🏈 PJ's Picks, Week One

[psychojoe]

It is here at last, the long awaited beginning of the new season. By this time next week some questions will be answered, and others, not anticipated will be raised. It will also be the welcome and of all the talking heads spouting their opinions about who will do well or who will not, giving usually uninformed ideas as to why.

For our first week, we have two noteworthy out of conference games, three Thursday night games (once the refuge of those who would play at anytime, just to be on TV, two schools taking on FCS level opponents, and a lot of games that will set the table for what should be an exciting season.

First, we will look at the two national games.

 

[psychojoe]

Penn State takes on Central Florida. There are several noteworthy things about this game. This game is being played in Dublin (Ireland, not Georgia), and while it might have been considered a home game for Notre Dame, in this case it is truly a neutral site game. There is still some threat that a volcanic eruption in Iceland will keep this one from being played, but for now the game is on.

Penn State unveils a new coach, while UCF unveils a quarterback not named Bortles. These two teams appear to be very evenly matched both from statistical data from a year ago and returning players. It will be a real battle of a game, but in the end I expect the fighting O'Learies to prevail.

PJ's Pick: UCF 24 Penn State 21

 

[psychojoe]

The defending national champions open on the road against Oklahoma State. As witnessed by the most recent NFL draft, FSU lost a lot of good football players from a year ago. Still, Jimbo has recruited well and the cupboard has been restocked. The Cowboys don't match up with the Noles talent wise or size wise, but they will rely on their hurry up attack to be an equalizer. Stillwater can be really hot at this time of the year, but it is hot in Talahassee as well, so that should not be a factor. It is a tough place to play, an advantage to the Cowboys. It will not be a blowout, but it will likely be a shootout.

PJ's Pick: FSU 41 Oklahoma State 28

 

[psychojoe]

In the first of the Thursday trifecta of SEC games, aTm visits Columbia to take on the Gamecocks. This game is notable first of al for who is not there. Johnny Football is now battling for playing time with the Cleveland Browns, while trying to remember not to flip off the opposition. And Jadaveon Clowney, the first pick overall in the NFL draft, looks like he will have an early impact with Houston. In addition, three year starter Conner Shaw has run out of eligibility, so the 'Cocks will be missing their QB, as well as key playmaker Bruce Ellington.

Still, the Gamecocks do return a strong offensive line, and one of the premier running backs in the league. Senior Dylan Thompson will get the nod at QB. He filled in capably on several occasions when Shaw was injured, and did quite a good job. He is not the runner that Shaw was, but he does have a very strong arm. Their defense lost some key players, but it is a deep and talented bunch.

The Aggies must find a new offensive identity in Manziel's absence. There is undoubtedly a lot of talent in the skill positions, but not a lot of experience. The Aggie defense was young and inexperienced a year ago, and it was abused throughout the league. They will be better of only because they are a year older, but probably not a lot better.

I look for South Carolina to start an SEC East title run in this one.

PJ's Pick: South Carolina 45 Texas A&M 17

 

[psychojoe]

Temple visits Vanderbilt. The 'Dores are coming off consecutive 9 win seasons, significant both for being the first time in school history that they have had consecutive nine win seasons, and that nine wins is the school record for wins in a season. Vandy starts the new season minus a head Coach (Franklin is on his way to Ireland), having to break in a new QB, and minus one of the best receivers in SEC history. Still, Franklin managed to change the culture at Vanderbilt. They have shown that they can compete successfully in the brutally tough SEC. It remains to be seen whether the new coaching staff will keep it going, but the early indications are good. The 'Dores should have little trouble in the opener against outmanned Temple.

PJ's Pick: Vanderbilt 35, Temple 10.

 

[psychojoe]

Boise visits Ole Miss. Boise has been historically tough on the big boys (ask Georgia, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma) and they have a chip on their shoulder that despite all their wins they don't often get talked about with the big boys. Petersen, the architect of their success, has moved on to the PAC 12, so their will bee a new man at the helm, but probably no major changes in what they do.

In the third year under Hugh Freese, expectations are sky high in Oxford, in spite of back to back 7-6 seasons. There is no doubt that the talent level is up after two strong recruiting classes. The Rebel/Bears return a two year starter at quarterback in Bo Wallace. Having observed Wallace in action, I am not sure if it is good or bad that he is back.

This is a tough one to pick. Ole Miss is at home, and they are usually pretty tough there. Boise is not one of the usual opening game patsies. Ole miss should win, but it will be a tight one, and an upset would not be shocking.

PJ's Pick: Ole Miss 27 Boise 24.

 

[rick4bama]

Like the pick. But, you wrong the heat in Stillwater isn't the same as Tallahassee. It a dry hot in Stillwater. I just wanted to point that out to you. You know some people will nit-pick about anything someone write about. I hate those type of guys, don't you. Anyway waiting on pin and needle for the rest of the picks.

 

[psychojoe]

Like the pick. But, you wrong the heat in Stillwater isn't the same as Tallahassee. It a dry hot in Stillwater. I just wanted to point that out to you. You know some people will nit-pick about anything someone write about. I hate those type of guys, don't you. Anyway waiting on pin and needle for the rest of the picks.

 

[psychojoe]

Next up: Arkansas at Auburn. There is actually some optimism coming from the Hogs now. Of course, with what happened to them last year there is nowhere to go but up. With a year of Bielma ball under their belts their offense will be better. Their defense should be better as well, if for no other reason than the offense will control the ball more. Still they are in the very rugged western division, and the record may not reflect the improvement this season. They are overmatched this week on the road at Auburn. the Aubs had a magi cal season last year, and I don't expect all the bounces to go their way this time around. Except for Mason their playmakers from last year are back. They do return a good nucleus on defense as well. All in all the defending SEC champs have too much for the piggies.

PJ's Pick: Auburn 38 Arkansas 24

 

[psychojoe]

Idaho visits Florida. As disappointing as 2013 was for the Gators, ending the season with seven straight losses and been ng humbled by their in state rival, they look like world beaters compared to Idaho. Idaho was one of the weaker teams in all of the FBS a year ago. This year they appear healthy and ready to bury the bad memories of 2013. There is plenty of talent on hand, and Sunday morning in Gainesville will be a happy time.

PJ's Pick: Florida 45 Idaho 10.

 

[planomateo]

Like the pick. But, you wrong the heat in Stillwater isn't the same as Tallahassee. It a dry hot in Stillwater. I just wanted to point that out to you. You know some people will nit-pick about anything someone write about. I hate those type of guys, don't you. Anyway waiting on pin and needle for the rest of the picks.

There isn't that much difference in humidity between Stillwater and Tallahassee (less than 10% average during the summer). OKC is hot and humid, the western side of the state I'd agree, but OKC falls into that weird weather line area.

Regardless, the game is in Dallas and we have lots of concrete that keeps the heat in the city forever...but then again, this has been a weird summer, really mild.

 

[psychojoe]

Kentucky and Missouri open the season with lightweights, and I have not seen a line on either game. Both should be able to name their own scores. Without spending much time on these:

PJ's Picks:
Missouri 52 South Dakota State 14
Kentucky 45 UT Martin7

 

[psychojoe]

Optimism abounds in Stark Vegas this season, a not uncommon happening. Usually reality sets in after a few games, but for now Bulldog partisans are insisting that they really are better. Southern Miss is coming off a terrible season and won't provide much of a test. State rolls big time
PJ's Pick: Mississippi State 45 Southern Miss 7.

 

[psychojoe]

Utah State visits Tennessee. This is an intriguing matchup. Utah State led Auburn going late in the game in 2011, and they have been pretty good the last few years. The Vols expect to step up in class this year from tough seasons going back to 2009. Jones is recruiting well. Normally the Utah States of the world do not heat SEC teams, and I do not expect it this to me. The Vols won't have an easy time of it though.

PJ's Pick: Tennessee 31 Utah State 24

 

[It Takes Eleven]

Idaho visits Florida. As disappointing as 2013 was for the Gators, ending the season with seven straight losses and been ng humbled by their in state rival, they look like world beaters compared to Idaho. Idaho was one of the weaker teams in all of the FBS a year ago. This year they appear healthy and ready to bury the bad memories of 2013. There is plenty of talent on hand, and Sunday morning in Gainesville will be a happy time.

PJ's Pick: Florida 45 Idaho 10.

You picked the vandals over Idaho?

 

[psychojoe]

Wisconsin takes on LSU. This one could be one of the better ones of the day. Conference pride is on the line, not to mention national rankings and self respect for two well respected programs. LSU lost several offensive playmakers from last season but bring in freshmen phenoms at running back and receiver. LSU's two quarterbacks have one start between them. Miles has said both will play. I expect the Tigers to be more ground oriented, and Wisconsin's tradition is the tunning game. It will be an old fashioned slobberknocker. I am an SEC homer in games like this.

PJ's Pick: LSU 28 Wisconsin 20.

 

[psychojoe]

Clemson visits Georgia. This has been a good one to watch over the last few years, as both schools have been good, and they can't stand each other. This one should continue the pattern. Both schools lost high achieving quarterbacks as well as talented receivers. Georgia gets Hurley and Marshall back, and have a new DC that we all know. Clemson will be good this season, but Georgia will be better Saturday night.

PJ,'s Pick: Georgia 38 Clemson28

 

[psychojoe]

West Virginia takes on Our Favorite Team in the Georgia Dome. The couch burners have said some rash things in the off season, buy now it is time to back it up. To be open, I don't expect them to be able to cash the checks their mouths wrote. I expect we will have the answer for their version of the HUNH. They will load the box early to test our new QB, but we will burn them if they single cover Cooper, White, Jones etc. The Tide rolls big time.

PJ's Pick: Alabama 45 West Virginia 14

 

[psychojoe]

To answer the comments: Rick, I lived in Stillwater for a year, and in late summer it is every bit as hot and humid as my present home in Pelham.

Tim, great play on words. I was thinking more in terms of the hooligans over the vandals.

And the disclaimer. These picks are all in fun. I have a simple statistical scheme I use to come up with my scores. If you want to risk your hard earned Bama Bucks on my predictions, knock yourself out. But "danger, Will Robinson" if you are considering using them when you contact a "football investment broker". I would not want to be you explaining to your spouse that you lost the grocery money on the advice of some clown on the internet who goes by the handle of psychojoe.

Can't wait until Thursday

 

[rick4bama]

To answer the comments: Rick, I lived in Stillwater for a year, and in late summer it is every bit as hot and humid as my present home in Pelham.

Tim, great play on words. I was thinking more in terms of the hooligans over the vandals.

And the disclaimer. These picks are all in fun. I have a simple statistical scheme I use to come up with my scores. If you want to risk your hard earned Bama Bucks on my predictions, knock yourself out. But "danger, Will Robinson" if you are considering using them when you contact a "football investment broker". I would not want to be you explaining to your spouse that you lost the grocery money on the advice of some clown on the internet who goes by the handle of psychojoe.

Can't wait until Thursday

I was just having fun about the humid weather. I don't know how hot or cold it get in Stillwater, never been to the place.:eyeroll: I do hope the Cowboys give them a little more fight in the game:shock:.But enjoying the write up. :clap: