| WEEK 1 |
| Showcase Picks: |
| Maryland at Northern Illinois: Final Score- Northern Illinois, 20-13 OT Harmon: Maryland, 22-13 0.0 points CFN: Maryland, 27-23 0.0 points Joe: Maryland, 28-17 -1.6 points First let me take a look-see at the injury situation. Bruce- well we played without him for most of last year. Mr. McB- I hear he's playing through it. Suter- He's good, but he was never really a featured receiver. He just seemed to be there for trick plays and such. I think E.J.'s departure will hurt more than any of these little injuries. Now on to Northern Illinois. They have Michael Turner, and that's it, though Michael Turner reminds me a lot of young Mr. Faulk from SDSU, a good 10 years ago. He's good enough to keep them in the game himself. I say Madieu has a big game as Maryland brings it's secondary up to stop Turner (now that we're good enough back there). Phil: Maryland, 24-13 -0.8 points Here we go. This could be an unforgettable Terps season, with a possible ACC title in the future, but this is not an easy opener. Our beloved Terrapins must travel to the home of RB Michael Turner, aka "Turner the Burner." Yes, it's a MAC team, but the MAC is always better than most people realize. No. Illinois has a good team, and considering that Perry and Suter won't be playing, and with Scotty McB questionable (but my insider info says he'll definitely play), the Terps aren't making it any easier on themselves. Nevertheless, the overall talent difference should be enough to pull out a road victory. Kris: Maryland, 38-13 -6.4 points Well at first glance a match up of a Maryland D sans E.J. against Michael Turner, he of the 1,915 rushing yards, looks intriguing but No. Illinois is only returning 2 starters on the O line and starting a freshman at left tackle. With a team that has tons of speed at linebacker in Maryland Turner will be challenged to duplicate his success. Maryland's offense will have to rely on Scott McBrien which should suit this game just fine as the Huskies Pass defense ranked as 103rd in the nation last year and McBrien finished as the 12th highest rated passer. So something that looked intriguing in the beginning falls to a logical Maryland win, let's say somewheres around Washington at Ohio State: Final Score: Ohio State, 28-9 Harmon: Ohio State, 27-17 6.6 points CFN: Ohio State, 31-17 7.4 points Joe: Ohio State, 14-13 4.0 points Hey guys- remember that one time when Ohio State didn't have Maurice Clarett? They won. 3 times. Granted, two of the games were much closer than they should have been, but the drubbing of Minnesota last year showed what Ohio State was capable of. Washington is also better than Minnesota, Cincinatti, and Illinois (the 3 teams from last year) combined. Ironically, Clarett's injury will lead Krenzel to the air more, which is what the Buckeyes should do against Washington anyway. I say even if Clarett was healthy, you have to go to the air against a Pac 10 D. This will be a scare, but Washington will fall just short. Cody Pickett, Reggie Washington- it was a valiant effort, but Ohio State's defense was just too strong. You two went to town (or at least to village or maybe to shanty),, but no one else could do a thing. Phil: Ohio State, 28-18 8.6 points No, Clarett will not play. It'll make a difference, but it shouldn't affect the final result. Every year we seem to have a big early matchup in which a Pac-10 team travels to face a Big 10 team, and every year the Pac-10 team seems to go home with heads hanging low, tears in their eyes. And with Neuheisel gone, how will the Huskies respond? Look for Cody Pickett to start the season slowly here. The Buckeye D will be ready, and the offense will have enough in the tank without Clarett to get the win. Kris: Washington, 27-24 -3.0 points Battle of the off field distractions. I really have no idea what to make of this one. Ohio State is the obvious favorite but since I was burned by El Terps I think I�ll stick my neck out a little further and pick Washington 27 � 24. Washington�s running game will probably also be the biggest factor since that is the least obvious thing. USC at Auburn: Final Score: USC, 23-0 CFN: Auburn, 17-14 -3.6 points Harmon: USC, 23-14 4.4 points Joe: Auburn, 28-27 -5.4 points This, in my opinion, is the game of the week. Does anyone in the country have the ability to stop Auburn's backfield? I think if anyone does, USC and that humongous line is a candidate. They have a healthy, hearty Mike Williams, and Carson Palmer didn't do everything himself over there in USC's top 10 season last year. I also have to mention, since this is the first we've talked about USC in a while: USC got the cream of the crop, as far as recruiting goes, but that shouldn't be a factor here, past a big run or two by Mr. Bush. Auburn is in the top 5 in most polls, and they have the home-field advantage. As much as I want to, I can't vote against them. Put up or shut up, Aub. Phil: Auburn, 27-24 -5.6 points The Trojans should still be strong without Mr. Palmer, and Frosh RB Reggie Bush is said to be the real deal. Speaking of the real deal, Auburn has a lot to prove in this home opener. This could very well be the best game of the weekend. The Tiger D won't be dominant in this one, but they will be solid. And the super-stacked Auburn backfield may struggle against a Trojan defense that could be great by season's end. But this is the beginning of the season, friend, and to paraphrase the great Stephen Malkmus, a trojan curfew will prevail. And, uh, Auburn will be dishing out that curfew. War Eagle! Kris: Auburn, 14-10 -3.2 points People want to make Auburn out to be the sleeper national title contender. Admittedly they look to be in a pretty strong position. USC tried to replace a Heisman trophy winner, by all accounts they will be in great hands but I expect some growing pains and the Auburn D will take advantage. Thus I see a low scoring Auburn win say 14 � 10. continue |
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