It's time baby

Hey guys, you ready? Tomorrow is the first full day of real football. 12 hours of real football. It feels like Christmas. Even though Week 1 of the college football season kind of feels like the NFL preseason, there a few goods games on the schedule as well as a few intriguing stories. Before we get to my picks, I have a few thoughts on some of the college games from Thursday and Friday...

Let's start with LSU @ Mississippi State. LSU's defense looked great. The defensive line constantly had pressure on the quarterback and the cornerbacks are some of the best in the nation. Fifth-year senior Matt Flynn inherited the starting quarterback job at LSU this season. Flynn looked a little uncomfortable in the pocket, but his ability to scramble and make plays will be his strength this season. Early Doucet looked very good at wide receiver. Miss St. looked terrible. Their quarterback had a very rough night, throwing six picks and only completing 11 passes on 28 attempts. Please don't ever rip a college kid after a bad night. They don't get paid, they just play because they love the game. If T.O. drops a pass, rip him. If Michael Henig throws six picks, give him a break. Sorry, had to get that off my chest.

A couple more games real quick...

Murray St @ Louisville. Brian Brohm played very well going 16 of 21 for 375 yards and 4 TD's. The defense looked a little shaky at the beginning but settled in after a couple series. The offense didn't skip a beat under new head coach Steve Kragthorpe hanging up 73 points. Louisville should be a forced to be reckoned with season.

Buffalo @ Rutgers. Heisman hopeful Ray Rice was back at it in the season opener gaining 184 yards on 25 carries with 3 TD's. QB Mike Teel also had a good night, completing 16 of 23 passes for 328 yards and 2 TD's. The Big East should be interesting and fun to watch this year.

Now, on to the picks...

East Carolina @ Virginia Tech (-28). Emotions will rule. A stellar defense and inspired offense will prevail.

Play Virginia Tech -28 for 20 units

Colorado State @ Colorado (-3). Dan Hawkins a heck of a coach. With a year under his belt at Colorado, Hawkins should have his squad ready for the 2007 campaign. Plus, IT'S DIVISION 1 FOOTBALL! IT'S THE BIG 12. IT AIN'T INTRAMURALS!

Play Colorado -3 for 20 units

Western Michigan @ West Virginia (-24). The Mountaineers have the best ground attack in the nation with Pat White and Steve Slaton. Darius Reynaud returns at wide receiver and is a formidable target for White.

Play West Virginia -24 for 20 units

Georgia Tech @ Notre Dame (-1). Notre Dame was not good last year and they only beat Georgia Tech by 4. Notre Dame lost three big offensive players in Brady Quinn, Rhema McKnight and Darius Walker from last year's squad and will be forced to start a still unnamed quarterback with no experience. Georgia Tech lost QB Reggie Ball to graduation (YESSSS!!!), and junior Taylor Bennett will get the nod at quarterback this season. RB Tashard Choice and WR James Johnson return at the skill positions. I really don't see how Notre Dame can win this game.

Play Georgia Tech +1 for 30 units

Missouri (-4.5) @ Illinois. Illinois should be improved this year, but I don't know if it will be enough to overtake Missouri. Chase Daniel will be better this season and I like Mizzou to take the Big 12 North.

Play Missouri -4.5 for 20 units

Oklahoma State @ Georgia (-7). Bobby Reid is one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12. OK St. will be competitive in the Big 12 South season. They should be able to keep this one close if the defense steps up. Georgia should be mediocre on offense.

Play Oklahoma State +7 for 20 units

Arkansas State @ Texas (-39). Colt McCoy is beginning his second year as the Longhorns starting quarterback and should be better barring injury. WR Limas Sweed and RB Jamaal Charles also return. The defense will still be above average after losing numerous players to the draft. Name one player on Arkansas State. Gotcha.

Play Texas -39 for 20 units

North Texas @ Oklahoma (-40). I could be wrong, but I don't understand all of the national hype regarding OU. I don't see them winning the Big 12 South or contending for a national championship. They have a redshirt freshman starting at quarterback and have to find a replacement for Adrian Peterson. North Texas has a new head coach in Todd Dodge. Dodge brings in a spread offense that should improve the overall offensive performance. 40 is a lot.

Play North Texas +40 for 20 units

Kansas State @ Auburn (-13.5). Auburn's defense is good and their offense is below average. RB Brad Lester is suspended for this game. Kansas State showed improvement last season beating Texas Nov. 11. QB Josh Freeman will be fun to watch.

Play Kansas State +13.5 for 20 units

Tennesse @ California (-6.5). Rematch of last year's season opener that Tennesse won 35-18. Cal is looking for revenge and I think they will get it. Nate Longshore returns at quarterback and wide receiver DeSean Jackson also returns. Jackson doubles as an explosive kick returner. Tennessee QB Erik Ainge will have to deal with a broken pinky on his throwing hand. I think Cal is a more complete team and it will show Saturday night.

Play Cal -6.5 for 40 units

You now have my view on a few of Saturday's games. If you disagree, comment and tell me why. We have a few good matchups that will be fun to watch. I hope you enjoy Saturday as much as I will.

Peace,

3rd and Long


****Note: You can see that I assigned units to all of my picks. This is for bankroll management purposes. My minimum wager is 20 units and I do not have a maximum. The units reflect my level of certainty on a particular game.