First off I just want to thank the entire commitment that is shown day-after-day here on the forums of pregame.com. Everyone on here seems to know and/or are learning what goes on and how to gain an edge. You are all wiseguys in my book! I've grown to enjoy (I'm sure a lot of us like to view our few particular guys) reading and following guys like Jeff Scott Sports, No Limit, Brandon Watson and Jester0245 and I'm POSITIVE I've come across and have not only admired, but reaped the benefits of others picks as well. Last but not least, I wouldn't have even come to this website or heard of it if I hadn't been captivated by the intellect and enthusiasm of RJ Bell when I began anticipating his every appearance on The Herd with Colin Cowherd.
Thanks to guys like these and everyone else, I enjoyed a very fun and beneficial first year of watching and learning from the forums; and the end result being a larger bankroll. Now it's time to do my part and return the favor.
I have been reading pre-season magazines, such as Phil Steele's preview, listening to blogs, reviewing stats on websites ( some of which were suggested to me from people in the forum, so thank you) and am ready to make my picks and track my status week by week and be a part of this all. If I showcase any similar picks as to someone else or even leans, it is only because I have followed them for awhile, believe in their input and respect their play. Thank god football is back and BOL to YOU ALL!
FUTURES
BIG-12
4 Units at 1/1 Oklahoma Bob Stoops. Best QB in the league. Always strong lines and quality special teams. And best of all they don't really play a tough road game besides Texas at a neutral site in Dallas.15 returning starters, 8 on offense, 7 on defense. If they can clean up some issues in the backfield they could possibly be in the national title game. But by far best team in their conference.
BIG-10
3 Units at 3/2 Wisconsin They return 11, 5 on off. And 6 on def. . Ohio State is ineligible and they have the best schedule out of the top teams in the conference. They only have to face one of the top 5 teams on the road, being Nebraska. They had a +155.5 ypg for the best in the B10 last year, +16 in TO's and very well could have added to the defense in another LB Vince Biegel. And yes, Monte Ball and all of his 33 td's of last year are coming back. Easy route to get to the title game and no way Bielema and the state of Wisconsin let them not come prepared to win the title.
PAC-12
2 Units at 9/4 Oregon This argument really just comes down to Oregon and USC. And believe me, this will be close. They are very strong teams this year. USC argument is that Oregon has to come to there house on Nov. 3rd and even if they were to win that game, they could square off again for the title. So Matt Barkley and company get their first shot at the BCS since their penalty, they have a great offensive line and as usual solid running backs. What sells me on Oregon are their overlooked aspects/intangibles. They have the edge in coaching I believe with Kellys unique, yet high expectations, style. They have the better special teams, last year they went +9 on TO's, will run the ball better and will most likely have the best defensive team that Kelly has had in his time there. They're going to run the ball, eat the clock and be more productive on defense and as always, score. A lot.