Cram Session - Week 1

Football is back! The college football season kicks off Thursday night with two Top 25 teams doing battle as Oregon takes on Boise State, and rolls through the weekend, with the most intriguing game being Alabama against Virginia Tech. For those of you that read Cram Session last year you will remember that I had a part called "Games That Matter to Me That May Not Matter to You". That was so I could talk about my favorite teams Notre Dame and Nebraska's games since neither spent any time in the Top 25. However, starting this year both are ranked in the Top 25 and it is my hope that I won't have to bring that feature back this year. Now with the housekeeping out of the way, on to the games.

Charleston Southern at #1 Florida

The Gators are almost universally considered to be the best team this year and a sure bet to repeat as National Champions. They return all of their defensive starters and almost all of their offensive starters. Their most famous returnee is the man that can walk on water in the eyes of some, QB Tim Tebow. I think Florida is very good but I also think their schedule is pretty weak this year. The only real test I see them having is their game at LSU. As for this one, hopefully Florida coach Urban Meyer has a heart, and doesn't let his Gators put up 200.

Prediction: Florida 77, Charleston Southern 7

Louisiana-Monroe at #2 Texas

I think Texas was jobbed last year by the BCS. They defeated Oklahoma during the regular season and deserved to face Florida in the BCS Championship game. Despite that, the Longhorns have plenty to look forward to this year, as they return star QB Colt McCoy. The Big 12 South will come down to the Red River Shootout like it does almost every year. Until then Texas will get fat on the cupcakes.

Prediction: Texas 48, Louisiana-Monroe 14

#20 BYU vs #3 Oklahoma

The Sooners lost some pieces but like Florida and Texas are returning their star quarterback, Sam Bradford. They get a good first test against BYU, out of the growing in legitimacy Mountain West conference. These two will meet in the Dallas Cowboys new Texas Stadium. The biggest question in this one isn't whether the Sooners will win, its which teams punter will hit the video board?

Prediction: Oklahoma 34, BYU 23

San Jose State at #4 USC

USC coach Pete Carroll has decided go with true freshman Matt Barkley as his starting quarterback. It was an interesting decision by Carroll, and one that to me, certainly gives some teams hope to beat USC. San Jose State isn't one of those teams.

Prediction: USC 38, San Jose State 7

#5 Alabama vs. #7 Virginia Tech

This is the game of the weekend. Last year Alabama met another highly ranked, overrated ACC team, Clemson, and exposed them as the flukefrauds that they were. I don't think things will be much different this year. A lot of people like Virginia Tech, but I'm not one of them. Their offense is God awful and while that may work against the Marylands and Dukes of the college football world, it won't cut it against Bama.

Prediction: Alabama 27, Virginia Tech 7

Navy at #6 Ohio State

I didn't know about this game until about a week ago but there is something very cool about Navy playing at Ohio State. Apparently Ohio State is imploring the crowd to cheer the Midshipmen when they come on to the field. You might think it would come naturally to a person to cheer for people who risk their lives for our freedom but they are kind of slow in Ohio.

Prediction: Ohio State 38, Navy 21

#8 Mississippi at Memphis

I would like to say that the Hokies are the most overrated team in college football, but that distinction belongs to Ole Miss. Sure Ole Miss had some impressive wins last year against Florida and Texas Tech. I will concede that QB Jevan Snead could be a Heisman candidate but that team last year had no expectations. Its a lot different when you have a target on your back from the get go. Enjoy your Top 10 ranking now Rebels fans, because once the SEC season kicks into gear, it will be sayonara.

Prediction: Mississippi 30, Memphis 20

#13 Georgia at #9 Oklahoma State

I don't really understand all the love the Cowboys are getting. When faced with having to play good teams last season they fell flat on their faces. The atmosphere for their game against Georgia on Saturday will be tremendous but I think the Bulldogs will be up to the challenge. Georgia was a disappointing team last year and with the departures of QB Matthew Stafford and RB Knowshon Moreno they should conceivably be worse. While that may come to be true, I think they pull off the mini upset in Stillwater.

Prediction: Georgia 28, Oklahoma State 27

Akron at #9 Penn State

No, that is not a typo, two teams are ranked 9th. For the Notre Dame schedule haters out there, check out Penn State's joke of a schedule sometime. "We are....scared to play anyone good!"

Prediction: Penn State 45, Akron 13

#11 LSU at Washington

LSU had quite the fall from grace last year, before somewhat redeeming themselves with a beat down of Georgia Tech in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. Washington might actually have a chance at winning a game this season, since they fired the most overrated coach in the history of EVAR, Ty Willingham.

Prediction: LSU 33, Washington 10

Maryland at #12 California

Cal will be looking for revenge after their loss at Maryland last season. Maryland scheduled that game for 10 AM pacific time, so the Golden Bears have scheduled this one for 10 PM Eastern Time. They could play this game at any time, Maryland isn't traveling across the country and winning at Cal.

Prediction: California 31, Maryland 14

#16 Oregon at #14 Boise State

I am probably going to stay up late Thursday night watching this one. Oregon starts a new era with the retirement of Mike Belloti, and the debut of Chip Kelly as coach. Sources tell me that Boise State coach Chris Petersen might consider taking another coaching job during this game, but will ultimately stay at Boise for at least another week.

Prediction: Boise State 31, Oregon 28

Jacksonville State at #15 Georgia Tech

Former Navy coach Paul Johnson looks like he could be starting something really good at Tech. But seriously, do Tech fans even give a flying monkey crap about this game?

Prediction: Georgia Tech 44, Jacksonville State 9

Miami at #18 Florida State

Much to America's chagrin these two will be returning to Monday night to bore the entire country. Last year, when they played on a Saturday and no one cared, they actually had an entertaining game. People think Miami is back this year...people are stupid.

Prediction: Florida State 5, Miami 3

Utah State at #19 Utah

Utah rides a 14-game winning streak going into this blood rivalry against Utah State. Its a shame that the Utes already know they have no shot at playing for the National title.

Prediction: Utah 26, Utah State 10

Citadel at #21 North Carolina

Boring. Its games like these that make me wonder how people can say with a straight face that college football is better than the NFL.

Prediction: North Carolina 41, Citadel 8

Northern Iowa at #22 Iowa

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Rumor has it that if Iowa goes 3-9, the state will hold a parade for coach Kirk Ferentz and extend his contract through 2050.

Prediction: Iowa 11, Northern Iowa 3

Nevada at #23 Notre Dame

Yes! Finally, something I care about. Expectations are high and even I would have to say outrageously high in South Bend this year. With a much lighter schedule than the Irish have had in recent memory some people are crazy enough to think the Irish can make the national title game. Ok, well Lou Holtz is the only one crazy enough to think that, but what everyone is expecting is a BCS berth. No BCS berth will mean the end of the Charlie Weis era, and then Jon Gruden or Urban Meyer can swoop in and save the day. The Irish have a ton of talent on offense, led by QB Jimmy Clausen, and WRs Michael Floyd and Golden Tate. The Irish have to get a running game going this year and hope that Armando Allen Jr. or Robert Hughes can provide one. The defense was inconsistent last year and will also need to play better for Notre Dame to be successful. I certainly think a BCS berth is reasonable but that will only happen if the season gets off on the right foot. I want to see Notre Dame crush Nevada and make a statement. The Charlie Weis era has led me to expect disappointment.

Prediction: Notre Dame 35, Nevada 24

Florida Atlantic at #24 Nebraska

My two favorite teams right next to each other in the rankings. The only thing that would make me happier is if they were #1 and #2 going into the BCS Championship. Husker fans have visions of the BCS in their head. I don't think any are expecting to compete for a National title this year but they are expecting Nebraska to win the Big 12 North and have a chance to compete for the Big 12 Championship. The revolving door at QB continues for Nebraska with junior Zac Lee taking over the starting job. At RB Roy Helu Jr. returns and I think could have a 1,000 yard rushing season. The defense is looking to return to the dominance of Blackshirt defenses of Huskers past. They are led by the beast that is simply known as Suhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, but to his parents he is Ndamukong Suh. Florida Atlantic is coached by Howard Schnellenberger, former Miami coach. Schnellenberger coached Miami in 1984 when they defeated one of the greatest Nebraska teams ever, for the National Championship. Different time old man, enjoy your beat down in Lincoln.

Prediction: Nebraska 36, Florida Atlantic 14

Northern Colorado at #25 Kansas

When does Kansas QB Todd Reesing leave? I am sick of him and can't wait for the Huskers stomping out Kansas in Lawrence this year.

Prediction: Kansas 42, Northern Colorado 24