This year I will be posting on the blog, not on the front page. Will be less formal (i.e. barely proofed) but the same basic format. The six best games of the week, with the point spread attached. I pick against the spread based on dumb reasons, then I invite you to pick ATS as well. Please feel free to leave smart ass comments and your beverage of the weekend with me. I use Yahoo College Football Odds +/- .5 so there is no potential for ties.
Thursday, August 29th
North Carolina at South Carolina -11.5 6:00 pm ESPN
A strong, strong game to start the season compared to most opening Thursday night tilts. Yes, the SEC is king. They dominate everyone especially their little southern brothers, but I feel UNC can make a game of this. They'll need contain Clowney with a rebuilt offensive line or it will be a long night for QB Bryn Renner. Sakerlina's O isn't great, but then again, it may look amazing vs the really bad UNC defense. UNC needs to turn this into a track meet to win. If it becomes a grinder, they are in trouble.
Pick: UNC getting the points. I wouldn't be shocked if the heels won, but that seems like a large number. SEC inflated?
Ole Miss -3.5 at Vanderbilt 9:15 pm ESPN
The battle of former SEC Cinderallas. In 2011 it was Vandy, in 2012 it was Ole Miss who wore the glass slipper. Now it's time to see who might be able to take the next step. Of note is Ole Miss and aTm bringing the no huddle spread disease into the SEC. I am curious if it changes the league.
Pick: Ole Miss to win by more than a touchdown. The Rebels have better talent, be it younger talent, but this is a game that would look nice on Franklins resume if Vandy could win.
Saturday, August 31st
Alabama -19.5 vs Virginia Tech (Atlanta, Ga) 5:30 pm ESPN
Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic
Hey look, another BCO are you a true hokie, litmus test game. (I really do laugh when I slap these up here.) Shout out to TKPs #BEATBAMA creed that spawned a wave of support and grade A trolling on some of the bama faithful. VTs offense is a shitshow until proven otherwise and the secondary/whip will play a walkon or two true freshman against elite skill players. Welp. I fear the defense may wear down as the game moves along into the second half.
Pick: Bama covering comfortably. I ask you this, how many Hokies would start on Bama?
Georgia -1.5 at Clemson 8:00 pm ABC
The marquee matchup of the first week. Nice to have an early season game that affects the national championship outlook. A Clemson loss ends their NC title hopes and a loss by Georgia, severely dents their chances. Two top 10 teams, both with great quarterbacks and skill players, but with shaky defenses. I expect a boatload of points in this game. If either team has found a defense, then the move right to the top of the Bama challengers list. I plan to sit back at a Taco Mac and enjoy the show.
Pick: Georgia covering. In the end, they are more balanced on offense with the ability to run the ball and run it very well and UGA DC Grantham > Clemson DC Venables.
LSU -4.5 vs TCU 9:00 (Arlington, Tx) pm ESPN
Cowboy Classic
This game is a bit under the radar nationally and I have no clue what to expect. Has TCU been getting better talent now that they are in the Big 12. LSU lost an awful lot to the NFL last year, but Les Miles always seems to have a 2 deep of studs at his beckon call. Safe to say, Ill have a better idea about the direction these two programs are heading after the game.
Pick: TCU getting the points. I think it will be a pretty scoring affair, winner by a field goal.
Boise State at Washington -3.5 10:00 pm Fox Sports 1
Awfully nice of UDub to schedule a loss to re-open Husky Stadium. Like a big time opponent was needed to sell this beautiful place out! This stadium is on my bucket list. The Broncos had a down year in 2012, to the tune of 11-2? Sure, they weren't the same team as previous years, but BSU wasn't hot garbage either. Do they climb back to what they were in previous years after a season of reloading/rebuiliding or was that just the Kellen Moore years? Washington seems to have stalled out at the 7 win mark with Steve Sarkisian. Feels like this season is now or never, right? If his seat isn't hot, it will be after another 7-5 campaign. UDub needs this win.
Pick: Boise getting the points and winning outright, because this is what they do.
Beer of the Week: Stone Enjoy By 09.13.13
Stone has been doing these Enjoy Bys for a year now and they are only getting better. If you like IPAs, you need to beg, borrow or steal to get a bottle or two of this. I'll be bringing a couple with me to Atlanta.
Like year's past, pick against me and other TKPers.
Quick Recap
North Carolina at South Carolina
Ole Miss -3.5 at Vanderbilt
Alabama -19.5 vs Virginia Tech
Georgia -1.5 at Clemson
LSU -4.5 vs TCU
Boise State at Washington -3.5
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