Week 1-Pick 6 Previews

What a great day! The first Saturday of college football! For college football nerds like Jeremy and I this is basically Christmas day. It starts 16 weeks of one of the most compelling games in the world. Welcome back college football!

Here is a little more analysis on six games we pick. As always let us know what you think tweet us @307CollegeFB. Enjoy!

No. 5 Georgia at No. 8 Clemson

Instant Analysis: This is sure to be one of the best games of the weekend. Senior quarterbacks Tajh Boyd and Aaron Murray lead two of the best offenses in the country in a game that has week-one national title implications. This game will meet the instant classic status. It is very rare that we get to see a game with such implications so early in the season. I give Clemson a slight edge in this one just because of being in Death Valley.

Key’s to Victory:

Georgia: The keys for Georgia to come out of this game victorious is to get Murray, Todd Gurley and its offense rolling early and manage the insane atmosphere of Death Valley. If Murray and Gurley and the offense get rolling early the Dawgs could be on their way in this one. Defensively the Dawgs need to create some pressure early and make Boyd uncomfortable and hurry him as much as possible throughout the game.

Clemson: The keys for Clemson are much like they are for Georgia get an early big play from Boyd to Sammy Watkins and get its offense rolling. The Tigers need to put the Dawgs down early and make them play from behind all game. The earlier the Tigers score the better they will do at keeping the sellout crowd in Death Valley insane. The defensive key for the Tigers, has to be hurry Murray and make sure is jersey is green at the end of the game. They also need to slow down Gurley, they can let Gurley get his yards because you cannot fully stop him, but they need to limit the big play and not allow big runs.

Fun Facts:

Georgia: This is the first time in Georgia history that both it and its opponent will begin the season in the top 10. The Dawgs are 10-2 in season openers under Mark Richt.

Clemson: The Tigers are looking for the second-consecutive victory over a top-10 SEC team after beating LSU in the Chick-fil-a Bowl to end the 2012 season. This will be the 63^rd meeting between the two schools that dates back to 1897 (UGA leads 41-17-4).

No. 19 Boise State at Washington

Instant Analysis: This is a major game for both squads. Boise State is looking to replace some major pieces this season, but still has the talent to make a BCS run. Washington is opening its brand new Husky Stadium and there are really high expectations in Seattle this season.

Key’s to Victory:

Boise State: The key for the Broncos in this game is to handle the environment and keep quarterback Joe Southwick off his back. Southwick to receiver Matt Miller will be big in this game, but running back Jay Ajayi will be the key for the Bronco offense against a Husky defense that allow over 160 yards per game on the ground last year.

Washington: The key for the Huskies is going to be senior signal-caller Keith Price who had a down year in 2012 and is looking to rebound strong. Price will be looking to use some serious weapons in receiver Kasen Williams and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins against a Boise State defense that lost a lot of key players at linebacker and in the secondary. If the Huskies can use the crazy atmosphere of the new Husky Stadium, they have a great chance to knock the Broncos off.   

Fun Fact:

Boise State: This is a rematch of the 2012 Macco Bowl Las Vegas that Boise State won 28-26 in a closely contested game. The Broncos are 6-1 in season openers under head coach Chris Peterson.

Washington: Washington will be looking for its second-consecutive 1-0 start after defeating San Diego State 21-12 last season. After $281 million in renovations the Huskies will be looking to open its new stadium with a victory over a top-20 team.

No. 1 Alabama vs. Virginia Tech

Instant Analysis: This is going to be a tough one for the Hokies. The Tide comes in as the two-time defending national champions and has just as good of a team as it has had in the last two seasons. I think this game will be close for the first quarter but that is about it. The Tide led by quarterback AJ McCarron and running back TJ Yeldon, as well as a defense that boast All-America caliber players all over the field should have a pretty easy time against a reasonably inexperienced Hokie team.

Key’s to Victory:

Alabama: This one is pretty easy. Just do what you do. Pound the ball on the ground with Yeldon and co., wear down the Hokie front seven and run away with this game. Let the ground game open up the passing game for McCarron. Use the unreal defensive talent to blitz Hokie quarterback Logan Thomas and make sure he is on his back every time he drops back to throw the ball.

Virginia Tech: The best advice I can offer for this team is to keep the ball in the hands of your playmaker Thomas. The Hokies are going to have to with stand punch after punch from the Tide. If they can withstand the big plays and the power running game they could have a chance to keep this close (notice I said close not win). The good thing for the Va Tech is it returns a log of players on the defensive front seven that can hold their own for the first quarter or so of this game. The defensive line is the biggest key for the Hokies as the Tide is breaking in some new players on the offensive line and they should do their best to take advantage of that.

Fun Fact:

Alabama: The Tide is looking for a historic third-consecutive national title run. Bama is also 5-0 in domes since 2008 and 6-2 under head coach Nick Saban. The Tide was No. 1 in three of four major defensive categories last season.

Virginia Tech: Tech is looking for its first-ever win against a top-ranked team as it is 0-7 all time. Head coach Frank Beamer enters his 27^th season with the Hokies.

No. 12 LSU vs. No. 20 TCU

Instant Analysis:

Here is the 1A or 1B for best games of the week however you want to look at it. I am really looking forward to this game as you all know I have been a major buyer of the Horned Frogs stock this season. The Frogs are going to play the two-quarterback system to start the season, but I am pretty sure Casey Pachall will win out in the end. The Frogs have one of the best defenses in the country and should be able to showcase it in this game.  LSU is a young but really talented team, quarterback Zach Mettenberger is going to have to lead this inexperienced team past a really solid Frogs team if the Tigers want to start the season with a victory. I think TCU will come away with a close hard fought victory in this one and continue down the road in their bear of a schedule. All-in-all this should be a close fought game and I expect less than 40 total points in this one.

Key’s to Victory:

TCU: With the indecision at the quarterback position for the Frogs they are going to have to rely on their solid running game led by Waymon James and three returning offensive linemen.  On defense TCU just needs to let its playmakers like Jason Verrett make big plays. This defense is unreal good and I think will show it against the Tigers.

LSU: For the Tigers to win this game they are going to have to slow down the TCU rushing attack and make whoever is in at quarterback for the Frogs throw the ball down the field. Mettenberger is going to have to have a great game get the ball to standout receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to make plays. The Tigers are also going to have to control the clock with their ground game in Alfred Blue and J.C. Copeland.

Fun Fact:

TCU: This is the first neutral site meeting between TCU and LSU since the 1936 Sugar Bowl when TCU won 3-2 and its first national championship. The Frogs are 9-3 in openers under head coach Gary Patterson.

LSU: The Tigers have won 10-consecutive openers going into tomorrow’s game. Head coach Les Miles is 8-0 in season openers at LSU.

Nevada at No. 24 UCLA

Instant Analysis: Most people probably don’t see this as one of the more intriguing games of the weekend, but it could mean a lot for both teams. The Bruins are looking to continue their early success under second-year headman Jim Mora and Nevada is looking to start off well under first-year head coach Brian Polian. This game should be a battle of two solid quarterbacks in UNR’s Cody Fajardo and UCLA’s Brett Hudley. This could be a shootout in the Rose Bowl with both teams looking to make a statement. The Bruins are looking to live up to the bill as the third-best team in the Pac-12 and Nevada is looking to show it can lose longtime head coach Chris Ault and still be a force in college football. All that being said I am gong out on a limb and calling for the Wolf Pack to go into the Rose Bowl and knock off the Bruins.

Key’s to Victory:

Nevada: The key for Nevada is quarterback Cody Fajardo. Fajardo is what makes this pistol offense go and he has to be able to spread the ball around to some weapons at receiver and tight end. With only two linemen returning on the line it is going to be tough for him to get the time he needs to throw the ball. That being said it think Fajardo can make so much happen with his feet that he should be able to use his legs and find the time to get the ball to his experienced receiving corps.

UCLA: The key for UCLA is going to be the defensive front. The senior-laden defensive line is going to have to keep contain on Fajardo and put him on his back to make sure he cannot get the ball down the field. Brett Hundley is also a key to this matchup for the Bruins. He is going to have to make some plays behind a very experienced offensive line. Running back Jordon James is also going to need to have a good game on the ground to keep Fajardo and the Nevada offense off the field.

Fun Fact:

Nevada: This is the first meeting between the Wolf Pack and the Bruins. Nevada will be playing 22 freshman or sophomores to start the season and have the 18^th-most freshman playing of any team in the country with 15 playing.

UCLA: UCLA has won 61 season openers and will open its 32^nd season in the Rose Bowl. The Bruins are looking to repeat as Pac-12 South Champs.

Wyoming at No. 18 Nebraska

Instant Analysis: As we have said before we know that this may not be as interesting to anyone else as it is to Jeremy and I, but too bad this is actually a pretty interesting matchup. It is a battle of very high-powered offenses and solid quarterbacks. Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez is as elusive a quarterback in the country and can run all over the field. Wyoming’s Brett Smith is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country and has the ability to toss five touchdowns in any game. Both of these teams are suspect on defense so expect this to be a high-scoring affair. I think the Pokes will keep this one close, but it is tough to win in Lincoln and they will find that one out.

Key’s to Victory:

Wyoming: For the Pokes to win this one they are going to have score a lot of points and Smith is going to have to have a huge game. The Cowboys have weapons for Smith to throw the ball to, but a relatively inexperienced offensive line is going to have to keep him clean for him to toss the ball around. If Smith and the UW offense can strike early and put some pressure on the Huskers they could have a chance to pull off a major upset. Wyoming is also going to need some big plays from its defense. It’s D is not going to stop the Huskers, but if it can force some turnovers in big situations it has a chance to win.

Nebraska: Like the Pokes, the Huskers need a big game from Martinez and they should get it. Martinez is going to need to run the ball well against a poor tackling Wyoming defense. Another key for the Huskers is running back Ameer Abdullah, he ran for over 1,000 yards last season and he should get a good start against the Pokes. The Huskers defense is only going to need to make enough plays to slow the Pokes. If its D allows Smith and the UW offense to makes plays this could be a little closer than Husker fans are expecting.

Fun Fact:

Wyoming: The Pokes are seeking the first win against Nebraska in program history as they are 0-7 all-time against the Huskers.

Nebraska: The Huskers have won 27-consecutive season openers including 10 in a row in Memorial Stadium.

Week 1- Top 25 Picks

#1 Alabama @ Virginia Tech, Atlanta, 5:30pm ET, ESPN

See Week 1 Stuff and Pick Six.
Jeremy’s Pick- Alabama, 38-13
Nick’s Pick- Alabama, 42-21

 

#2 Ohio State vs. Buffalo, 12pm ET, ESPN

This will be a good way to ease in an almost entirely new front seven.  Buffalo has a solid run game and will field one of its best defenses in recent history.  Regardless, the Buckeye’s will roll.
Jeremy’s Pick- Ohio State, 38-17
Nick’s Pick- Ohio State, 42-10

 

#3 Oregon vs. Nicholls State, 4pm ET, FOXS1

You can’t miss the Mark Helfrich era begin in Eugene.  Oregon will blur right by Nicholls State picking up where they left off a year ago. 
Nick’s Pick- 63-17
Jeremy’s Pick- Oregon, 47-13

 

#4 Stanford, IDLE

Next game- San Jose State

#5 Georgia @ #8 Clemson, 8pm ET, ABC

See Week 1 Stuff and Pick Six.
Nick’s Pick- Clemson, 45-38
Jeremy’s Pick- UGA, 41-38

 

#6 South Carolina vs. North Carolina, Thursday, 6pm ET, ESPN
See Week 1 Stuff and Pick Six.  Competitive game but the Gamecocks will outlast UNC.
Jeremy’s Pick- South Carolina, 31-17
Nick’s Pick- South Carolina, 38-10

 

#7 Texas A&M vs. Rice, 1pm ET, ESPN
Well, now that we know the fate of quarterback Johnny Manziel, we can pick this game a little easier.  Manziel or not, Texas A&M will be too much for Rice.  The Owls could be competitive but won’t upset the Aggies.
Nick’s Pick- Texas A&M, 35-24
Jeremy’s Pick- Texas A&M, 37-17

 

#9 Louisville vs. Ohio, 3:30pm ET, ESPN
Big things are expected from Louisville in 2013 but this Ohio team won’t back down from this challenge.  Teddy Bridgwater’s quest for a Heisman starts here.
Nick’s Pick- 35-20
Jeremy’s Pick- Louisville, 34-20

 

#10 Florida vs. Toledo, 12:21pm ET, ESPN3
Florida struggled against lesser opponents last season and week 1 against Toledo could be more of the same.  The Rockets have a high powered offense and will pressure a Florida defense that lost seven starters.  The Gators will win but Toledo will make them work for it.
Jeremy’s Pick- Florida, 27-24
Nick’s Pick- Florida, 21-17

 

#11 Florida State @ Pitt, Monday, 8pm ET, ESPN
See Week 1 Stuff and Pick 6.
Nick’s Pick-  Florida State, 35-10
Jeremy’s Pick- Florida State, 38-14

 

#12 LSU @ #20 TCU, Dallas, 9pm ET, ESPN
See Week 1 Stuff and Pick Six. 
Jeremy’s Pick- TCU, 17-16
Nick’s Pick- TCU, 24-21

 

#13 Oklahoma State vs. Mississippi State, 3:30pm ET, ABC
Stillwater is a tough place to play and expectations are high for what should be one of Mike Gundy’s best teams.
Nick’s Picks- Oklahoma State, 42-35
Jeremy’s Pick- Oklahoma State, 37-21

 

#14 Notre Dame vs. Temple, 3:30pm ET, NBC
Good warm up game for the Irish.  Notre Dame’s defense will dominate and we’ll get a chance to see some new runners for the Irish.
Jeremy’s Pick- Notre Dame, 35-14
Nick’s Picks- Notre Dame, 17-10

 

#15 Texas vs. New Mexico State, 8pm ET, Longhorn Network
All the excitement around Austin and we’ll finally get to see the new look Texas Longhorns.  It’s always good to work the kinks out against a team like New Mexico State but don’t get too excited yet.
Nick’s Picks- Texas, 35-14
Jeremy’s Pick- Texas, 45-14

 

#16 Oklahoma vs. UL-Monroe, 7pm ET
There are some interesting story lines going into this game.  The Sooners are breaking in a new quarterback and lost seven starters from last year defense.  ULM has been very competitive against better opponents and returns 17 starters from 2012.  Close game early but the Sooners will pull away late.
Jeremy’s Pick- Oklahoma, 41-24
Nick’s Picks- Oklahoma, 42-17

 

#17 Michigan vs. Central Michigan, 3:30pm ET, Big 10 Network
‘Shoelaces’ is gone and the offense now runs through Devin Gardner.  This will be a good tune-up for Notre Dame next week.
Nick’s Pick- Michigan, 38-13
Jeremy’s Pick- Michigan, 31-21

 

#18 Nebraska vs. Wyoming, 8pm ET, Big 10 Network
See Week 1 Stuff and Pick Six. 
Jeremy’s Pick- Nebraska, 56-31
Nick’s Pick- Nebraska, 42-38

 

#19 Boise State @ Washington, 10pm ET, Fox51
See Week 1 Stuff and Pick Six. 
Jeremy’s Pick- Washington, 34-27
Nick’s Pick- Boise State, 42-38

 

#21UCLA vs. Nevada, 10pm ET, Pac 12 Network
See Pick Six. 
Nick’s Pick- Nevada, 27-24
Jeremy’s Pick- UCLA, 37-27

 

#22 Northwestern @ Cal, 10:30pm ET, ESPN2
Northwestern warms up against a Cal team in transition. 
Jeremy’s Pick- Northwestern, 28-17
Nick’s Pick- Northwestern, 35-31

 

#23 Wisconsin vs. UMass, 12pm ET, Big 10 Network
A new staff and new philosophy will be interesting to watch in Madison. 
Nick’s Pick- Wisconsin, 31-24
Jeremy’s Pick- Wisconsin, 42-10

 

#24 USC @ Hawaii, 11pm ET CBS Sports
USC needs this game to sort out its quarterback situation.  This will be pretty one-sided.
Jeremy’s Pick- USC, 42-21
Nick’s Pick- USC, 48-10

 

#25 Oregon State vs. Eastern Washington, 8pm ET, Pac 12 Network
Eastern Washington is a very good FCS team but the Beavers are talented and well coached.  They’ll take care of business.
Nick’s Pick- Oregon State, 28-24
Jeremy’s Pick- Oregon State, 27-14

Thanks for reading!  Happy college football season!

Week 1 Previews-Must Watch and Under the Radar Game

Week 1-Must Watch-Under the Radar Games

The season is almost upon us and after looking at what’s in store for week 1, here are a few things to watch as the 2013 College Football season kicks off.

Must Watch

#5 Georgia @ #8 Clemson

This week 1 matchup could set the tone for each team’s season.  These are similar teams with high powered, electric offenses led by Heisman caliber, senior quarterbacks.  Both teams have a lot of questions to answer on the defensive side of the ball, so expect to see some fireworks.

Jeremy’s Quick pick: Georgia, 41-38

Nick’s Quick pick: Clemson, 45-38

#12 LSU vs. #20 TCU (at Arlington, TX)

LSU-TCU might end up being the best game of the week.  This will be a defensive slugfest and likely little excitement on the offensive side of the ball. Chances are it will be a big play on special teams that wins this game. 

Jeremy’s Quick pick: TCU, 17-16

Nick’s Quick pick: TCU, 24-21

North Carolina @ #6 South Carolina

The battle of the Carolina’s is an intriguing matchup and one that I think is a little less one sided than most people expect.  South Carolina is the favorite but a week 2 trip to Georgia could divert their focus. UNC will be competitive and are led by an experienced quarterback in Bryn Renner but I think the overall talent of the Gamecocks will be too much for Larry Fedora’s squad. 

Jeremy’s Quick pick: South Carolina, 31-17

Nick’s Quick pick: South Carolina, 38-10

#1 Alabama vs. Virginia Tech (at Atlanta)

The reason I’ve got this game on the Must Watch list isn’t because it will be a competitive game as much as it’s just a chance to see the ‘Tide open their season.  Alabama’s run for a third-straight BCS Championship starts here and as a college football fan, you can’t really miss game one.  VaTech’s defense should be pretty stout this year and they might be able to keep it close for a half but ‘Bama will run away with it down the stretch.

Jeremy’s Quick pick: Alabama, 38-13

Nick’s Quick pick: Alabama, 42-21

Under the Radar

Ole Miss @ Vanderbilt

This game represents two teams looking to breakout in their respective divisions and there’s a lot of hype surrounding both teams.  Ole Miss has some good pieces coming back from a team that surprised a lot of people a year ago and is bolstered by a top recruiting class.  Vandy is breaking in a new quarterback and looking to build on back-to-back bowl games. 

Jeremy’s Quick pick: Vanderbilt, 27-24

Nick’s Quick pick: Vanderbilt, 35-24

#19 Boise State @ Washington

This is a Must Watch for me.  Boise has a legit shot at a BCS Bowl berth this year and what better way to send off the BCS era than with another non-AQ crashing the party.  It travels to Seattle to take on a talented Husky team, breaking in a revamped Husky Stadium.  This will be an electric atmosphere and should be an exciting rematch of last year’s Vegas Bowl.

Jeremy’s Quick pick: Washington, 34-27

Nick’s Quick pick: Boise State, 42-38

UL-Lafayette @ Arkansas

UL-Lafayette has put together back-to-back 9 win seasons and had the Sun Belt’s best offense in 2012.  Arkansas is in a transition year under new coach Bret Bielema and it will be interesting to see how well they shake off the cobwebs of 2012 and open 2013.  With all the question marks at Arkansas, don’t be surprised to see UL-Lafayette come in and steal a win.

Jeremy’s Quick pick: UL-Lafayette, 31-21

Nick’s Quick pick:  Arkansas, 35-17

Interesting Matchups

Washington State @ Auburn

What will happen in year 2 of the Mick Leach experiment?  How quickly will Gus Malzahn get the Tigers back on track?  This figures to be an exciting offensive game with two of the best wide open offensive minds in college football. 

Jeremy’s Quick pick: Auburn, 45-35

Nick’s Quick pick: Auburn, 38-35

Kentucky vs. Western Kentucky (at Nashville)

Year one under Mark Stoops for Kentucky should see some improvement.  After his quick turnaround of the FSU defense, don’t be surprised to see a similar effect for the Wildcats.  Plus, how can you miss Bobby Patrino’s return to college football? 

Jeremy’s Quick pick: Western Kentucky, 27-23

Nick’s Quick pick: Western Kentucky, 31-24

Wyoming @ #18 Nebraska

Okay, so this might not be interesting for anyone outside of Wyoming and Nebraska but Nick and I are from Wyoming so you’re going to get Wyoming stuff every week… deal with it.  Now, this could actually be an intriguing game.  Not a win for the Pokes (few teams win at Nebraska and Wyo won’t change that) but they’re led by one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the nation in Brett Smith and the Huskers defense is suspect.  Nebraska will win but this could be a high scoring affair.  

Jeremy’s Quick pick: Nebraska, 56-31

Nick’s Quick pick: Nebraska, 42-38

#7 Texas A&M vs. Rice

Rice should be a solid team and really come on strong last year.  Texas A&M has a lot of questions to answer and there’s a lot of craziness surrounding this team.  Combine that with the fact that, at the moment, Johnny Manziel is a question mark and you’ve got a game could end up being pretty interesting. 

Jeremy’s Quick pick: Texas A&M, 37-17

Nick’s Quick pick: Texas A&M, 35-24

Best of the Rest

Tulsa @ Bowling Green

Front runners for C-USA and the MAC, respectively.  Big game to open the season for these teams.

Jeremy’s Quick pick: Tulsa, 24-21

Nick’s Quick pick: Bowling Green, 31-28

Rutgers @ Fresno State

Derek Carr and the Bulldogs are looking to crash the BCS party and potentially win Carr a Heisman along the way. 

Jeremy’s Quick pick: Fresno State, 35-17

Nick’s Quick pick: Fresno State, 48-21

Utah State @ Utah

Utah State could be the best team in the state and get a chance to prove it against a Pac-12 squad.  Plus, Chuckie Keeton is one of the most exciting qb’s in the country.  For the Utes, they must get off to a quick start and win their non-conference games if they plan on going to a bowl game in 2013.

Jeremy’s Quick pick: Utah State, 30-24

Nick’s Quick pick: Utah State, 38-35

North Dakota State @ Kansas State

FCS over FBS?  It could happen.

Jeremy’s Quick pick: North Dakota State, 24-23

Nick’s Quick pick: Kansas State, 35-17

Florida State @ Pitt

FSU welcomes Pitt to the ACC on a Monday night.  FSU fans get to see much-hyped quarterback Jameis Winston take the field as well as a new look defense. 

Jeremy’s Quick pick: Florida State, 38-14

Nick’s Quick pick: Florida State, 35-10

Colorado vs. Colorado State

Interstate rivalry?  First year coach Mike MacIntyre against second year coach Jim McElwain?  Hey, it will be the only college game on and what else are you going to watch?

Jeremy’s Quick pick: Colorado State, 24-21

Nick’s Quick pick: Colorado, 20-17

Conference Previews and Predictions

SEC

As always, the SEC has a lot of competition at the top of each respective division.  Defending BCS and SEC Champs, Alabama have to be the favorite to win the West again.  An early season trip to College Station and a November, 9 visit from LSU are really the only two major obstacles for the ‘Tide.  ‘Bama has a lot of talent coming back on both sides of the ball and should be quick to reload where it’s needed.  LSU and Texas A&M are both very interesting in the West and I think the success of each depends on their quarterback positions.  For A&M, there is a plethora of questions surrounding Heisman winner, Johnny Manziel.  Whether he plays at all and if he does, how he handles the pressure he’ll surly be under will be a major story line throughout the season.  As for LSU, expect them to reload on defense, despite all the losses from last year’s squad.  The question for them will be whether or not Zach Mettenberger can improve from a very unimpressive 2012.  The rest of the West will be a battle for spots 4 through 7.  There’s a lot of hype surrounding Ole Miss but this is still a program in transition.  Don’t be surprised to see either Auburn or Arkansas come on late and turn some heads.

While the West clearly goes through Tuscaloosa, the West is much less settled.  South Carolina, Georgia and Florida all have a legit shoot at winning the division.  I like South Carolina and Georgia a little better than Florida, mostly because of quarterback play.  Jeff Driskel will have to improve significantly for the Gator to win.  Vanderbilt could be team to keep an eye on as they seem to improve each season under James Franklin.  Missouri should be better in year two in the SEC, while Kentucky and Tennessee are both in major program overhauls.  At the end of the season, I think Gamecocks win the West and meet Alabama in SEC Championship.

As for player of the year?  Jadaveon Clowney is an easy pick for POY honors but I expect big things from Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron and I think he’ll emerge from the shadow cast by Clowney and Manziel. 

West: Alabama

East: South Carolina

Winner: Alabama

Co-POY: Jadaveon Clowney, Defensive End, South Carolina

                  AJ McCarron, Quarterback, Alabama

SEC Predictions

West	West
Alabama LSU Texas A&M Ole Miss Auburn Arkansas Mississippi State	South Carolina Georgia Florida Vanderbilt Missouri Kentucky Tennessee

 

Pac-12

At first glance, the Pac-12 looks like a two team race.  Take a little deeper look, however and you’ll see a very deep, wide-open conference.  Stanford and Oregon are the favorites and rightly so but don’t be surprised if there are a few, well, surprises.  The Pac-12 North is one of the most competitive divisions in college football and will be hotly contested this year.  I keep flipping back and forth between Stanford and Oregon to win the North and finally settled on the Ducks.  I think they’ll pick up where they left off last year, despite the change at head coach.  Stanford will certainly make it interesting and if it weren’t for a brutal schedule, I like the Huskies as a sleeper.  Oregon State will be solid and look for them to be 7-0 headed into late October but, like the Huskies, the Beavers schedule gets pretty messy late.

The South is a little tricky and it’s hard not to ‘well, if’.  Well, if UCLA can avoid a drop-off in the running game and a sophomore slump from their quarterback.  Well, if Arizona State can finally live up to the speculation and potential.  Well, if USC can replace the production of Matt Barkley and Robert Woods… and not tank like they did a year ago.  Feel free to add in your own, well, if.  At the end of the day, UCLA seems like a safe pick but don’t be surprised to see ASU, USC or Arizona slid into that spot.

Marcus Mariota is my pick for Pac-12 player of the year but it’s going to be hotly contested.  The award will likely go to whichever team wins the conference- Mariota, Kevin Hogan or Brett Hundley.  Two names to keep in mind are Washington’s Keith Price and ASU’s Taylor Kelly.  Kelly was the conference’s most efficient passer in 2012 and could be ready to really breakout this year.  Price was one of the best passers in the nation in 2011 and I anticipate him to bounce back from a rough 2012 and be even better than his 2011 self.  Price could be in for a really big year.

North: Oregon

 

South: UCLA

 

Winner: Oregon

 

POY: Marcus Mariota, Quarterback, Oregon

Pac-12 Predictions

North	South
Oregon Stanford Washington Oregon State Washington State California	UCLA Arizona State USC Arizona Utah Colorado

 

Big 12

The Big 12 is about as wide open as any conference in the country this season. I think there are as many as six teams that can win this conference including TCU, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Texas, Baylor and Kansas State. I am going to have to pick the Horned Frogs to win their first Big 12 crown. The Frogs have the best defense in the conference and if quarterback Casey Pachall can return from his year off and pick up where he left off this should be the best team. The problem for the Frogs is a very tough schedule with an opening date against LSU in Arlington, Texas, as well as road trips to Norman and Stillwater in the cards. I like the way Gary Patterson prepares his team and I think the Frogs will go at least 2-1 in three of their toughest games.

Oklahoma and Oklahoma State also have a great chance at a conference crown in the Big 12. If there is an easier road for any of these teams it is Oklahoma State. The Cowboys have TCU, Oklahoma and Baylor at home. That being said, there are still question marks at quarterback and on defense for the Cowboys. Oklahoma also has a pretty manageable schedule but a trip to Notre Dame and games at Baylor, Kansas State and Oklahoma State are going to be tough to run through. OU also has question marks at the quarterback position with junior Blake Bell losing the quarterback battle to redshirt freshman Trevor Knight.

Some sleepers in the conference are both Baylor and Texas. The Bears have the best player in the conference in running back Lache Seastrunk and arguably the best offense. Texas needs a big year after a couple “non-Texas” like years. The Horns are primed for a run, but like every other team in the conference questions at quarterback could hold them up.

As for the Player of the Year I am going with Seastrunk. He has predicted he will win the Heisman, I don’t see that at all but he should put up some big numbers and have a great season.

Winner: TCU

POY: Lache Seastrunk, Running back, Baylor

Big 12 Predictions

TCU Oklahoma State Oklahoma Texas Baylor Kansas State West Virginia Texas Tech Iowa State Kansas

 

B1G

The Big 10 is another conference that should be a one-team race with Ohio State as the best team in the conference. Don’t forget the Buckeyes had some trouble with a few of the weaker teams in the conference last season (Indiana and Purdue) and could have a few hiccups this season. I think the Buckeyes should win the conference but there are some tough teams throughout. Michigan is probably the second best team in the conference and if quarterback Devin Gardner can have a great season the Wolverines could make a run at the title. Another team to watch out for is Michigan State.  Sparty has the best defense in the conference but questions on offense should keep them from beating the Buckeyes in the title game.

My sleepers in this conference are Northwestern and Wisconsin. The Wildcats return 17 starts from a 10-win team last season that includes arguably the best running back in the conference in Venric Mark. I know Wisconsin has a new coach and loses Montee Ball but with a solid running game and a very experienced defense the Badgers have a great chance to make some noise.

The POY of this conference should be Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller for the second-consecutive year. He is the best running back playing quarterback in the country and he should win the POY honor pretty easily again this year. The Buckeyes schedule sets up really well for him to start the season with some big numbers.

Leaders: Ohio State

Legends: Michigan State

Winner: Ohio State

POY: Braxton Miller, Quarterback, Ohio State

B1G Predictions

Leaders	Legends
Ohio State Wisconsin *Penn State (Ineligible for postseason) Indiana Purdue Illinois	Michigan State Northwestern Nebraska Michigan Iowa Minnesota

 

ACC

The ACC is an intriguing conference this season.  The Atlantic division is pretty clearly a battle between Florida State and Clemson.  These two are hands down the most talented teams in their division and expect the representative for the Atlantic division to be decided in their October, 19 matchup at “Death Valley.”  Outside of FSU and Clemson, Maryland should be much improved from a year ago if only from a health standpoint.  The Terps started 2012 playing well before injuries derailed their season.  You can pretty much flip a coin for how the other four in the Atlantic will finish.

The Coastal is much less clear cut than the Atlantic, with four legitimate teams capable of winning the division.  I’ve got Miami winning the Coastal but I certainly would be surprised to see North Carolina or Georgia Tech jump the ‘Canes.  Virginia Tech will need a lot of help to improve on last season’s mark.  They could surprise me but I’m not crazy about Logan Thomas, especially without a running game.  Pitt, Virginia and Duke all have a lot of question marks and I don’t see any of them finishing above .500.

The conference player of the year will likely go to the conferences winning quarterback.  I think it’s a three way battle between Clemson’s Tajh Boyd, Miami’s Stephen Morris and Maryland’s Stefan Diggs.  FSU’s Jameis Winston, UNC’s Bryn Renner and Clemson’s Sammy Watkins could all seek into the conversation as well. 

Costal: Miami

Atlantic: Florida State

Winner: Florida State

POY: Tajh Boyd, Quarterback, Clemson

ACC Predictions

Coastal	Atlantic
Miami Georgia Tech North Carolina Virginia Tech Pitt Virginia Duke	Florida State Clemson Maryland NC State Boston College Wake Forest Syracuse

 

America Athletic Conference

This conference is a one horse race and Louisville should run through this weak conference schedule with ease. No doubt the Cardinals have the best player in the conference in quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and he should run away with the Player of the Year honors. Louisville’s only remote competition in this conference could be Rutgers, but it gets the Scarlet Knights at home and should be able to handle them. The Cardinals should be undefeated going into their final game at Cincinnati on Dec. 5. They should get around the Bearcats and with some luck have a chance at a National Title appearance.

Winner: Louisville

POY: Teddy Bridgewater, Quarterback, Louisville

American Athletic Conference

Louisville Rutgers Cincinnati Central Florida Houston UConn SMU South Florida Memphis Temple

 

Mountain West

The Mountain West could be a pretty wide open conference this season. Boise State and Fresno State are the most talented teams but both have a few question marks. Boise State has to replace some key defenders and Fresno State has to replace some big time players on offense. Don’t be surprised if you see some surprises in this conference this season as it looks like it could be a lot more than a two-team race. Every team has its question marks but I would say any team in the top three of each division has a chance to win the title.

My sleepers for this conference are San Jose State, San Diego State and Wyoming. I know, homer pick taking the Cowboys, but quarterback Brett Smith is one of the best players in the conference and if the Pokes can put up some numbers on offense they could run a few teams off the field. San Jose State and San Diego State look like they have a chance to make a run. The Spartans are coming off a 10-win season and the Aztecs are coming of a co-MW Championship last season.

Derek Carr should be the Player of the Year for the second-consecutive year, but there are five other quarterbacks in the conference including BSU’s Joe Southwick, SJSU’s David Fales, Utah State’s Chuckie Keeton, Nevada’s Cody Jajardo and UW’s Brett Smith that could all vie for the POY honors.

Mountain: Boise State

West: Fresno State

Winner: Boise State

POY: Derek Carr, Quarterback, Fresno State

Mountain West Predictions

 

Mountain	West
Boise State Wyoming Utah State Air Force Colorado State New Mexico	Fresno State San Jose State San Diego State Nevada UNLV Hawai’i

 

MAC

The ‘Week night’ conference should again be a very entertaining conference to watch in 2013.  The top of the MAC is pretty solid led by Northern Illinois and their all-everything quarterback, Jordan Lynch.  Northern Illinois will be the favorite to win the West and the conference but with Ball State and Toledo in the mix, NIU is no gimmie.  In the East, there’s a three way battle between Bowling Green, Ohio and Kent State.  Bowling Green returns 18 starters and had one of the best defenses in the nation a year ago.  I see a changing of the guards and a MAC title for the Falcons.

East: Bowling Green

West: Northern Illinois

Winner: Bowling Green

POY: Jordan Lynch, Quarterback, Northern Illinois

MAC Predictions

East West Bowling Green Ohio Kent State Buffalo Miami (Ohio) UMass Akron Northern Illinois Ball State Toledo Central Michigan Western Michigan Eastern Michigan

 

Conference USA

Few conferences were hit harder by realignment than C-USA.  Welcoming six new schools, this conference will have a new look in 2013.  Leading the way for C-USA are Tulsa, Rice and East Carolina.  Tulsa won the conference in 2012 and looks to continue their success of the past few seasons.  They’ll have their work cut out for them with Rice in the West, however.  Rice finished last season with five straight victories and return 19 starters from a year ago.  In the East, East Carolina is my pick to win the division but don’t sleep on Marshall.  The Herd could be a surprise team with Rakeem Cato leading the best offense in C-USA.

East: East Carolina

West: Rice

Winner: East Carolina

POY: Rakeem Cato, Quarterback, Marshall

Conference USA Predictions

East West East Carolina Marshall UAB Middle Tennessee Florida Atlantic Southern Mississippi Florida International Rice Tulsa UTEP Tulane Louisiana Tech North Texas Texas-San Antonio

 

Sun Belt

The conference realignment bug has hit this conference really hard but the teams left in this conference should all be competitive with each other. The conference crown is going to come down to two teams, Arkansas State and Louisiana-Monroe. I am going with Louisiana-Monroe because of its strength at the quarterback position. Warhawks quarterback Kolton Browning, my pick to share the POY award with Western Kentucky running back Antonio Andrews, should lead them to the conference crown through a pretty good schedule. LA-Monroe gets Western Kentucky and Arkansas State at home. If the Warhawks don’t get too beat up in an opening matchup at Oklahoma they should be able win the conference.

Winner: Louisiana-Monroe

CO-POY: Kolton Browning, Quarterback, LA-Monroe

                  Antonio Andrews, Running Back, Western Kentucky

Sun Belt Predictions

LA-Monroe Arkansas State Louisiana Western Kentucky Troy Texas State South Alabama Georgia State

 

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