Paul's Picks Week 1- 8/29/18

Welcome Back!

The season truly starts tonight, and since there are so many games, I'm just going to jump right in.

Thursday, August 29

UCLA @ Cincinnati- The Bruins are coming off a 3-9 season, a season where they lost by 9 to Cincinnati.  At home.  This year they go on the road to face the Bearcats, who finished 11-2 in 2018.  A Bearcats club who held 10 opponents to 24 points or less.  While the Bruins scored 24 or more only 6 times, including their last 3.  While I think UCLA will be improved this year, I see Cincy winning this at home.  Cincinnati wins.

Wagner @ UConn- While the Huskies were only 1-11 last year, their 1 win was against a Rhode Island team that finished with a winning record.  The Seahawks were 4-7 last year, so UConn gets a victory against an FCS team at home.

Albany @ Central Michigan- This is one of many FCS @ FBS games.  Like UConn, the Chippewas finished 1-11 last year, with their one win against an FCS team.  C Mich has a new coach (Jim McElwain), but they should be able to handle the Great Danes at home.  C Mich wins.

Morgan State @ Bowling Green- The Falcons are not expected to do much this year, but they should be able to beat the Bears at home.  BG wins.

Robert Morris @ Buffalo- The Bulls had a breakout season last year, finishing at 10-4.  They may take a big step back this year, but they won't have any problems with the Colonials.  Buffalo gets the win at home.

Florida A&M @ UCF- The Knights have won 25 of their last 26 games.  While the Rattlers had a 6-5 record in 2018, UCF will make it 26 wins in their last 27.

Central Arkansas @ Western Kentucky- The Hilltoppers were only 3-9 last year, but they have a new coach and a new enthusiasm.  The Bears were 6-5 in the FCS last year, but they won't be able to keep it close.  WKU wins.

Gardner-Webb @ Charlotte- The 49ers made a big jump to 5-7 last year, almost reaching bowl eligibility, but they also have a new coach for 2019.  The Bulldogs were only 3-8 last year in the FCS, so I don't see them keeping it close.  Charlotte pulls away in the 2nd half.

Georgia Tech @ Clemson- The Yellow Jackets have a new coach and a new offense, and it will take a while for them to jell.  The Tigers have the same old dominating offense (and defense).  This game will be close.  For about 10 minutes.  Clemson wins big.

FIU @ Tulane- This is an intriguing game.  The Panthers were 9-4 last year, while the Green Wave were only 7-6, but I see Tulane as one of the top teams in the AAC West.  And they're at home.  Tulane wins a close one.

Alabama State @ UAB- The Blazers have been outstanding since they reinstated Football in 2017 (after a 2-year hiatus), going 19-8 in the last 2 years.  The Hornets were only 4-7 at the FCS level.  UAB wins big.

Texas State @ Texas A&M- Everyone is expecting big things out of the Aggies this year.  There are no such expectations for the Bobcats.  TAMU wins in a rout.

South Dakota State @ Minnesota- The Golden Gophers were a surprising 7-6 last year, and many are expecting then to challenge for the upper echelon of the Big Ten West.  However, they better be ready, because the Jackrabbits are a quality FCS team, able to pull off the upset (they were 10-3 last year).  I think SDSU keeps it close for a while, and maybe into the 4th quarter, but Minnesota ultimately wins late.

Kent State @ Arizona State- I'm rather bullish on the Sun Devils this year, and think they may surprise this year.  The Golden Flashes were a dismal 2-10 last year, and haven't won more than 3 games in a season since winning 4 in 2013.  AAU wins easily at home.

Northern Colorado @ San Jose State- The Spartans are another team that was 1-11 last year, but they're facing an FCS team that was 2-9.  The Bears may stay close for a half, but SJSU prevails.

Utah @ BYU- The Holy War is always a great game, but the Utes have won the last 8 over the Cougars (7 by 8 points or less), and leads the all-time series 61-34-4.  Many people are expecting Utah to win the Pac 12 this year, and perhaps make the playoffs.  If they come into this game listening to the "pundits", they may get ambushed by BYU, just about ruining their season.  This game will be close, but Utah pulls it out in the end.

Friday, August 30

Rice @ Army- These 2 teams had the exact same record last year, except the numbers were reversed.  The Black Knights were 11-2 while the Owls were 2-11.  Ok maybe not the same record, but the numbers were the same!  Army wins big.

Tulsa @ Michigan State- The Spartans had a down year last year, finishing at 7-6.  Their offensive staff was shuffled, but their defense was outstanding, giving up more than 21 points only twice (29 and 26 points, both in losses).  If their defense can maintain, and their offense improve to be merely adequate, they could get to 10 wins (they were held to 14 pts or less 7 times and were 1-6 in those games).  The Golden Hurricane have struggled mightily the last 2 years, going a combined 5-19, but 3 of those wins were conference games, so the potential is there.  But not this week  MSU wins.

Wisconsin @ USF- The Badgers are another Big Ten team that disappointed last year (I had picked them to make the playoff- boy was I wrong!), as they ended up 8-5.  The Bulls started last season strong (7-0), then faded late (0-6).  Their 6 game losing streak will be extended to 7, but they will keep it a game into the 4th quarter.  UW wins.

UMass @ Rutgers- The Scarlet Knights are a woeful team, but they shouldn't have any trouble with the Minutemen, who are woeful-er (is that a word?).  UMass is starting over with Walt Bell as the new HC, but even if he is the "savior", it won't happen right away.  Rutgers has to have this game if they want to improve on last year's 1-11 record, as their only other decent chance at a win is against Liberty on Oct 26.  Any other win would count as an upset.  RU wins.

Utah State @ Wake Forest- The Aggies were 11-2 in 2018, with losses at the beginning and the end of their regular season against Mich St (who they should have beaten!) and Boise St.  The Demon Deacons were 7-6, with a bowl victory over Memphis, and Dave Clawson's team continues to overachieve expectations yearly.  Wake will do so again this year, but USU comes out with the win in this one.

Purdue @ Nevada- The Wolfpack had a better overall record than the Boilermakers (8-5 vs 6-7), but Purdue was the much better team, with victories over Boston College, Nebraska, Ohio St, and Iowa.  After an 0-3 start, PU finished 6-3 before their bowl blowout loss to Auburn.  Nevada had only 2 wins against teams with a winning record- Hawai'i and San Diego St, but won 5 of their last 6, including a bowl win over Ark St.  I almost talked myself into going with Nevada right now, but I'm sticking with Purdue to get the win on the road.

Colorado State vs Colorado (Denver)- Neither team was very good last year, but the Rams haven't beaten the Buffaloes in this rivalry game since 2014.  Mike Bobo needs to see some improvement if he hopes to stay head coach, but the team Mel Tucker inherited is stronger in just about every phase of the game.  Buffs win.

Oklahoma State @ Oregon State- The Cowboys ended a streak of 3 straight double-digit win seasons by going 7-6 last year, and they're looking to rebound in a big way.  Jonathan Smith is hoping to build the Beavers into a power someday, but that day isn't coming for a while.  Okla St wins.

Saturday, August 31

FAU @ Ohio State- The Owls were a complete mess in 2018, falling from 11-3 to 5-7.  While they may be improved this year, they won't be able to stay close to the Buckeyes and their high-powered offense.  OSU wins in a rout.

Northern Iowa @ Iowa State- Big things are expected out of the Cyclones this year, but they better be ready for the Panthers, who are capable of the upset.  ISU pulls away in the 2nd half.

South Alabama @ Nebraska- The Cornhuskers are another team that a lot is expected of, even though they were only 4-8 last year.  However, the Jaguars were an equally woeful 3-9, and have had fewer wins each year for the last 3 years.  Nebraska wins.

Akron @ Illinois- Both teams were an identical 4-8 last year.  I'm not sure why, but I have a feeling that the Illini are going to be a surprise team this year.  The Zips are certainly capable of pulling the upset, as they did last year against Northwestern, but Illinois will pull this one out.

Indiana vs Ball State (Indianapolis)- The Cardinals improved in 2018, and may improve again in 2019, but I think the Hoosiers have too much firepower.  Indiana wins.

Howard @ Maryland- The Terrapins have a slightly easier opener this year after opening with Texas each of the last 2 years (both wins!).  The Bison were only 4-6 in FCS play in 2008, so the Terps should have no problems.  Maryland wins.

Indiana State @ Kansas- The Jayhawks have a new coach with Les Miles coming in, and it will be interesting to see how they do.  The Sycamores were 7-4 last year, and have a (really) good chance to pull the upset, but I think Kansas wins a close one.  But don't quote me on that...

Toledo @ Kentucky- Everyone seems to be expecting the "same 'ol Kentucky" after their breakthrough 10-3 season last year, but I'm not convinced that'll happen.  This is a real good team.  Having said that, the Rockets are expected to return to double-digit win seasons after a down 7-6 year, so they are a quality team that can give the Wildcats a run for their money.  I think Kentucky wins a close one, but the national narrative of both teams won't change.  At least not yet.

Ole Miss @ Memphis- The Rebels are finally off probation and eligible for a bowl in Matt Luke's 3rd year there, but they're playing a Tigers team that has been to a bowl for 5 straight years, and has won at least 8 games each of those years.  This is a rivalry game, and I remember Memphis giving Ole Miss fits when the Tigers weren't very good and the Rebels were.  Tigers win in a "mild" upset.

Mississippi State vs Louisiana (New Orleans)- The Bulldogs are sort of an enigma; no one really seems to know how good or bad they're going to be.  Everyone sort of assumes they'll finish 5th in the SEC West, but last year they beat both Auburn and Texas A&M.  The Ragin' Cajuns were 7-5 before losing in the SBC CG and their bowl game, and will probably challenge Arkansas St for the SBC West title, so they're at least a decent team.  Last year, MSU won 56-10 in this matchup, so I see a similar score this year.  Miss St wins.

East Carolina @ N C State- The Pirates haven't had a winning season since 2014, but have won 3 of the 4 games played against their rival since 2010.  This is an unusual situation, as ECU finished last season losing 58-3 at the Wolfpack.  Have they improved enough in one offseason under new coach Mike Houston to close the 55 point gap?  Probably not.  NC St wins easily.

James Madison @ West Virginia- The Dukes were a 9-4 team last year in FCS, and the Mountaineers have a new coach and graduated a bunch of talent.  Everyone has WVU on upset alert, but I think they pull away in the 2nd half.

Rhode Island @ Ohio- The Bobcats are everyone's favorite (well, almost everyone) team to win the MAC for the 1st time since 1968. The Rams are a decent FCS team who gave UConn fits last year before losing, so they're not intimidated by FBS teams.  Still Ohio rarely loses to FCS teams, and they'll win this one handily.

Eastern Washington @ Washington- It's been almost 3 years since UW QB Jacob Eason has played more than a few plays, so he'll be itching to get going.  The Eagles are a fantastic FCS team, so if the Huskies are overconfident, or make a lot of mistakes (turnovers, penalties), this could go down to the wire.  Washington will win, but it will be close for a while.

Bucknell @ Temple- The Bison were awful at the FCS level last year (1-10), so the Owls shouldn't have any trouble.  Temple wins big.

Duke vs Alabama (Atlanta)- The Crimson Tide are coming off their crushing defeat in the National Championship Game, so they'll be looking to put a hurt on the Blue Devils.  David Cutcliffe is a quality coach (why Ole Miss let him go I'll never understand), but he's no match for Saban.  Bama wins in a rout, say 42-17 or so.

Idaho @ Penn State- The Vandals dropped down to FCS last year, but still only went 4-7.  They'll be no match for the Nittany Lions.  PSU wins big.

Colgate @ Air Force- The Falcons better be on alert, as the Raiders were 10-1 a year ago, and just may pull the upset.  Every year, an FCS team (or teams- there were 3 last year) gets the upset over an FBS team, and this looks like one of the most likely.  However, I'm going with the Air Force Academy in this one.

Holy Cross @ Navy- This is another possibility for an FCS upset as the Midshipmen really struggled last year, ending at 3-10.  However, 5 of their losses were by 7 points or less.  The Crusaders were only 5-6 themselves, so Navy pulls this one out in the end.

Eastern Michigan @ Coastal Carolina- What Chris Creighton has done at EMU is nothing short of amazing, but they must be able to win the close games.  The Chanticleers had a chance to go bowling last year at 5-3, but they lost their last 4 games.  The Eagles have a chance to finish in the top half of the MAC West, and if they want to go bowling again, they need to win games like this. EMU wins.

South Carolina vs North Carolina (Charlotte, NC)- This may be the game to turn to after the Bama-Duke game turns into a rout (around the end of the 1st quarter...).  The Gamecocks and Tar Heels don't play often- they've only met 3 times since 1991- so this is a treat.  Prior to that, they were both in the ACC together, with UNC holding a 34-19-4 series lead in the "rivalry".  Th interesting thing about this game is that it is the debut of the return of Mack Brown, who has been out of coaching since 2013.  He has a lot of work to do, as UNC was only 2-9 a season ago.  USC (East) wins.

Georgia State @ Tennessee- The Volunteers haven't won as many as 10 games in a season since 2007.  They've only had a winning conference record once since that same year (5-3 in 2015).  Their last conference championship was their 1998 national championship year.  All this is to say it's been a while since UT was truly relevant in the SEC.  Could this be the year?  The Panthers are still a relatively young team, having started football in 2010, and joining the FBS in 2013.  They've had 2 bowl games and 1 winning season at the FBS level, but struggled to a 2-10 record last year.  They really need to show improvement this year, but they have no real chance against UT, who will win in a rout.

East Tennessee State @ Appalachian State- The Mountaineers are favorites to keep rolling under new coach Eliah Drinkwitz.  Since transitioning to FBS in 2013, ASU hasn't had a losing season.  In fact, their "worst" season was their first, at 7-5.  In the last 4 years, their win totals were 11, 10, 9, and 11 for a 41-11 record, a .788 winning percentage!  The Buccaneers finished 8-4 in FCS last season, and could pull the upset, especially if ASU has a little trouble transitioning to the new regime.  I highly doubt that, as there is just too much talent there.  ASU wins big.

Northwestern @ Stanford- This is one of the marquis games of the weekend.  The Wildcats started 1-3 last year, then went 8-2 the rest of the way, including a bowl victory over Utah.  The Cardinal had their usual 9 wins, but lost 4 of 5 in a midseason slump.  This will be an exciting, close game, but Northwestern will pull it out on the road!

Portland State @ Arkansas- This is another opportunity for an FCS victory.  The Razorbacks were only 2-10 last year, and not much is expected this year, but they should be able to beat the Vikings at home.  Arkansas wins, but it may be close.

Montana State @ Texas Tech- The Red Raiders always seem to be a team on the verge of breaking out, but they always lose a game (or 2, or 3...) they shouldn't.  The Bobcats are better than your average FCS team, and will certainly put up a good fight, especially with the regime change at TT.  To be honest, my best memory of MSU is from the book "Strange But True Football Stories" that I read about a hundred times back in the 70s (it was one of my favorite books!).  TT wins, but they may struggle to put MSU away.

Virginia Tech @ Boston College- This is one of the rare 1st week conference games (there's always a few).  Both of these teams were rather mediocre last year, the Hokies finishing with 6 wins and the Eagles with 7 (for the 3rd year in a row- their bowl game was cancelled). VT's defense was atrocious last year for the 1st time in what seems forever, but I expect them to be their normal tough to score on.  Hokies win a close one.

Syracuse @ Liberty- The Orange had 10 wins last year after 3 straight seasons of 4-8.  Will they regress back to that level, or have they turned the corner?  That is the big question as they open against the Flames and their new coach, Hugh Freeze.  This is the 1st year that Liberty is bowl eligible, and they have a schedule that can get them to 6 wins again (for the 5th year in a row!), but they won't be able to hang with Syracuse.  The Orange win BIG!

Sam Houston State @ New Mexico- The Lobos have gone 3-9 each of the last 2 seasons, and Bob Davie is on the hot seat.  Lose this one to the Bearkats, and that seat will get hotter.  This is another possible FCS win, as SHS was 6-5 last year.  NM wins, but it won't be easy.

Incarnate Word @ UTSA- The Cardinals were 6-5 last year, while the Roadrunners were 3-9.  Doesn't it seem like the weaker FBS teams are playing strong FCS teams, while the better FBS teams are playing Poor FCS teams? This is another chance for an FCS victory, but UTSA needs to get their victories where they can.  UTSA wins, but it will be close until at least the 3rd quarter.

Campbell @ Troy- The Trojans are 31-8 over the last 3 years, but are starting over with new coach Chip Lindsey.  While the Fighting Camels were 6-5 last year (did every FCS team finish 6-5?), they won't stay close in this one.  Troy wins in a rout.

UC Davis @ California- The Aggies were 10-2 last year, so the Golden Bears better be ready for their best shot.  Cal's early schedule is tough, so they need this one to get a good start to the season.  A loss here, and they could be looking at an 1-5 (or even 0-6) start.  Cal wins, but will have to come back after an early deficit.

VMI @ Marshall- The Thundering Herd should have no problems with the Keydets, who finished 1-10 last year.  Marshall in a rout.

Georgia @ Vanderbilt- The Dawgs start their pursuit of the SEC East Championship in Nashville against the Commodores, but they better not take VU lightly.  The Dores have some excellent skill position players, and can play with anyone.  Their only drawback is their lack of depth.  UGA will be ready, though, and won't take Vandy for granted.  Bulldogs win.

Norfolk State @ Old Dominion- The Monarchs need this win to get off to a good start, as they were only 4-8 in 2018.  The Spartans were only 4-7, so I don't see them putting up much of a fight.  ODU wins.

Alcorn State @ Southern Miss- The Braves were 9-4 a year ago, so they'll give the Golden Eagles a good test to start the season, but USM will pull away in the 2nd half.

Illinois State @ Northern Illinois- The Huskies are the defending MAC West champs, and should be in the race again in 2019.  The Redbirds were a decent 6-5 (see what I mean?), but NIU wins easily.

Monmouth @ Western Michigan- The Broncos are expected to challenge in the MAC West, but they'll get a good test from the 8-3 Hawks.  WMU wins.

SMU @ Arkansas State- The Red Wolves will be led by interim David Duggan, as HC Blake Anderson (no relation) took a leave of absence to care for his wife, who sadly died a few days ago (prayers go out to him and his family).  The Mustangs are expected to be vastly improved this year, and should make a bowl, but to do that, they'll need this game.  The unknown here is how ASU reacts to their loss of their coach's wife.  Will they play harder, or will they be distracted (understandably so)?  My heart says ASU, but my head says SMU wins.

Boise State vs Florida State (Jacksonville, FL)- The Seminoles were a near train wreck last year, finishing with a losing record (5-7) for the 1st time since 1976, Bobby Bowdon's 1st year.  They also missed a bowl for the 1st time since 1981, the longest bowl streak in history.  Will they be improved in 2019?  The Broncos have won at least 8 wins every year since 1999, with double-digit wins in 16 of those 20 seasons.  I'm not convinced FSU will be that much better in 2019 than they were in 2018.  BSU wins.

Nicholls @ Kansas State- The last time Bill Snyder retired, the Wildcats went 17-20 over 3 years, and it took Snyder 3 years after his return to right the ship.  If they struggle again under new coach Chris Klieman, I don't think Snyder will come back for a 3rd stint.  The Colonels were 9-4 last year, and may be tough to beat, but KSU will do much better under Klieman than they did under Prince (2006-2008).  KSU wins.

Stephen F. Austin @ Baylor- The Bears made a huge jump in their 2nd year under Matt Rhule, but will the improvement continue?  The Lumberjacks weren't very good last year (2-8), so I don't think they'll put up much of a fight in this game.  BU wins.

Georgia Southern @ LSU- The Eagles went from 2 wins in 2017 to 10 wins in 2018, so they will not be an easy win for the Tigers.  However, the Bayou Bengals are expected to be one of the best teams in the nation, so I see GSU keeping it close for a while, but LSU pulling away in the 2nd half.

Middle Tennessee @ Michigan- Many people are predicting the Wolverines to finally put it all together, mostly due to the hiring of new OC Josh Gattis, who is expected to bring the offense into the 21st Century.  I'm not convinced.  The Blue Raiders are no pushover, but they won't be able to stay with Michigan.  UM wins.

Oregon vs Auburn (Arlington, TX)- This is perhaps the biggest game of the weekend, pitting 2 top 20 teams.  The Ducks are the Pac 12's best hope for a playoff berth (so say the pundits), so they need this win for public perception, not just for themselves, but for the whole conference.  That's a big burden to shoulder.  The Tigers/Plansmen/War Eagles (identity complex?) can lose this and still make the playoff by winning the SEC, but need this win for their own peace of mind.  Lose this and many will call for HC Gus Malzahn's job.  High stakes all around.  Tigers win in a mild upset.

Miami (Ohio) @ Iowa- It seems that every year, a MAC team beats a team from the Big Ten.  Will this be the one? The Redhawks are one of the top teams in the MAC East, but the Hawkeyes have a good chance of winning the Big Ten West.  Not this time, MAC; Iowa wins.

Missouri @ Wyoming- The Tigers are still awaiting word on whether their appeal will be upheld, and therefore will be eligible for a bowl this season.  They may be playing with a chip on their shoulder.  The Cowboys dropped to 6 wins last year after 2 8-win seasons, so they are looking to bounce back, and this is a super opportunity at home.  However, they lost by 27 to Missouri in 2018, and I don't think they've improved that much.  Mizzou wins.

Abilene Christian @ North Texas-  The Wildcats are yet another FCS team that finished 6-5 last year, but they'll be playing a Mean Green team that was 9-4 last year, and returns star QB Mason Fine.  NT wins.

Virginia @ Pittsburgh- This is the 3rd of 3 ACC conference games this weekend, the most of any conference.  This game will establish the early leader in the ACC Coastal, as the Panthers won the division last year, and the Cavaliers are hoping to make it the 7th different division winner in 7 years! I'm going with the road team in a very mild upset.  UVA wins.

Louisiana Tech @ Texas- The last 2 years, Texas has lost their opener, both times to a mediocre Maryland team.  This year, they open with the Bulldogs, who were 8-5 last year.  The Longhorns defeated Oklahoma last year in the Red River Rivalry, the lost the rematch in the Big 12 Championship Game.  Many expect them to make it again, but it won't be easy.  If the Horns truly are "back", they need to win games like this.  UT wins, but it will be closer than expected.

Houston Baptist @ UTEP- This is a battle between two 1-win teams.  The Miners are entering their 2nd year under Dana Dimel, and teams often make a huge improvement in their 2nd year under a new coach.  In order to do that, they MUST win games like this one against the Huskies, though last year they lost to FCS Northern Arizona.  UTEP wins, but it won't be a rout.

Arkansas- Pine Bluff @ TCU- The Horned Frogs fell to 7-6 last year, and when they have an off year under Gary Patterson, they almost always bounce back in a big way.  The Golden Lions were only 2-9 last year, so they will give little resistance.  TCU wins big.

Grambling @ ULM- The Warhawks finished a game shy of tying for the Sun Belt West title, and, at 6-6, qualified for a bowl, but weren't chosen.  HC Matt Viator seems to have turned the program around, and they're hoping for their first winning season since 2012.  The Tigers were yet another 6-5 FCS team, and they'll stay close for a while, but ULM will pull away and win easily.

Weber State @ San Diego State- The Aztecs better be ready, because the Wildcats were a solid 10-3 in 2018.  This has upset written all over it, but SDSU hangs on for the win.

New Mexico State @ Washington State- Many are expecting the Cougars to regress following their "breakout" 11-2 2018, but was it really a breakout?  Wazzou has won at least 8 games for 4 straight years, and for the last 2 have played Washington for the chance to be in the Pac 12 Championship Game.  They should have no problems with the Aggies, who were a dismal 3-9 (victories over equally woeful UTEP, Liberty, and Alcorn St).  WSU wins in a rout.

Southern Utah @ UNLV- The Thunderbirds were 1-10 last year, and while the Rebels weren't much better at 4-8, that record was a little deceptive, as they had several close losses and a win over San Diego st.  UNLV wins, and has a (slight) chance to be 3-1 when they head to Boise on Oct 5.

Fresno State @ USC-  HC Clay Helton is firmly on the hot seat, even though he's only 1 year removed from his 2nd straight double-digit win season and a Pac 12 title.  The Trojans need this win to get off to a good start, and perhaps cool Helton's seat a little.  Jeff Tedford's seat is whatever the opposite of a hot seat is (a cold seat?) as he is 22-6 in 2 years at the helm of the Bulldogs, and 2-0 in bowl games.  FSU's only losses in those 2 years have been to Boise St (twice- by 3 and by 7), Alabama, Washington, UNLV (???), and Minnesota ( by 7).  This is my Upset Special- I'm picking Fresno to get another MWC win over the Pac 12!

Sunday, September 1

Houston @ Oklahoma- Many people have Oklahoma on upset alert, but I just don't see it.  Yes, the Sooners have a new QB, but when has that ever stopped them?  Yes, the Cougars have a great offense, but can they really keep up with OU's offense?  Remember, all the Sooners really need is a decent defense- they don't have to be great- and they'll win most of their games easily with their offense.  Is new DC Alex Grinch the guy? We'll find out starting Sunday.  OU wins, and it won't be close.

Monday, September 2

Notre Dame @ Louisville- The Cardinals were a dumpster fire last year, and it will take new HC Scott Satterfield a couple (or more...) of years to get things going in the right direction again.  The Fighting Irish are fresh off a playoff appearance, albeit a blowout loss that was closer than the score indicated.  They would have to have terrible luck (lots of turnovers and penalties) to lose this game.  Irish win easily.

That's all for now! Whew, 82 games!  Come back Monday for my TWIF Notes, where I'll review all of these games.  Except for Monday's game, of course...

Until next time, may you and your loved ones be blessed!