Thurs
(L) 2* (105/100) Tamu/South Carolina U61........... Both teams will be breaking in new quarterbacks and liable to be conservative, esp. in the early goings. Focus will be on not making mistakes in a run first orientation to get a feel for the game. Coach Spurrier has been known to keep new QB's on a very short leash, and also open the season with two scoops of vanilla. (usu. savoring gameplan for Geo and gauging gametime talent). I expect to see a lot of Mike Davis in this one, and if that is working, don't expect for things to change. Spurrier can milk a game clock with the best and if the cocks get ahead early here, I would expect a clock searing huddle and emphasis on t.o.p. The aggies will be testing the meddle of new QB Hill after football left for Cleveland. Loss of talent at wideout and throughout the ranks, should pave the way for a timid road approach. Columbia will be a hostile environment and the new tamu offense will likely test the waters before jumping in. Both defenses are more than adequate here and should hold.
<I do not know what is driving this line up, maybe the anticipation of cfb season, or expectations of past couple of years results. South Carolina did not lose a home game last year, and I expect them to win this game by running it down the aggies throat and playing tenacious defense.>
Fri
2* (105/100) Colorado State +3........... Better QB in Garrett Grayson and one of the best kickers in CFB (Jared Roberts - #1 nfl kicker prospect). Rivalry game, take the points. There is really no solid evidence to say that the buffs win this one going away, as both programs seemed to have reached a middle road in this meeting. History has no barring, as state was deplorable for many years; but have the players to compete here. Here you have a dog that is very capable of winning the game.
added 08/29......... 1* (110/100) UTSA +10.5.............pretty much following a line move here and the aspect of this will be a short trip for the road runner and playing competition that is in their ballpark. houston has slipped in terms of quality program in past few years and has been known to stumble. like motivated dawgs, and think we have one here in utsa, so we get full effort. we shall see. (note smaller play)
Sat
added 08/29........ 2* (105/100) Penn ST +2.........some early action here in a game in dublin. pretty much even in terms of talent, but think ucf will miss bortles and lack leadership at the skill position. nittany lions still suffering from scandal, but the remaining team players maybe one of the most dedeciated bunches in the history of cfb. a team effort from the lions gets the straight up win here, as early program reports indicate a strong camp. ucf is no slouch, but primarily will rely on the run, penn st looks good at LB position and shoul limit progress. I expect this to be a low scoring affair, and points will be a premium.
2* (105/100) Arkansas +20..........Hogs are healthy here w/ the biggest line in CFB. Three strong runners and a much improved and healthy returning QB in Brandon Allen. Auburn will be tough, no doubt, but think this one is a little hefty for a conference game. Rain expected during the game in the form of thundershowers, field could get wet. Auburn loses some key components off last years squad and has some injuries coming in as well. It's easier to rise to the top, than to stay on top. btw, I hate betting on the pigs, would rather fade to be truthful. I expect much improvement and would not be surprised if this one came down to a field goal.
2* (105/100) Mississippi State -30.5....... I don't see state letting up on the eagles, and even if Mullen does pull 1st string, dawgs 2nd string can hang another 21. So Miss will have a very difficult time scoring here and once the dawgs have their ears pinned back, the defense is going to take over. Seriously would be surprised if the g-eag has more than 100 total yards in this one.