Hello, I'm back! I did not do my NCAA preview columns due to a busy summer, but my precognition skills are honed and ready. I missed the Week 0 games, but I'm ready for Labor Day weekend.
I am instituting a new policy this year. No matter a team's ranking, I will not discuss any game that is so one-sided that it seems ridiculous. For this week, that removes most of the FCS v FBS matchups.
Thurs Aug 31
Kent State Golden Flashes at UNLV Running Rebels : Both teams have had a tough recent history, but both showed improvement last season. This game could show which one has stepped themselves up. I think this will be a close game, and I usually favor the home team in close games. UNLV by three
NC State Wolf Pack at UConn Huskies : This seems like a one-sided game, but the Wolf Pack lost some talent, and may have a slow start. I still think they'll win. NC STATE by 16
Florida Gators at Utah Utes : Gator Nation has great faith in their team, but they have had something missing in the past few years. I don't think they've found it yet. UTAH by 14
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Minnesota Golden Gophers : The Cornhuskers lost their two best offense performers. Their defense wasn't so hot last year, so it seems they have quite an uphill road this season. MINNESOTA by 16
Fri Sept 1
Central Michigan Chippewas at Michigan State Spartans : The Chippewas aren't likely to win this game, but it'll be interesting how their defense performs. If they hold the Spartans to 14 points or less, the Chippewas will be a force to watch in the MAC. MICHIGAN STATE by ten
Sat Sept 2
East Carolina Pirates at Michigan Wolverines : The Wolverines defense is strong enough to ensure a victory. What will be interesting in this game is how well their offense performs, considering how much offensive talent they lost. If they score big, they may be the conference champs. MICHINGAN by 20
Colorado Buffaloes at TCU Horned Frogs : TCU should win easily, but it'll be interesting how Coach Prime has advanced the Buffaloes offense.
Fresno State Bulldogs at Purdue Boilermakers : Purdue has been improving recently, so this might be an interesting game to watch. Fresno State, like many Mountain West teams, pride themselves on offense, but their defense can be weak. If the Boilermakers offense has strength, and their generate the type of defense they need in the Big Ten, then they should excel in this game. PURDUE by 16
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at SMU Mustangs : Both teams are more frequently down than up, but they both seem to be on an upswing. Which team wins will depend upon which one is swinging higher this season. SMU by six
Akron Zips at Temple Owls : The Owls, traditionally a cellar dweller, really shined last season. This game will help determine if that was a fluke or the start of a new trend. TEMPLE by 13
Ohio State Buckeyes at Indiana Hoosiers : The Buckeyes lost quite a lot of talent, and they often start the season slowly. Indiana has been improving their offense in recent years. Could an upset happen here? OHIO STATE by 13
Boise State Broncos at Washington Huskies : Okay, here's my upset pick. Washington plays hard, but they also underestimate opponents. I don't think they will take Boise State seriously, and are a serious opponent. BOISE STATE by six
South Florida Bulls at Western Kentucky Hilltoppers : This will be an interesting match-up. South Florida specializes in defense and the Hilltoppers have been strong ofensively in recent years. Normally I pick the better defense, but I think the Hilltoppers will have a good enough defense to frustrate the Bulls. WESTERN KENTUCKY by eight
Washington State Cougars at Colorado State Rams : The Cougars are heavy favorites, but I think the Rams will make it tough. They've been down for too many years - it's time for the Rams to rise again. WASHINGTON STATE by four
UTSA Roadrunners at Houston Cougars : This game may decide the conference winner, as the owner of the this tiebreaker may make the difference. Both are strong teams, but the Cougars defense may make the difference. HOUSTON by six
Toledo Rockets at Illinois Fighting Illini: The Illini lost their QB, best receiver, best runner, and best defender. The defense is still packed, but how much offense do they have? They should have enough to get past Toledo, but this game may show how much gas the Illini have to challenge in the conference. A defensive score will dive Illinois the edge in this game. ILLINOIS by nine
Texas Tech Red Raiders at Wyoming Cowboys : Here's my next upset. Wyoming has been looking good in the last couple of years, while Tech's defense has been evaporating. The Cowboys will take advantage. WYOMING by 13
Old Dominion Monarchs at Virginia Tech Hokies : The Hokies have been missing something in recent years, and I don't think they will expect much of a battle from the Monarchs. They are a good team, though, and may gibe them a scare. Upset alert. VIRGINIA TECH by three
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at UCLA Bruins : UCLA should be a top team this year. The Chanticleers aren't likely to win, but they keep it close, that will show that Coastal Carolina will be a real power this season. UCLA by 14
Sun Sept 3
Northwestern Wildcats at Rutgers Scarlet Knights: Rutgers will likely been near the bottom of the conference again this season, so the really interesting aspect of this game will be to see how Northwestern bounces back from a disappointing season last year. NORTHWESTERN by eight
Oregon State Beavers at San Jose State Spartans : The Spartans can surprise, and the Beavers sometimes struggle on the road, but they should still prevail. OREGON STATE by eight
LSU Tigers at Florida State Seminoles : This might be most intriguing match-up of the weekend. Watch for plenty of lead changes, as these two teams are very evenly matched. I think the last team to hold the ball may win, and the Tigers have a slightly better ball management system. LSU by three
Mon Sept 4
Clemson Tigers at Duke Blue Devils : This game probably won't be close, but as the only game that day, I had to include it. CLEMSON by 18
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