Starting in the upcoming weeks, you guys are going to be witnessing a few changes here on the blog. We are going to try and make it a little more proactive, focus a little more on what else is going on in college football, and try to get you daily updates. One of these changes is due to the fact that we are going to have a few more people writing on the blog. In other words, be on the lookout for more material, and yes, another perspective ( I know some of you are sick of the optimism).
With that being said, I'm going to go ahead and just keep this one short and sweet. Every week, myself and the new writers on the blog, who will work their way in gradually over the next coming weeks, are going to make picks on that weekend's marquee match-ups. I'm just going to go ahead and post mine for this week, and dare I say pick a few upsets.
Game of The Week (Excluding Penn State vs. Alabama, which I picked 21-17 in PSU's favor)
Ohio State vs. Miami
-Miami has the role players and athleticism to compete in every aspect of the ball game, but I do believe that they are still a year off from being an elite team. This year will definitely be a statement year for them as they turn the corner, but I do believe that Ohio State is one step closer. In the end, Ohio State is a more complete and well-rounded team and I give them the edge. Look for a great match-up throughout the game, with somewhat of an exciting mini-shootout in the fourth quarter and I do believe that Ohio State will prevail.
Ohio State 33- 24 Miami
Florida State vs. Oklahoma
-The Jimbo Fisher era is underway and it seems that Florida State is restoring the luster to a somewhat broken program. They were hitting on all cylinders in their season opener last week, executing well, hitting the big play, and staying disciplined on defense. Oklahoma, however, was on the other end of the spectrum, playing a close and tight knit game against a heavy underdog in Utah State, even though they came out with the win, they dropped in the polls. Either way, the season for each program really starts today. I think Oklahoma bounces back from a lackluster performances and wins this one in a shootout against Florida State.
Oklahoma 42-35 Florida State
Most Interesting Game of the Week (Okay, 2 games this week)
Tennessee vs. Oregon
While both teams had shut-outs to open up the season, it will be interesting to see how both teams fare against somewhat better competition. Tennessee is breaking in a new head coach in Derek Dooley, while Oregon is coming off of a field day without their starting QB from last year (Masoli, Ole Miss) and their star RB in James (served 1 game suspension). Both teams also made a lot of noise in the offseason with player transfers, legal troubles, and position battles. In the end, I do believe that Oregon is the better team, but what I'm most looking forward to is to see what kind of a job Dooley has done in the short time he has been in Knoxville. I think it'll be a lot closer than people think, but Oregon should still dominate this game.
Oregon 27- 17 Tennessee
Michigan vs. Notre Dame
Both teams have come into another season with a lot of uncertainties and speculation. Once again, both teams are unranked and both programs are looking to turn the corner on somewhat of a dismal stretch. It will be interesting to see how the new QBs will look this week against somewhat better competition. I do believe that Michigan faced a tougher opponent in UConn than ND did in Purdue in week 1. I just think that Denard Robinson is the X-factor this week and proves too much for a Brian Kelly defense to handle. Michigan picks off a couple passes on defense, Denard commands the offense to another field day, and UM proves all the beat writers wrong for the second week in a row.
Michigan 38- 21 Notre Dame
Teams on Upset Alert
Florida vs. South Florida
Is this going to be the year where the turnover at Florida was just too much? Has Skip Holtz had enough time to implement his system and gameplan for this match-up against Urban Meyer? I believe that with all the turmoil that these programs went through this offseason, that this might be South Florida's year to knock off the Gators. With a struggling and rebuilding Florida, I do believe that South Florida can pull the upset, however, it all depends on the play of their young QB in BJ Daniels. If John Brantley can manage the snap exchange between him and Pouncey, and their young defense can contain BJ Daniels, Florida will win the game. However, I see more struggles and inconsistencies plaguing the Gators this week. Look for Daniels to burst out on the national scene this week and have his coming out party.
USF 31 - 27 Florida ( I can't believe I'm saying this)
Kansas vs. Georgia Tech (I know this one's a stretch, trust me)
This is going to be my, "what are you thinking", pick of the week. I'm not sure I truly believe this will happen, but it's that one game where you have a gut feeling that something special could happen. Georgia Tech throughout the years has had their fair share of fun running the triple option on the ACC, but they have always struggled against other Big Six programs, and have always played down to the level of teams that they should outclass. I think this is a perfect trap game for them early in the season. They are coming off a confidence builder in week 1 and mentally how are their players preparing for a Kansas team that lost to an FCS school in week 1? I believe GT has a let down game and underestimates the coaching prowess of Turner Gil and the edge that Kansas will be playing with after their own meltdown from week 1. In the end, Kansas plays a more physical game upfront and pulls the upset.
Kansas 37--27 Georgia Tech (No idea where this is coming from, this is my stretch pick of the week, if it happens, enjoy it, if not, look for Nesbitt to increase his stats and play his way into Heisman discussions)
Enjoy Week 2 and let me know what you think.
WE ARE...........................
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