The first full day of the 2011 college football season gets underway Saturday and that means – for the sixth straight year – I can make a few college football picks on select games. There are not many worth picking considering all the cupcake matchups but there are a handfull worth taking a shot at.
No. 5 Boise State -3 vs. No.19 Georgia, Chick Fil A College Football Kickoff: This is one of two hyped games supposedly played on neutral fields Saturday night. I don't know how Atlanta is neutral when playing the Georgia Bulldogs, but that's the deal. I believe Georgia is overrated, ranked No. 19 after experiencing a losing 6-7 season in 2010. Boise State is loaded with Seniors who know how to play football. They have opened with ranked BCS opponents their last three openers, going 3-0 in three years beating Oregon, home and home, and Virginia Tech at Redskins Stadium in Landover, Maryland.
My Pick: Boise State -3
No. 3 Oregon vs. No. 4 LSU, Cowboy Classic: This game is the other one to be played on a neutral field, Dallas Cowboys' Stadium in Arlington, Texas. A great top-5 powerhouse matchup between Pac-12 and SEC teams. Oregon lost to Auburn in the BCS championship game and LSU has won a BCS title in the last five years. Oregon is favored by -3 1/2 at BetOnline.com. The last time the Ducks faced as athletic a defense as LSU was their only loss to Auburn. It will happen again.
My Pick: LSU +3 1/2
Troy at Clemson -16: The Tigers are notorious slow starters and traditionally play down to competition in openers. Troy will be overmatched but they will play a good game. I was leaning Troy ATS but I can't resist an Under play on the 56 total.
My Pick: UNDER 56
BYU -3 at Ole Miss: Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt is most dangerous as an underdog. The Black Bears (no longer Rebels) will be ready for this one and so will the packed stadium crowd. I like Ole Miss as a home underdog.
My Pick: Ole Miss +3
