Here is what I'm playing for Week 1:
UTEP -9.5 for 3 units - love this one especially since the Bulls are without their leading rusher Starks from last year. Early in the year I like looking at what teams have returning on both lines (had a great conversation with Cie Grant about this last week). Buffalo has 2 OL and 1 DL back while UTEP has 4 OL and 3 DL. So Buffalo has a Soph QB making his first career start on the road, with an inexperienced line and without a stud RB to take the pressure off of him. UTEP's weakness last year was their pass D, but it is supposed to be improved and it is hard to imagine them getting lit up in this scenario. I also really like UTEP's QB Vittatoe. He played pretty well last year and I think he will be getting some pub this year if UTEP has a decent season like they are capable of.
Colorado -10.5 for 3 units - CU's running game is a big one for this pick. The Buff's line and backfield (even though Stewart is out) should have a field day. CSU gave up over 5 yards a carry last year and they lost 5 of their front 7 starters on D. The only issue is Colorado's D which has quite a few question marks. However, CSU is breaking in a new starting QB and RB. I think Hawkins sends a message towards his "10 wins" remark and has the Buffs more than ready to put a beating on the Rams.
A couple of small plays, mainly going against a couple of Big East teams that will be down this year:
Rutgers -4.5 for 1 unit - They are banged up a bit, but Cincy's D is weak and they should be able to win by a TD at home.
Ohio +3.5 for 1 unit - there are decent expectations for the Bobcats this year, and I think they can start off with a nice upsset at home.
GL guys.
UTEP -9.5 for 3 units - love this one especially since the Bulls are without their leading rusher Starks from last year. Early in the year I like looking at what teams have returning on both lines (had a great conversation with Cie Grant about this last week). Buffalo has 2 OL and 1 DL back while UTEP has 4 OL and 3 DL. So Buffalo has a Soph QB making his first career start on the road, with an inexperienced line and without a stud RB to take the pressure off of him. UTEP's weakness last year was their pass D, but it is supposed to be improved and it is hard to imagine them getting lit up in this scenario. I also really like UTEP's QB Vittatoe. He played pretty well last year and I think he will be getting some pub this year if UTEP has a decent season like they are capable of.
Colorado -10.5 for 3 units - CU's running game is a big one for this pick. The Buff's line and backfield (even though Stewart is out) should have a field day. CSU gave up over 5 yards a carry last year and they lost 5 of their front 7 starters on D. The only issue is Colorado's D which has quite a few question marks. However, CSU is breaking in a new starting QB and RB. I think Hawkins sends a message towards his "10 wins" remark and has the Buffs more than ready to put a beating on the Rams.
A couple of small plays, mainly going against a couple of Big East teams that will be down this year:
Rutgers -4.5 for 1 unit - They are banged up a bit, but Cincy's D is weak and they should be able to win by a TD at home.
Ohio +3.5 for 1 unit - there are decent expectations for the Bobcats this year, and I think they can start off with a nice upsset at home.
GL guys.
