Week 1 continues here at The Nitty Griddy, where we pay for our tattoos and cars. We're going down south and out east today. Onto the picks!
ACC:
MIAMI -5.5 @ Maryland: Al Golden’s first season at the U wasn’t supposed to start like this, but is he really surprised? 8 players have been suspended by the NCAA for their Labor Day tilt against the Terps for their involvement with Nevin Shapiro, but things could have been much worse. Miami has time to prepare for the game now knowing who will be eligible. Senior QB Jacory Harris is out, but Sophomore QB Stephen Morris is ready to step in. Morris led the Canes over the Terps last season. The Canes will miss Vernon and Spence on the defensive side of the ball no question. Maryland is coming off a 9-4 season and a bowl victory, but has a new Head Coach in Randy Edsall. Sophomore QB Danny O’Brien started 10 games as a true freshman and proved to be an effective pocket passer. There are huge questions for the Terps on the defensive side of the ball, and Miami will take advantage of that. Expect the Canes to cover here.
BOSTON COLLEGE -3 vs. Northwestern: Coach Frank Spaziani comes into his 3rd season atop Chestnut Hill focused on improving his offense from a season ago. A new OC along with Senior tailback Montel Harris should help, but the offensive line has to protect Sophomore QB Chase Rettig. The Eagles ranked last in the conference in scoring last year, which put a strain on the defense. Northwestern comes in with Coach Pat Fitzgerald wanting all eyes on Evanston and his Senior QB Dan Persa. Sophomore RB Mike Trumpy is a threat but expect the Wildcats to throw the ball around. Northwestern has one of the most experienced defenses in the Big Ten. This is shaping up to be a pick ‘em game, but we like Persa and the ‘Cats with the points.
SEC
The two biggest games in the SEC, LSU-Oregon and Boise St.-Georgia, were broken down earlier this week here. Go look if you need them, and enjoy the crumbs.
Auburn -21 vs. Utah St. : Auburn defends its national title as a much less experienced team than the 2010 edition, but the Tigers are still talented. RBs Onterio McCalebb and Michael Dyer, MVP of the title game, lead a young but athletic offense against a tough Utah St. defense, led by Senior Bobby Wagner. There is no way the Aggies offense will keep up, as it still is not clear who will start at QB with just days before the game. The Tigers cover.
BYU -3 at Ole Miss: BYU lines up versatile RB JJ Di Luigi behind QB Jake Heaps and C Terence Brown in one of the more dangerous offenses west of... Well, you know where. Ole Miss is a wreck right now, and DE Kentrell Lockett has zero help up front and could be the bright spot on a horrid-looking defense. Rebs QB Randall Mackey is accurate, but you have to have someone to throw to for that to count. Look for BYU to cover.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Week 1- Previews and lines for the big games in the Big 12, Pac 12, MWAC, WAC, and Independents
Hey everybody, welcome back to The Nitty Griddy, where we're conducting an investigation into Nevin Shapiro's affiliation with this blog. Everyone should be eligible for week 1.
Onto the picks!
BIG 12
TCU-6 at Baylor: TCU curb-stomped the Bears in last year's season opener, running out to a 35-3 lead. Without Andy Dalton, don't look for quite as much of a throttling, but sophomore Casey Pachall is backed up by a potent rushing attack with junior RB Ed Wesley. Baylor is inexperienced in the second and third levels of the defense and could be exposed. Junior QB Robert Griffin defines fast and could keep this close in the first half with his legs, but your money's safe on the Frogs.
Texas A&M -15.5 vs. SMU: One wants into the Big 12, one wants out. Look for A&M to come out gunning with senior QB Ryan Tannehill and his experienced WR duo of Ryan Swope and Jeff Fuller. The Pony Express comes back with 3-year starter QB Kyle Padron holding the reigns on a top-notch, vintage June Jones offense. SMU's D allowed just 145 ypg in 2010 and returns one of the CUSA's best D-lines. Look for the 'Stangs to keep this one closer than Vegas is letting on.
PAC12
ORE-1 at LSU (Arlington): LSU QB Jordan Jefferson, you may have heard, kicks people in the face at a bar called 'Shady's.' That's why experienced sideline-jockey Jarrett Lee gets the nod in the best matchup of the week. Lee gets a minor break with Oregon all-world CB Cliff Harris suspended for this game, but that won't count for much. Look for the Ducks' speedy duo of QB Darron Thomas and RB LaMichael James to keep LSU's new secondary on its heels and vulnerable to a deep bomb. Fear the Duck.
Houston -3 vs. UCLA: The Bruins handed Cougars QB Case Keenum a season-ending injury in 2010. Look for him to exact revenge this year, as six-year QBs are rare in college and he is the most experienced signal-caller in the sport. UCLA returns an experienced lineup, but under Neuheisel are 4-11 as road dogs. H-Town covers, comfortably.
MWAC
Boise St. -3.5 at Georgia (Atlanta): This is quietly the next-best matchup of the weekend after Oregon-LSU. QB Kellen Moore leads the Broncos, who don't lose their openers (2009 W vs. Oregon, 2010 W vs. Virginia Tech) into the game with a slightly new-look offens after the departures of WRs Austin Pettis and Titus Young. It may make for a slightly disjointed attack, but nobody can blow a big game like the Bulldogs, so I wouldn't worry too much. Georgia QB Aaron Murray had a big time freshman season but will probably regress this year, certainly right out of the gate, with a (mostly) brand-new offense. It won't be enough to keep a good Georgia D, led by LB Justin Houston, off the field. BSU notches another win ahead of a mostly obscure regular season schedule.
WAC
Fresno +9.5 at Cal (San Francisco): The Bears come in with QB Zach Maynard, a Buffalo transfer and relatively unproven commodity pushing Jeff Tedford's offense. Tedford, who is on the hot seat this year, hasn't been settled at the QB position since Aaron Rogers left, but Maynard looks to have a solid group of contributors at the skill positions. The Bulldogs return stud DT Logan Harrell and a solid front seven, which should make for interesting football if they can keep the Bears from airing it out. Still, Cal should outpace FSU's young offense comfortably in the first regular season game at the San Francisco Giants' AT&T park.
Notre Dame -10 vs. U.S.F: As always, the Irish are trotting out some legit firepower on offense, in WR Michael "drinky" Floyd and Sophomore RB Cierre Wood. Both should stabilize Qb Dayne Crist, who has big-time ability but can play a little inconsistently. This year, though, the Irish O is backed by its D, led by Junior LB Manti Te'O, who has a nose for the ball and a young but talented group meshing around him. The Bulls are on the young side, and while they have a strong defense led by DE Julius Forte, it's going to be tough for Junior QB B.J. Daniels to keep up with the Irish attack.
Until tomorrow.
Onto the picks!
BIG 12
TCU-6 at Baylor: TCU curb-stomped the Bears in last year's season opener, running out to a 35-3 lead. Without Andy Dalton, don't look for quite as much of a throttling, but sophomore Casey Pachall is backed up by a potent rushing attack with junior RB Ed Wesley. Baylor is inexperienced in the second and third levels of the defense and could be exposed. Junior QB Robert Griffin defines fast and could keep this close in the first half with his legs, but your money's safe on the Frogs.
Texas A&M -15.5 vs. SMU: One wants into the Big 12, one wants out. Look for A&M to come out gunning with senior QB Ryan Tannehill and his experienced WR duo of Ryan Swope and Jeff Fuller. The Pony Express comes back with 3-year starter QB Kyle Padron holding the reigns on a top-notch, vintage June Jones offense. SMU's D allowed just 145 ypg in 2010 and returns one of the CUSA's best D-lines. Look for the 'Stangs to keep this one closer than Vegas is letting on.
PAC12
ORE-1 at LSU (Arlington): LSU QB Jordan Jefferson, you may have heard, kicks people in the face at a bar called 'Shady's.' That's why experienced sideline-jockey Jarrett Lee gets the nod in the best matchup of the week. Lee gets a minor break with Oregon all-world CB Cliff Harris suspended for this game, but that won't count for much. Look for the Ducks' speedy duo of QB Darron Thomas and RB LaMichael James to keep LSU's new secondary on its heels and vulnerable to a deep bomb. Fear the Duck.
Houston -3 vs. UCLA: The Bruins handed Cougars QB Case Keenum a season-ending injury in 2010. Look for him to exact revenge this year, as six-year QBs are rare in college and he is the most experienced signal-caller in the sport. UCLA returns an experienced lineup, but under Neuheisel are 4-11 as road dogs. H-Town covers, comfortably.
MWAC
Boise St. -3.5 at Georgia (Atlanta): This is quietly the next-best matchup of the weekend after Oregon-LSU. QB Kellen Moore leads the Broncos, who don't lose their openers (2009 W vs. Oregon, 2010 W vs. Virginia Tech) into the game with a slightly new-look offens after the departures of WRs Austin Pettis and Titus Young. It may make for a slightly disjointed attack, but nobody can blow a big game like the Bulldogs, so I wouldn't worry too much. Georgia QB Aaron Murray had a big time freshman season but will probably regress this year, certainly right out of the gate, with a (mostly) brand-new offense. It won't be enough to keep a good Georgia D, led by LB Justin Houston, off the field. BSU notches another win ahead of a mostly obscure regular season schedule.
WAC
Fresno +9.5 at Cal (San Francisco): The Bears come in with QB Zach Maynard, a Buffalo transfer and relatively unproven commodity pushing Jeff Tedford's offense. Tedford, who is on the hot seat this year, hasn't been settled at the QB position since Aaron Rogers left, but Maynard looks to have a solid group of contributors at the skill positions. The Bulldogs return stud DT Logan Harrell and a solid front seven, which should make for interesting football if they can keep the Bears from airing it out. Still, Cal should outpace FSU's young offense comfortably in the first regular season game at the San Francisco Giants' AT&T park.
Notre Dame -10 vs. U.S.F: As always, the Irish are trotting out some legit firepower on offense, in WR Michael "drinky" Floyd and Sophomore RB Cierre Wood. Both should stabilize Qb Dayne Crist, who has big-time ability but can play a little inconsistently. This year, though, the Irish O is backed by its D, led by Junior LB Manti Te'O, who has a nose for the ball and a young but talented group meshing around him. The Bulls are on the young side, and while they have a strong defense led by DE Julius Forte, it's going to be tough for Junior QB B.J. Daniels to keep up with the Irish attack.
Until tomorrow.
Week 1 - Big Ten, Big East, Mid American, Sun Belt Previews
WEEK 1 (Sep 1 - 5)
Excitement for the 2011 college football season is everywhere and we're proud to roll out a new format to The Nitty Griddy this year. Here are some conference previews for Week 1 from the Big Ten, Big East, Mid American and Sun Belt conferences. More conference spotlights will follow tomorrow and Wednesday with additional content later in the week. Thanks for joining us and enjoy opening week with games Thursday - Monday. Is there a better way to spend a holiday weekend?
BIG TEN:
WISCONSIN -35 vs. UNLV (9/1/11): The Badgers open up 2011 with transfer QB Russell Wilson leading the team. The QB at NC State for the last 3 seasons, Wilson chose to come to Madison instead of pursuing professional baseball or suiting up for the Auburn Tigers after graduating early from NC State. The Badger defense is led by Chris Borland and a BCS bowl berth could be on the horizon for Wisconsin. The Running Rebels of UNLV come into the game with a lot of youth on both sides of the ball. Sophomore Caleb Herring has locked up the starting QB job and will look to replace Omar Santos, who played more games at QB for the Rebels than anyone in school history. This one should be over by halftime at Camp Randall, with Wisconsin cruising to victory.
MICHIGAN STATE OFF vs. Youngstown State (9/2/11): No line on this game from our source, but Michigan State comes in ranked in the Top 25 and has BCS bowl aspirations. The Spartans are led by Senior QB Kirk Cousins who has a host of weapons on the offensive front. The word out of camp is the defense is better and Coach Dantonio knows this is the key to taking the next step in East Lansing. The Penguins are led by Sophomore QB Kurt Hess and Senior LB John Sasson. Don't expect Coach Eric Wolford's Penguins to put up too much of a fight here. The Spartans should roll easily with the second string getting some playing time.
BIG EAST:
WEST VIRGINIA -21 vs. Marshall (9/4): West Virginia enters the season as the only team in the conference ranked in the Top 25. They feature Junior QB Geno Smith and are considered to be the most complete team in the league by many. Former Mountaineer assistant Doc Holliday returns home to lead his Marshall Thundering Herd and their stout defense against West Virginia. Without a clear cut #1 QB, expect Marshall's offense to struggle in Morgantown against the superior Moutaineers.
PITTSBURGH OFF vs. Buffalo (9/3): No line from our source on this one, but intriguing as Pitt has a chance to make noise in the league. Redshirt Junior QB Tino Sunseri returns as the starter of an offense that is projected to run the spread this year, which is a change from Pitt's traditional 'pro-style' offense. Buffalo's head coach Jeff Quinn, a Brian Kelly disciple, looks to rebound from the 2-10 record the Bulls posted in his first year at the helm. Look for Pitt's talent to take over in the second half and bury the Buffalo Bulls.
MID AMERICAN:
Western Michigan +13 @ MICHIGAN (9/3): Head Coach Bill Cubit begins his 7th year in Kalamazoo with another extremely talented offensive group. Junior QB Alex Carder will look to light up the scoreboard with the help of 6th year Senior WR Jordan White. The Bronco defense, which was much improved in 2010 under new coordinator Dave Cohen, will be the key to success for WMU. Michigan opens the 2011 campaign with Junior QB Denard Robinson adapting to new head coach Brady Hoke's system. There may be some growing pains in Ann Arbor this year, but I don't see another opening day upset at the Big House.
Akron OFF @ OHIO STATE (9/3): No line here from our source, but the story will be The Ohio State University and life after disgraced Head Coach Jim Tressel. While not much is expected of the woeful Akron Zips this year, who are coming off a 1-11 season in Coach Rob Ianello's first season, all eyes will be on Columbus to see the new look Buckeyes.
SUN BELT:
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL -14.5 vs. North Texas (9/1): FIU is a favorite in the Sun Belt and a sleeper pick to bust up the BCS. Playmaker T.Y. Hilton is a force for Coach Mario Cristobal, who is coming off leading the Panthers to their most successful season since becoming a program in 2002. Former Urban Meyer assistant Dan McCarney takes over a beleaguered Mean Green squad that is looking to lay a foundation for the future. Expect FIU to roll in this one.
~Marcus A. Reath
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