A new season is at our doorstep, and with it you'll have to endure a new season of PJ's picks. Last year we picked all games involving SEC teams, plus games involving our soon to be SEC members, Texas A&M and Missouri. For the new season we will continue to pick all games involving SEC teams, and will throw in two games a week of some national interest.
To spice things up a bit, we've added a "pickem" that is not like your typical board "pickem". In our contest you can pick straight up, or against the spread, or both. After each pick there will be a link to that game over in the Crimson Casino, and you can wager your hard earned Bama Bucks on your opinion.
All 14 SECteams are in action this week, with only USCe and Vandy playing in conference. We will be looking at Southern Miss/Nebraska and Boise St/Michigan St. as well.
Auburn versus Clemson
Clemson ended a promising season with an embarassing bowl loss to West Virginia, which ultimately got their DC, Kevin Steele, fired. Auburn scuffled to an 8-5 mark, though they were drubbed by every quality team they faced last year (including Clemson) except for South Carolina.
Clemson may not have its offense firng on all 6 to start the year, and Auburn's defense does figure to be better than a year ago, what with their new DC and a year's more experience under their belts. Still, the Aubs have a huge question mark at QB, and a smallish group of runners who may not be well suited to their new pro-style offense.
I like: Clemson 27 Auburn 17
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160124-Week-One-Clemson-vs-Auburn-3-5
South Carolina versus Vanderbilt
The 'Dores proved themselves a feisty bunch last year. They got themselves bowl eligible with 6 wins a year ago, and really could have won against Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee and Georgia. They will enter the new season with some swagger, but won't be sneaking up on anyone.
The Old ball Coach, meanwhile, seems to have completed the transition from Fun n Gun to smash mouth. He will have another very solid defense, and the return of Lattimore gives them a very formidable running attack. The absence of Garcia means that it is Connor Shaw's team. He handled that role well once Garcia was dismissed a year ago.
I like: South Carolina 24 Vanderbilt 17
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160078-Week-One-South-Carolina-at-Vanderbilt-7
Tennessee versus North Carolina State
Derrick Dooley enters his third season on the hottest of hot seats. Vol fand just aren't used to being man handled by the likes of Alabama, LSU and Arkansas on a regular basis, bnever mind the turmoil that Fulmer and Kiffin had caused in the program. He does get his playmakers at QB and WR back from injuries. His OL is maturing, and his defense wasn't that bad a year ago, just on the field a lot. All that and the schedule eases a bit. I personally think that they could be 8-4 or better, which should preserve Dickey's job. They should win versus the Wolfpack. If the don't, that hot seat will get even hotter.
I like: Tennessee 27 N C State 14
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160105-Week-One-UT-vs-NC-State-4
Kentucky versus Louisville
At any other school in the SEC, a performance such as Kentucky produced a year ago would have their fans in turmoil. We all know what the fanbase loves most in Lexington, though. They are still basking in the afterglow of yet another men's basketball championship. Joker Phillips' third season figures to be much like his second one. The question is: how long will the Wildcat faithful put up with such football mediocrity. My thought is that as long as the hoops program is winning, they really won't pay much attention to football.
I like: Lousville 28 Kentucky 10
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160107-Week-One-UK-vs-Louisville-13
Ole Miss versus Central Arkansas
You've got to be kidding, right. OM only favored by 27 over Central Arkansas? Johnny Vaught may not be turning over in his grave, but he is getting restless. Ole Miss was a catastrophe last year, and now Houston Nutt is gone. The new regime should start to restore respectability, but the talent level has slipped over Nutt's tenure. You might say that the most notable thing that Nutt accomplished at OM was getting the SEC to pass a rule on oversigning.
The Rebs should win, but it won't be pretty.
I like: OM 27 Central Arkansas 10
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160427-Week-One-Central-Arkansas-vs-Ole-Miss-27
Texas A & M versus Louisianna Tech
The Aggies start the season with a new coach in a new league. Although last year's record was mediocre, they were very close to defeating top ten opponents Arkansas and Oklahoma State, ony to have the game slip away from them in the fourth quarter. Even breaking in a new QB, the Aggies will have plenty to take care of Louisanna Tech. how they will do in SEC play is another matter.
I like: aTm 31 La Tech 14.
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160091-Week-One-Texas-A-amp-M-vs-Louisiana-Tech-9-5
Southern Miss versus Nebraska
Over the eyars the Golden Eagles have snuck up on many ranked opponents, including our beloved Tide. Last season they even knocked Houston from the undefeated ranks. They did enough good a year ago so that Pellini should have no trouble getting his Huskers focued on the game. Nebraska is just too big, and too good on defense to be trapped by the Eagles. As usual, Southern will fight hard, but the Big Red will prevail.
Nebraska 27 Southern Miss 14
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160447-Week-One-Southern-Miss-vs-Nebraska-17-5
Boise State at Michigan State
Boise keeps showing upp every year at this time as that consumate pest. They aren't supposed to be that good, yet as teams like Virginia Tech and Georgia can attest from recent years, they rae quite capable. This year they visit Sparty, and thoughts of road upsets are darting through my mind. However, this go around it won't happen Boise was hit heavily by graduation. they will be well coached. but so will the Spartans.
I like: Michigan State 24 Boise 17
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160440-Week-One-Boise-State-vs-Michigan-State-5-5
Jacksonville State versus Arkansas
The next few games aren't that interesting. Theonly thing that interests me about this one is Jack Crowe taking his good FCS team back to where he once was the HC. The Porkers have way too much firepower for the Gamecocks, though.
I like: Arkansas 49 Jacksonville State 7
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160416-Jacksonville-State-vs-Arkansas-36
Jackson State versus Mississippi State
The fact of interest this game is Tyler Wilson and State's supposed new passing game. They have a decent group of receivers to go with them, and Vic Ballard is gone, so this year may be Air Starkville. We will know more later.
I like: Mississippi State 45 Jackson State 3
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/s...k-One-Jackson-State-at-Mississippi-State-38-5
North Texas versus LSU
This isn't the same North Texas that RollTiderandy used to hate. They have a well coached outfit now, and actually did well in their own league a year ago. Unfortunately for the Mean Green they are way out of their league in this one. LSU will be eager to show off their new QB, and Les will show no mercy.
I like: LSU 48 North Texas 0
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160422-Week-One-North-Texas-at-LSU-39
Bowling Green versus Florida
Which of the two well regarded sophomore QBs will end up being "the man" for the Gators? Will Florida put last year's anemic offense in the past? This game will at least start to answer these questions.
I like: Florida 31 Bowling Green 7
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160426-Week-One-Bowling-Green-vs-Florida-27-5
Southeastern Louisianna at Missouri
The Mizzou Tigers should show plenty of offense in this one. It won't be much of a yest of their SEC readines, but look for the Tigers to score early and often with their high powered offense.
I like: Mizzou 56 SLA 10
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/s...k-One-Southeastern-Louisiana-at-Missouri-42-5
Buffalo at Georgia
The Dawgs begin the new season with high expectations. They have a favorable SEC schedule again (No Bama, LSU or Arkansas), and other than South Carolina they appear a cut above the rest of their Eastern Division opponents. Georgia has underachieved more than once when expectations are high. They may do so again this year, but it won't be in their opener.
I like: Georgia 47 Buffalo 7
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160420-Week-One-Buffalo-vs-Georgia-36-5
Now for the one we all are looking forward to:
Michigan versus Alabama
Michigan unexpectedly found their way into the Sugar Bowl a year ago, quite an achievement for Grady Hoke's team. Hoke seems more like your typical, hard nosed Michigan coach, and in a few years Rich Rodrigues will be only a bad memory. Michigan definitely got a coaching upgrade. As we all remember, it takes a little more time to upgrade the talent level.
There are several bad matchups for Michigan in this game. The worst one is their DL against Alabama's OL. Alabama has an OL where all 5 starters will at some point be playing on Sundays. Michigan has two pretty decent guys on their DL, plus a couple of guys who have never lived up to potential. Every starter on our OL weighs in at 300 or better. Their DL would be considered undersized by SEC standards. Even if Michigan has a speed advantage here (and I am not conceding that), our running attack will eat up big chunks of yardage running straight at them. Michigan does return three starters along their OL. Bama returns two of the three down lineman on defense, plus two others who have seen the field a lot. I don't see them as able to run block against us. They may be able to pass block better, but I foresee our game plan as keeping Robinson in the pocket, making him beat us with his arm. Our DBs, while not as experienced as a year ago, should not be severely tested covering an average group of receivers. Michigan's DBs are capable, but smallish. they will be under pressure all day because the Wolverines will need to load the box to contain our running game. This is one of the featured national TV games, but unless you are a Bama fan (or maybe an Ohio State fan) I don't think it will be entertaining.
Alabama 38 Michigan 14
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160106-Week-One-Michigan-vs-Alabama-11
To spice things up a bit, we've added a "pickem" that is not like your typical board "pickem". In our contest you can pick straight up, or against the spread, or both. After each pick there will be a link to that game over in the Crimson Casino, and you can wager your hard earned Bama Bucks on your opinion.
All 14 SECteams are in action this week, with only USCe and Vandy playing in conference. We will be looking at Southern Miss/Nebraska and Boise St/Michigan St. as well.
Auburn versus Clemson
Clemson ended a promising season with an embarassing bowl loss to West Virginia, which ultimately got their DC, Kevin Steele, fired. Auburn scuffled to an 8-5 mark, though they were drubbed by every quality team they faced last year (including Clemson) except for South Carolina.
Clemson may not have its offense firng on all 6 to start the year, and Auburn's defense does figure to be better than a year ago, what with their new DC and a year's more experience under their belts. Still, the Aubs have a huge question mark at QB, and a smallish group of runners who may not be well suited to their new pro-style offense.
I like: Clemson 27 Auburn 17
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160124-Week-One-Clemson-vs-Auburn-3-5
South Carolina versus Vanderbilt
The 'Dores proved themselves a feisty bunch last year. They got themselves bowl eligible with 6 wins a year ago, and really could have won against Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee and Georgia. They will enter the new season with some swagger, but won't be sneaking up on anyone.
The Old ball Coach, meanwhile, seems to have completed the transition from Fun n Gun to smash mouth. He will have another very solid defense, and the return of Lattimore gives them a very formidable running attack. The absence of Garcia means that it is Connor Shaw's team. He handled that role well once Garcia was dismissed a year ago.
I like: South Carolina 24 Vanderbilt 17
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160078-Week-One-South-Carolina-at-Vanderbilt-7
Tennessee versus North Carolina State
Derrick Dooley enters his third season on the hottest of hot seats. Vol fand just aren't used to being man handled by the likes of Alabama, LSU and Arkansas on a regular basis, bnever mind the turmoil that Fulmer and Kiffin had caused in the program. He does get his playmakers at QB and WR back from injuries. His OL is maturing, and his defense wasn't that bad a year ago, just on the field a lot. All that and the schedule eases a bit. I personally think that they could be 8-4 or better, which should preserve Dickey's job. They should win versus the Wolfpack. If the don't, that hot seat will get even hotter.
I like: Tennessee 27 N C State 14
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160105-Week-One-UT-vs-NC-State-4
Kentucky versus Louisville
At any other school in the SEC, a performance such as Kentucky produced a year ago would have their fans in turmoil. We all know what the fanbase loves most in Lexington, though. They are still basking in the afterglow of yet another men's basketball championship. Joker Phillips' third season figures to be much like his second one. The question is: how long will the Wildcat faithful put up with such football mediocrity. My thought is that as long as the hoops program is winning, they really won't pay much attention to football.
I like: Lousville 28 Kentucky 10
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160107-Week-One-UK-vs-Louisville-13
Ole Miss versus Central Arkansas
You've got to be kidding, right. OM only favored by 27 over Central Arkansas? Johnny Vaught may not be turning over in his grave, but he is getting restless. Ole Miss was a catastrophe last year, and now Houston Nutt is gone. The new regime should start to restore respectability, but the talent level has slipped over Nutt's tenure. You might say that the most notable thing that Nutt accomplished at OM was getting the SEC to pass a rule on oversigning.
The Rebs should win, but it won't be pretty.
I like: OM 27 Central Arkansas 10
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160427-Week-One-Central-Arkansas-vs-Ole-Miss-27
Texas A & M versus Louisianna Tech
The Aggies start the season with a new coach in a new league. Although last year's record was mediocre, they were very close to defeating top ten opponents Arkansas and Oklahoma State, ony to have the game slip away from them in the fourth quarter. Even breaking in a new QB, the Aggies will have plenty to take care of Louisanna Tech. how they will do in SEC play is another matter.
I like: aTm 31 La Tech 14.
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160091-Week-One-Texas-A-amp-M-vs-Louisiana-Tech-9-5
Southern Miss versus Nebraska
Over the eyars the Golden Eagles have snuck up on many ranked opponents, including our beloved Tide. Last season they even knocked Houston from the undefeated ranks. They did enough good a year ago so that Pellini should have no trouble getting his Huskers focued on the game. Nebraska is just too big, and too good on defense to be trapped by the Eagles. As usual, Southern will fight hard, but the Big Red will prevail.
Nebraska 27 Southern Miss 14
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160447-Week-One-Southern-Miss-vs-Nebraska-17-5
Boise State at Michigan State
Boise keeps showing upp every year at this time as that consumate pest. They aren't supposed to be that good, yet as teams like Virginia Tech and Georgia can attest from recent years, they rae quite capable. This year they visit Sparty, and thoughts of road upsets are darting through my mind. However, this go around it won't happen Boise was hit heavily by graduation. they will be well coached. but so will the Spartans.
I like: Michigan State 24 Boise 17
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160440-Week-One-Boise-State-vs-Michigan-State-5-5
Jacksonville State versus Arkansas
The next few games aren't that interesting. Theonly thing that interests me about this one is Jack Crowe taking his good FCS team back to where he once was the HC. The Porkers have way too much firepower for the Gamecocks, though.
I like: Arkansas 49 Jacksonville State 7
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160416-Jacksonville-State-vs-Arkansas-36
Jackson State versus Mississippi State
The fact of interest this game is Tyler Wilson and State's supposed new passing game. They have a decent group of receivers to go with them, and Vic Ballard is gone, so this year may be Air Starkville. We will know more later.
I like: Mississippi State 45 Jackson State 3
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/s...k-One-Jackson-State-at-Mississippi-State-38-5
North Texas versus LSU
This isn't the same North Texas that RollTiderandy used to hate. They have a well coached outfit now, and actually did well in their own league a year ago. Unfortunately for the Mean Green they are way out of their league in this one. LSU will be eager to show off their new QB, and Les will show no mercy.
I like: LSU 48 North Texas 0
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160422-Week-One-North-Texas-at-LSU-39
Bowling Green versus Florida
Which of the two well regarded sophomore QBs will end up being "the man" for the Gators? Will Florida put last year's anemic offense in the past? This game will at least start to answer these questions.
I like: Florida 31 Bowling Green 7
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160426-Week-One-Bowling-Green-vs-Florida-27-5
Southeastern Louisianna at Missouri
The Mizzou Tigers should show plenty of offense in this one. It won't be much of a yest of their SEC readines, but look for the Tigers to score early and often with their high powered offense.
I like: Mizzou 56 SLA 10
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/s...k-One-Southeastern-Louisiana-at-Missouri-42-5
Buffalo at Georgia
The Dawgs begin the new season with high expectations. They have a favorable SEC schedule again (No Bama, LSU or Arkansas), and other than South Carolina they appear a cut above the rest of their Eastern Division opponents. Georgia has underachieved more than once when expectations are high. They may do so again this year, but it won't be in their opener.
I like: Georgia 47 Buffalo 7
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160420-Week-One-Buffalo-vs-Georgia-36-5
Now for the one we all are looking forward to:
Michigan versus Alabama
Michigan unexpectedly found their way into the Sugar Bowl a year ago, quite an achievement for Grady Hoke's team. Hoke seems more like your typical, hard nosed Michigan coach, and in a few years Rich Rodrigues will be only a bad memory. Michigan definitely got a coaching upgrade. As we all remember, it takes a little more time to upgrade the talent level.
There are several bad matchups for Michigan in this game. The worst one is their DL against Alabama's OL. Alabama has an OL where all 5 starters will at some point be playing on Sundays. Michigan has two pretty decent guys on their DL, plus a couple of guys who have never lived up to potential. Every starter on our OL weighs in at 300 or better. Their DL would be considered undersized by SEC standards. Even if Michigan has a speed advantage here (and I am not conceding that), our running attack will eat up big chunks of yardage running straight at them. Michigan does return three starters along their OL. Bama returns two of the three down lineman on defense, plus two others who have seen the field a lot. I don't see them as able to run block against us. They may be able to pass block better, but I foresee our game plan as keeping Robinson in the pocket, making him beat us with his arm. Our DBs, while not as experienced as a year ago, should not be severely tested covering an average group of receivers. Michigan's DBs are capable, but smallish. they will be under pressure all day because the Wolverines will need to load the box to contain our running game. This is one of the featured national TV games, but unless you are a Bama fan (or maybe an Ohio State fan) I don't think it will be entertaining.
Alabama 38 Michigan 14
http://www.rolltidebama.com/forum/showthread.php?160106-Week-One-Michigan-vs-Alabama-11
