A newer-ish format for my weekly picks, but I hope you still enjoy the content. Sometimes this will come out Thursday and sometimes Friday, pending the impact of the Thursday games. Keep in mind, the "Must Watch" games of course include Top 10 teams, but will be listed separately. With an official opening weekend filled with bigtime matchups, let's get right to it.
2016 Record Recap
Overall: 140-59 (.704 win %)
Bowl Picks: 16-4
Game of the Week Pick: 7-4
Bowl Picks: 16-4
Game of the Week Pick: 7-4
AP Top 10
GAME OF THE WEEK
1 Alabama vs. 3 Florida State (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia)
Saturday, 8 pm ET, ABC
Alabama -7.5
With all that Bama does return on offense - QB Jalen Hurts, RB Bo Scarbrough, WR Calvin Ridley - and knowing Nick Saban doesn't lose in season openers, I have a hard time going against the Tide (as much as I want to and hope FSU wins). It is a clash of two titans in college football this year and arguably the most anticipated opener of all-time. The ACC is the better conference, but Alabama is the better team. Plus, Alabama doesn't lose in Atlanta - new stadium or not. Tide 23-17
2 Ohio State at Indiana
Thursday, 8 pm ET, ESPN
Ohio State -21
Offensive guru Urban Meyer had to do some soul searching following a 31-0 beatdown in the Fiesta Bowl. He went out and hired former Indiana head coach Kevin Wilson, who never found much success at IU. Doesn't matter now. He has a depth chart stacked with talent. I wouldn't be surprised if the Buckeyes score often and don't stop. Bucks 58-17
4 USC vs. Western Michigan
Saturday, 5:15 pm ET, Pac-12
USC -27
If PJ Fleck were still at Western Michigan, I'd give the former boat rowers a chance. Sam Darnold is atop nearly every preseason Heisman list for good reason. Expect the Trojans to have a field day here. Trojans 47-13
5 Clemson vs. Kent State
Saturday, Noon ET, ESPN
Clemson -40
The Kelly Bryant era begins. Dabo Swinney and Co. are in search of 10-win season No. 7 in a row, but this will be the first without Tajh Boyd or Deshaun Watson. It'll be the Tigers defense that is the strength this season. The Golden Flashes shouldn't put up much of a fight. Tigers 38-6
6 Penn State vs. Akron
Saturday, Noon ET, ABC
Penn State - 30.5
Between Saquon Barkley and Trace McSorley, the Nittany Lions ought to be a fun team to watch. Like many in the Top 10, this is a tune-up game for next weekend when Pittsburgh comes to Happy Valley. Lions 45-10
7 Oklahoma vs. UTEP
Saturday, 3:30 pm ET, Fox
Oklahoma -43
Sooner Nation officially welcomes in the Lincoln Riley campaign. Baker Mayfield is back for his senior season, but he'll have to find new playmakers to help his cause. Bob Stoops won 10 Big 12 titles in 18 seasons at OU. What's in store for his protégé? Sooners 63-21
8 Washington at Rutgers
Friday, 8 pm ET, FS1
Washington -27.5
The Huskies were knocked for their out-of-conference schedule a season ago. Going on the road in the Big Ten is generally a step up. At Rutgers, though, might be going in the opposite direction. Jake Browning is fun to watch. U-Dub could be on a crash course to play USC for the Pac-12 title. Huskies 55-13
9 Wisconsin vs. Utah State
Friday, 9 pm ET, ESPN
Wisconsin -27
Finally, Wisconsin opens the season against a non-SEC West opponent (Bama 2015, LSU 2016). The Badgers are a sleeper to crash the Playoff party this season. BENched isn't sold on Bucky just yet, but they'll have no trouble with Utah State. Badgers 38-16
10 Oklahoma State vs. Tulsa
Thursday, 7:30 pm EDT, FS1
Oklahoma State -18
How long will Mike Gundy let his mullet grow? Sadly, that may get more attention than his team, which actually has a chance to run through the Big 12 and reach Playoff status. Mason Rudolph and his main target James Washington are sure to give the Pokes some fire power. OSU has had success, however, when its defense makes plays. Don't be surprised if Tulsa gives the Cowboys fits. Pokes 48-24
Must Watch
Colorado State vs. Colorado (Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium, Denver, Colorado)
Friday, 8 pm ET, Pac-12
Colorado -5.5
The Rocky Mountain Showdown gained intrigue when the Rams head-butted Oregon State out of the newly-opened CSU Stadium last Saturday. Colorado State now plays its second-straight Pac-12 foe with in-state rival Colorado in Denver. The Buffs were the Pac-12 South champion a year ago, but stumbled in the postseason, looking non-competitive in the title and bowl games. This is an underrated rivalry that is must-watch TV on Friday night (if you have Pac-12 Network). Buffs 34-30
11 Michigan vs. 17 Florida (AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas)
Keep An Eye On
Maryland at 23 Texas
Saturday, Noon ET, FS1
Texas -18
Not dire, but eager to see Texas under Tom Herman. Horns 31-20
NC State vs. South Carolina (Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina)
Saturday, 3 pm ET, ESPN
South Carolina -4.5
NC State will be physical on defense. South Carolina has playmakers on offense. A good one to have for the "last channel" button. Pack 27-24
Appalachian State at 15 Georgia
Saturday, 6:15 pm ET, ESPN
Georgia -14.5
Last season, the Mountaineers took another SEC East favorite (Tennessee) to overtime. Could they do the same here? Dawgs 38-17
16 Louisville vs. Purdue (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana)
Saturday, 7:30 pm ET, Fox
Louisville -24.5
Look, I firmly believe Deshaun Watson was the best player in CFB last year. But Lamar Jackson was a close second. Any chance to see his electrifying style of play can't be passed up. Cards 59-27
BYU vs. 13 LSU (Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana)
Saturday, 9:30 pm ET, ESPN
BYU -14
The game has been moved from Houston to New Orleans, so it will be even more pro-LSU than before, though to no fault of LSU's. BYU struggled with Portland State in the opener, winning 20-6. Were they looking ahead? Also, Derrius Guice will remind a lot of folks of Leonard Fournette in a hurry. Tigers 27-20
-BtW
2 Ohio State at Indiana
Thursday, 8 pm ET, ESPN
Ohio State -21
Offensive guru Urban Meyer had to do some soul searching following a 31-0 beatdown in the Fiesta Bowl. He went out and hired former Indiana head coach Kevin Wilson, who never found much success at IU. Doesn't matter now. He has a depth chart stacked with talent. I wouldn't be surprised if the Buckeyes score often and don't stop. Bucks 58-17
4 USC vs. Western Michigan
Saturday, 5:15 pm ET, Pac-12
USC -27
If PJ Fleck were still at Western Michigan, I'd give the former boat rowers a chance. Sam Darnold is atop nearly every preseason Heisman list for good reason. Expect the Trojans to have a field day here. Trojans 47-13
5 Clemson vs. Kent State
Saturday, Noon ET, ESPN
Clemson -40
The Kelly Bryant era begins. Dabo Swinney and Co. are in search of 10-win season No. 7 in a row, but this will be the first without Tajh Boyd or Deshaun Watson. It'll be the Tigers defense that is the strength this season. The Golden Flashes shouldn't put up much of a fight. Tigers 38-6
6 Penn State vs. Akron
Saturday, Noon ET, ABC
Penn State - 30.5
Between Saquon Barkley and Trace McSorley, the Nittany Lions ought to be a fun team to watch. Like many in the Top 10, this is a tune-up game for next weekend when Pittsburgh comes to Happy Valley. Lions 45-10
7 Oklahoma vs. UTEP
Saturday, 3:30 pm ET, Fox
Oklahoma -43
Sooner Nation officially welcomes in the Lincoln Riley campaign. Baker Mayfield is back for his senior season, but he'll have to find new playmakers to help his cause. Bob Stoops won 10 Big 12 titles in 18 seasons at OU. What's in store for his protégé? Sooners 63-21
8 Washington at Rutgers
Friday, 8 pm ET, FS1
Washington -27.5
The Huskies were knocked for their out-of-conference schedule a season ago. Going on the road in the Big Ten is generally a step up. At Rutgers, though, might be going in the opposite direction. Jake Browning is fun to watch. U-Dub could be on a crash course to play USC for the Pac-12 title. Huskies 55-13
9 Wisconsin vs. Utah State
Friday, 9 pm ET, ESPN
Wisconsin -27
Finally, Wisconsin opens the season against a non-SEC West opponent (Bama 2015, LSU 2016). The Badgers are a sleeper to crash the Playoff party this season. BENched isn't sold on Bucky just yet, but they'll have no trouble with Utah State. Badgers 38-16
10 Oklahoma State vs. Tulsa
Thursday, 7:30 pm EDT, FS1
Oklahoma State -18
How long will Mike Gundy let his mullet grow? Sadly, that may get more attention than his team, which actually has a chance to run through the Big 12 and reach Playoff status. Mason Rudolph and his main target James Washington are sure to give the Pokes some fire power. OSU has had success, however, when its defense makes plays. Don't be surprised if Tulsa gives the Cowboys fits. Pokes 48-24
Must Watch
Colorado State vs. Colorado (Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium, Denver, Colorado)
Friday, 8 pm ET, Pac-12
Colorado -5.5
The Rocky Mountain Showdown gained intrigue when the Rams head-butted Oregon State out of the newly-opened CSU Stadium last Saturday. Colorado State now plays its second-straight Pac-12 foe with in-state rival Colorado in Denver. The Buffs were the Pac-12 South champion a year ago, but stumbled in the postseason, looking non-competitive in the title and bowl games. This is an underrated rivalry that is must-watch TV on Friday night (if you have Pac-12 Network). Buffs 34-30
11 Michigan vs. 17 Florida (AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas)
Saturday, 3:30 pm ET, ABC
Michigan -3.5
Who's starting at quarterback? Neither has announced its starting quarterback in a game of "Let's see who can be the most annoying team." Regardless, we know the Gators will be without at least eight players who have been suspended and Michigan is looking at replacing nearly its entire starting roster from a season ago. Which Jim are you siding with - Harbaugh or McElwain? Wolverines 20-14
Texas A&M at UCLA
Sunday, 7:30 pm ET, Fox
UCLA -4.5
The Hot Seat Game seems to be starting earlier and earlier each year. A&M's Kevin Sumlin and UCLA's Jim Mora can ill-afford a poor start to the season, making this game all-the-more interesting. The Bruins trailed 24-9 entering the fourth quarter in College Station before sending the game to overtime, where the Aggies pulled out the win a season ago. Is Josh Rosen really the "Rosen One?" Can the Aggies start AND finish a season? Bruins 27-24
22 West Virginia vs. 21 Virginia Tech (FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland)
Sunday, 7:30 pm ET, ESPN
Virginia Tech -4.5
What used to be an intense Big East rivalry, was halted in the mid-2000s, and is now being resurrected as a neutral site game. The Mountaineers and Hokies don't like each other, plain and simple. Justin Fuente took VT back to 10 wins and showed promise as a first-year coach. But the Hokies must fill a lot of holes on offense. Will Grier, the former Florida QB suspended for PEDs, has won the starting job in Morgantown. Expect a battle to the finish. Hokies 33-27
25 Tennessee vs. Georgia Tech (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia)
Monday, 8 pm ET, ESPN
Tennessee -3
Paul Johnson loved bragging about being 3-0 against the SEC East in 2016, beating Vandy, Georgia, and Kentucky. The Jackets get a crack at another to open 2017 with Tennessee making the trip to Atlanta as the second game of the Labor Day extravaganza to open the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. I don't know what to think about either team. They both are starting new quarterbacks and neither ever lives up to preseason hype. I'll give UT the edge for having all summer to figure out how to slow down Johnson's triple-option offense. Vols 26-20
Michigan -3.5
Who's starting at quarterback? Neither has announced its starting quarterback in a game of "Let's see who can be the most annoying team." Regardless, we know the Gators will be without at least eight players who have been suspended and Michigan is looking at replacing nearly its entire starting roster from a season ago. Which Jim are you siding with - Harbaugh or McElwain? Wolverines 20-14
Texas A&M at UCLA
Sunday, 7:30 pm ET, Fox
UCLA -4.5
The Hot Seat Game seems to be starting earlier and earlier each year. A&M's Kevin Sumlin and UCLA's Jim Mora can ill-afford a poor start to the season, making this game all-the-more interesting. The Bruins trailed 24-9 entering the fourth quarter in College Station before sending the game to overtime, where the Aggies pulled out the win a season ago. Is Josh Rosen really the "Rosen One?" Can the Aggies start AND finish a season? Bruins 27-24
22 West Virginia vs. 21 Virginia Tech (FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland)
Sunday, 7:30 pm ET, ESPN
Virginia Tech -4.5
What used to be an intense Big East rivalry, was halted in the mid-2000s, and is now being resurrected as a neutral site game. The Mountaineers and Hokies don't like each other, plain and simple. Justin Fuente took VT back to 10 wins and showed promise as a first-year coach. But the Hokies must fill a lot of holes on offense. Will Grier, the former Florida QB suspended for PEDs, has won the starting job in Morgantown. Expect a battle to the finish. Hokies 33-27
25 Tennessee vs. Georgia Tech (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia)
Monday, 8 pm ET, ESPN
Tennessee -3
Paul Johnson loved bragging about being 3-0 against the SEC East in 2016, beating Vandy, Georgia, and Kentucky. The Jackets get a crack at another to open 2017 with Tennessee making the trip to Atlanta as the second game of the Labor Day extravaganza to open the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. I don't know what to think about either team. They both are starting new quarterbacks and neither ever lives up to preseason hype. I'll give UT the edge for having all summer to figure out how to slow down Johnson's triple-option offense. Vols 26-20
Keep An Eye On
Maryland at 23 Texas
Saturday, Noon ET, FS1
Texas -18
Not dire, but eager to see Texas under Tom Herman. Horns 31-20
NC State vs. South Carolina (Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina)
Saturday, 3 pm ET, ESPN
South Carolina -4.5
NC State will be physical on defense. South Carolina has playmakers on offense. A good one to have for the "last channel" button. Pack 27-24
Appalachian State at 15 Georgia
Saturday, 6:15 pm ET, ESPN
Georgia -14.5
Last season, the Mountaineers took another SEC East favorite (Tennessee) to overtime. Could they do the same here? Dawgs 38-17
16 Louisville vs. Purdue (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana)
Saturday, 7:30 pm ET, Fox
Louisville -24.5
Look, I firmly believe Deshaun Watson was the best player in CFB last year. But Lamar Jackson was a close second. Any chance to see his electrifying style of play can't be passed up. Cards 59-27
BYU vs. 13 LSU (Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana)
Saturday, 9:30 pm ET, ESPN
BYU -14
The game has been moved from Houston to New Orleans, so it will be even more pro-LSU than before, though to no fault of LSU's. BYU struggled with Portland State in the opener, winning 20-6. Were they looking ahead? Also, Derrius Guice will remind a lot of folks of Leonard Fournette in a hurry. Tigers 27-20
-BtW
