NCAA Football Gets Underway

Thursday night showcases 5 college games and as usual we have thoughts....

127 S Carolina 46
128 NC State -4
The 'Ole Ball Coach put a beatdown on NC State last year in 34-0 in Columbia. However, this is a new year and the Cocks seem to be "cockless" returning only 11 of 22 starters. Stephen Garcia is the QB in his sophomore year. In his last outing, Outback Bowl vs. Iowa (10-31), Garcia had 4 TOs in just the first half. NC State is on an up tic. Coach Tom O'brien is in his 3rd year with NC State where most good coaches hit their stride. Combined with last year's blowout, the low number is a tactic to pull in action on S. Carolina. NC State should be favored by at least a touchdown. NC State -4

129 Utah St 52
130 Utah -20'
These two teams have batttled 108 times with complete domination by the Utes who have won the last 11 meetings. Two interesting notes: 1)Utah wins these games SU but don't usually cover the Utah St matchup at home (1-3ATS L4). 2) Utah State has a new HC, Gary Andersen. So what's the big deal? He was Utah's assistant HC and DC for the past 5 years. Utah St +20'

131 Oregon 63'
132 Boise St -4'
Let's see....Boise State...Oregon...blue "Smurf" turf...equals....LOTS OF POINTS. These two teams met for the first time last year and the #17 ranked Ducks were knocked off. Serious revenge game with no defense played. OVER 63'

133 Troy -6'
134 Bowling Green 56'I must be missing something. Since when did Troy become so respected that in a season opener they could go on the road and be favored against a MAC team especially when their only MAC outing was against N. Illinois (34-21) a loss. BG has a new HC in Dave Clawson whose last HC gig was in Richmond '04-'07. I don't care, can't trust Troy. Bowling Green +6'

135 North Texas 59
136 Ball State -17'
Two RS Freshman are slated to start for each team. NO SELECTION