College Football Picks: Week 1

Well this is a new thing I'll be doing... actually it's not really new because I didn't have this blog as this time last year, so there is no precedent for this! But anyway, I'll just pick out what I think are the 5 biggest/best college football games of the weekend, and make my picks on who will win. Since there are already games starting today, this is a little earlier than normal, but here we go.

Stanford at (21) Oregon
Ok, so this isn't the most exciting game ever. But Stanford should be improved this year under Walt Harris, and being led by Trent Edwards at QB. Edwards completed almost 63% of his passes last year, throwing for 17 TD and 7 INT. But Oregon is too tough. They're experience and talented in the backfield, and they're always very tough to beat at home. I like OREGON, 28-14.

(6) USC at Arkansas
The first look at the brand new Trojans (or at least it seems like they're brand new). Arkansas should be much improved this year, but I'm not sure they'll be able to match up with USC, even at home. There is still some uncertainty at QB, as Mitch Mustain figures to get the call sometime this year, although he won't be starting in Game 1. The Trojans are young, but as I've written, I expect big things from them, and I don't think they'll start off with a loss. USC 34-17.

(9) Cal at (23) Tennessee
A very intriguing matchup to start the year. Cal figures to be a strong contender for the Pac-10, while the Vols know they have to improve greatly on last year's mark or Phil Fulmer could be gone. Cal announced they'll start Nate Longshore at QB, and they just need someone to be efficient with Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett at RB. For the Vols, they again have a good defense, but Erik Ainge has to be a lot better than he was last year. But I don't see it in game 1. Even in Tennessee, I like CALIFORNIA 21-17.

(2) Notre Dame at Georgia Tech
The Irish may be ranked 2nd but they can't take Georgia Tech lightly. Tech has possibly the best WR in the nation, a playmaker at QB, a solid defense, and home-field advantage. There's a reason they beat Auburn and Miami last year. For the Irish, they obviously have to be better defensively. The offense could be the best in the country, but that won't mean anything if they can't stop anybody. But I think they'll stop Ga. Tech enough to pull it out. NOTRE DAME 35-24.

(11) Florida St. at (12) Miami
And now the Monday nighter! Last year, this game set offensive football back about 10 years, but things look to be smoother this year. For one, Kyle Wright and Drew Weatherford have experience playing, and they look to be the top QBs in the ACC. The defenses are very good as usual. It's rare to have such a big conference game to start the year, which makes this one all the more exciting. But in the end, I think Kyle Wright makes just enough plays at home to beat the Noles... MIAMI 16-13.

What are your predictions?