Purdue hosting Fresno State – We see the move from 6 down to 3.5 here as 54% of the early action on Fresno. Looking at Fresno they did well in conference last year and I’m not sure that Purdue is a good matchup in my mind. I think the bulk of the Purdue action will come in Saturday. It’s new QBs for both teams here but Purdue has been on the rise going to the Big Ten Title game last year. Fresno with the UCF transfer and Purdue with the Texas transfer so nothing is an exact science in picking this game. Purdue is my pick for this game, there is always a danger in a team winning and not covering but they are the home team Big Ten vs. MWC and Big Ten is the power conference out of the two. Personally I will be watching and hoping that Fresno gets a lead so I can get Purdue even money instead the -3.5 but that is my pick here. Purdue -3.5
The evenings ABC Television game features North Carolina vs. South Carolina. USC brings back Spencer Rattler who now with experience after OU and then last year in Columbia may have the Gamecocks causing upset stomachs if they pull a few surprises this year. UNC with one of the best returning QBs. The questions from last year were on defense for the Tar Heels. South Carolina finished last year out going 8-5 in the SEC and beat common opponent Clemson who beat UNC. My pick here is the Gamecocks, they bring a decent defense from the SEC and they are at home. Its week 1 so anything can happen – South Carolina +2.5
Sunday Night – An opening week rematch from last year where FSU was in control early and LSU lost by a missed extra point in the end. Either way the winner of this one gets a top 10 win and even the team that loses may end up being the favorite to win their conference and take a spot in the playoffs. This game also features two of the best QBs that you will see matchup. Both these programs are ranked in the top 10 and both are likely to finish that way if they stay healthy. I guess its the SEC fan in me that takes over in this spot, my pick LSU -2.