2018 College Football Week 1: Picks

Here are my picks for week one of the 2018 College Football season.

Thursday, August 30th

(21) UCF at Connecticut; 7:00, ESPNU
Pick: UCF

Central Connecticut at Ball State; 7:00, ESPN+
Pick: Ball State

Kennesaw State at Georgia State; 7:00, ESPN+
Pick: Georgia State

New Mexico State (0-1) at Minnesota; 7:00, BTN
Pick: Minnesota

Northwestern at Purdue; 8:00, ESPN: This should be a fun game between these two conference rivals. I wouldn't be shocked if the winner of this game wound up in a bowl game. Give me the Boiler Makers at home.
Pick: Purdue

Wake Forest at Tulane; 8:00, CBSSN: Wouldn't be overly shocked of an upset here, but give me the Demon Decons on the road.
Pick: Wake Forest

Savannah State at UAB; 8:00, ESPN+
Pick: UAB

Missouri State at Oklahoma State; 8:00, FS1
Pick: Oklahoma State

Weber State at Utah; 8:00, Pac-12N
Pick: Utah

Southeastern Louisiana at Louisiana-Monroe; 8:00, ESPN+
Pick: Louisiana-Monroe

Northwestern State at Texas A&M; 8:30, SECN
Pick: Texas A&M

UC Davis at San Jose State; 10:00: I wouldn't be surprised if the Aggies kept this close, but give me the Spartans go get perhaps their only win this year.
Pick: San Jose State

Friday, August 31st

Syracuse at Western Michigan; 6:00, CBSSN: Wouldn't overly shock me if the Broncos kept this game close.
Pick: Syracuse

Monmouth at Eastern Michigan; 6:30, ESPN+
Pick: Eastern Michigan

Utah State at (11) Michigan State; 7:00, BTN
Pick: Michigan State

Army at Duke; 7:00, ESPNU: Would not be shocked if the Black Knights kept this thing close, but I like the Blue Devils at home.
Pick: Duke

WKU at (4) Wisconsin; 9:00, ESPN
Pick: Wisconsin

San Diego State at (13) Stanford; 9:00, FS1: The Aztecs upset the Cardinal last year. It ain't happening again this year on the Cardinal's home turf.
Pick: Stanford

Portland State at Nevada; 9:00
Pick: Nevada

Colorado vs Colorado State (0-1; 0-1)- (Denver); 9:30, CBSSN: The Rams dropped their opener at home against Hawaii and I don't see them winning here against their in-state rivals, who will be a tough out for superior Pac-12 opponents this season.
Pick: Colorado

Saturday, September 1st
Oregon State at (5) Ohio State; 12:00, ABC: No Urban Meyer, no problem. Buckeyes win big.
Pick: Ohio State

FAU at (8) Oklahoma; 12:00, FOX: The Owls will be one of the better Group Of 5 teams this season, but I don't see them beating the Sooners in Norman.
Pick: Oklahoma

Southern at (16) TCU; 12:00
Pick: TCU

9/1- (23) Texas vs Maryland (Landover); 12:00, FS1: I don't see the Terapins upsetting the Longhorns a second straight season even though this game is on a neutral closer by.
Pick: Texas

Kent State at Illinois; 12:00, BTN: Don't be shocked if the Golden Flashes keep this close even though they are among the worst teams in the sport and the Illini are among the worst in the Power 5.
Pick: Illinois

Texas State at Rutgers; 12:00, BTN
Pick: Rutgers

Coastal Carolina at South Carolina; 12:00, SECN
Pick: South Carolina

9/1- Ole Miss vs Texas Tech (Houston); 12:00, ESPN
Pick: Ole Miss

James Madison at NC State; 12:00, ESPNU: The Dukes are one of the better FCS teams but I like the Wolfpack here at home.
Pick: NC State

Villanova at Temple; 12:00, ESPNEWS
Pick: Temple

Houston at Rice; 12:00, CBSSN
Pick: Houston

Furman at (2) Clemson; 12:20, ACCN
Pick: Clemson

Alcorn State at Georgia Tech; 12:30, ACCN
Pick: Georgia Tech

UMass at Boston College; 1:00, ACCN
Pick: Boston College

Stony Brook at Air Force; 2:00
Pick: Air Force

Howard at Ohio; 2:00, ESPN+
Pick: Ohio

Austin Peay at (3) Georgia; 3:30, ESPN
Pick: Georgia

9/1- (9) Auburn vs (6) Washington (Atlanta); 3:30, ABC: This is perhaps the biggest game of the weekend with these two preseason playoff contenders facing off. The Huskies might be the better team, but the fact that the game is in SEC territory has me liking the Tigers in this spot.
Pick: Auburn

Appalachian State at (10) Penn State; 3:30, BTN: The Mountaineers are one of the better Group Of 5 teams, but the Nittany Lions are just so much better.
Pick: Penn State

Tennessee vs (17) West Virginia (Charlotte); 3:30, CBS: Many folks are high on the Mountaineers this season and for good reason. Will Grier will be a Heisman contender and he'll lead the way for the 'Neers in this game against an SEC program that won't be very good this season.
Pick: West Virginia

Albany at Pittsburgh; 3:30, ACCN
Pick: Pittsburgh

Marshall at Miami-Ohio; 3:30, ESPN+
Pick: Miami-Ohio

Central Michigan at Kentucky; 3:30, ESPNU
Pick: Kentucky

Northern Illinois at Iowa; 3:30, BTN
Pick: Iowa

Washington State at Wyoming; 3:30, CBSSN: The Huskies are poised to take a step back this season and I like the Cowboys here at home.
Pick: Wyoming

UNLV at (15) USC; 4:00, Pac-12N
Pick: USC

North Carolina at California; 4:00, FOX
Pick: California

UT-Martin at Missouri; 4:00, SECN
Pick: Missouri

Eastern Illinois at Arkansas; 4:00, SECN
Pick: Arkansas

(22) Boise State at Troy; 6:00, ESPNEWS: Here we have two of the better Group Of 5 schools. The Broncos just have more talent and I like them in this spot on the road.
Pick: Boise State

Old Dominion at Liberty; 6:00
Pick: Old Dominion

Fordham at Charlotte; 6:00, ESPN+
Pick: Charlotte

North Carolina A&T at East Carolina; 6:00, ESPN3
Pick: East Carolina

Elon at South Florida; 6:00, ESPN3
Pick: South Florida

Richmond at Virginia; 6:00, ACCN
Pick: Virginia

Delaware State at Buffalo; 6:00, ESPN3
Pick: Buffalo

SC State at Georgia Southern; 6:00, ESPN+
Pick: Georgia Southern

Grambling at Louisiana; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Louisiana

VMI at Toledo; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Toledo

Southeast Missouri State at Arkansas State; 7:00, ESPN+
Pick: Arkansas State

Mercer at Memphis; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Memphis

Central Arkansas at Tulsa; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Tulsa

Louisiana Tech at South Alabama; 7:00, ESPN+
Pick: Louisiana Tech

Jackson State at Southern Miss; 7:00, ESPN+
Pick: Southern Miss

Cincinnati at UCLA; 7:00, ESPN: Chip Kelly's team won't be good this season, but they'll get a win in his debut.
Pick: UCLA

Indiana at FIU; 7:00, CBSSN
Pick: Indiana

Nicholls at Kansas; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Kansas

South Dakota at Kansas State; 7:00, ESPN3
Pick: Kansas State

(14) Michigan at (12) Notre Dame; 7:30, NBC: Here's the other game you can argue is the biggest of the weekend. ESPN's College GameDay will be on hand in South Bend for the first time in six years and I expect the atmosphere to be ruckus. I absolutely love the Irish here at home in a low scoring, close game.
Pick: Notre Dame

Charleston Southern at Florida; 7:30, SECN
Pick: Florida

Stephen F. Austin at Mississippi State; 7:30, ESPNU
Pick: Mississippi State

Middle Tennessee at Vanderbilt; 7:30, SECN
Pick: Vanderbilt

SMU at North Texas; 7:30
Pick: SMU

Northern Arizona at UTEP; 7:30, ESPN3
Pick: UTEP

9/1- Louisville vs (1) Alabama (Orlando); 8:00, ABC: If Lamar Jackson was still the Cardinals quarterback, this game would have been more enticing. The Tide will be rolling big.
Pick: Alabama

Bowling Green at (24) Oregon; 8:00, Pac-12N
Pick: Oregon

Akron at Nebraska; 8:00, FOX
Pick: Nebraska

Abilene Christian at Baylor; 8:00
Pick: Baylor

South Dakota State at Iowa State; 8:00
Pick: Iowa State

Incarnate Word at New Mexico; 8:00, ESPN3
Pick: New Mexico

Idaho at Fresno State; 10:00
Pick: Fresno State

UTSA at Arizona State; 10:30, FS1: I don't love this Sun Devils team or the hire of Herm Edwards, but they'll get a win here.
Pick: Arizona State

BYU at Arizona; 10:45, ESPN
Pick: Arizona

Navy at Hawaii (1-0; 1-0)- 11:00: The Rainbow Warriors pulled off a good upset last week over the Colorado State Rams, but I like the Midshipmen here on the road.
Pick: Navy

Sunday, September 2nd

(8) Miami vs (25) LSU (Arlington); 7:30, ABC: This should be a fun game between these two ranked teams. The Hurricanes have a chance to be a playoff team this season if things break right and I like them here to get a big neutral site win to kick off their season.
Pick: Miami

Monday, September 3rd

(20) Virginia Tech at (19) Florida State; 8:00, ESPN: This should be a fun ACC game to start the season. The Seminoles look to bounce back from a disastrous season a year ago and I like them to start the Willie Taggart era with a win.
Pick: Florida State

2018 College Football Week 1: Schedule

Here is the Schedule for week one of the 2018 College Football season (with announcers if necessary).

8/30- (21) UCF at Connecticut; 7:00, ESPNU: Clay Matvick, Dan Orlovsky, Paul Carcaterra
8/30- Central Connecticut at Ball State; 7:00, ESPN+: Jim Barbar, Mark Herrmann
8/30- Kennesaw State at Georgia State; 7:00, ESPN+: Matt Stewart, Wayne Gandy
8/30- New Mexico State at Minnesota; 7:00, BTN: Lisa Byington, James Laurinatis, Michelle McMahon
8/30- Northwestern at Purdue; 8:00, ESPN: Dave Flemming, Kirk Herbstreit, Maria Taylor
8/30- Wake Forest at Tulane; 8:00, CBSSN: Ben Holden, Jay Feely
8/30- Savannah State at UAB; 8:00, ESPN+: Mike Grace, Scot Harrison
8/30- Missouri State at Oklahoma State; 8:00, FS1: Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, Jenny Taft
8/30- Weber State at Utah; 8:00, Pac-12N: Roxy Bernstein, Anthony Herron, Lewis Johnson
8/30- Southeastern Louisiana at Louisiana-Monroe; 8:00, ESPN+: Graham Doty, J.D. Byars
8/30- Northwestern State at Texas A&M; 8:30, SECN: Tom Hart, Jordan Rodgers, Cole Cubelic
8/30- UC Davis at San Jose State; 10:00
8/31- Syracuse at Western Michigan; 6:00, CBSSN: Dave Ryan, Corey Chavous, Lauren Gardner
8/31- Monmouth at Eastern Michigan; 6:30, ESPN+: Dan Gutowsky, Marcus Ray
8/31- Utah State at (11) Michigan State; 7:00, BTN: Brandon Gaudin, Glen Mason, Elise Menaker
8/31- Army at Duke; 7:00, ESPNU: Roy Philpott, Tom Ramsey
8/31- WKU at (4) Wisconsin; 9:00, ESPN: Jason Benetti, Kelly Stouffer, Olivia Dekker
8/31- San Diego State at (13) Stanford; 9:00, FS1: Justin Kutcher, Petros Papadakis, DeMarco Murray
8/31- Portland State at Nevada; 9:00, MWDV: John Ramey, Mike Edwards
*8/31- Colorado vs Colorado State (Denver); 9:30, CBSSN: Carter Blackburn, Aaron Taylor, John Schriffen
9/1- Oregon State at (5) Ohio State; 12:00, ABC: Dave Pasch, Greg McElroy, Tom Luginbill
9/1- FAU at (7) Oklahoma; 12:00, FOX: Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, Jenny Taft
9/1- Southern at (16) TCU; 12:00, FSN: Mark Followill, Brian Baldinger, Lesley McCaslin
*9/1- (23) Texas vs Maryland (Landover); 12:00, FS1: Joe Davis, Brady Quinn, Bruce Feldman
9/1- Kent State at Illinois; 12:00, BTN: Mike Monaco, J Leman
9/1- Texas State at Rutgers; 12:00, BTN: Chris Vosters, Shaun O'Hara
9/1- Coastal Carolina at South Carolina; 12:00, SECN: Taylor Zarzour, Matt Stinchcomb, Kris Budden
*9/1- Ole Miss vs Texas Tech (Houston); 12:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Dusty Dvoracek, Molly McGrath
9/1- James Madison at NC State; 12:00, ESPNU: Mike Corey, Rene Ingoglia
9/1- Villanova at Temple; 12:00, ESPNEWS: Clay Matvick, Dan Orlovsky
9/1- Houston at Rice; 12:00, CBSSN: Ben Holden, Jay Feely, Tina Cervasio
9/1- Furman at (2) Clemson; 12:20, ACCN: Tom Werme, Dave Archer, Lericia Harris
9/1- Alcorn State at Georgia Tech; 12:30, ACCN: Wes Durham, James Bates, Rebecca Kaple
9/1- UMass at Boston College; 1:00, ACCN: Doug Sherman, Matt Chatham
9/1- Stony Brook at Air Force; 2:00, FBK L: Ari Wolfe, Max Starks, Dani Kulpenger
9/1- Howard at Ohio; 2:00, ESPN+: Dave Weekley, Hutson Mason
9/1- Austin Peay at (3) Georgia; 3:30, ESPN: Beth Mowins, Anthony Becht, Rocky Boiman
*9/1- (9) Auburn vs (6) Washington (Atlanta); 3:30, ABC: Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Todd McShay
9/1- Appalachian State at (10) Penn State; 3:30, BTN: Kevin Kugler, Matt Millen, Lisa Byington
*9/1- Tennessee vs (17) West Virginia (Charlotte); 3:30, CBS: Brad Nessler, Gary Danielson, Jamie Erdahl
9/1- Albany at Pittsburgh; 3:30, ACCN: Joel Meyers, Dustin Fox
9/1- Marshall at Miami-Ohio; 3:30, ESPN+: Jim Barbar, Bobby Carpenter
9/1- Central Michigan at Kentucky; 3:30, ESPNU: Kevin Brown, Andre Ware
9/1- Northern Illinois at Iowa; 3:30, BTN: Joe Beninati, Chuck Long, Ally Sturm
9/1- Washington State at Wyoming; 3:30, CBSSN: Rich Waltz, Aaron Murray, A.J. Ross
9/1- UNLV at (15) USC; 4:00, Pac-12N: Ted Robinson, Yogi Roth, Jill Savage
9/1- North Carolina at California; 4:00, FOX: Brian Custer, Ben Leber
9/1- UT-Martin at Missouri; 4:00, SECN: Mark Neely, Barrett Jones
9/1- Eastern Illinois at Arkansas; 4:00, SECN: Dave Neal, D.J. Shockley, Dawn Davenport
9/1- (22) Boise State at Troy; 6:00, ESPNEWS: Dave LaMont, Ray Bentley
9/1- Old Dominion at Liberty; 6:00, ESPN3: Matt Warner, Joe Jauch, Bobbie Bollig
9/1- Fordham at Charlotte; 6:00, ESPN+: Bobby Rosinski, Jay Sonnhalter, Libby Clark
9/1- North Carolina A&T at East Carolina; 6:00, ESPN3: Josh Appel, Stan Lewter
9/1- Elon at South Florida; 6:00, ESPN3: Drew Fellios, Forrest Conoly
9/1- Richmond at Virginia; 6:00, ACCN: Shawn Kenney, John Gregory
9/1- Delaware State at Buffalo; 6:00, ESPN3: Robert Lee, Jerod Cher
9/1- SC State at Georgia Southern; 6:00, ESPN+: Greg Talbott, Danny Waugh
9/1- Grambling at Louisiana; 7:00, ESPN3: Dan McDonald, Gerald Broussard
9/1- VMI at Toledo; 7:00, ESPN3: Michael Reghi, Barrett Brooks
9/1- Southeast Missouri State at Arkansas State; 7:00, ESPN+: Roger Twibell, Pete Cordelli
9/1- Mercer at Memphis; 7:00, ESPN3: Mike Watts, Tyoka Jackson
9/1- Central Arkansas at Tulsa; 7:00, ESPN3: Trey Bender, Watson Brown
9/1- Louisiana Tech at South Alabama; 7:00, ESPN+: J.D. Byars, Pat Greenwood, Lauren Estes
9/1- Jackson State at Southern Miss; 7:00, ESPN+: Jason Baker, Jeff Posey
9/1- Cincinnati at UCLA; 7:00, ESPN: Bob Wischusen, Brock Huard, Allison Williams
9/1- Indiana at FIU; 7:00, CBSSN: Brad Johansen, Danny Kanell
9/1- Nicholls at Kansas; 7:00, ESPN3: Dave Stewart, Danan Hughes, Kennetra Pulliams
9/1- South Dakota at Kansas State; 7:00, ESPN3: Brian Smoller, Travis Tannahill
9/1- (14) Michigan at (12) Notre Dame; 7:30, NBC: Mike Tirico, Doug Flutie, Kathryn Tappen
9/1- Charleston Southern at Florida; 7:30, SECN: Tom Hart, Jordan Rodgers, Cole Cubelic
9/1- Stephen F. Austin at (18) Mississippi State; 7:30, ESPNU: Mike Couzens, Kirk Morrison
9/1- Middle Tennessee at Vanderbilt; 7:30, SECN: Anish Shroff, Ahmad Brooks, Roddy Jones
9/1- SMU at North Texas; 7:30, Stadium: Chris Hassel, AJ Hawk, Kristen Balboni
9/1- Northern Arizona at UTEP; 7:30, ESPN3: Andy Morgan, Trevor Vittatoe
*9/1- Louisville vs (1) Alabama (Orlando); 8:00, ABC: Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Maria Taylor
9/1- Bowling Green at (24) Oregon; 8:00, Pac-12N: Roxy Bernstein, Anthony Herron, Lewis Johnson
9/1- Akron at Nebraska; 8:00, FOX: Tim Brando, Spencer Tillman, Holly Sonders
9/1- Abilene Christian at Baylor; 8:00, FSN: Brendan Burke, David Anderson, Christian Steckel
9/1- South Dakota State at Iowa State; 8:00, Cyclones.TV: Brent Blum, Sage Rosenfels
9/1- Incarnate Word at New Mexico; 8:00, ESPN3: David Saltzman, Doug Graber
9/1- Idaho at Fresno State; 10:00, FBK L: Dan Hellie, David Carr, Kelli Johnson
9/1- UTSA at Arizona State; 10:30, FS1: Chris Myers, James Laurinait
9/1- BYU at Arizona; 10:45, ESPN: Adam Amin, Rod Gilmore, Quint Kessenich
9/1- Navy at Hawaii; 11:00, CBSSN: John Sadak, Randy Cross, Amanda Balionis
*9/2- (8) Miami vs (25) LSU (Arlington); 7:30, ABC: Sean McDonough, Todd Blackledge, Holly Rowe
9/3- (20) Virginia Tech at (19) Florida State; 8:00, ESPN: Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Maria Taylor

2018 WNBA Playoffs: Semifinals Predictions

Here are my predictions for the Semifinals of the 2018 WNBA Playoffs, which are now best of five series's.

(5) Phoenix Mercury vs (1) Seattle Storm: This should be a fun series between these two conference foes. The Mercury defeated the Wings in the First Round and the Sun in the Second Round. The Storm earned home court advantage throughout the Playoffs with the best record in the league. Stars are abound in this series with Diana Turasi, Brittney Griner, and DeWanna Bonner for the Mercury and league MVP Breanna Stewart, Sue Bird, Natasha Howard, and Jewell Loyd for the Storm. This will be a great series and I like the Storm and their depth to advance to the WNBA Finals.
Prediction: Storm in five games.

(3) Washington Mystics vs (2) Atlanta Dream: This should be a fun series between these conference foes. The Mystics beat the Sparks convincingly in the Second Round. The Dream had the second best record in the league that brought them here. The Mystics have a lot of talent with Elene Delle-Donne and Kristi Tolliver leading the way. The Dream have a nice big three with Angel McCoughtry, Tiffany Hayes, and Jessica Breland. This is a hard call but I like Delle Donne and the Mystics to pull off a minor upset to reach the WNBA Finals.
Prediction: Mystics in four games.

2018 College Football Bowl Projections: Week 0/1 Edition

Here is my week 0/1 edition of my 2018 College Football Bowl Projections.

College Football Playoff
Cotton Bowl: December 29th, 2018- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (4) Georgia vs (1) Alabama
Orange Bowl: December 29th, 2018- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (3) Penn State vs (2) Clemson

Rest of New Years Six Bowls
Peach Bowl: December 29th, 2018- 12:00, ESPN: Notre Dame vs Ohio State
Fiesta Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 1:00, ESPN: Boise State vs Miami
Rose Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 5:00, ESPN: Washington vs Wisconsin
Sugar Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 8:45, ESPN: Oklahoma vs Auburn

Other Bowl Games
New Mexico Bowl: December 15th, 2018- 2:00, ESPN: UTSA vs Colorado State
Cure Bowl: December 15th, 2018- 2:30, CBSSN: South Florida vs Appalachian State
Las Vegas Bowl: December 15th, 2018- 3:30, ABC: Colorado vs San Diego State
Camellia Bowl: December 15th, 2018- 5:30, ESPN: Northern Illinois vs Georgia Southern
New Orleans Bowl: December 15th, 2018- 9:00, ESPN: Louisiana-Monroe vs WKU
Boca Raton Bowl: December 18th, 2018- 7:00, ESPN: FAU vs Tulane
Frisco Bowl: December 19th, 2018- 8:00, ESPN: SMU vs Southern Miss
Graspilla Bowl: December 20th, 2018- 8:00, ESPN: Memphis vs North Carolina
Bahamas Bowl: December 21st, 2018- 12:30, ESPN: Old Dominion vs Buffalo
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: December 21st, 2018- 4:00, ESPN: Toledo vs Wyoming
Birmingham Bowl: December 22nd, 2018- 12:00, ESPN: UCF vs Vanderbilt
Armed Forces Bowl: December 22nd, 2018- 3:30, ESPN: Army vs Temple
Dollar General Bowl: December 22nd, 2018- 7:00, ESPN: Ohio vs Arkansas State
Hawaii Bowl: December 22nd, 2018- 10:30, ESPN: North Texas vs Fresno State
First Responder Bowl: December 26th, 2018- 1:30, ESPN: Indiana vs UAB
Quick Lane Bowl: December 26th, 2018- 5:15, ESPN: Louisville vs Purdue
Cheeze-It Bowl: December 26th, 2018- 9:00, ESPN: Iowa State vs Oregon
Independence Bowl: December 27th, 2018- 1:30, ESPN: Florida State vs Houston
Pinstripe Bowl: December 27th, 2018- 5:15, ESPN: North Carolina State vs Northwestern
Texas Bowl: December 27th, 2018- 9:00, ESPN: West Virginia vs Missouri
Music City Bowl: December 28th, 2018- 1:30, ESPN: South Carolina vs Nebraska
Camping World Bowl: December 28th, 2018- 5:15, ESPN: Duke vs TCU
Alamo Bowl: December 28th, 2018- 9:00, ESPN: Oklahoma State vs Utah
Belk Bowl: December 29th- 12:00, ABC: Virginia Tech vs Kentucky
Arizona Bowl: December 29th, 2018- 5:30, CBSSN: Louisiana-Monroe vs Utah State
Military Bowl: December 31st, 2018- 12:00, ESPN: Wake Forest vs Navy
Hyundai Sun Bowl: December 31st, 2018- 2:00, CBS: Boston College vs Stanford
San Francisco Bowl: December 31st, 2018- 5:00, FOX: Minnesota vs USC
Liberty Bowl: December 31st, 2018- 3:45, ESPN: Texas vs Texas A&M
Holiday Bowl: December 31st, 2018- 7:00, FS1: Michigan State vs Arizona
Gator Bowl: December 31st, 2018- 7:30, ESPN: LSU vs Virginia
Outback Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 12:00, ESPN2: Florida vs Iowa
Citrus Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 1:00, ABC: Auburn vs Michigan

2018 College Football Season Predictions

Here are my predictions for the 2018 College Football season.

AAC
- East
1. UCF (10-2; 6-2)
2. Temple (8-4; 5-3)
3. South Florida (9-3; 5-3)
4. Cincinnati (5-7; 2-6)
5. East Carolina (2-10; 1-7)
6. Connecticut (1-11; 0-8)

- West
1. Memphis (9-3; 6-2)
2. Houston (8-4; 5-3)
3. Tulane (6-6; 5-3)
4. SMU (6-6; 4-4)
5. Navy (7-6; 4-4)
6. Tulsa (6-6; 4-4)

The Central Florida Knights are one of the top Group Of Five teams as we head into the season as they have a new coach in a Josh Heupel. McKenzie Milton is the best at his position within the conference. The Memphis Tigers could be a sleeper Group Of Five this season due to their loaded offense featuring quarterback Brady White and a tremendous running back threesome. Even their defense has some talent as well. The Houston Cougars could also be a sleeper Group Of Five team this season. Ed Oliver is certainly the best player in the conference and is also arguably the best defensive player in college football. The Temple Owls are a team that is going to improve in year two under Geoff Collins. Senior quarterback Frank Nutile is solid at his position and one of the best in the conference. The South Florida Bulls are a team that's such a wild card in terms of Group Of Five teams. Their schedule is somewhat favorable, but they will miss Quinton Flowers. The Tulane Green Wave will be improved this season with a solid offense in Willie Fritz's third season at the helm. The SMU Mustangs are an interesting team this season under new head coach Sonny Dykes. Their offense will be solid led by junior quarterback Ben Hicks. The Navy Midshipmen are an interesting team this season. Their schedule is very tricky although they have a breakout player candidate in quarterback Malcolm Perry. The Tulsa Hurricanes are a tricky team to peg as their schedule is difficult although I have them going to a bowl game. Their offense will be good partially due to a majority of their offensive lineman returning. The Cincinnati Bearcats look to improve on last seasons 4-8 mark in Luke Fickell's second season as head coach. Senior quarterback Hayden Moore is one of the better signal callers in the conference. The East Carolina Pirates are a team in transition as quarterback Gardner Minshew transferred. Trevon Brown is one of the better receivers in this conference and head coach Scottie Montgomery is on the hot seat. The Connecticut Huskies are a program that's in a major rebuild and in need of talent as Randy Edsall is in his second season in his second stint as head coach.

ACC
- Atlantic
1. Clemson (12-0; 8-0)
2. North Carolina State (8-4; 5-3)
3. Louisville (7-5; 4-4)
4. Florida State (7-5; 4-4)
5. Wake Forest (6-6; 3-5)
6. Boston College (6-6; 3-5)
7. Syracuse (5-7; 2-6)

- Coastal
1. Miami (10-2; 6-2)
2. Duke (8-4; 5-3)
3. Virginia Tech (8-4; 5-3)
4. North Carolina (6-6; 4-4)
5. Virginia (6-6; 3-5)
6. Georgia Tech (4-8; 2-6)
7. Pittsburgh (2-10; 1-7)

The Clemson Tigers are one of the two most talented teams in the country. They have the best defense in the sport led by Christian Wilkins, Dexter Lawrence, and Clelin Ferrell and a quality quarterback in Kelly Bryant. The Miami Hurricanes should be favored to win the Coastal Division with a very good quarterback in Malik Rosier and a stout defense led by defensive backs Michael Jackson and Jaquan Johnson and defensive end Joe Jackson. The Duke Blue Devils are a popular sleeper picks thanks to a loaded offense led by quarterback Daniel Jones. A tough out of conference schedule awaits for David Cutcliffe's team, though. The Virginia Tech Hokies are a solid team that is capable of pulling off some upsets. Joe Jackson may not even be the best quarterback on this roster although he is the projected starter. The North Carolina State Wolfpack could be a sleeper this season as well thanks to an underrated quarterback in Ryan Finley. The Louisville Cardinals lose a ton including Lamar Jackson. They could be a sleeper with two stud receivers in Dee Fitzpatrick and Jaylen Smith and a solid head coach in Bobby Petrino. The Florida State Seminoles are looking to rebound from a disaster of a season a year ago. Jimbo Fisher is out and Willie Taggart is in and this team still has a stud running back in Cam Akers. The North Carolina Tarheels look to rebound from a disappointing season a season ago. Larry Fedora is a coach on the hot seat although they have a fun offense led by running back Michael Carter and receiver/kick returner Anthony Ratliff-Williams. The Wake Forest Demon Decons have been a frisky team the last few seasons, but their schedule is difficult this year although I have them pegged for a bowl game. Their offense will be fun to watch with some key returning starters such as running back Matt Colburn and receiver/returner Greg Dortch. The Boston College Eagles could be a sleeper in this conference due to star running back AJ Dillon. The Virginia Cavaliers surprised some folks last season but a step back for Bronco Mendenhall's team won't shock me. They have a fun offense led by quarterback Bryce Perkins. Some people expect the Syracuse Orange to make a jump this season. I feel Dino Babers's team is a year or two away although they have a senior quarterback in Eric Dungey. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have a challenging schedule that may keep them out of a bowl game this season although Paul Johnson can coach and TaQuon Marshall is a solid quarterback. The Pittsburgh Panthers are the worst team in this conference perhaps and Pat Narduzzi is a coach on the hot seat. Darrin Hall is a solid running back and young quarterback Kenny Pickett is promising.

Big Ten
- East
1. Penn State (11-1; 8-1)
2. Ohio State (10-2; 7-2)
3. Michigan (9-3; 7-2)
4. Michigan State (9-3; 6-3)
5. Indiana (6-6; 3-6)
6. Rutgers (4-8; 2-7)
7. Maryland (3-9; 2-7)

- West
1. Wisconsin (9-3; 6-3)
2. Iowa (8-4; 5-4)
3. Minnesota (8-4; 5-4)
4. Nebraska (7-5; 4-5)
5. Northwestern (6-6; 4-5)
6. Purdue (6-6; 3-6)
7. Illinois (2-10; 0-9)

The Penn State Nittany Lions are a real threat to win this conference and they have a tough schedule, but some of those hard games are in Happy Valley. They'll miss Saquon Barkley, but I believe in quarterback Trace McSorley. The Ohio State Buckeyes are a very talented team, but are dealing with some turmoil with Urban Meyer on a administration leave due to the ongoing Zach Smith saga. Running back JK Dobbins will lead what should be an improved offense with a quarterback upgrade and Nick Bosa is one of the best defensive players in the country and will lead that defense. The Michigan Wolverines could win this conference, but a tough schedule awaits. Shea Patterson is a quarterback upgrade and their defense will be good led by Rashan Gary. The Wisconsin Badgers are easily the favorites to win the West Division and have a legit chance to represent the conference in the College Football Playoff, but a tough road schedule awaits. Paul Chryst's team is loaded with talent on both ends of the ball with Jonathan Taylor running the ball on offense behind a stout offensive line and a defense loaded too led by linebacker TJ Edwards. The Michigan State Spartans are yet another team from this conference that wouldn't shock me if they won it. Brian Lewerke is a solid quarterback and running back LJ Scott is solid too. The Iowa Hawkeyes could be a conference spoiler yet again this season. Quarterback Nate Stanley is solid and he'll lead a very good offense that has an underrated tight end in Noah Fant. The Minnesota Golden Gophers are a team that cannot be slept on with a favorable schedule in PJ Fleck's second season at the helm. Their offense will be very good led by running back Rodney Smith. The Nebraska Cornhuskers have a new coach in Scott Frost and with a favorable schedule, I can see them finishing above .500. They have a great wideout duo in Stanley Morgan Jr and JD Spielman. The Northwestern Wildcats always have been a spoiler these last few seasons, but their schedule is difficult so don't rule out the possibility of them not being bowl eligible. Clayton Thorson is a solid quarterback and their defense is one of the better ones in the conference. The Purdue Boiler Makers look to improve on last seasons bowl season win. Jeff Brohm has a good offensive system and has a good quarterback in David Blough. The Indiana Hosiers look to improve from last seasons 5-7 mark and get to a bowl. It's possible, but a hard schedule awaits and they need improvement from quarterback Peyton Ramsey. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are a program that's heading in the right direction, but are a few years away. Senior tight end Jerome Washington is one of the better ones in the conference. The Maryland Terrapins are dealing with some tragedy and turmoil too with the death of Jordan McNair and head coach DJ Durkin was placed on administrative leave in wake of this. On the field, they'll be able to score points thanks to a good offense led by running back/returner Ty Johnson. The Illinois Fighting Illini are the worst team in this conference and Lovie Smith is a coach on the hot seat. Senior tight end Louis Dorsey is a solid player, though.

Big Ten Championship Game: Penn State over Wisconsin

Big 12
1. TCU (9-3; 7-2)
2. Oklahoma (9-3; 6-3)
3. Oklahoma State (9-3; 6-3)
4. West Virginia (9-3; 6-3)
5. Texas (8-4; 5-4)
6. Iowa State (7-5; 5-4)
7. Kansas State (7-5; 4-5)
8. Texas Tech (4-8; 3-6)
9. Baylor (5-7; 2-7)
10. Kansas (2-10; 0-9)

The TCU Horned Frogs are a team that many are sleeping on. Gary Petersen has a ton of talent on both sides of the ball with running back Darrius Anderson and receivers KaVonte Turpin and Jalen Reagor on offense and linebacker Ty Summers and defensive end Ben Banogu on the defensive side. The Oklahoma Sooners are the consensus favorites in this conference, but I believe the team will miss Baker Mayfield and that will result in a bit of a step back. Rodney Anderson is one of the better running backs in the country and Kyler Murray may live up to the hype. The Oklahoma State Cowboys may be better than expected although they lost Mason Rudolph. Mike Gundy is an excellent coach and gets a lot of his players and don't sleep on running back Justice Hill. The West Virginia Mountaineers are a legit sleeper team this season. Their offense will be among the best in the country with Will Grier under center and talented receivers David Sills V and Greg Jennings Jr. The Texas Longhorns are a team many expect to bounce back in year two under Tom Herman. Their offense could be good despite quarterback questions with a stud receiver in Collin Johnson and there's a lot of talent on the defensive side with defensive end Brecklyn Hager, linebacker Gary Johnson, and defensive back Kris Boyd. The Iowa State Cyclones look to build on a successful season from a year ago. Matt Campbell has a ton of talent on both ends of the ball with quarterback Kyle Kempt and running back David Montgomery and defensively with corner Brian Peavy. The Kansas State Wildcats are always an interesting team as long as Bill Snyder is around. Their offense will be good with a good line and a good running back in Alex Barnes and also have talent on defense. The Texas Tech Red Raiders are a team that is under pressure since head coach Kliff Kingsburry is on the hot seat. Running back DaLeon Ward and receiver TJ Vasher will lead the way offensively and their defense isn't great. The Baylor Bears look to bounce back from a disastrous season from a year ago. Their offense should be solid with wide receiver Denzel Mims back. The Kansas Jayhawks are a program that's perhaps the worst in the country in terms of Power Five teams. Dave Beaty is a coach on the hot seat although he has a nice talented offensive weapon in receiver/returner Steven Sims Jr.

Big 12 Championship Game: Oklahoma over TCU

Conference-USA
- East
1. FAU (9-3; 7-1)
2. Old Dominion (8-4; 6-2)
3. WKU (7-5; 5-3)
4. Middle Tennessee (6-6; 5-3)
5. Marshall (5-7; 4-4)
6. FIU (4-8; 2-6)
7. Charlotte (1-11; 1-7)

- West
1. UAB (8-4; 6-2)
2. Southern Miss (8-4; 6-2)
3. UTSA (6-6; 5-3)
4. North Texas (7-5; 5-3)
5. Louisiana Tech (6-6; 4-4)
6. Rice (2-10; 1-7)
7. UTEP (1-11; 0-8)

The Florida Atlantic Owls are the favorites in this conference after a great year last season and the return of star running back Devin Singletary and a great defense led by linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. The UAB Blazers are my pick to win the West division with a favorable schedule and a great offense led by quarterback AJ Erdely and running back Spencer Brown. The Southern Miss Eagles can win the West division with a favorable schedule and a solid defense led by defensive back Picasso Nelson Jr. The Old Dominion Monarchs are a solid team with a very good defense led by defensive end Oshane Ximines. The UTSA Road Runners are a team people are sleeping on this season with talent on both sides of the ball with running back Jalen Rhodes and linebacker Josiah Tauaefa. The North Texas Mean Green are a team many think will win the West division courtesy of a great offense led by quarterback Mason Fine. The WKU Hilltopers could be a sleeper in the conference with a favorable schedule, although they lost a ton but still have a great tight end in Mik'Quan Deane. The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders should be solid with a good offense led by quarterback Brent Stockstill. The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs have talent such as wide out Teddy Veal and defensive lineman Jaylon Ferguson, but a difficult schedule ahead of them. The Marshall Thundering Herd could be a factor in this conference with a good offense with players such as wideout Tyre Brady, but their schedule is hard.The FIU Panthers will take a step back this season although they have a nice quarterback in James Morgan. The Charlotte 49ers won't be good what so ever although they have two nice defensive players in defensive back Ben DeLuca and linebacker Juwan Foggie. The Rice Owls are among the worst teams in the country although they have a new coach in Mike Bloomgren. The UTEP Miners are also one of the worst teams in the country with a new coach in Dana Dimel.

C-USA Championship Game: FAU over UAB

Independents
1. Notre Dame (11-1)
2. Army (8-4)
3. New Mexico State (7-5)
4. Massachusetts (6-6)
5. BYU (6-6)
6. Liberty (2-10)

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are a real threat to make the College Football Playoff with a loaded roster on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Brandon Wimbush is a Heisman Trophy dark-horse and their defense is loaded too with guys like defensive tackle Jerry Tillery, linebacker Te'Von Coney, and cornerback Julian Love. The Army Black Nights will be improved with a great offense led by running back Darnell Woolfolk. The New Mexico State Aggies are a new independent team, but they have a favorable schedule ahead of them and a good offense led by running back Jason Huntley. The Massachusetts Minutemen are team that should be improved with a great offense led by quarterback Andrew Ford. The BYU Cougars look to bounce back from a disappointing season from a year ago and their offense should be much improved with a lot of starters back including quarterback Tanner Mangum. The Liberty Flames are new to the FBS so expect some growing pains and adjustment periods from Turner Gill's squad.

MAC
- East
1. Ohio (8-4; 6-2)
2. Buffalo (8-4; 5-3)
3. Miami-Ohio (5-7; 4-4)
4. Akron (4-8; 3-5)
5. Bowling Green (3-9; 2-6)
6. Kent State (1-11; 0-8)

 - West
1. Northern Illinois (7-5; 7-1)
2. Eastern Michigan (7-5; 5-3)
3. Toledo (7-5; 5-3)
4. Central Michigan (4-8; 3-5)
5. Ball State (4-8; 3-5)
6. Western Michigan (4-8; 2-6)

Many people like the Ohio Bobcats to win this conference with a very good offense led by quarterback Nathan Rourke. The Northern Illinois Huskies are my pick to win the West division with talent on both sides of the ball including defensive end Sutton Smith. The Buffalo Bulls will be improved this season with a great offense featuring stud receiver Anthony Johnson. The Eastern Michigan Eagles will be improved this season with a lot of key returnees including defensive end Maxx Crosby. The Toledo Rockets will be a factor in this conference too with their good offense featuring two stud receivers in Diontae Johnson and Cody Thompson. The Miami Redbirds aren't that bad of a team with a great offense led by quarterback Gus Ragland, but they have a difficult schedule. The Central Michigan Chippewas lost a lot of talent from last season, but they still have talented defensive lineman Mitch Stanizek. Some people expect the Ball State Cardinals to improve thanks to an offense that should be good led by quarterback Riley Neal. The Western Michigan Broncos have some talent such as running back Jamauri Bogan, but their schedule is difficult. The Akron Zips are in a bit of a rebuild but they have some good players on the defensive side of the ball in linebacker Ulysees Gilbert and cornerback Kyron Brown. The Bowling Green Falcons are a team in a rebuild as well, but they'll have a solid offense led by quarterback Jarret Doege. The Kent State Golden Flashes are one of the worst teams in the country and have a new coach in Sean Lewis.

MAC Championship Game: Ohio over Northern Illinois

MWC
- Mountain
1. Boise State (10-2; 7-1)
2. Wyoming (9-3; 6-2)
3. Colorado State (7-5; 5-3)
4. Utah State (6-6; 4-4)
5. Air Force (5-7; 3-5)
6. New Mexico (2-10; 0-8)

- West
1. San Diego State (8-4; 6-2)
2. Fresno State (7-5; 5-3)
3. UNLV (6-6; 4-4)
4. Nevada (6-6; 4-4)
5. Hawaii (4-9; 2-6)
6. San Jose State (1-11; 0-8)

The Boise State Broncos are the team to beat in this conference thanks to a ton of talent on both ends of the ball in quarterback Brett Rypien, defensive lineman David Moa, and defensive back Tyler Horton. The Wyoming Coyotes may have lost Josh Allen on offense, but their defense will be loaded thanks to defensive tackle Youhanna Ghaifan, defensive end Carl Granderson, and safety Andrew Wingard. The San Diego State Aztecs are my pick to win the West Division with a very good offense led by quarterback Christian Chapman. The Fresno State Bulldogs look to build on last seasons success and have a very good offense led by quarterback Marcus McMaryion. The UNLV Rebels are a team I expect to improve this season thanks to an offense that features one of the better running backs in the conference in Lexington Thomas. The Nevada Wolfpack are team that is loaded offensively led by quarterback Ty Gangi and they have defensive talent too in linebacker Malik Reed and defensive back Dameon Bader. The Colorado State Rams will be able to light up scoreboards with their offense led by quarterback KJ Carta-Samuels. The Utah State Aggies could be a factor in the conference with a solid offense with one of the better tight ends in the conference in Dax Raymond. The Air Force Falcons could play some spoiler this season with a good home field advantage and a solid coach in Troy Calhoun. The New Mexico Lobos are a team that have taken a step back although they have a good running back in Tyrone Owens. The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors are a team folks think will be among the worst in the country and coach Nick Rolovich is on the hot seat. The San Jose State Spartans are one of the worst teams in the country and have a new head coach in Brent Brennan.

MWC Championship Game: Boise State over San Diego State

Pac-12
- North
1. Washington (9-3; 7-2)
2. Oregon (9-3; 6-3)
3. Stanford (8-4; 6-3)
4. Washington State (6-6; 4-5)
5. California (6-6; 4-5)
6. Oregon State (1-11; 0-9)

- South
1. Utah (9-3; 6-3)
2. Arizona (9-3; 6-3)
3. USC (7-5; 5-4)
4. Colorado (6-6; 4-5)
5. UCLA (5-7; 3-6)
6. Arizona State (3-9; 2-7)

The Washington Huskies are a very talented team on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Jake Browning and running back Myles Gaskin lead the way offensively and on the other side of the ball safety Taylor Rapp, defensive tackle Greg Gaines, and linebacker Tevis Bartlett. The Utah Utes are my pick to win the South division. Their offense should be solid led by quarterback Tyler Huntley and running back Zack Moss and have a great defense led by linebacker Chase Hansen, Julian Blackmon, and defensive end Bradlee Anae. The Arizona Wildcats are a team folks a lot of people think will be a sleeper due to the presence of new head coach Kevin Sumlin and quarterback Khalil Tate. Their defense has some talent too such as linebacker Colin Schooler. The Oregon Ducks are team that will make noise this season in Mario Cristobal's first year as coach. Quarterback Justin Herbert will be a Heisman candidate and even their defense has talent too such as defensive end Jalen Jelks and linebacker Troy Dye. The Stanford Cardinal will be a factor in this conference as well with KJ Costello possibly being a breakout quarterback this season and having Bryce Love to hand the ball off to certainly helps. Their defense should be solid too led by cornerback Aijah Holder and linebacker Bobby Okereke. The USC Trojans will take a step back with the departure of Sam Darnold and there's pressure on Clay Helton this season. JT Daniels replaces Darnold under center and defense has some talent with guys like linebacker Cameron Smith and cornerback Iman Marshall. The Colorado Buffaloes are a team that cannot be slept on and have some talent and darn good head coach in Mike MacIntyre. Quarterback Steven Montez will lead the offense and the defense has some talent too with defensive back Nick Fisher and defensive end Chris Mulumba. The Washington State Huskies are a team many folks will take a step back this season. Quarterback Gardner Minshew will lead the offense and safety Jalen Thompson and linebacker Peyton Peuller are solid players on defense. The California Golden Bears found themselves a nice head coach in Justin Wilcox. They have talent on both sides of the ball with quarterback Ross Bowers and running back Patrick Laird leading the offense and guys like linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk on defense. The UCLA Bruins are a program in transition with Chip Kelly at the helm now. Josh Rosen will be missed on offense but they still have a quality tight end in Caleb Wilson meanwhile their defense is a work in progress. The Arizona State Sun Devils are in a bit of a transition period with new head coach Herm Edwards. This team will have a good offense though led by quarterback Manny Wilkins and have some talent defensively in linebacker Koron Crump and defensive back Chase Lucas. The Oregon State Beavers have a new head coach in Jonathan Smith, but it's gonna be a while before they then turn a corner. At least they'll have a fun offense led by quarterback Jake Luton.

Pac-12 Championship Game: Washington over Utah

SEC
- East
1. Georgia (12-0; 8-0)
2. Florida (7-5; 4-4)
3. South Carolina (7-5; 4-4)
4. Missouri (7-5; 4-4)
5. Kentucky (7-5; 4-4)
6. Vanderbilt (6-6; 3-5)
7. Tennessee (4-8; 1-7)

- West
1. Alabama (12-0; 8-0)
2. Mississippi State (9-3; 5-3)
3. Auburn (9-3; 5-3)
4. LSU (7-5; 4-4)
5. Texas A&M (6-6; 3-5)
6. Arkansas (5-7; 2-6)
7. Ole Miss (5-7; 1-7)

The Alabama Crimson Tide come into the season as the conference favorites and perhaps the favorite to repeat as National Champions. Tua Tagovailoa should be the starting quarterback and running back Damien Harris is back too and on the defensive side linebackers Anfernee Jennings and Mack Wilson along with defensive end Raekwon Davis return. The Georgia Bulldogs have a legit shot to win this conference as well as the National Championship. Jake Fromm is one of the best quarterbacks in the country and he'll lead their offense and their defense will be great led by defensive end Jonathan Ledbetter, linebacker D'Andre Walker, and cornerback Deandre Baker. The Mississippi State Bulldogs will be an improved team even though they have a new coach in Joe Morehead. Quarterback Nick Fitzgerald will lead the way on offense and they have talent on defense in defensive end Montez Stewart and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. The Auburn Tigers will make noise as they have been the last few seasons. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham will lead the way offensively and their defense is legit led by defensive lineman Derrick Brown, linebacker DeShaun Davis, and defensive back Jamel Dean. The LSU Tigers are a wild card in this conference this season. Defense is their strength led by linebacker Devin White and cornerback Greedy Williams and their offense must receive good quarterback play if the team wants to be a conference sleeper but they do have talent on that side of the ball with wideout Jonathan Giles and tight end Foster Moreau. The Florida Gators have a new head coach in Dan Mullen and they are a bit of a wild card too. Their offense has talent with running back Jordan Scarlett and receiver Tyrie Cleveland, but their defense will be very good led by linebacker David Reese and defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. The South Carolina Gamecocks are an interesting team. Their offense will be great led by quarterback Jake Bentley and stud receiver Deebo Samuel, but their defense isn't great although they have a good defensive end in DJ Wonnum and linebacker TJ Brunson. The Missouri Tigers are an interesting team this season and head coach Barry Odom is on the hot seat. Drew Lock is one of the underrated quarterbacks in the conference and they have some defensive talent with defensive tackle Terry Beckner and linebacker Terez Hall. The Kentucky Wildcats should be an improved team this season with talent on both ends. Running back Benny Snell Jr leads the way on offense and their defense is loaded led by linebacker Josh Allen and safety Mike Edwards. The Texas A&M Aggies brought in Jimbo Fisher to turn around their program, but it will be a few years. They still have talent on both sides with running back Trayveon Williams on offense and defensive tackle Kingsley Keke and linebacker Tyrel Dodson on defense. The Vanderbilt Commodores could be a sleeper in this conference and there's pressure on Derek Mason to have a good season. Kyle Shurmur is one of the better quarterbacks in the conference, but their defense isn't great despite having a talented linebacker in Charles Wright. The Arkansas Razorbacks have a new coach in Chad Morris, but have lost some key players from last season. Running backs Chase Hayden and Devwah Whaley are solid players on offense and the defense returns the likes of linebackers De'Jon Harris and Dre Greenlaw. The Ole Miss Rebels are in a transition period in Matt Luke's second season. Their offense will be good led by quarterback Jordan Ta'amu and receiver AJ Brown, but their defense is a work in progress. The Tennessee Volunteers are in a bit of a rebuild with new coach Jeremy Pruitt. Former Stanford quarterback Keller Chryst will be their starter and will lead them offensively and they have some talent defensively with defensive lineman Kyle Phillips and safety Nigel Warrior.

SEC Championship: Alabama over Georgia

Sun Belt
- East
1. Georgia Southern (8-4; 6-2)
2. Appalachian State (9-3; 6-2)
3. Troy (7-5; 5-3)
4. Georgia State (6-6; 4-4)
5. Coastal Carolina (1-11; 0-8)

- West
1. Arkansas State (8-4; 6-2)
2. Louisiana-Monroe (6-6; 5-3)
3. Louisiana (7-5; 5-3)
4. South Alabama (4-8; 3-5)
5. Texas State (1-11; 0-8)

The Georgia Southern Eagles are my pick to win the East division with a favorable schedule and a offense that will be good led by running back Wesley Fields. The Arkansas State Red Wolves are the favorites to come out of the West division courtesy of a good offense led by quarterback Justice Hansen and a solid defense led by defensive back Justin Clifton. The Appalachian State Mountaineers have talent on both ends with running back Jalin Moore on offense and defensive back Clinton Duck on defense. The Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks should be a vastly improved team thanks to a lights out offense led by quarterback Caleb Evans. The Troy Trojans should be one of the better teams in the conference with a great defense led by cornerback Blace Brown, but a difficult schedule lies ahead for them. The Louisiana Rajin Cajuns are a team that lost a lot, but still have some talent on both sides of the ball and have a new coach in Bill Napier. The Georgia State Panthers will be solid offensively with the likes of receiver Penny Hart and tight end Camrin Knight. The South Alabama Jaguars have a difficult schedule and don't have that much talent outside of wideout Jamarius Way offensively. The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers don't have a lot of talent and with have a hard schedule too, head coach Joe Moglia is on the hot seat. The Texas State Bobcats are perhaps the worst team in this conference and head coach Everett Withers is on the hot seat.

Sun Belt Championship Game: Arkansas State over Georgia Southern

College Football Playoff
12/29- Cotton Bowl: (1) Alabama vs (4) Georgia-  National Title Game rematch in the Cotton Bowl should be a dandy. Give me Tua and the Tide to roll on to the National Championship Game for the fourth year in a row.
Prediction: Alabama

12/29- Orange Bowl: (2) Clemson vs (3) Penn State- This should be a fun game between a stout defense going up against one of the better quarterbacks in the sport in Trace McSorley. I like that Tigers defense with their experience to get by the Nittany Lions to go their third National Title game in four seasons.
Prediction: Clemson

National Championship Game
 1/7- (1) Alabama vs (2) Clemson: Four straight seasons of these two programs meeting in postseason play and three times in four seasons in this spot. Tua Tagovailoa vs the best defense in the country will be as fun to watch as any matchup. That said, I like the Tide to repeat as National Champions.
Prediction: Alabama

2018 WNBA Playoffs: Schedule

Here is the schedule for the 2018 WNBA Playoffs.

8/21- First Round: (8) Dallas Wings at (5) Phoenix Mercury- 8:30, ESPN2
8/21- First Round: (7) Minnesota Lynx at (6) Los Angeles Sparks- 10:30, ESPN2
8/23- Second Round: TBD vs (3) Washington Mystics- 6:30, ESPN2
8/23- Second Round: TBD vs (4) Connecticut Sun- 8:30, ESPN2

2018 WNBA Playoffs: First Round Predictions

Here are my predictions for the First Round of the 2018 WNBA Playoffs which will take place tonight and are single elimination games.

8/21- (8) Dallas Wings (15-19) at (5) Phoenix Mercury (20-14)- 8:30, ESPN2: This should be a fun playoff game with a lot of talent on the court. The Wings have ladies such as Skylar Diggins-Smith and Liz Cambage who are very good players. The Mercury have star power with Diana Turasi and Brittney Griner and they are the best two players in this matchup. Don't forget about their third All-Star in DeWanna Bonner. Advantage: Mercury. Don't forget that the Wings were just dealing with turmoil with the firing of head coach Fred Williams due to a screaming match with the teams owner.
Prediction: Mercury

8/21- (7) Minnesota Lynx (19-15) at (6) Los Angeles Sparks (18-16)- 10:30, ESPN2: It's amazing that what many people thought would be a WNBA Finals rematch before the season is now a First Round single elimination game. Star power rules this game with Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, Seimone Augustus of the Lynx and Candice Parker, Nneka Ogwumkie, and Chelsea Gray of the Sparks. Such a hard call and you can make a case that the winner of this game could end up in the WNBA Finals. Give me the Sparks on their home court in a super close game.
Prediction: Sparks