The OC Blunderguff

OK College football fans, the wait is almost over.  Starting Thursday the mayhem picks up again, in an entirely new season.  Going to make some calls below on some key games that are definite watches if you get them in your region.   In order of the games 1-5. 

1. #24 Alabama at #9 Clemson This should be the best game of the weekend.  SEC vs. ACC, should just be great football.  Clemson should come out with the win in this game, but it could go either way depending on how well the teams have been ranked coming into the season.  Expect a close game, definitely the best game of the weekend, considering the first game usually is against some weak school or Div I-AA team, like LSU’s got with Appalachian State this year.  What an upset that would be though.  Here’s game time info for this game: 8/30 8:00PM (EST) ABC or ESPN depending on region.      Prediction: Clemson 28-14

2.  #20 Illinois at #6 Missouri This should be another great match up.  With Missouri looking dominant again this year, as they did last year, hope to see an exciting game.  Hopefully, Illinois has recovered from their pounding in the Rose Bowl from last year to deal with Missou, probably a team that will finish in the top 10 BCS and in the top 3 in the Big 12.  This game may be tight in the first half, but expect Missou to pull away at the end and dominate the Illini.  Should be a decent game none the less. Here’s game time info for this game: 8/30 8:30PM (EST) ESPN 360 depending on region. Prediction: Missou 34-21

3. #3 USC at Virginia OK, it’s not a great matchup, but the remainder of the weekend isn’t so hot for other picks either, since it’s the first weekend.  But this could actually turn out to be a good game considering USC may not have any idea of a starting QB, and their tailbacks have all been beat up by their defense.  SC’s offense is a young team and could be hit or miss.  Luckily, they bring in a stellar defense who should hit hard and possibly score some points, as well.  Expect the game to be close in the first half and then have USC pull away big time.  It’ll be a tough game being away and in Charlottesville.  Here’s game time info for this game: 8/30 3:30PM (EST) ESPN or ABC depending on region. Prediction: USC 48-17

4. Fresno State at Rutgers Ok, this should be the best match up of two teams that aren’t ranked in the top 25 and could very well be by the end of the year.  They are both scrappy teams and will play their hearts out.  Expect this one to be a close game.  Here’s game time info for this game: 9/1 4:00PM (EST) ESPN depending on region.  Prediction: Fresno State 28-21

5. #18 Tennessee at UCLA Ok, let’s see what Neuheisel and Chow can do without a QB?  Probably not much!  But this should be a decent game, just to watch the Bruins get beat, and stop the hype that’s gone on with those that want to Bruin their life in L.A.  Just the typical Hollywood scene, some change comes in, it’s time to hype up a team with nothing going for them, since their cross town rivals the Trojans have had all the glory the past 7 years.  Don’t expect this one to be close, Tennessee should crush them, but it’s on the top 5 because it’s always fun to watch the Bruins lose.  DON’T BRUIN YOUR LIFE!  Here’s game time info for this game: 9/1 8:00PM (EST) ESPN depending on region.  Prediction: Tennessee 48-14