Game Picks Week 1 September 5th-7th

Georgia at Oklahoma State(-5)
The key to this game will be how well Georgia's defense plays early because UGA can't afford to fall too far behind and lose the ability to run the ball. The Dawgs boast a strong D led by LB Rennie Curran but will they be able to contain a Cowboy offense that is led by the best triplets in America with dual-threat QB Zac Robinson, All-American RB Kendall Hunter, and the best WR in the country, Dez Bryant(not to mention the best LT in the country, Russell Okung). I expect Georgia to play well early and contain the Okie State offense enough to keep themselves in the game and go into halftime with the lead. However, I don't think the Dawgs can contain the Cowboys explosive offense for 4 quarters and I think Oklahoma State's defense led by new DC Bill Young(how has he not gotten a head coaching job?!) will make some key stops and the Cowboys will prevail 35-26.

Virginia Tech vs. Alabama(-7) @ Georgia Dome
Expect both teams to spend a lot of time in the ice baths on Sunday because there's going to be a lot of hard hitting in this southern slugfest. Both the Crimson Tide and the Hokies boast dominant defenses so don't expect this to be a high scoring affair. I actually think that there will be more points scored by defense and special teams than by the two offenses. The key to this game will be the two quarterbacks, Tyrod Taylor and Greg McElroy. Whichever one of these two is able to avoid costly mistakes(which is a lot harder to do with Javier Arenas and Stephan Virgil in the opposing defensive backfields) and is able to manufacture a touchdown drive will be the victor. Unfortunately for 'Bama, I don't think that their revamped offensive line will be able to hold up against Virginia Tech's front seven to keep the pressure off of McElroy or to make any running lanes for Mark Ingram and Co. I think Hokie DE Jason Worilds will splash onto the national scene and collect 2 or 3 sacks and also get pressure on McElroy to speed up some throws and force him into some turnovers. Tyrod Taylor's mobility will help him and he will somehow manufacture a scoring drive and the Hokies will take it 13-6.

Miami(Fl) at Florida State(-6 1/2)
The 'Noles and 'Canes will renew their storied rivalry on Monday night in Tallahassee with a raucous Florida State crowd. Florida State dominated Miami(Fl) last year in a game that wasn't as close as the final score would indicate and has one of the best O-lines in the ACC this year. The QB play for both teams should be strong with dual-threats Christian Ponder(FSU) and Jacory Harris(Miami) at the helm. Linebacker Sean Spence leads a very strong Hurricane defense that will go against a fast Florida State defense that should be still stout despite losing DE Everette Brown and S Myron Rolle. I think the crowd will be the difference in a game that I predict Christian Ponder will lead a late 4th quarter comeback for Seminoles and Florida State will prevail over the Hurricanes 27-24 in what I expect to be the best game of the weekend.

Upset Pick(s) of the Week
Central Michigan(+13 1/2) over Arizona
Louisiana Tech(+14) over Auburn