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Posts Tagged ‘Nevada Wolfpack’

September 24th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Oklahoma Sooners (-13.5) @ Cincinnati Bearcats
Saturday, September 25th
6:00 ET, Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH

The Sooners are simply the better team in this game, but that doesn't always mean a cover against the college football spreads. The Bearcats have been brutal this season and they have been incredibly unlucky as well. Losing WR Vidal Hazelton to injury is something that just won't be overcome easily. QB Zach Collaros can put points on the board in bunches when he has the help, but he just doesn't have that help anymore. Oklahoma has been playing at the level of its opponents all season long, as demonstrated by the close calls against Air Force and Utah State and the domination of Florida State. Will this defense be able to pick up the intensity in the team's first road game of the year? HC Bob Stoops had better hope so. We look for good things from QB Landry Jones, WR Ryan Broyles, and RB DeMarco Murray on Saturday night, which should lead to an NCAA football betting victory by a comfortable margin.

Prediction: Oklahoma 38 – Cincinnati 13
Nevada Wolfpack (-4.5) @ BYU Cougars
Saturday, September 25th
6:00 ET, Lavell Edwards Family Stadium, Provo, UT

If BYU is legitimately one of the best mid-major programs in the country, this game should be a snap at home against one of the other best mid-major programs in the country. However, we're not so sold on the Cougs yet. True freshman QB Jake Heaps might be phenomenal in the future, but he isn't now. He is only completing 50.0 percent of his passes and really has yet to have a truly good game. There's a reason that BYU is only averaging 15.7 points per game this year. As for Nevada, it is averaging somewhere around 15.7 points per QUARTER. There is no stopping this team right now, as the Pistol attack is putting together well over 500 yards per game of offense and has averaged over 50 points per game. QB Colin Kaepernick showed the whole world last week that he was a stud in a nationally televised duel against Cal at home. Now, he'll prove that he's that much better than the Cougs are in a romp in Provo.

Prediction: Nevada 48 – BYU 20
Kentucky Wildcats @ Florida Gators (-14)
Saturday, September 25th
7:00 ET, Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL

The Gators have never really had any trouble disposing of the Wildcats, so we're trying to figure out why the oddsmakers are wondering whether they're going to have some issues at home on Saturday night. Kentucky might be a 3-0 team, but playing teams like Western Kentucky and Akron aren't going to win over many votes in the polls. This is the big leagues now that the Wildcats are about to enter into. UF fought off a stingy Tennessee team last weekend in a win that was a lot better than we probably give it credit for. The Gators might not look their best yet, but they are only going to get better and have surprisingly covered back to back games. QB Jeff Brantley is familiar with this UK squad, as this was the team he ran up against last year when QB Tim Tebow was injured. That was on the road and he did just fine. At Florida Field, this won't be an issue.

Prediction: Florida 41 – Kentucky 14
South Carolina Gamecocks (+3) @ Auburn Tigers
Saturday, September 25th
7:45 ET, Jordan Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL

The Gamecocks badly need to prove that they are legitimate contenders in the SEC East, and this game could be the absolutely perfect way to do just that. They are going to be going on the road to try to take out an Auburn team that is red hot as well and looking to make a statement of its own. However, we tend to like the Ol' Ball Coach in this one, as HC Steve Spurrier knows exactly how the game of QB Cam Newton works; after all, he coached up his brother, Syvelle for four years in Columbia. This was the recruit that South Carolina missed out on, and the Gamecocks would love nothing more than to punish Newton and wreck his Heisman Trophy campaign in one swoop. The oddsmakers know that this game is going to be a close call, which is why SC is only a pup by three points. We don't think the Cocks need it. They'll take this one outright against a bunch of Tigers that are due to be tamed after playing a very weak schedule to start the year.

Prediction: South Carolina 24 – Auburn 21
Oregon State Beavers @ Boise State Broncos (-18)
Saturday, September 25th
8:00 ET, Bronco Stadium, Boise, ID

The Broncos have simply demolished opponents that dare step foot on the Smurf Turf. Oregon State has done in three times, and three times, it has left with its tails between its legs .This version of the Broncos is better than any other that that OSU team has ever seen, and at least so far this year, we aren't certain that this is the best bunch of Beavers we've ever laid eyes upon. The Rodgers brothers, Jacquizz and James, just haven't produced enough offense this year, and a lot of that is probably due to the fact that QB Andy Katz just hasn't really produced at the same level of QB Sean Canfield from years past. This isn't a good time to be asking questions, now is it? The Broncos know exactly what they are doing, and they're coming off of a big time beat down on the road of a Wyoming Cowboys team that is still probably going to be good enough to go bowling this year. It just means more to Boise to win this game and win it with a statement than it does for Oregon State, and the end result is going to be exactly what we expect. It's going to be any blue field beat down.

Prediction: Boise State 52 – Oregon State 27
West Virginia Mountaineers (+10) @ LSU Tigers
Saturday, September 25th
9:00 ET, Tigers Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA

We must be out of our minds to think that the Mountaineers can play their first major road game of the year in the Bayou at night and tame the Tigers, right? We just don't believe in LSU this year. QB Jordon Jefferson should be a backup at a middle of the road FBS conference school, not a starter here in big boy college football, and the rest of this offense, save RB Steven Ridley, is questionable at best. The defense is strong for HC Les Miles, but games against a depleted North Carolina Tar Heels squad and two of the worst teams in the SEC (Mississippi State Bulldogs and Vanderbilt Commodores) just doesn't say anything to us. What does speak to us is the fact that the 'Neers have shown some grit this year. The Maryland Terrapins were at the top of their game when they came to Morgantown last week, and WVU sent them packing. The Marshall Thundering Herd gave everything to the blue and gold they had, but that ultimately wasn't enough either. This is a team that just finds ways to win games. QB Geno Smith could surprise everyone in the nation, and maybe some of his teammates as well, by proving that he is good enough to go out and win this game outright. This is going to be the most unlikely upset of the day in the NCAA football betting world.

Prediction: West Virginia 26 – LSU Tigers 20
California Golden Bears (+6.5) @ Arizona Wildcats
Saturday, September 25th
10:00 ET, Arizona Stadium, Tucson, AZ

It's all about perception, my friends. If the Wildcats don't get that last touchdown against the Iowa Hawkeyes last week, they probably lose that game and are favored by just 3-4 points instead of 6.5 in this one. If the California Golden Bears go into Reno and take out a very underrated Nevada Wolfpack team last week, there is probably also a 2-3 point swing in the NCAA football lines. However, nothing has really changed with these squads. Arizona is still very good, while Cal is still a legitimate contender for the Pac-10 title as well. This is a winnable fixture for the Golden Bears. QB Kevin Riley has played well this year and has thrown for 732 yards. He's going to be able to bring over some magic to the desert on Saturday night and help lead Cal to what maybe should be a relatively predictable upset over an Arizona team that has to be full of itself after last week's triumph. The Cats get caught napping and get nipped for the first time on Saturday.

Prediction: California 34 – Arizona 28
Oregon Ducks (-11.5) @ Arizona State Sun Devils
Saturday, September 25th
10:30 ET, Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, AZ

There is some more perception here that could be implied incorrectly. Arizona State is getting a lot of respect after nearly going into Camp Randall and upsetting the Wisconsin Badgers last week. Wisky hasn't looked that great this year though, and we still can't base what ASU has accomplished off of a pair of FCS wins and one close call against an opponent that very well could be overrated. What we do know in this game is that the Ducks are as good as it gets in the country. Sure, there are going to be games where the U of O could get challenged and perhaps even picked off. However, this isn't one of those games. This is the first time that HC Chip Kelly gets to bring the Quack Attack on the road this year, and with the running of RB LaMichael James, QB Steven Threet and company just won't be able to keep up. It might be interesting for a little while, but when push comes to shove, these two teams don't belong on the same field.

Prediction: Oregon 44 – Arizona State 20

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September 16th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Kansas Jayhawks @ Southern Mississippi (-5)
Friday, September 17th
8:00 ET, MM Roberts Stadium, Hattiesburg, MS

Last week, the Southern Miss Golden Eagles bounced back from a crushing opening night loss to the South Carolina Gamecocks and handed FCS Prairie View A&M a 34-7 defeat. Superstar WR DeAndre Brown showed that he was getting back on track in the game by hauling in five catches for 100 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers defense. QB Austin Davis also put up improved numbers in the victory, completing 11 of 18 passes for 178 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The Golden Eagles rushing attack also put up much better stats, carrying the ball 47 times for 253 yards (5.4 YPC). Southern Miss will face a big step up in competition this week though when they take on the Kansas Jayhawks. The Jayhawks shocked much of the college football betting world last week with an eyebrow raising 28-25 win against the then #15 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Many NCAA football expert handicappers wrote off the Jayhawks after their embarrassing 6-3 opening loss to North Dakota State, but HC Turner Gill’s team showed that their worries were premature. QB Jordan Webb was effective for Kansas, completing 62% of his passes for 179 yards with three touchdowns and an interception, while RB James Sims had a solid game in rushing for 101 yards and a TD on 17 carries. This is a ripe spot for a letdown for Kansas though, and if the Jayhawks don’t bring their ‘A’ game they will leave Hattiesburg with a big 'L'.

Prediction: Southern Miss 24 – Kansas 14
#24 California Golden Bears @ Nevada Wolfpack (+3)
Friday, September 17th
10:00 ET, Mackay Stadium, Reno, NV

In the first two weeks of the season, the California Golden Bears have shown why they are legitimate contenders for the Pac-10 title in 2010. The Golden Bears outscored their opponents 104-10 and have been absolutely dominant on both sides of the ball. Last Saturday, QB Kevin Riley filled the stat sheet by completing 15 of 24 passes for 197 yards with four touchdowns to four different receivers. RB Shane Vereen also complemented the offensive attack by carrying the ball 16 times for 59 yards and a score while catching three passes for 18 yards and a TD. The defense was particularly impressive, holding the Buffaloes to 239 total yards and forcing five turnovers. The Golden Bears defense will face their toughest test so far this season when they take on the Nevada Wolfpack this Friday night. Nevada broke all sorts of WAC and NCAA records last season and was the first team in NCAA history to have three 1,000 yard rushers in the same season. QB Colin Kaepernick is off to a great start again this season and put up video game type numbers in last week’s 51-6 win against Colorado State. Kaepernick carried the ball 11 times for 161 yards and two touchdowns while also completing 72% of his passes for 241 yards and two scores against the Rams. RB Vai Taua was impressive as well for the Wolfpack carrying the ball 15 times for 118 yards and a touchdown. Expect a high scoring affair in this one and the last team with the ball may very well come out on top.

Prediction: Nevada 38 – California 34

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September 14th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor
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College Football Betting

Here at Cappersinfo.com, we are taking a weekly look at the teams that could be ones ripe to pull off some major upsets! Before making your college football picks this week, check out some of these potentially ugly underdogs.  This group of dogs could come up and bite you in the butt in you aren't careful in the third week of college football betting action!

Underdog Pick #1: Nevada Wolfpack (+120 at Diamond Sportsbook) vs. California Golden Bears, Friday 10:00 ET: The second Friday night college football affair of this week is going to feature two very high powered offenses. The Wolfpack have a real chance to make a name for themselves and their screwy Pistol offense in the final year for QB Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick has the ability to run for 200 yards and throw for 300 yards in the same game, even against a bunch of Golden Bears that are coming out of the Pac-10. Nevada won't be playing a heck of a lot of defense in this one, but we have to remember that this is a team that is 26-12 in its L/38 home games. Needless to say, MacKay Field really screws up its opponents. Last year, HC Jeff Tedford's team was taken out by the Utah Utes in the Poinsettia Bowl. This year could be a significantly tougher challenge going on the road against a team that could be every bit as good, if not better. Nevada has the NCAA football trends on its side in this one and could pull the outright upset.

Underdog Pick #2: Arizona Wildcats (+110 at Diamond Sportsbook) vs. Iowa Hawkeyes, Saturday, 10:30 ET: The Hawkeyes did a fantastic job last year of getting off to a good start, and they ultimately nearly ended up winning the Big Ten for it. Last year, one of their signature wins came against these Wildcats, though the game was in Kinnick Stadium. Now, Iowa has to return the favor to Arizona, in what could be the biggest game in the HC Mike Stoops era. Remember last year when the Wildcats nearly trumped the Oregon Ducks at home in what could've sent them to the Rose Bowl? It is fairly clear that this is a team that isn't screwing around this year either. Winning by a combined score of 93-8 this season has been phenomenal for 'Zona, but this is going to be a significantly different challenge. QB Ricky Stanzi isn't easy to beat, as the Hawkeyes went undefeated last year when he finished a game he started. However, Arizona is definitely capable of pulling this upset and should be on your radar.

Underdog Pick #3: Tulsa Golden Hurricane (+250 at Diamond Sportsbook) @ Oklahoma State Cowboys, Saturday, 7:00 ET: Tulsa really could be a 2-0 team right now, and if not for the Hail Mary that connected for the East Carolina Pirates, the perception of this game would be totally different. The Golden Hurricane aren't afraid to go on the road and take it to some big boy opponents. QB GJ Kinne is one of two men in the country that have thrown for at least 350 yards in each of his first two games of the year. Oklahoma State might have wins over Troy and Washington State this year, but neither victory has us jumping for joy. The Trojans nearly pulled the upset here in Stillwater last week in a 41-38 defeat. The truth of the matter is that the Golden Hurricane are significantly better than the Trojans are, and if that holds true, the upset really could be in the cards. Either way, grabbing the seven points really isn't a bad idea for one of the best teams in Conference USA.

Underdog Pick #4: Temple Owls (+220 at Diamond Sportsbook) vs. Connecticut Huskies, Saturday, 12:00 ET: Though the Owls haven't looked great this season and the Huskies are coming off of one of the biggest wins in terms of margin of victory in school history, we tend to believe that this is going to be a fantastic home pup sitting there for the taking on Saturday afternoon. Temple has all the talent in the world to finish as a Top 25 team this year, and a win against a fellow Top 25 contender in UConn would be huge. The City of Brotherly Love is going to be beaming for this one, as there aren't many more chances for the Owls to impress like this. Temple found a way to beat the Central Michigan Chippewas last week, and they should be up for this challenge as well. If they can slow down RB Jordan Todman, even just a tad, they could be ripe for the pickings.

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September 10th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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Penn State Nittany Lions @ Alabama Crimson Tide (-12)
Saturday, September 11th
7:00 ET, Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL

This might be the best game of the entire day on the college football betting slate on paper, but that doesn't mean that it is going to live up to its hype. The Nittany Lions are going to be bringing a true freshman quarterback into one of the most hostile territories in the country against arguably the nation's best team. This isn't a good combination. Yes, Penn State does have a history of playing teams like this tough, particularly in the regular season, but if the Tide can keep their relatively newly formed defense together and put enough pressure on QB Robert Bolden, the offense is going to be able to do enough to put away the Nittany Lions, potentially very early. Most think that this is going to be a lower scoring game, and though the possibility is definitely there for that, we tend to believe that Alabama is going to press the issue and force the scores up just a tad. The Crimson Tide could have a very big number on the board by the end of the day.

Prediction: Alabama 38 – Penn State 20
Oregon Ducks @ Tennessee Volunteers (+12)
Saturday, September 11th
7:00 ET, Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN

It still feels weird to see the Volunteers as double digit underdogs at home. We totally buy into the hype of the Ducks, as we think that even without QB Jeremiah Masoli, they have one of the best teams in the country. Is it capable of coming halfway across the country and beating the snot out of UT? Sure. But let's be realistic here for a second. If you were looking to bet on Oregon this week, you have to be kicking yourself after watching the Ducks drop 72 and 720 yards on the Lobos last week. Perception of this team literally could not be any higher than it is right now. We tend to forget that the Vols just smacked a probably relatively comparable Tennessee-Martin team 50-0 as well. Tennessee is not the better team in this game, thus probably won't win it. But we have to imagine that HC Derek Dooley is going to have his crew as high as a kite. This is an undercard game for sure on the day, but is one that could be very interesting if the screws get tightened by the UT 'D'.

Prediction: Oregon 31 – Tennessee 27
LSU Tigers @ Vanderbilt Commodores (+10)
Saturday, September 11th
7:00 ET, Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville, TN

Just across the way from Rocky Top, the 'Dores are going to be looking for their first win of the season and their first 'W' since September 26th of last season. New HC Robbie Caldwell knows that his team let one slip away last week against Northwestern, while LSU HC Les Miles knows that his team got away lucky against North Carolina. Bottom line: The Tigers aren't as good as their record indicates, and the Commodores probably aren't as bad. This is historically a series with a bunch of slugfests that end up being ridiculously low scoring games. The 'Dores can hang in this game, especially since it isn't in Baton Rouge. If some of the sloppiness gets cleaned up from last week's defeat against the Wildcats, this is going to prove to be a winnable fixture for Vandy. However, in typical LSU fashion, the Tigers will find a way to win, just like in typical Vanderbilt fashion, the Commodores will find a way to lose. This is still a great spot to pick up a cover in a very close game.

Prediction: LSU 22 – Vanderbilt 20
Mississippi Rebels (-20.5) @ Tulane Green Wave
Saturday, September 11th
9:00 ET, Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, LA

The whole world is ready to jump ship on the Rebels after they were beaten by the lowly Jacksonville State Gamecocks in double overtime last week. Had they won that game in regulation by eight points, the margin that they were ahead before the dying seconds, this spread would be significantly higher. But instead, perception has gotten the better of the oddsmakers and several bettors, as Tulane is getting a lot of action in this one. However, we aren't ready to write off Ole Miss quite yet. HC Houston Nutt is still one of the best in the country, and though his team has been decimated by graduation and early departures over the past two years, he picked up a real gem in QB Jeremiah Masoli. Now that Masoli has had a full week of practice with his new team, he is inevitably going to be ready to shine. There is still a whole season in front of the Rebs, and as long as they don't dwell too hard on the past, they should be able to march into the Bayou and beat the snot out of a Tulane team which narrowly avoided the same sort of embarrassing fate of losing to an FCS team last week.

Prediction: Ole Miss 56 – Tulane 10
Stanford Cardinal @ UCLA Bruins (+6)
Saturday, September 11th
10:30 ET, Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA

Once again, perception is the key to this game. UCLA went into Manhattan last week against a game Kansas State squad and was beaten 31-22. A nine point loss looks terrible, right? Imagine if UCLA had converted on that two point conversion try with 1:19 to play… or had Daniel Thomas not ripped off that 35 yard TD run with a minute to play… The Bruins would've ended up posting either a win or a loss that was a lot more indicative of how the game went. UCLA proved that it still has some mojo about it after last year's Eagle Bank Bowl victory over Tulane. We still have some questions about Stanford, though. We love HC Jim Harbaugh and think that he has done an amazing job down on the farm, but QB Andrew Luck has never played a road game like this before without the services of RB Toby Gerhart behind him. Yes, Luck threw for 316 yards versus Sacramento State last week, but we all know what that's worth. The Bruins should provide a significantly different challenge. This was a series that the gold and baby blue dominated for a number of years before losing 24-16 last year. The Bruins might be able to score the big upset, which would be a much needed win for HC Rick Neuheisel.

Prediction: UCLA 31 – Stanford 23
Colorado State Rams @ Nevada Wolfpack (-23.5)
Saturday, September 11th
10:30 ET, MacKay Stadium, Reno, NV

Welcome to MacKay Stadium, where the Wolfpack beat the living crap out of their opponents! Last week, the challenge against Eastern Washington was to stop Bo Levi Mitchell, the QB transfer out of SMU that learned under June Jones. The mission wasn't totally accomplished, but there is no shame in a 49-24 victory against one of the potentially better teams of the FCS this year. Colorado State proved last week that it has no business being on a field with even remotely good teams. The Colorado Buffaloes steamrolled these guys 24-3 in a game that really was a complete butt whipping. If the Rams only have 245 yards of total offense again this week, the Wolfpack are going to be winning by 50. It was a fairly ho hum 553 yard day for the Nevada offense last week. This is going to be a very one-sided romp in a game that might set some personal records if the Wolfpack want to see them broken. Watch for QB Colin Kaepernick to go absolutely crazy.

Prediction: Nevada 58 – Colorado State 17

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July 30th, 2010 By Andrew "Mr. Multi-Task" Ryan - Cappersinfo Contributor

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The 2010 college football betting season is almost here, and here at Cappers Info, we have the inside skinny on the five teams that you should be banking on going 'over' their season win totals and should be trying to cash in with all season long!

South Carolina Gamecocks over 7 wins (even @ Brobury Sports): The Gamecocks are primed to do some damage in the SEC this season. The offense will be led again by QB Stephen Garcia, who struggled somewhat last year, due in part to trouble on the offensive line. However, now with nine starters back on offense, things are looking up. Returning at wide receiver are Alshon Jeffrey and Tori Curley, who averaged 16.6 and 14.2 yards per catch respectively. Running back Kenny Miles also returns. Miles led last year’s team in rushing yards, but scored only once. With a more experienced offensive line, both the ground and passing offenses stand a much better chance. Defensively, the Gamecocks are in great shape. DE Cliff Matthews returns, leading last year’s squad in sacks and earning all-conference honors. The linebackers run deep, with Shaq Wilson leading the way. Senior safety Chris Culliver will lead a strong secondary. As for the schedule, it’s no cakewalk. However, the toughest opponents all come to Columbia, with Georgia and Alabama showing up early in the year. The most challenging road game will be at Florida in November. The Gamecocks could easily see nine wins.

Nevada Wolfpack over 9.5 wins (+105 @ Brobury Sports): The Wolfpack went on an eight game win streak after losing all three of their non-conference games last year. This season, the nation’s top dual threat quarterback Colin Kaepernick returns with plenty of offensive talent. Kaepernick was just one of three 1,000 yard rushers, and running back Vai Taua will rejoin him. The team’s passing attack was lackluster a year ago, but all three leading receivers return, with Brandon Wimberly, Tray Session, and Chris Wellington. On defense, the Wolfpack may finally be on the rise. Last year’s 119th ranked passing defense returns seven starters and a new defensive coordinator in Andy Buh promises a more aggressive scheme. Both cornerbacks are back, and juniors Brandon Marshall and James-Michael Johnson will lead the linebackers. The schedule appears a bit easier than last year’s, with four of five non-conference games being highly winnable. The Wolfpack will travel to Hawaii and Fresno State, in a tough conference schedule, but host Boise State. Ten wins should be this season’s expectation for Nevada.

Florida State Seminoles over 7.5 wins (-140 @ Brobury Sports): The Seminoles are poised to be strong ACC contenders. Returning at quarterback is Heisman hopeful Christian Ponder, who was impressive through nine games before injuring his shoulder. He will have plenty of talented options to work with, starting with a strong group of wide receivers. Bert Reed is expected to become the top target. Strong second and third options exist in Taiwan Easterling and Jarmon Fortson. The ground attack will be led by senior Jermaine Thomas, who was good for nine scores last season. Behind him will be Chris Thompson and Ty Jones. Defensively, the Seminoles are completely retooling. New coordinator Mark Stoops will have to jumpstart a defense which allowed 433.8 yards and 30 points per game last season. Up front, FSU returns three linemen. Two starting linebackers are also back, which should improve the running defense. At cornerback, Ochucko Jenije will make a huge impact on opponents’ passing games. The schedule is favorable, minus a few monstrous games. The Seminoles will travel to Oklahoma in week two, followed by a home contest with BYU. A final week home game against Florida will not be easy. In conference, things aren’t so bad, with the toughest game at Miami.

Washington Huskies over 7 wins (-130 @ Brobury Sports): The Huskies return nine starters on offense, with QB Jake Locker leading the way. Locker’s strengths are twofold; he threw for 21 touchdowns while running for seven last year. Sophomore tailback Chris Polk had one of the best rookie rushing seasons in school history. At wide receiver, the Huskies will rely primarily on Jermaine Kearse, who averaged 17.3 yards per catch last year. Devin Aguilar provides a strong second target. Four starting linemen return, which will be a huge key for this unit’s success. On defense, the Huskies have some questions up front. Due to some injuries, Washington may need to find two new DEs. Mason Foster will lead the linebackers as last season’s interception leader. U-Dub faces a tough non-conference schedule, with an opening week game at BYU and two weeks later hosting Nebraska. In the Pac 10, the Huskies will have to go to Oregon and Arizona. A high powered offense will offset the question marks on defense; Washington could take eight or nine wins easily.

Virginia Tech Hokies over 9.5 wins (-120 @ Brobury Sports): The Hokies are poised to win the ACC this year. Returning at quarterback is Tyrod Taylor, who has shown the ability to throw as well as scramble. The bulk of the ground attack will be led by Ryan Williams and Zac Evans, who is returning from injury. All three top wide receivers return in Jarrett Boykin, Danny Coale, and Dyrell Roberts. Boykin and Coale both averaged over 20 yards per reception in 2009. Defensively, the Hokies also stay strong. Despite just five starters returning, the team has plenty to build around. All three starting linebackers are back, led by Barquell Rivers, who should be back from a leg injury by September. Team interceptions leader Rashad Carmichael returns at cornerback. The Hokies will have little time to gel, as Boise State comes calling in week one. Virginia Tech has a three game losing streak going in week one non-conference games. After that, though, the schedule eases considerably, with only four road games. Their toughest test in the ACC will be at Miami. Expect a ten win season.

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