by Michael DeLuca
First full slate of Saturday games in college football is upon us and it’s time to get the ball rolling on The Duke’s picks. All picks are by the spread with my predictions in bold…
USC -19.5 Virginia - That’s right, I figured I’d start things off with a bang. Will Virginia win, most likely not. Can they cover, absolutely. Player to watch: Left tackle Eugene Monroe is next in a long line of successful Cavaliers’ offensive linemen. Coach Al Groh says “He finished at a high level last year and it looks like he’s already beyond that level. He had an awesome summer and it’s looking right now like he can have a season comparable to any of those who preceded him.” Those that preceded him include D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Branden Albert, pretty lofty company.
Virginia Tech -10 East Carolina – East Carolina’s got a heap of returning starters while Va. Tech has lost their leading rush, top four receivers, and 7 starters from defense. Skip Holtz has done a fantastic job with the Pirates and should at least be able to keep this one close through four quarters.
Clemson -4.5 Alabama – Clemson is just too fast. James Davis and C.J. Spiller will run wild on Saban’s Tide defense, which is extremely inexperienced at the linebacker positions. On offense, Alabama is extremely young and Clemson should be able to shut down the passing game.
Saban = Over rated.
Be careful of Tech, btw, because they are always well prepared in special teams, which can decide this game.
That’s right doggy, 1 for 1 with ECU upsetting #17 ranked Virginia Tech.