College Football is Back!

Seven months. Debacle after debacle. But finally, the wait is over. College football is back! In the offseason we saw the struggles of big-time programs such as Oregon and Ohio State, while LSU watched multiple players work their way into trouble with the law. And Miami, once widely considered a top football program in the country, finds itself facing what could turn into the death penalty. But none of that matters now because on Thursday teams put on pads and take the field for what is sure to be another year filled with on-field drama and excitement. Week one puts some interesting match-ups on the field. If you only have time to watch a few, here are my games to watch.
1. Akron @ #18 Ohio State - Saturday, noon Eastern Time
At first glance, this game looks like an easy win for Ohio State. But factor in natural first-game jitters to go along with the Buckeyes playing their first game without either Coach Jim Tressel or Quarterback Terrelle Pryor along with a multitude of other suspended players. Fortunately for them, they are scheduled against an Akron team that finished 1-11 last season. It will be important for Ohio State to move the ball early and often and boost their confidence. I predict a closer game than most would suggest, with Ohio State pulling away late.
Final Score: 31-10 Ohio State
2. #3 Oregon vs. #4 LSU- Saturday, 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, in Dallas, TX
The first prime time game of the year features the "We Got Busted Bowl". Oregon has to come out and prove that last year was not a fluke and put all the distractions of the offseason behind them. LaMichael James has to remind the world why he is a Heisman candidate, while Darron Thomas has to prove that his name should be on that short list as well. LSU has a bit of a different problem. With many of there players in trouble with the law, they will be quite short-handed. One can only imagine the nightmares Head Coach Les Miles will have Friday night. Even with his full roster, Oregon was going to be tough to beat. Now without Jordan Jefferson, the Tigers have to prepare Jarrett Lee for what will likely be the toughest game of his career. Unfortunately for the Tigers, Oregon will have too much star power. The Ducks will go up big, early and the game will be over by halftime.
Final Score: 51-17 Oregon
3. #5 Boise State @ #19 Georgia - Saturday, 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Finally Boise State has a real challenge on their schedule. I promise you that this will be the game on my TV when Saturday night rolls around. Kellen Moore has a lot to prove without big-time target Austin Pettis but there's a reason the Broncos are always competitive. Georgia has the advantage of being able to play with much less pressure knowing that they line up against a tough team every week. Boise knows that if they blow this one their season is over early. With that being said, Chris Peterson undoubtedly has his Bronco squad primed and ready for battle making this the best match-up this week. I predict this game to go down to the wire with the Broncos kicking a field goal as time expires to win this game and keep their BCS Buster hopes alive.
Final Score: 17-16 Boise State
These are only a few of the fantastic match-ups to open the season. But as we have seen in the past, any game can end up a good one and do not be surprised to see a good team fall early. My final word: Upset watch of the week: Notre Dame

4 Stories to Watch

With most teams floating around 30 games left in there season, many teams have seemingly locked up playoff spots. While few questions remain about who will be playing when October rolls around, there are many story lines to follow.
1. How much longer can the Brewers play at their current pace?
It is nearly impossible for any team to perform as the Colorado Rockies did in 2007, winning 14 of 15 games to make the playoffs before winning their next seven to earn a trip to the World Series. But in the month of August, the Milwaukee Brewers have been putting on their best Colorado impersonation, coming into today's action with a 19-5 record on the month. Right now, this team is showing no signs of slowing down either. The Brew Crew seems primed and ready for their first playoff appearance since 1982 as they have extended their division lead to 9.5 games over the Cardinals. With the pitching staff Milwaukee has assembled led by Yovani Gallardo, Zack Greinke, and Shaun Marcum, this team can hang with anybody. But the Brewers are powered by more than just their arms, they are powered with...power. Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun are both absolute superstars and Cory Hart, Rickie Weeks, and a finally performing Casey McGehee pack a lot of pop. Combined, the five have launched 101 home runs this season. And that is with McGehee hitting only 10 after hitting 23 a year ago. Watch for the Brewers to not only continue at their current pace, watch for the to be playing in a World Series for the first time in 29 years.
2. The battle for the NL West crown
It really is time people stop ripping on the National League West. The Arizona Diamondbacks have a 3 game lead over the defending champion San Francisco Giants but this season is far from over for either team. Do not be fooled, the Dbacks have absolutely turned things around from last season and they are for real, but if they want any chance to win the division they need to grow their lead now. San Francisco has one of the best rotations in the National League but their offense is seriously struggling and their bullpen is waring thin. All-Star Closer Brian Wilson is only one of four Giant relievers to be on the Disabled List but he is the biggest name. The Giants are in serious trouble, but this race is going to the wire.
3. Can the Indians fight their way back into a race with the Detroit Tigers
Cleveland made headlines for the first time since "The Decision" with the Indians hot start to the season. But since then, the Tigers have showed their dominance and hold a 6.5 game lead to show for it. The Indians have the pieces after their acquisitions of Ubaldo Jimenez and Jim Thome to go along with Justin Masterson, Josh Tomlin, Asdrubal Cabrera, and Carlos Santana. The Indians will cut the deficit but the Tigers should have just too much to be denied.
4. Can the Angels win the AL West
Simple answer: No. Real answer: Maybe. Although the Rangers are more talented, they have done absolutely nothing to distance themselves from the Angels. This season has been filled with Texas building a lead, and the Angels cutting into the lead. Of course one would expect the Rangers talent to win out and it very likely will but theres no telling what could happen in this one.
Clearly, the last month of the season provides some interesting story lines. Only time will tell just how all of these scenarios will play out. But here are my predictions for the way the season ends.
AL West: Rangers                                                   AL Central: Tigers
AL East: Red Sox                                                   AL Wild Card: Yankees
NL West: Giants                                                     NL Central: Brewers
NL East: Phillies                                                      NL Wild Card: Braves
ALCS: Red Sox over Yankees (6 games)   NLCS: Brewers over Phillies (7 games)
                                         World Series: Brewers over Red Sox (6 games)