There aren’t many coaches in NCAA football more on the hot seat right now than Chuck “The Chest” Amato of the NC State Wolfpack. I think this cartoon straight from the Raleigh News & Observer oozes how much hot water Amato is in these days in Raleigh.
Cartoon Clip: Chuck Amato

Adam Sandler sure hit the nail on the head with his parody on kickers in football. These poor souls rarely are appreciated and generally are the arm pits of any football team. The song was geared more towards field goal kickers, but aren’t punters really the same thing? I think the story out of the University of Nothern Colorado says HELL YES THEY ARE. A backup punter for the university attacked and stabbed the starter of the team. Mitch Cozad was arrested and on a charge of second-degree assault and freed Wednesday on a $30,000 bond after his attack on starter Rafael Mendoza. This story in many ways straight chills me to the bones.

It definitely looked like Ohio State had revenge on their mind last night in Austin because they destroyed the Longhorns 24-7. It was just one year ago that Texas squeaked past the Buckeyes 25-22 towards a NCAA football National Championship. It was the first time in a decade a #1 vs #2 matchup occurred in college football, but Ohio State didn’t allow the game to meet the hype. The two keys to the Buckeyes victory was their inexperienced defense stepping up and playing stellar along with Heisman hopeful Troy Smith throwing for 269 yards and two touchdowns. Cincinnati is next on the schedule for the Buckeyes and then come back to back weeks against Penn State and Iowa.

Tonight the Oregon State Beavers roll into the Boise State to tangle on the blue turf. I think the line is a little inflated at -7.5 Boise State due to the Broncos 46-2 record at home since 1999. I think Oregon State not only covers, but they could win the game.

Overall College Football Record = 1-1

Oregon State covers +7.5 at Boise State

Welcome to a world where nobody hates or even better is not scared of the Duke Blue Devils because no one cares.

The ACC is best known for its basketball dominance, but the arrival of Miami, Boston College and Virginia Tech has done wonders for the conference’s brand of football.

Miami Hurricanes (9-3 SU, 4-8 ATS, UNDER 7-5) The ‘Canes squandered a talented squad last year when the offensive line evolved into wimps after allowing 36 sacks and making things tough for their young quarterback Kyle Wright. This is the reason it’s no biggie that only center Anthony Wollschlager is returning from the 2005 line. There are several experienced players waiting in the wings to fill those holes as there always seems to be at THE U. If they succeed, Miami could be looking at a national title. The team is that good at every other position as long as the offensivel line doesn’t fall on their face. An ACC title is even more likely and it should be very interesting to see how this plays out.

Florida State Seminoles (8-5 SU, 6-6 ATS, OVER 8-4) While Miami appears to be the class of the Coastal Division, the ‘Noles are poised to take the Atlantic Division. It would be a wonderful rematch should they meet for the title at the end of the year. FSU’s offensive line was just like Miami’s last year, but their poor performance was mostly due to injuries. Yet the ‘Noles still managed to upset Va Tech to win the ACC for the stunning 12th time in 14 years. Now the offensive line starters are back and look to be much more healthy. It’s on defense where the Seminoles have to reload this season after losing so many players to the NFL draft. Coach Bobby Bowden never fails in the recruiting department so do not doubt they have some studs ready to step up this year.

Virginia Tech Hokies (11-2 SU, 10-3 ATS, OVER 7-6) You can sense the air coming out of the Hokies for the first time in what seems like forever. They know they blew a big chance last year by losing a BCS bowl berth to the Seminoles and instead playing in the Gator Bowl against the Louisville Cardinals. That’s where quarterback Marcus Vick went shell on the chest of a Louisville defender with his cleats. That earned Vick a quick exit to the NFL so he can sit on the bench if he even makes the Miami Dolphins squad. The Hokies need to hope their top-ranked defense can compensate for all the questions on offense. It will take a huge fall from the Florida heavyweights to get Va Tech back in title contention.

Clemson Tigers (8-4 SU, 8-4 ATS, UNDER 7-5) This team will be overlooked by casual ACC observers along with anyone outside of the ACC. Even after the loss of senior quarterback Charlie Whitehurst there just aren’t any major holes on this team. Coach Tommy Bowden has also beaten his father’s Seminoles twice in three years. If it can happen again this year then the Tigers could squeak into the ACC title game.

The ACC is also stocked with other possible champinship candidates with Boston College, Georgia Tech and even Maryland. The Eagles more than likely can’t do it after losing several star defenders and drawing a tough schedule and Georgia Tech will need a huge year from Reggie Ball. Maryland will need a wing, a prayer and some magic potion and should look more towards just going to a bowl game. The remaining clubs are North Carolina State, Virginia, North Carolina, Wake Forest and those sorry Dukies who don’t have a snowball’s chance in He$$.

The time has finally arrived and I am absolutely ecstatic. Three days of the week (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) just got a lot better and in one more week you can toss in Sunday and Monday due to the NFL. I am so happy not only because of watching each of the games televised, but also because it’s NCAA football betting season. I plan on having a monster year and let’s get things kicked off on a good start tonight. Two televised games on ESPN and ESPN2 and I have posted my picks below. Let’s get it on!!!

Boston College covers -11.5 over Central Michigan

South Carolina covers -6.5 over Mississippi State