Friday, September 4, 2009

One game in, one win to start the year. I hope some benefited off last night's game when South Carolina covered the bet, easily. Now with more games going on, there will be two picks for Saturday's games. They are...

1. Purdue (-10) vs. Toledo

Both team's have new head coaches this season, but Purdue's HC Hope was on the staff last season, making the transition easier than for Toledo. Although Toledo does have a more experienced team on both sides of the ball, I don't think it will be enough to handle the Boilermakers. Purdue is stronger than last year, despite having more freshmen than juniors and seniors combined. It is the first home game for Hope, so I think there will be plenty of motivation to rack up the score on Toledo. Purdue should pull this one out by at least two touchdowns.

2. Georgia (+5.5) vs. Oklahoma State

It seems the years that Georgia is undervalued are the years where they perform the best. Last time these teams met was in 2007 when Georgia won 35-14 as a 6-point favorite at home. Now it's at Oklahoma State and Georgia is missing their star QB and RB from last year (Stafford and Moreno). Georgia HC Mark Richt is one of the best at preparing his football team for big early season games, and I expect the Bulldogs to come out strong. It's up to the young Georgia QB, Cox, because if he can handle the hostile atmosphere then I don't see his team losing. The home field, and a guy named Dez Bryant, will make it difficult for the Bulldogs to leave with a win, but I don't believe it's enough to stop them. Georgia will come out of this one a winner.

Thursday, September 3

Football season has finally arrived, and that means picks must be made. So, without wasting anymore time, the pick of the night is...

South Carolina (+5) vs. North Carolina State

Coach Spurrier is undefeated in opening games since he has been coach at South Carolina (4-0). South Carolina lost plenty of players to the draft, and this team seems the weakest of Spurrier's tenure. Despite the losses, NC State is inexperienced on the offensive and defensive side. North Carolina State's Home Passing vs. South Carolina's Road Passing Defense ranks are largely in favor of the Gamecocks, 60 vs. 20. Mike Glennon, the backup quarterback, might have to come in if sophomore Russell Wilson continues his past of not sliding, leading to countless injuries. The defense for NC State may struggle against the offensive mind of Steve Spurrier. The only thing I see going in favor of NC State is being at home, and even that isn't a huge advantage.