#23 Wake Forest at Baylor:BreakdownThis Thursday night game kicks off the college football season. The Demon Deacons of Wake Forest are clearly the better team in this game as they return a QB who threw for over 2,000 yards last year and ACC Rookie of the Year Josh Adams at RB. Coach Jim Grobe has a lot of starters back on defense and is intent on bringing the ACC championship to tiny Wake Forest. Opposing them are first year head coach Art Briles who brings an impressive offensive resume with him from Houston but the question lingers whether Baylor has the talent and speed to run his offense right now. The Bears have a returning starter at QB in Blake Szymanski who threw for over 2,800 yards last year but also threw a lot of interceptions and struggled with control. The defensive side of the ball is where the Bears really struggled last year as they finished 119th in turnover margin and 110th in total defense. Hopefully they can put it together and up there win total from 3 this year but that remains to be seen.
Pwndy's PickWake Forest in a blowout
Youngstown State at #2 Ohio StateBreakdownThere is nothing to say about this game other than Ohio State is loaded and Youngstown State isn’t even in the FCS top 25. Look for Todd Boeckman and the two Brians at WR have a field day. Chris Wells is a solid running back who will have no trouble picking up lots of yardage in this game.
Pwndy’s PickOhio State in a blowout
Akron at #13 WisconsinBreakdownWhile I’d like to make a hilarious pun about the Zips zipping to a win in this game in reality they don’t stand a chance. Sure they have a returning QB and some threats in the running game, but don’t expect the Badgers to let them have much running room. There will be a new face at the helm of Wisconsin’s offense but they shouldn’t deviate from their normal strategy of running the ball with authority. They ranked 21st last year in rushing offense and should finish somewhere in that area again as they are loaded at RB with P.J. Hill leading the charge.
Pwndy’s PickWisconsin will run away with this game
#17 Virginia Tech at East CarolinaBreakdownFrank Beamer and the Hokies will travel over to the home of Skip Holtz and the Pirates to open the season. Sean Glennon will be at QB for V. Tech and although he’s not very mobile he can throw pretty well when given time. Look for Coach Holtz to swap QBs often with Patrick Pinkney and Robert Kass splitting snaps. Pinkney is a dual-threat type of QB who could cause some problems for the Hokies defense. The Hokies may struggle in this game but should be able to pull it out because of superior talent.
Pwndy’s PickV. Tech by three touchdowns
Coastal Carolina at #22 Penn StateBreakdownJoe Pa may be old but he’s still a good enough coach to win this game. The Lions will use this game to introduce their new starting QB and break in a new line backing corps. Shouldn’t be close and Joe Pa can notch up another win to try and get ahead of Bobby Bowden.
Pwndy’s PickPenn State by five touchdowns
Bowling Green at #25 PittsburghBreakdown
Dave Wannstedt had better produce this year or he may be ousted and MAC foe Bowling Green should be an easy “W” to open the season. Bowling Green has a solid QB in Tyler Sheehan but the O-line has three new starters. Although the defense returns a lot of players they are the same ones who gave up an average of 424 yards a game last year. Look for the Panthers to hand the ball to the sensational LeSean McCoy who ran for over 1,300 yards last year. Pitt’s defense was very good last year and returns a lot of their starters so look for more of the same.
Pwndy’s PickPitt by four touchdowns
Georgia Southern at #1 GeorgiaBreakdown
Mark Richt’s team comes in with high expectations and a lot riding on this season, after this game there should be even more buzz surrounding the Bulldogs. Knowshown Moreno is the real deal at RB and is getting some pre-season Heisman glances. The Bulldogs defense is loaded returning 9 starters and should be hard to move the ball against this year. Georgia Southern better be getting paid a lot of money for this game because it’s not going to be pretty.
Pwndy’s PickGeorgia Bulldogs win by fifty points
Hawaii at #5 FloridaBreakdownLast year this would have been a much better game, but Hawaii lost a lot of talent to the draft. The Warriors also lost their head coach. The Gators however retained not only their Heisman winning, record-setting QB but also a tough defense led by possibly the best line-backing corps in the nation. Tim Tebow might not run the ball as much this year but Percy Harvin will probably get more touches than he did last season. Look for a wide open spread offense using multiple receivers and lots of formations this year.
Hawaii’s big questions are who is going to step up at QB and who is that person going to throw it to. The Warriors are in full re-building mode this year and may not make a bowl game for the first time since ’05.
Pwndy’s PickFlorida wins by forty points
#3 USC at VirginiaBreakdownThe Trojans open the season on the road and with a new starting QB so expect them to hand the ball off a lot to their deep stable of running backs. RB Joe McKnight is a serious threat to take it all the way every time he gets the ball and may even generate a little Heisman buzz if he plays up to potential. Pete Carrol’s defense returns seven starters to a unit that finished 2nd in total defense last year. LB Rey Maualuga may be the best defensive player in the country and will be roaming the field crushing opponents.
The Cavaliers are going to be breaking in a new QB and revamped offensive line. The assistant coaches visited Texas Tech and BYU this off-season and that can mean only one thing…lots of passing and a wide open spread offense will be in place this season. USC had trouble stopping Oregon’s spread offense last year and might be confused at times in this game, but they should have no problem winning.
Pwndy’s Pick
USC by four touchdowns
Villanova at #8 West VirginiaBreakdownWest Virginia’s new coach doesn’t want to change much this year and if he can get the same results as last year it would be hard to argue against that. QB Pat White is one of the most electrifying players in the country and will be a serious Heisman contender if he stays healthy and the Mountaineers repeat last years performance. Steve Slaton left early for the NFL but all reports say that Noel Devine might be better. The defense is the real question mark for the Mountaineers as they only return four starters and the defensive backfield will have to mature quickly to stay competitive with the Big East’s wide open offenses.
Villanova is a FCS team who didn’t have much success last season and is only picked fourth in its division of the CAA. They do have a quality QB in Antwon Young but its doubtful they’ll put up much of a fight.
Pwndy’s PickWest Virginia in a blowout
Appalachian State at #7 LSU*BreakdownLes Miles hopes to avoid the embarrassment that losing to a FCS school would bring to the returning national champions. The Tigers don’t have a QB with any significant experience but their running back corps and O-line are the best in the nation. Led by Keiland Williams the running backs should post big numbers this year behind a dominant offensive line. Look for Gary Crowton to spread the ball around and use lots of trickery this season. Speedster Trindon Holliday should receive more touches this season and anyone who has seen this kid knows that mean excitement and worried defensive coordinators.
Appalachian State comes into the game high off their win over Delaware in the FCS championship and their big upset of Michigan. QB Armanti Edwards is a play maker with electrifying moves and speed and will be a tough assignment for the LSU defense, but if will he be able to create the time and space he needs to make plays is the biggest question.
Northern Iowa at #16 Brigham YoungBreakdownBYU is picked by many to be this year’s “BCS Buster” and there is no reason to think otherwise. They return ten starters to an offense that averaged over 30 points a game last season and although they lost a lot of defensive starters there looks to be no challenge on their schedule. Expect lots of passing and QB Max Hall to get some Heisman buzz. Keep your eye on RB Harvey Unga, this kid is the real deal and will be playing on Sunday’s in the future.
Northern Iowa won 12 games last year and made it to the FCS quarterfinals. They might make some noise against the Cougars inexperienced defense but they won’t be able to slow down BYU’s offense.
Pwndy’s PickBYU by fifty
Chattanooga at #4 Oklahoma
BreakdownBob Stoops team is loaded and looking to start off the season on the right note. Look for QB Sam Bradford to throw the ball accurately and spread it to a number of receivers. The Sooners offensive and defensive lines are the strength of the team and should have no problem dominating the much smaller and weaker Chattanooga team. The only question mark for the Sooners is replacing both cornerbacks, but that should be eased by the pressure they’ll get from the D-line.
Pwndy’s PickSooners by six touchdowns
Louisiana-Monroe at #10 AuburnBreakdownLast season ULM knocked off an SEC team from Alabama. Believe me; Tommy Tubberville will do everything in his power to avoid that embarrassment. The Tigers return their entire O-line and should have a powerful running game this season. The biggest concern is finding a starting QB. New offensive coordinator Tony Franklin loves to spread the ball around and will most likely experiment with a two QB system.
The Warhawks have some very good skill players but not much left of their O-line. Expect QB Kinsmon Lancaster to create a lot of plays with his feet. They will make it interesting for the first twenty minutes or so but don’t expect another big upset.
Pwndy’s PickAuburn wins by four touchdowns
Florida Atlantic at #11 TexasBreakdownTexas must replace their starting running back, tight end, and best wide receiver, but this should be eased by the fact they return four of their offensive linemen. Colt McCoy needs to cut down on errors and interceptions this year for this offense to live up to expectations. The defense must replace both safeties and two linebackers but their solid D-line should ease that burden considerably. Look for a running back by committee approach until someone steps up.
Florida Atlantic returns 19 starters to a team that went 8-5 last season and is looking to improve on that. QB Rusty Smith is only a junior but last season averaged 280 yards a game. Last season the defense gave up a lot of points to big opponents but should be much better this year. They have a ball hawking defense that could give the mistake prone McCoy some problems.
Pwndy’s Pick
Florida Atlantic wins a close one to shock Austin
Eastern Washington at #12 Texas TechBreakdownWithout a doubt the Red Raiders are the most exciting football team to watch. And with 10 starters returning on offense expect the scoring to only improve on last year’s 40.9 points a game. Michael Crabtree might be the best receiver in the nation and he has the most accurate QB in college football throwing to him. Graham Harrell has passed for over 10,000 yards in his two years of starting and looks to add significantly to those numbers this year. Mike Leach’s defense should be much improved this year also as they bring back eight of their starters and a loaded D-line. Reports are that Tech’s defense has been so good this spring it’s bothering the offense and that’s scary!
Eastern Washington might only be a FCS team but they are a very good one. The Eagles made it to the FCS semi-finals last season and they return record breaking QB Matt Nichols and many of their playmakers. They might put up some numbers on offense but don’t expect them to be able to slow down the Red Raider’s passing attack.
Pwndy’s PickTexas Tech could be the first team to top eighty points this season…
Florida International at #14 KansasBreakdownAlthough hopes are high at Kansas following last season’s 12-1 finish, they must replace 5 offensive starters. QB Todd Reesing was impressive last year in not only his decision making but also his ability to make plays out of nothing. He should do well this season but don’t expect him to match the 33 touchdowns of a year ago. The Jayhawks defense should be the strong point of the team if they can adjust to a new coordinator.
Flordia Int. is going to struggle this season just like in ’07. They ranked dead last in total offense last year and might improve on that because of returning 9 starters but the defense may take a step back from their 105th ranking.
Pwndy’s Pick
Kansas opens with an easy and dominant win over this hapless foe.
Tennessee-Martin at #19 South Florida
BreakdownThe Bulls Matt Grothe will have an easy time picking apart this very bad FCS team. South Florida saw great success last season when they made it into the top 5 briefly before faltering towards the end of the season. If they can replace their defense they might improve on last year’s 9-4 record.
The Skyhawks were only 4-7 last year and don’t have expectations of doing any better this season. After back to back tough road games to open the year they might lose the next 5 just trying to get healthy again.
Pwndy’s PickGrothe will rush and pass his team to a six touchdown win.
#24 Alabama at #9 ClemsonBreakdownThis is easily the game of the week. Nick Saban hopes his team is much improved from the 7 and 6 of last year. The O-line, led by Andre Smith, should be a dominant unit. QB John Parker Wilson will be called on to throw the ball more this year. The Crimson Tide defense only returns six starters and has major depth issues; if someone gets injured they could be relying on freshmen to take their place.
Clemson comes into the game high on expectations and looking to finally take their place among college football’s elite. Tommy Bowden’s team returns most of their key components and may have the best running back tandem in the country with C.J. Spiller and James Davis. QB Cullen Harper has some good targets in the speedy Jacoby Ford and a big bodied receiver Aaron Kelly. The key to the Tigers success is if their offensive line can gel after losing four of last year’s five starters. The defense should be solid with eight starters returning to a unit that finished in the top ten last year. Don’t miss this game! It could be the game of the year.
Pwndy’s PickClemson in a close one
#20 Illinois at #6 MissouriBreakdownMissouri is poised to take on Oklahoma at the top of the Big 12 and the opener against Illinois should put them to the test. QB Chase Daniel was a Heisman finalist last year and should be the same this year if he plays as expected. The offensive line lost a lot of players and this may make Daniel create a bit more with his feet than last year. With Tony Temple gone the Tigers must look at a “running back by committee” approach, but the receivers are solid, especially the Jeremy Maclin who scored in four different ways last year. Missouri’s defense returns ten starters and should finish in the top twenty in total defense.
Illinois comes into the game led by junior QB Juice Williams who is a threat both with his arm and his feet. Ron Zook is hoping that someone will step up and take the place of RB Rashard Mendenhall but it’s not likely that anyone will be quite that good. WR Arrelious Benn is a proven playmaker and they will try to get the ball in his hands a lot this year. A lot of the defense must be replaced and that is going to be tough, especially against an offensive juggernaut like Missouri.
Pwndy’s PickMissouri by three touchdowns
Northern Arizona at #15 Arizona StateBreakdownIf the Sun Devils can replace their offensive line they should be a force to reckon with this season. QB Rudy Carpenter was sacked 55 times last season and hopes that the more spread approach this year will greatly reduce that number. The defense was Arizona St.’s strength last year but might be even better this season as they are looking to blitz much more. The Sun Devils might not repeat last year’s 10-3 record but they should have no trouble in knocking off the Lumberjacks.
Pwndy’s Pick
Sun Devils win by four touchdowns
Washington at #21 OregonBreakdownThe Ducks are looking to replace their starting QB and RB along with much of their defensive front. Justin Roper seems to be the heir at QB after his great performance in last season’s bowl game, but coach Mike Bellotti claims that the competition is wide open. Safety Patrick Chung is a proven play maker and a big hitter who will be violently introducing himself to receivers and running backs throughout the season. If Oregon can find good replacements at DT they’ll be solid, if not spectacular, on defense this season.
Washington has possibly the toughest QB in the nation in sophomore Jake Locker. He ran for almost a thousand yards last season and might get more than that this year. Unfortunately for Tyrone Willingham, Locker is the lone bright spot on offense for the Huskies. The defense was dismal last season and can only hope that the new D-line will be better. I like Willingham but I don’t think he’ll have his job at UW after this season.
Pwndy’s PickOregon opens the season with a conference win by three touchdowns
#18 Tennessee at UCLABreakdownTennessee lost their best defensive player and their QB to the NFL but should be ok with the players they have stepping in the fill the roles. Jonathan Crompton will take Erik Ainge’s spot at QB and will be behind an almost intact O-line. Arian Foster ran for almost 1,200 yards last year and will get the bulk of carries this year in what should be one of the best rushing attacks in the nation. Rick Neuheisel’s first game as the Bruins coach is not going to be an easy one. His QB was injured in spring drills and is out for the season and his backup may have to miss time due to a broken foot. The offensive line took major hits to injury and graduation and should take some time to gel into a good unit. I like Neuheisel’s no non-sense approach and personable attitude but this will not be a good year for UCLA fans.
Pwndy’s PickTennessee wins by thirty
*Note: I won’t post a pick of any LSU game because I do not want it to be tainted by favoritism.
