Thoughts for Saturday: Week One
The handful of games on Thursday were a great start to the season. Now, the first Saturday is upon us. Here are a few thoughts I have for this weekend.
First of all, I'll start by saying that Oregon did the right thing in suspending LaGarrette Blount for the season. It's too bad for a program that was hoping to compete in the Pac-10 and it's too bad for a kid that was expected to have a big senior year.
However, I don't feel badly for him at all. Sure, Byron Hout was talking some smack to him, but Blount said the Ducks owed them an "Ass Whoopin" and they didn't deliver. Be prepared to hear some jawing.
With that said, you don't punch a guy, especially when your livelihood is on the line.
I'm sure Chip Kelly didn't want to suspend him for the season, but it would not be a good indicator of what his regime in Oregon would be like if he didn't.
It was a tough call and the right call. I'll go on record now and say no way Oregon finishes in the top two in the Pac-10. Not only did they look bad, but without Blount, Cal is the clearcut top challenger to USC.
I might here some I told you so's, but I thought Cal was more like a 2B to Oregon's 2A.
- Here is my prediction for the biggest upset of the first week. I'm taking Nevada over Notre Dame. I think the Irish are horribly overrated again, and I think the Wolfpack pass defense will be helped out by the horribleness of Jimmy Clausen. Also, Nevada will run the ball all over Notre Dame.
- The game of the day seems like it would be No. 5 Alabama v. No. 12 Virginia Tech in the Georgia Dome. I think Alabama dominates. Not in 40-0 fashion, but I think the Tide are more physical and win a 20-3 game that's never close. I'm excited to see VT freshman back Ryan Williams.
- I think the real game of the day is No. 15 Georgia at No. 7 Oklahoma State. Stillwater will be bumping, the Pokes have high expectations, and Georgia is a bit down (allegedly) but I think overestimating Oklahoma State and underestimating the Dawgs is a mistake. This will be a great game.
(Remember, these rankings are based on our poll.)
- Other story lines to keep an eye on:
Matt Barkley is the first true freshman to start the season at QB for USC.
Greg Paulus makes his transition from basketball to football. He'll start at QB for the Cuse.
The Lane Kiffin era is underway in Tennessee.
Oklahoma v. BYU looks like a good game, but the Sooners will roll.
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I have to say and admit I like the ballsy pick of NEvada but it just isnt going to happen. You did not even mention Pryor's first home opener as a story line. But Barkley's should be pretty fun to see.
I am thinking Va Tech will play tougher against The Tide than you guys think. But Stillwater is the place for the best game, and BYU probably loses by 30.
He didn't mention Pryor's first home opener because Navy is a bye week for the Buckeyes.
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