189 Oregon (-2) vs. 190 LSU 8:00 PM EST
ABC Arlington, TX
The Ducks will again
contend for national superiority with returning QB Thomas and RB James looking
to duplicate the 47 PPG of LY. You need to go no further than last years 19
offensive points against another SEC defense that resulted in a 3 point loss in
a title game to Auburn. Though they may be highly motivated to get a measure of
revenge vs. the SEC the situation greatly favors the Tigers in this one. 5th
year senior QB Lee will start in the place of QB Jefferson. Along with other
suspensions this gives a major motivational and emotional edge to LSU. A
further advantage is a field where LSU walloped Texas A&M 21-34 in their
Bowl game last year. I'm well aware that HC Miles is just 16-30 ATS of late. But
you must know this: He is also 17-0 SU in September. LSU parlays their
emotional edge at this site for a narrow victory by the SEC against the PAC-12
rep.
193 Colorado at 194 Hawaii (-7) 10:15
PM EST ESPN 2
Hawaii was caught in
a travel snafu last season when they got dumped 31-13 at the altitude of
Boulder. Now the home road dichotomy is reversed with the Rainbows, 7-0 ATS
home LY, hosting a Buff team that is 7-17 ATS road dog and 0-5 ATS away LY.
This is also a Colorado team that has lost 17 consecutive games away from their
home field. Though 16 RS is a plus, having new HC Embree, who is installing new
offensive and defensive schemes, in his first game on the Islands is clearly
not. Hawaii has just 9 RS but among them is QB Moniz who is capable of putting
on an aerial show in this opener. Underrated Rainbow defense takes care of the
rest.
197 Arkansas State vs. 198 Illinois
(-20 ½) 3:30PM EST Big Ten TV
Ark State recorded
consecutive seasons 4-8 SU. That was bad enough to fire HC Roberts and bring on
board his OC, Hugh Freeze. In his first year at that position for the Red
Wolves he upped the offense to 30 PPG on 403 YPG. With QB returning to the fold
and a more experienced defense expect an upward progression from the Red Wolves
this season. The Illini have a history of failing in this role under HC Zook
who is 0-7 ATS vs. non AQ foes, losing 4 of those games outright. Should the
Wolves history of success in these big game encounters continue (they covered at
Auburn and Indiana last year, at Iowa and A&M the two previous years) the
Wolves could howl at the price.
203 Florida Atlantic vs. 204 Florida
(-35) 7:00PM EST ESPN-U
FAU is
further along at this point on offense this year than last. Remember they had
to totally revamp OL in 2010. This year it is a much more veteran unit. Unfortunately,
the Owls rely on 5 returning defenders from a unit that once again allowed 400+
yards and 29 points. Florida counters with just 10 RS a new coach and a new OC.
But following an 8-5 SU season make no mistake that Muschamp and Weis will want
to make a huge splash in their home opener in the Swamp
Free Picks: Oregon vs LSU - Best Bet from Vegas Runner
What CFB bettors need to know about Oregon vs LSU (Saturday, Sep. 3,
2011) from Pregame.com - Including a free best bet from Vegas Runner and
analysis from host RJ Bell.