IT'S FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE

It's football time again and that means it's pickin' time again.  2005 was definitely an off year for the Medlock computers as I ended the NCAA season at barely over .500.  But there's good news now.  I not only found that pesky programming error over the off season but I also found some hardware issues.  That means I'm ready to reclaim my rightful place at the top level of pigskin prognosticators.  College only this week; next week the pros start.  My week one picks:

Tennessee 20, Cal 19--I only give the Vols an edge on this one because of David Cutcliffe returning to run the Tennessee offense.  Can he work that old orange magic with Ainge?  But if that offense stutters in the first half, Cal could easily win this game as I would expect the home crowd to get very restless.  And if Tennessee loses this game it might set the tone for another long season.  The Vols need to win this game to get out of last year's rut.  The good news is that Cal hasn't beaten many really good teams.  The bad news is they have some horses at running back.

Notre Dame 30, Georgia Tech 28--I don't think the Irish are near as good as they're being promoted by the media.  But like Tennessee--if they survive this game, it will bode well for the rest of their season and all we will hear is Brady Quinn for Heisman.

Miami 23, Florida State 20--Both teams are coming off disappointing seasons, particularly Miami who got drubbed in the bowl game by LSU.  Miami coach Coker is on a bit of a hot seat.  He gets his team fired up for this one.

Southern Cal 27, Arkansas 20--this one may surprise a few people.  SC has lost most of their offensive firepower from last season when they slaughtered and embarassed the Hogs.  The Razorbacks haven't forgotten that game and they want some revenge.  But the Trojans still have some offense.  The Hogs come up just a bit short.

Comments

[Michael]

You've got some good predictions here...I like the one for the UT game. That one shapes up as the most intriguing one of the weekend....

Of course, I'm a huge UT fan so they could playing Sisters of the Poor and it'd be intriguing to me.

[Katie]

I agree with most of your picks, with exception of the last one - I think the "12th man" will come alive for the Hogs, and they will beat SC by a touchdown!