Another college football season is upon us and means another year of picks.
For those who have been with me for a long time, you know that this column’s original name was “For Entertainment Purposes Only.” That was more than a title, so don’t come looking for me if I have a terrible week.
Ride with me. Fade me. It’s all good.
There are only two games we’re playing this weekend.
Florida State vs. Georgia Tech (Dublin)
Line: Florida State -10.5
Total: 55.5
The only thing harder than starting the season against a conference opponent is starting against a conference opponent on a neutral field outside the country.
The location gives the ACC a showcase game in a week when fans are starved for any type of football, and the conference sent over two of its best quarterbacks.
DJ Uiagalelei is starting for his third team in three years. Uiagalelie started his career at Clemson before transferring to Oregon State. Now, he’s tasked with replacing Travis Jordan in Tallahassee.
One of the intriguing things about this game is how Florida State’s offense will look without offensive coordinator Alex Atkins (suspended for recruiting violations).
The Noles could lean on the running game with running backs Lawrance Toafili and Roydell Williams assuming the bulk of the work, or they could pressure the Georgia Tech secondary with wide receivers Malik Benson, Ja’Khi Douglas, and Jalen Brown.
Just like the Noles, Georgia Tech star suits up at quarterback.
Texas A&M transfer Haynes King had a big season for the Yellow Jackets last season. King threw 27 touchdowns, but that came with 16 interceptions. The dual-threat quarterback also ran for 737 yards and ten touchdowns.
To say King is the key to Georgia Tech’s success is an understatement.
Head coach Brent Key could lean on the running game to cut down on the interceptions. The Yellow Jackets have four offensive linemen returning and running back Jamal Haynes (1059 yards, seven touchdowns).
Pick: With nothing to lean on this season, it was hard to pick the line, so I’m focusing on the total. Both teams have quarterbacks who can make plays with their arm and legs. Despite Florida State being without their coordinator, the Noles will score, while Georgia Tech has one of the best offensive coordinators in the ACC in Buster Faulkner. Over 55.5
SMU at Nevada
Line: SMU -24.5
Total: 55.5
SMU hasn’t been in the news this much since the football program received the Death Penalty in the 1980s.
The Mustangs are coming off an 11-win season, plus they’re one of the teams who made a significant move in the last round of conference realignment. How SMU will be fair in the ACC is anyone’s guess, but they’ll need to focus on their trip to Reno for now.
SMU averaged almost 40 points a game last season. It will be difficult to match that number this season with a harder schedule on paper, but the cupboard is still well stocked.
Quarterback Preston Stone threw for 3,197 yards and 28 touchdowns last season. Returning wide receivers RJ Maryland and Jordan Hudson caught seven touchdowns each.
The backfield might not be the Pony Express, but it’s solid. Jaylon Knighton, LJ Johnson, and Miami transfer Brashard Smith will all compete for carries.
Jeff Choate is taking over the Nevada Wolfpack program. Despite being the home team with a new head coach, it’s hard to see how Nevada competes in this one.
Pick: This game is all about how SMU plays. The Mustangs have more talent on the field on both sides of the ball. The three-headed monster in the backfield could have a field day against the Wolfpack defense. SMU -24.5
