College Football Week 1 Picks

Do you hear that sound? The one that's been getting louder and louder since August? It's the sound of college football. With it comes a new season of incorrect picks and sarcastic, witty commentary. I'll be picking against the spread this year, which means a disclaimer that you should never place any wagers on any games based on these selections and analysis. With that out of the way, I'll be getting the spread for each game from here, using the "BETONLINE.COM" numbers. So let's get to the picks!

Kent State @ Alabama (-38.0): It's been an emotional 4 months for the city of Tuscaloosa in the aftermath of the worst tornado outbreak in history. Football season (and a highly-ranked team) will provide some relief and distraction from the rebuilding process. Emotions will be high, and the Tide should cruise to a W.
The Pick: Alabama 49-7

South Florida @ Notre Dame (-11.0): Year 2 of the Brian Kelly Experiment. I don't know much about either team. What I do know is this seems like a game where the Irish will struggle. I don't know why, but that's the sort of analysis you get when you come here.
The Pick: Notre Dame 27-23

UCLA @ Houston (-2.5): Houston has a QB who has a chance to break all sorts of NCAA passing records this season. It's like when you play NCAA __ on your favorite console and do nothing but throw the ball and blitz. Not that I've ever done that.
The Pick: Houston 35-31

BYU @ Ole Miss (+3.0): (Trying to resist jokes about Mormons in The Grove.) BYU's first season as an independent begins at place where Southern Belles and preppy prep school guys learn to live on their own and learn the limits of, well, The Grove. Can the Black Bears get it done? Can the Stormin' Mormons make it of Oxford 1-0? Can I add any more questions to this analysis?
The Pick: BYU 31-24

And we have two games of the week this week! A double feature on this opening weekend!
Boise State vs. Georgia (+3.0): You either love Boise State or hate them like you hate little fluffy kittens and Santa Claus. The BCS hopefuls need this win to establish themselves as party-crashers. Coach Richt needs this win to cool off the hotseat in Athens. I think you know where this pick is going...
The Pick: Boise State 34-28

Oregon vs. LSU (+4.0): This one will be fun. Two teams ranked in the top 5. Two teams with some off-field distractions this summer. Two teams with BCS titles dancing in their heads. Ducks vs. Tigers. Pac-12 (that's weird to type) speed vs. SEC speed. Who prevails? Quack quack!
The Pick: Oregon 33-25


There you have it, my friends. 6 games. 6 picks. 6 reasons why I'm not quitting my day job! Enjoy your long Labor Day weekend, and be safe!

-D