Fox Sports Early Game Handicapped Projections

[Master Capper]

Saturday, September 4 - Oregon State at LSU
The defending national champions start off with a tougher game than many will expect. Season openers are always the toughest to call since there aren't any preseason tune ups to get everything in sync, so experience and defense are both important. LSU will be breaking in a new quarterback while Oregon State will hope QB Derek Anderson can use his senior leadership to somehow overcome the great Tiger defense. While Oregon State needs to replace too many skill players to win, the Beaver defense will give LSU some major issues and keep it close.
Predicted score in August: LSU 23 ... Oregon State 13
Oasis Casino Line: LSU -17

Saturday, September 11th - Michigan at Notre Dame
Notre Dame wants revenge after last year's 38-0 debacle against the Wolverines. It won't happen. While Michigan doesn't have Chris Perry to thunder over the Irish defense, it does have the defensive back seven to give Irish QB Brady Quinn a nightmare of an afternoon. Without nearly enough talent to beat Big Blue, Ty Willingham's club will have to find more magic than ever to keep this from being another blowout. Expect at least one pick six from the Michigan secondary.
Predicted score in August: Michigan 31 ... Notre Dame 17
Oasis Casino Line: Michigan -4


Saturday, September 11th - Texas at Arkansas
Arkansas pulled of one of the shockers of the early part of the 2003 season with a 38-28 win at Texas. This is a far different Hog team without nearly the experience that last year's power had. On paper Texas should win by three touchdowns, but never underestimate the ability of a Mack Brown team to underachieve and never assume a Houston Nutt team will roll over and die at home. The Longhorns will win only because Arkansas will need a few more games to jell.
Predicted score in August: Texas 27 ... Arkansas 17
Oasis Casino Line: Texas -10.5

Saturday, September 18th - Nebraska at Pittsburgh
Everyone wants to see the Nebraska passing attack and this will be the first road test. The secondary will be one of Pittsburgh's strengths, so the Corn Coast offense could have a few problems if the running game isn't loosening things up against the soft Panther front seven. Fortunately for Bill Callahan, the Husker defense will be more than good enough to overcome the Panthers' home field advantage.
Predicted score in August: Nebraska 24 ... Pittsburgh 20
Oasis Casino Line: Nebraska -3

Saturday, September 18th - Notre Dame at Michigan State
The Spartans were able to beat the Irish 22-16 in South Bend last year and have the team to make it two straight. Notre Dame ends Justin Tuck and Victor Abiamiri will bother the new MSU quarterback, most likely Drew Stanton, forcing him to rush his throws and hurt the timing of the offense. The Spartan secondary has to prove it can stop someone after allowing 255 yards per game last year, so Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn could have a big day. Even so, the Spartans will win thanks to the home field and special teams advantage.
Predicted score in August: Michigan State 24 ... Notre Dame 20
Oasis Casino Line: Michigan State -3


Saturday, September 18th - LSU at Auburn
While this is only a September 18th game it still might determine the SEC West outcome in a rematch of the LSU 31-7 destruction of Auburn last year. This year is going to be the revenge game as senior QB Jason Campbell will make just enough plays to keep the LSU defense honest so Carnell Williams and the running game can go to work. Auburn can't win if Campbell doesn't play one of the best games of his career. He will making the SEC race wide open.
Predicted score in August: Auburn 17 ... LSU 13
Oasis Casino Line: LSU -1.5

Saturday, September 18th - Florida at Tennessee
Much has been made about the road team winning the last four games in this series so it's tempting to think Ron Zook's Florida team will come up with the win over the Vols in Knoxville. Florida won't have the defense early on to take advantage of what will be a struggling Tennessee passing attack, but the Gator offense won't be able to do much against the Volunteer defensive front seven.
Predicted score in early August: Tennessee 23 ... Florida 17
Oasis Casino Line: Tennessee -3.5

Saturday, September 18th - Oregon at Oklahoma
Oregon has a chance to get its program back to elite status with a win in Norman. Unfortunately for the Ducks the secondary won't have a prayer of slowing down Jason White and the Sooner passing attack. The Oregon defensive line will do a great job against the run and could keep it interesting if Devan Long and Haloti Ngata get into the backfield on a regular basis. Don't evxpect that to happen too much as Jammal Brown, Vince Carter and the rest of the great OU line will give White enough time to throw at will.
Predicted score in early August: Oklahoma 38 ... Oregon 17
Oasis Casino Line: Oklahoma -19

Saturday, September 18th - Clemson at Texas A&M
This has to be the game Dennis Franchione's Aggies make a statement that the pride has been restored to the program after a down 2003. It's one thing to have problems on the road, but A&M has to own Kyle Field again. The Aggie secondary is strong enough to slow down Charlie Whitehurst and the Tiger passing attack, while Courtney Lewis should be able to run well on the Clemson front seven.
Predicted score in July: Texas A&M 23 ... Clemson 20
Oasis Casino Line: Texas A&M -1.5

Saturday, September 25th - Iowa at Michigan
Iowa has been able to trip up Michigan in each of the last two seasons with timely defense and just enough from the offense. This year will be different as the Hawkeyes don't have nearly enough on offense to win in the Big House. However, Iowa linebackers Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway lead a defense good enough to make it go down to the wire.
Predicted score in early August: Michigan 20 ... Iowa 17
Oasis Casino Line: Michigan -9.5

 

[bbk]

CFN has the OU/Or game just like a thought; I doubt though that Oregans weak defense will stop the sooners from scoring just 38; should be closer to 50!!!

 

[Master Capper]

The Sooners should be clicking on all cylinders when they meet up with Oregon and this game could get very ugly worse than when Okie manhandled a better Pac 10 defensive team in Washington State! Oregon has been outscored in their previous match-ups with Big 12 teams by a total of over 400 points and against Oklahoma they have been steamrolled in the four games they have played as Oklahoma has scored 155 points whereas Oregon has only produced 10 points! I dont foresee the thrashing to be as bad as their last meeting when Okie won 62 to 7 but I would tend to lean your way when estimating that Oklahoma will score at least 38 points against a soft defense and a team that traditionally has not played well on the road!

 

[Scott4USC]

Oregons #1 weakness on defense is their DB play. OU #1 strength is their passing attack. Not good news for Oregon, especially since OU has one of the best (if not the best) passing attacks in the country. I do think Oregon will also score on OU but will have a MUCH tougher time in doing so. Oregon might get their pts in garbage time, I really like the over in this game.

Another note, Oregon's defense will get tired in the heat @ Norman. Bank on it.

BEST BET is Iowa +10 over Michigan (buy .5pt)

I also like Oregon St. +17. I think LSU could win by 20+ pts but I feel there is too much value in +17 and there always is a backdoor cover possibility and Oregon St. has a verteran QB.

Good defense + Veteran QB + 17pts = Value IMO

 

[Master Capper]

Oregon State has never ever beat a SEC team they have went winless in 11 games and have been outscored an average of 36-17! In their past 3 meetings LSU has beaten OSU by an average of 33-14 all the meetings were in Baton Rogue! LSU in the past has dominated teams from the Pac 10 winning nearly 80% of the meetings! Oregon State is another terrible team on the road going 3 and 7 in their last ten games on the road! Going into Baton Rogue will be a eye opener for the Beavers as they do not venture into such a hostile venue in the Pac 10, although if the line is 17 I would have to side with the Beavers to come within 14!

The game that I really disagree with them on is the ND and Mich game, I cannot see Michigan with a rebulit offense going into South Bend and beating the Irish by two touchdowns! ND will not be as bad as last year and should make a game of this as they played a great many underclassmen last year gaining valuable experience!

 

[bbk]

The problem I have betting on Oregan State is will they even score is this game; I say NO; this is the same OSU team that lost at freso state 17-14; which is a horrible loss; OSU needs to stop playing tough OOC teams because they seem to be their ass handed to them; early in the year defense dominate and LSU strength is defense; 1st home game for LSU so expect it to be roundy; This game looks like a rout to me as OSU plays no defense; LSU defense may cover the spread by itself; lay the 17; score looks like 35-3 somewhere in that range

 

[Kdogg21]

no run game for OSU, they will be in trouble

I like LSU

 

[Master Capper]

One thing Scott failed to address that while OSU has a returning QB he has been very inconsistent during his tenure at the helm and led the country in interceptions last year with 24!

 

[Cie]

Can OSU handle the heat and humidity of Baton Rouge in early September??????

 

[Scott4USC]

Master Capper

Oregon State has never ever beat a SEC team they have went winless in 11 games and have been outscored an average of 36-17!

I laughed at this one. You cannot possibly compare past OSU teams and what they accomplished. Oregon St. was not a very good program but in the last 5 years have turned it around. You see, in the Pac 10 teams do not stay at the bottom of the conf. EVERY year. I guess you forgot Oregon St. beat ND in a BCS bowl 4-5 years ago.

In their past 3 meetings LSU has beaten OSU by an average of 33-14 all the meetings were in Baton Rogue!

Laughed at this one as well. OF COURSE ALL THE GAMES WERE AT LSU!! :142lmao:

LSU in the past has dominated teams from the Pac 10 winning nearly 80% of the meetings!

Again I laughed at this comment. You really are making me laugh with this thread. Who has LSU played in the Pac 10? I know they beat up on poor Arizona who was experiencing their WORST season in years! Arizona was a HORRIBLE team in the 1st half of the year but were somewhat competitive 2nd half when Mack was fired. Those stats are SURE relevant to handicapping OSU vs LSU!!!!!

Oregon State is another terrible team on the road going 3 and 7 in their last ten games on the road! Going into Baton Rogue will be a eye opener for the Beavers as they do not venture into such a hostile venue in the Pac 10,

I agree with you on the first 3 lines except you go and make a "bonehead" comment. Now I am convinced you do not know squat about Pac 10 football. Oregon is one of the toughest places to play in the country. There are VERY few stadiums that get as loud as Autzen Stadium. That was just a PLAIN STUPID COMMENT BY YOU!!!! :nono: Your bias against the Pac 10 is humoring me to no end. BTW, Washington Huskies have a VERY HOSTILE environment as well.

although if the line is 17 I would have to side with the Beavers to come within 14!

So I guess you agree with me there is value in Oregon St. +17. Def. not worth a big bet but OSU will see some of my action!

One thing Scott failed to address that while OSU has a returning QB he has been very inconsistent during his tenure at the helm and led the country in interceptions last year with 24!

Good point! He does thrown many interceptions but so did Carson Palmer before he became a Senior. I usually give veteran QB's the benefit of the doubt. Playing against a great LSU defense, I unfortunately can see him throwing 1-2 INT's. Remember, OSU was breaking in a new head coach last year (although I know Riley is not the most popular guy) but I think he is a good coach who does not receive the recognition he deserves. Riley is the guy responsible for turning around the OSU program in the 1st place. He left right away before success happened and Erikson stepped in and took all the glory and then he bolted to SF. It was Riley NOT Erikson who turned OSU around. Let me make that clear!

Oregon St. has EXCELLENT skill players but they do not have the "linemen" the most important players to win this game.

Cie Grant

Can OSU handle the heat and humidity of Baton Rouge in early September??????

I was told the same thing when USC went and played at Auburn. I also heard the same thing told to UCLA when they went and beat the crap out of Alabama. In one of the National Championship years in the 70's for USC they were told they could not handle the humidity and USC creamed Alabama. So I take it with a grain of salt. I think if Oregon St. wears down it is because of LSU not the heat. If that LSU defense forces many 3 and outs then OSU defense will be on field all day. If OSU wears down I am giving LSU the credit not the heat. Will it be a factor? Maybe a little bit.

bbk :banghead:

You made another STUPID COMMENT! But what else is new.

This game looks like a rout to me as OSU plays no defense;

Oregon St. last year had a GREAT defense and I think they should be solid again this season. They have AWESOME DB's and a great DE!! Very fast defense too. Then again, your logic when it comes to handicapping never makes sense. I always can find ridiculous comments from you and this year I plan to fade your picks if you post them. Why don't you make this your GOY like you did with Michigan over USC. Why not use ACCURATE ANALYSIS when you handicap, then you might not lose your biggest wager of the year again!!! Especially against a team that plays in the horrible Pac 10 conference. :142lmao:

 

[Kdogg21]

washington is very hostile, since they lost to Nevada at home last year, oh but wait they did beat Indiana and Idaho.....

 

[Scott4USC]

Kdogg21

I see you chose to use a sample data of ONE FREAKING YEAR! :clap:

Washington is a premier program and has always had a hostile home environment. Just ask Miami when the travelled west and got beat ruining their chances at a National Championship.

Washington was down last year (new head coach as well) and they might be down this year again. Does not mean they do not have a hostile environment. What a joke of a comment.

 

[bbk]

Lucas
if you think my handicapping sucks then lets put some serious money on it; your picks against my picks every weekend; we post them on MJ every Friday night; put your money where your big mouth is lucas. We can see how superior your picks are then. I doubt you will accept because you have never posted more then 2-3 winners out of all of your numerous losers :142lmao: :142lmao:

 

[Avalanche]

Scott for all the bashing you do toward other people saying they are just anti Pac 10, you have to realize you are just a pro Pac 10. It is a wash. Why cant you admit you are just a Pac 10 lobbyist? Everything you type is slanted as pro Pac 10. You are not objective about a single freakin' thing whatsoever. You are just Pac 10 Pac 10 Pac 10 Pac 10 Pac 10. The Pac 10 can do no wrong (or win any NCs either).

Get a life.

 

[Kdogg21]

...yea your right scott. i forgot in 2002 they played San Jose St,Wyoming and Idaho *again* at home...

than 2001....whats this!!!! Idaho ****AGAIN****

2000...great win against Miami....but whats this batman....IDAHO!!!!!

but hey they do have San Jose St and Fresno St at home again....luckily they are avoiding those pesking Vandals from Idaho....

i agree, it probably may be a tough place to play, but i would like to see some better competion at home. if its so tough, you think they would bring in some big name teams....

your comments were the big joke.. :142lmao: :142lmao: :142lmao:

 

[mansa_musa]

I definitely like the Beavers +17.

LSU's offense was no juggernaut last yr w a sr QB. I dont expect their passing game to shine in this particular matchup. New LSU QB may try to hard to impress in home opener. The Tigers will more than likely struggle playing from behind & in 3rd & long situations all season. If the Beavers can prevent the big plays & make LSU drive for their pts they should stay within double digits.

OSU QB Anderson settled down alot toward the end of last season. He picked SC's secondary apart w their quick passing game! Should have had better numbers in that game, if not for 5-6 dropped passes. The off line isnt great, but LSU loses experience & talent from last yrs D line.

I dont like Oregon @ OU

The difference in this game will be the Sooners on D. 3 TDs isnt too much to cover if your defense can score once or twice.

I cant give the Sooners offense a whole lot of credit going into this season. They were great against bad Big 12 defensive teams. Then became confused & frustrated when they really needed to score pts in the 2 biggest games of the season. What good is an awesome passing attack, if you cant come from behind when you need to? Just my opinion!

Still expect a cover by OU in this one.

I disagree w Texas/Arkansas analysis

Texas losses last yr came to WSU, Ark & OU -- 3 of the most experienced teams in college football last yr.

Ark lost more experienced players than anybody. Nutt one of my favorite coaches, but, Texas should be able to take advantage of this fortunate situation to lay a whoopin on the Razorbacks. I say by 3 TD's or more.

 

[mansa_musa]

Kdogg

Cant let you belittle my Huskies like that!

I know Idaho isnt the only team you saw on my boys schedule. Wins over Miami & Michigan when they came to visit. Road games at Michigan, Ohio St & Miami over the last 3 yrs. Waiting for Ohio St to make the trip. I dont think too many SEC or Big 12 teams are begging to come out west. Not when Troy St has an open date!

Our 2001 season started out v Michigan & @ Miami in wk 2. A hurricane caused the game w Miami to be rescheduled to the end of the conf season. So the games didnt get played back to back.

You make our OOC schedule sound like LSU's or something!

 

[Master Capper]

Scott,
Again you evading facts I dont care what Oreg St has done in the past few years, in their history they have never beat a SEC team and until they do they are winless! Who cares if they beat Notre Dame are they a SEC team what relevance does this have towards them beating a SEC team?

You laughed at the average scores of OSU and LSU because the games were in Baton Rogue, well dummy where is the game this year?

Who has LSU beat in the Pac 10 well 80% of their opponets if you want to know whom they beat figure out how to search! How does this have to do with gambling, well it's called trends and unfortunately most poor handicappers ignore trends.

Oregon may be loud but again you are showing your lack of knowledge as Baton Rogue has always been rated in the top 5 toughest stadiums to play in on the road!

 

[Kdogg21]

mansa

im not talking about the OOC sched, im talking about their home games. they have played some tough teams in the past at home, but the last few years, hasn't really shown me much. Michigan at home was last time a major team showed up there. I couldn't say if teams are afraid to come out there. I highly doubt it. If its a onetime gig, your gonna make alot more money playing at the Horseshoe, than being at Washington.

and i dunno, there schedule is getting a little bit like anybody else's OOC schedule...

 

[Master Capper]

Washington will be beefing up their schedule in the next few years:

2005-@Air Force, Idaho and ND
2006-SDSU, @Okie and Fresno
2007-@SDSU,Okie and Ohio State