College Football: Lisa vs. William in Pick'em Week One

Here we go, boys!  It's time for the Pick'em contest to begin, and up first is William, a die-hard Clemson fan.

William is representing all of you guys for the first week, so make sure and give him some props for his picks—or rip him a new one if you think he made some bad choices.

Here's a blurb from William about himself.

"I'm William Qualkinbush, I'm 19 years old, I am a sophomore at Clemson, and I live for college football season.  I have been picking games for three years and don't lose much.  All my friends that have money to bet on games call me for advice, and they normally don't leave with empty pockets.

"I don't pick against Clemson unless a loss is unavoidable, which has only been like four times in three years.  I enjoy a good challenge because it forces me to raise my game, so if you like to lose, then call me out.  If you're looking for an accurate predictor of games that is going to bring it on a weekly basis, look no further!"

The Picks

NC State +12.5 @ South Carolina

Lisa: NC State

I'm not sold on Carolina's QB, and although Carolina will win this game, they won't cover the spread.  Watch out for a game-changer trick play from Spurrier.

Will: NC State

South Carolina has a ton of offensive questions right now, and Tom O'Brien will try to grind this game out.

Va Tech -9.5 @ East Carolina

Lisa: East Carolina

The Hokies squeaked by the Pirates 17-7 last year, and this year they don't look as strong in their special teams—a unit which is counted on to make big plays.

Will: East Carolina

I spotted this upset from a mile away. The Pirates return a load of defensive speed that should frustrate Tech's offense, which is totally devoid of skill players of any consequence.

Hawai'i +35 @ Florida

Lisa: Hawai'i

Tyler Graunke will pass a lot against a suspect Gators secondary, and although the Gators should cruise through this game, Meyer will throw in the scrubs in the fourth quarter to avoid more injuries and give the Warriors a chance to cover the spread.

Will: Florida

No June Jones equals no problem for the Gators, who will showcase Tim Tebow in his redefined role now that Emmanuel Moody is on board.

Utah +3.5 @ Michigan

Lisa: Utah

The Wolverines have more talent, but running the spread against the Utes may be difficult—they are used to playing against spread teams.  Utes in a mild upset.

Will: Michigan

I know this is a trendy pick, but I have a tremendous amount of respect for Rich Rodriguez as a coach.  This team will be ready for the Utes.

Clemson -5 vs. Alabama in Atlanta

Lisa: Clemson

I'm not a believer in 'Bama's John Parker Wilson, and Clemson has to win this game big to get the pollsters' respect due to two FCS teams on their schedule.  Clemson rolls.

Will: Clemson

The Tigers will prove that they are worthy of consideration for a BCS title berth with a win over a very young Crimson Tide squad.

USC -19.5 @ Virginia

Lisa: USC

I actually think the Cavaliers will cover the spread, but I can't go against my Trojans, so this is a complete homer pick.

Will: USC

I wouldn't be surprised if the Trojans won by 50 or 60 points.

Florida Atlantic +24 @ Texas

Lisa: FAU

The Longhorns beat Arkansas State 21-13 and almost lost to Central Florida, 35-32, last year.  Not a great start.  FAU is better than both of those teams.

Will: FAU

I won't expect a win, but Howard Schnellenberger has done a super job with this program and can flat-out coach.  Owls QB Rusty Smith will have his coming-out party in this one.

Michigan State +4.5 @ Cal

Lisa: Michigan State

This will a hard-fought game won by a field goal, so Sparty should cover the spread either way.

Will: Michigan State

Mark Dantonio has the Spartans ready to make a splash, and Jeff Tedford has Cal looking at, well, more than a few question marks.

Illinois +8.5 vs. Missouri in St. Louis

Lisa: Mizzou

No Rashard Mendenhall and Chase Daniel picking apart a secondary that lost two safeties and a backup safety spells R-O-U-T by the Tigers.

Will: Mizzou

Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin are just plain explosive, and there's no way the Illini will replace Rashard Mendenhall in Week One.

Tennessee -7 @ UCLA

Lisa: Tennessee

They might have to install the "Mercy Rule" in this game: The Bruins D is good, but their O has no QB, no line, and a dinged-up RB Kahlil Bell.  Cue Rocky Top.

Will: UCLA

The jet lag could be a factor, especially in a night game.  I think the Vols will play well, and UCLA still doesn't have a truly healthy quarterback, but I think this one comes down to a field goal.

Good luck boys!