lies ahead for their respective teams. And, based on your input, we hope to include more insight each week from our reps around the country. We're always looking for more peeps that are passionate about college football so drop us line and we'll go from there. The pay is great and the perks even greater.

WHO'S THIRSTY? NEW WWW SPONSOR

Please join me in welcoming RED'S BEER GARDEN as the official beer garden of Woolard's Weekend Winners. RBG, which will be opening later this year near Grant Park, is owned and operated by Red and Ed, two long time pals that decided to share their love of great beer. It's going to be a great place to hang out and talk college football and more. RBG is located at 1328 Boulevard, Atlanta. Learn more at http://www.redsbeergarden.com

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOREVER

For the first time since 2006, every SEC football team has returned its head coach. Quite remarkable considering that the SEC is the most scrutinized conference in America, and where each coach takes his turn on the proverbial hot seat. Between 2012 and 2017, the SEC averaged two new coaches every season. Prior to the start of the 2018 season, five teams hired new leaders and Ole Miss removed the "interim" tag from its coach. So...who will be the first to get fired this season? Our money is on Gus Malzahn. The expectations for the Plainsmen are high. So anything less than a stellar season, ole Gus gets drop-kicked to the curb. Watching, of course, are top high school athletes being recruited by these same schools. Buyer beware.

Program in Lincoln is a Real Laugher

He's gone. Get over it.

So a few weeks ago on a popular social media platform a certain Husker fan threw shade on the Tennessee football program. Believe he said the UT program was a complete embarrassment. Yeah, we noticed, pal. Didn’t delete it fast enough, did you? While Tennessee has certainly had its issues – and we’ve been its harshest critics at times -  we thought this was pretty rich given Nebraska’s own embarrassing history of late. What school fires their head coach after going 66-27 and has a long string of 9 win seasons?  And Bo followed the disasters of Frank Solich and Bill Callahan. Then NU replaces him with buffoon Riley that loses 12 of his last 18 games including some real bad ass blowouts. For the future, don’t get us wrong. We all want the proud Nebraska program to return to its glory days. But first you need to accept the fact that Tom Osborne is no longer around. Can Frost bring Big Red back from the dead? Time will tell and 2019 looks promising. Meanwhile we suggest you take a good look at your own program before dumping on others. Capiche?

TAILGATE TALES

Friends don't serve this to friends

If you’re thinking about loading up this weekend’s tailgate fare with the new Popeye’s fried chicken sandwich, fuhgettaboutit. Number one, they’ve run out of chicken (how can a chicken joint run out of damn chicken? It’s probably a whole lotta marketing schtick). Number two, this sandwich is bad news with a zillion calories, fat grams, artery-clogging grease, and thick-thigh-inducing and belly fat carbs. So, be a good tailgater and offer your buds some healthier options. Like brats, quiche, grilled veggies, and some crisp chardonnay. It’s time to up your game so get to it. We'll be watching.

On that note, please send us pics of your tailgating experiences. That's half the fun of going to games. In Wisconsin, it's like 90%.

THOUGHTS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY...our team reps chime in

Whatta Ya Have

INTO THE GREAT UNKNOWN...Whatta Ya Have

Paul Johnson had manned the helm of the Georgia Tech program for 11 years, imprinting his demeanor and style of play into the Tech's football DNA. With his retirement last year, we're now faced with new staff, new schemes, and new philosophies. 

Geoff Collins will certainly be granted a honeymoon year thanks to the complete overhaul he faces in this program. While he's brought excitement and enthusiasm back to the Flats - mostly in part due to his energy around recruiting - there's still a ton that remains to be seen from how the team will perform.

Given all of the transition in the program, it's no wonder that Tech is predicted to be a bottom-dweller in the ACC. For this team to eek out 4-5 wins (including three against South Florida, Citadel and Temple) would be a success. We'll know alot more after Thursday, when we get to see just how much fight they have against defending National Champions Clemson - against whom GT is a 37-pt underdog. [note: Jackets were clobbered last night]

This won't be the year, Tech. Expect Collins to evaluate the talent he has on campus, establish his gridiron identity, and work to position the program for a brutal schedule in 2020 and potential bowl aspirations in 2021. 

RED STICK ROUND UP...Bayou Bengal

Bayou Bengal

A few seasons ago, LSU's head coach Ed Orgeron used his angelic voice to state: "We comin'. And we ain't backin' down," which feels like an appropriate mantra for the Tigers this season. The Bayou Bengals have as much talent across the board this season as they've had at any point since they stomped the UGA Bulldogs in the SEC Championship back in 2011, being stocked with upper classmen who've been there before, and stud freshmen trying to make their mark early. The offense will be led once again by Joey Burrow, who will take his love of Green Apple blow pops and willingness to run through proverbial brick walls to the field for his second season in the Red Stick. The team's question marks primarily revolve around the trenches: will the offensive line survive preseason injuries to keep their QB upright? Will the defensive line take a turn for the better, after losing their top pass-rusher (K'Lavon Chaisson) in the first quarter of the season last year and underachieving the rest of the way? Injuries to the Tide may make this a "Playoffs or Bust" season for LSU, but if all goes well, we'll hear Coach O use a voice that sounds like gravel being gargled by an alligator to yell "GEAUX TIGAHS" all the way to an SEC championship. 

TIDE ROLLING AGAIN...Kenny Clyde

This will be another challenging season for the Crimson Tide.

Kenny Clyde

It will be a year of proven excellence...

• Best wide receiver corps in America

• Top 5 QB

• Experienced defensive backfield

.... and minimizing rookie mistakes with redshirt and true freshmen at key O and D line positions, linebacker, running back, and kicker.

Can Najee Harris continue the streak of 1,000 yard rushers that preceded him?  Can Brian Robinson step up to be the #2 back?  Can true freshman Trey Sanders live up to his recruiting hype?

The linebacker corps has been decimated by practice injuries.  The latest, Dylan Moses, is particularly crippling, as Dylan was the play-caller for the D.

With last year's QB "controversy" now gone to Oklahoma, the next questions are can Tua stay healthy?  And who's next-Mac Jones is listed as the #2 QB, but the next gen will see playing time with the 5 game redshirt rule.  Will it be Tua's little brother Taulia?  Or Bear Bryant's great-grandson Paul Tyson.  Each are highly touted with very successful high school careers.

The defensive line has to replace Quinnen Williams and Isaiah Buggs in the middle.  All eyes are on Senior LaBryan Ray to step up this year, and for Antonio Alfano to contribute immediately as the #7 overall prospect in the 2019 class.

Last but certainly not least, how do you replace 3 year starter at center Ross Pierschbacher and #1 pick LT Jonah Williams?  Other than Alex Leatherwood (moving from guard to LT), Deonte Brown at LG, and Matt Womac at RG, the O-line will feature new names and some wide-eyed freshmen. Look for Emil Ekiyor to mature quickly.

For Nick to once again finish in the Final Four, he and his coaches will have done a superb role coaching up the youngsters.

Lair of the Bear

The Gutty Little Bruins battle the Cincinnati Bearcats in venerable Nippert Stadium....Lair of the Bear

The 2018 season couldn't have gone much worse for UCLA, which went 3-9. (You can see my gameface last season in the photo.)  New coach Chip Kelly, known for his offensive powerhouse teams at Oregon couldn't get things clicking in L.A., as the offense averaged only 24.6 points while the defense surrendered 36.6.

But the gutty little Bruins return 19 out of a possible 22 starters. 

On offense, that includes running back Joshua Kelley, who rushed for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns, and quarterback, two-way threat and Chip Kelly key recruit last year, Dorian Thompson-Robinson who started six games as a true freshman.

The offensive line gave up 32 sacks last season. The positive, everyone comes back and that allows line coach Justin Fyre to coach up the same unit. So, if star recruit Sean Rhyan is everything he’s supposed to be at left tackle (he chose UCLA over Alabama and Notre Dame) and the rest of the line grows around him, it should be difficult for the Bearcats to make the Bruins one-dimensional.

On defense, six of the top seven tacklers return. The defensive line has to be better in defensive coordinator Jerry Azzinaro’s 3-4 scheme. One positive are two 300-pounders to rotate at nose tackle in Martin Andurs and Antonio Mafi. Those space-eaters are going to have to keep their linebackers clean because Cincinnati is coming to run the football — a lot. And one linebacker in particular, is hungry for Bearcat - inside linebacker Josh Woods has returned from injury, where he was sorely missed throughout 2018.

The Cincinnati Bearcats return seven starters on each side of the ball and welcome the Bruins to Nippert Stadium, where they've won 17 straight home openers by an average of 33 points. The Bearcats rushed for 3,113 yards and 38 touchdowns last season. Junior Michael Warren II, Cincy’s top rusher last season with over 1,329 yards and 19 touchdowns, returns. So do a pair of sophomores, who were the second- and third-highest rushers for the Bearcats in ‘18, one of which had 500 yards on the ground, the other, 495. That’s a formidable attack.

I’m afraid the Bearcats running attack will be too much for the gutty little Bruins. [note: Bearcats mauled the Bruins 24-14 last night]

THE GREAT EIGHT™

Your envelope of cash was this big.

DUKE v #2 ALABAMA…Duke is a good, solid team that will probably end up with at least 6 wins and a bowl bid. But it’s about to feel a whole lotta pain and torment from a program that’s been smoldering the last 7 months after getting embarrassed by Clemson 44-16 in the NC game in Santa Clara. The last time Bama played Duke was in 2010 with a 62-13 Tide win. Expect more of the same Saturday afternoon in Atlanta. Tide rolls.

NORTHWESTERN v #25 STANFORD…this game features two teams looking to be a part of the Rose Bowl chase and it should be a good one. The Cardinal needs major improvement in their secondary which allowed 264 yards per game last season as they face Clemson transfer Hunter Johnson at NU quarterback. The key to this game is if the Wildcat defense can get pressure on Stanford and shakeup their passing game. But it won’t be enough. Stanford skins the Wildcats.

BOISE STATE v FLORIDA STATE…this game was going to be played in Jacksonville but the threat of Hurricane Dorian has forced relocation to Tallahassee where a big storm is brewing at Doak Campbell Stadium. The Broncos are a dangerous team with a strong staff, great depth, and a fearless attitude. The Seminole defense will be fine (16 of top 20 tacklers return) but the offense needs to get on track super fast in what should be a tough, close game.  FSU busts the Broncos.

See. That's a bird.

NORTH CAROLINA v SOUTH CAROLINA…Mack is back at UNC and is hoping to jump start a Tar Heel program that’s lost its way. They really need to start strong because bad news lies ahead with games against Miami and Clemson. And things aren’t easier for the Gamecocks who embark on one of college football’s nastiest schedules. So this appears to be a must win for Muschamp. This should be a good game to watch…for a half. Cocks cook the Heels.

#9 NOTRE DAME v LOUISVILLE…set for Monday, this is only the second time these two teams face each other despite being separated by only 250 miles of corn stalks in Indiana. Bobby Petrino is gone and the Cardinals are hoping for better times with new coach Scott Satterfield. But it’s not gonna happen fast. Notre Dame has too many weapons and an explosive offense to go with an aggressive defense. Break out the Lucky Charms and the Irish Spring soap. Fun times in the Irish locker room after the Irish clip the Cards.

What? Me worry?

#11 OREGON v #16 AUBURN…both teams head to Texas in a rematch of the 2010 BCS Championship. But things are far different now. Both teams have been good but this is a chance to get back to the top tier. And the Pac-12 really needs a win since there’s the lingering perception that Pac-12 teams can’t win big non-conference games. And, as usual, the pressure will be on Gus Malzahn to win. Key to this game is the aggressive play of Auburn’s defense which arguably has one of the best defensive fronts in the country. Aubbie wins in a close one.

You like my haircut?

#3 GEORGIA v VANDERBILT…the Commodores have tripped up the Dawgs before, as recently as 2016 and 2013. But this is a different UGA team that brings in one of the best offensive lines in the nation that will punch holes in the Vandy defense to open up running lanes for the Georgia running backs. Oh…and Georgia has a pretty good quarterback, too. Dawgs bite the Dores in the Music City.

HOUSTON v #4 OKLAHOMA…this is a Sunday night game in Norman. Good thing there’s no trump rallies planned that evening as Sooner fans are more than anxious to start the season. Bama transfer Jalen Hurts will lead the Sooner offense and a deep stable of rbs against a dangerous Cougar team. But Oklahoma needs to step up its defense, especially the secondary which allowed 454 yards per game and seemed feeble in trying to slow down anyone’s air attack…and that’s not lost on Houston head coach Dana Holgorsen. This promises to be the most entertaining game of the opening weekend, so get ready. In a close, high scoring game, Sooners over the Cougars.

MAKE MO'MONEY WITH MARK™