Seventeen Days in August

In seventeen oh so short days, college football kicks off (and Jimbo gets another year older) with UTEP at San Diego State, BC at Central Michigan, Northwestern at Miami of Ohio, and So. Carolina at Miss. State. Not a bad opening slate, and that means it's time for a brief analysis of these games. That, and, as each day creeps closer and closer, I'll be following Venu's lead, and giving my conference previews, followed by my preseason top 25 (look for changes from the pre-pre season top 8).

So, a quick glance at the first four games of 2006 -

1. UTEP at San Diego State - Ah, poor Aztecs, trying so hard. This one should be a no-brainer, with Mike Price having revved up Miner football, and UTEP having been bowl bound, and Palmer the Younger (aka Jordan Palmer) still running things in the huddle. Chuck Long is looking to make a statement in his first game, but let's be serious - UTEP has the potential to upset Texas Tech when they come to the Sun Bowl. This game goes to the Miners, and El Paso will continue to love Mike Price.
My pick: UTEP

2. BC at Central Michigan - Another no brainer. While Central Michigan has been making some improvements within the MAC, even breaking the .500 mark last year, they're not ready to compete with Tom O'Brien's soaring Eagles. The talent isn't there for the Chippewas, and this home opener will be a loss. Meanwhile, the Eagles will cruise, unless they're looking forward to the ACC opener against Clemson the next week.
My pick: BC

3. Northwestern at Miami (OH) - Okay, this is a tough one. Randy Walker's untimely death may effect this game, and all of the Wildcats' season this year, far more than one might hope. The Redhawks are trying to figure out their QB situation, but have been among the best of the MAC for the past few years. With the pall hanging over Evanston, and the game being in Oxford, I've got to call this a toss-up. If the Wildcats don't walk away with a win, expect a dismal year for Northwestern.
My pick: Toss up

4. South Carolina at Mississippi State - The Ole Ball Coach travels to Starkville. And how stark does it look for the Bulldogs. Miss. State has just been downright awful of late, and this season, if the trend continues, Sylvester Croom may start feeling his seat getting warmer and warmer. After two years at Miss. State, Croom will be playing this year with some of his recruits, and we'll see what he can do. Meanwhile, Spurrier isn't happy with what he has at South Carolina, especially with the attitudes of some of his upper classman. Still, even if Crooms has Miss. State poised for a big year, I think the Gamecocks will walk awsy with this one, in what will probably be a barn-burning defensive battle.
My pick: South Carolina