Week 1

North Carolina @ South Carolina (Thursday 5:00, ESPN)- The trenches is all you really need to watch early in the game to determine who will win this game. If UNC can't block USC's defensive line lead by Jadeveon Clowney, this could be a loooooong night for the Tar Heels. I'll take USC in a low scoring affair.

Ole Miss @ Vanderbilt (Thursday 8:15, ESPN)- I believe this game will be a wake up call for both teams. Both teams, I believe, think they are a good bit better than they really are. The excitement around the Rebels stems from a terrific recruiting class. We won't see the fruit of that class for at least 3 years. I look for a lot of turnovers and lots of sloppiness. I'll take Ole Miss to avenge a tough loss from last year. But I would NOT bet on that...

Toledo @ Florida (11:21, SEC Network)- This is that type of game the Gators really need to start off with. Their offense is all kinds of banged up. They need confidence on that side of the ball. Muschamp's defenses have always been greedy, and this year will be no differnt. I'll take Florida by at least 3 TDs.

Rice @ Texas A&M (12:00, ESPN)- This gives me a chance to talk about what a joke the NCAA is. I wouldn't let these ass clowns run a lemonade stand in my neighborhood. Suspending a kid for a half?? Are you kidding me?? Either let him play if you think he did no wrong or suspend him if you think he did. Quit insulting our intelligence. Now...with that said I'll take A&M, even without Johnny Football for the first 30 minutes.

Mississippi State vs. Oklahoma State (2:30, ESPN or ABC)- On paper, I know most people think this should probably be a routing. But let me suggest a few thing. First, an offense like OSU's takes time to get into a rhythm. Especially when you are trying to play 2 QBs. Secondly, MSU might actually be much better than people realize. I think this game will come down to the 4th quarter, at which point MSU will run out of gas. I'm taking OSU in a MUCH closer game than most think.

La. Lafayette @ Arkansas (3:00, FSN)- Beilma is a coach who has always had great offensive lines, and this team will be no different. They will simply "out physical" the Rajun Cajuns. I'm taking the Hogs.

Alabama vs. Virginia Tech (4:30, ESPN)- This game could shorten Frank Beamer's life...significantly. ROLL TIDE.

Austin Peay @ Tennessee (5:00, ESPN3)- This is nothing more than a glorified scrimmage for the Vols. Should be an easy W.

Washington State @ Auburn (6:00, ESPNU)- I love Mike Leach and all his antics. But not enough to give him a shot against an SEC team at home. Excited to see what a competent coach can do at Auburn. Something they haven't had in years. I'm taking the Tigers.

Kentucky vs. Western Kentucky (6:00, ESPNews)- How awful does a game have to be to put it on ESPNews. I could not think of a game I wanna watch less. I'll take the Wildcats, but seriously, who cares?

Murray State @ Missouri (6:00, ESPN3)- After last year's wake up call as a first year team in the SEC, the Tigers are hungry. I look for them to put the foot on the gas early and often. Should be an easy W for Mizzou.

Georgia @ Clemson (7:00, ABC)- If the Dawgs wanna show the nation, they are poised for a shot at the National Championship, this will be a real test. Replacing 9 starters on defense won't be an easy task, especially against Tajh Boyd and company. But this offense has a chance to be the best in the nation. I look for a great game with Georgia coming out on top.

LSU vs. TCU (8:00, ESPN)- Les Miles thrives in these early season big games, and this year will be no different. Who will emerge this year as a star? I'm taking the Tigers.

My 2012 Prediction Stats

Week 1: 10-1

Week 2: 9-2

Week 3: 10-2

Week 4: 9-1

Week 5: 6-0

Week 6: 3-3

Week 7: 6-1

Week 8: 6-0

Week 9: 3-3

Week 10: 6-2

Week 11: 4-3

Week 12: 10-1

Week 13: 8-1

Bowl Games: 9-3

Overall: 99-20 (83%)

Well guys, we did it. We endured what is 7 1/2 months of pure hell, making tonight that much more special. You just can't explain how special a day like this is. College football is so much more than a game, especially in the SEC. It's a way of life. For the next 5 months, each week is a special experience. COACH, ARE YOU READY??

It's here!!! It's here!!!

Well guys we made it. It's been a loooong 7 1/2 months, but we made it. In just 4 days the greatest time of the year begins, and we all get to be witnesses to what is the greatest story line in sports all year: College Football. For those of you new to the party, this is the dumb man's blog to college football. My goal each week is for anyone, on any level of knowledge, to be able to read this and have a better understanding of the game. I'm an SEC homer, and that will be evident. I also attended Mississippi State University, but that will not be as evident (I hope). For those of you returning from last year, thanks for making me feel special!! Each Monday we'll rank the SEC, 14-1, rank my personal Top 10 and review my 5 Heisman candidates. So with out further to do, LEZZZZGO!!! (MIP= most important player)

14. Kentucky- Although the Wildcats have a new coach, Mark Stoops, and a lot of new found energy surrounding the program, the fact remains that their backs are still against the wall. A team with no clear cut QB, RB or WR is a recipe for disaster in the SEC. I do believe the will be improved from last year, but how could you not be when you only won 2 games!!!

Returning Starters:

Offense- 7

Defense- 7

MIP: Alvin Dupree

Predicted 2013 Record: 3-9

13. Missouri- The Tigers were given a not so warm welcome into the SEC this past year. They just weren't ready for the big time. The problem Mizzou has, is not their skill position players, it's their offensive and defensive lines. Last year they just weren't physical enough to compete week in and week out. The schedule this year sets up much easier than last. You will see a much improved team, however, I am not sure that will translate to more wins.

Returning Starters:

Offense- 7

Defense- 7

MIP: James Franklin

Predicted 2013 Record: 5-7

12. Tennessee- The people of Tennessee aren't used to losing. And after three straight losing seasons, they are trying to find their answer in new coach, Butch Jones. The Vols were't lacking in offense last year, but they couldn't stop anybody. If they can find a way to play smarter and not beat themselves, I see them returning to a bowl this year.

Returning Starters:

Offense- 5

Defense- 8

MIP: Rajion Neal

Predicted 2013 Record: 6-6

11. Arkansas- Razorback fans just want to forget last season. What a season from hell it really was. New coach Brett Bielema was brought in and he believes Arky can compete for National Championship in the near future. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Arkansas will be very young at several positions, and in this league, that is always a scary thing. To be realistic, Arkansas just needs to find a way to get to a bowl game, and this year will be a success.

Returning Starters:

Offense- 5

Defense- 7

MIP: Tevin Mitchell

Predicted 2013 Record: 6-6

10. Auburn- Of the SEC teams that were really really bad last year, I think this team will be the quickest to turn things around. Last year was a simple case of the head coach losing control of his team. That's what happens when you sell your soul for a National Championship. BUT IT WAS TOTALLY WORTH IT!! This year Gus Malzahn will actually know what the hell he is doing. If the Tigers can find a stable QB to rely on, it could be a good year.

Returning Starters:

Offense- 6

Defense- 9

MIP: Tre Mason

Predicted 2013 Record: 6-6

9. Mississippi State- The Bulldogs are an interesting team to analyze this year. I actually think the will be much improved from last year, but won't win as many games. The schedule is just brutal. If the defense improves under it's new defensive coordinator, Geoff Collins, then the Bulldogs will find itself in their 4th straight bowl. Which is mind boggling in Starkville.

Returning Starters:

Offense- 7

Defense- 5

MIP: Gabe Jackson

Predicted 2013 Record: 6-6

8. Ole Miss- The fans in Oxford are going crazy and ready for this season to start. However, I'm not sold. The fact remains, this is the same team that lost to a far inferior Vanderbilt team last year and will rely on a sporadic QB who turns the ball over far too often and too many true freshman, which you can't do in this league. I look for the Rebs to have a very similar season to the one they had last year. Back to back bowl births ain't too bad for the men of Oxford these days.

Returning Starters:

Offense- 8

Defense- 9

MIP: Donte Moncrief

Predicted 2013 Record: 6-6

7. Vanderbilt- James Franklin is my favorite young coach in the league and he has his Commodores poised for another good season. They are returning a very solid defense. One that was vastly underrated this past year. If they can find someone to lead the offense, I look for yet another bowl for Vandy.

Returning Starters:

Offense- 7

Defense- 7

MIP: Jordan Matthews

Predicted 2013 Record: 7-5

6. Texas A&M- Some might think this ranking is out of place, but I just don't think the Aggies can duplicate what they did last year. Too many key losses. And while I feel sorry for the kid, Johnny Manziel's off field antics during the offseason will certainly affect him on the field. This team will not be able to sneak up on anyone this year. D coordinators have also had an entire offseason to study this offense. The Aggies lost too much from last year. So look for a long season...

Returning Starters:

Offense- 6 

Defense- 4

MIP: Johnny Manziel

Predicted 2013 Record: 8-4

5. LSU- While LSU lost a ton of talent to the NFL this past year, no team seems to reload better that the Bayou Bengals. If they can find a few key defensive players (and let's be honest, they always do), with the maturation of the offense, I believe the sky is the limit for LSU.

Returning Starters:

Offense- 8

Defense- 4

MIP: Zach Mettenberger

Predicted 2013 Record: 10-2

4. Florida- Defense will lead this group again, just like we expect from a team lead by Will Muschamp. If Jeff Driskel can find a way to lead the offense with more consistency, do not be surprised if Gators are the team representing the East in Atlanta.

Returning Starters:

Offense- 7

Defense- 4

MIP: Dominique Easley

Predicted 2013 Record: 10-2

3. South Carolina- Another team that will be lead by it's defense. But the catch with this team: the offense mastermind Steve Spurrier is roaming this sideline. Year after year he finds a QB to lead this offense. Never anything special. Look for the defensive front to be the best in college football. This team is gonna be so much fun to watch.

Returning Starters:

Offense- 7

Defense- 5

MIP: Jadeveon Clowney

Predicted 2013 Record: 11-1

2. Georgia- This is the only team in the nation that I think can give Bama a run for it's money. It returns the best QB in the nation, a solid O-line and an incredible/versatile running back. If the defense can replace what they loss rather quickly, I look for the SEC Championship game to be a battle of undefeateds.

Returning Starters:

Offense- 9

Defense- 2

MIP: Aaron Murray

Predicted 2013 Record: 12-0

1. Alabama- If the Tide can find a way to replace the offensive line they lost, it will be 3 in a row. SPOILER ALERT: They will!!
We are all witnesses...

Returning Starters:

Offense- 6

Defense- 6

MIP: The Whole Offensive Line

Predicted 2013 Record: 12-0

Around College Football

My Top 10
10. Florida
9. Oklahoma State
8. Clemson
7. Louisville
6. South Carolina
5. Ohio State
4. Oregon
3. Stanford
2. Georgia
1. Alabama

Heisman Watch List
Teddy Bridgewater
Jadeveon Clowney
AJ McCarron
Johnny Manziel
De'Anthony Thomas
Marqise Lee
Donte Moncrief
Aaron Murray
Braxton Miller