And we're BACK! College football has returned, and riding sidecar is the Six Pick. For those unfamiliar, I pick the six TV games that interest me the most each week. I write a bit about each and then I pick the outcome against the spread. The readers are encouraged to discuss the games and pick the outcomes as well in the comment section. We'll do a weekly running tally and the winner at the end of championship week gets to name Joe's first born kid or a night of drinking at Whitlow's on the TKP staff. Now that the formalities are over, let's get it on!
The 8 month offseason is officially over and week 1 is upon us. Checking out old favorites, the new faces, the scheme tweaks and the coaching overhauls, gives me that teenage crush feeling without the braces and awkward stares. Optimism is high at every school, unless in the unlikely event you are Terrapins football fan. There are so many questions that are to be answered in the next four months:
- Is this the year the ACC doesn't crap the bed?
- Will Nick Saban smile?
- Can Lane Kiffin or Brian Kelly do anything remotely likeable?
- Can Logan Thomas not run 10 yards on a QB sneak?
- Is FSU back?
- Will the Big XII regret the wvu invite after their first visit to morganhole?
- Is this the year the Oregon plug n play offense falters?
- How will ESPN Gameday fair without Erin Andrews as eye candy?
To quote Neo from The Matrix, "... I don't know the future. I didn't come here to tell you how this is going to end. I came here to tell you how it's going to begin ..."
Thursday, 8/30/2012
South Carolina -7 at Vanderbilt 7:00 PM ESPN
Death, Taxes and Sakerlina football starts the Thursday night before Labor Day. This is an interesting matchup because Vandy doesn't look to be the league's punching bag anymore. For those a bit younger than me, Sakerlina was just as God awful at pigskin as Vandy until a few years after SEC admission. Head coaches Lou Holtz and now Steve Spurrier changed the culture in Columbia. Can history repeat itself in Nashville? A tough task to ask in the SEC especially for a smaller private school, but with most of the power in the SEC West, it's not impossible. Vandy head coach James Franklin has energized the program and given the team some fire, now can he build on his limited success?
Pick: Vandy getting the points. I don't think the Gamecocks program is in the elite reload territory with LSU and Bama, they'll need time to gel. With all world running back just 10 months removed from an ACL tear and quite a few losses to the NFL, Sakerlina is going to have to feel themselves out a bit for a couple of games. Vandy will come out running the ball with a chip on their shoulder and be ahead late, only to lose.
Friday, 8/31/2012
NC State vs Tennessee -3 6:30 PM ESPNU
High five if you miss me yet.
Remember the excitement when this game was announced a couple of years back? ::crickets:: Yeah, neither did those in Atlanta, so in an attempt to generate interest, the Kickoff officials added another game to be played the same weekend. By adding another game, this one was regulated JV status with all the pomp and circumstance that DirectTv channel 208 (ESPNU) delivers. Jokes aside, this is a pretty solid matchup and one the ACC could win. The game features two very good quarterbacks in State's Mike Glennon and Tennessee's Tyler Bray, a very good State secondary and some delusional bro with bright orange pants and fantastic hair. This is a very important game for both. For State it's about giving the conference a good win and the giving the Wolfpack confidence for FSU and Clemson. For UT it's about keeping Tammy from calling in the Finebaum Show and asking what a NC State is? What I really hope for and not because I have an irrational Vols hatred is for UT to get spanked. I want to watch the 30k fans in overalls and puke orange get angry, burn the city down and chase head coach Derek Dooley back to La Tech.
Pick: State to cover and win outright. Tennessee is transitioning from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense, lost first team all SEC wr Da'Rick Rogers to weed last week and their head coach Derek Dooley said, "I think NC State could blend right in in our league and be able to whip anybody in our league." Either that's over the top coach speak or softening the landing when the Vols crash.
Boise State at Michigan St -7 8:00 PM ESPN
Everyone knows how good Boise head coach Chris Peterson is, he's a legit boss and everyone expects him to field another excellent team even amidst all the personnel losses. However Mark D'antonio is really damn good in his own right and is probably overlooked nationally. If Mark wasn't a big asshole, would anyone even know who he was? Needless to say this is a very nice week one matchup as the Broncos love playing big games in their season openers. For Boise State this will be the first time in 4 years QB Kellen Moore is not leading their oustanding attack. The new guy will be Joe Southwick, he's a better athlete who can scramble to make things happen. It's going to be fascinating to see what tweaks are made to the offense to fit his skill set. If the offense barely misses a beat, then this all but cements Pederson as the no. 2 coach in all the land in my humble opinion.
Pick: Michigan State to cover. Against historical, better judgment I am going against Boise State. It's not that I expect them to be bad, but I do think they have to find themselves. I know MSU just lost Kirk Cousins, one of the best to play for Sparty, but the difference is Michigan State's offense and team isn't built around the triggerman and their defense will still be quite nasty.
Saturday, 9/1/2012
Auburn vs Clemson -3 7:00 PM ESPN
Will the real CFA Kickoff Classic please stand up? Part two of the Big Peach money maker and couple of thoughts entered my head; will the Georgia Dome employees have enough time to have clean up after the Volunteer fans and haven't we seen this game a thousand times already? I thought this game was about exciting rarely seen matchups. I'll stop complaining, it could be worse like seeing one of the Gators OOC games. This game lost a little luster when all world wr Sammy Watkins got busted with weed and was suspended for two games. However, there should be enough skill players for Clemson to still rack up points, but only if their new offensive line figures out how to block SEC defensive lineman. Ruh-Roh. Lots of new schematic looks for this game, with Clemson now sporting a new defensive coordinator and Auburn also with both coordinators replaced. I don't think anyone knows what to expect from Auburn other than seeing Head Coach Gene Chizik's sweet ass white sideline jacket.
Pick: Auburn getting the points. Quite simply it comes down to the big uglies, Auburn's are bigger, uglier and better. All other arguments are irrelevant.
Alabama -13 vs Michigan 8:00 PM ABC
This is the marquee game of the weekend. Like Boise State, Alabama is a big fan of kickoff games vs top opponents. There isn't much that gives Nick Saban more pleasure (though he is unlikely to show it) than spending all summer figuring out a way to suffocate his opponent on primetime tv, then talk about it being a process or some bullshit after. The Crimson Tide as a program are expected to come out the gates as world beaters, never mind the youth and inexperience, it's whip ass time 247 in T-Town. Brady Hoke has no such luxuries at Michigan. While the Michigan cupboard wasn't left bare after Dick Rod was shown the door, it certainly doesn't have the next guy up depth that Alabama has. This game could go the way of last year's Cowboy Classic, but without as much showmanship, just a grind it out tap out.
Pick: Alabama and the points. I know this is a large number, very large, but does anyone think Saban and DC Kirby Smart haven't already figured out a way to exploit Blue's weak points? Then they'll systematically take everything Michigan likes to do away from them. The electric Denard Robinson last seen being made to look like a windup toy vs Bud Foster's Hokie defense, might think facing James Gayle and Co. was a holiday. Denard is going to get a lot more of the same, it'll just with bigger, faster and with worse intentions.
Monday, 9/3/2012
Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech -7.5 8:00 PM ESPN
One might ask why would the ACC schedule the top 2 teams in the Coastal to play against each other to start the season? I imagine the conversation that led to this at the scheduling meeting went something like this.
John Swofford: (Looking at his reflection in the glass as he practices his golf swing): I hate being compared to the Big East, how can we differentiate ourselves from them?
Random employee with UNC degree: Well one way is to schedule differently, we are in NASCAR country, we could play our most important coastal division game to start the season, likely crushing one team's division chances and sending them crashing out of the top 25 poll.
John: Brilliant! What else can we set up for week one to view on the ACC Network since we own all the third tier rights to everyone?
Chad Swofford: I was thinking Murray State plays at FSU, but I decided Elon at UNC would make for a much better game. It will really showcase our improved media capability and really generate ratings.
John: Perfect, the large UNC football fan base will devour this game. I guess we could farm out the FSU game to someone right?
Chad: How the hell do I know, I haven't looked into it, I don't actually do any work either, I'm usually playing golf with you, remember?
Joe and French will discuss the game later this week, but as always this will be a knuckle dragging, hard fought affair. The winner will have earned it and will be the heavy favorite for Charlotte 13 weeks later.
Pick: GiT getting the points. I believe VT wins the game, but Paul Johnson tweaks to triple option scheme will ensure the Jackets score points. I expect this game to be close and certainly within a touchdown.
Beer of the Week
Stone Enjoy by 9.21.12 will be consumed on Monday and it will be an amazing IPA. Enjoy by 9.21.12 distribution is limited to 3 regions, San Diego, Chicago and New Jersey and meant to be drank in a 35 day window. We are talking about a fresh, fresh beer. Much, much thanks to TKP reader Chazz Michael Michaelzz (@CharlesAThomas) ... for taking the time to buy one and send it to me to be enjoyed during the GT tailgate. BCO was done a SOLID, that will need to be repaid.
Quick Recap
Remember, these picks are against the spread.
South Carolina -7 at Vanderbilt
NC State vs Tennessee -3
Boise State at Michigan State -7
Auburn vs Clemson -3
Alabama -13 vs Michigan
Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech -7.5
Thanks for reading, I look forward to everyone's picks and comments. Good luck.
Comments
Looking to actually do the full season this year.
Vandy - something about james franklin's head exploding if he wins this game
UT - Mike Glennon is still a Glennon
MSU - Even though Kirk Cousins is 456923x better than Kellen Moore, I think BSU will struggle Moore without Moore (get it?).
Auburn - I'll refrain from all of the Sammy Watkins weed jokes and just say that I'm in love with that cheerleader.
Bama - Talent aside, Michigan only cares about the B1G/OSU/Urban Meyer.
Bees - I can't call the win but I think it'll be close. I hope we win but I can't say confidently that I think we will win.
Picks
1. USCe - Lattimore is a freak, I think he'll pick up exactly where he left off and (unfortunately) there will be no drunken Stephen Garcia around to hold them back.
2. NC State (+win) - As much as it pains me to pick a Glennon to win anything, we obviously got the short end of the stick in the family gene pool.
3. Boise State - Kellen who? This program seems to just churn out winning QB's once the old guy leaves. Sparty to win, but Boise keeps it close.
4. Auburn (+win) - Remember when Clemson showed up for a big game against someone besides us? Me neither. Fuck Clemson.
5. Michigan - Too many new pieces for Alabama to completely blow out UM. We all saw in the Sugar Bowl that Shoelaces can't pass worth dick, but +13 is a mighty large spread.
6. Georgia Tech - I think VT will win, but it will most likely be a nail biter.
My Picks
South Carolina - close one, SC pulling it out in the end, win by a touchdown.
Tennessee - NC State doesn't impress me, like RusynHokie said above, Glennon is still related to his brother, and NC State will lose by at least two blind-side QB fumbles resulting in UT TD's. UT by 14.
MSU - Boise loses a great QB, they're playing at MSU. But, the brilliance of Boise's coach keeps it somewhat entertaining and closer than the score may indicate. MSU by 17.
Klempson - I was close to picking Auburn here b/c the ACC still has yet to show any prominence whatsoever in these big nonconference openning games, but I think the ACC is due for a win like this to open the season. I will say the speed of the Klempson offense wins a real close one and Klempson gets hyped up early-going. Klempson by 3.
Alabama - They're going to hit Michigan in the mouth early and often. Bama by 14.
VT - close grind-out game as usual between these two teams. Depth on the D-Line will be the difference for the Hokies. LT3 makes a big play or two near the end. VT by 10.
YAY FOOTBALL!
Sakerlina, NC State, Michigan State, Auburn, Alabama, Hokies!
Picks
SCAR- Might get close at times, but the Cocks pull out of Nashville with a 10+ point win.
NC State- Tennessee just lost their best receiver, so now Amerson has free reign to pick apart Tyler Bray. And Mike Glennon is outstanding. 21-3
Sparty- Because fuck Boise State. 31-13
Auburn- Clemson's offense went up in smoke for at least the first few games. Without Watkins, Boyd is going to need more time to find open receivers. Time which he won't have because SEC lineman are all direct descendants of Sasquatch. Also, because Clemson is Clemson. 17-7
Bama- I hate Nick Saban with a passion, but Michigan is without their best RB and WR. Bama wins 24-10
VT- I see no reason we can't win this game by at least 10
Week 1 Picks
Vandy
The Pack
Sparties
Burn baby Burn
BAMA
Logan Thomas
Picky picky picks
Vandy +7
NC State +3
Boise State +7
Auburn +3
Alabama -13
Georgia Tech +7.5
And, for grins, here are Bodak's Picks:
Vandy +7
NC State +3
Boise St +7
Auburn / Clemson - PUSH
Michigan +13
Georgia Tech +7.5
coop's week 1 picks
south cacky
lil bro ginger
sparty
aubz
bammer
HOKIES.
picks
Cocks
State
Boise
Auburn
Blue
VT
From my gut
Generic Fantasy Logos +7
NWO rivals +3
(Free) Boosie St +7
War Eagle +3
PAWWWWL -13
Geek Squad +7 (we still win)
Week 1
-Gamecocks - by getting lucky late in the game.
-State- - why am I picking an ACC team to win a "big" ooc game?
-MSU - I just hate Boise and want them to disappear now!!
-War Eagle - Bold prediction.. Clemson will suck this year.
-Bama - Saban doesn't lose these type of games very often and Mich used up all their good luck in the Sugar Bowl...
-GT - Hope I am wrong, but we always look like total shit early in the season.
Week 1-GAMETIME
South Cack
State
Boise
Klempsun (Because no one else would)
Bama
Hokies Hokie Hokie Hi
Getting the party started!
Corso, and two very talented young ladies!....Way to kick off the pic-six, BCO!
First, my take on the season-long questions...
Is this the year the ACC doesn't crap the bed?...maybe, maybe not (I know, indecision is such an awful thing)
Will Nick Saban smile? We're not ready for the apocalypse yet.
Can Lane Kiffin or Brian Kelly do anything remotely likeable? No way!
Can Logan Thomas not run 10 yards on a QB sneak?, Well, considering that if he falls forward he gains about 5 yards, probably not.
Is FSU back? I think that the question is "Is FSU getting used to the new normal?"
Will the Big XII regret the wvu invite after their first visit to morganhole? Obviously, BXII's royal-high-muckity-mucks were smelling the burning upholstery when they sent the invite.
Is this the year the Oregon plug n play offense falters? If they falter, those guys will falter faster than anyone else on the field and win most of their games.
How will ESPN Gameday fair without Erin Andrews as eye candy? Can you say Jenn Brown?
On to the picks!
SC by 14 just because Spurrier throws something...clipboard, visor, etc.
NCSU gets the points and wins outright in spite of having someone named Glennon as a QB...their defense makes the difference.
MSU by a bunch (17 maybe?)....they're my pick to win the B1G, and Dantonio is going to be determined not to loose to BSU like OK, VT, GA....
Auburn wins outright, but it's close....but this one could go either way.
Bama by 17....The way we handled Denard isn't lost on Saban and his evil minions.
HOKIES, of course....by 10
picks
USCe to cover... Vandy's getting better, but not there yet.
NCSU getting the points and beating UT... not sold on either team, but Glennon is good and the NCSU secondary makes the difference here.
MSU to cover... Boise takes a step back without Moore and Co.
Auburn getting the points and beating Clemson... Clemson lost too much on both lines, plus Sammy for this game.
Bama to cover... UM won't be in the same league.
GT getting the points but losing to VT... Later in the season I'd consider this a clear VT win, but to start the year it's a tossup. The ACC was incredibly shortsighted to schedule this.
My picks
SC -7
NC State +3 (God help me for trusting a Glennon)
Boise State +7 (I'm going to just pick them in these big games to cover until they don't cover, though I don't feel good about them this year)
Auburn +3
Michigan +10 (they get a cheap TD at the end to cover)
GT +7.5 (that's a lot of points for VT to give up and they weren't great ATS last year)
SO HAPPY FOOTBAWWW IS BACK, PAAAAWWWWLLLLLLL
Cocks - I'm all for #ANCHORDOWN (because, seriously, who hates Vandy?) but I still think Franklin needs more time to load up the stables. Unrelated, I miss Stephen Garcia :(
State - Tennessee is just not a very good football program. I'd love to have a youTube series of Vawls fan watching USC games this season just to have their violent reactions towards Kiffykins recorded for perpetuity. Also, I fully support any outcome that will result in the silencing of "Rocky Top."
Boise - Because, as BeerControl stated earlier, there is little to gain from betting against the Broncos.
Auburn - For obvious reasons. WDE.
Bama - I'm not so certain I buy into the whole Michigan doesn't havLOLOLOLOLOLOL, I'm sorry, I couldn't keep faking it. Big Blue in WAY over their heads. Hope Denard survives.
GT - Hokies win, but when the clock strikes CHOP-BLOCK-O-CLOCK, weird things and close games happen.
Picks
SC
NCState
Michigan State
Auburn
Bama
Hokies because fuck Georgia Tech
Landslide Picks
Picks:
South Carolina
Tennessee
Michigan State
Clemson
Alabama
VT
Comments:
- Think Tennessee blows out NCSU and makes Glennon look like his big bro
- Think Michigan State looks dominant in blowout of Boise
- Clemson covers against Auburn but only because of bad play by Auburn
- Saban and 'Bama DESTROY Michigan, 37-6
- Think I'm picking VT with my heart not my head...
Wk1
SCAR for sure.
Vulvas
Boise
Clipsun Tigas
BAMA
H-O-K-I-E-S! HOKIES!!!
PS:
I want everything that has to do with Glennon to fail...I, for the first time in my life, will be pulling for Tenn. UGH.
Week 1 Picks
Cocks
State
Sparty
War Eagle
Bama
HOKIES
Foooootballll
South Carolina -7 - this one is a toss up
Tennessee -3 - They need to figure something out this season, might as well start with this game
Boise State +7 - I think the departure of Cousins is going to have a much larger impact on MSU than most people have been saying. I think there is going to be a significant drop off in East Lansing, and know better than to pick against Chris Petersen.
Clemson -3 - The offence should be in full force for Tajh
Michigan +13 - Alabama has to reload, but it is still a new defensive team, and I don't think they are going to look as good as last season. Michigan brings back a pretty good team and will have a chance to win this one on the field
Virginia Tech -7.5 - I am not as fearful of GT as some are
WE MUST PROTECT THIS HOUSE
'Dores - Vandy will shock some teams this year, just not USC
'Pack - The Vols lose simply because of the orange pants
Sparty - Without Moore, Boise is beatable, I think
Clemson - Clemson in a close one, and expect them to be overrated after week 1 and catapulted into the top 10
ROW TIDE - Everyone saw what VT did to all-world Denard *cough*, so multiply that by a factor of 10 and BAMA rolls by 17+
Gobblers - I hate GT simply because they ALWAYS play us tougher than anyone, even their rival Georgia. VT wins by a td, Exum decapitates a B-back, and the CHUCK-N-TRUCK is in full effect.
TECH TECH VPI!
DERPPLEGANGER!
If I win the worst record this year is there anything in it for me?
Cocks -- Connor Shaw has already gained xp, Lattimore is legit, and im sure the D will reload
NC State -- I wont be surprised if this thing goes into the high 20s for both teams, Amerson and Co will make the difference though
Boise St -- Donkey Face is gone but they'll cover.
Clemson -- Auburn curb stomping UVA in a bowl isnt convincing enough
'Bama -- Our Defense tied up "Shoelaces" for 13 yards on 13 carries. They don't have a prayer
GT -- Only for the points. Each year we've gained bigger leads through a few big plays/injury. if we attack them with speed instead of chewing the clock playing keep away we'll suffer Clemson's fate.
BOTW: Flying Dog Double Dog IPA...had two last night and at 11.5%abv they were a doozy
Going for the Full Season
Here we go to start the season
Vanderbilt +7 = Vandy starting off the season right, Franklin was smart to leave Terps
NC State +3 = I think NCSU is going to be solid all season long and beat either Clemson or FSU this season
Michigan State -7 = MSU at home vs. a Moore/Martin less Boise State
Clemson -3 = Auburn is in upheaval with coordinators and just not a believer in Chizik. Think Clemson's offense and desire to rid itself of of OB diaster gets them through.
Michigan + 13 = That spread is too big, think Michigan loses by 10
Virginia Tech -7.5 = Think GT falls behind early and VT pulls away to win covering the spread.
sarah phillips helped me with these.
vandy.
wolfpack.
sparty the spartan.
awwburn
roll tide roll.
ghagha teck.
South Carolina NC State Boise
South Carolina
NC State
Boise State
Clemson (far better QB)
Bama
Hokies (How dare you make me pick this game)
Trying to get above .500 this year
USCe
NCSU
Michigan State
Clemson
Meeeechegan
GT with only the points
Picks
South Carolina -7 at Vanderbilt - USCe is a dark horse in the MNC race. I think they handle business here, convincingly.
NC State vs Tennessee - Mike Glennon is talented, on a very solid well coached team, and plays in an offense that caters to his skill set. State. Meanwhile Tennessee is dismissing its best players, and its QB is throwing bottles at cars.
Boise State at Michigan State -7 Boise. I always pick against them. Now I won't, so they'll get smoked.
Auburn vs Clemson -3 I like Auburn here. No Sammy Watkins, inexperienced Clemson o-line, new defensive scheme, and I think AU is hungry after last year.
Alabama -13 vs Michigan -- PAWWWWWWWLLLLLLLLL (Alabama)
Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech -7.5 Hokies to win, Bees to cover. VT will have limited possessions, GT will make the most of their's.
GIF of the week
Drink of the week
For the 35th consecutive week in a row: Makers Mark, neat (also, RAILS)
turned in my picks every week last year
sure as hell will continue this year!
South Carolina
NC State
Boise State
Clemson
Alabama
Virginia Tech
Going with
USCe, NC State, Boise, Clemson, Bama, VT
I suck picking the spread
But here goes:
USC -7
NC State +3
Michigan State -7
Clemson -3 because of new coordinators for the (original) SEC Tigers
Bama -13 because Michigan ain't that good
GT +7.5
Heart picks, not head picks
Vandy to cover, not win.
NC State wins outright
Michigan St gives the 7. Screw Boise.
Auburn wins outright
Michigan covers. Not convinced of Bama this year.
VT wins by 14. Paul Johnson cries.
tough picks
week 1 is the worst.
night of drinking at whitlows? why couldn't that have been the prize for the last two years? haha
South Carolina -7
NC State +3
Boise State +7
Clemson -3
Michigan +13
GT +7.5
I WILL NAME JOE'S CHILD MARCUS REGARDLESS OF GENDER
USC (-7)
NC State (+3)
Boise (+7)
Clemson (-3)
Michigan (+13)
GT (+7.5)
Please see subject line.
That's ice cold. Icy cold like one of the ten delicious RAILS I'll be drinking this weekend.
USCe -- two words, Lattimore and defense
NC State -- Glennon will impress I think and NCS secondary will expose Bray
Sparty -- Sparty's dline will have Boise's new QB crying to his mama
Auburn -- as much as I hate to admit it .. I don't like Clemson but I want the ACC to look good, Auburn seems to show up against the ACC. They'll win a close one
Bama -- Michigan is way fucking overrated and them being a preseason top 10 team is laughable.
VT -- I think they'll get up early with some big plays and then we know what happens to GT. CPJ will shit a brick, throw headsets, and wonder how it is that Frank Beamer annually owns his ass.
Time to start off right
Vandy
nC State
I hate Boise! So mich st.
Auburn
Bama
Hokies
Come on big money!
Vandy
NC State
Michigan State
Klempson
Bama
VIRGINIA TECH
South Crackalacka Fighting
South Crackalacka
Fighting Glennons
Boise State, they just don't lose
Clemson crushes
Michigan with the points, but Bama with a late FG to win
Hokies by 35
And really the winner is us, we get to look at Samantha Steele's sweet tushy so much more this year!
Here we go
If I remember correctly, I had a respectable showing last year, but there is always room for improvement...
1. Going with the Ol' Ball Coach
2. Wolfpack - I will never pick Tennessee in anything
3. Spartans
4. Tigers (the SEC variety)
5. Tide Rolls
6. H-O-K-I-E-S HOKIES!!
Beer - I will be partying with Jimmy Buffett on Saturday, so I'm thinking maybe Corona. I actually get to have a Sunday Funday for the first time in a month, and I'm not sure what I will be enjoying on Monday yet, but I do know that you can't drink all day if you don't start in the morning.
and said
gift from Chazz ...
with a friend. awesome.
Big fan
of the 16 Anniversary
One IPA
just isn't enough.
South Carolina -7: Vandy isn't moving the ball on that D
Vols -3: If I am wrong, Dooley will get canned and they will hire The Sweater Vest at the end of the year.
Boise State +7: Boise's staff is too good with a year to prep for their "Super Bowl." MSU has a new QB too.
Clemson -3: Auburn plays the same system, and Clemson beat them last year. Tajh's gut could turn things the other way.
Alabama -13: No way that Michigan team that the Hokies knocked around beats Bama's defense. Denard won't make it to halftime
Hokies -7.5 Big number, but all the BS chatter about GT "adding wrinkles" makes me think perhaps the talent gap is too great.
Let's get things started!
South Carolina wins and covers - As my wife, a USC-East Grad, the ONLY "Carolina."
NC-State wins and covers - I really like this NCSU team this year to sneak into the ACCCG
Michigan State & the points - This won't be the same BSU
Auburn to curb-stomp the other Kittens - Clumpson takes a step back this year
Michigan to cover the 7 - Michigan might even win this game
Virginia Tech - If I picked anything other than a complete beatdown in Lane Stadium on Monday Night, what kind of Hokie would I be?
Week One!!!!
There he is...
Vanderbilt(+7): Outright. QBMullet is gone and Latimore is unimpressive. Vandy comes out swingin, leaving the ol ball coach to throw some visors.
NC State(+3): Outright. Mike makes Hokie fans wish THIS was the Glennon we had...enroute to the Atlantic title.
Michigan State(-7): No more hide n seek for the Broncos. Sparty rolls on the ground, for Whom the Bell Tolls.
Auburn(+3): SEC, duh. (um, it won't be 70, but it won't be a win for the paws either.)
Alabama(-13): Denard LOOSES the Heisman this weekend. 5 turnovers will do that for ya, ya know. Saban will roll Tide this week, then hit a wall on his way to 3 losses this year. You can fake a lot of things, but not QB in the SEC (Jamarcus, I'm lookin at you!)
Virginia Tech(-7.5): And easy cover by 18!!!!! Taking the Techmo Bowl is the first step. First step....Logan will truck everything in his path this Monday. They can't call it Labor Day without specting him to go to work!
I can't possibly finish worst than last year
South Carolina
NCSU - FEAR THE GLENNON
Michigan State - I'm pretty interested to see a Kellen-less Bronco team
Auburn - I'm guessing they drop 40+ on CU
Bama - If Kyle Fuller can shut down Robinson, I'm pretty sure they can too.
VT - I can't not do it.
All of These:
Thank you
from the bottom of my heart for a valid excuse to take a break from my studies of tort law...
South Carolina - The campus fully expects the win. And a huge one too. Spurrier was talking a big game earlier this week too.
NC State - I just can't bring myself to pick UT for anything. Just don't have it in me.
Boise State - Boise State always finds a way to sneak their way into BCS talk early on. No exception this year. They'll win it, then we'll have to listen to ESPN extoll the virtues of Southwick and the blue turf for the rest of the season.
Clemson - On principle, I'm picking the ACC.
Alabama - Bama will hammer Denard. Then during the broadcast the whole Danny Coale thing will come up and we'll all be sad.
VT - I do believe it'll be close. Especially since we'll be wearing those terrible orange uniforms.
Also, random aside... UVA opens against Richmond in Scott Stadium this Saturday. I've always been disappointed with my Spiders because they'll hang with UVA for the first half, then come back out looking completely deflated. It's pathetic, because they are capable of beating UVA... But I keep the faith. This is the year we deliver a debilitating blow to the 'hoos and embarrass them in Scott. I feel it.
Surprisingly, my first time participating
South Carolina
NC State
Boise
Auburn
Alabama
Tech... There's only one.
Fall ball pickin' by Will
USCe; could be rainin' like hell and a good running game wins;
Tenn: you run with a pack 'cause you're scared to be by yourself.
Mich. State: first non-upset loss for BSU in a while; likely the last time we see BSU in a BCO 6-pick for quite some time.
Clemson: wins back-to-back in the Tiggerbowl.
Bama: just better
VT: Bud's D has had 8 months to practice patience. Stiney's O pulls out a few surprises.
BEER of the weekend: Sam Adams Fall Pack.....likely all 12 of 'em, and some leftover Torpedo IPA.
Week 1 !!! Thank God for college football !!!
Gamecocks
Wolfpack
Sparty
Auburn
Bama
H-O-K-I-E-S
What am I doing?
USCe
NC State
Boise
Auburn
Bama
VT
South Carolina - I will believe Vandy not sucking when I see it, but not until then (same goes for Duke, Heather Dunnomuch)
State - if they don't put a major hurting on Dooley & Co. I will be very. put. out. (Bonus points if you get the reference)
Boise State - Bus.
Auburn vs Clemson - Can I cop out and say the Tigers? No? Fine. Auburn
Michigan - I swear every time I picked for the heavily favored team last season, I lost. Thus...
Virginia Tech - Bud SO has CPJ's number now
Drink of the week: Airplane bottles (to be purchased) snuck into Sun City Music Festival. Wewt
Time to Enjoy
I'll be drinking my Enjoy by this weekend as well. Stone Brewery always knows what they're doing, so I'm looking forward to it.
On to the picks:
The USC Gamecocks - Is party boy Garcia heading up the victory party?
NC State - Because you can't lose with a Glennon at the helm. Derp.
Boise State - because Kellen Moore sucked, so I'm sure they'll find somebody that can throw the ball 5-8 yds downfield.
Clemson - In Dabo we trust (until about week 7...)
'Bama - 'Bama has better safeties than VT, so UM probably won't score
GT - 7.5 is a real kicker, hard to get 8 or 9 pt win, and 10 just sounds too unlikely
YAISSSS!
Besides the college football season itself, this may be my favorite fall tradition. Well that and being drunk by 9:30am on Saturdays and 10:30am on Sundays. I do hate when Thursday and Friday games hit the SixPick because I prefer to be properly sauced when making my picks. Anyway here are my three pre-Saturday (sober) picks, the others will be made on Friday. On to the quest for mediocrity...
USCe - Vandy is the sexy pick. Always go against the sexy pick unless BCO includes a cheer babe. Please just let Vandy play better than Miss ST did last year. No Stephen Garcia is bad for us but good for USCe.
NC State - This pick kills me because I am leaning toward picking F Clemson for the Saturday game and no way the ACC goes up 2-0 on the SEC in week 1, right? Tennessee is just awful and even thought I can't see ANY Glennon winning a big game that would help the ACCs stature, I think whatever an NC State is, they will win.
Sparty - The way I see it, since we got beat by Boise on an opening weekend a couple years ago, they will lose this year. I think this is the most interesting game not being played in Blacksburg this weekend. I actually have no idea but I like Sparty's uniforms more.
to be continued.......
And we're back
Well I am off to an 0-3 start so I have some ground to make up. Thats what I get for making picks dead sober.
Auburn - I was all set to go for Klempson but then a Glennon showed up in the Georgia Dome. Actually there was a few of them and I really think that has doomed any chance of the ACC getting out of Atlanta w/ a victory. Also, the cheer babe rule is in effect and I always pick the team with the hot cheerleaders.
Alabama - Its a big number but Alabama is a big team. Denard didn't play well versus VT, I think he will fare much worse against bama. I don't expect this game to be pretty.
GiT - I rarely pick VT in big games because I am a pessimist. Sadly I don't just think GiT will cover, I think they will win. We are too young on offense. The only way to beat F-CPJ is to have sustained drives. We have too much inexperience on the line and backfield to do this. I hate playing GiT, I hate the game that seems to take 1.5 hours to play and I hate seeing CPJ scowling at the 50 yard line like it kicked his kitten. F CPJ, F Nesbitt and his no-neck and F GiT. Sadly, I think I will be saying F me on Monday night.
BCO had some season questions and I have some thoughts.
Is this the year the ACC doesn't crap the bed?
Haaaaaa, yeah, right. Buy plenty of sheets.
Will Nick Saban smile?
Is the Pope Jewish?
Can Lane Kiffin or Brian Kelly do anything remotely likeable?
Like move to Africa and never be heard from again, probably not
Can Logan Thomas not run 10 yards on a QB sneak?
Lets hope he averages 24 yards per sneak
Is FSU back?
I am ashamed you have to ask this
Will the Big XII regret the wvu invite after their first visit to morganhole?
They serve beer in their stadium so I think that will soften the blow to the Big XII fans.
Is this the year the Oregon plug n play offense falters?
Who cares, as long as they keep showing their cheerleaders.
How will ESPN Gameday fair without Erin Andrews as eye candy?
No clue, since Gameday is on at 6:00am my time, I never watch it anymore.
I am so happy football and the 6Pick is back. Sure it will mean less sleep and more booze but it also makes me happy. Tonight's picks were brought to you by Maui Brewing Co Bikini Blonde Lager. Not sure what my pilsner selection will be Monday but I have plenty of bikini blondes sitting in my fridge right now, and that is not a bad thing.
Go Hokies!
Samantha Steele > Erin Andrews
Agree
Holly Rowe > Shelley Smith > Samantha Steele > Erin Andrews > Quint Kessenich
I am basing this strictly on looks and weight,not actual earth shattering questions like "How do you think your QB played in that half?"
Redemption tour
After my awful showing last year it's time to step it up:
Vandy (+7) but USC-E wins
NC State (+3). Start the Mike Glennon hype machine before its too late (/throws pick)
Michigan State (-7). This is the year Boise falters
Auburn (+3). The ACC can't have two good showings in the Georgia Dome on back to back nights can it?
Alabama (-13). This game won't be close RTR.
GAH Tech (+7.5). Hokies win the game by less than a touchdown.
Football!
Vandy - Vandy builds hype as Stanford of the east with a win straight up.
NC State - Tennessee not so good. NC State I think has great division chances.
Boise State - I'm not willing to completely count them out. I think they at least cover.
Auburn - Clemson starts the Clemsoning early this year.
Michigan - I'm sure I'm stupid not going with Bama's D, but I think Robinson comes up with enough magic to let them cover the spread. Not win.
GA Tech - If this was on the road first week I'd probably pick them straight up. I thought GT would be favored to win the coastal end of last year. But at home with Bud and summer of prep I think VT wins a close one.
Shots in the Dark
Vandy
NC State
Michigan State
Auburn
Bama
GT (too many close ones to think we'll win by more than 7, would LOVE to be wrong on this though)
One down
South Carolina
NC State
Michigan State
Auburn
Michigan
Virginia Tech (GT at first but with both teams rusty so have to go with home team)
LET'S DO THIS
Sakerlina - although "James Franklin ain't afraid to punch a cock!!" - Spencer Hall. Also I will be wearing my "COCKS" shirt that BroESQ got me when he briefly attended that fine institution of learning.
NC State - please, never underestimate how much Tennessee sucks. VAWLS.
Boise State - why the fuck not
Auburn - Sammy Watkins single-handedly CLEMSON'd Clemson
Bama bangs and Baby Gap shorts
Virginia Tech because I REFUSE to pick against us but I've been breathing into a paper bag every now and then because this game is starting to give me the vapors DEEP BREATHS
Also...
Footballs BACK *screaming sorority girls voice*
Vandy- pulls off the upset, makes the better teams in the SEC once again look like shit
NC State - Just because I really hope they win, SEC can suck a dick
MSU - Boise State can suck a dick
Auburn - I want Clemson to win, but can never in my right mind rout for them.
Michigan - I know Bama will win this one, but once again I hate the SEC, plus I still count last years Sugar bowl as a win for us, so it will make me feel even better.
Virginia Tech wins this one by at least 17 points, we should have the Defense to shove their run game right back up their asses, and I think we score at least 17 points in this game.
Just curious...
How do you feel about the SEC?
(Also, if you're going to cuss, at least make it funny.)
South Carolina NC State Boise
South Carolina
NC State
Boise State
Auburn
Alabama
Virginia Tech
Already feeling nervous just trying to make these picks
South Carolina - Connor Shaw is better than Stephen Garcia and Lattimore is back. The Cocks have some young receivers that were highly touted but will have to prove themselves on game day. The defense lost some good players but should be solid with Clowney entering his second season and a couple years of solid recruiting.
Tennessee - I really want to pick NC St but I can't trust the ACC to not crap the bed. Justin Hunter might be the best receiver in the SEC if he's back to his pre-injury form and Tyler Bray is a capable QB. I think NC St could have a solid season but they struggled badly on the road last year (loss @ Wake & BC, blowout @ Cincy, & FSU) and I just can't trust them.
Michigan State - I have no idea. Boise State lost a ton on both sides of the ball and Michigan State lost a ton of offense. I could see this being a low scoring game which makes me nervous about picking against Boise, but Michigan State was horribly underrated last season and the Kellen Moore era has finally ended at Boise.
Auburn - Without Watkins, Allen, several o-lineman, and the advantage of extra prep time, I think Auburn will be able to severely limit Clemson's explosive offense, which was able to catch them off guard a couple games into the season last year. I don't know anything about Auburn but no other team seemed to have as much trouble scoring against them as we did, so Auburn will probably find a way.
Alabama - I think Michigan will hang around similarly to how we did against Alabama a couple years ago. Michigan has excellent coaches who have recruited well in recent years and while they might not score much, Alabama's offense shouldn't put up tons of points either. It's very possible Robinson will have a tough night and start turning the ball over, meaning Alabama will have a good chance to pull away.
Georgia Tech - Don't see VT getting enough separation to cover the spread against GT's (supposedly) improved defense and TOP dominating offense. I'll be more than satisfied just to come out of this game with a W and no major injuries.
Starting Fresh
Hopefully I will continue my successes from last year:
USCe
The Fighting Glennons
Spartans
Tigers
The Elephant rolling in the tide
Damn bees (covering) but Hokies winning outright
FOOTBALL
South Carolina
NC State
Mich St
Clemson- It's a toss up
Alabama- Michigan sucks
VT- Have to
Vandy Nc
Vandy
Nc state
Msu
Auburn
Mich I just don't see bama scoring a lot of points
Git
Pick 5
Already off to a bad start this year by not getting my picks submitted in time... It is unacceptable for work to get in the way of college football, but at least I am heading to Blacksburg for 4 days tomorrow!
NC State - I'll take the Wolfpack over the Vols, because I want it to happen and I think NC State is going to surprise some people this year.
Michigan State - Somebody please beat the stupid smurfs
Klempsun - Hoping they can still score like crazy without Sammy Watkins
Meeeeechigan - Getting the points, and Alabama has to have a down year (10-2) sometime right?
Hokie Pokie - I absolutely hate playing Georgia Tech, but our D-line is the strength of our team and ready to shut down the 1920's triple wing bullshit (I hate that they always go for it on 4th down...)
Pick 5
Tennessee is up 8 and Boise is up 3 so I'll flip the script and pick the other guys. I don't know if this counts since the games already started though.
NC State
Michigan State
Clemson
Alabama
Virginia Tech