It's that time of year again when we put our picks to the test. As usual, we'll lock in three teams against the spread while our record hopefully hover above the .500 mark. A year ago, Matt took home bragging rights. However, it's back to square one as we once again start on an even playing field.
Make sure to let us know if you agree or disagree with our locks as well as who your locks would have been! If you're looking to compete against us week in and week out, get your pick'em contest selections done before kickoff tonight. Simply go to Yahoo's College Pick 'Em and enter Group ID # 11731 and password BoomerSooner CCM's pick'em contest is sponsored by Unilever.
Matt
Stanford (-11.5) at Northwestern - Road favorites haven't done very well the first two nights of the season but I think the Cardinal can manage to pull off a 12 point win against the Wildcats.
Texas (+9.5) at Notre Dame - It's not easy to win in South Bend and I don't think the Longhorns will but props to them for scheduling this opener. Texas needs something to hang their hat on and a good showing against the 11thranked Irish is just the ticket.
Wisconsin (+10.5) at Alabama - I'm putting the Tide on upset alert. I think the Big 10 has joined the rest of the world in a strong hate for all things S.E.C.
Joey
ASU (+3.5) at Texas A&M - it's a wonder to me how a 10 win team from last year with nearly every starter back is an underdog Week 1. I'm picking ASU to cover and win.
ND (-9.5) vs Texas - I think Notre Dame's offense is better than Texas' defense at this point, and that's saying something. This one will be over early
Va. Tech (+13) vs Ohio State - Ohio State might be the best team in the nation. With that said this is probably a close game because of the playmakers OSU is missing on both sides of the ball partnered with Tech's excellent defense. Virginia Tech covers, but loses the game.
Caymen
Notre Dame (-9.5) vs Texas - Notre Dame is a popular pick to make the playoff this year, and for good reason. Texas on the other hand, is just trying to make sure they can reach a bowl game. The main reason for the spread being this low is Texas fans are going to bet on the Longhorns no matter what the spread is.
Texas A&M (-3.5) vs Arizona State - Last year, TAMU won their first game decidedly over South Carolina. It's hard to stop Texas A&M's offense, and I think their defense is better than it's been in a long time. Arizona State might keep it close, but A&M pulls away with this one by more than 3 points.
Auburn (-10) vs Louisville - My preseason pick to win the SEC faces off against an unproven Lousiville team. I'll take the favorite to win this game by more than double digits at home.
Rich
Auburn (-10) vs Louisville - Auburn may very well make a run into the College Playoff this season. However, as last year played out, under performing can potential hurt a program knowing strength of schedule comes into play. I expect the Tigers to win big on opening weekend setting the tone for the rest of the year.
Army (off) vs Fordham - A disciplined team in Army makes this one an easy lock for me. It is cheating to lock a "pick 'em" type game? Possibly but I need the points anywhere I can get them this go around!
Virginia (+20) at UCLA - Two inexperienced quarterback will take the field facing off against one another. Josh Rosen may have been the nation's top QB out of high school but he'll have to constantly be aware of where Virginia Safety, Quin Blanding is at all times. A few awful plays mixed in with a few "how'd he do that" type throws are expected from Rosen. While UCLA wins this, I don't see it being by more than 20.
Donnie
Bama over Wisconsin 37-14. This game will start out slow as Bama breaks in a new QB, but as the game wears on, Bama will assert their dominance. I would love to proven wrong on this however.
Penn State over Temple by a score of something like 41-17. I don't see this being close even though this is a road game for the Nittany Lions.
Auburn over Louisville 41-16. Again this game is similar to the Bama game. A slow start by the Tigers ends with a very comfortable and easy win for Guz Malzahn and company.