The Hurricanes start off with a bang against Tallahassee High School...er...Florida A&M. It would be a waste to break it down, as we all know what's going to happen here. Miami wins 63-10.
Vegas Odds: No Line
I pick: Miami
Prebyterian at Wake Forest
Another no brainer. PC has absolutely no chance at winning this game, and Wake should be embarrassed to be playing it. Get real.
Vegas Line: No Line
I pick: Wake Forest
Pittsburgh at Utah
Finally a meaty match up for Thursday night. Pitt will bring Heisman candidate Dion Lewis into Salt Lake City to try and take down a Utes team that is on a mission. The spread is very close, as it should be. The difference maker will be at QB, where Jordan Wynn is coming off of a superb performance in the bowl win over Cal. Pitt starts young Tino Sunseri. Look for Utah to attack aggressively. They will make Lewis beat them single handedly, while taking the passing game out at the knees.
Vegas Line: Utah -3
I pick: Utah...can't go against the Utes at home, and they are desperate to win this one.
Norfolk State at Rutgers
I really can't figure out what Rutgers gets out of playing this game, other than an easy win. There are no major stories coming out of this match, as Rutgers will cruise 55-3.
Vegas Line: No Line
I pick: Rutgers...why bother thinking about anything else.
Towson at Indiana
Another slouch of a game. Strangely enough, IU struggled against CAA opponent William & Mary a few season ago, but Towson is not in W&M's league, as they are a traditional bottom feeder in the best conference in 1-AA. IU cruises 45-6. IU will be without WR Tandon Doss this week.
Vegas Line: No Line
I Pick: IU easy...the Tigers are a bottom feeder. This one should be over early enough to still plow a field or something.
Minnesota @ Middle Tennessee
Dasher is out and Kilgore is in at QB for MTSU. That changes the dynamics a bit, as with Dasher, the Blue Raiders were a shoe in to run down the Gophers. Kilgore is a JC transfer. The Gophers have lost both of their starting safeties for this game, one due to injury, and another due to suspension.
MTSU will also lose RB DD Kyles, who is injured. Philip Tanner and Ben Cunningham will share carries.
Vegas Line: MTSU -4
I Pick: MTSU...The Blue Raiders are still fired up to host this game on TV. Dasher will be a huge loss, but that just means that the Raiders win by less Thursday. The Gophers are a mess.
Marshall at Ohio State
The Herd is being herded into a slaughter pen in Columbus Thursday night. The Buckeyes should have no problem controlling the tempo, and they should have an impressive opener on their way to competing for a berth in the national title game in January. The Herd will start a freshman (James Rouse) at DE and also lose MLB Kellen Harris to injury, although it is still possible that he could play. Tyson Gale starts in his place.
Vegas Line: OSU -28
I Pick: OSU straight up and with the points...Marshall will not be able to keep up. The only danger is keeping the Buckeyes from looking forward to their next game against Miami.
Northern Illinois at Iowa State
This should be a better game than it looks. Northern is up and coming in the MAC, and this should be the year that they take a spot on top of the conference standings. Iowa State was a shocking bowl team last season, but they are not exactly on stable ground in 2010 due to their rugged schedule, even though they are better as a team. This series is always close. NIU is expecting to be thin on the D line, so may have trouble against ISU and Alexander Robinson.
Vegas Line: ISU -3
I Pick: ISU... I'll take the Cyclones at home. Iowa State has been solid in season openers for the last few years, but this game won't be easy. Expect it go into the 4th undecided.
Southern Mississippi at South Carolina
This is a match between two teams desperately seeking an exit from mediocrity.The Golden Eagles have not yet improved under Larry Fedora from where they were under Jeff Bower, and Steve Spurrier has never gotten South Carolina moving with his offensive genius. Neither team is expected to light the world on fire this season, but losing early would probably put either team into a negative spin early. Stephen Garcia needs to have a big game, or else he is likely to end up back in Spurriers dog house.
South Carolina is very beat up coming into this game . Armando Allen, who plays the Spur, LB Shaq Wilson, and Byron Jerideau could all miss the game this week, which will open up the offensive abilities of QB Austin Davis for Southern Miss. South Carolina may also still be without several starters due to NCAA rules violations. TE Weslye Saunders was already booted from the team due to his possible involvement with agents.
Vegas Line: South Carolina -14
I Pick: I am going against the grain on this one. There are a bunch of uncertainties on both sides, but the Gamecocks have a ton of distractions. I take Southern Miss and the points on the road in what would be Spurrier's first loss to a non BCS school in 39 tries.
Southeast Missouri State at Ball State
Nothing gets the season rocking like a nice date with a 1-AA patsy. Ball State will handle this one, and we might as well give them next week too against Liberty. These games will equal wins for the Cardinals, but it won't do a damn thing for them in the first power polls of the season.
Vegas Line: No Line
I Pick: Ball State
Rhode Island at Buffalo
Since we are on the subject of MAC teams taking on potential patsies...Jeff Quinn has a guaranteed quick start at Buffalo.
Vegas Line: No Line
I Pick: Buffalo
Hampton at Central Michigan
We'll just keep rocking the current theme. Welcome to D1 football Dan Enos. Enjoy your first win at Central.
Vegas Line: No Line
I Pick: Central Michigan
Murray State at Kent State
And the hits just keep on coming. Kent should roll it up on the Racers this week, and then get ready for oblivion at the hands of Boston College next week.
USC at Hawaii
The Trojans are looking for a chance to show people that they are not down even while in the hold of NCAA sanctions. A big win here would solidify USC as still being a power. Any win under 21 points would be a joke for the Trojans. An upset loss would spell certain doom. The Trojans won't fall for the beach spell.
Vegas Line: USC -19
I Pick: 19 is a gift. USC should cover that number with ease. Fight on until next week.
North Dakota at Idaho
North Dakota lost to an NAIA team in 2009...at home. Idaho should put an ass whoopin on the Fighting Sioux in Moscow.
Vegas Line: No Line
I Pick: Idaho...BIG!!!!
Eastern Washington at Nevada
Eastern has no shot in Reno against what is one of the very best rushing attacks in America. The Wolfpack should have no issues here, and should clear next week's hurdle against Colorado State before the big test against Cal.
Vegas Line: No Line
I Pick: Nevada by a bunch
Florida Atlantic at UAB
This game is a real head scratcher, but I have to basically believe that FAU should get a jump on the Blazers due to QB play, as the Owls are the team returning experience at the position. UAB loses Joe Webb, who was their entire offense last season. Neither team looks to have a great season, but an early win would boost morale right away.
Vegas Line: UAB -13
I Pick: FAU...UAB isn't good enough to be favored by 13 over anyone this season.
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