Tag Archives: Free NCAA Football Picks

Central Michigan Chippewas vs Ball State Cardinals Prediction

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Central Michigan Chippewas (-17) @ Ball State Cardinals Prediction: Dan LeFevour isn’t to be messed with. The kid has done it all for the Central Michigan Chipps – really, he’s done it all. The Chipps are 8-2, 7-2 ATS, and clearly the best team in the MAC West. They are undefeated in conference, with a tough loss to Arizona and a nice win over Michigan State. And who to they have to thank? Dan LeFevour. Dan leads the team in Touchdowns, Rushing Yards, and Passing Yards. He’s thrown 18 touchdowns with just 5 interceptions while completing 70% of his passes for 2189 yards through 10 games. He also has 568 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns in those 10 games. The kid deserves Heisman consideration but will likely never get it because of his “little” school.

Ball State has just one win and that’s because they don’t pass efficiently, completing a low percentage on the season while throwing more interceptions than touchdowns. They don’t run the all well either, getting out-rushed in half their games. They out-rushed Eastern Michigan by 300+ yards and still won by just 2 points. Unless CMU hits a wall, this should be a 28 point game at it’s closest.

Central Michigan is 4-2 on the road this season (4-2 ATS as well), Ball State is winless at home (1-4 ATS). Central Michigan is 11-5-2 ATS in their last 18 road games. But Ball State is 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games against teams with winning records. Those numbers mean very little to me, I just thought I’d throw them out there. Central Michigan has had a full week to prepare for this game, it’s been a short week for the Cardinals.

Akron Zips vs Bowling Green Falcons Week 12 NCAA Pick

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Akron Zips (+13) @ Bowling Green Falcons Week 12 NCAA Pick: I thought this line would move the other way. And that’s how it started out. After opening at -12, the Falcons had to give another point by the time I made my decision, and with the public lining up behind the Falcons (73% of the public bet is with Bowling Green), I fully expected this one to get to two touchdowns by mid-week. But it’s moved the other way. Right now, as I write this article, the common line sees the Falcons as just 11 point favorites despite the high public backing. Maybe somebody bigger than me saw what I saw, the Zips as a great value bet on the road.

Now, this one could run away from me, but either way, I still see good value. The Zips may be 0-5 on the road this season, and Bowling Green is 5-5 compared to the Zips 2-8 record, so obviously Akron has become comfortable losing. But they just aren’t as bad as their record insists, and Bowling Green isn’t as good as their 5-5 mark. When I’m looking at value, I’m looking at the lines that have been posted throughout the season. I see that Akron has been a 13 point dog or greater just twice, against a superior powerhouse (Penn State) and against a very good Central Michigan team. I see that Bowling Green has never been favored by more than 4 points. All of a sudden 13? That’s value.

Both have had close games against Kent State, Buffalo, and Ohio. I think Bowling Green is the better team, but their questionable ground game should keep the Zips with-in striking distance.

UCLA Bruins vs Oregon State Beavers Free NCAA Pick

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UCLA Bruins (+10.5) @ Oregon State Beavers: I think these two teams are awfully close talent-wise, and despite losing 4 straight games (also 0-4 ATS in those games), the Bruins aren’t out of it. They have some solid players, and defensively they should be a little bit of a challenge for Oregon State’s run-game. I know the Beavers have played well lately, even going to the wire with USC, but the Bruins have had some tough luck and I feel like that’s about to change. Football karma definitely goes around. As a 10.5 point underdog, the value is pretty good. The Bruins have played pretty solid teams in their 4 straight Pac-10 losses, and I think they’ll be ready for this game because of those. The Beavers are solid, no doubt, but UCLA is being underrated here, the value is with them.

Missouri Tigers vs Colorado Buffaloes Free NCAA Pick

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Missouri Tigers @ Colorado Buffaloes (+4) Free NCAA Pick: These teams are closer in ability that anybody thinks. They both struggle against good teams, but both can bring a good attack on any given day. The Buffaloes are always good at home, something that makes them a nice value bet here. Colorado hasn’t beaten Missouri since 2005, but five out of the last 6 match-ups between these two teams have gone the way of the home team. Missouri’s getting a spread as if they’re the much better team, 3.5 points on the road, come on. You add the fact that their starting quarterback is questionable with a bum wheel, and the spread looks even more ridiculous. Colorado has played very well at times this year, and I think they have a good shot to beat the Tigers.

NCAA Free Picks: Week 15

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These are the games I like for Week 15 – talk about a huge week with a lot on the line for some big time programs – especially for the schools that are at home watching and rooting like all hell. Yes, Texas, I’m talking about you. Great games with a lot on the line this weekend, lets see if I can’t have a big winner in the old NCAA one-five (that’s Chad Johnson for Week 15). Eight big games for you college football fans!

Pittsburgh Panthers @ Connecticut Huskies (-2.5): Now Pittsburgh has beaten some teams that Connecticut has lost too, and Pitt has played pretty well down the stretch – but the one key here is that these two teams are pretty equal, and Connecticut has the better offensive line, plays much better at home, and something else too. Yeah, Pitt falls under my bet against list because they won last week when they should have lost. The played poor enough to lose, definitely, but 12 4th quarter points got them w pretty lucky win. That doesn’t bode well for the Panthers this time around.

East Carolina Pirates (+13) @ Tulsa Golden Hurricane: I honestly kind of like East Carolina to win this one outright, so that makes the spread that much nicer I guess. Here’s the deal, Tulsa hasn’t won a game where they’ve scored less than 38 points. East Carolina has given up more than 38 points just once this season. THey won’t do that again. They are a good defense and Tulsa has proven that they don’t do well against good defenses. Undefeated at home? Yeah, I know – I’ve looked at all those stats – but they struggle when they don’t score points at will. They won’t on Saturday.

Boston College Eagles @ Virginia Tech Hokies (pk): The Hokies play really tough at home, and while BC plays good football on the road as well, I think the Hokies split this season series and get the Eagles back here. VaTech’s defense will cause lots of problems for Dominic Davis, just like with Chris Crane last time out, and Tyrod Taylor won’t be asked to do too much for the Hokies. Davis played well last week, but VaTech’s defensive schemes are a different beast than Maryland’s. Hokies win at home.

Washington Huskies @ California Golden Bears (-35): This is a huge spread. It should be. I need to do this now because I might not have too many more chance. See, if Mike Leach gets hired on in Seattle, I’m turning the page on this “always bet against the Huskies” thing, and as sad as that will be, I’ll just have to do it. The Bears ousted WSU 66-3 and while I don’t quite expect that big of a lashing, I wouldn’t be surprised about 45-6.

Alabama Crimson Tide (+10) @ Florida Gators: For a #1 ranked team, the Tide sure get very little respect. They are the only “big school” with an undefeated record. If one thing has been consistent it’s that they know how to win. I hate betting against the Gators, and thus I’m only going to do it for a small amount of coin, but Alabama can really run the ball. I now Florida is super fast, but Bama is powerful. They might not win pretty, but they win. Florida has annihilated everyone all year long, sans one single blemish. That may continue, but I’ll never feel bad about taking a 10 point dog that plowed through the regular season without a single loss. Besides each other, I think the SEC is a little overrated, so the work each school did (all those points put up by Florida and those games Bama had giving up a touchdown or less), I’m not so sure about. But both teams can win, and both can really play the game. Hard to go against a Florida team that, last week, has their closest game of the year since their loss to Mississippi, and they still won by 30. But I will. I’m wild.

USC Trojans (-32.5) @ UCLA Bruins: Maybe the recent brotherhood moment of “timeout for timeout” between Carroll and Neuheisel is a sign that Pete will take it easy on the first year coach of UCLA. I’m guessing not. The Bruins haven’t scored double digit offensive touchdowns total this season. That’s right, they average less than an offensive TD per game. What makes anyone think they’ll put up a single one against the Trojans? Pure craziness I’m sure. USC has plans on a big win, and even taking it easy would probably get them a 42-6 win. That’s enough for me. No TDs for the Bruins, that’s my bet.

Arizona State Sun Devils @ Arizona Wildcats (-10.5): The Sun Devils are just as bad as the rest of the Pac 10 while Arizona is really just a step under USC. That’s right, I think the Wildcats are just as good as the Ducks and Beavers despite losing to both teams late in the year. The Wildcats can put up lots of points if they need to and they can play defense too. ASU has been bad all year, I expect that to continue.

Missouri Tigers (+17) @ Oklahoma Sooners: I think that Chase Daniel and his Missouri Tigers saw how Oklahoma piled it on at the end of the Oklahoma State game and said, “F that Stuff – we won’t let them be in the position to do that to us.” We’ll see how it works out, but with Oklahoma already writing themselves in to the National Championship, I’m willing to bet that Missouri gives them a bigger scare than the books are suggesting with this big spread. I like Oklahoma to pull this one out, but around a touchdown is what I expect to see in this one.

NCAA Free Picks: Week 6

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I hit a bit of a tough stretch last week, finishing under .500 and bringing my overall record down a bit. But after a tough week that saw me lose four more than I won, I’m back at the bit and ready to give it another try. I see a few (by few I mean a lot of) games I love this weekend, and yes, this week I will attempt to crack the fabled thursday egg. A bold player I will become… Here’s the seventeen big ones to follow.

Oregon State Beavers @ Utah Utes (-11): Free money! That’s right, even against an Oregon State team that maimed the Trojan beast of college football, these Utes will do work. I’m surprised it hasn’t gone to 10 yet, but it seems like it’s staying above a touchdown and a field goal. I think that’s to try and trick Beaver backers into betting on their team. It shouldn’t matter, though I would be happier with 10. The Utes are healthy where OSU is without a couple more defenders from a defensive secondary that would have struggled with Utah anyway. Take the Utes here!

Cincinnati Bearcats (-3) @ Marshall Thundering Herd: It’s tough to go with a college team starting a 3rd string quarterback that has completed 25% of his passes for a total of 2 yards, but that’s what I’m doing. I think the Bearcats are that much better than Marshall. This is no gimme game, and I’m sure it will be a special teams score that makes the difference, but Cinci has a the talent to compensate for their lost quarterbacks.

BYU Cougars (-29) @ Utah State Aggies: Cougars by 38 – that’s my best guess. Did I say guess? I didn’t mean it, I meant that’s my strong opinion based on facts and assumptions that border on the line of reality. Yes, I believe the UW game was flukey for the Cougs, and the rest of their contests have been the real BYU team. They are good and the Aggies are horrible. A 40+ point win would be easily gathered on Friday Night.

Boston College Eagles (-8) @ North Carolina State Wolfpack: The Eagles are three touchdowns better than the Wolfpack. This game seems too easy, so much so that I’m worried a little bit. Sure, the Wolfpack beat a very good East Carolina team, but that’s their fluke – the real NC State team showed up last week in a home loss to South Florida 10-41. Yeah, that’s right. The Eagles are nothing to write home about, but you don’t need to write home about a team that covers at NC State. Take BC to win another ACC match-up.

Akron Zips (-3.5) @ Kent State Golden Flashes: I like what the Zips bring to the table. They have a talented passing attack, just in case things get worrisome. They have a pretty solid group of kids that know how to play tough. There’s a lot I like about the Zips, enough to take them as a road favorite in a conference game.

Florida Gators (-24) @ Arkansas Razorbacks: These teams aren’t on the same level. After losing a huge game at home last week I doubt the Gators come out stiff in this one. They’ll be out to prove a point, and a good way to do that is by slapping the Razorbacks around; just ask the last two teams to play Arkansas – Texas did a 52-10 job while ‘Bama pushed in a mix tape that went something like 49-14. Florida doesn’t win by 40+, but they cover the spread, no doubt in my mind.

Oklahoma Sooners @ Baylor Bears (+27): If only because being #1 is a tough gig these days. Oklahoma hasn’t had a close one yet, but they aren’t super heroic here, they can have bad days, why not in their 5th contest of the year against an underrated Baylor Bear team with a little bit of speed and a freshman quarterback that can’t be scared? I’m not saying an upset is on the horizon, but I am saying a cover is not a stunner here.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (+28) @ Virginia Tech Hokies: This is a real test, but after much deliberation I still can’t even fathom the Hokies as a -28 favorite against anybody in the nation, not even a Hilltopper team that has a 38 point loss to Kentucky and a 34 point loss to Alabama to be credited for. This should be closer than that, maybe 24-0 at the most. Smells like teen cover.

Arizona State Sun Devils (+9.5) @ California Golden Bears: Because this game will be closer. I don’t know a winner, but some late minute trickery will have to happen for either team to win this by more than a touchdown. Here are two teams that make a living playing it close and Cal isn’t good enough to be a runaway favorite like this – not against a well coached Sun Devil team, that’s for sure.

Texas Tech Red Raiders (-7) @ Kansas State Wildcats: Don’t be fooled by K-State’s 3-1 record thus far, North Texas and Montana State don’t count, they lost to Louisville, and beat ULLaffayette by 10. Needless to say I like the Raiders, even though the public is riding this like a used up quarter pony at Walmart. Ride it!

Kentucky Wildcats (+17) @ Alabama Crimson Tide: That’s too high of a spread. I know Kentucky doesn’t have the big names yet, nor do they hold the big ranking, and surely they would be the upset of the week if they were to win at all might Alabama – but it could happen. I think this game is closer than many think – I know 63% of the public is going Yhatzee on the Tide here, that’s too big a spread for Alabama to have any value whatsoever.

Illinois Fighting Illini (+3) @ Michigan Wolverines: You know why? Because one of these weeks the Wolverines are going to get obliterated by all those stupid mistakes and Illinois is too physical and good to allow Michgan back in a game in which the Wolverines are getting handled. Juice will have a huge game, showing the Wolverines what kind of QB they need to be legit.

Nevada Wolfpack (-24) @ Idaho Vandals: Because that’s how bad Idaho is.

UL Lafayette (-2) @ UL Monroe: This line is a joke – Lafayette will kill Monroe.

Washington Huskies @ Arizona Wildcats (-21): The Huskies lost their one man offense when Jake Locker went down for the season. Did coach Tyrone’s job go with Jake? We’ll see. I don’t think Jake would have made much of a mark on this game, as Arizona is the much better team. However, I feel a lot more comfortable taking the Wildcats as a three touchdown favorite at home without Locker to worry me.

Ohio State Buckeyes (-1) @ Wisconsin Badgers: Weird, two overrated Big 10 schools – where did that idea ever come from? Still, the Buckeyes are the lesser of the overrated programs, or the greater – well their less overrated and greater talent wise. What do I mean? Buckeyes by 10 on the road, that’s what I mean.

Washington State Cougars @ UCLA Bruins (-17): Because UCLA is lucky Washington State is in the Pac 10. If you can’t feel good about UCLA against Washington State at any spread under 30, then you just can’t feel good about betting at all.

DIRECTV – ESPN GamePlan Free NCAA Picks: Week 2

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One of my readers asked me to cap all of DirecTV’s GamePlan picks during the season. I looked into it a little bit and figured I could give my insight on these games every week during the year without too many tears being shed. This will be in addition to my normal college picks every single week, because those picks are the one’s I find the most value in. Again, these are all the games that DirecTV has in their college football package for Week 2’s games. Enjoy and good luck! A couple games didn’t have lines, but these are the ones that did – 6 DTV package games for your viewing (and betting) pleasure.

All games take place on Saturday the 6th!

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (+7) @ Boston College Eagles (12:00PM EST):

I’m not crazy about this game. I’m taking the points because both teams are led by their defense and pose a lot of questions on offense. Georgia Tech runs the ball very effectively, but the Eagles have a stout defense to combat that upside. The Eagles have won ATS in 4 of the 5 contests between these schools, and have won last season 24-10. I still like Tech’s ability to keep this game within reach, and turn the Eagles young offense over a couple times. I’m taking Tech.

Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (+18) @ Auburn Tigers (12:30PM EST):

It won’t be too easy for the Tigers. Southern Miss has a few great athletes that could give the TIgers some trouble. Austin Davis (QB) will be good enough to put the ball in the air at Auburn, but it will be the Southern Miss rushing attack that does their share of damage. I understand last week’s game was against UL Lafayette, but still, the Golden Eagles had two backs rush for over 100 yards including Damion Fletcher’s 222 yard 2 touchdown performance. Any team with a running game is a good (+17) bet against a mediocre offense. Take the Golden Eagles.

Cincinnati Bearcats (+21.5) @ Oklahoma Sooners (3:30PM EST):

This game looks a little scary for the Sooners, except for the fact that they are one of the Nation’s best teams. The Bearcats have a very good defense that will kick and scratch all night long if it means they have a chance. Offensively, the Bearcats will struggle to score at Oklahoma, but I still like their chances of keeping this game within that huge 3 touchdown margin. The Sooners are good, but not good enough to beat everyone in the 57-2 range like they did last week. I’ll take the Sooners to win by 10, but the Bearcats will make it a battle.

Mississippi @ Wake Forest Demon Deacons (-8) (3:30PM EST):

The Demon Deacons did Baylor dirty last week on the road. The Bears looked lost as Wake marched through their defense to win 41-13. Riley Skinner is for real, and so are the Deacons. Being lost in the mess of ACC peers, Wake should continue to get favorable lines. Eight points to cover against a decent but not great Mississippi team seems easily manageable. Wake isn’t a team that’s going to win a lot of games by 20 points, but this could be one of the few times they do.

Buffalo Bulls @ Pittsburgh Panthers (-13) (6:00PM EST):

Buffalo mangled UTEP in week 1, as quarterback Drew Willy completed 10 passes for 221 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Bulls also managed two 100 yard rushers, as RB James Starks took 31 carries for 179 yards. But that was UTEP, can they really do the same thing against a team like Pittsburgh? I don’t think so. But they don’t have to do the same thing against Pitt to win against the spread. But I’ll have to go with Pitt here. Sure, they lost to Bowling Green last week, but the Falcons are much better than advertised, and their offensive attack is a bad match-up for the Panthers. This week, Pittsburgh has to shut down the run to win, and I like their chances at that a lot more. LeSean McCoy will have his way with the Bulls, and I like the Panthers come back from last week’s opening day loss to win by at least two touchdowns.

Tulane Green Wave (+30.5) @ Alabama Crimson Tide (7:00PM EST):

After being moved around a lot because of Hurricane Gustav, and being thoroughly outmatched by the Tide athletically, the Tulane Green Wave are in for more tough times this weekend. Alabama may have played perfect football last week against a good Clemson team, but even so, they have definitely show that they are better than advertised. But that doesn’t mean I’ll be taking the Tide in this one. A 30 point favorite is too much for me to buy. The Tide come in hot on bettor’s minds, and that’s never a good thing for the favorite. Tulane plays teams pretty tough. They lost a lot in Matt Forte, but in their season opener I expect enough excitement to keep this game closer than 4 touchdowns. Alabama is a tough match-up for Tulane, as their run defense is stellar, but that won’t stop the Green Wave from handing the ball off, and their schemes are good enough to get some first downs. John Parker Wilson will come back to earth in this one. We’ll see, but I’m not buying the Tide beating many more teams by four scores…

Free College Football Picks Week 13 – 2007

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Two weeks left, and I need to pick up the slack to do my damn thing. I have 5 featured games and 10 free picks overall with my 3rd straight week dealing out my 5 free dogs. Rock and roll em!

LUCKY LESTER’S Free NCAA Football Picks

Free Picks: Week 13

Virginia Tech Hokies (-3.5) @ Virginia Cavaliers:
(Line: Wednesday, 6:00pm EST: Belmont)

Va-Tech has won 7 of the last 8 meetings between these two ACC programs. Also, The Hokies have absolutely dominated opponents since their unpredictable last minute loss at the hands of the Boston College Eagles. They killed Georgia Tech, FSU, and Miami in back to back to back games, and honestly, they just look a lot better than they were earlier in the season. I know Virginia wins a lot of football games, and plays tight with everyone, but I think the Hokies are just on another level in this one.

Tulane Green Wave @ East Carolina Pirates (-12):
(Line: Wednesday, 6:00pm EST: 5Dimes)

I liked the Green Wave last week, and I took them for a victorious ride around the block, but East Carolina has too much offensive power for any sort of Greenish wave to stop. The Pirates are coming off a tough loss to Marshall on the road, and Tulane is all getty about their current two game winning streak (the first time they’ve won back to back games this season). I don’t see this one being close.

Tennessee Volunteers @ Kentucky Wildcats (-3):
(Line: Wednesday, 6:00pm EST: Belmont)

The Vols lucked out big time when Vanderbilt new who they were, didn’t crown them, but left them off the hook nonetheless. Tennessee won their 4th straight, and they were lucky to do so. First of all, that’s too many wins in a row for the inconsistent Volunteers, and Kentucky hasn’t played great football in any of their last 3 games. That being said, I’m almost sure this thing will even out with a pretty big Wildcat win on Saturday.

Texas El Paso Minors @ Central Florida Knights (-19):
(Line: Wednesday, 6:00pm EST: Belmont)

I have a feeling the Minors will fall victim for the 5th time in a row, and lose their 5th game against the spread in the their last 6 chances. Call me crazy, but the Knights can put up points with the best of them, and Texas El Paso, while they’ve managed more than a few close games, they haven’t played any good teams well. The Knights are good, despite their 64-12 loss to South Florida. What can I say? Every team has a bad game.

Florida Atlantic Owls (-11.5) @ Florida International Golden Panthers:
(Line: Wednesday, 6:00pm EST: 5Dimes)

The Golden Panthers wouldn’t win against Duke, and the Owls are actually a pretty good football team. While FAU hasn’t won many games by 12 points or more (1 to be exact) they also haven’t played a team even close to as bad as the Panthers. The Owls will toss 4 or 5 touchdown passes while the Panthers fall behind, only compounding their inefficiencies by throwing interceptions that result in more points for the Owls. It’s a tangled web they weave…

Five Free Dogs to Walk!

Boise State Broncos (+3.5) @ Hawaii Rainbow Warriors: (Friday)
(Line: Wednesday, 6:00pm EST: BetEd)

Wyoming Cowboys (+3) @ Colorado State Rams: (Friday)
(Line: Wednesday, 6:00pm EST: Belmont)

Utah Utes (+4.5) @ BYU Cougars:
(Line: Wednesday, 6:00pm EST: Belmont)

Connecticut Huskies (+17.5) @ West Virginia Mountaineers:
(Line: Wednesday, 6:00pm EST: 5Dimes)

Clemson Tigers @ South Carolina Gamecocks (+3)

Free 2007 College Football Picks – Week 2

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Not bad last week, eh? I busted out the old 4-1 to start the season, and as you all know, a winning percentage like that makes dough. I’m giving this favorite run a try this week, as every single one of my picks is expected to get the W this weekend. The Beavers play Thursday, so get your picks in early! Good luck to all!

LUCKY LESTER’S Free NCAA Football Picks

Oregon State Beavers (-3.5) @ Cincinnati Bearcats: 9/6/07 7:30pm EST
I know the Cincinnati Bearcats have been on a tear lately, with 4 straight wins going back to last season, including 30-11 win against Rutgers – but are they that good? I just don’t think so. The Beavers didn’t play well last week, despite easily covering against Utah. I expect them to play better in Week 2, and beat the Bearcats in Cinci.

Akron @ Ohio State Buckeyes (-28.5): 9/8/07 12:00pm EST
Akron upset Army last week, but after Michigan went down to App State, do you think the Buckeyes will take it easy against Akron this week in Ohio? Don’t count on it. Akron hasn’t lost by more than 22 points in any of their last 10 games, but Army, Buffalo, Toledo, and Ohio aren’t really the Buckeyes, now are they? Ohio State will be ready for this game, and since their talent level is that far ahead of Akron’s, this game will easily surpass 4 scores.

North Carolina State Wolfpack @ Boston College Eagles (-13): 9/8/07 2:30pm EST
While NC State has lost 8 of their last 10, they play many close ball games, in fact they haven’t lost by more than 8 points in any of their last 19 games. This game isn’t as sure a thing as I originally thought, but still, Matt Ryan looks like a professional grade quarterback, and I don’t think the Wolfpack defense has a chance in slowing him down. This game being at Boston College pushes me over to the side of the Eagles, as two more scores from the home team will cover the spread. Ryan’s good for that.

Troy @ Florida Gators (-26.5): 9/8/07 6:00pm EST
The Gators beat Western Kentucky by 43 points last week, and the game was called with 8+ minutes left in the 4th quarter. Tim Tebow put to rest any questions about his throwing ability as he completed 13 of 17 passes for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns. He was bombing. Troy lost to Arkansas by 20, and I have to believe that the Gators are tow touchdowns better than the Razorbacks. Florida’s defense will be too fast for Troy, as the smallest of mistakes will cost the Trojans points. Look for Florida to roll for the 2nd time in as many weeks.

Hawaii Rainbows (-28) @ Louisiana Tech: 9/8/07 7:00pm EST
Last year this game was a 61-17 blowout at the hands of Colt Brennan and the Rainbow Warriors. Well, until someone shows me a reason to wager otherwise, I’ll be taking the Rainbows with anything less than a 35 point spread to cover. Tech doesn’t have the athletes or schemes to stop Hawaii, and neither does any other team in this division. Bombs away Colt, your Heisman hopes rest on it.

Free NCAA Football Picks – Week 1 2006

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Opening Weekend

Don’t blink now, opening week in the college ranks is only a couple days away. Thousands of players and hundreds of schools begin the season with high hopes and bowl-game dreams. I’m not here to squash dreams, but I am here to pick 10 winners and 10 losers on opening weekend. Stay tuned to my success, as these picks are free, and Lucky Lester’s success could be yours as well. As season number three kicks off for me, you can expect a year similar to that of a 3rd year guy. After two seasons finishing over .500, I’m expecting even more greatness out of myself. Let the ride begin!

THURSDAY

Boston College (-12) @ Central Michigan: The Boston College Eagles have had quite a rough time with injuries during practice this month. Their defense will require some help from youngsters, but that shouldn’t be a problem. Though the Chippewas return their sensational running back, Ontario Sneed, as well as senior receiver, Damien Linson, they’ve lost mass production with the graduation of quarterback Kent Smith. Smith accounted for 2,800 yards passing, 440 yards rushing and 23 combined touchdowns. CMU hasn’t started the season with a win since 2002, and has never opened the season with a win over a bowl winner from the previous season. Boston College will look to run all over CMU to the tune of another 43-0 win similar to the last time these two teams suited up against each other in 2002.

Minnesota (-16) @ Kent State: This game shouldn’t be a contest for the pound it home rushing assault of the Golden Gophers. The truth is, this game would be in the -28 range if it weren’t for the academic suspension of stud running back Gary Russell. Even with the loss of Laurence Maroney to the NFL, the Gophers should be just fine. What the odds makers don’t know is that you could put any running back behind the Gopher O line, and you’d end up with a dominating rush. That being said, the Gophers can recruit RB’s with the best of them. They’ll dominate the boys from Kent State.

South Carolina (-7) @ Mississippi State: The Gamecocks have gone through some injury problems this summer, but I see them pulling through and having a nice season. Look for them to start with a big win at Miss State. Gamecock RB, Mike Davis, ended the season rushing for 89, 88, 111, and 125 yards. And the opponents were Arkansas, Florida, Clemson and Missouri. The bottom line is, with Davis turning into a star, Blake Mitchell returning, and stud receiver Sidney Rice on track to start against the Bulldogs, the Gamecocks should put on a show in Mississippi this Thursday.

SATURDAY

Southern California (-8) @ Arkansas: I don’t think USC is a Top 5 team, however I do think they are two touchdowns better than Arkansas, regardless of the talent they lost to the pros. The Razorbacks have questions at QB in which one of the answers could be a true freshman. Their best receiver is a full back, and their stud sophomore rusher, Darren McFadden, is doubtful with a dislocated toe after a nightclub altercation. USC has talent all over the football field. And without Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, and LenDale White, I’m sure Coach Carroll will have all his X’s and O’s in the right place on Saturday. Expect a game early, followed by an easy USC victory.

Notre Dame (-7.5) @ Georgia Tech: Everyone and their mother is picking this as the first big upset of the season. What? How? Why? Three simple questions that obviously aren’t being answered. What does Tech have to upset the Irish? Charles Johnson is a superstar at the flanker spot, but his production alone won’t be near enough. How could Notre Dame lose this game? For Tech to win, ND would have to implode. With Charlie Weis coaching and Brady Quinn at Q, that just can’t happen for two straight halves of football. Why does everyone need to pick a huge upset in Week 1? People want to get recognition for calling upsets, and that’s all there is to it. Just because Tech can play doesn’t mean they are taking this game from the Irish. I got answers. ND wins easily.

Washington State @ Auburn (-14.5): Auburn is 6-0-1 ATS in their last 7 games. The Tigers are 21-2 in their last 23 contests. Auburn is won 5 straight to end the season. Any returnees? The Tigers return top rusher Kenny Irons and signal caller Brandon Cox, not to mention a litany of defenders from one of the nation’s top defenses. Washington State lost all world running back Jerome Harrison, but returns leading passer Alex Brink, and receiver Jason Hill. I just think Auburn will be too much for the Cougars in this one. State is better than last years’ record insists, but they are no match for the power football that Auburn plays.

California @ Tennessee (-1): California resides in the Pac-10, a conference full of soft defenses that seemingly get destroyed by any school east of Arizona. Tennessee isn’t as bad as last year’s record insists. Expect big things from them this season. At home, expect Tennessee to uproot a California team that lost too much leadership to graduation.

Stanford (+12) @ Oregon: The Ducks lost Kellen Clemens and Demetrius Williams to the NFL, and Terrence Whitehead is too inconsistent to carry his offense week in and week out. Dennis Dixon looked like he could be a nice signal caller when he filled in for Clemens last season, but I don’t know if he can be the leader either. Stanford will give the Ducks a game, just based on senior leadership and toughness alone. QB, Trent Edwards is a senior coming off a nice season for the Cardinal. Jason Evans is a senior as well, he’ll be improved this season. Stanford may have been 5-6 last season, but they were 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games, and wins and losses don’t always show how a team played. Expect this Pac-10 opener to be a dandy.

Vanderbilt @ Michigan (-25): Vanderbilt struggled to win last season, and they had Jay Cutler gunning down defenses to boot. This season, Cutler finds himself in a Denver Broncos uniform, being touted “the next great quarterback” and Vandy will struggle because of it. On the other hand, Michigan, a team that vastly disappointed throughout last season, has loads of returning starters, a star quarterback in Chad Henne, whose bound to breakout and compete with Brady Quinn for the Heisman nod, and a receiver by the name of Steve Breaston, who should excel in Jason Avant’s graduation to the NFL. Did I mention Mike Hart? He’ll give the offense balance, as running will be key for the Wolverines. This should be a 30 point laugher.

SUNDAY

Kentucky @ Louisville (-22): These Louisville Cardinals are finally the real deal. Kentucky can’t handle the offensive production that the Cards throw on the board. Rushing, passing, defense… On all aspects of the game, Louisville should dominate. That being said, Kentucky is 4-16 in their last 20 games. They’re 4-8 ATS on the road in their last 12, and 3-4 ATS in their last 9 games. On the other hand, the Cards are 18-6 ATS in their last 24, 11-1 ATS in their last 12 home games, and they won 5 straight to end 2005. Did I mention Louisville returns budding stars Brian Brohm (QB) and Michael Bush (RB) from their 9-3 2005? This game should be a gong show.