Make Your Damn Picks!

LSU vs Miss St

Gangsta D:

Oh Sylvester. I pull for Sylvester. I want him to do well, but it's just not looking too good. They just can't get it done. Maybe part of the problem is recruiting. They couldn't even sign the 100m state champion. He'll be playing at the Orange Bowl this Saturday. I pray Sly gets 6 wins this year, but it's probably gonna be a wrap. LSU has been tabbed as a possible nat'l champion. Did I miss something or are they breaking in a new QB this year? As far as I'm concerned, they have as many questions at that position as UF. Matt Flynn torched The U two years ago, but he's largely unproven. The Bayou Bengals roll in this one, but I'm not sold on their nat'l title aspirations just yet.

Waldini:

This is prolly the easiest pick on the list. LSU in a laffer. Flynn may be relatively new (been a min since he's started a game) but that defense is loaded. I am hoping for the day Croom finally fields a decent team like Jackie Sherril used to. But for now, he better start fending off those smart alums who think they can do a better job than him.

Da Realist:

"they couldn't even sign the 100m state champion. he'll be playing at the orange bowl this saturday". well, there goes your objective analysis.

no way in hell i'm picking MSU under any circumstances. i like croom. why the hell is he on the hot seat? what do they EXPECT out of the bulldogs? LSU may cough up a game or two, but not against this team. LSU


Wake Forest vs Boston College

Gangsta D:

Don't know much about either of these teams. But one of WF's safeties went to my high school, so I guess I'll go with the Deacons.

Waldini:

Shame on you Gangsta for not pointing out BC's QB is the preseason ACC player of the year (I kid you not). I didnt even know that until I read Mandel's mailbag last night. WF was a BCS team last year and BC kept losing close games. I guess I'll go with BC b/c of the QB status but not sure that means anything. BC in a squeaker

Da Realist:

(flipping the coin) WAKE FOREST


Okie St vs UGA

Gangsta D:

This is gonna be a TOUGH game. The Dawgs have the Kegmaster at QB and a three-headed monster at RB. But the WRs couldn't catch the clap last year, the O-line is young, and the starting TE is suspended. Not to mention that the defense lost a TON off of last year's team. The Cowboys have Adarius Bowman at WR who is apparently the truth, and no one in GA's secondary can cover him. I'm gonna go with the Dawgs because I think Richt will pound the ball and keep things simple with Stafford. Plus Richt is undefeated at home against non-conference opponents. But it ain't gonna be easy.

Waldini:

It's time for Stafford to show the country how smart Richt is. Granted he was a freshman last year but so many freshmen QBs have come into the SEC and had decent to great first years (see Manning, Leak, Greene). I dont know anything about Oklahoma St this except their history is usually they are 2nd tier when it comes to the big boys. Since GA is at home, I'm picking them.

Da Realist:

i'm going with okie state. this is their bowl game. this is their proving ground. they've been thinking about this game all summer long. going between the hedges and beating a top sec team would give them instant credibility in the national picture. i'm not sure georgia's ready for some of the same reasons D mentioned earlier. it's the first game and it may take some time for georgia to gel but okie state will be ready. OKLAHOMA STATE


GT vs Notre Dame

Gangsta D:

Lord Wies has been non-comittal on who his starting QB is gonna be. But it might not matter, cause John Tenuta is gonna blitz the ever living sh*t out of whoever's back there. I think Kyle Wright still has nightmares from the '05 game. Notre Dame has lost a ton of offensive talent, and they didn't exactly light the jackets up last year on offense. Nevertheless, GT is breaking in a new QB themselves. But I expect Tashard Choice to get heavy work. I'm gonna have to go with Tech, just because Notre Dame has WAY too many parts to replace. And I hate Notre Dame.

Waldini:

Drunk driving? QB starter not named? Loss of majority offensive players? But according to some, Weis is a genius and should be able to wield the magic stick, thus turning this pumpkin team into a cinderfella. Bulls***. I'm in early season hate mode after hearing Lou Holtz say the Irish will win 10 games this year. Are you kidding me? Yellow Jackets STING Irishmen..bbbzzzzzzzzzz

Da Realist:

notre dame lost too much experience on the offensive side of the ball to handle the blitzes that gt will throw at them. no way they can handle it all game long. AND they're breaking in a new qb? GEORGIA TECH


UT vs Cal

Gangsta D:

My head says go with Cal. Ainge is a little dinged up. No LaMarcus Coker. No proven WRs. Cross country trip. Everything is pointing toward a Cal victory...except that Cal always screws the pooch when the pressure's on. I guess I'm going with Smokey.

Waldini:

Two words. Vols win. Next.....

Da Realist:

believe this. cal is going to be ready. they sat on last year's blowout loss ALL YEAR. mark it down, fellas. i'm coming out swinging this week because i'm picking AGAINST two sec teams. CALIFORNIA


FSU vs Clemson

Gangsta D:

Hmmm. Don't know about this one. Mr. Davis and Mr. Spiller are deadly, but FSU will be ready on defense. Will Drew and the retooled Seminole offense be ready? Will Jimbo let loose the hounds or play it close to the vest? Unleashing a new system in Death Valley? I don't know. This is gonna be tough. I'm going with the Tigers in a squeaker.

Waldini:

Who decided to do the Bowden bowl this early? And which Clemson team will show up? the one with two dope running backs that crushed G'Tech (shut down Calvin Johnson) last year. Or the one that look pathetic in their last 5 games. Something tells me Jimbo will turn the clock back on the Noles offense and get Weatherford and crew rolling. Break out that Indian signs, Noles win

Da Realist:

fsu will be ready. i have to believe that. no need for analysis here because there is no way i'm picking clemson. i'm riding with the noles. FSU


Marshall vs The U

Gangsta D:

So begins the Kirby Era. We have serious speed on the outside this year. Our return game should be back to prominence. Our run game should be ridiculous. Our defense should be dominant, although I'm a little worried about our DTs and LBs. But none of that matters, because it's all about Mr. Freeman. He CANNOT turn the ball over. He doesn't have to be special, just efficient. He still scares me. I won't be comfortable until October. If we finish September 3-1 or 4-0, then my fear will subside. Obviously I'm going with the Canes.

Waldini:

So what if Miami isnt ranked? they are going to issue an alumni smackdown on Marshall. Canes

Da Realist:

are you serious? let's see what happens when you go to norman next week. MIAMI


ooops. this just in

Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge has a broken pinkie on his throwing hand, but is expected to play Saturday at No. 12 California.

Waldini:

Yea it was reported on Tues. Not too worried about it, even with it being his throwing hand.