6 Locks for the Opening Weekend of College Football

During the last two seasons I have done a segment for my blog that I call, "Pick Six."

It's a simple concept: Rather than just picking winners (...easy), I pick six winners vs. the spread (...not easy).

You, in turn, can claim the picks as your own to use for bragging rights, Monopoly money, etc.  The picks will go up every Wednesday.

Here are the first six picks for 2011...

Georgia (+3.5) over Boise State

Admittedly, I am squarely positioned aboard the Georgia bandwagon heading into the 2011 season.

But, for good reason.

The Bulldogs are fast and talented. Tavarres King looks ready to replace A.J. Green as the Dawgs' go-to guy in the passing game.

True freshman running back Isaiah Crowell is my favorite newcomer in all of college football. I'd be shocked if he didn't throw a huge coming out party on Saturday.

Oh, and I kind of like Aaron Murray.

Okay, I really like Aaron Murray. The Georgia signal caller ranked 14th nationally with a passer rating of 154.48 as a freshman.

He's primed for a huge year in 2011, starting with a breakout performance vs. the Broncos.

Not buying it?

Take a look at those Pro Combat uni's, then. Dressing like a super hero has to pay some dividends, right?

Baylor (+6) over TCU

This is Baylor's year to knock off the Frogs.

Robert Griffin would be a Heisman candidate if he was quarterbacking Texas or Oklahoma. The Bears receiving core has finally developed around him.

Meanwhile, the Frogs are rolling with a first-time starter at quarterback and an inexperienced offensive line. 

If this game was slated for November, rather than Labor Day Weekend, it's likely that I'd be singing another tune. But a season opener in Waco with the Bears getting points? 

I'm going with Griffin.

Missouri (-17) over Miami (OH)

The Redhawks lost to Missouri by 38 points when the teams met in Columbia last season.

"Yeah, but Gabbert is gone."

Okay. The Redhawks lost to a Florida team with a first-year starter and far less experience around him by 22 points to open 2010.

17 points is a gimme.

Brigham Young (-3) over Mississippi

The Cougars return 18 starters—10 on offense—to a team that closed out 2010 with five wins in their final six contests.

The Rebels are just trying to find a quarterback that isn't ineligible/injured/suspended. Oh, and they'll return three starters from a defense that already allowed 35.16 PPG in 2011.

Blow. Out.

Indiana (-7) over Ball State

Ball State is among the worst teams in college football heading into this season. Kevin Wilson, alone, should be enough to provide a double-digit win in this one.

I'd say more, but what else is there to know?

7-points? Easy.

SMU (+16.5) over Texas A&M

There's no question that we're going out on a limb with this one.

Texas A&M is loaded, ranked in the Top 10 and expected to challenge for a Big 12 title, if not a national title.

Still, with June Jones at the helm and Kyle Padron behind center, the Mustangs can score on anyone. If they come out fast, they could get the Aggies out of rhythm offensively and make things interesting.

An SMU upset seems extremely unlikely but a close game is very much in play. Besides, the Pick Six is not for the faint of heart.

Take the leap.