The leaves have started changing color, Joe's daily web traffic is up, and my farmer's tan is looking borderline unnatural, so that must mean it's time for the start of football season again.
I'll be filling in this year for BeerControlOffense, who is off doing things like "being a responsible parent." I've made a couple of minor format changes for this year.
First, we'll be making our picks through CBSSports.com (LINKY HERE). That allows me to more easily tabulate the results, because (1) I want to make sure I get them correct, and (2) I'm extremely lazy. Unfortunately, CBSSports is also being extremely lazy, as they haven't yet opened up the games so commissioners can set the games yet. That means FOR THIS WEEK ONLY, you can make your picks in the comments here instead of on CBSSports.com, and I'll still tabulate them.
Next, we'll be picking 8 games a week this year instead of 6. I'm still calling it the "6 Pick" though, because that sounds like a six-pack, and as far as I know there's no such thing as an eight-pack. There probably should be, though.
Finally, if you forget to make your picks, instead of getting a 0 for that week's games, you'll get one less than the lowest score of the week. I'll still post here every week with the games and lines, and some commentary on each that will probably be a little less funny than what BeerControlOffense provided (though not for lack of trying). Remember you're picking against the spread.
On to the first week's games.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
Colorado State vs. Colorado (-7, game in Denver)
Factoid #1: This is actually CSU's second game of the season, having pummeled Oregon State last week.
Factoid #2: I was in Boulder in December a couple of years ago, and the first time it snowed I passed 3 different cars stuck in the median. I have no idea how people live in CO and don't know how to drive in the snow.
PICK: Colorado State wins outright.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
NC State (-5) vs. South Carolina (game in Charlotte)
Factoid #1: NC State has finished 3-5 in conference each of the last 4 years.
Factoid #2: Will Muschamp has lost at least 5 games each of his last 3 years as a head coach.
PICK: I'm not much of a believer in Muschamp. NC State wins & covers.
Michigan (-4) vs. Florida (game at Jerry World, Dallas)
Factoid #1: Jim Harbaugh is one of 30 men to start a game at QB for the Chicago Bears since Jim McMahon left the team after 1988. I became a Bears fan in 1986, and they eventually beat the NFL out of me.
Factoid #2: Taking a cue from the 3-4 defense, Jim McElwain has indicated he will install Bronco Mendenhall's 3-4 offense (i.e. playing 3-4 QB's per game).
PICK: Michigan lost a bunch of talent, but I don't trust Florida in a big game under McElwain. Michigan wins & covers.
FSU vs. Alabama (-7, game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta)
Factoid #1: FiveThirtyEight rates FSU as the third-most overrated team of the last 20 years.
Factoid #2: Nick Saban has the same hair as that guy from Office Space.
PICK: Bama wins and covers.
BYU vs. LSU (-12, game in Houston)
Factoid #1: In 16 games as coach at USC and LSU, Ed Orgeron has won more games than he did in three full seasons at Ole Miss.
Factoid #2: In his first 5 games as coach of BYU, Bronco Mendenhall won more games than he did in a full season at UVA.
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PICK: That's a pretty hefty line. BYU to cover.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
VT (-4) vs. WVU (game at FedEx Field)
Factoid #1: VT is undefeated at NFL stadiums under Justin Fuente.
Factoid #2: West Virginia is the only US state to have fewer people now than in 1950. As a result, there are now more Go Marts in the state than people. Probably.
PICK: Hokies by a late TD.
Texas A&M at UCLA (-3)
Factoid #1: Texas A&M has started the last 3 seasons 5-0 before finishing 3-5 in their final 8 games each time.
Factoid #2: Joe Bruin's grandfather had a successful career as a character actor (seen here working for Warner Bros. in a supporting role).
PICK: UCLA wins and covers.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Tennessee (-4) vs. Georgia Tech (game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta)
Factoid #1: Paul Johnson managed to win 9 games last year at GT, yet only finished 5th in the ACC Coastal division.
Factoid #2: Butch Jones' Tennessee team will be attempting to repeat as Champions of Life.
PICK: GT wins outright.
Here's a summary of the games:
Colorado State vs. Colorado (-7)
NC State (-5) vs. South Carolina
Michigan (-4) vs. Florida
FSU vs. Alabama (-7)
BYU vs. LSU (-12)
VT (-4) vs. WVU
Texas A&M at UCLA (-3)
Tennessee (-4) vs. Georgia Tech
Remember, after this week we'll be making our picks on CBSSports.com this year (LINKY HERE), though feel free to let everybody know what the correct answers will be in the comments.
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