SaturdayBlitz.com Writer Roundtable: The Best Games of Week 1 2012

Jeff Twining

1. What Week 1 match-up most intrigues you, and why?

Most analysts would list the Michigan vs. Alabama game as the most anticipated week one matchup and they’d be partially right in that belief. I mean, it is the defending national champions and the No. 2 ranked team in the country going up against the No. 8 ranked Wolverines at a neutral location. But nevertheless, I’m taking Boise State at Michigan State my most anticipated matchup.

The Broncos and the Spartans are both ranked outside the top-10 (MSU at No. 13 and Boise at No. 24) and in order for them to ascend into the BCS Championship picture neither team can afford to lose this game. That bodes well for Boise which is the king of winning big week-one games and not so much for Michigan State which could suffer a similar fate as Oregon, Virginia Tech and Georgia before them.

What makes this matchup especially intriguing though is that both programs are starting inexperienced quarterbacks under center who each replace the most successful quarterback in school history. Can Joe Southwick even consider filling the shoes of the departed Kellen Moore? It’s not like Moore won a bunch of games for the Broncos, right? Oh wait… Then there’s Andrew Maxwell. Can take the reins of the Michigan State chariot and lead his Spartans, not Kirk Cousins Spartans, to a week one victory? We’ll just have to wait until Friday night to find out which quarterback will have the better debut.

– Boise at MSU
As much as I want to see Boise State win start another season with a significant upset facing improbable odds (playing a true road game, under the lights, against the No. 13 ranked team seems pretty improbable), I just don’t see them winning this game. As the saying goes, ‘the bigger they are, the harder they fall.’ Kellen Moore did so many amazing things to build Boise to what it is now. But his departure, along with starting running back Doug Martin’s, I think will take a serious toll on the Broncos this season and it starts here with a week one loss to Michigan State.

I expect this game to be close early, but Michigan State should ride the support of the home crowd to victory in the second half. As much success as Boise has had recently, this season is probably going to bring some disappointment to Bronco fans as I expect them to lose at least 3 games. Then again, when Moore replace Zabranski back in 2007, no one could have predicted him to become one of the most successful quarterbacks ever. So maybe, once again, the Broncos legitimately surprise the college football world. I think it’s possible, just not likely.

– Wazzu at BYU
#WavetheFlag #GoCougs #BeatBYU #FightFightFightforWashingtonStateandVictory. Oh sorry about that, I was just working on my Cougar hash tags to prepare for their beat-down of BYU on national T.V. on Thursday night.

Okay, I was only kidding. I may be a Cougar supporter but I’m not a Cougar homer and if I don’t often pick them to win games I am sure they’ll lose (any recent game against Oregon, USC and Stanford come to mind). With that being said, I’m feeling a different vibe coming out of Cougar camp this season. I wrote Wednesday about the change in energy for four Pac-12 teams beginning seasons with new coaches and I honestly believe that Leach stands to have the most success in Pullman.

There is a reason Washington State gave Leach $11 million over five seasons – he knows how to win. Not only is Leach a proven winner, he’s 84-43 in his career to this point, but he’s travelling to his alma mater to coach his first game in nearly two years. If a coach is capably of willing his team and players to victory, I think the Pirate of the Palouse is the one to do it.

– Clemson vs Auburn
Based on the importance of the first week of the season, I would say the opening weekend of the college football season is similar to the November Survivor Series pay-per-view in the WWE. Survivor Series has a storied history in professional wrestling but isn’t quite as revered as SummerSlam, The Royal Rumble or Wrestlemania.

If you just look at week one you have your main event, Alabama-Michigan, a semi-co-main event with Boise State-Michigan State, a heated in-state rivalry that would represent the extreme-stipulation match on the card in Kentucky-Louisville, the jobber matches like No. 1 USC vs. Hawaii, Ohio State vs. Miami (OH), Stanford vs. San Jose State or LSU vs. North Texas, and finally, the blow-off match with the longest build that will prove to be the best match of the night: Clemson vs. Auburn.

This season marks the third-straight year these two teams have met with each side notching one victory, but not without some excitement. In 2010, on the road to a national championship and Heisman trophy, Cam Newton led his Tigers to a 27-24 overtime victory after trailing 17-0. In 2011, Clemson trailed 21-7 before quarterback Tajh Boyd led his Tigers to a 38-24 come-from-behind victory en route to an 8-0 start and an ACC title.

In last year’s game, wide receiver Sammy Watkins finished with 155 yards receiving and two touchdowns. However, in the 2012 season opener Watkins won’t play due to a suspension and that could hurt the Tigers. On the other side of the ball, though, will not be Auburn’s sophomore center Reese Dismukis also sitting out because of a suspension. I think the loss of a center will be harder to overcome than the loss of a wide receiver and Clemson starts the season 1-0.

– Michigan vs Bama

Has there even been a coach, recently at least, who has had a quicker rise to stardom than Michigan head coach Brady Hoke? Seriously, it was only five years ago that the Chris Christie look-alike was turning a 12-1 season at Ball State, where he had coached since 2003, into a move to San Diego St. It took just two season for Hoke to lead the Aztecs to the school’s first nine-win season and a Poinsettia Bowl victory over Navy. It took even less time for him to reach success at Michigan. In his first season last year, Michigan finished the season 11-2 after beatin – Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl, the Wolverines first BCS Bowl game since 2006.

This year, not only is Hoke going to get the Wolverines back to a BCS Bowl, but I think he takes his team to the BCS Championship. These two teams haven’t met since Jan. 1 200 when Michigan won the Orange Bowl 35-34 in overtime. In fact, they’ve met only three times in their history despite combining for 1,709 wins and 25 national championships. Although Alabama is the defending national champs, this game is going to go to the Wolverines, led to victory by senior quarterback Denard Robinson.

Zach Pugh

1. What Week 1 match-up most intrigues you, and why?

Boise State at Michigan State:

Boise State lost eight starters on offense and nine on defense, that’s among the most turnover in the FBS. They’re not as inexperienced as the high turnover suggests, as they return 48 letterman. The offensive line features four players with starting experience. As I write this, the Broncos have yet to name a starting quarterback, but all signs point to junior Joe Southwick. So, the question to open the season, how does BSU replace so much talent? Among the talent being replaced is Kellen Moore, who went 50-3 in his college career. Now it’s up to Southwick to take the reins on offense. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and linebacker J.C. Percy will need to step up Huge and lead the defense in hostile territory. Can the Broncos show their early season muscle once again?

For Michigan State, the story going into Aug.31 is its defense. Losing tackle Jerel Worthy and safety Trenton Robinson to the NFL is certainly a problem, but the Spartans return all three starting linebackers including Max Bullough (89 tackles last season). MSU finished sixth in the nation in total defense last season and raided the All Big-10 team in 2011. The pass rush will be a problem for the Broncos all day long and the Spartans have one of the top cornerback tandems in the Big-10 with senior Johnny Adams and junior Darqueze Dennard, so I’m not expecting much success in the air for BSU. The biggest story in this game will be, can Boise State make just enough plays on defense and control the clock with a strong run game?

– Boise at MSU: Boise State, I see no reason to doubt the Broncos in big games until they prove otherwise. The Broncos should look to the ground game up the middle for success because they might not have much luck in the passing game with the Spartans elite ends and corners.

– Wazzu at BYU: BYU, Senior quarterback Riley Nelson was 6-1 last season as a starter and can take advantage of the weaknesses in the pass rush as well as the secondary. I don’t expect the Wazzu to go down without a fight. The Mike Leach era has begun and should revamp the offense big time.

– Clemson vs Auburn: Auburn, An experienced Auburn defensive line should get the better of the Clemson offensive line. Which Tajh Boyd will show up for Clemson? It will be tough for Boyd to have much luck against Auburn’s pressure from the defensive line.

– Michigan vs Bama: Alabama, The story here is no shocker. Denard Robinson will need to make more plays from the pocket, while he has a lot of speed, so do Bama defensive ends. The Wolverines’ scoring defense made an amazing turnaround in 2011 finish sixth in the nation and will need that same success against the Crimson Tide. The Wolverine defensive line has a tough test going against arguably the best offensive line in the nation. I see Bama’s defense outplaying the Michigan defense.

Jeff Contizano

1. As a Michigan fan I’d be remiss not to mention the Wolverines titanic matchup with the Crimson Tide. I still don’t have a great feeling about the game itself but I’m really glad the season is starting off with a great B1G/SEC matchup. It will be interesting to see where both teams are at; Alabama replaces a ton of starters on defense but that team is just loaded with stud recruits and Saban and his staff can coach with the best of them. On the other hand, Michigan really only has one great recruiting class (and they’re all freshmen) but a solid team with another great coaching staff. Should be a fun game for the nation to watch.

I’m definitely taking Michigan State over Boise State in week one. I know Boise always does a great job preparing for their opponents, especially when they open with a marquee name like MSU or Georgia. But Boise returns just a couple starters and they’re breaking in a new quarterback against an absolutely filthy Spartan defense.

As far as Washington State and BYU, this is a tough one for me to pick. I think BYU is the better team but they’re not preparing for the Washington State of old, per say. Leach’s team is very confident and I expect a high-scoring affair. I’m going to take Washington State with the surprise upset.

I’m very intrigued by the matchup between Auburn and Clemson because of what is going on around both programs. Auburn is replacing both of it’s coordinators and moving to a more pro-style offense. Clemson, on the other hand, changed defensive coordinators after that embarrassing Orange Bowl loss and will be playing without star WR Sammy Watkins. I think Clemson has more firepower on offense and should be able to beat Auburn by a touchdown or more.

Rich Lynch

1) What week one matchup is most intriguing and why?
Boston College against Miami is the most intriguing game this week. Both programs are going through transitions. The Athletic Director at Boston College, Gene DeFilippo, is leaving on Sept. 30 after 15 years at the University. The head coach, Frank Spaziani, was on the hot seat before the announcement that DeFilippo was leaving. So Spaziani is under a lot of pressure to win games to keep his job. Miami has been dealing with NCAA investigations. They have a second year coach Al Golden(who was a recruiter at Boston College), making the recruiting rounds in South Florida to increase his talent base.

Obviously, there is the history between the two schools on account of the Hail Mary pass that Doug Flutie threw to Gerard Phelan in 1984. The two schools were once both in the Big East and switched allegiances to the ACC.

I do not remember the last time that two schools ended the season playing each other and then began the next season playing each other. Miami should be psyched up to play this year after Boston College beat the Hurricanes 24-17 last year in the Orange Bowl.

Week 1 Predictions
Boise State v. Michigan State:
Both Universities lost their Quarterbacks from last season. Both Quarterbacks were experienced and successful starters. Thus, the Quarterback play in this game will be a wash. These schools have GREAT coaches. I think Boise State will run a trick play or two in this game and if those are successful then Boise State will win. If the trick plays are not successful then Michigan State will win a VERY close game using their Pro Style offense at home in East Lansing.

Washington State v. BYU
There are two VERY good coaches in this match-up as well. Mike Leach runs his unique spread offense, where the offensive linemen are separated out more than usual to give his quarterback more time to avoid the outside rush and complete passes. Bronco Mendenhall has been with BYU for several years and has the program moving in the right directions. The Cougars of Utah beat the Cougars of Washington because of experience and the game is being played in Provo. Leach is a graduate of BYU and his team will be ready in his homecoming.

Clemson v. Auburn
Mascot on Mascot crime in this game as well. Clemson is the better team. Clemson Tigers win.

Michigan v. Alabama
Michigan has always intrigued me with their sting of NFL Quarterbacks, Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson. Brady Hoke is the new face of Michigan football. He reminds me of Chris Christie. All that said, Alabama has reloaded and its offensive line is as good as ever with Barrett Jones. Alabama ROLLS on Michigan.

Shaun Bummer

Most intriguing Week 1 game: An opening week Thursday night match up between South Carolina and Vanderbilt is flying under the radar and has great upset potential for the Commodores at home.

Week 1 picks:

Boise at MSU: MSU – The Spartan defense will have a great opportunity to exploit Boise State’s unknown QB in Joe Southwick and the Broncos will find difficulty in stopping La’Veon Bell.

Wazzu at BYU: Wazzu – Mike Leach already has the talent he needs for his offense this season and the Cougars will be a bowl team this season.

Clemson vs Auburn: Auburn – Clemson has high expectations heading into 2012 and knowing Clemson, that means they’ll just barely make a bowl game. Along with Sammy Watkin’s suspension, Clemson will win the battle of the Tigers in Atlanta.

Michigan vs Bama: Bama – Alabama’s unreal offensive line will lead the way and the highly touted but inexperienced Crimson Tide defense will prove itself in Cowboys Stadium.

Brandon Folsom

The Michigan vs. ‘Bama Cowboy Classic at Jerry’s World has to be the most intriguing matchup this week. Here, you have two tradition-rich programs that are used to being on top of the college football world coming together to play at one of the best venues in the world. Both teams are in the top ten of the AP Poll, which should make for a pretty interesting game overall.

I’m taking Michigan State over Boise State because, although Michigan State lost a lot of key contributors on offense and defense, the departure of last year’s graduating/draft class did not leave the cupboard bare for Mark Dantonio and the Spartans. I expect quarterback Andrew Maxwell to fill Kirk Cousins’ place behind center seamlessly and watch out for how dangerous the Spartans’ defensive line will be Friday night in Spartan Stadium.

I have the Cougars winning in this game. Well, I have the Cougars from the state of Utah winning, at least. Mike Leach is taking over a program that has been below average, at best, the past few seasons and I don’t expect him to immediately turn his new program into the next Texas Tech, Kentucky or Oklahoma just quite yet. However, Leach may not get it done this week, but he will get it done in Pullman.

Give me the orange jerseys over Alabama’s little brother in this match up. This is too easy of a pick for me because, oh wait, hold on, yes, I can confirm Auburn has suspended another one of its players. I understand Clemson will not have sophomore wide receiver Sammy Watkins, but that should not matter. I like the Tigers BIG in this one!

Michigan, Alabama… the touch the banner meets the Bear’s fedora in the house that Jerry built. What an incredible matchup. I haven’t been this excited for an opening week game since Boise State and Virginia Tech went toe to toe in 2010. I like the Crimson Tide to roll big in this one, but don’t count the Wolverines out of the hunt for a BCS national title. If the maize and blue are going to lose, it helps to lose early.