I usually ease into the college season, but I do have one good sized play this week.....
Washington -18 vs San Jose St
I'm thinking the Huskies will present a lot of value early on during the 2006 campaign. This team was ravaged by injuries a year ago, and has some solid talent in place from the top 25 recruiting classes in 2001, 2002 and 2004. Washington's biggest question mark is the OL, where they have 5 solid starters but zero depth. The Spartan's biggest concern is their front 4, where they don't return a starter from an average unit last year.
Avg Play:
Michigan -25.5 vs Vandy
Vandy has had great success as a road dog but they are walking into the wrong place, at the wrong time. No chance of a look ahead this week for UM as Central Michigan is on deck, and this team is just begging for the chance to take out its 2005 frustrations on someone. This UM team is more talented than last years, and most importantly, nearly 100% healthy (for now). Reports out of practice are that the team is very spirited, especially the defense under new coordinator Ron English. Mike Debord is back as OC, a position he held from 97-99, a stretch where UM went 32-5 and won three bowl games (two BCS). There has been an overhaul in the run blocking schemes where you'll see more zone blocking (a la Denver Broncos) and misdirection. It seems to be suiting Mike Hart and Kevin Grady quite well. Look for UM to win this one 38-6 while controlling the ball and hitting deep play action passes.
Small play:
NIU +18 @ OSU
OSU has been good against the number in home openers, but this is a classic look ahead game against the best team in the MAC. Seeing this one 38-28ish.
GL all, may add later.
Washington -18 vs San Jose St
I'm thinking the Huskies will present a lot of value early on during the 2006 campaign. This team was ravaged by injuries a year ago, and has some solid talent in place from the top 25 recruiting classes in 2001, 2002 and 2004. Washington's biggest question mark is the OL, where they have 5 solid starters but zero depth. The Spartan's biggest concern is their front 4, where they don't return a starter from an average unit last year.
Avg Play:
Michigan -25.5 vs Vandy
Vandy has had great success as a road dog but they are walking into the wrong place, at the wrong time. No chance of a look ahead this week for UM as Central Michigan is on deck, and this team is just begging for the chance to take out its 2005 frustrations on someone. This UM team is more talented than last years, and most importantly, nearly 100% healthy (for now). Reports out of practice are that the team is very spirited, especially the defense under new coordinator Ron English. Mike Debord is back as OC, a position he held from 97-99, a stretch where UM went 32-5 and won three bowl games (two BCS). There has been an overhaul in the run blocking schemes where you'll see more zone blocking (a la Denver Broncos) and misdirection. It seems to be suiting Mike Hart and Kevin Grady quite well. Look for UM to win this one 38-6 while controlling the ball and hitting deep play action passes.
Small play:
NIU +18 @ OSU
OSU has been good against the number in home openers, but this is a classic look ahead game against the best team in the MAC. Seeing this one 38-28ish.
GL all, may add later.
