The Fearless Five: Week One Predictions Against The Spread
By John Ackeren
College football is back, and so are the books in Las Vegas. Each week Husker Corner will bring you The Fearless Five, predictions against the spread. All point spreads are based on those of The MGM Grand in Las Vegas. These picks are for entertainment purposes only. Bet at your own risk.
USC Trojans at Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, Thursday August 29th:
Favorite: USC Spread: 22 1/2 Pick: USC
The Trojans might be playing two quarterbacks during their season opener, but with Marqise Lee and the other weapons this team has, expect a blowout. The 22 1/2 point spread may seem like a lot, but Hawaii was terrible last year and they look to be just as bad in 2013. Expect at least a 28 point win for USC, so give up the points and reap the rewards.
Boise State Broncos at Washington Huskies, Saturday August 31th:
Favorite: Washington Point Spread: 4 Pick: Boise State
The only reason Boise State is a dog is because this game is being played on the road. Washington is only one game over 500 under coach Steve Sarkisian. For every advance the Huskies have made, it seems they take two steps back. Chris Petersen’s Broncos have been one of the best programs in college football since he took over eight years ago. His team knows how to fight against the big boys and come out victorious. Look for Boise State to win this game outright by ten points.
Georgia Bulldogs at Clemson Tigers, Saturday August 31st:
Favorite: Georgia Point Spread: 1 1/2 Pick: Georgia
Georgia was only one play away from playing for The BCS Championship last year. They lost a ton of play-makers on defense, but Mark Richt’s team is still one of the nations elite. Clemson is also a top ten team heading into the season and are expected to compete for an ACC title. The difference in this game is going to be quarterback play. Senior Aaron Murray was a few yards short of taking his team to the top. If that isn’t motivation, I don’t know what is. Georgia wins by a touchdown in hostile territory.
Northern Illinois Huskies at Iowa Hawkeyes, Saturday August 31st:
Favorite: Iowa Point Spread: 3 Pick: Iowa
Northern Illinois had a magical season in 2013, and Iowa was simply awful. Logic would say to take the three points on the road against an Iowa team that struggled in every area of the game. We say resist logic on this one. Kirk Ferentz is fighting for his job, and a loss in week one would fire up a fanbase that is already calling for a change. The Hawkeyes will silence the critics, well, for one week at least. Look for Iowa to take down the Huskies 24-17.
Wyoming Cowboys at Nebraska Cornhuskers, Saturday August 31st:
Favorite: Nebraska Point Spread: 29 Pick: Nebraska
The Husker offense is going to put up big numbers on Saturday. I can see them easily putting up five to six hundred yards of total offense in this one. The defense will give up a few touchdowns, but I think Nebraska can cover the twenty nine point spread. Go big or go home, Nebraska wins 56-20 in front of a sellout crowd at Memorial Stadium.