There are still spots left in the pick 'em pool, so join in if you want to have a chance to win weekly $10 prizes and the $50 grand prize. Details are here, and the first game locks at 4:25 ET today.
In the meantime, here are my set of weekend picks. All spreads come from the pick 'em game. If you need a schedule complete with networks, broadcasters, and ESPN 3 links, try this one. (H/T ATVS)
Auburn (-23) over Utah State 42-17
I expect a slow start and a torrid finish for Auburn, but if they don't cover the 23-point spread, I'll bet it's more the defense's fault than the offense's.
Alabama (-38) over Kent State 45-3
A.J. McCarron or Phillip Sims? Doesn't matter for this weekend. Both should have no problems with the Kent State defense, which means the battle between them will keep lingering.
Ole Miss (+3) over BYU 27-24
Look for Kentrell Lockett to remind everyone why he was missed so badly last year. This is an upset by the point spread, but I'm not so sure I'd call it one.
Tennessee (-) over Montana 55-10
One thing I'm confident this year's Vols can do is blow out a team like Montana.
Arkansas (-) over Missouri State 43-7
The Hogs will have a few growing pains to get through in the first game, but look for them to unleash the howitzers next week.
Florida (-) over FAU 38-13
I have no idea what to expect from this one. As long as the Gators have more than 27 total yards through three quarters, it will be an improvement over last year's opener.
South Carolina (-20.5) over ECU 38-20
I have ECU covering that 20 point spread (and have since before the Connor Shaw announcement) because it throws the ball enough to cause problems for South Carolina. It's a bad matchup, though not bad enough to spring the upset. Let's see if Jadeveon Clowney lives up to the hype. He'll have plenty of pass rushing opportunities.
Vanderbilt (-) over Elon 33-10
This is another game that I have no idea what to expect. I just want to see a sign that Vandy has made some kind of progress. Just don't look dreadful, Commodores.
Oregon (-3.5) over LSU 23-17
I picked Oregon to win this game in the preseason, and I'm sticking to it given the hailstorm of distractions that hit LSU over the last month. However, this more and more feels like a Les Miles Magic game. LSU's D-line disrupts Oregon's offense all game, keeps it close, and then Les Miles takes a calculated risk that's actually only about half as risky as everyone says it it. That then flips the momentum and wins the game for the Tigers. We've seen it happen before.
Georgia (+3.5) over Boise State 17-14
I really think Boise State will have a tough time with Georgia's defense and especially the line. I don't think UGA will run up the score or anything, as Boise State's defense is pretty good too. In front of a favorable crowd with a size and athleticism edge, I like the Bulldogs to edge the Broncos.