College Football Picks

Opening Weekend College Football Predictions

Aug 28, 2008 Joshua Ryan Crawford

Clemson, Alabama, Florida, and Southern Cal looking to make statements

Clemson vs. Alabama (Clemson -5) – A good ole' southern fried throwdown between two teams coming off disappointing '07 campaigns, but with high 2008 expectations. This SEC vs. ACC showdown should be a dogfight. This is easily the most intriguing matchup of the opening weekend. Ultimately, experience and consistent, but not exceptional quarterback play from Cullen Harper and the one-two punch of James Davis and C.J. Spiller in the backfield will carry the Tigers to a low-scoring victory. But watchout for highly-touted true freshman Julio Jones for Alabama. If John Parker Wilson can get him the ball in the open field, look out. Clemson 17-13

Hawaii vs. Florida (Florida -35) – It's too bad June Jones ran out on the Warriors after an embarassing loss in the Sugar Bowl to Georgia because he won't have the opportunity to back up his less than complimenting words about Florida Heisman Trophy Winning Quarterback Tim Tebow. Jones called Tebow a “system quarterback,” and even suggested Tebow would not fare well in his offensive scheme. Tebow will without a doubt be looking to take his revenge on an overmatched Hawaii defense. Hawaii has a chance to keep this game competitive, considering Florida game-breaker Percy Harvin will undoubtedly be less than 100 % if he even touches the field. With that said, Florida has a multitude of speed demons capable of filling the void. Florida 45-17

Southern Cal vs. Virginia (SC -21) – Southern California is stacked with young talent, but have a group this season that is fairly unproven. 5th year senior quarterback Mark Sanchez takes the helm, coming off an offseason injury, but should be ready to play. The Virginia Cavaliers are suffering from the injury bug themselves in addition to losing their best player to the draft in defensive end Chris Long. Virginia should be competitive in the ACC again this season. The Cavaliers are coming off an up year in which they squeaked out several narrow victories, so if they can stick around into the fourth quarter, it could smell upset. Finally, if Sanchez can get the ball to his many playmakers, and the Southern Cal defense lives up to their hype, it should lead to another Pete Carroll victory. SC 31-17

UCLA vs. Tennessee (Ten. -8) – Tennessee overcame an early season loss to Cal, and a humiliating 59-20 loss at the Swamp to rebound and capture the SEC East crown. UCLA is coming off a common sub-par season, but have a new coach and new attitude. Rick Neuheisel has been making noise since arriving on campus and has this team and school pumped up for the '08 season. But they might not have the playmakers, or the quarterback, to get past a tough SEC opponent in week 1. Ten. 36-20

Va. Tech vs. East Carolina (Va. Tech -9) – Last season's kickoff meeting between these two schools was closer than expected, a 17-7 Hokie win, which the highly-ranked Hokies followed with a flop of a game against LSU, losing 48-7. Frank Beamer has named quarterback Sean Glennon the starter, after a brutal quarterback battle, and East Carolina has lost their star player in running back Chris Johnson, who totaled an impressive 17 touchdowns last season. With four starters back on the o-line, an always athletic defense, and superior special teams squad, Virginia Tech should be a top-ten team, and ACC contender again in 2008. This game will be easier than expected for the Hokies. Va. Tech 30-6

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