Dirty Bird
Pokémon Master
It's only 3 weeks ago until kickoff!
Season fast approaching!
The AP Poll isn't out yet, but the coaches is! So I'll be previewing all games involving ranked teams.
#1 Ohio State @ #29 Virginia Tech - In Urban Meyer's 13 seasons as a head coach across 4 schools, he's only lost to the same team in consecutive years twice. Auburn and Alabama while he was at Florida. This guy simply doesn't like to lose and he's one hell of a motivator. Last season's record didn't do justice to Virginia Tech. They went 7-6. They went 2-5 in 1 score games. Just go average in those 50/50 games and they have a 9 win season which is good by anyone's standards and they have 16 returning starters this season including all 4 defensive lineman. Unfortunately for them, Ohio state have most of their OL returning and a one hell of QB (insert whichever one starts) behind that. I expect Ohio State to win, even at Lane Stadium. But I doubt it'll be a walkover. Ohio State 35, Virginia Tech 24
#2 TCU @ #34 Minnesota - How are Minnesota ranked? They have an average offence and a below average defence. Their ranking is quite simply BigTen bias. Though, they wont have many votes for long. As I said, their defence is below average, where as TCU's offence is going to be something to watch this year. Other than Baylor, Ohio State and MAYBE Oregon, I cant see anyone taking these guys on in a shootout, and I cant see many slowing them down either. TCU will roll through the Golden Golphers like Kellen Moore rips through the New England defence. TCU 63, Minnesota 17
#3 Alabama vs #18 Wisconsin - It's hard to see what Wisconsin will do this year. They live off the power run but only have 2 returning offensive lineman and lose Melvin Gordon. They're capable of putting up a big score, however, 0-59 is still fresh in the mind of observers. The question in this matchup is how good are Wisconsin's new starters. If they're good, this will be a good game. If they're crap. Alabama is going to eat Wisconsin up like they did Notre Dame in 2012. Heck, even if they are half decent. Alabama brings in so much talent, they'll still probably eat Wisconsin up Alabama 35, Wisconsin 10
#4 Baylor @ SMU - Umm, yeah, lol. Baylor's got a very Marshall-esque OoC schedule. And they're such a massive mismatch it's not worthy of talking about. Anything less than seeing the starters dragged in the 3rd will be a failure. Baylor 77, SMU 3
#5 Oregon vs Eastern Washington - You know what scares me? I think Oregon have a better college QB this year than last (And yes, I realise who they're losing). Vernon Adams threw for 475 yards and 7 touchdowns last year vs a Washington defence with 3 All-American players. He was in an FCS team (Eastern Washington actually). With this talent around him. He's going to be scary good this year. And he knows the Eastern Washington playbook, so Oregon will know exactly what's coming at them. This is going to get ugly. And this is going to get ugly fast. Oregon 87, Eastern Washington 7
#6 Michigan State @ Western Michigan – As much as I like Western Michigan and think they’ll do damage in the MAC this year. Lets face it, the MAC is a glorified FCS conference just like the Sun Belt. Yeah, you’re FBS in name, but you’re the step from FCS to FBS. I’d expect P5 schools to beat MAC schools 95 times out of a 100. And a school of Michigan State’s calibre, 99 times out of 100. This is a mismatch and what I hate with college athletics a little. At least it’s being played @ Western Michigan so it’s at least giving back. But God do I hate it. Michigan State is just too good to be playing this and really anything shy of a 4TD win will be shock me. Michigan State 35, Western Michigan 7.
#7 Auburn vs =#32 Louisville – There was a stat I saw recently. I was going to quote it, then I just did a little research into it. Yes, it’s true. But not anything to rave home about. The stat was ‘Bobby Petrino has never lost a season opener’ 5-0 vs Kentucky, 4-0 vs FCS, 1-0 vs Miami (Fl) with a true freshman starting. Yeah, he’s 10-0, but all vs crap. This is his first real challenge (having said that 1 of his Kentucky wins was his season at Western Kentucky, so I guess that one’s ok). I don’t know what to expect from this game. The Louisville player turnover is massive. 9 returning starters. Auburn is the same offensively with only 4 coming back. Their defence is mostly unscathed, but they weren’t the best bunch running around last year. Question marks everywhere in this game. Could be a blowout either way, a shootout, and low scoring 3-6 type game. Who the hell knows. So many question marks, I actually have some intrigue in this game as we don’t know what to expect. Auburn 31, Louisville 28
#8 Florida State vs Texas State – Texas State has kept their offence, Florida State their defence. Texas State has lost their defence, where as Florida State has lost their offence, however Florida State has managed to nab Golson from Notre Dame to play QB this year. After last year, they made an upgrade (lol, I’ve now claimed both Florida State and Oregon having better QBs despite their QBs last year going 1-2 in the draft) They’ll protect the ball alot better while their defence will be fairly good this year. Wouldnt at all be surprised if they managed to keep Texas State to nil. Not that the Bobcats are bad, it’s more that I think Florida State is that much better. Florida State 41, Texas State 6
#9 Georgia vs Louisiana-Monroe – This is what I don’t like about the early weeks in the year. Teams either schedule tough games which are great to write. Or they schedule cream puffs which just **** me off like this one. You’re up to 1000 words already and it’s like, sigh, give me something fun! ULM went 4-8 last year, 3-5 in the SBC. As I said about Western Michigan, the MAC/SBC are glorified FCS conferences. ULM is at the bottom end of their’s. 2 of their conference wins were vs Idaho and New Mexico State. These are the 2 schools at the bottom of the pile of FBS football. I’ve heard from someone who’s in contact with Karl Benson (Sun Belt commissioner) that Idaho is unlikely to even be in the Sun Belt next year and is probably FCS bound. If ULM is losing to teams who are just about irrelevant in the bottom rungs of FBS football, what makes anyone think ULM can compete with Georgia? They might not be the vaunted Georgian Bulldogs of years past who were at the top of the SEC East, but they are still good enough to blow out the likes of the Warhawks from Louisiana. I don’t even have to write about Georgia as ULM are that poor the result is a forgone conclusion. Georgia 42, Louisiana-Monroe 10
#10 USC vs Arkansas State – Arkansas State isn’t really that bad. They kept on going decent and pumping out decent coaches. 2011 they won the SBC and Hugh Freeze went to Ole Miss off that to rebuild the Rebels. 2012 they won the SBC and Guz Mulzahn went to Auburn and almost won them the National Championship. 2013 they won the SBC and Bryan Harsin went to Boise State and won the MWC and Fiesta Bowl. Arkansas State has decent talent and finally for the first time in 6 years has their head coach returning. USC has the foundation of their team back. They’re going to be good at the very least. Arkansas State will have a good offence at the very least. I doubt Arkansas State can restrict the USC offence to a score where they can actually win. But I wouldn’t be shocked if they kept up with the Trojans long enough to force USC to keep their starters in the whole game. At least for USC’s sake they have a walkover the next week vs Idaho so will get a break then before the Pac-12 slate begins. Too bad about their fans who get shit turn up to play USC in the Coliseum. USC 35, Arkansas State 24
#11 Notre Dame vs #38 Texas – This sort of matchup will get the casual observer hooked. And I think this matchup will live up to that. But I feel those who know a thing about the sport will underrate Texas. Yes, they went 6-7. But they pushed 2 decent sides in UCLA and Oklahoma. And they got BYU, Arkansas and TCU while they were on a roll and almost unbeatable. Same case with Baylor but they actually played well vs them keeping them to 4 TDs, only West Virginia did a better job defensively and that was the week after TCU where Baylor were on a mental lull. Their loss vs Kansas State was bad though. Texas will get better and I think will finish the season in the top 25 (maybe even 15) thing is. However Notre Dame will be better, they’re bringing back the most starters of all P5 schools this coming season. I hope Texas get up, but I just cant see that happening. Texas is good, but Notre Dame is better. Notre Dame 28, Texas 20
#12 Clemson vs Wofford – Grrrr, I was going, cool, Clemson is next, who do they play. I was hoping it’d be Georgia or another team that good like their season opener last year. Then I see it’s Wofford. This isn’t worth my time. Clemson’s offence will clean the mat of Wofford. Clemson 63, Wofford 10
#13 LSU vs McNeese State – I may think LSU is overrated, and I may believe that McNeese State is better than Wofford. But this is still a mismatch not worth my time. I’ll rip LSU to shreds in their first game which might actually be semi-competitive. LSU 45, McNeese State 14
#14 UCLA vs Virginia – I keep on hearing from Boise State fans that Virginia will be our toughest game this year. Lol, they might be a challenge at home if they can maintain last years home form into this coming season. Too bad they wont, they’re inferior, they’re going backwards. If you go 5-7 with upper classman, 0-5 away, barely semi-competitive. High turnover. Lol. Good luck keeping this to semi-competitive Virginia. UCLA is better and I think could actually win the Pac this year (Oregon and USC their only challenges) Virginia is going the way of Boston College and will need a major rebuild. Hopefully for your sake you find the next Kuechly. But even that wont be enough here. UCLA 42, Virginia 10
#15 Ole Miss vs Tennessee-Martin – When Boise State played them a few years back I only saw them as UT-Martin. My question as well as many others was, where in Texas is Martin? That’s how irrelevant these guys are. I know my college football. I follow FCS to a lesser degree and was tweeting ESPN to have gameday in Boston last year for The Big Game between Harvard and Yale. So if UTM is irrelevant to me, how lowly must they really be? It’s a joke that anyone would actually schedule these guys outside of a last minute, we need to fill out the schedule booking. They’re average in a low tier FCS conference. Ole Miss has been building year on year on year under Hugh Freeze. Their defence is ghastly this year. Maybe even the best in college football. There’s question marks on offence, so maybe playing UTM is good to get in a rhythm. Still, even if Ole Miss plays like Idaho on offence. That defence will get such good field position they could win off field goals. Too bad for UTM Ole Miss’ offence isn’t that bad. Ole Miss 38, Tennessee-Martin 0
#16 Arizona State vs #27 Texas A&M – Both of these teams I feel will be equal to where they were last year. The question is what wins out. Will it be the slightly better team, or the team who in effect have home field advantage with the game in Houston. Arizona State’s better. But Texas A&M have the home field advantage. Even indoors the humidity in the South is high that time of year and that’s what I feel will be the difference. Arizona State 27, Texas A&M 31
#17 Georgia Tech vs Alcorn State – Here’s hoping Georgia Tech win 222-0 like they did vs some shitty team in the 1910s and we put an end to these games. That, or we get an Alcorn State win which destroy’s Georgia Tech’s season from the get go to make most teams stop scheduling games which provide no way of winning in the long run. But I think we have the middle ground (ps. I haven’t researched into either of these teams, im just that over P5 vs FCS schools. Here I’m dreading the late SEC schedule where they all schedule FCS or SBC schools the in the 2nd and/or 3rd last week of the season). Georgia Tech 69, Alcorn State 7
#18 Wisconsin vs #3 Alabama – Please refer to Alabama writeup. Wisconsin 10, Alabama 35
#19 Oklahoma vs Akron – How ****ing hard is it to not schedule FCS/MAC/SBC schools when you’re an upper echelon P5 school? The ONLY exception is if you’re playing A) North Dakota State, B) Eastern Washington, or C) Your name is Michigan and you’re playing Appalachian State for the lols. **** this. Oklahoma 35, Akron 3
#20 Arkansas vs UTEP – Arkansas really turned things around last year. The 2 years after Petrino left Arkansas. The Razorbacks went 7-17 (3-13). But last year their defence really became something. They kept Alabama to 14, Mississippi State to 17, LSU to 0, Ole Miss to 0, Missouri to 21 and Texas to 7. The foundation of that is coming back and their offence is almost unscathed. That offence really started to put up points on the board themselves. Even if their defence doesn’t duplicate last years performance. Their offence will take over and give the SEC West a run for their money. That’s going to be one fun division this year. Here’s hoping they kill each other to the point their losses build up and cost them a top 4 spot. Anyway; Arkansas 38, UTEP 3
#21 Stanford @ Northwestern – Stanford have been on a slow decline for a few years since the departure of Harbaugh. Last year they had an average offence and a great defence. Northwestern had good wins and bad losses. Stanford beat who they were expected to with 1 upset, and lost to who they were expected to. But what is expected to happen here? That’s the argument. Northwestern will improve slightly. Stanford should do the same offensively. But their defence will probably fall off a cliff. I wouldn’t be shocked if Stanford fail to make a bowl this year. They probably will as 5-7 to 8-4 is their realistic range. But bad enough to lose to Northwestern? Most wont believe so, but I do. Stanford 20, Northwestern 23
#22 Arizona vs UTSA – Ill admit it, I was wrong. I felt when UTSA came up into the FBS level that they’d find their feet and become a power in the G5 level. I was wrong. Last year they went 4-8 and they were lucky to even get that. Their team was full of upper classman. They should’ve been building good depth with the recruits they brought in after turning FBS but that didn’t happen. This was to be their down year after last year being a conference title season. The returning starters they have this year you can count on 1 hand. 2 on offence, 3 on defence. Their regression is going to be so big this year I wouldn’t have 0-12 out of the question. Arizona last year were going with a Freshman QB. They won the Pac-12 South and almost the Fiesta Bowl. This offence could be Oregon good this year. Defence wont be but that doesn’t matter here. Add in some Rich Rod RUTS and this could very well tick over 100. Doubt it as I don’t think Rich Rod is that much of a campaigner but it’ll be a shellacking. Arizona 73, UTSA 7
#23 Missouri vs Southeast Missouri State – I’ve actually been high on Missouri for a few years. I believe I even called them to win the SEC East last year and got a few curious looks when I said it. Their offence I feel will maintain what they did last year. Defence is where the question marks are. Mostly the DL. I don’t know much about them here. If they’re good. I wouldn’t be shocked if SEC are in the playoff. If they’re not. Guess they’ll be the SEC West whipping boy in Atlanta come December. But for the time being, Mizzou will be whipping Southeast Mizzou State. Missouri 59, Southeast Missouri State 7
#24 Boise State vs =#50 Washington – Washington lose 7 defenders including their entire defensive line. They lose 5 offensive players including 4 offensive lineman. Football is won in the trenches. Boise State has their whole OL back and ¾ starters on the defensive side. With injuries and ineligibilities ending there as well. I don’t think Boise State’s defence is that great. But the DL is fearsome. 1 returning OL for Washington vs what I believe to be the best DL in college football? (Secondary is vulnerable though....). Even if Washington have great playmakers offensively. You cant really do much if you’re being pulverised in the trenches. Oh, and the crowd will be pumped up with Chris Petersen making his return to Bronco Stadium. Boise State 38, Washington 10
#25 Tennessee vs Bowling Green – How the **** are Tennessee ranked? Seriously!? This is what people hate about college football and the SEC myth. If you rank so many high during the pre-season, they schedule weak, get a good record, then cannibalise themselves. But as they’re all ranked, it looks like a good loss. Then they live off Alabama/LSU/Auburn winning the national championship and Georgia winning the Sugar Bowl. They had zero good wins last year. Are they really gaining a top 25 ranking based on an honourable loss vs Georgia and 18 returning starters? Sigh. They’ll win this, but it’s still bullshit. Tennessee 28, Bowling Green 7
#26 Mississippi State @ Southern Miss – Mississippi State got votes? Yes, they were flying and started 10-0, yes they finished 11-3. But those player losses in this conference? A 1-8 conference record isn’t unfathomable this year. Too bad Southern Miss stink themselves so cant just prove Mississippi State suck just yet. Mississippi State 33, Southern Miss 14
#27 Texas A&M vs #16 Arizona State – Please refer to Arizona state writeup. Texas A&M 31, Arizona State 27
#28 Oklahoma State @ Central Michigan – I really rate Mike Gundy and see him getting Oklahoma State back to the top end of the BigXII. To the top? Unlikely. But pretty damn close. Central Michigan is a mid-tier MAC program and you all know what I think of that. Oklahoma State will pulverise them no questions I feel of that happening. Oklahoma State 49, Central Michigan 10
#29 Virginia Tech vs #1 Ohio State – Please refer to Ohio State writeup. Virginia Tech 24, Ohio State 35
#30 Utah vs =#50 Michigan – Did Utah gain the nickname the Cardiac Kids last year? God were they lucky with so many close wins. They did win at the Big House, but they did lose vs Washington State. I Feel Utah were average and lucky last year, whereas Michigan were poor. But Jim Harbaugh is very good at the college level. He’ll turn this program around quick. But quick enough to win this game? If it were at Ann Arbour, I’d say yes. But in Salt Lake City? With that altitude? Give me a coin. It’s going to be close. But I think Harbaugh might just turn the Wolverines around as fast as Meyer did the Buckeyes. That rivalry has gained a little bit of spice. Utah 28, Michigan 30
#31 Kansas State vs South Dakota - .... Really? Kansas State 42, South Dakota 14
=#32 Nebraska vs =#44 BYU – This game comes down to one question. How does Taysom Hill play. If he’s back to his best. BYU can beat anyone. If he’s slow and on one leg, Nebraska will win. I’m on the ‘he’ll be poor’ wagon. So expect a Nebraska win. Nebraska 31, BYU 17
=#32 Louisville vs #7 Auburn – Please refer to Auburn writeup. Louisville 28, Auburn 31
#34 Minnesota vs #2 TCU – Please refer to TCU writeup. Minnesota 17, TCU 63
#35 Penn State @ Temple – This is an away game for Penn State, but they’ll have more fans there. Temple has all 11 starters returning and their defensive co-ordinator. This defence is going to be good this year. I expect them to win the AAC. I wouldn’t even be shocked if they win this game, they might run the table. But Penn State is going to be fairly decent themselves and probably better than Temple. That is the vast difference between a BigTen school and an AAC school. Temple will improve from last year, Penn State about the same. But the gap was so big, I doubt Temple will close it down. Penn State 28, Temple 14
#36 South Carolina vs =#47 North Carolina – South Carolina’s regressed from last year, and North Carolina’s progressed. And I feel that South Carolina had a slight edge last year. So logic dictates I now believe North Carolina to be the best team in Carolina.........Well, besides East Carolina (Wonders if people get my subtle Simpsons reference...) Just have to keep an eye out for academic ineligibilities for North Carolina. That could tilt this back in the Gamecocks favour. But for the time being. This is the North’s to lose. South Carolina 28, North Carolina 31
#37 Miami (Fl) vs Bethune-Cookman – Who the hell are Bethune-Cookman? Hmmm, intriguing, they’re actually a semi-decent team. Still, they’re FCS and not worth my time. Here’s hoping NDSU pop up soon. Wouldn’t mind that. Miami (Fl) 41, Bethune-Cookman 17
#38 Texas @ #11 Notre Dame – Please refer to Notre Dame writeup. Texas 20, Notre Dame 28
#39 Illinois vs Kent State – The BigTen brings in a rule forbidding them scheduling FCS schools. Can they bring in a rule prohibiting scheduling MAC schools? K, thanx, bai. Illinois 34, Kent State, 13
=#40 Air Force vs Morgan State – Would be nice of the MWC did the same (re: FCS) but where else will UNLV pick up a win? Though, Air Force has different goals as a school, so I don’t care what they do, respect them either way (as long as their cut blocking doesn’t injure too many players). Air Force 38, Morgan State, 10
=#40 Louisiana Tech vs Southern – Are you ****ing kidding me? See, when you’re an C-USA school, I can tolerate scheduling an FCS program. But a SWAC team? They’re as much a glorified FCS conference as the MAC/SBC are! The SWAC champion is the only champ not in the FCS playoffs (well, besides from the Ivy League schools, but they’re in if they want in.) This is ridiculous. Louisiana Tech 51, Southern 7
=#42 Marshall vs Purdue – I’d hardly be impressed when an upper G5 school schedules a basketcase P5 school. But this is Marshall we’re talking about, and them scheduling above the MAC/SBC level is an achievement. Helped Boise State out last year when Marshall’s shitty schedule bit ‘em on the arse. This is Marshall’s super bowl (see what I did there?) so they’ll be up for this game and then try and cruise the rest of the way to the Peach Bowl. However, I believe Marshall think they’re better than they really are. New QB? I don’t care if your QB is a 5 star senior who’s been a career backup. You never know if a player can make it at the next level until he’s in there. And due to that uncertainty and loss of key personal. I’m on the Boilermaker bandwagon (for this game, **** Drew Brees) Marshall 17, Purdue 31
=#42 Utah State vs Southern Utah – Remember what I said about Taysom Hill? Copy and paste that here with Utah State in regards to Chuckie Keeton. Overall they’ll be good. Good enough to beat Boise State and take out the MWC Mountain Division? We’ll see. But in the short term, they’ll win vs Southern Utah. Utah State 38, Southern Utah 10
=#44 West Virginia vs =#47 Georgia Southern - Georgia Southern surprised many running the SBC last year and ran NC State and Georgia Tech ****ing close. And they do play an option offence. Southern talent, difficult offence to scheme for. I view this as a 50/50 matchup and I cant lean either way. But I guess home field advantage is big in sports? I guess so... West Virginia 35, Georgia Southern 31
=#44 NC State vs Troy – I guess for most of their time at FBS level, Troy has been in the upper echelon of the Sun Belt. The one shining light year on year. Until last year. They could only beat the bottom 3 teams in the Sun Belt last year (4-32 – 2-22 in Sun Belt) and lost to an FCS program. Even if they returned all 22 starters, they were that shit I wouldn’t trust them to do anything of consequence in college football this coming season. Therefore; NC State 41, Troy 10
=#44 BYU @ =#32 Nebraska – Please refer to Nebraska writeup. BYU 17, Nebraska 31
=#47 North Carolina vs #36 South Carolina – Please refer to South Carolina writeup. North Carolina 31, South Carolina 28
=#47 Florida vs New Mexico State – Here’s hoping there’s a torrential downpour and the game gets called off after 1 play like last years creampuff game vs Idaho. Do you really think you’re all big and mighty Florida when you schedule the teams filling up the numbers in the god forsaken Sun Belt? Sheesh. Florida 45, New Mexico State 0
=#47 Georgia Southern @ =#44 West Virginia – Please refer to West Virginia writeup. Georgia Southern 31, West Virginia 35
=#50 UCF vs Florida International – I like UCF, I respect UCF. I like Florida International, but I don’t respect them, they’re not very good. They lost to Bethune-Cookman last year! (yeah, that same Bethune-Cookman I didn’t know existed until I saw they were playing Miami (Fl)) Not wasting more time on this when FIU suck that much. UCF 34, Florida International 10
=#50 Cincinnati vs Alabama A&M - ......... Cincinnati 31, Alabama A&M 0
=#50 Kentucky vs Louisiana-Lafayette – Did the coach that gave Kentucky a vote forget it was a football poll not a basketball poll? That doesn’t even deserve a response. Just like this matchup doesn’t deserve a writeup. Kentucky 17, Louisiana-Lafayette 14
=#50 Maryland vs Richmond – Calm blue ocean, calm blue ocean. I guess this wont happen next year due to the BigTen’s ban on playing FCS programs. Thankyou BigTen, **** you Maryland. And just as Im ducked off over all this schedulging vs FCS programs, what the beck. Maryland 17, Richmond 24
=#50 Michigan @ #30 Utah – Please refer to Utah writeup. Michigan 30, Utah 28
=#50 Washington @ #24 Boise State – Please refer to Boise State writeup. Washington 10, Boise State 38
Season fast approaching!
The AP Poll isn't out yet, but the coaches is! So I'll be previewing all games involving ranked teams.
#1 Ohio State @ #29 Virginia Tech - In Urban Meyer's 13 seasons as a head coach across 4 schools, he's only lost to the same team in consecutive years twice. Auburn and Alabama while he was at Florida. This guy simply doesn't like to lose and he's one hell of a motivator. Last season's record didn't do justice to Virginia Tech. They went 7-6. They went 2-5 in 1 score games. Just go average in those 50/50 games and they have a 9 win season which is good by anyone's standards and they have 16 returning starters this season including all 4 defensive lineman. Unfortunately for them, Ohio state have most of their OL returning and a one hell of QB (insert whichever one starts) behind that. I expect Ohio State to win, even at Lane Stadium. But I doubt it'll be a walkover. Ohio State 35, Virginia Tech 24
#2 TCU @ #34 Minnesota - How are Minnesota ranked? They have an average offence and a below average defence. Their ranking is quite simply BigTen bias. Though, they wont have many votes for long. As I said, their defence is below average, where as TCU's offence is going to be something to watch this year. Other than Baylor, Ohio State and MAYBE Oregon, I cant see anyone taking these guys on in a shootout, and I cant see many slowing them down either. TCU will roll through the Golden Golphers like Kellen Moore rips through the New England defence. TCU 63, Minnesota 17
#3 Alabama vs #18 Wisconsin - It's hard to see what Wisconsin will do this year. They live off the power run but only have 2 returning offensive lineman and lose Melvin Gordon. They're capable of putting up a big score, however, 0-59 is still fresh in the mind of observers. The question in this matchup is how good are Wisconsin's new starters. If they're good, this will be a good game. If they're crap. Alabama is going to eat Wisconsin up like they did Notre Dame in 2012. Heck, even if they are half decent. Alabama brings in so much talent, they'll still probably eat Wisconsin up Alabama 35, Wisconsin 10
#4 Baylor @ SMU - Umm, yeah, lol. Baylor's got a very Marshall-esque OoC schedule. And they're such a massive mismatch it's not worthy of talking about. Anything less than seeing the starters dragged in the 3rd will be a failure. Baylor 77, SMU 3
#5 Oregon vs Eastern Washington - You know what scares me? I think Oregon have a better college QB this year than last (And yes, I realise who they're losing). Vernon Adams threw for 475 yards and 7 touchdowns last year vs a Washington defence with 3 All-American players. He was in an FCS team (Eastern Washington actually). With this talent around him. He's going to be scary good this year. And he knows the Eastern Washington playbook, so Oregon will know exactly what's coming at them. This is going to get ugly. And this is going to get ugly fast. Oregon 87, Eastern Washington 7
#6 Michigan State @ Western Michigan – As much as I like Western Michigan and think they’ll do damage in the MAC this year. Lets face it, the MAC is a glorified FCS conference just like the Sun Belt. Yeah, you’re FBS in name, but you’re the step from FCS to FBS. I’d expect P5 schools to beat MAC schools 95 times out of a 100. And a school of Michigan State’s calibre, 99 times out of 100. This is a mismatch and what I hate with college athletics a little. At least it’s being played @ Western Michigan so it’s at least giving back. But God do I hate it. Michigan State is just too good to be playing this and really anything shy of a 4TD win will be shock me. Michigan State 35, Western Michigan 7.
#7 Auburn vs =#32 Louisville – There was a stat I saw recently. I was going to quote it, then I just did a little research into it. Yes, it’s true. But not anything to rave home about. The stat was ‘Bobby Petrino has never lost a season opener’ 5-0 vs Kentucky, 4-0 vs FCS, 1-0 vs Miami (Fl) with a true freshman starting. Yeah, he’s 10-0, but all vs crap. This is his first real challenge (having said that 1 of his Kentucky wins was his season at Western Kentucky, so I guess that one’s ok). I don’t know what to expect from this game. The Louisville player turnover is massive. 9 returning starters. Auburn is the same offensively with only 4 coming back. Their defence is mostly unscathed, but they weren’t the best bunch running around last year. Question marks everywhere in this game. Could be a blowout either way, a shootout, and low scoring 3-6 type game. Who the hell knows. So many question marks, I actually have some intrigue in this game as we don’t know what to expect. Auburn 31, Louisville 28
#8 Florida State vs Texas State – Texas State has kept their offence, Florida State their defence. Texas State has lost their defence, where as Florida State has lost their offence, however Florida State has managed to nab Golson from Notre Dame to play QB this year. After last year, they made an upgrade (lol, I’ve now claimed both Florida State and Oregon having better QBs despite their QBs last year going 1-2 in the draft) They’ll protect the ball alot better while their defence will be fairly good this year. Wouldnt at all be surprised if they managed to keep Texas State to nil. Not that the Bobcats are bad, it’s more that I think Florida State is that much better. Florida State 41, Texas State 6
#9 Georgia vs Louisiana-Monroe – This is what I don’t like about the early weeks in the year. Teams either schedule tough games which are great to write. Or they schedule cream puffs which just **** me off like this one. You’re up to 1000 words already and it’s like, sigh, give me something fun! ULM went 4-8 last year, 3-5 in the SBC. As I said about Western Michigan, the MAC/SBC are glorified FCS conferences. ULM is at the bottom end of their’s. 2 of their conference wins were vs Idaho and New Mexico State. These are the 2 schools at the bottom of the pile of FBS football. I’ve heard from someone who’s in contact with Karl Benson (Sun Belt commissioner) that Idaho is unlikely to even be in the Sun Belt next year and is probably FCS bound. If ULM is losing to teams who are just about irrelevant in the bottom rungs of FBS football, what makes anyone think ULM can compete with Georgia? They might not be the vaunted Georgian Bulldogs of years past who were at the top of the SEC East, but they are still good enough to blow out the likes of the Warhawks from Louisiana. I don’t even have to write about Georgia as ULM are that poor the result is a forgone conclusion. Georgia 42, Louisiana-Monroe 10
#10 USC vs Arkansas State – Arkansas State isn’t really that bad. They kept on going decent and pumping out decent coaches. 2011 they won the SBC and Hugh Freeze went to Ole Miss off that to rebuild the Rebels. 2012 they won the SBC and Guz Mulzahn went to Auburn and almost won them the National Championship. 2013 they won the SBC and Bryan Harsin went to Boise State and won the MWC and Fiesta Bowl. Arkansas State has decent talent and finally for the first time in 6 years has their head coach returning. USC has the foundation of their team back. They’re going to be good at the very least. Arkansas State will have a good offence at the very least. I doubt Arkansas State can restrict the USC offence to a score where they can actually win. But I wouldn’t be shocked if they kept up with the Trojans long enough to force USC to keep their starters in the whole game. At least for USC’s sake they have a walkover the next week vs Idaho so will get a break then before the Pac-12 slate begins. Too bad about their fans who get shit turn up to play USC in the Coliseum. USC 35, Arkansas State 24
#11 Notre Dame vs #38 Texas – This sort of matchup will get the casual observer hooked. And I think this matchup will live up to that. But I feel those who know a thing about the sport will underrate Texas. Yes, they went 6-7. But they pushed 2 decent sides in UCLA and Oklahoma. And they got BYU, Arkansas and TCU while they were on a roll and almost unbeatable. Same case with Baylor but they actually played well vs them keeping them to 4 TDs, only West Virginia did a better job defensively and that was the week after TCU where Baylor were on a mental lull. Their loss vs Kansas State was bad though. Texas will get better and I think will finish the season in the top 25 (maybe even 15) thing is. However Notre Dame will be better, they’re bringing back the most starters of all P5 schools this coming season. I hope Texas get up, but I just cant see that happening. Texas is good, but Notre Dame is better. Notre Dame 28, Texas 20
#12 Clemson vs Wofford – Grrrr, I was going, cool, Clemson is next, who do they play. I was hoping it’d be Georgia or another team that good like their season opener last year. Then I see it’s Wofford. This isn’t worth my time. Clemson’s offence will clean the mat of Wofford. Clemson 63, Wofford 10
#13 LSU vs McNeese State – I may think LSU is overrated, and I may believe that McNeese State is better than Wofford. But this is still a mismatch not worth my time. I’ll rip LSU to shreds in their first game which might actually be semi-competitive. LSU 45, McNeese State 14
#14 UCLA vs Virginia – I keep on hearing from Boise State fans that Virginia will be our toughest game this year. Lol, they might be a challenge at home if they can maintain last years home form into this coming season. Too bad they wont, they’re inferior, they’re going backwards. If you go 5-7 with upper classman, 0-5 away, barely semi-competitive. High turnover. Lol. Good luck keeping this to semi-competitive Virginia. UCLA is better and I think could actually win the Pac this year (Oregon and USC their only challenges) Virginia is going the way of Boston College and will need a major rebuild. Hopefully for your sake you find the next Kuechly. But even that wont be enough here. UCLA 42, Virginia 10
#15 Ole Miss vs Tennessee-Martin – When Boise State played them a few years back I only saw them as UT-Martin. My question as well as many others was, where in Texas is Martin? That’s how irrelevant these guys are. I know my college football. I follow FCS to a lesser degree and was tweeting ESPN to have gameday in Boston last year for The Big Game between Harvard and Yale. So if UTM is irrelevant to me, how lowly must they really be? It’s a joke that anyone would actually schedule these guys outside of a last minute, we need to fill out the schedule booking. They’re average in a low tier FCS conference. Ole Miss has been building year on year on year under Hugh Freeze. Their defence is ghastly this year. Maybe even the best in college football. There’s question marks on offence, so maybe playing UTM is good to get in a rhythm. Still, even if Ole Miss plays like Idaho on offence. That defence will get such good field position they could win off field goals. Too bad for UTM Ole Miss’ offence isn’t that bad. Ole Miss 38, Tennessee-Martin 0
#16 Arizona State vs #27 Texas A&M – Both of these teams I feel will be equal to where they were last year. The question is what wins out. Will it be the slightly better team, or the team who in effect have home field advantage with the game in Houston. Arizona State’s better. But Texas A&M have the home field advantage. Even indoors the humidity in the South is high that time of year and that’s what I feel will be the difference. Arizona State 27, Texas A&M 31
#17 Georgia Tech vs Alcorn State – Here’s hoping Georgia Tech win 222-0 like they did vs some shitty team in the 1910s and we put an end to these games. That, or we get an Alcorn State win which destroy’s Georgia Tech’s season from the get go to make most teams stop scheduling games which provide no way of winning in the long run. But I think we have the middle ground (ps. I haven’t researched into either of these teams, im just that over P5 vs FCS schools. Here I’m dreading the late SEC schedule where they all schedule FCS or SBC schools the in the 2nd and/or 3rd last week of the season). Georgia Tech 69, Alcorn State 7
#18 Wisconsin vs #3 Alabama – Please refer to Alabama writeup. Wisconsin 10, Alabama 35
#19 Oklahoma vs Akron – How ****ing hard is it to not schedule FCS/MAC/SBC schools when you’re an upper echelon P5 school? The ONLY exception is if you’re playing A) North Dakota State, B) Eastern Washington, or C) Your name is Michigan and you’re playing Appalachian State for the lols. **** this. Oklahoma 35, Akron 3
#20 Arkansas vs UTEP – Arkansas really turned things around last year. The 2 years after Petrino left Arkansas. The Razorbacks went 7-17 (3-13). But last year their defence really became something. They kept Alabama to 14, Mississippi State to 17, LSU to 0, Ole Miss to 0, Missouri to 21 and Texas to 7. The foundation of that is coming back and their offence is almost unscathed. That offence really started to put up points on the board themselves. Even if their defence doesn’t duplicate last years performance. Their offence will take over and give the SEC West a run for their money. That’s going to be one fun division this year. Here’s hoping they kill each other to the point their losses build up and cost them a top 4 spot. Anyway; Arkansas 38, UTEP 3
#21 Stanford @ Northwestern – Stanford have been on a slow decline for a few years since the departure of Harbaugh. Last year they had an average offence and a great defence. Northwestern had good wins and bad losses. Stanford beat who they were expected to with 1 upset, and lost to who they were expected to. But what is expected to happen here? That’s the argument. Northwestern will improve slightly. Stanford should do the same offensively. But their defence will probably fall off a cliff. I wouldn’t be shocked if Stanford fail to make a bowl this year. They probably will as 5-7 to 8-4 is their realistic range. But bad enough to lose to Northwestern? Most wont believe so, but I do. Stanford 20, Northwestern 23
#22 Arizona vs UTSA – Ill admit it, I was wrong. I felt when UTSA came up into the FBS level that they’d find their feet and become a power in the G5 level. I was wrong. Last year they went 4-8 and they were lucky to even get that. Their team was full of upper classman. They should’ve been building good depth with the recruits they brought in after turning FBS but that didn’t happen. This was to be their down year after last year being a conference title season. The returning starters they have this year you can count on 1 hand. 2 on offence, 3 on defence. Their regression is going to be so big this year I wouldn’t have 0-12 out of the question. Arizona last year were going with a Freshman QB. They won the Pac-12 South and almost the Fiesta Bowl. This offence could be Oregon good this year. Defence wont be but that doesn’t matter here. Add in some Rich Rod RUTS and this could very well tick over 100. Doubt it as I don’t think Rich Rod is that much of a campaigner but it’ll be a shellacking. Arizona 73, UTSA 7
#23 Missouri vs Southeast Missouri State – I’ve actually been high on Missouri for a few years. I believe I even called them to win the SEC East last year and got a few curious looks when I said it. Their offence I feel will maintain what they did last year. Defence is where the question marks are. Mostly the DL. I don’t know much about them here. If they’re good. I wouldn’t be shocked if SEC are in the playoff. If they’re not. Guess they’ll be the SEC West whipping boy in Atlanta come December. But for the time being, Mizzou will be whipping Southeast Mizzou State. Missouri 59, Southeast Missouri State 7
#24 Boise State vs =#50 Washington – Washington lose 7 defenders including their entire defensive line. They lose 5 offensive players including 4 offensive lineman. Football is won in the trenches. Boise State has their whole OL back and ¾ starters on the defensive side. With injuries and ineligibilities ending there as well. I don’t think Boise State’s defence is that great. But the DL is fearsome. 1 returning OL for Washington vs what I believe to be the best DL in college football? (Secondary is vulnerable though....). Even if Washington have great playmakers offensively. You cant really do much if you’re being pulverised in the trenches. Oh, and the crowd will be pumped up with Chris Petersen making his return to Bronco Stadium. Boise State 38, Washington 10
#25 Tennessee vs Bowling Green – How the **** are Tennessee ranked? Seriously!? This is what people hate about college football and the SEC myth. If you rank so many high during the pre-season, they schedule weak, get a good record, then cannibalise themselves. But as they’re all ranked, it looks like a good loss. Then they live off Alabama/LSU/Auburn winning the national championship and Georgia winning the Sugar Bowl. They had zero good wins last year. Are they really gaining a top 25 ranking based on an honourable loss vs Georgia and 18 returning starters? Sigh. They’ll win this, but it’s still bullshit. Tennessee 28, Bowling Green 7
#26 Mississippi State @ Southern Miss – Mississippi State got votes? Yes, they were flying and started 10-0, yes they finished 11-3. But those player losses in this conference? A 1-8 conference record isn’t unfathomable this year. Too bad Southern Miss stink themselves so cant just prove Mississippi State suck just yet. Mississippi State 33, Southern Miss 14
#27 Texas A&M vs #16 Arizona State – Please refer to Arizona state writeup. Texas A&M 31, Arizona State 27
#28 Oklahoma State @ Central Michigan – I really rate Mike Gundy and see him getting Oklahoma State back to the top end of the BigXII. To the top? Unlikely. But pretty damn close. Central Michigan is a mid-tier MAC program and you all know what I think of that. Oklahoma State will pulverise them no questions I feel of that happening. Oklahoma State 49, Central Michigan 10
#29 Virginia Tech vs #1 Ohio State – Please refer to Ohio State writeup. Virginia Tech 24, Ohio State 35
#30 Utah vs =#50 Michigan – Did Utah gain the nickname the Cardiac Kids last year? God were they lucky with so many close wins. They did win at the Big House, but they did lose vs Washington State. I Feel Utah were average and lucky last year, whereas Michigan were poor. But Jim Harbaugh is very good at the college level. He’ll turn this program around quick. But quick enough to win this game? If it were at Ann Arbour, I’d say yes. But in Salt Lake City? With that altitude? Give me a coin. It’s going to be close. But I think Harbaugh might just turn the Wolverines around as fast as Meyer did the Buckeyes. That rivalry has gained a little bit of spice. Utah 28, Michigan 30
#31 Kansas State vs South Dakota - .... Really? Kansas State 42, South Dakota 14
=#32 Nebraska vs =#44 BYU – This game comes down to one question. How does Taysom Hill play. If he’s back to his best. BYU can beat anyone. If he’s slow and on one leg, Nebraska will win. I’m on the ‘he’ll be poor’ wagon. So expect a Nebraska win. Nebraska 31, BYU 17
=#32 Louisville vs #7 Auburn – Please refer to Auburn writeup. Louisville 28, Auburn 31
#34 Minnesota vs #2 TCU – Please refer to TCU writeup. Minnesota 17, TCU 63
#35 Penn State @ Temple – This is an away game for Penn State, but they’ll have more fans there. Temple has all 11 starters returning and their defensive co-ordinator. This defence is going to be good this year. I expect them to win the AAC. I wouldn’t even be shocked if they win this game, they might run the table. But Penn State is going to be fairly decent themselves and probably better than Temple. That is the vast difference between a BigTen school and an AAC school. Temple will improve from last year, Penn State about the same. But the gap was so big, I doubt Temple will close it down. Penn State 28, Temple 14
#36 South Carolina vs =#47 North Carolina – South Carolina’s regressed from last year, and North Carolina’s progressed. And I feel that South Carolina had a slight edge last year. So logic dictates I now believe North Carolina to be the best team in Carolina.........Well, besides East Carolina (Wonders if people get my subtle Simpsons reference...) Just have to keep an eye out for academic ineligibilities for North Carolina. That could tilt this back in the Gamecocks favour. But for the time being. This is the North’s to lose. South Carolina 28, North Carolina 31
#37 Miami (Fl) vs Bethune-Cookman – Who the hell are Bethune-Cookman? Hmmm, intriguing, they’re actually a semi-decent team. Still, they’re FCS and not worth my time. Here’s hoping NDSU pop up soon. Wouldn’t mind that. Miami (Fl) 41, Bethune-Cookman 17
#38 Texas @ #11 Notre Dame – Please refer to Notre Dame writeup. Texas 20, Notre Dame 28
#39 Illinois vs Kent State – The BigTen brings in a rule forbidding them scheduling FCS schools. Can they bring in a rule prohibiting scheduling MAC schools? K, thanx, bai. Illinois 34, Kent State, 13
=#40 Air Force vs Morgan State – Would be nice of the MWC did the same (re: FCS) but where else will UNLV pick up a win? Though, Air Force has different goals as a school, so I don’t care what they do, respect them either way (as long as their cut blocking doesn’t injure too many players). Air Force 38, Morgan State, 10
=#40 Louisiana Tech vs Southern – Are you ****ing kidding me? See, when you’re an C-USA school, I can tolerate scheduling an FCS program. But a SWAC team? They’re as much a glorified FCS conference as the MAC/SBC are! The SWAC champion is the only champ not in the FCS playoffs (well, besides from the Ivy League schools, but they’re in if they want in.) This is ridiculous. Louisiana Tech 51, Southern 7
=#42 Marshall vs Purdue – I’d hardly be impressed when an upper G5 school schedules a basketcase P5 school. But this is Marshall we’re talking about, and them scheduling above the MAC/SBC level is an achievement. Helped Boise State out last year when Marshall’s shitty schedule bit ‘em on the arse. This is Marshall’s super bowl (see what I did there?) so they’ll be up for this game and then try and cruise the rest of the way to the Peach Bowl. However, I believe Marshall think they’re better than they really are. New QB? I don’t care if your QB is a 5 star senior who’s been a career backup. You never know if a player can make it at the next level until he’s in there. And due to that uncertainty and loss of key personal. I’m on the Boilermaker bandwagon (for this game, **** Drew Brees) Marshall 17, Purdue 31
=#42 Utah State vs Southern Utah – Remember what I said about Taysom Hill? Copy and paste that here with Utah State in regards to Chuckie Keeton. Overall they’ll be good. Good enough to beat Boise State and take out the MWC Mountain Division? We’ll see. But in the short term, they’ll win vs Southern Utah. Utah State 38, Southern Utah 10
=#44 West Virginia vs =#47 Georgia Southern - Georgia Southern surprised many running the SBC last year and ran NC State and Georgia Tech ****ing close. And they do play an option offence. Southern talent, difficult offence to scheme for. I view this as a 50/50 matchup and I cant lean either way. But I guess home field advantage is big in sports? I guess so... West Virginia 35, Georgia Southern 31
=#44 NC State vs Troy – I guess for most of their time at FBS level, Troy has been in the upper echelon of the Sun Belt. The one shining light year on year. Until last year. They could only beat the bottom 3 teams in the Sun Belt last year (4-32 – 2-22 in Sun Belt) and lost to an FCS program. Even if they returned all 22 starters, they were that shit I wouldn’t trust them to do anything of consequence in college football this coming season. Therefore; NC State 41, Troy 10
=#44 BYU @ =#32 Nebraska – Please refer to Nebraska writeup. BYU 17, Nebraska 31
=#47 North Carolina vs #36 South Carolina – Please refer to South Carolina writeup. North Carolina 31, South Carolina 28
=#47 Florida vs New Mexico State – Here’s hoping there’s a torrential downpour and the game gets called off after 1 play like last years creampuff game vs Idaho. Do you really think you’re all big and mighty Florida when you schedule the teams filling up the numbers in the god forsaken Sun Belt? Sheesh. Florida 45, New Mexico State 0
=#47 Georgia Southern @ =#44 West Virginia – Please refer to West Virginia writeup. Georgia Southern 31, West Virginia 35
=#50 UCF vs Florida International – I like UCF, I respect UCF. I like Florida International, but I don’t respect them, they’re not very good. They lost to Bethune-Cookman last year! (yeah, that same Bethune-Cookman I didn’t know existed until I saw they were playing Miami (Fl)) Not wasting more time on this when FIU suck that much. UCF 34, Florida International 10
=#50 Cincinnati vs Alabama A&M - ......... Cincinnati 31, Alabama A&M 0
=#50 Kentucky vs Louisiana-Lafayette – Did the coach that gave Kentucky a vote forget it was a football poll not a basketball poll? That doesn’t even deserve a response. Just like this matchup doesn’t deserve a writeup. Kentucky 17, Louisiana-Lafayette 14
=#50 Maryland vs Richmond – Calm blue ocean, calm blue ocean. I guess this wont happen next year due to the BigTen’s ban on playing FCS programs. Thankyou BigTen, **** you Maryland. And just as Im ducked off over all this schedulging vs FCS programs, what the beck. Maryland 17, Richmond 24
=#50 Michigan @ #30 Utah – Please refer to Utah writeup. Michigan 30, Utah 28
=#50 Washington @ #24 Boise State – Please refer to Boise State writeup. Washington 10, Boise State 38
Ophidian Old Boys
