Virginia is a shell of what they were last year and even with that team, they couldn't finish off a bowl victory that was in their hip pockets. They lost their big Tight End and their Pass Rush and will have little resistance against..........well, USC. Despite USC's injuries, they still have a million and one Running Backs and should pull away from the Cavs. Watch USC cover all spreads here, no matter where you get your numbers from.
USC 48, Virginia 13
New Mexico + 6 1/2 over TCU
You can bet Los Lobos have had this game circled on their collective calendars since last year's 37-0 blowout in Ft. Worth. New Mexico has lost (10) starters, but one of the returning ones is key: two time all conference RB-Rodney Ferguson. TCU doesn't scare anyone when they have the football and they finished very weakly in conference play last season. I usually like to pick New Mexico on the road rather than at home, but I like them to start their season off with some sweet revenge.
New Mexico 24, TCU 16
Michigan St. + 5 1/2 over California
This is an easy game for a purist to pick. These teams are going in different directions. Among the players that have moved on, Cal lost all world, all everything Desean Jackson, which will hurt their Special Teams. Cal completely CALappsed down the stretch of year's season campaign until they changed QB's and game back to beat your's truly in the Armed Forces Bowl. Still, Michigan St., under the guidance of Mark D'Antonio is heading in the right direction. He is returning classic Big Ten football to East Lansing and should have the better play at the line of scrimmage in this one.
Michigan St. 31, California 28
Clemson -4 over Alabama
This should be a great game.............an early season bowl game, even. However, when you look between the lines, Saban's defense isn't quite ready to handle the challenge of the Tiger Running Game and balanced attack for (4) qtrs. On the other side of the ball, Bama doesn't have any developed playmakers and their leader, QB-John Parker Wilson didn't finish up too confidently last year. Look at it this way, if Clemson doesn't get to the ACC Title Game this year, they never will and besides, they don't fold until the later half of the season. Look for Clemson to live up to their Top 10 ranking.
Clemson 30, Alabama 20
Idaho + 27 over Arizona
This is a bad game to get involved in, but the number jumped right out at me. I've seen enough of Arizona to know that this isn't the kind of team that draws their best effort; Even if it is the season opener. Although the Wildcats will score an abundance of points, along with their PAC-10 foes, their defense is still a Work In Progress. Put it all together and Idaho should be able to stay within this lofty number.
