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 Can’t have football without SEC football and that’s going to be in full effect this Saturday with a couple of pretty good matchups.  My free SEC plays were 24-21 a season ago.  Let’s find out what 2008 has in store.

This Week’s Picks:

SOUTH CAROLINA (-14) over North Carolina State
Thursday Night ESPN: 8 P.M.

I am always up for a good underdog but not in this spot.  This is Steve Spurrier’s fourth year in Columbia and there’s a good chance that this is the year that they put it all together.  This team should have a full understanding of Spurrier’s offensive philosophy and that’s good because the defense will be strong.  10 starters return for the Gamecocks on the defense and that makes for a strong showing in your first game,  especially when it’s at home.  Look for the Gamecocks to be locked and loaded for the nationally televised home opener.  NC State is trying to rebuild with 2nd year coach Tom O’Brien.  The bad news for them is that they walk into this road contest with only 11 starters from last year’s 5-7 football team.  I think O’Brien will get this team back on track but I think they will have a hard time operating against South Carolina defense on the road.

Chad Wilson Says: South Carolina (-14)

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Memphis v. Mississippi
Saturday 7 P.M. est.

The Tigers feel pretty good about their football team this season returning 16 starters in this Tommy West’s 8th year.  Memphis and Mississippi have decided their annual fight by a touchdown or less for four straight season.  I don’t see why this year would be any different and on top of that,  I think Memphis may have the better team in thsi matchup.  Houston Nutt is brand new is Oxford and it’s going to take a little time for them to get used to his way of doing things.  Starting the year off with a new quarterback and new coach does not lend itself to point spread power.  With that in mind,  I am going to back a Memphis team that will probably be a little more organized.

Wilson Says:  Memphis (+7.5)

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Hawaii v. Florida
Saturday 12:30 P.M. est

Florida is obviously going to be a strong football team this year.  No one can deny that.  In what is a rareity in college football,  the Gators will have a Heisman Trophy winner starting at quaterback.  On top of that,  he has a number of explosive weapons and returning starters around him.   Florida has the disappointment of 2007 on their minds and that should be a motivating factor for strong play in 2008.   While many may think that the number they are laying in this game is huge,  there are a couple factors that will make the Gators a good choice in this one.  Hawaii was a BCS performer a season ago,  however,  they are making this cross continent trip with a brand new coach and brand new starting quarterback.  That’s a bad mix in college football especially in week 1.  Look for Hawaii to have their moments but there will be too many more for the Gators as they stomp and romp the Rainbows.

Wilson Says:  Florida (-34.5)

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UL Monroe v. Auburn
Saturday 7 P.M. est.

The Tigers want to rise again and get their name thrown into the consciousness of the mainstream media in the very competitive SEC Conference.  They will have to sneak in through the back door to do that with all eyes focused on Georgia and Florida.  I think head coach Tommy Tubberville would prefer it that way.  A game like this against UL-Monroe allows him to work out some things and begin a slow creep into the faces of his SEC competitors.  Struggle against this team and they are starting off the year behind the 8-ball.  With a middle of the road competitor like Southern Mississippi next,  there’s no reason for Auburn to look beyond this game and being focused will be enough for them to get the blowout victory. 

Wilson Says: Auburn (-26)

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