JALMOND wrote:Well, the season is once again ready to go. As most of you know, I'll list my predictions on Wednesday except when there is a Thursday game, where they will come out on Monday. Another point of reference, the Big Sky schools will be referenced by their abbreviation (EWU, MSU, except Sacramento State will be referenced as Sac St) and other out of conference schools will be spelled out. Week 1 predictions. Last year I only missed 16 games all year. Hopefully I can do better. Here they are...
EWU at Washington---A step up for the Eagles to the Pac-12, but a friendly game against their big instate brother. A great way to jumpstart the excitement of defending the national title. The Eagle fans are hoping for a return to the title game, but more importantly, they are hoping for a great performance in Seattle. However, Washington is poised for a breakthrough year of their own and will be willing to put "little brother" in their place, back on the prairie...Washington 38, EWU 14.
ISU at Washington State---The first game in what the Bengals are hoping is a reversal of fortune. A good place to start is with the Pac-12 doormat, Washington State. There may be a time when this matchup will be competitive, there may be a time when the Bengals can stay with Washington State, there may be a time when the Bengals can think they have a shot against other FBS teams. But that time is not now...Washington State 41, ISU 7.
UM at Tennessee---There is an excellent chance that not only will the Grizzlies play this game in front of more people that can fit in Wash-Griz, but they may play in front of more people than in the whole city of Missoula. Can the Grizzlies handle it, probably. Can they win the game? Probably not...Tennessee 38, UM 14.
MSU at Utah---This Thursday night game is interesting. Utah will be hoping for a good showing in their first game as a Pac-12 member. The Bobcats still remember their game against fellow Pac-12 member Washington State last year, a game they should have won. Chances are, given that same situation, the Bobcats won't make that same mistake. But chances are this game won't have the same situation...Utah 38, MSU 16.
NAU at Arizona---Another matchup with the Pac-12, this time the Lumberjacks head south to play Arizona in their every other year series with their big brothers in Tucson. One year they play Arizona, the next year they play Arizona State. Never in Flagstaff, always on the big stage, and always the same result...Arizona 41, NAU 17.
Lindewood, Mo at UNC---In times of breaking in a new coach and a new system, the Bears have reached down to the NAIA level and scheduled a small school from Missouri. In time, the Bears will advance to better opponents and hopefully will be ready for them. Meanwhile, here's hoping this game will prepare them and not get away from them...UNC 21, Lindenwood 10.
Southern Oregon at PSU---Year 2 after Glanville for the Vikings and a ton of returnees back. Also, the Vikings toned down their schedule and do not open with an FBS opponent for the first time since 2008, welcoming NAIA Southern Oregon as their first opponent in refurbished Jeld-Wen Field. Will the new setup work this year? Will the ambiance of the new stadium? Will the returning players? This week it will. The rest of the year? Hmmm...PSU 34, Southern Oregon 20.
Sac State at Oregon State---The Hornets are hoping for a great year and may have caught a break as news from Oregon State is that they can't seem to stay healthy. Luck may finally be on the Hornets' side and this could be the start of something. The thing is, even with the injuries, Oregon State still has depth enough to handle the Hornets...Oregon State 34, Sac State 7.
WSU at Wyoming---Year 1 of the post Higgins era and the Wildcats have to step up to the Mountain West conference with a game at Wyoming, who is not exactly the elite of the Mountain West even without Utah and BYU. The Wildcats of years past could probably stay with Wyoming, maybe even throw a scare in them. But this is not the same team as in the past...Wyoming 31, WSU 7.
Much more competitive than I thought. 7-2 for the week which isn't what I thought. Also, I came a whisker away from being much worse. Need to get better. Congrats Sac State, and da Bears are on my list.
I wonder if, when he said that, he realized UNC IS Division I football. 
