NCAA College Football 2008 Week 1 Picks late games

NCAA College Football 2008 Week 1 Picks - late games

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Fearless Rick's College Football Week 1 Picks - Late Games

Rick Gagliano | August 30 - September 1

All times Eastern - Click here for early games.

Utah at Michigan (-3 1/2 42) - This will be one of the most-analyzed games of the season for two good reasons. 1. Rich Rodriguez takes over the Michigan coaching duties after a nasty departure from West Virginia and 2. the Utes figure to challenge for the Mountain West title.

Utah returns 8 starters from a solid offense, and 6 on defense, but they are deep and strong up front. Michigan lost starting QB Chad Henne, RB Michael Hart and both wideouts, which is probably for the best because Rodriguez is installing an entirely new offense. The Wolverines were only 9-4 last year, but really struggled for some wins even with senior starters.

An inexperienced squad learning a new offense is probably not quite the formula for success against a proven Utah team. This should be a tight game, but the Utes will emerge with a big victory.

Prediction: Utes 21 Wolverines 20

Illinois at Missouri (-8 1/2, 59 1/2) - The premier matchup of the entire opening weekend pits the Tigers against the Fighting Illini, both of which made BCS bowls last season. Missouri's only losses in their 12-2 record were to Oklahoma, while Illinois went 9-4 with losses to these Tigers, Iowa, Michigan and USC in the Rose Bowl.

The Illini lose the services of Rashard Mendenhall, who only rushed for 1681 yards, but they'll be an offensive force nevertheless. The QB duel between Illinois' Juice Williams and Mizzou's Chase Daniel should provide plenty of fireworks. Missouri won this game last year - also the season opener for both teams - 40-34, at Illinois. This one's at Missouri. This one's almost certain to go OVER the number, and those points are worth taking as the Illini back down from nobody.

Prediction: Tigers 38 Fighting Illini 35

Washington at Oregon (-13 1/2, 61) - The Huskies are going to improve over their 4-9 record in 2007 as QB Jake Locker matures, but they're probably not going to do it against the Ducks. Despite losing QB Dennis Dixon and RB Jonathan Stewart, the Ducks are probably going to be very good on offense, as their line returns intact and the defense isn't bad. The Huskies, on the other hand, allowed 31.6 points per outing last year and will probably approach that number again this season. The Ducks should wallop them. They won last season by a 55-34 score at Washington.

Prediction: Ducks 45 Huskies 21

USC (-19 1/2, 45 1/2) at Virginia - On paper, the Cavaliers look like a pretty good team. On the field, the Trojans look like an NFL team, especially on defense. Look for USC to make a real statement here and establish themselves as the West coast powerhouse again. The offense may miss some opportunities, and don't be surprised if the defense outscores them. They're that good.

Prediction: Trojans 31 Cavaliers 6

Virginia Tech (-9 1/2, 48) at East Carolina - This is the second straight year that the Hokies will open against the Pirates, an 8-5 team in 2007. Last season, VT took a 17-7 victory at home, but this season is going to be different, especially without the services of RB Brandon Ore and QB Sean Glennon.

While Tech may have the best special teams in the nation under Frank Beamer and an excellent defense, the offense will struggle here and prove overmatched. East Carolina topped Boise St. in their season finale and should be able to use that momentum - plus 16 returning starters - to turn in an exceptional effort and maybe an outright win.

Prediction: Pirates 21 Hokies 17

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Sunday, August 31

Colorado State at Colorado (-11, 59 1/2) - In one of two outright rivalry games, the Buffs host the Rams in a Rocky Mountain showdown. It's a tough way to start the season - against an in-state rival - and Colorado just barely got by last year, 31-28. While the Rams were only 3-9, their blowout losses were to respectable teams and the Buffs are just only that.

Look for Colorado to jam their big running backs down the Buffaloes throats repeatedly and for the Buffs to try to finesse their way to a win. A close call means take the points in a fierce rivalry.

Prediction: Buffaloes 27 Rams 21

Kentucky at Louisville (-3 1/2, 58 1/2) - This cross-border rivalry will bring out the best in both teams and the worst in the fans. Both teams are coming off disappointing seasons, though the Wildcats lost more than the Cardinals due to graduation of QB Andre Woodson, who was the entire offense. Louisville lost their starting QB, RB and both wideouts, but they have had players hungry to get starting time for the past few seasons and will be surprisingly sharp here. Also, Louisville's defense will be improved. A opening day win will ease some of the memories of last season's 6-6 record.

Prediction: Cardinals 34 Wildcats 27

Monday, Sept. 1

Fresno State at Rutgers (-5 1/2, 60 1/2) - Fresno State showed up on more than just a few preseason Top 25 lists as the Bulldogs appear to be the class of the WAC conference. Following a 9-4 campaign in 2007, the Bulldogs are returning 17 starters and looking for a potential BCS bid.

So, why is Rutgers nearly a TD favorite? Their defense was ranked #17 in the nation in 2007 and eight starters return. They are losing QB Mike Teel and rushing sensation Ray Rice, so they should be competitive here. Don't buy the points or the hype, however. Even though the Scarlet Knights are at home, they're not of the same caliber as Fresno.

Prediction: Bulldogs 37 Scarlet Knights 27

Tennessee (-7, 47) at UCLA - This is a rebuilding year for the Bruins as Rick Neuheisel takes over as head coach. UCLA finished the 2007 season 6-7 and this year may be worse as a load of graduations have decimated this program. Meanwhile the Vols are reloading after the Erik Ainge era. Jonathan Crompton will take over as QB in a retooled offense, and the defense should be able to handle whatever the Bruins have to offer. Despite the cross-country trip for Tennessee, this could turn into a mismatch in the second half as the bigger, stronger and more experienced Volunteers take it to the Bruins.

Prediction: Volunteers 31 Bruins 13

All times Eastern - Click here for early 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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Beat the NFL odds and college football lines with football picks from our experts. Winning NFL picks will help you easily beat the football odds this fall.