Week One Candidates

I've narrowed down the first weekend slate a little bit. Remember, the idea here, particularly at the start of the season, is to find the matchups that look sure, surer, surest, and surest-est. The Vegas (click to experience the rush of Vegas night life, ooooh!) line is going to be set and reset to keep the cash flowing. We're looking for teams that are going to outperform expectations. Without a published line to evaluate, I'm guessing at what's going to meet our criteria. Here's eight matchups:

Central Arkansas @ Hawaii--the Rainbows make a living bringing mainlanders to the Islands. What's more mainland than Conway, Arkansas?

Montana State University @ Michigan State University--Michigan State has been improving the last couple seasons, and Montana State is...the other MSU. To give you and idea of the difference between these two, Montana State will return home to play powerhouse Dixie State the following weekend.

Navy @ Ohio State--Tressel's crew will win. The size of the spread will tell us if there's any stars to spend.

Akron @ Penn State--Joe Paterno is back for his 99th season as head coach, and the Zips will be the first victim in Happy Valley. We frequently back the Zips, but this one is a step up in class beyond their ability.

Charleston Southern @ Florida--we'll know when the spread comes out, but this one looks like it could garner the four stars for the first week. Charleston Southern?

Wofford @ South Florida--not to be outdone, the Bulls are bringing Wofford to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, a pretty substantial difference from their little home field. I'm seeing stars here, and Wofford will, too.

Youngstown State @ Pittsburgh--we've been up and down with Dave Wannstedt's Pitt Panthers. Youngstown State is just here for a cup of coffee, then it's back to Ohio.

Western Michigan @ Michigan--Rich Rod needs the Wolverines to perform in order to appease a cranky fan base, still grumpy in the wake of last year's worst ever record. Western Michigan fields a pretty darn good football team. I am way eager to see the line on this one.

Spreads will be out shortly. Can't wait!