Jeremiah Davis, sports editor (0-0)

Jake Calhoun, assistant sports editor (0-0)

Dan Tracy, senior sports reporter (0-0)

Jake Lovett, editor-in-chief (Guest Pick)

Rob Vance, Fan Pick of the Week

 

Northern Iowa vs. Iowa State

Jeremiah Davis: Iowa State — Rhoads talked about Northern Iowa’s team speed. That may be true, but there’s still no way they lose.

Jake Calhoun: Iowa State — It’s time to see what Steele Jantz is really made of.

Dan Tracy: Northern Iowa — The Panthers possess more on-field experience and even Coach Rhoads said on Monday more team speed than the Cyclones have.

Jake Lovett: Iowa State—- We’ll start to find out if this really is Paul’s best team, as he’s said throughout the fall.

Rob Vance: Iowa State — You might think that both of these schools are clean, but think about this. How did we afford the gigantic new scoreboard? ISU wins 35-10.

 

No. 3 Oregon vs. No. 4 LSU

Davis: Oregon — As Gordon Bombay once said: “Ducks fly together.”

Calhoun: Oregon — The Ducks won’t have any problem kicking the Tigers in the face with Jordan Jefferson out due to suspension.

Tracy: Oregon — Jordan Jefferson and LSU will domina… Oh wait, the bar fight or the football game? Football game? Ah, nevermind. Quack Quack.

Lovett: LSU — Night game. Death Valley. No brainer.

Vance: LSU — Oregon’s recruitment violations are pretty bad, but winning a bar fight is way more thug. LSU wins 24-17.

 

No. 5 Boise State vs. No. 19 Georgia

Davis: Georgia — This will be a legitimate upset. Boise State is no longer just a good story.

Calhoun: Boise State — The Broncos will pull off another season-opening “upset” over a team they should already beat in the first place.

Tracy: Georgia — As much as I want to see Mark Richt gone from the UGA sidelines, I’d much rather see Boise State lose.

Lovett: Boise State — The Broncos’ first season in the MWC gets started with a big road win. They’re for real.

Vance: Boise State — Boise State has cheated Mother Nature by conjuring blue grass on their football field. More than likely created with Smurf blood. Boise St. win 35-27.

 

SMU vs. No. 8 Texas A&M

Davis: Texas A&M — We don’t know what A&M’s future is in the Big 12. We do know they’re a good football team.

Calhoun: Texas A&M — I don’t know what’s more awkward about this one: Texas A&M wanting out of the Big 12 or SMU wanting in.

Tracy: Texas A&M — I won’t watch this game for fear of a Craig James sighting, but I think A&M wins in their final season opener as a member of the Big 12 Conference.

Lovett: Texas A&M — What is this, the Southwest Conference title game?

Vance: SMU — Back in the 8’0s SMU’s football program received the “Death Penalty.” Take notes everyone, that’s how you cheat. SMU in an upset 28-24

 

Minnesota vs. No. 25 USC

Davis: USC — Hey Lane. How’s that whole “Picking up after Pete Carroll” thing going?

Calhoun: USC — Despite being ravaged by scholarship limitations, the Trojans should make quick work of the Golden Chipmunks in this one.

Tracy: USC — Lane Kiffin’s wife > USC talent > Jerry Kill > Gopher talent > Lane Kiffin.

Lovett: USC — (Insert Lane Kiffin joke here.)

Vance: USC — USC wants everyone to think that they weren’t that bad compared to all of the other programs currently being investigated. I say they were trendsetters. USC 45-13.

 

No. 14 TCU vs. Baylor

Davis: Baylor — Robert Griffin III upset special. He brings himself into the Heisman discussion with this game.

Calhoun: TCU — Tank Carder and his armbands are going to take it to RG3 and the Bears. Don’t be surprised if it’s close, though.

Tracy: Baylor — Robert Griffin III may not be as good as Peter Griffin in that episode where he plays for the Patriots, but yeah, he’s still pretty good.

Lovett: TCU — Baylor is ready to win this game like TCU is ready for Big East basketball.

Vance: TCU — TCU just switched to the Big East. Way to cheat geography. TCU wins 38-21.

 

Miami (FL) vs. Maryland

Davis: Maryland — Miami has a decent team when 13 of their players aren’t suspended.

Calhoun: Miami — There’s nothing like the extra incentives of hookers and cash to help motivate the ‘Canes in their season opener.

Tracy: Maryland — The Terps ride the arm of ACC Freshman of the Year Danny O’Brien in spite of Nevin Shapiro and gives Randy Edsall a W in his College Park debut.

Lovett: Maryland — After this offseason, Miami will be downgraded to a Tropical Storm. It’s good to be back.

Vance: Miami — A former Booster allegedly bought Miami Football players prostitutes. Theres no reason he can’t buy them wins as well. Miami wins 69-21.