DiHard's Picks of the Week

[DiHard]

TOP MATCHUPS
WEEK 1​

Finally, week one is upon us. Not alot of good games obviously. The USC game is intriguing at best and the Nortwestern game gives an insight to the Big Ten. The best game of the week should be the Aggies and Utes.

Game of the Week: USC v. Virginia Tech
Spread: USC –17.5
The Game: The past five seasons the Hokies have started the year 11-0, 7-0,6-0,8-0 and 6-0. Conversely, the Trojans (under Pete Carroll) have shown a propensity for starting slower and getting better as the season progresses. This game is going to be a nightmare for Bryan Randall….sure he’s a senior quarterback…but if Marcus Vick wasn’t so “consumed” with combing the high schools, Randall would be on the bench. VaTech has real trouble on offense in this one and USC wins this game easily.
My Prediction: USC by 17
Why: A late meaningless score by the Hokies takes them under the spread. Otherwise a boring game that USC has in the bag from the get-go.
Would I bet on this game: no

Game 2: Texas AM @ Utah
Spread: Utah –9
The Game: Utah is a team on the rise under Urban Meyer, but so are the Aggies under Franchione. They say a team makes it’s greatest strides in the second season under a new coach (just ask the Buckeyes and Sooners)…and both these teams fit that bill…I think these are both really good sleeper teams for the 2004 season. This is going to be a great game. If Courtney Lewis (RB-Aggies) goes off A&M will win this one straight-up. Either way I see this as being a toss-up game.
My Prediction: A&M by 2
Why: Utah only won 4 games last year by more than 9 points. A&M is improved and will be able to keep this game close enough that one play may determine the outcome.
Would I bet on this game: Yes-I’d take A&M

Game 3: Northwestern @ Texas Christian
Spread: TCU –8
The Game: TCU has what it takes to again be a BCS nightmare. Northwestern’s only chance in this game is if their offensive line can dominate the game (and clock) and keep them around until the fourth quarter. If not, this game can become a shoot-out that favors the Horned Frogs.
My Prediction: TCU by 16
Why: Northwestern just isnt very good (save for the offensive line). TCU will make this one look easy.
Would I bet on this game: Yes-I’d take TCU

Game 4: Washington State @ New Mexico
Spread: WSU –1
The Game: This should be the identical uniform bowl. Both squads have silver helmets (red masks), red jerseys with silver stripes and red pants with silver stripes….yow…As for the game, the Lobos have one of the very best running backs in all of college football in Dontrell Moore…but that is the only advantage they have over the Cougars. New Mexico is a nice team, but there is no way they win here.
My Prediction: WSU by 7
Why: Although the Cougar’s may be down this year…they do have 9,10 and 9 wins the past three years. Plus, the Lobos haven’t beaten anyone…EVER.
Would I bet on this game: Yes-I’d take WSU

Season Record on games I bet on: 0-0​

 

[bukIpower]

You're incorrect about the Tech game. It will be a very good game. Tech's fans will definatly represent with about 85,000 out of the possible 90,000 fans being from Va Tech. Also Randel is alot better than vick. I know this because I live 30 minutes away from Va Tech. Vick was faster of course, but Randell was a more complete and accurate player.

 

[Brutus1]

I love Cal -12 @ Air Force. AF, returns 3 on O and D. True Freshman qb and a new o-line spells trouble. Cal returns 8 on O and 9 on D. I love Rodgers and McArthur in this one, as well as Cal's D. I don't usually take DD road Fav's, but this is too good to
pass up. Give the points

 

[buckeyebake]

I agree I like Tech to cover v. SC. There is no doubt that SC is the better and more talanted team here, but this is going to be a tough game to open with on the road. Don't forget about the special team plays that Beamers boys always seem to make. I think a blocked punt here could be a huge momentum play to keep Tech in this game and make it closer than alot of people think.

 

[buckeyebake]

Plus who is SC gonna play at WR? Steve Smith will be one starter who is the other? Jarrett? I know the kid is talented and I wish he would have been a Buckeye but to think as a true freshman in his first game on the road in what should be a very hostile environment that he'll struggle. Randall is a good qb and great leader, Tech won't win, but they should make it closer than most think. I'll take Tech and the points and open the year increasing my bankroll!