Picks of the Weak: 2011 Week One

The turning of the leaves, the smell of fresh grilled dogs, the crack of a cold beer, and the blinding of the college football fans’ eyes by the uniforms so beloved by the players of one of the best sports in the world. Florescent shoes, designs within designs, and 4 different helmets per team. College Football is here! Week one is now officially on the books, and we are here to help you out by determining the picks for the weak (Friday – Monday) to start the season. This year, we’re doing things with a twist, as every week a national writer will join me in an audio sucker punch of information to help garner stronger picks out of you every week! Our guest will analyze the top five games and make his or her picks in our top ten games every week. In week one, we will just break down nine, in memory of when week 1 had some meaning.

Not to be forgotten, the good ole boys here at tBBC will add our picks, and the daunting and daring What If Sports computer will be along for the ride. You know, the game predictin’ machine that makes the BCS system look like a prehistoric  3.5″ floppy. Screw a New Year’s Resolution. My goal this season is to beat the machine. Can I do it?  Hell no. But you have a chance to brag all freakin’ fall and winter. Join us for all the fun by joining our Yahoo! Sports Pick’em pool. All you got to do is click join group, and type in these as your Group ID and Password:

Group ID#: 8801
Password: Moeller

The Expert Analysis:

Picks of the Weak: 2011 Week One With David Fox by The Buckeye Battle Cry

David Fox of Yahoo! Sports and Rivals.com joins us this week to break down Boise/Georgia, LSU/Oregon and Notre Dame/USF. We break down the chances of the favorites, the evolution of the Notre Dame and USF programs as they both head into year two of their respected coach’s regime. We also breakdown the quarterback battle in Atlanta on Saturday night, as Sophomore Aaron Murphy is pitted up against touted senior Kellen Moore. And the battle of NCAA Violations gets underway on Saturday as well at Jerry Jones’ Place. David and I break down that game in regards to suspension and allegations as well.

Now it’s time to get to the games!

Friday, September 3rd

#14 TCU vs. Baylor

The Friday nightcap pits two in state rivals that battled it out for years in the SWC. Now, Baylor finds itself trying to scratch closer to Big 12 relevance. The Horned Frogs are looking to continue the success they have displayed as a top team in the nation the last two seasons, despite not being in a BCS conference. The Horned Frogs will have to do it without Andy Dalton as he has graduated. One of the most watched players heading into the season will be Casey Pachall. Half of last years starters have moved on from the program, but the horned frogs are still dangerous. For Baylor, Art Briles’ fourth year continues the down the same  story line that is  Bears football — all show and no result. Robert Griffin III might be the most talented athlete in the country behind center who gets the least result out of his work. His top receiver Kendall Wright returns, but so does the porous defense that gave up nearly 6 yards a play in 2010. TCU isn’t the same club for a year ago, but could put on a display like they did last year against Baylor, when they put up touchdowns on their first five drives of the game. Don’t sleep on Baylor though. If their defense improves, watch out in 2011.

David Fox: Baylor

Computers: TCU 37 Baylor 26 (81.2%)

Saturday, September 3rd

#3 Oregon vs. #4 LSU

This game is so big that Brent and Herbie have the call at a shade past 8, with the NCAA laughing at both teams who will be missing key players due to suspension. For the Tigers, The Mad Hatter will call on the running game, with back Spencer Ware leading the way. LSU will be without their starting quarterback and receiver, and their defense will be challenged against some of the best skill players in the nation. In order to prevent the spread offense from causing major damage, the Tigers will play in nickel most of the night, but that will open up the floodgates for quarterback Darron Thomas to make some big plays down field.  This game could go down to the wire, with Oregon as the favored team. Don’t count out the Baton Rouge Jungle Cats just yet though.

David Fox: Oregon, in a back and fourth ballgame

Computer: LSU 23 Oregon 33 (77%)

#5 Boise State vs. #19 Georgia

The battle of quarterbacks in week one pits senior Kellen Moore, America’s quarterback — against one of the most underrated up and coming talents in college football in sophomore Aaron Murray. This kid is already being praised as the Gunslingin’ Bulldog loving phenom that will save Mark Richt’s job. He has one of the strongest arms in college football, but Moore is one of the best at managing the game. Boise comes into week one needing a win to stay in championship contention (yes I went there), while the Bulldogs are trying to come off their first sub .500 season in quite some time. David Fox picked three teams to go undefeated this year, and one of them is the Boise State Broncos. I wouldn’t be surprised if SEC maniacs jump on the Georgia bandwagon right away with the win. This will be one of the better games of the first few weeks of the season in 2011 without a doubt. Let the dogs bark and the Broncos buck! It’s college football season baby!

David Fox: Boise State

Computer: Boise 35 Georgia 30 (59.2%)

South Florida vs. #16 Notre Dame

The battle of second year coaches pins Skip Holtz against Brian Kelly in week one, in what seems to be an interesting game. The Irish are a hot topic heading into the season, with so much talent on offense. The story though, could be on defense, where Brian Kelly squad excelled to end the season. Manti Teo at the inside linebacker position could be key against  a very solid run game from USF. Demetris Murray returns from last season alongside Colorado transfer Darrell Scott. Throw in the legs of quarterback B.J. Daniels to the mix and it becomes clear how dangerous this team can be. The USF defense is deceptive as well and is quick to the football in the secondary, led by linebacker Sam Barrington. If Daniels can control the football in the passing game, this could be close in South Bend.

David Fox: Notre Dame

Computer: Notre Dame 29 USF 20 (72.3%)

Tulsa vs. #1 Oklahoma

Can You smell what the Sooners are cooking? Are you behind the Stoops machine that always seems to dissapoint? I don’t think that will be the case this week, as in state Tulsa hopes to continue success in the post Todd Graham era. Quarterback GJ Kinne is the real deal.Whether it be rushing or throwing, he is the key cog in the Golden Hurricane offense. Could we see upset city? Tulsa is 1-16 on the road against BCS competition since 1997, but got their first win last season against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Oklahoma is led by Landry Jones, who will see some of his big targets in Ryan Bryoles and Kenny Stills returning. The loss of Austin Box will hurt their defense, but they have the depth to make up for his production. The early favorite as the top team in the country should have no problem picking up steam in victory against Tulsa in week 1.

David Fox: Oklahoma
Computer: Oklahoma 44 Tulsa 26 (93.1%)

Northwestern vs Boston College

There is a lot of hope in Evanston for the Wildcats of Northwestern, and their season opens up with a tough Big East opponent. Dan Persa is questionable for the game, and if he doesn’t play the hopes of the Wildcats drastically drop in week one. Everyone hopes Northwestern is PersaStrong, but we won’t know to as close to kickoff as possible. What helps this team out is their veteran offensive line returns 4 of it’s 5 starters from last year. Montel Harris returns for his senior year at Boston College and had a tremendous year last season. Chase Rettig is back for his second season as well as talented sophomore receiver Bobby Swigert. The passing game should be much improved in 2011 for the Eagles. Add to the fact that they bring back a top 20 defense. It should be an evenly matched game, as long as Persa plays.

David Fox: Northwestern

Computer: Boston College 24 Northwestern 23 (51.5%)

Miami (OH) vs. #21 Missouri

Come on now, we had to give Miami (OH) some MAC love in week one right? It was week one that opened up the senses of the Redhawks. After being schillacked in game one against Mizzou, Miami won 8 out of their last ten and beat a better Middle Tennessee State team in the godaddy.com bowl. Mizzouri returns a lot of talent and starting quarterback James Franklin will look to continue the new tradition of talented quarterbacks. Brad Smith, Chase Daniel, and Blaine Gabbert before him made big plays with a small playbook and smart decision making. Can the Redhawks under head coach Don Treadwell upset? Probably Not. But you got to love the little MAC team that could, even if their head coach is a sparty.

David Fox: Missouri

Computer: Mizzou 31 Miami 15 (93.1%)

Sunday, September 4th

USM vs. #8 Texas A&M

Another in state battle in Texas between former SWC rivals, as Mustangs head to College Station in the season opener. What makes this game so interesting is that while the Aggies plan to leave the Big 12, USM would love to fill their void. Mike Sherman has things turned around in Aggie Country, after a 9-4 record and a Cotton Bowl invite last season. His team will be lead by converted quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who took over midway through the season and led A&M to six straight victories. There are a lot of hopes place on this team, and one thing we know from history is they tend to play down from what is expected from them early in the season. USM is at an ultimate high point in with June Jones’ run and shoot offense set in stone. Quarterback Kyle Padron is a special player in this offense, and he will be helped by a solid cast around him. Anytime you have a gunning team similar to the Mike Leach mold, watch out. This should be one of the more fun games to watch in week one.

David Fox: Texas A&M

Computer: Texas A&M 36 USM 28 (69.3%)

Monday, September 5th

Miami (FL) vs. Maryland

So this game was a bit more exciting a couple weeks ago…. A lot of questions will be answered in this week one match up. Does Randy Edsall have the talent to win right away? Can the Hurricanes stay competitive with 12 of it’s best players? Does Al Golden wish he was still the head man at Temple? Are the Maryland uniforms the worst in college football? These and more will be answered on Monday. The Terapins (oh how I love that mascot) return 14 starters, but lack some depth at running back. Danny O’Brien will be asked to carry the offense in the air after a very solid freshman campaign. Davin Meggett will get a boatload of the carries in week one. Last year was all Miami according to the stats, but this year is going to be a lot different.

David Fox: Maryland

Computer: Miami 25 Maryland 24 (55.4%)