A Surprising Week in College Football

I must confess to feeling torn by the outcomes of last week's games.

On the one hand, I was disappointed by Arkansas' three–touchdown loss to Texas A&M — but after the Hogs lost the previous four to the Aggies, I can't say I was surprised.

I was surprised, though, by Tennessee's stunning come–from–behind victory over Florida as well as Ole Miss' rout of Georgia.

Perhaps the biggest surprise was LSU's decision to fire Les Miles following the Tigers' loss to Auburn. I know Auburn isn't regarded as a contender this year, but Auburn is not far removed from national championship seasons. Losing to Auburn is not a disgrace.

But it cost Miles his job. Now I'm not one of Miles' fans, but I'm not on board with that decision.

Thursday

• Connecticut at #6 Houston, 7 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: When these schools met for the first time last season, Houston barely got by, winning by three at home.
  
  I expect the Cougars to win by a lot more this time. I pick Houston.

Friday

• #7 Stanford at #10 Washington, 8 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: These schools are old familiar foes. They've played 85 times and Washington holds a one–game edge in the series.
  
  But Stanford has won seven of the last eight meetings — and four of the last five confrontations on Washington's field.
  
  Washington is a team of the Pac–12's future. Stanford is the team of its present. I pick Stanford.

Saturday

• Kentucky at #1 Alabama, 6 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: Kentucky has only beaten Alabama twice — ever — and neither came at Alabama.
  
  That's good enough for me. Alabama should prevail.
• Rutgers at #2 Ohio State: The Buckeyes have buried Rutgers the last two seasons.
  
  I expect no less this time. Ohio State will prevail.
• #3 Louisville at #5 Clemson, 7 p.m. (Central) on ABC: Without question, this is the marquee game of the week.
  
  They have played each other the last two seasons, and Clemson won both times — narrowly. The winner will undoubtedly be favored to participate in the national championship playoff.
  
  I'm not sure that picking either team would be an upset, but Clemson is probably a slight favorite simply being at home.
  
  But Louisville is a legitimate contender, and I will pick Louisville to win.
• #8 Wisconsin at #4 Michigan, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC: Michigan leads this series, but Wisconsin has won the last two meetings and is 4–2 against the Wolverines in the last six contests.
  
  But wins in the Big House are rare for the Badgers. I pick Michigan.
• #9 Texas A&M at South Carolina, 3 p.m. (Central) on SEC Network: The Aggies are 2–0 against South Carolina, and they bring a Top 10 ranking into the contest.
  
  More than that, though, I think the Aggies are legitimate contenders in the SEC. South Carolina is not. I pick Texas A&M.
• #11 Tennessee at #25 Georgia: The winner of this game will take the lead in the series.
  
  And, until last year, one would have given Georgia the advantage, having won the previous five in a row. But Tennessee will now try to do something it hasn't done in 10 years — win at Georgia.
  
  Can the Vols do it? I kinda think they can. I pick Tennessee.
• North Carolina at #12 Florida State, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: North Carolina has only beaten Florida State twice in 18 meetings — but one of those wins came last season.
  
  Can lightning strike twice? I don't really think so. I choose Florida State.
• #13 Baylor at Iowa State, 11 a.m. (Central) on FS1: Baylor has won six of the last eight meetings with Iowa State and should have no trouble winning this time. I take Baylor.
• #14 Miami (Fla.) at Georgia Tech, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN2: Miami has won six of the last seven against Tech — but the sole exception came at Georgia Tech two years ago.
  
  Strange things sometimes happen in the ACC, and I'm thinking strange things might happen in this game. I take Georgia Tech in an upset special.
• Illinois at #15 Nebraska, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN2: It was almost a year ago that the virtually unthinkable happened — Illinois beat Nebraska for the first time since 1924.
  
  That 1924 game also happens to be the last time Illinois beat Nebraska on the road. Will it happen again? I don't really think so. I pick Nebraska.
• Memphis at #16 Ole Miss: Ole Miss has a good football team. Memphis doesn't. It is just that simple.
  
  Ole Miss will win.
• #17 Michigan State at Indiana, 7 p.m. (Central) on Big Ten Network: If this was a basketball game, I would give Indiana more of a chance of winning.
  
  But Michigan State has won 16 of its last 18 football games against Indiana, and I see no reason to expect otherwise this time. I choose Michigan State.
• #18 Utah at California, 5 p.m. (Central) on Pac–12 Network: The series is tied, but the recent momentum has been with Utah.
  
  Cal can be tough at home, but I pick Utah to win.
• #19 San Diego State at South Alabama, 7 p.m. (Central) on ESPNews: These teams met for the first time last season, and San Diego State won by a touchdown.
  
  I think the margin will be wider this time. I pick San Diego State.
• Alcorn State at #20 Arkansas, 11 a.m. (Central) on SEC Network: With Alabama waiting just up the road, I don't expect Arkansas to let down in this one even though the Razorbacks are bound to be disappointed following last week's loss.
  
  Arkansas should prevail.
• Oklahoma at #21 TCU, 4 p.m. (Central) on Fox: As a youngster, I never would have expected TCU to be ranked and Oklahoma to not be ranked in October. Nevertheless ...
  
  Based on the rankings, this would be an upset so I will make it an upset special. Oklahoma will win.
• #22 Texas at Oklahoma State, 11 a.m. (Central) on ABC: Texas has won 80% of its meetings with OSU, but the Cowboys have had the upper hand of late, winning four of the last six, but those two losses came at Stillwater.
  
  Still, Texas has not been as impressive as expected after beating Notre Dame on Labor Day weekend.
  
  I take Oklahoma State.
• #23 Florida at Vanderbilt, 11 a.m. (Central) on SEC Network: Florida hasn't lost at Vanderbilt. In fact, Vandy has only beaten Florida once since then, going 1‐24.
  
  I see no other outcome. Florida will win.
• Utah State at #24 Boise State, 9:15 p.m. (Central) on ESPN2: Utah State snapped a 12–game losing streak against Boise State last week.
  
  Can Utah State make it two in a row? I doubt it. I pick Boise State.

Last week: 11–5

Overall: 62–19

Last week's upset specials: 1–1

Overall upset specials: 2–6

My Battle With Homerism

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It can be tempting, when one tries to predict the outcomes of sports events, to yield to the temptation to be a "homer" — to pick teams to which one may have some sort of connection — whether doing so makes sense or not.

I do generally try to resist such a temptation, but this week has presented me with a real test. My alma mater, the University of Arkansas, is playing Texas A&M on Saturday. Both teams are ranked so picking Arkansas is not regarded as much of an upset, I suppose.

As members of the Southwest Conference, they played each other regularly when I was growing up. Arkansas won most of the time, too, so beating the Aggies didn't seem like much of a big deal to me. But Arkansas has struggled against A&M since both have been members of the Southeastern Conference. Lately, it has been a very big deal.

I'm afraid I'm slipping into homerism this week. Read on.

Idle: #2 Ohio State, #15 Miami (Fla.), #21 Texas, #22 San Diego State, #25 Oklahoma

Thursday

• #5 Clemson at Georgia Tech, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: Clemson wins nearly two–thirds of the time against Georgia Tech and has won four of the last six.
  
  However, Georgia Tech has won the last five home games against the Tigers.
  
  Still, Clemson played for the national championship last year and may well do so again this year. I'll pick Clemson.

Friday

• Southern Cal at #24 Utah, 8 p.m. (Central) on FS1: Southern Cal is 8–2 against Utah, but the Trojans lost the last time they played at Salt Lake City.
  
  I think lightning will strike twice. Utah should win.

Saturday

• Kent State at #1 Alabama, 11 a.m. (Central) on SEC Network: Alabama hammered Kent the last time they played. No reason to expect anything different this time. Alabama should win easily.
• #3 Louisville at Marshall, 7 p.m. (Central) on CBSSN: Marshall has beaten Louisville four straight times, but their last meeting was in 2011, and Louisville leads the all–time series 10–5.
  
  I'm guessing Louisville will end its skid. I pick Louisville.
• Penn State at #4 Michigan, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC: Michigan leads the series 12–7 and has won the last two meetings.
  
  The rankings say Michigan is the better team, and I am inclined to agree. Besides, they're playing in the Big House. I pick Michigan.
• #6 Houston at Texas State, 6 p.m. (Central) on ESPNU: The Cougars are 27–1 in the series.
  
  Texas State was undefeated before losing to Arkansas last week. The losing streak will grow to two after this. Houston is the pick.
• #7 Stanford at UCLA, 7 p.m. (Central) on ABC: UCLA leads the series, but Stanford has won the last eight meetings.
  
  UCLA was punished by the polls for losing the opener to Texas A&M. Upsets always seem to happen in the Pac–12 in September. In an upset special I will take UCLA.
• #11 Wisconsin at #8 Michigan State, 11 a.m. (Central) on Big Ten Network: Michigan State leads the series and has won four of the last six meetings.
  
  I think this could be one of the better games of the weekend. Too bad it won't be available to most of the nation.
  
  I pick Michigan State at home.
• #9 Washington at Arizona: Washington wins 64% of the time and has won three of the last five encounters with Arizona.
  
  I've seen nothing to suggest that Arizona can win this game, but stranger things have happened. I pick Washington.
• #17 Arkansas at #10 Texas A&M, 8 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: Arkansas has won nearly 60% of the meetings between the two teams, but the Aggies have won the last four.
  
  As a proud Arkansas graduate, I would love to see the Razorbacks snap their losing skid against the Aggies and improve to 4–0. As I say, I'm going with my heart and not my head on this one. In what will probably be an upset special (the Hogs already have one of those this season, having beaten TCU in Fort Worth two weeks ago), I pick Arkansas to prevail.
• #12 Georgia at #23 Ole Miss, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN: Georgia has dominated the series and won the last 10 meetings.
  
  Ole Miss has played well in losing causes against Florida State and Alabama. Home field is so often the deciding factor in a football game, and I will take the home team, Ole Miss, to win in yet another upset special.
• #13 Florida State at South Florida, 11 a.m. (Central) on ABC: Florida State is 2–1 in the series and won the only previous meeting in Tampa.
  
  Florida State should win this time, too.
• #19 Florida at #14 Tennessee, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on CBS: As of 2005, the Volunteers led the all–time series, but the Gators beat the Vols in all 11 games played since then to seize control of the series.
  
  The historical momentum is with the Gators. I'm not sold on Tennessee. My choice is Florida.
• Oklahoma State at #16 Baylor, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on Fox: OSU leads the series, but Baylor has won three of the last four, including the last two meetings in Waco.
  
  This should be a pretty good game. Oklahoma State has been paying the price for losing a game the Cowboys never should have lost, and the Bears are unbeaten after facing a creampuff schedule.
  
  I think the Cowboys will be ready. It should be good. But I will pick Baylor at home.
• #18 LSU at Auburn, 5 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: LSU leads the series and has won seven of the last nine, including the last time the game was played at Auburn.
  
  Auburn has had some good teams in recent years. Not so much this year. I have to go with LSU.
• #20 Nebraska at Northwestern, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on Big Ten Network: Nebraska is 6–3 against Northwestern.
  
  Nebraska is one of those schools that just seems like it should be ranked every year. Northwestern has gained a reputation for being a giant killer of sorts. The Wildcats are at home.
  
  Still I will take Nebraska.

Last week: 15–6

Overall: 51–14

Last week's upset specials: 0–2

Overall upset specials: 1–5

Seems Like Old Times

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As I wrote last week, the Arkansas–TCU game brought back memories of the days when Arkansas routinely hammered TCU, and I said I was tempted to pick Arkansas to win for old times' sake.

As it turned out, I should have picked Arkansas. The Razorbacks won in double overtime.

I'm sure I wasn't the only one who picked TCU to win. But few were as happy to be wrong as I was. Now the Razorbacks should be undefeated when they face Texas A&M next week.

They're back in the Top 25 — and Razorback fans are in Hog Heaven.

Thursday

• #6 Houston at Cincinnati, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: The Cougars lead the all–time series, but Cincinnati has had the upper hand at home.
  
  Even so, I will take Houston.

Friday

• #21 Baylor at Rice, 7 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: This is the 81st meeting between these schools, and Baylor has won more than 61% of the time. The Bears hold the edge in games played at Rice, but the Bears have not been nearly as dominant there as they have been in Waco.
  
  Still, I will pick Baylor. The Bears' more challenging contests are yet to come.

Saturday

• #1 Alabama at #19 Ole Miss, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on CBS: A rematch of last year's Ole Miss triumph at Alabama. This time the Rebels are the home team.
  
  Ole Miss won the last time it hosted the Tide so Ole Miss is on a two–game winning streak. Historically, however, 'Bama wins more than 83% of the time.
  
  My guess is that Alabama will win this time.
• #2 Florida State at #10 Louisville, 11 a.m. (Central) on ABC: Florida State won its first 11 encounters with Louisville, then lost in 2002. The teams met again in 2014 and 2015 with Florida State starting a new winning streak.
  
  I expect the Seminoles to extend that streak. I pick Florida State.
• #3 Ohio State at #14 Oklahoma, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on FOX: These teams have met twice before, and the visiting team won both times.
  
  This has to be college football's heavyweight clash of the week.
  
  And this time I will take the home team to win. In what is probably an upset special, based on the rankings, the pick is Oklahoma.
• Colorado at #4 Michigan, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on Big Ten Network: These teams have met four times, but the last meeting was nearly 20 years ago.
  
  Michigan won three of those four previous contests and should have no trouble winning this. I will go with Michigan.
• South Carolina State at #5 Clemson, 11 a.m. (Central) on ACC Network: I know Clemson has struggled a bit lately, but i figure the Tigers should win this one easily.
  
  The pick is Clemson.
• Southern Cal at #7 Stanford, 7 pm. (Central) on ABC: This is an important early season Pac–12 match, and it is one that Southern Cal usually wins.
  
  Historically.
  
  Not so much lately, though. Stanford has won three–fourths of the time since Barack Obama has been president.
  
  The Trojans have yet to prove themselves so I will pick Stanford.
• Portland State at #8 Washington, 7 p.m. (Central) on Pac–12 Network: This really shouldn't be much of a contest.
  
  I choose Washington.
• Georgia State at #9 Wisconsin, 11 a.m. (Central) on Big Ten Network: The first meeting between these schools should not be close.
  
  Wisconsin will win.
• #11 Texas at California, 9:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: Texas won its first five meetings with Cal, then lost when they played in Austin last year.
  
  That was then. The Longhorns have more swagger this year. I choose Texas.
• #12 Michigan State at #18 Notre Dame, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on NBC: Michigan State hasn't won at Notre Dame since 2007.
  
  All streaks must end, and I think that one will end this weekend. Michigan State will prevail.
• North Dakota State at #13 Iowa, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN2: This is the first–ever meeting between these two schools.
  
  Iowa should have no trouble.
• Ohio at #15 Tennessee, 11 a.m. (Central) on SEC Network: In the schools' only previous meeting, Tennessee won by 11 in 2009.
  
  Tennessee didn't look too good against Appalachian State a couple of weeks ago. So I'm going to make Ohio an upset special.
• #16 Georgia at Missouri, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on SEC Network: Georgia has won four of the five all–time meetings and is undefeated at Missouri.
  
  That is one streak that should not end this week. I pick Georgia to win.
• #17 Texas A&M at Auburn, 6 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: The history of this series has been that the home team loses.
  
  I'll go with that trend and pick Texas A&M.
• Mississippi State at #20 LSU, 6 p.m. (Central) on ESPN2: LSU has beaten Mississippi State about two–thirds of the time, but the Bulldogs won the last time they played in Baton Rouge.
  
  It was the first time in a quarter of a century that Mississippi State won at LSU. MSU fans should savor that. It may not happen for another quarter of a century.
  
  The pick is LSU.
• #22 Oregon at Nebraska, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC: Nebraska has won five of the six previous meetings with Oregon, but the schools haven't met in 30 years.
  
  Times have changed. I have to go with Oregon.
• North Texas at #23 Florida, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPNU: I got my master's degree at North Texas, and I would love to see the Mean Green win this one.
  
  Not gonna happen. I have to pick Florida.
• Texas State at #24 Arkansas, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on SEC Network: I think this is the first meeting ever between Arkansas and Texas State.
  
  After last week's win, there could be a letdown, but I don't think there will be. I pick Arkansas.
• #25 Miami (Fla.) at Appalachian State, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN2: Now we will find out if Appalachian State's near–win at Tennessee was a fluke or not.
  
  For whatever reason, Appalachian State is the home team in this one. I don't think that will matter, though. I pick Miami to win.

Last week: 19–4

Overall: 36–8

Last week's upset specials: 0–2

Overall upset specials: 1–3

Off to a Flying Start

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In general, I have to be pleased with my first week of college football predictions. I got one of my upset specials and, for awhile, it looked like I might get both. The other ones I missed were outcomes that most people probably missed — Houston over Oklahoma, Texas over Notre Dame, Texas A&M over UCLA — so it's hard to feel bad about those predictions.

Last week is already being called the greatest opening weekend in college football history, but we don't have much of an encore this week. There are no games between ranked teams this week, and most look like the ranked team should beat the unranked one with ease. After all, every ranked team that is in action this week is playing at home — except for #13 Louisville in tonight's game at Syracuse.

There are a couple of exceptions. Virginia Tech is unranked, but the Hokies seem likely to give #17 Tennessee a run for its money. And I hope that my alma mater, Arkansas, is competitive with #15 TCU.

But I have to be realistic about that last one. Maybe Arkansas is good enough to challenge TCU, but the Razorbacks haven't proven that yet, especially not in the wake of last week's 21–20 win over Louisiana Tech. On the other hand, TCU got past South Dakota State by 59–41. No defense in that one.

Idle: #7 Stanford, #12 Michigan State

Friday

• #13 Louisville at Syracuse, 7 p.m. (Central) on ESPN2: From 1985 to 2005, these teams faced each other about once every five years on average. But they have met every year since 2005, and this will be their 15th meeting overall. Louisville leads the all–time series 8–6.
  
  Syracuse could knot the record at home with a win, but Syracuse has fallen on hard times. I'm inclined to pick Louisville.

Saturday

• Western Kentucky at #1 Alabama, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN2: These teams have met twice before, and Alabama won both by a combined score of 76–7.
  
  Clearly this is a payday for Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers have no thoughts of winning. That's good because they won't. I take Alabama.
• Troy at #2 Clemson, 11:30 a.m. on ACC Network: Clemson won its only previous meeting with Troy in 2011 by a score of 43–19.
  
  Clemson struggled at times with Auburn the other night, but I figure the Tigers will have plenty in the tank when they take on Troy. Clemson should win.
• Charleston Southern at #3 Florida State, 11:30 a.m. (Central) on ACC Network: There really isn't much to say about this one. Florida State appears to have one of the best teams in the country, and the Seminoles are playing at home, where they hardly ever lose.
  
  I am convinced Florida State will win this one.
• Tulsa at #4 Ohio State, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC: This is the first meeting between these schools, but Ohio State is a lot like Florida State in the sense that the Buckeyes appear to have one of the best teams in the land and they're playing at home. Need I say more?
  
  I choose Ohio State.
• Central Florida at #5 Michigan, 11 a.m. (Central) on ABC: Like the Tulsa–Ohio State game, this is the first meeting between these schools.
  
  Michigan is tough to beat at home, and I doubt that Central Florida is up to it. I pick Michigan.
• Lamar at #6 Houston, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN3: Seeing Houston beat Oklahoma last week reminded me of when I was young and Houston joined the Southwest Conference. No one thought much of the Cougars then — then they emerged as one of the nation's best teams for several years.
  
  The same thing might be happening now. Houston has leaped into the Top 10 with its win over Oklahoma, and I really don't think Lamar can stop Houston's momentum.
  
  I choose Houston.
• Idaho at #8 Washington, 4 p.m. (Central) on Pac 10 Network: Washington has dominated this series, winning 27 of 28 games (the other one was a tie back in 1938). All 28 games have been played at Washington — as will the 29th tomorrow.
  
  I have heard nothing to suggest that it will change. I pick Washington.
• Nicholls State at #9 Georgia, 11 a.m. (Central) on SEC Network: I'm not entirely sure about the Bulldogs, but I am sure they can handle Nicholls State.
  
  My pick is Georgia.
• Akron at #10 Wisconsin, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on Big Ten Network: Wisconsin won the previous two meetings between these schools, but the scores weren't lopsided. The average score in those games was Wisconsin 43, Akron 24.
  
  That's decisive but not lopsided. Sounds like a likely outcome for this game. I choose Wisconsin.
• Texas–El Paso at #11 Texas, 6 p.m. (Central) on the Longhorn Network: These teams have played twice, once in El Paso. The Longhorns won both times, averaging 53 points to UTEP's 10.
  
  Sounds about right. I pick Texas.
• Louisiana–Monroe at #14 Oklahoma: After last week's season–opening loss, the Sooners are apt to be surly.
  
  OU won its only meeting with Louisiana–Monroe three years ago. The score on that occasion was 34–0. Wouldn't surprise me if the Sooners doubled that.
  
  Oklahoma is clearly the pick.
• Arkansas at #15 TCU, 6 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: When I was a child, Arkansas never lost to TCU. Never. Then it happened once. It seldom happened again while the Hogs and the Frogs were in the same conference.
  
  This will be the 69th time these schools have faced each other in football — but the first time as nonconference foes since 1921. The Hogs have won nearly two–thirds of the time — but much has changed in the 25 years since their last encounter. This time, TCU is the team that is ranked. Arkansas is not. In the old days, the Razorbacks were ranked more often than not — and TCU was winless, again more often than not.
  
  I'm tempted to pick Arkansas as an upset special — for old times' sake. But that was then, and this is now. I have to pick TCU.
• Iowa State at #16 Iowa, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on Big Ten Network: This will be the 62nd edition of this battle Iowa football dominance. Since 1977, the winner has received the Cy–Hawk Trophy.
  
  Iowa leads the series by more than 2 to 1, but Iowa State has won three of the last five meetings — including the last two times the game was played at Iowa.
  
  Based on recent history, I will make Iowa State my upset special.
• Virginia Tech vs. #17 Tennessee, 7 p.m. (Central) on ABC: Tennessee leads this series 3–2, but the teams have split their two encounters at neutral sites.
  
  Tennessee didn't look good against Appalachian State last week, so I will make Virginia Tech my second upset special.
• Nevada at #18 Notre Dame, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on NBC: These teams actually played each other once — in South Bend in 2009. The Irish won 35–0.
  
  Anyone want to bet Notre Dame blanks Nevada again? The pick is Notre Dame.
• Wofford at #19 Ole Miss, 3 p.m. (Central) on SEC Network: Ole Miss looked pretty good at Florida State — and should look even better in the home opener.
  
  The Rebels won't lose this one. I choose Ole Miss.
• Prairie View A&M at #20 Texas A&M, 11 a.m. (Central) on SEC Network: If UCLA couldn't win at Kyle Field, why would Prairie View?
  
  This is a no–brainer. Texas A&M will win.
• Jacksonville State at #21 LSU, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPNU: Another huge mismatch. LSU lost on the road last week. The Tigers, though, haven't lost a nonconverence game at home since 2002.
  
  They won't lose this time, either. The pick is LSU.
• Central Michigan at #22 Oklahoma State, 11 a.m. (Central) on FS1: This has to be the most uninspiring Top 25 schedule I have ever seen.
  
  Oklahoma State should win easily.
• SMU at #23 Baylor, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on FS1: This is an old Southwest Conference rivalry. It will be the 82nd meeting between these schools, and the all–time series has been quite close. Baylor has 38 wins, SMU has 36, and there have been seven ties.
  
  SMU hasn't beaten Baylor since 1986, the year before SMU began serving the "death penalty."
  
  That is a 12–game winning streak for the Bears. I expect Baylor to make it 13 in a row.
• Virginia at #24 Oregon, 9:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: In their only previous meeting, Oregon crushed Virginia 59–10 on Virginia's home turf. That was three years ago.
  
  This time Oregon is at home. I have to pick Oregon.
• Florida Atlantic at #25 Miami (Fla.), 5 p.m. (Central) on ACC Network: In two previous meetings Miami emerged as a solid winner both times.
  
  No change. I pick Miami.

Last week: 17–4

Overall: 17–4

Last week's upset specials: 1–1

Overall upset specials: 1–1

And We're Back

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The return of the college football season always puts me in mind of my college days at the University of Arkansas.

I lived off campus, but I lived close enough to walk to my classes — unless the weather was just dreadful, and the weather in Fayetteville certainly could be rough, especially in the winter. In late August and early September, of course, inclement weather was not an issue.

I can remember walking through the campus in the afternoons and hearing the sound of pads slapping into each other from the football stadium at the bottom of the hill. If the Razorbacks were scheduled to play at home that weekend, campers started appearing on that hill around Wednesday, and retired alumni could be seen socializing around town at night and sitting in front of their campers by day.

I usually had a ticket to home games, and I enjoyed walking to them and then walking home when they were over. I often figured that I got home before most fans got out of the stadium parking lot. That was good, especially late in the season when it was frequently cold and wet.

Ah, those were the days, my friend.

It isn't as mild in Dallas at this time of year as it tended to be in Fayetteville, but I still feel a sense of continuity when football season begins again. The first ranked teams will be in action tonight.

Today

• Appalachian State at #9 Tennessee, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on SEC Network: You'd think that these schools, located in neighboring states, would have played each other at least once over the years, but this season opener will be a series opener for them.
  
  They've never met before, though, and, at this point in the season, all you really have to go by is head–to–head history. But we don't even have that.
  
  I think Tennessee may be overrated, but the Vols are almost sure to win a game at home against Appalachian State. My pick is Tennessee.
• Charlotte at #19 Louisville, 6 p.m. (Central) on ESPN3: See above for the same reasoning and prediction. Louisville should win.

Friday

• Kansas State at #8 Stanford, 8 p.m. (Central) on FS1: And yet one more first–time match. This one, though, matches two teams with recent reputations for success in football. K–State may not be ranked, but it is never wise to underestimate a Bill Snyder–coached team.
  
  I don't think that Stanford is overrated. Neither do I think Stanford will duplicate last season's surprising season–opening loss to unranked Northwestern. I must take Stanford.
• Furman at #12 Michigan State, 6 p.m. (Central) on Big Ten Network: This is most likely a payday for Furman. No expectation of coming away with a win. That is what Michigan State will get out of this game.
• Northwestern State at #23 Baylor: Offseason turmoil has raised many questions about the Baylor program.
  
  Those questions won't be resolved in this game, but Baylor should have enough left, even after defections and coaching changes, to win.

Saturday

• #20 Southern Cal vs. #1 Alabama, 7 p.m. (Central) on ABC: These programs have met seven times, twice in bowls, but this is their first meeting in more than 30 years.
  
  Southern Cal beat Bear Bryant twice, both times in Birmingham, which is the only place USC has ever beaten Alabama. This game will be played in Arlington, Texas.
  
  Right now, Alabama is the defending national champion, and the Crimson Tide should remain #1 until they lose. I'm not inclined to think they will lose this game, although Alabama's victory margin might be small.
• #2 Clemson at Auburn, 8 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: These teams first played when Teddy Roosevelt was in the White House. They don't meet every year, but they have played 48 times in all, and Auburn has been the winner more than 70% of the time.
  
  However, Clemson has won the last two meetings — in 2011 and 2012 — so I suppose the momentum is with Clemson. But few, if any, of the players on either side were on the rosters when the teams last met on Sept. 1, 2012.
  
  Clemson is coming off a losing appearance in the national championship game. Auburn was 7–6 last year. They had two common opponents and went 1–1 against them. They both beat Louisville and both lost to Alabama. Auburn beat Louisville by seven points; Clemson beat Louisville by three. But Clemson only lost to Alabama by five points whereas Auburn lost the Iron Bowl by 16 points.
  
  I'll take Clemson.
• #5 LSU vs. Wisconsin, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC: These schools have met three times, most recently in 2014 when LSU prevailed in Houston. This one is at a neutral site, too, but it's much closer to the University of Wisconsin — fabled Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
  
  The schools' only common opponent last year was Alabama — and both lost to the eventual national champions. Wisconsin lost by 18 points; LSU lost by 14.
  
  Not much else to go by. Judging by the rankings, LSU is the better team, but Wisconsin should have homefield advantage. As an upset special, I will take Wisconsin.
• Bowling Green at #6 Ohio State, 11 a.m. (Central) on Big Ten Network: This is the fifth time these schools have faced each other — most recently 10 years ago. Ohio State has won all four of the previous matches, which, like this year's edition, were played at Ohio State.
  
  I have no reason to expect a different outcome this year. Ohio State is the pick.
• Hawaii at #7 Michigan, 11 a.m. (Central) on ESPN: These schools have met twice before, both times in Hawaii, and the Wolverines won both games. This time they're meeting in the Big House.
  
  Michigan should win easily.
• South Dakota State at #13 TCU: It's hard to imagine the Horned Frogs losing at home, especially to someone like South Dakota State.
  
  Stranger things have happened, but I still expect TCU to prevail.
• Rutgers at #14 Washington, 1 p.m. (Central) on Pac–12 Network: This is the first–ever meeting between these schools.
  
  Rutgers has had a reputation for beating big–name opponents, but it's hard to travel three time zones and be at your best.
  
  I pick Washington.
• #3 Oklahoma vs. #15 Houston, 11 a.m. (Central) on ABC: I know that Houston had a good season last year, but let's face a few facts here.
  
  Oklahoma plays in a power conference. Houston does not.
  
  Oklahoma played in the national playoffs last year. Houston did not.
  
  Oklahoma is a big favorite to return to the playoffs. Houston is not — even if the Cougars go undefeated.
  
  Of course, that could change if Houston wins this game. The teams have met twice, and Oklahoma won both times. They first met in the Sun Bowl on the day after Christmas in 1981. Their second meeting was in Norman in 2004.
  
  This isn't exactly a home game for Houston, but it's close. The game will be played at NRG Stadium, home of the NFL's Houston Texans, who barely existed the last time the Sooners faced the Cougars.
  
  I don't think the location matters, though. The Cougars may well be the better team, but they'll have to prove it, and until they do I take Oklahoma.
• #16 UCLA at Texas A&M, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on CBS: These schools have met four times before, and each team has won twice. They haven't met since New Year's Day 1998 in the Cotton Bowl. The Bruins won on that occasion.
  
  Texas A&M hasn't beaten UCLA since 1951, and they have never played in College Station before so this game will be a first. I'm going to pick UCLA to extend its all–time winning streak over the Aggies to three games.
• Miami (Ohio) at #17 Iowa, 2:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPNU: These teams have faced each other three times, and Iowa has won all three. Still it has been 13 years since their last meeting. The players for each team were barely in elementary school the last time they played.
  
  I have no special reason for this pick other than rankings and general reputations. I pick Iowa.
• #18 Georgia vs. #22 North Carolina, 4:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: These schools once played each other frequently, but they haven't met since the Gator Bowl on New Year's Eve 1971.
  
  Historically, Georgia usually wins this game. In fact, North Carolina hasn't beaten Georgia since 1963 — three weeks before the Kennedy assassination.
  
  The rankings suggest this will be a good game, and I hope it is. But I'm going to take Georgia because, well, as I say, Georgia usually beats North Carolina (even if they haven't played each other in 45 years).
• Southeastern Louisiana at #21 Oklahoma State: I have no special reason for this pick, either, except for where the game is being played — and the host team's identity.
  
  I pick Oklahoma State.
• UC–Davis at #24 Oregon, 4 p.m. (Central) on Pac–12 Network: This is clearly one of those games that is meant to be nothing more than a scrimmage for the home team.
  
  Got to take Oregon.
• Massachusetts at #25 Florida, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on SEC Network: This is another first–time meeting. I'm not sold on the Gators, but I know that UMass isn't a football school.
  
  Actually, this would have been a great match in basketball at one time.
  
  But this is football and, while I'm not sold on the Gators, I still have to take Florida at home.

Sunday

• #10 Notre Dame at Texas, 6:30 p.m. (Central) on ABC: I can remember a time when this was a national championship–caliber match. In fact, there was a time when it really was a national championship game — played in the Cotton Bowl, of all places.
  
  This one won't be played in the Cotton Bowl, and it isn't for the national title. But that Cotton Bowl on New Year's Day 1970 was the last time Texas beat Notre Dame. The Irish have beaten the 'Horns five straight times since then, including two subsequent Cotton Bowls, one of which cost Texas a national title. Paybacks really are hell.
  
  I expect Notre Dame to make it six in a row.

Monday

• #11 Ole Miss at #4 Florida State, 7 p.m. (Central) on ESPN: It has been nearly 55 years since the only other time these schools met.
  
  Ole Miss won that one, 33–0, a year before the legendary Johnny Vaught coached the Rebels to a national championship.
  
  I don't know if either of these schools will be playing for the national championship when this season is over, but this game might be the best one of the opening weekend. I ought to take Florida State — if only because the Seminoles are at home, and they haven't lost at home since 2012.
  
  The Rebels, on the other hand, lose on the road about as often as they win — but last year they pulled off one of the big surprises of the season when they won at Alabama for only the second time — ever.
  
  Will lightning strike twice (in a manner of speaking)? In my second upset special, I pick Ole Miss.