The MAC meets the Big 10 in this battle, but it's a fascinating matchup between two talented programs. Bowling Green was tested on the road in the opener a year ago, as a +33 dog at Oklahoma, where they covered in a 40-24 defeat. The Bowling Green Falcons (9-3 SU, 8-3 ATS) have brilliant QB Omar Jacobs (4,006 yards, 41 TDs, 4 INTs, 67% completions) on an offense that averaged 44 points and 506 yards! They will test a talented Wisconsin defense that was outstanding last season, until a late season collapse. BG was 2-0 ATS as a dog last season where they outscored the favorite by a 38-37 average. This will be a tough test, as Wisconsin has a big defensive front and a new offensive coordinator who vows to spice up what was a conservative attack in 2004. New offensive coordinator Paul Chryst comes aboard from Oregon State, which should help junior QB John Stocco (9 TDs with 7 INTs). Wisconsin was terrific at home (6-1 SU, 4-1 ATS) last year where the defense allowed just 10 points per game. This is also the first game since Badger Head Coach Barry Alvarez announced he will step down after the year to become AD. All of which makes this a tough game to call. BG's offense is so explosive and the 'D' is good, and one doesn't know what to expect yet from Wisconsin's new-look offense.

Projected Score: Wisconsin 26, Bowling Green 24

This is not a game dreams are made of, Northwestern clearly outclasses Ohio, which compiled a 4-7 SU, 3-7 ATS mark a year ago while being outscored 32-21. Former Nebraska coach Frank Solich takes over the coaching duties at Ohio and look for a cloud of dust (108 yds per game LY) sometime in the future. For now, there is some experience at the skill positions with sophomore RB Kalvin McRae, and junior WRs Chris Jackson and Scott Mayle. Defensively, the team will have trouble with the run and the pass, after allowing 60% completions last season. That will be a problem here, as Northwestern has a very potent offense, particularly on the ground. Northwestern averaged 25 points, 172 yards rushing and 237 passing in 2004 and they have a horse in senior RB Terrell Jordan (5.1 yards per carry). Experienced QB Brett Basanez passed for 2,838 yards with 12 TDs and 9 INTs and the WR corps is strong, so there is great balance. The defense was strong against the run, allowing 3.5 yards per carry. "We want to run the football and that's not a secret," Northwestern HC Randy Walker admits. They will with ease here. Northwestern is 8-4 "under" the total its last 12 games because it likes to eat up time off the clock with the ground game, and 5-1 "under" its last 6 home games.

Projected Score: Northwestern 30, Ohio 14

There's no doubt who is going to WIN this game. But it's not yet clear how Western Michigan is going to play under new head coach Bill Cubit. Cubit served as offensive coordinator and quarterback coach at Stanford. He coached the quarterbacks for two seasons, 2003-04, and added play-calling duties last year as offensive coordinator. In 2004, Cubit directed a Cardinal offense that ranked 28th in the nation in passing with 247.3 yards-per-game. In 2004, Western Michigan was outscored by a 40-23 average and went 7-3 "over" the total, so there is a lot of work to do for the new coach. The passing offense could be good with senior QBs Ryan Cubit and Blayne Baggett, along with stud senior WR Greg Jennings, who last year caught 74 passes for 1,092 yards and 11 TDs. The offense averaged 264 yards passing per game. They take on a dynamite Virginia offense that averaged 20 points, with 242 yards rushing and 180 passing per game. Mobile junior QB Marques Hagans runs the offense and Virginia is 11-2 SU/10-3 ATS at home the last two seasons. A key here will be Virginia senior RB Wali Lundy (929 and 864 yards rushing the last two seasons), who should have a huge game against an undersized Western Michigan defense. But WM does have a very strong passing game that could find the end zone. After all, Virginia was a favorite of 25-or more three times last year and went 1-2 ATS.

Projected Score: Virginia 38, W Michigan 20

Now how's that for a point spread? Poor Ball State doesn't play any defense (36.8 points per game allowed last season). They were also 0-6 SU, 1-5 ATS on the road in 2004 where they were outscored by a 47-16 average! Ball State does have 15 starters back, including junior QB Joey Lynch (9 TDs, 2 INTs). The passing game will get a lot of work this game, as they will be down early. Iowa wants to get its running game going after a miserable 2004 season as injuries decimated their ground game. They will have little trouble here as Ball State allowed 197 rush yards per game, 4.8 ypc. Iowa senior QB Drew Tate (20 TDs, 14 picks) is a keeper for coach Kirk Ferentz, but he won't have to pass much this game. Iowa has won 18 straight home games and is 24-2 SU, 21-4-1 ATS at home the last four years! However, Ball State does have enough experience and a passing attack to stay within this huge number, especially with Iowa eating up the clock on the ground. A year ago, Iowa went 0-2 ATS opening the season as 30 and 20-point favorites (beating Iowa State 17-10 as 20-point chalk).

Projected Score: Iowa 44, Ball St 17

There are a lot of unknowns this game, with both teams replacing some top players. Kent State has been a huge underdog since 1999 to Pitt (twice), Iowa (twice), Purdue (twice), Penn State and Ohio State, and gone 5-3 ATS in those games. In fact, they are 2-1 ATS the last two years, losing 32-10 at Penn State (as a +25 dog) and covering last year as a +31 dog to Iowa. This year's team has a lot of work to do, however, as junior QB Antwan Smith steps in for dynamic Joshua Cribbs, and their best wide outs are gone. Michigan State (5-7) had all kinds of off-field problems this summer involving several players and struggled down the stretch last season. In particular, the defense was lazy, allowing 33 ppg. Michigan State has junior quarterback Drew Stanton (14 TDs) on an offense that averaged 29 points, 238 yards rushing and 221 passing! Stanton has junior WR Jerramy Scott (444 yards, 3 TDs), senior WR Kyle Brown and 6-foot-6 senior Matt Trannon back, so the passing attack will be fine. Kent State is 0-5 SU, 2-3 ATS its last five as an underdog, though they carry a 5-0 ATS run overall into this game. Michigan State is 1-4 SU, 0-5 ATS its last 6 against non-conference foes. The Spartans will score plenty, but they will give up plenty, too.

Projected Score: Michigan St 37, Kent 24

An interesting game as the MAC meets the Big 10. Miami of Ohio gave us Ben Roethlisberger, and now they have senior QB Josh Betts (3,495 yards, 23 TDs, 14 picks.) He has his two top wideouts back in WR Ryne Robinson (932 yards) and 6'-4" senior WR Martin Nance, too. Miami averaged 279 pass yards, ranking 13th nationally in total offense (275 ypg). They also have a new head coach in Shane Montgomery, who had been the offensive coordinator since 2001 under departed Terry Hoeppner. One concern is that Miami was 3-4 SU, 1-4 ATS on the road last season and got bombed by Michigan (43-10) and Cincinnati (45-26). This is a tough opener heading to Ohio State. The Buckeyes have high hopes for this season, after ending the 2004 season by thrashing Michigan (37-21) and Oklahoma State (33-7). The excitement centers around all the speed on offense behind mobile junior QB Troy Smith (8 TDs, 3 picks), who came on late last season, and WR junior Santonio Holmes and speedy WR Ted Ginn. However, for this game QB Smith will not play (one-game suspension). The good news is starting QB Justin Zwick got plenty of experience a year ago. Ohio State was terrific at home (6-1 SU, 5-2 ATS) in 2004 and is a stellar 22-1 SU, 15-7-1 ATS its last 23 home games! Miami of Ohio might be more focused on next week's game, too, which is their MAC opener at home home against Central Michigan.

Projected Score: Ohio St 35, Miami Oh 16

Another MAC-Big 10 opener. No. Illinois (9-3 SU, 6-4 ATS) is a well coached team, but there are weaknesses at QB and on defense for this one. The Huskies have Phil Horvath at quarterback after he threw for (6 TDs, 7 INTs, 954 yards) as the backup to standout Josh Haldi. He'll rely on the capable junior RBs Garrett Wolfe and A. J. Harris, who combined for 2,478 ground yards and 22 TDs in 2004. Their big problems come up on defense where they allowed 25 ppg, 153 yards rushing and 223 passing. The problem early on could be against the run, breaking in two new starting LBs to join weakside star Javan Lee. And you don't want to get your baptism of fire against Michigan, on the road! Northern Illinois did lose 20-17 to Maryland in last year's opener as a +17 dog, and gave Iowa Stata a scare before losing 48-41. However, this is a far tougher test. Michigan is loaded on offense, with QB Chad Henne, running back Michael Hart and wide receiver Steve Breaston. Michigan averaged 31 points, 153 yards rushing and 232 passing last season. The defense could be a bit suspect due to graduation losses but the Wolverines have another good recruiting class and will get only better as time goes on. With Northern Illinois working in essentially a new QB, Michigan will be able to get out in front early and go to its ground attack. The Wolverines are 6-0 SU, 4-2 ATS their last 6 games against MAC opponents, trashing Miami of Ohio last season (43-10) and Central Michigan (45-7) two years ago (covering both as 13 and 33 point favorites).

Projected Score: Michigan 42, No Illinois 17

South Florida is not getting a lot of respect from oddsmakers this game. This is a fine program under Head coach Jim Leavitt, one that has had success over the years, even when stepping up in competition. Last year was a bit of a down season for SF, but they return a lot of starters. RB Andre Hall is back after running for 1,357 yards, 11 TDs, and averaged 6.5 yards per carry! They also have senior QB Pat Julmiste (1,570 yards, 7 TDs, 8 INTs) running an uptempo, sometimes no-huddle, spread offense. Penn State is also looking to bounce back after a poor season (4-7). The Lions are tough defensively, but this offense was embarrassing last season, averaging 17.7 points and just 12.9 in Big 10 play. A 6-4 home loss to Iowa summed up their season! Senior QB Michael Robinson steps in for Zach Mills, but there isn't a lot of skill position speed and the offensive line is retooling. All in all, this is too high a betting line -- After all, Penn State outscored opponents by a 24-13 average at home last season. South Florida keeps this one close.

Projected Score: Penn St 23, South Florida 17

Duke (2-9 SU, 7-3 ATS) averaged just 267 total yards of offense, while allowing over 200 yards rushing AND passing per game in 2004! The offense has a new coordinator in Bill O'Brien and averaged just 96 yards rushing, 2.8 yards per carry last fall. Duke has junior QB Mike Schneider (8 TDs, 7 picks) and a poor defense. The Blue Devils are 1-10 SU/8-3 ATS on the road the last two seasons -- getting some covers, but not many wins. The East Carolina Pirates turn over a new leaf with new head coach Skip Holtz. Holtz has experience as offensive coordinator at South Carolina under his father, Lou. Junior QB James Pinkney is a fine weapon (2,195 yards, 18 TDs, 15 INTs) who could give the new coach a big boost. Duke plays hard for coach Ted Roof, but expect East Carolina to play better under Holtz, who has a decent track record at South Carolina -- not to mention excellent coaching blood.

Projected Score: E Carolina 27, Duke 20

There will be a lot of talk about UAB senior QB Darrell Hackney this season, a gifted passer and runner. However, the key to this game is going to be rushing defense -- and UAB doesn't have any. Tennessee isn't fancy if they don't have to be: If Phil Fulmer can run the ball effectively at you, he's going to do it all day. He has a power offensive line and a stud senior RB Gerald Riggs (1,107 yards). Tennessee will go with sophomore QB Erik Ainger, though coach Phil Fulmer said senior QB Claussen will also get into the game at some point. UAB had a lot of trouble on the ground defensively a year ago, allowing 152 yards rushing per game. The Blazers allowed 251 rush yards to Florida State (34-7 defeat), 225 to Mississippi State, and 318 rush yards to South Florida (45-20 defeat). The only hope is that Hackney and the multiple set offense of UAB can put up some points (31 ppg last season). He's good enough to do it, though UAB is without star WR Roddy White, who is in the NFL. Still, it's clear the Volunteers are overvalued a bit at home: The Vols are 6-16 ATS their last 22 home games!

Projected Score: Tennessee 37, UAB 17

A couple of bottom dwellers as the Big 10 battles the Big East. What you WON'T see in this game is any defense. Rutgers allowed 31 points per game last season and 38 per game on the road! Illinois allowed 29 ppg. Rutgers should be able to score, as they had a potent offense in 2004 averaging 24.5 points and 310 passing yards. QB Ryan Hart (17 TDs, 287 yards per game, completing 65% of his passes) returns along with 17 overall starters. Rutgers opened the season against Michigan State a year ago and won 19-14 as a +3 dog -- after which they lost to 1AA New Hampshire, 35-24. That's the thing about this team: Plenty of offense, but a suspect 'D'. Illinois has a new head coach in Ron Zook, the former Florida coach. Zook is a former NFL defensive coordinator, but his Florida defenses were inconsistent despite plenty of talent. He has a LOT of work to do, as the Illini defense was miserable last season allowing 194 yards rushing and 229 passing each game! So there is plenty of work for the new coach -- and limited talent. One concern is a lack of QB experience in the Illinois backfield, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see the experienced Rutgers offense pull the road win. Rutgers is 18-9-1 ATS its last 28 games as an underdog!

Projected Score: Rutgers 30, Illinois 27

Colorado State (4-7) stumbled badly last season, especially defensively as the Rams allowed 30 points and 221 yards rushing per game! However the Rams gained a lot of experience and the return of senior QB Justin Holland (1,622 yards, 61% completions, though just 6 TDs and 10 INTs) should improve the offensive. The passing offense was very good averaging 261 yards in the air. Holland has speedy senior WR David Anderson (57 grabs for 940 yards). RB Jimmy Green (436 yards) also returns, and while he led the Rams in rushing, he averaged just 3.3 ypc. Defensively, the Rams are deep and experienced as coordinator Larry Kerr begins his 13th season, though they need to tighten up the run 'D'. This is a big rivalry, of course, and notice that the dog is 3-0 ATS the last three years, with Colorado State covering a year ago as a +4 dog in a 27-24 Buffalo win. CSU QB Justin Holland had 403 yards passing against Colorado in last year's game! Colorado has claimed three of the past four Big 12 North titles, and the current talent level is strong with 15 skill returnees, including 10 on defense. Third year starter QB Joel Klatt (2,398 yards) leads the offense but needs to improve his turnover margin (11 TDs, 15 INTs). The ground game is a staple of Gary Barnett's offense and the Buffs averaged 161 yards rushing in 2004. In fact, they bludgeoned the CSU defense a year ago with 255 rush yards, 5.7 ypc. That will be the game plan again, though note Colorado is just 4-8 ATS its last 12 home games. Colorado has home field and a great running game, but this has been a good rivalry. Remember that Sonny Lubick's CSU Rams are 16-8 ATS their last 24 games as an underdog! Look for another dogfight.

Projected Score: Colorado 28, Colorado St 24

Fascinating battle as two high profile, former NFL coaches make their debuts here. The Charlie Weis (Patriots offensive coordinator) era begins at Notre Dame with 10 returning offensive starters including Brady Quinn returning at quarterback and a strong offensive line. Darius Walker (4.2 yards per carry) and fullback Rashon Powers-Neal (4.3 ypc) return in the backfield along with Anthony Fasano at tight end, who set a team-record with 155 receiving yards vs Purdue. The defense is another story as only three starters are back and there is little depth in either the front seven or secondary. Opening at Pittsburgh will be a severe test as the Panthers also welcome a new coach in Dave Wannstedt who has the luxury of 16 returning starters including QB Tyler Palko who improved immensely throughout the season. Pitt also has WRs Greg Lee and Joe Delsardo, who combined for 117 catches along with tight end Erik Gill. Pittsburgh won last year?s contest 41-38 at South Bend as an 11-point underdog but the Irish previously had covered eight of their last nine meetings with Pitt. Notre Dame is 3-7 SU/4-6 ATS its last 10 as a dog. Look for Wannstedt to have a more balanced offense than Panther teams of late and it should be enough to squeeze out a win versus the inexperienced Irish defense.

Projected Score: Pittsburgh 27, Notre Dame 23

Wow! Will this be one of the more fascinating non-conference matchups of the season. Boise is a tornado out West, rolling over opponents on the blue carpet with an offensive machine out of the WAC. Georgia is big, tough, from the tradition-rich old-school SEC. Boise hasn't lost a regular season game since early in the 2003 season when they lost 26-24 at Oregon State as a +5 dog. Sophomore QB Jared Zabransky leads a Boise offense that can pass and run with the best of them, averaging 229 yards rushing, 262 yards passing and 49 points per game in 2004. The Broncos were an underdog only once last season and lost 44-40 to Louisville in a bowl game, though they covered as a +11 dog. On the other hand, in that game Boise gave up 6.6 yards per ccarry! And this Georgia team can run the football. This will be an interesting test as Georgia is rebuilding a bit, losing QB David Greene, WR Fred Gibson and key LBs to the NFL. Senior quarterback D.J. Shockley (4 TDs, one pick) gets the reigns and is a good runner. Also, all 5 offensive linemen return for the Bulldogs. Georgia will go to the ground game to keep the ball out of the explosive Boise offense and they have enough edge in beef on the offensive line to wear down the Broncos. Boise returns most of its offense, but lost a lot of defensive personnel. However, Georgia also plays its more important SEC opener the following week against Steve Spurrier and South Carolina, so it's also a bit of a look ahead spot.

Projected Score: Georgia 27, Boise St 17

Run, Run, Rudolph! Both teams like to run the football, so expect an old-fashioned ground game here. Navy averaged 289 rush yards per game, 5 yards per carry, last season, and has a new QB in senior QB Lamar Owens. Navy was 9-2 against the spread in 2003 and 15-6 ATS the last two seasons. Their ball-control offense is why they are 10-7 UNDER the total the last two years. However, this will be a tough test as Maryland is well coached under Ralph Friedgen and has a super-tough defense, especially against the run. Maryland (5-6) looks to bounce back after a poor season, and the offense was weak because of bad QB play. Junior Joel Statham gets a chance to improve, but there are a lot of new faces at the skill positions. However, the Maryland defense is terrific, after allowing just 20 points and 315 total yards per game. The run defense allowed just 3.4 yards per carry, so they should be well prepared to make Navy work hard for every rush. Navy's defense allowed 151 rush yards and 200 pass yards per game even though they didn't play many tough teams. Navy had an easy schedule last season, and lost badly in its only game against a national team, losing 27-9 at home to Notre Dame. This should be a tough defensive game in the first half, with the Terrapins' defense taking charge in the second half.

Projected Score: Maryland 24, Navy 10

Certainly a lousy scheduling spot for Wyoming -- travelling all the way to the Southwest AND visiting the Swamp in Urban Meyer's first game at Florida. Geeshhh....anything else to overcome?? Still, Wyoming is a darkhorse Mountain West team, one that has 17 starters back. This offense averaged 27 points and 235 passing yards, and has senior QB Corey Bramlet (2,409 yards, 12 TDs, 13 picks) and speedy wideout senior WR Jovon Bouknight (63 catches for 1,075 yards and 7 TDs.) You may recall Wyoming making it to the Las Vegas bowl last year, upsetting UCLA 24-21 as a +13 dog. Also remember that Wyoming played at Texas A&M last September and lost 31-0. Florida coach Urban Meyer faced Wyoming last season, as well, when Utah crushed them 45-28. The Gators will be wild this game, along with the crowd, as Meyer makes his Florida debut -- the start of a new era. Meyer and his spread-offense has a ton of talent to work with behind junior QB Chris Leak (29 TDs, 12 picks in '04), senior RB Ciatrick Fason (1,247 yards, 5.7 ypc) and junior WRs Andre Caldwell and Chad Jackson. Florida was 5-1 SU/4-2 ATS in The Swamp last season, where they pummeled teams by a 39-16 average. One thing to keep in mind: Florida is 4-0 SU/ATS the last four seasons opening each time at home against lesser opponents, winning 49-10 over Eastern Michigan, 65-3 over San Jose State, 51-3 over UAB and 49-14 over Marshall. Florida's running game, emotion and superior defense adds to that "cupcake rout" list.

Projected Score: Florida 45, Wyoming 17

Note: This game is being played at Qwest Field in Seattle, WA (where the NFL Seahawks play)

This is more of a home game for Washington. New head coach Tyrone Willingham takes over what was a dreadful program in Washington last season (1-10 SU, 1-8 ATS). He's starting from scratch, too, with a battle at QB and a defense that was simply atrocious, allowing a whopping 183 yards rushing per game, 4.4 ypc. That will be key this game, as Air Force runs the ball with its option attack so well. Willingham said, "We need to improve in every area. There's nothing that we do so well that we can't stand to improve." He's right there, and note that Washington was just 1-5 SU/0-5 ATS at home last season! Air Force averaged 277 yards rushing per game last fall, and will be productive again because of sophomore QB Shaun Carney. Carney passed for 1,315 yards, 11 TDs, 6 INTs and led the team in rushing with 596 yards, 6 TDs in their 'Fishbone' Option attack. The running game will be strong with Air Force senior offensive linemen Jon Wilson and Ross Weaver leading the way. Air Force was a strong 2-3 SU/3-2 ATS as a dog last season and has the ground game, experience and discipline to spoil Willingham's debut.

Projected Score: Air Force 24, Washington 20

The Horned Frogs have moved across town, jumping from C-USA to the Mountain West after a disastrous defensive performance during the disappointing 2004 season. QB Tye Gunn (58% passer) is a special talent who can make TCU a contender in the conference, but he will need to stay healthy for a full season. The 1-2 rushing punch of Robert Merrill and Lonta Hobbs is one of the nation's best, and Cory Rodgers is an emerging receiver star. The big question is on the line with some of the best O-linemen gone. Remember that TCU stepped up in competition twice last season and lost 48-45 to Northwestern and 70-35 to Texas Tech! It doesn't get any easier here. For the Oklahoma Sooners, even after losing a dozen starters to the NFL in the draft, there are plenty of replacements to fill the holes and once again they?ll vie for the top spot in the Big XII and a place in the upper national rankings. A top rated recruiting class will make the transition almost seamless. Replacing Heisman winning quarterback Jason White will be junior QB Paul Thompson, named the starter last week by Bob Stoops. Thompson did not throw a pass for the Sooners last season. Fortunately, he won't have to carry the offense as sophomore RB Adrian Peterson returns. Peterson ran for 1,925 yards, 15 TDs and 5.7 yards per carry as a freshman. RB Kejeun Jones also returns along with WR Travis Wilson (11 TDs) providing help for the new QB. There will be a mixture of experience and youth throughout the lineup but this defense allowed just 219 points a year ago while the offense scored 452. TCU has the offensive talent to keep this close, but if their defense isn't improved, this could be a long afternoon. TCU is 0-4 SU/ATS its last 4 games as an underdog.

Projected Score: Oklahoma 42, TCU 20

It's been a while since Auburn lost a game, fresh off a 13-0 campaign. The Tigers are in rebuilding mode and take on a Georgia Tech team that has been difficult to figure out under Chan Gailey. Despite a 7-5 season, the Yellow Jackets were 3-2 SU/4-1 ATS on the road. G-Tech has mobile junior QB Reggie Ball (16 TDs, 18 INTs), but he regressed last season and led a turnover prone offense that was erratic (minus-13 TO margin). Tech is very strong defensively, especially up front against the run, which will be a big plus here against run-oriented Auburn. However, Georgia Tech's offense has been super-conservative under Gailey and they won't be able to find the end zone much against an Auburn team that allowed 8.5 points per game at home in 2004! Auburn sophomore QB Brandon Cox makes his starting debut, along with RBs senior Tre Smith and Alex Howell. Auburn's defense, led by senior linebacker Travis Williams, leads the way in this very low scoring game.

Projected Score: Auburn 24, Georgia Tech 0

Boston College joins the ACC this season, but before conference play can start the Eagles have to fly out West to face BYU. BC head coach Tom O'Brien has had to replace many good offensive players over the years, and he always finds a way to do it without suffering a loss in production. That's the case this season with senior QB Quinton Porter and sophomore QB Matt Ryan rotating behind center. Boston College had a very balanced offense (25 points, 140 yards rushing, 245 passing per game) last season, which the coach preaches. While the offense should be decent, often lost is a terrific defense (17 ppg allowed in 2004) that has great depth and a star in senior DE Mathias Kiwanuka. They take on a BYU club that is in transition as former defensive coordinator Bronco Mendenhall takes over as HC for departed Gary Crowton. While his specialty is defense, the BYU 'D' was poor under him, allowing 27 points, 148 yards rushing and 229 passing. The front has a lot of new faces, too, placing more pressure on starting QB junior John Beck (15 TDs, 8 picks). BYU is just 7-11 ATS its last 18 home games. They need to improve a minus-10 turnover margin, too, and good teams like BC will take advantage of sloppy opponents. Boston College is an impressive 11-3 SU, 10-4 ATS its last 14 road games!

Projected Score: Boston College 28, BYU 17

A couple of talented quarterbacks and a revenge situation are the stories in this one as the ACC meets the Big 12. A year ago Clemson travelled to A&M and got smoked 27-6 as a road favorite. That victory helped to turn around the A&M season, and sent Clemson into a tailspin that they only pulled out of late (as usual). Texas A&M really caught fire under coach Dennis Franchione, who begins his third season. 18 starters return for the Aggies, including eight on a defense that allowed just 3.5 yards rushing per carry. The offense revolves around mobile senior QB Reggie McNeal (2,791 pass yards, 14 TDs, 4 picks) and he rushed for 718 yards, 8 TDs. They are still not yet a great road team, which happens with young teams, and this is a long road trip. Clemson has QB Charlie Whitehurst, who was a budding star until last season when he was erratic with 7 TDs and 17 INTs. This is essentially a club that passes most of the time and runs little under pass-happy coach Tommy Bowden. And when your QB has that kind of TD/INT ratio in a pass-happy attack, that's not a good sign. Clemson averaged 3.1 yards per rush in 2004, so they will have to win this game with Whitehurst's arm. DE Charles Bennett anchors what should be a strong defensive line for the Tigers, though they have a new defensive coordinator in Vic Koennig. Clemson has gotten off to poor starts under Bowden the last two years, and this could be another one as Clemson opens with Texas A&M, Maryland and Miami. A&M has more experience and the better coaching staff in what could be a shootout.

Projected Score: Texas A&M 31, Clemson 27

Baylor as a favorite? Well, hold on, now, Baylor is 4-0 SU, 3-1 ATS its last 4 as chalk! The Bears are getting better, and remember they smoked North Texas 37-14, upset Texas A&M 35-34, and lost to Iowa State by one point. The key here will be the running game, as Baylor has a young QB in Shawn Bell (6 TDs, no picks), but the Bears do have a very strong offensive line, anchored by two mammoth guards Lequalan McDonald and Yancy Boatner. SMU has a smallish defensive front that allowed a whopping 209 rush yards per game last season! The Mustangs are still searching for a quarterback under overmatched fourth-year head coach Phil Bennett. SMU opened last season against Texas Tech, TCU and Oklahoma State (two Big 12 teams in there), and lost all three by an AVERAGE score of 43-7! SMU is 3-26 SU, 10-19 ATS its last 29 as a dog. Baylor and its ground game is the difference.

Projected Score: Baylor 30, SMU 17

This is the fourth year in a row these southern Cal teams will meet, and UCLA is 3-0 SU, 2-0-1 ATS the first three. Last year the Bruins rolled 33-10 as 6-point chalk, two years ago UCLA won 20-10 as a 10-point favorite, and in 2002 the Bruins won on this same field 43-7. UCLA's bread and butter is offense (30 points, 174 yard rushing and 209 passing per game in 2004.) They will be very potent again with a ton of returning talent on that side of the ball with senior QB Drew Olsen (20 TDs, 13 INTs), junior RB Maurice Drew (1,007 yards, 8 TDs, 6.3 ypc) and plenty of depth at wide out. San Diego State goes with sophomore QB Kevin O'Connell, who played in nine games last season, started the final five, and passed for 1,328 yards and nine TDs and was SDSU's third-leading rusher with 347 yards. The athletic sophomore should pose problems for a shaky UCLA defense. SDSU matches up well in this one, has home field, and remember that UCLA is 4-10-2 ATS its last 16 games.

Projected Score: UCLA 28, San Diego St 27

This is one long road trip for the defending champs. Coach June Jones loves to pass first, and Hawaii averaged 36 points and 338 passing yards in 2004. As usual, Hawaii was awesome at home at 7-1 SU, 6-1 ATS! However, Jones admits, "We're going to be in a little bit of a rebuilding mode." Yes they are, especially at quarterback, where 6 players fought for the top job in August, with sophomore QB Jack Rolovich having the most experience and the strongest arm (4-of-8 passes for 37 yards as a freshman). The offense does have junior WRs Jason Rivers (973 yards, 7 TDs) and Ross Dickerson, so they will still pass on first, second and third downs all night long. Also, Hawaii has a new defensive coordinator in Jerry Glanville, so there are new faces on the field and the sidelines. And the Hawaii defense allowed 38 points and 488 yards per contest! Standing in their way will be USC, a team that hasn't lost since October of 2003. USC loses offensive coordinator Norm Chow, but has a ton of returning talent on the field. Since Hawaii is so small up front and bad against the run, look for USC to run the ball all game behind senior RB Reggie Bush (908 yards, 6.3 ypc), senior RB LenDale White (1,103 yards) and 4 of 5 returning starting offensive linemen (USC averaged 177 yards rushing last year). Hawaii will score some with its Fun-N-Gun attack (they were 8-3 "over" the total last fall), but they'll also have a hard time stopping the Trojan running game.

Projected Score: USC 44, Hawaii 20

Arkansa State's youth will be served this year but not in week one against the Missouri Tigers. ASU (3-8 last season) has some playmakers, with a backfield led by do-it-all workhorse Antonio Warren and QB Nick Noce. But defensively, there are just three starters back and they allowed 33 points and 197 rushing yards per game, so Missouri will be able to pile up some points. The Tigers come off a disappointing 5-6 season, but versatile QB Brad Smith is back. He passed for 17 TDs, 11 INTs, while rushing for 553 yards and will have little trouble getting off on the right foot against this weak Arkansas State defense. WR Sean Coffey returns, Smith?s favorite target, along with tall TE Martin Rucker. When these teams met a year ago at this time it wasn't pretty: Missouri whipped Arkansas State 52-20 as a 35-point favorite, with 263 rush yards and 243 passing yards. The key for Mizzou will be QB Smith who will run and pass for big yardage in week 1. Missouri is 12-6 SU, 10-7 ATS its last 17 home games.

Projected Score: Missouri 47, Arkansas St 17

Alabama was just 6-6 a year ago, but expectations are sky-high this year. The Tide was decimated by injuries, but still had a terrific defense in 2004 (15.8 ppg allowed). This year, 7 starters are back on offense and 9 on defense! Standing in their way in the opener is Middle Tennessee State. The Blue Raiders won't provide any problems because of a small defensive front and awful road play. This group was 1-5 SU/ATS on the road last fall allowing 35 ppg! Middle Tennessee State does have a strong passing attack behind junior QB Clint Marks (2,749 yards, 14 TDs, 14 picks), averaging 267 yards passing. That passing game ranked 15th in the nation and No. 1 in the Sun Belt. However, they are on their third defensive coordinator in three years (Mark Criner) and MTS is just 1-8 SU, 3-6 ATS its last 9 games as a dog. They also played Florida of the SEC last fall and lost 52-16 as a +28 dog. Alabama will get off on the right foot behind senior QB Brodie Croyle and senior RB Kenneth Darby (1,062 yards, 4.8 yards per carry). 'Bama is 5-2 SU/4-2 ATS its last 7 home games and should roll up plenty of rushing yards for the home crowd.

Projected Score: Alabama 38, Mid Tenn St 17

Look for a lot of points in this one! Florida Atlantic is off a 9-3 season under head coach Howard Schnellenberger. Schnellenberger likes a wide-open, pro-style attack and Florida Atlantic averaged 266 yards passing. Mobile senior QB Danny Embick (641 yards, 4 TDs, 5 INTs) runs the offense, and works behind a very big and talented offensive line. The defense was terrific against the run, allowing 107 rush yards per game, just 3.2 ypc. They travel to Kansas to take on Mark Mangino's Jayhawks. Mangino likes to pass the ball, but he is stuck with erratic junior Adam Barmann (12 TDs, 9 INTs) and this offense was up and down a lot. Kansas is off a 4-7 season after a 2-0 start. They scored 17 on Northwestern and 8 on Nebraska, both defeats. You may not be that familiar with Florida Atlantic, but this is an organized, up-and-coming program. A year ago Florida Atlantic opened at Hawaii and North Texas -- they won 35-28 at Hawaii as a +25 dog and won 20-13 at North Texas as a +7 dog!

Projected Score: Kansas 35, Florida Atlantic 24

Naturally, this is a tough spot for the visitors from the Sun Belt. The only saving grace is that Lafayette is 5-2 ATS the last three years against the Big Boys, losing 40-20 to K-State last season (+32 dog), a 14-7 defeat at South Carolina in 2003, 31-7 at Texas A&M in 2002 (as a +29 dog), and 24-17 that same year to Arkansas (as a +34 dog). Still, they don't have the run defense to deal with a devastating Texas ground game. UL-Lafayette does have a wide-open offense under Head Coach Ricky Bustle and junior quarterback Jerry Babb (2,345 yards, 12 TDs, 13 INTs). The team has new wide outs to work in, though there is a lot of speed. But the defense gave up 215 yards rushing per game (5.2 yards per carry) in 2004. Lafayette will see a lot of Texas QB Vince Young -- they'll see a lot of the back of his jersey! Junior QB Young ran for 1,079 yards, 14 TDs, 6.5 yards per carry while passing for 1,849 yards, and he'll dazzle this thin Lafayette defense. Still, Lafayette is 10-5-1 ATS its last 16 as an underdog, and recent history says they have enough offense to score some on the big boys. Keep in mind Lafayette played another awesome running team a year ago, losing 48-14 at Minnesota, but just barely covering as a +35 dog.

Projected Score: Texas 51, UL Lafayette 17

Oh my goodness, who scheduled this puppy? Florida International enters just its fourth season of football and they step up to Division I-A in 2005. FI was 3-7 last season and its only wins were over Youngstown (22-16), Stephen Austin (31-24) and Florida A&M. They didn't win easily, either, and they also lost to La-Monroe, McNeese, Western Kentucky and La-Lafayette. And now they travel to run-it-up Bill Snyder and Kansas State? K-State is in bounce-back mode and there is rebuilding going on, with QB Allen Webb stepping in. A young team is always thankful for a cupcake early in the season to get its confidence going, and the Wildcats get one here. K-State also played Western Kentucky last season, and barely won 27-13. However, don't be fooled by that score: K-State had 512 total yards, including 306 rushing yards! The Florida International defense needs a lot of work after allowing 33 points, 203 yards rushing and 275 yards passing per game! Snyder runs it up easily in front of the home fans.

Projected Score: Kansas St 51, Florida Int 6

Ouch. Poor North Texas. They take on an LSU team that is two years removed from a national title AND sporting a brand new coach. North Texas always schedules big schools early in the season to toughen them up, then they roll through the Sun Belt. It's been a good plan, though last year in September North Texas lost 65-0 to Texas and 52-21 at Colorado. Throw in the 37-3 loss to Oklahoma in the opener two years ago and North Texas is 0-3 SU/ATS against the Big Boys in September of late. The Mean Green likes to run the football behind sophomore RB Jamario Thomas (1,801 yards as a freshman, 17 TDs and 6.3 yards per carry!) Thomas ran for over 200 yards 6 times, including 247 against Colorado. He won't find the going easy against a deep LSU defensive line. The Tigers trot out coach Les Miles, who is a proponent of passing the football (Oklahoma State), which is in stark contrast to Nick Saban, who liked the power running game. Mobile LSU QB JaMarcus Russell still needs work with his arm and N-Texas is a physical defensive team. Also, LSU RB Alley Broussard is out for the season with a knee injury, and that's tough as he led the Tigers with 867 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2004. This is a huge betting number against a team (North Texas) that plays hard, regularly goes to bowl games and won't be intimidated by taking on a big-name program, even on the road. They should have the defense to hang in here, but note that North Texas is 1-7 SU/ATS as a dog the last two years.

Projected Score: LSU 31, No Texas 6

Subject: Re: PIGSKIN PROPHET PAGE4 Posted 8/29/2005 18:56

The WAC meets Conference USA in this matchup. UTEP is off a brilliant season in 2004 under first-year coach Mike Price (8-4 SU, 7-4 ATS) and his Miners are absolutely loaded this season. Price reenergized the offense, which averaged 36 points, 142 yards rushing and 251 passing per game. Mobile senior QB Jordan Palmer returns (26 TDs, 18 INTs) and the ground game has RB Matt Austin (197 yards) and a newcomer in RB Tyler Ebell, a transfer from UCLA who posted strong Pac 10 numbers in 2002-03. This offense looks balanced and deadly, especially on the ground. That poses a problem for a revamped New Mexico State defense that allowed 222 yards rushing and 32 points per game. They change to a 3-4 defense under new coordinator Woody Widenhofer, who didn't have much success when he was head coach at Vanderbilt. In fact, a whole new coaching staff takes over for New Mexico State, led by HC Hal Mumme and his wide-open pass-happy attack. New Mexico State will use multiple formations with three wide receivers, but a problem is a lack of QB experience. New Mexico State was 4-1 at home last fall averaging 32 points, so look for a wide-open offensive show. A year ago UTEP spanked New Mexico State 45-0 and they should win again.

Projected Score: UTEP 35, New Mexico St 24

West Virginia will have a rookie quarterback this season but at least he?ll have an experienced offensive line as the Mountaineers return four linemen that have started in the past. The leading candidates to replace QB Rasheed Marshall are sophomore Adam Bednarik and redshirt freshman Pat White. Both played well in the team?s preseason scrimmage. The defense only returns five starters, with star cornerback Adam ?Pacman? Jones leaving school early for the NFL. However, coach Rich Rodriguez is convinced that he has plenty of talent to step in without losing a lot of production. West Virginia is 11-5 ATS its last 16 road games! Syracuse welcomes new head coach Greg Robinson, who will install the West Coast Offense which traditionally takes a while to master even with adequate talent at the quarterback level. Sophomore QB Joe Fields will try to regain his starting job that he lost to Perry Patterson after three games and Robinson has indicated both will have an equal opportunity. The Orange will be looking to run behind RB Damien Rhodes (153 carries for 870 yds and 10 TDs). West Virginia has won and covered the last three meetings including a 27-6 victory last season. Syracuse is a sizzling 9-3 SU, 10-2 ATS the last two years at home! Still, the Mountaineers get the slight edge in this matchup as Syracuse learns its new offense.

Projected Score: W Virginia 27, Syracuse 26

The battle for the pride of Kentucky! This game will be all about OFFENSE, and Louisville has tons of it (50 ppg in 2004), while Kentucky's offense is, well, offensive (16 ppg last fall). Louisville and Head Coach Bobby Petrino have an explosive attack that averaged 50 points and over 250 yards rushing and passing per game! Sophomore QB Brian Brohm steps in for Stephan LeFlors, and notice he passed for 819 yards in '04. The Cardinals return five starters on the offensive line along with starting WRs Montrell Jones, Broderick Clark and Joshua Tinch. Junior RB Michael Bush (734 yards) averaged 5.6 yards per carry, so the offense should be strong and versatile. The defense (20 ppg allowed) is underrated, too. So which Kentucky team is going to show up for this one? The one that ended the year by beating Vanderbilt 14-13 and nearly beating Tennessee, losing 37-31 as a +24 dog? Or the one that went 2-9 last fall and got outscored by a 31-16 average? Sophomore QB Andre' Woodson (492 yards) takes over for Kentucky and the defense is rebuilding. It doesn't help to take on a Petrino offense to open the season. Louisville carries a 10-2 spread run into this season and beat Kentucky 28-0 in last year's opener as a 10-point favorite.

Projected Score: Louisville 37, Kentucky 14

An early season Conference USA battle. Tulane hasn't had a lot of luck in this rivalry lately, going 1-5 SU, 2-4 ATS the last six years. In fact, in three of those games Tulane allowed 48, 56, 59, and 32 points. The average score the last 6 years has been Southern Miss 38, Tulane 17. Tulane junior quarterback Lester Ricard (21 TDs and 9 INTs) leads a good Green Wave offense that averaged 27 points and 234 passing yards last fall. This is the school that produced Shaun King and J.P. Losman, remember, although the defense was brutal, however, giving up 32.8 points and 194 rush yards per contest. Southern Miss has had 11 straight seasons with a winning record under 14-year coach Jeff Bower. Bower has 6 starters back on offense and 7 on defense, led by senior QB Dustin Almond. Both teams have talented, veteran quarterbacks, so don't be surprised if there are plenty of points. Southern Miss won 32-14 over Tulane a year ago. The Golden Eagles are 13-1 SU, 11-3 ATS as a favorite the last two seasons!

Projected Score: So Miss 35, Tulane 24

Wow -- this shapes up as one rugged DEFENSIVE game down south! It's also an early season ACC contest. Frank Beamer's defense led the way to a stellar 10-3 campaign for Virginia Tech, allowing 12.8 points per game! That's why V-Tech was 8-4 "under" the total. The defense will lead the way again and they topped ACC opponents by a 29-14 average last fall. The big story here is that the Hokies will unleash junior quarterback Marcus Vick, Mike's brother. He was suspended last year, but gets a second chance to make headlines on the field instead of off. Virginia Tech carries a terrific 4-2 SU, 5-1 ATS run on the road into this game. However, NC State is no pushover -- especially on defense. The Wolfpack allowed just 220 total yards per game last season, and allowed a rather remarkable 2.6 yards per rush! This is one tough defensive front, led by 6'-7" junior DE Mario Williams. The problem has been offense under turnover prone senior QB Jay Davis. With seven starters returning on offense, and a new offensive coordinator in Marc Trestman, the 'O' should be better, and they have excellent RB depth. These teams met last season and Virginia Tech won 17-16 in a game that sailed way "under" the total of 47. Both teams struggled on offense, with NC State gaining just 36 yard rush yards and V-Tech getting 78 total pass yards. This shapes up as one of the lowest scoring games of the ACC season.

Projected Score: NC State 17, Virginia Tech 16

An early Mountain West battle on ESPN2, and one that you should take a look at because UNLV has a brand new look. UNLV hired head coach Mike Sanford to turn the Rebels around, and he spent the previous two seasons as offensive coordinator at Utah under Urban Meyer. He's a proponent of the spread formation and you will see a very different UNLV offense, instead of the boring, plodding game under underachieving John Robinson. New offensive coordinator Noah Brindise likes the wide-open, passing offense, too, he learned while at Florida under Steve Spurrier. The new-look Rebels get a tough test here as they take on a New Mexico team that went 5-2 in the MWC. It's no secret what this team likes to do under HC Rocky Long -- run the football! 8 starters return to an offense that averaged 178 rush yards, 4.1 ypc, led by senior RB DonTrell Moore (1,091 yards, 4.7 ypc). The only concern is that Moore is off knee surgery and is still questionable for this game. UNLV got bowled over by New Mexico's running game last season, losing 24-20 as the Lobos had 284 rush yards. But the Rebels do have talent on defense and a new DC in Vic Shealy. UNLV's new-look offensive attack should be able to score against a New Mexico team that was actually outscored at home last season (18-17) where they allowed 255 passing yards each game!

Projected Score: New Mexico 27, UNLV 24

The SEC meets Conference USA in this one. You might not recognize the Ole Miss Rebels, as they have a lot of new faces. Former Southern California assistant head coach Ed Orgeron takes as head coach after serving the previous seven seasons as defensive line coach at USC. There is little experience at quarterback, with Micheal Spurlock and Robert Lane battling it out. Both passed for less than 350 yards last season. He has a lot of work to do, and the Rebel defense allowed 31 ppg last fall. Ole Miss carries a 1-4 SU, 2-3 ATS run on the road into this game. And these two teams opened the season against each other a year ago, with Memphis winning 20-13 as a +3 dog at Ole Miss. Memphis coach Tommy West has built a fine progam. Though he loses 4-year starter QB Danny Wimprine, the key this game will be sensational senior RB DeAngelo Williams (1,430 yards rushing, 5.9 yds per carry, 10 TDs, 35 passes for 384 yards.) Memphis averaged 457 total yards last season, including 203 yards rushing! Ole Miss allowed 184 rush yards per game last season. Memphis has the ace in Williams, who will lead the way on the ground to a big home win.

Projected Score: Memphis 31, Mississippi 20

Here they go again! A new quarterback in Kyle Wright and junior RB Tyrone Moss try and get the Miami offense moving. This defense has enough talent to be as good as any Miami has had in recent years, but there are question marks on offense. There is depth with WRs junior Ryan Moore, sophomore Lance Leggett, senior Sinorice Moss (Santana's brother) and junior Darnell Jenkins. The return of 10 defensive starters and the continued development of Wright at quarterback makes this an experienced unit not lacking for talent. Miami has won the last 4 meetings with rival Florida State, even winning twice as a dog. Are they in the heads of the Seminoles? FSU has a fine defense, one that is off a brilliant season allowing just 83 yards rushing, a mere 2.4 yards per carry! The defense will be good, but the offense has some question marks. QB Wyatt Sexton will miss the season (Lyme disease), so inexperienced freshmen QBs Drew Weatherford and Xavier Lee are battling it out. As a result, they may have to look to the ground game early in the season, behind senior RB Lorenzo Booker (887 yards, 5.1 ypc.) The Florida State defense is why they went 8-2 "under" the total! This is a FSU revenge game following last year?s 16-10 overtime loss, but with the defenses far ahead of the offenses in this opener, look for another tough defensive battle.

Projected Score: Florida St 20, Miami Fl 17