| WEEK 1 |
| Showcase Picks: |
| Washington (11), (9) at Michigan (13), (10) Saturday 12:00 PM ET Final Score: Michigan, 31-29 GUEST SAGE STEFAN: Michigan, 24-21 18.2 points Harmon: Michigan, 24-17 16.6 points CFN: Washington, 19-17 11.4 points Joe: Washington, 30-24 13.2 points The Big 10 came out strong last week against Texas Tech, but I have some feelings about the PAC 10. Even at Michigan, look for a strong Washington team this year.This game will have more of a defensive feel than the score shows. Look for Washington to attack early, but Michigan will come back, only to fall short of the comeback. G: Michigan, 27-17 16 points Sorry, everyone. G had to go N.Y. for the Muhryland game, and didn't have time to give any analyses. Phil: Michigan, 24-20 17.8 points The Big Ten sure did make a statement with Ohio State's win last week. Look for another strong statement, as the Wolverines will avenge last year's loss to the Huskies. The Huskies have a powerful offense led by QB Cody Pickett, but their defense has plenty of question marks. Michigan always has a strong defense, and the offense should play well enough to win at home. Notre Dame (43), (42) at Maryland (21), (20) Saturday 8:00 PM ET Final Score: Notre Dame, 22-0 GUEST SAGE STEFAN: Maryland, 21-17 5.6 points Harmon: Maryland, 24-20 5 points CFN: Notre Dame, 24-20 12.4 points Joe: Maryland, 32-24 2.6 points We'll struggle a bit, but I think we can come away with a close win here. I hate to say it, but I can see us slowly slipping out of the rankings in the first few weeks. I'm just not sold on the fact that we'll be as good as last year. To tell the truth, I don't think we were worthy of a top 25 finish. What happened last year was helped quite a bit by our conference. G: Maryland, 34-13 -.4 points I know he would have had a ton to say about this one. I'll fill in as best I can. "It's finally here, blah blah, my boi Chris Kelley, blah blah, light up blah blah, watch out for Mario Merrils, blah blah blah next Bruce, aight ya'll. Holla. Phil: Maryland, 24-17 4.4 points This game invokes very personal feelings in me. It will be the first time I root against the Irish since the 1989 Fiesta Bowl. (Look it up, kids.) The truth is, both teams have a lot of questions. How will Notre Dame do in its first game under Tyrone Willingham, and will the West Coast offense be utilized? How will the Terps do with star RB Bruce Perry on the sidelines? Who will be the Terps QB? I think Maryland pulls it out, but I'm not as sure with Bruce on the sidelines. LSU (14), (14) at Virginia Tech (16), (16) Sunday Sunday 2:30 PM ET Final: Virginia Tech, 26-8 GUEST SAGE STEFAN: LSU, 17-14 7.8 points Harmon: Virginia Tech, 26-17 16.4 points CFN: Virginia Tech, 23-20 14.6 points Joe: Virginia Tech, 35-20 17 points I consider Virginia Tech very similar to Oklahoma, with a better offense (and, of course not quite as good at defense). I hereby pronounce them the Oklahoma of the East. I actually like them to beat out Miami for the Big East final. Lee Suggs is a monster, and they have two great QBs, not even counting Marcus Vick. LaBrandon Toefield is good, but I don't even know who replaced Rohan Davey for LSU. I think it's Mauck, just because of NCAA 2003. None of these thoughts I just typed run together in any way, but I guess I'll summarize by saying Virginia Tech should be ranked higher than at least LSU. G: LSU, 35-31 5.2 points Blah blah VA Tech D is sick blah blah Toefield sicker. Blah blah blah take it from them in Blacksburg, not an easy blah blah blah. Phil: Virginia Tech 34-25 14.8 points This is a big showdown. Virginia Tech's backfield is just as loaded as Colorado's, and they get a tough LSU team at home. The Tigers have a great back themselves in LaBrandon Toefield. It should be interesting to see how new LSU QB Matt Mauck performs in his first starting gig in a tough game. The Hokies will be too tough in Blacksburg. Colorado State (39), (31) at Colorado (7), (6) Saturday, 1:00 PM ET Final Score: Colorado State, 19-14 GUEST SAGE STEFAN: Colorado, 42-7 1.4 points Harmon: Colorado, 28-14 8.4 points CFN: Colorado 38-28 7.2 points Joe: Colorado, 38-13 4.2 points Colorado's RB, Cecil Sapp, really looked like Marshall Faulk last week. He was turning those stops behind the line into huge gains, and just punishing Virginia's run defense. That combined with the fact that he's on the Rams is enough for me. Anyway, I don't think he'll do much against a Big XII D, let alone this one. Colorado is looking pretty scary for us Oklahoma fans. Talk about a turbocharged offense, especially the backfield! Anyway, Colorado will win easily. G: Colorado, 42-24 4.8 points I'm a big homo. I figured this great rivalry would be the greatest time to confess my gaiety. Doot. Phil: Colorado, 35-21 7 points Colorado State showed me something last week against Virginia, winning far from home. Thing is, Colorado has a much better team than UVA. They might have the most loaded backfield in all of college football, and I don't expect them to lose playing at home against one of their rivals. continued |