NCAA College Football 2008 Week 1 Picks early games

NCAA College Football 2008 Week 1 Picks

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Fearless Rick's 2008 College Football Week 1 Picks - Early Games

Rick Gagliano | August 28 - September 1

All times Eastern - Click here for late games.

Thursday, August 28

Oregon State (-3, 47) at Stanford - Not many teams have a tougher schedule than the Beavers, so this conference game should actually be a breeze-through for them. Stanford was 4-8 last season, and they will be featuring a new starting QB and two new starting receivers. The defense returns 9 starters, but the Cardinal was 9th in the PAC-10. While the Beavers aren't exactly noted for their defense, they should be able to handle Stanford, much like they did last year when they won at home, 23-6.

The Beavers could be a real sleeper in the conference, after their fast finish in 2007, winning seven of their final 8 games, including wins over Oregon and Maryland (in the Emerald Bowl). Look for the Beavers to get off quickly and hold Stanford to less than 14 points.

Prediction: Beavers 35 Cardinal 10

North Carolina State at South Carolina (-13, 45) - After a disappointing 5-7 season under new head coach Tom O'Brien (Boston College), the Wolfpack will be looking to get their ground game going. The positive for NC State is that South Carolina's rushing defense was among the worst in the nation, allowing a whopping 209.3 yards per game. Wolfpack backs have to be licking their chops looking at film. Additionally, the Gamecocks lost their last five games and did not qualify for a bowl after a 6-1 start.

The line here is a sucker bet for fans of Steve Spurrier, who is supposed to work magic. He's had three seasons and so far, no rabbits have been pulled out of his hats. Could be the shocker of the weekend. At least, it will be an easy cover for the Wolfpack.

Prediction: Wolfpack 27 Gamecocks 21

Saturday, August 30

Michigan State at California (-4 1/2, 58 1/2) - Here's an excellent non-conference game for both teams. The Spartans put together a 7-5 regular season before falling to Boston College in the Champs Sports Bowl. All of their losses were by 7 points or less and only their 38-31 loss to Northwestern was unexpected. Cal began 2007 5-0, before losing six of their last seven, though 4 of those games were on the road. The inconsistency may seep into the beginning of this season and that makes Michigan St., with the points, a pretty solid pick to spring the upset. The Spartans may have one of the most potent aerial attacks out of the Big 10, so the Golden Bears will probably be put to the test in the secondary early and often.

Prediction: Spartans 38 Golden Bears 24

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Alabama at Clemson (-5, 48 1/2) - There has been plenty of anticipation at both schools for this classic season opener. While Alabama is predicted to finish in the middle of the SEC pack, the Tigers of Clemson are eying a potential ACC crown and a BCS bowl appearance.

Last season, Clemson turned in a 9-4 season, with losses to Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Boston College and Auburn. The Crimson Tide was red-faced after closing out the season with four straight losses before rebounding for a win over Colorado in the Independence Bowl, but losing to Louisiana-Monroe and Miss. St. raised eyebrows and calls for coach Nick Saban's head. It's been a long time since even an SEC title at Alabama and this start is probably a bit too much to ask from a good, but not great, team. Clemson has all the tools and experience to start their season off with a resounding triumph.

Prediction: Tigers 34 Crimson Tide 17

Hawaii at Florida (-35, 71 1/2) - That's a real whopper of a line for the Rainbow Warriors, but after being trounced by Georgia in the Sugar Bowl to cap a 12-0 run with a thud. Hawaii graduated most of their starters, including QB Colt Brennan and their top four receivers. Defensively, they're nothing and won't be able to stand up to the offensive onslaught from the Gators. This is likely going to be one of those circled games, but Florida is almost sure to cover even if it goes to 40.

Prediction: Gators 56 Rainbow Warriors 6

All times Eastern - Click here for late games

Copyright 2008, 2009, Rick Gagliano, Downtown Magazine. All rights reserved. Downtown Magazine is located in the Uinted States of America and is not affiliated with the National Football League or the NCAA. For more information, contact us here. Use of this site is for entertainment purposes only.

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