See WMU/MSU side write-up

Michigan State has a majority of play makers back on offense. QB Kirk Cousins is a year older and wiser and is the undisputed leader on this team. Sophomore RBs Baker and Caper are back and will provide a nice one-two punch in the run game. The WR core also returns 3 starters from last year including Dell, Cunningham and Martin.

Western had a decent squad last year, but lost starting QB Tim Hiller, along with their top RB. The Broncos also lost their entire D-line and will only have a few starters back on the defensive side of the ball.

These two teams met up towards the end of last year with MSU winning 49-14. The Spartans should be improved on both sides of the ball this year, and I expect WMU to take a step back. With that in mind, MSU should roll here once again.

Michigan State- 45 Western Michigan- 13

Even without Masoli and James (suspended for one game), these Ducks have talent everywhere. Sophomore QB Darron Thomas is quick, fast and has very solid accuracy. The Ducks also have 8 defensive starters returning to a team that finished in the top 40 in Total defense. New Mexico only returns 9 total starters from a team that went 1-11 last year. The Lobos lost their QB, RB, top WR and 3 OL and on the defensive side of the ball, lost ¾ of their secondary and two along the DL. Coach Chip Kelly said he expects Thomas to play most of the game and will continue to get game-time reps. Look for a blowout here.
Oregon- 49 New Mexico- 6

The Huskies should be very good on offense this year with QB Jake Locker and RB Chris Polk. Polk rushed for over 1,000 yards as a frosh and with 3 O-lineman returning should prosper once again. Locker will be a top 5 draft pick in next year’s NFL draft and can beat you with his arm and his legs. The defense should also be improved with 6 returning starters including standout CB Desmond Trufant.

BYU has to replace its QB, RB and top receiver from last year, as well as 6 defensive starters. It’s already been stated the Cougars will use two QB’s in the opener against Washington. The Cougars struggled against the pass last year, finishing 62nd in the country, so look for Locker to take advantage there. There’s just too many fresh faces for BYU going against a tough Washington team who should be very much improved this season.
Washington- 27 BYU- 23

Urban Meyer is 32-4 ATS in non-conference games at Florida. That’s really all that needs to be said. No Tim Tebow, no problem. QB John Brantley is more of a pocket-passer and there are plenty of weapons of the Gators offensive side of the ball. Miami, OH was in a similar situation last year, opening as a 14 pt home dog against Kentucky. Kentucky ended up winning that game 42-0 and then Miami lost the following week 48-0 at Boise. Needless to say, this game will be a blow-out.
Florida- 52 Miami- 3

Even with the off-field issues and transfers, USC still has tremendous talent on both sides of the ball. Eleven starters return, including QB Matt Barkley and three offensive linemen. The Trojan defense finished in the top 25 in Scoring D last year and should be strong again. Word out of USC camp is the players have taken a “us against the world” mentality and with a head coach like Lane Kiffin (who runs up the score on the weaker opponents when he can- see Tennessee/WKU last year), I fully expect this team to be very focused right out of the gate.

Hawaii only has six defensive starters returning to a team that was 90th in scoring defense, 107th in rushing D and 93rd in total D. Look for Kiffin and the Trojans to take no prisoners and dominate on both sides of the ball.
USC- 42 Hawaii- 14