College Football Betting Preview
Louisville (3-1) at Connecticut (5-1)
Friday, 8:00 pm Eastern – ESPN

Opening Line: Louisville  -3.5 , Total 61

An interesting matchup in the Big East takes place on Friday night as the high powered offense of the Louisville Cardinals takes on the tough defense of Connecticut.  It was expected that Louisville would be leading the Big East but they come in at 1-1 in the conference while Connecticut is 1-0.

Connecticut has given up just 12 points per game and is ranked sixth in the nation in total defense, holding opponents to an average of 264 yards. "I don't think there is any question that to date this is the best defense that we will have played," said Louisville coach Steve Kragthorpe.  This will also be the best offense that Connecticut has seen. Louisville has put up almost 560 yards per game, including 398 yards per game through the air.  The Huskies lost their first game of the season last week to Virginia while Louisville upset Cincinnati.  Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm threw for 350 yards and three touchdowns.  Receiver Harry Douglas had 7 catches for 118 yards.  The key for the Huskies will be to keep pressure on Brohm. "As long as he doesn't have time, he can't be as good as he is," Connecticut cornerback Darius Butler said. "We've got to get him rattled. We've got to get some hits on him and knock him off his game a little bit."

 

Louisville is 3-0 against the Huskies all-time.  Last season Louisville routed Connecticut 48-17.  It is a different Huskies team this season and one that wants a big win on Friday night. "It wouldn't really say this is a defining game, it's just another challenge, a bigger challenge," UConn defensive tackle Dan Davis said.  Connecticut still has to play South Florida, Cincinnati and West Virginia this season.  Friday’s game will go a long way toward determining which team will stay in the race for the Big East title and which team takes a step back. "To drop three games makes you question yourself and what might you have done better, or might have done wrong," said Louisville wide receiver Pat Carter. "This conference is still open and we can still win it."  Louisville still has games remaining against West Virginia, Rutgers, South Florida and Pittsburgh.

Current Line: Louisville  -3 , Total 60

 

UConn will be playing its ninth game under the lights at Rentschler Field with the Huskies posting a 5-3 record. The Louisville game marks the fourth year in a row that Connecticut has played in an ESPN or ESPN 2 Friday night game. The Huskies are 1-2 previously in these contests, defeating Syracuse in 2005 but losing to Boston College in 2004 and West Virginia in 2006. UConn is 2-1 in its Big East home openers since joining the league. This is Homecoming weekend at UConn. The Huskies are 2-2 in their previous Homecoming games at Rentschler Field.

 

Here are the betting stats for Friday’s game.  The Cardinals are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.  The Cardinals are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 conference games. The Cardinals are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on grass. The Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite. The Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in October.

 

The Huskies are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. The Huskies are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as a home underdog. The Huskies are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 home games. The Huskies are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games on grass.

 

The Under is 4-1 in the Cardinals last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.

The Over is 6-2 in the Cardinals last 8 Friday games. The Over is 14-5 in the Cardinals last 19 games in October. The Over is 5-2 in the Cardinals last 7 games on grass. The Over is 5-2 in the Cardinals last 7 conference games.

 

The Under is 4-0 in the Huskies last 4 games in October. The Under is 15-7 in the Huskies last 22 games on grass.

 

College Football Betting Preview
 #1 USC at #14 Nebraska
Saturday, 8:00 pm Eastern – ABC

Opening Line: USC -9.5, Total 50

 

The #1 ranked USC Trojans head to Nebraska on Saturday to face the 14^th ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers.  A #1 team has not played at Nebraska since Oklahoma visited in 1978. "Everybody's saying this is the biggest weekend in Lincoln ever, and that Hollywood's coming to town," Nebraska safety Ben Eisenhart said. 
 

The Trojans are now the team in college football that Nebraska used to be.  USC won the national championship in 2004 after splitting it with LSU in 2003 and is the favorite again this season.  Nebraska is the last team to win the National Championship outright in two straight years, in 1994 and 1995.

A win against USC would thrust Nebraska back into national contention and back onto the national stage. "I think the game against SC is pretty well established, pretty well talked about in our part of the country," head coach Bill Callahan said. "We're going to have to have our best effort on Saturday night."

 

USC had a bye last week after opening up the season with an unimpressive 38-10 win over Idaho. "There's a lot of areas we can do better on," USC head coach Pete Carroll said. "I didn't think that we took advantage of our really nice opportunities. We had some shots at guys and didn't hit them. ... I'm pleased to get this first game behind us."

Current Line: USC -9.5, Total 51

 

The key for Nebraska on Saturday will be how well quarterback Sam Keller and the offense do against the USC defense. Keller transferred from Arizona State last year and has played twice against the Trojans but played poorly both times.  This season Keller has completed 38 of 66 passes for 451 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions in wins against Nevada and Wake Forest.  On the other side of the field is Heisman Trophy candidate John David Booty who threw for three touchdowns in three quarters against Idaho going 21-of-32 for 206 yards with an interception.  Last season Booty was 25-of-36 for 257 yards and three touchdowns in USC's 28-10 home win over the Cornhuskers. The Trojans lead the all-time series 2-0-1, and won 31-21 in their only visit to Lincoln in 1969.

 

Here are the betting statistics for Saturday’s game.  The Trojans are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. The Trojans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games. The Trojans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a road favorite.

 

The Cornhuskers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games. The Cornhuskers are 18-2-1 ATS in their last 21 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

 

The Under is 5-1 in the Trojans last 6 games as a favorite. The Over is 8-3 in the Trojans last 11 non-conference games. The Under is 5-2 in the Trojans last 7 games overall. The Under is 4-0 in the Cornhuskers last 4 games as an underdog. The Over is 10-1 in the Cornhuskers last 11 home games. The Under is 15-6 in the Cornhuskers last 21 non-conference games.

College Football Betting Preview
 #16 Arkansas at Alabama
Saturday, 6:45 pm Eastern – ESPN

Opening Line: Alabama -3, Total 47.5

 

A key SEC battle takes place Saturday night in Tuscaloosa as the Alabama Crimson Tide host the 16^th ranked Arkansas Razorbacks.  This will be the first SEC home game for Nick Saban as coach of the Crimson Tide and if last year’s overtime game is any indication, it should be a good one.

 

Last season the Razorbacks and Tide went to overtime before Arkansas won 24-23.  Heisman Trophy candidate Darren McFadden and Felix Jones combined for 177 yards rushing in last year’s game.  This season Arkansas comes into the game at 1-0 after beating Troy two weeks ago.  Arkansas had 350 yards and three TD’s on the ground in that game.  It will be much tougher on Saturday against an Alabama defense that has given up only 133 total rushing yards in two games and no rushing TD’s.

Current Line: Alabama -3.5, Total 47

 

Alabama won their SEC opening game last week on the road at Vanderbilt.

Redshirt freshman running back Terry Grant ran 24 times for 173 yards and two touchdowns. Alabama leads the all-time series 9-8, but Arkansas has won three of the last four meetings.  Razorbacks head coach Houston Nutt is 5-4 all-time against Alabama.  Nick Saban is 3-2 all-time against Arkansas but all of those games were when he was at LSU.

 

Here are the betting statistics for Saturday’s game.  The Razorbacks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a road underdog. The Razorbacks are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games in September. The Razorbacks are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The underdog is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 meetings between the two teams and the road team is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

 

The Crimson Tide are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in September. The Crimson Tide are 6-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. The Crimson Tide are 5-12-1 ATS in their last 18 games as a favorite. The Crimson Tide are 2-11-1 ATS in their last 14 games as a home favorite.

 

The Under is 4-1 in the Razorbacks last 5 games as a road underdog. The Over is 4-1 in the Crimson Tide’s last 5 games as a home favorite. The

Under is 14-4 in the Crimson Tide’s last 18 vs. a team with a winning record. The Over is 5-2 in the Crimson Tide’s last 7 home games. The Under is 24-10 in Alabama’s last 34 games as a favorite.

College Football Betting Preview
Florida State at Clemson
Monday, 8:00 pm Eastern – ESPN

Opening Line: Florida State -3, Total 45

 

Father and son meet again tonight as Bobby Bowden’s Florida State Seminoles take on Tommy Bowden’s Clemson Tigers.  Florida State comes into the season ranked 21^st in the country while Clemson is unranked.  The Seminoles are coming off a very disappointing 7-6 season a year ago, going 3-5 in the ACC.  Changes were made at FSU, the most noticeable the removal of Jeff Bowden as offensive coordinator and the introduction of Jimbo Fisher from LSU. 

 

The Seminoles have had quarterback problems for the past few years and those problems could continue as Drew Weatherford is back as the starter.  He has started 23 of FSU's last 26 games, but has been up and down his entire career. "The main thing we were looking for is consistency," Fisher said. "Making more of the every down plays. I thought he made the routine plays more consistently than Xavier did, for the most part, during camp and I think that set him apart."  The Seminoles have a new running back as Lorenzo Booker is gone.  The job is going to Antone Smith who averaged 5.2 yards per carry as a freshman. Greg Carr is the main receiver for Florida State.  He caught 34 passes for 619 yards last season and had 12 touchdowns.

 

Clemson went 8-5 last season and was as high as #10 in the country before collapsing. "I think we lost focus," said running back C.J. Spiller, "If there was one word, it would be more focused on both sides of the ball."  James Davis returns at running back to team with Spiller.  Davis had 1,187 yards and 17 TDs last season.  The Tigers have a new quarterback as Cullen Harper is expected to start at quarterback after spending two seasons as a backup.

Current Line: Florida State -3 (-115), Total 45 (-115)

 

Clemson has won the last two meetings between the teams including a 27-20 win last year.  FSU is 5-3 when Bobby has taken on Tommy.

 

Here is a look at the betting stats for this game.  The Seminoles are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games in September. The Seminoles are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games. The Seminoles are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 conference games. The Seminoles are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 games as a road favorite. The Seminoles are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Clemson.

 

The Tigers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a home underdog. The Tigers are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 games as an underdog. The Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in September. The Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 conference games. The Home team is 8-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings between the two teams.

 

The Over is 5-0 in the Seminoles last 5 games as a road favorite. The Over is 8-3 in the Seminoles last 11 games overall. The Over is 5-2 in the Seminoles last 7 conference games. The Under is 5-0 in the Tigers last 5 conference games. The Under is 5-1 in the Tigers last 6 games overall. The Under is 10-4 in the Tigers last 14 games as a home underdog. The Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings between the two teams.

 

College Football  Betting Preview
Washington at Syracuse
Friday, 8:00 pm Eastern – ESPN

Opening Line: Washington -3.5, Total 45.5

 

Two college football teams with a lot to prove meet on Friday night in Syracuse as the Orange host the Washington Huskies.  It will be the first ever Friday night game in the Carrier Dome.  "You can feel festivity in the air about the season," Syracuse head coach Greg Robinson. "I look forward to the day when that dome is rockin'." It has not happened with Robinson on the sideline as Syracuse is a poor 5-18 with him at the helm.

 

Things are not much better for Washington with Tyrone Willingham at the controls.  He is 7-16 at Washington and has definitely not delivered as head coach.  Many people think that Washington has the toughest schedule in college football this season so things may not get any better for the Huskies in 2007. After opening at Syracuse, the Huskies will play six teams ranked in the preseason AP Top 25, including #1 USC. The Huskies will be starting redshirt freshman quarterback Jake Locker against Syracuse.  He is a highly recruited player that is Washington is hoping will turn the program around. "I have expectations for myself. I've set goals, things I want to accomplish, and I'm going to work hard to achieve that," Locker said. "We'll see what happens on Friday night."

Current Line: Washington -3.5, Total 45.5

 

Syracuse also starts a new quarterback in Andrew Robinson. "You always have a little bit of nerves going out there and dropping back," Robinson said. "But the more comfortable you get the less nervous you get. It's going to be fun. The dome's going to be rocking."

 

It's been a long time since the Carrier Dome was sold out. The last time was in 2000 when Miami was in town.  It is unlikely the Carrier Dome will get anywhere near that many fans on Friday. "It's important to win any game, and everybody that plays football or watches football knows home games are important," said Syracuse defensive end Jameel McClain, "We're going to go out there and fight our hardest."

 

The Huskies are 4-14 in their last 18 games on turf.  Syracuse is 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games overall. Syracuse is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home.

The Under is 9-1 in Washington’s last 10 games as a favorite. The Under is 7-2-1 in the Huskies last 10 games overall. The Under is 7-2 in Syracuse’s last 9 home games.

College Football Betting Preview
 #2 LSU at Mississippi State
Thursday, 8:00 pm Eastern – ESPN

Opening Line: LSU 16.5, Total 45.5

Matt Flynn takes over at quarterback for the departed JaMarcus Russell and gets his first regular season start at Mississippi State on Thursday night for the second ranked LSU Tigers.  Russell led LSU to an 11-2 record and a Sugar Bowl win over Notre Dame last season but the Tigers are expected to do even better without Russell as many people are predicting LSU will be in the national championship picture this year.  They should not have much trouble on Thursday with Mississippi State.  The Tigers have won seven straight from the Bulldogs by a total margin of 295-81.  LTSF reports that early betting has the public taking the favored LSU on the Road.

 

The Tigers have a lot of experience with 15 returning starters from a year ago. "It's going to be exciting to me to see where we are in the opener, because that really is the mark of where your football team is," said head coach Les Miles, "It is hopefully the low water mark of the year because you would like to think that in every week that improvement will continue."

 

Flynn is a big key for LSU.  He has not started since the 2005 Peach Bowl and is being counted on to replace Russell. "I've learned a lot about myself, I've learned a lot about football," Flynn said. "I feel like I'm kind of a coach out on the field."

Current Line: LSU -17.5 , Total 45.5

 

The Tigers may throw a little bit more than they did a year ago with super wide out Early Doucet catching a lot of balls. Last season, Doucet made 59 catches for 772 yards and eight touchdowns "We hope that maybe we can be a little different, maybe a little more productive, more efficient and win a championship," Miles said.

 

The strength of LSU should be the defense led by Glenn Dorsey. Cornerbacks Chevis Jackson and Johnathon Zenon also return to form a great secondary.  LSU was first in defense last year in the SEC and third in the nation. "I love the team and we have prepared to be in that position," Dorsey said. "We understand the time is now. We have all the talent, the support staff and the coaches to do that." All three starting linebackers from a year ago are back, and Darry Beckwith is the leading returning tackler with 65 tackles.

 

Mississippi State returns nine offensive starters including quarterback Michael Henig but will have a tough time moving the ball against LSU.

The Bulldogs start their fourth season under head coach Sylvester Croom who may be starting his last season.  The Bulldog fans and alumni want a winning team so the pressure is on Croom.

 

The Tigers are 80-28-5 in opening games. LSU holds a 64-33-3 lead in the all-time series with Mississippi State, including a 47-17 rout last season.

 

The Tigers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a road favorite of 10.5 or more. The Tigers are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 games as a road favorite. The Tigers are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 road games overall. The Tigers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 conference games. The Tigers are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 meetings in Mississippi State and they are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 meetings overall. The Favorite is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings between the two teams.

 

The Bulldogs are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 conference games. The Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog of 10.5 or more. The Bulldogs are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games as an underdog. The Bulldogs are 4-11-1 ATS in their last 16 games on Grass. The Bulldogs are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a home underdog. The Bulldogs are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games. The Bulldogs are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Thursday games. The Bulldogs are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games in August.

 

The Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings at Mississippi State.

2007 SEC Football Report

The SEC is the toughest and biggest football conference in the land with any team able to win any given night. Florida Gators are the defending national champions, however this year the championship trophy could go to LSU or maybe Tennessee, but what about Georgia and don't forget about that new coach at Alabama.

LSU Tigers return 8 starters on defense and have a very nasty unit on that side of the ball. This will be Head Coach Les Miles 3rd season with the Tigers and he will do everyhing in his power to win the SEC title. The Tennessee Vols will make a run for the title with Erik Ainge behind the center. His uncle Danny Ainge should teach him how to make the big play after all the big trades he has came up with for the Boston Celtics this past summer. Their big game with the Gators from Florida will see Tim Tebow's talent, but he will be lost with nine starters from his defense that are gone from last season. Arkansas will have the best backfield in the country with Mr. Heisman canidate Darren McFadden and his buddy Mr. Felix Jones, however the passing game will have no respect from their opponents defense and this will allow nine guys in the box to stop the run. The Auburn Tigers will have the toughest road schedule and coach Tommy Tuberville believes his team has the top quaterback in the country with Brandon Cox. It sure will be interesting to see what Nick Saban can do in Tuscaloosa for all those die hard Crimson Tide fans, they truly believe in miracles at Alabama. A ton of defensive starters gone will not help their miracle this year, however they do return nine offensive starters with no proven running game. Only time will tell in T'Town.

The bottom of the barrell in the SEC will not be making any noise unless quarterback Matthew Stafford can make some noise for the Georgia Bulldogs, but it will be tough in the East of the SEC. You can't leave out Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks from South Carolina, they return quarterback Black Mitchell and running back Cory Boyd and a good defense. Vanderbilt and Kentucky will have their explosive offense and may have an upset or two between them. Vanderbilt just doesn't have enough talent for Tennessee and Florida on the road. Kentucky has an explosive quarterback Andre Woodson that could make some defenses struggle at Lexington.

The two schools left are from the same state in Mississippi, the Bulldogs and Rebels will fight for the bottom of the barrell. The Mississippi State Bulldogs do return ten offensive starters and that should be the best offense Coach Sylvester Croom has had to play with since being at Starkville. Ole Miss lost their MVP in Patrick Willis to the NFL and that was about all they had to talk about last year. Coach O better come up with some no names or his name will be up for coaching back west as an assistant.

The 2007 SEC Football Schedule will be more entertaining than the last years, because of so many teams that can contend for the title. Tennessee, Florida or Georgia out of the east and how about Aurburn, Arkansas, LSU and can't forget about Alabama with their new coach out of the west. It will be exciting to see how the season will turn out and I can't wait for the first game between LSU at Mississippi State to get it started.


Eddie McKinney
Fast Eddie Sports

With football camps starting in less than a month, teams are now being fully scrutinized for the upcoming season. Football bettors are also busy prepping for the action ahead. One of the key things to look at each preseason is a team’s schedule, since scheduling plays a large part in any successes or failures. StatFox has put its computers to work running the formulas to determine which teams have the easy or difficult slates. We’ll be analyzing the results in college for the next two days, then the pros on Saturday and Sunday. In this first of the two-part college piece, we look at the schedule breakdowns in the BCS conferences.

Note: Conference Rankings are given in order of degree of difficulty. For example, Floida State's average opponent power rating for 2007 is 42.25, which is considered more difficult than Miami’s 39.50.

ACC
Hard Schedule – Florida State Easy Schedule – Virginia Tech

You have to wonder if the night Florida State lost to ACC champion Wake Forest (say that 10 times with conviction) 30-0 at Tallahassee, that venerable head coach Bobby Bowden decided enough was enough and changes had to be made in the coaching staff. Five assistants were sent packing and the same number came thru the door the other way. This will not be any easy transition year with just five home games (Alabama in Jacksonville) and a brutal November with trips to Boston College, Virginia Tech and Florida. Some oddsmakers see 16 returning starters plus both kickers and have made the Seminoles a favorite in the conference; it could easily be tough times again in Tallahassee. Virginia Tech has removed some of the bad elements out of the program and is situated to make a serious run again in the ACC with toughest games at home, save Clemson and Georgia Tech. They are +250 to win ACC and other than game at LSU figure to be 11-1 or 10-2 headed to conference title game.

ACC Schedule Strength
Team: Avg OppRtg - (Nat'l Rank)
1. FLORIDA ST: 42.25 -(#6 of 119)
2. DUKE: 42.23 -(#7 of 119)
3. BOSTON COLLEGE: 41.64 -(#10 of 119)
4. MIAMI: 39.5 -(#31 of 119)
5. N CAROLINA: 39 -(#34 of 119)
6. WAKE FOREST: 38.92 -(#36 of 119)
7. MARYLAND: 38.67 -(#37 of 119)
8. NC STATE: 38.5 -(#40 of 119)
9. CLEMSON: 38.25 -(#42 of 119)
10. VIRGINIA: 38 -(#45 of 119)
11. GEORGIA TECH: 37.83 -(#47 of 119)
12. VIRGINIA TECH: 37.75 -(#49 of 119)

Big 12
Hard Schedule – Nebraska Easy Schedule – Kansas

The burden of proof falls to transfer QB Sam Keller to lead Nebraska back to Big 12 title game with just 13 returning starters. Much of this will be new to the Arizona State transfer except for the Sept.15 home game against likely top ranked USC. The week before, they will travel to Wake Forest to face their diversified offense. Big 12 play shows road games at Missouri and at Texas, plus November trips to improving Kansas and Colorado. The Huskers are +350 to snag conference crown. Kansas head coach Mark Mangino is hoping a year of experience for his 16 returning lettermen will make the difference after they lost four leads in the second half. (Two in 4th quarter) Four home non-conference games against inferior opponents and not having Texas or Oklahoma on the gridiron schedule should all but guarantee the Jayhawks return to a bowl game this season.

Big 12 Schedule Strength
Team: Avg OppRtg - (Nat'l Rank)
1. NEBRASKA: 43.42 -(#4 of 119)
2. COLORADO: 40.83 -(#17 of 119)
3. IOWA ST: 40.33 -(#19 of 119)
4. TEXAS A&M: 40.17 -(#22 of 119)
5. OKLAHOMA ST: 39.83 -(#25 of 119)
6. BAYLOR: 39.5 -(#29 of 119)
7. TEXAS: 39 -(#35 of 119)
8. KANSAS ST: 38.25 -(#43 of 119)
9. MISSOURI: 38 -(#44 of 119)
10. OKLAHOMA: 37.25 -(#50 of 119)
11. TEXAS TECH: 36.75 -(#55 of 119)
12. KANSAS: 33.83 -(#73 of 119)

Big East
Hard Schedule – West Virginia Easy Schedule – Rutgers

It was a banner year for the Big East since its reconfiguration and they hope the good fortune continues, presumably with three Top 20 teams in preseason polls. Rutgers magical 11-2 was punctuated by destroying Kansas State in Texas Bowl. With QB Mike Teel and All Big East RB Ron Rice back, another special season could be on tap. The first five games are at Rutgers Stadium (7of 8) and they will be favored in each one. Conference contenders South Florida and West Virginia are at home with only season ending game at Louisville looking real negative. The Mountaineers will be ranked in the Top Five in almost every poll with 16 starters back, including QB Patrick White and RB Steve Slaton. Rick Rodriguez has the toughest schedule in the league; however is not that overbearing at #28 overall with this much talent. At Maryland always presents a challenge as will road trips to South Florida, Rutgers and Cincinnati. The Mountaineers are showing up +1200 (4th choice) to be BCS champions.

Big East Schedule Strength
Team: Avg OppRtg - (Nat'l Rank)
1. W VIRGINIA: 39.64 -(#27 of 119)
2. PITTSBURGH: 37.93 -(#46 of 119)
3. SYRACUSE: 37.23 -(#51 of 119)
4. CINCINNATI: 37.15 -(#52 of 119)
5. CONNECTICUT: 35.33 -(#62 of 119)
6. LOUISVILLE: 35.15 -(#64 of 119)
7. S FLORIDA: 34.54 -(#68 of 119)
8. RUTGERS: 33.08 -(#79 of 119)

Big Ten
Hard Schedule – Michigan State Easy Schedule – Northwestern

Another attempt at rebuilding in East Lansing as former Ohio State assistant and Cincinnati head coach Mark Dantonio takes over. Dantonio is more low key and tough minded and will need to be a big influence after the three opening home games. The road schedule may be as difficult as any in college football, highlighted with contests at Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Ohio State and Iowa. Home games at Spartan Stadium will be no picnics with Michigan and Penn State wearing road uniforms in November. After a conventional off-season, second year head coach Pat Fitzgerald is positioned to be battling with Michigan State for a lower tier bowl game. The Wildcats return 15 starters, including juniors Tyrell Sutton at running back and signal caller C.J. Bacher. Northwestern should be favored in all four non-Big Ten tilts and be competitive all conference home games including Michigan. Most intriguing contest should be against the Spartans after they blew a 35-point lead at home last season losing 41-38 as 9.5-point underdogs.

Big Ten Schedule Strength
Team: Avg OppRtg - (Nat'l Rank)
1. MICHIGAN ST: 41.42 -(#12 of 119)
2. ILLINOIS: 39.83 -(#24 of 119)
3. PURDUE: 38.58 -(#38 of 119)
4. MICHIGAN: 37.83 -(#48 of 119)
5. IOWA: 37.08 -(#53 of 119)
6. WISCONSIN: 36.83 -(#54 of 119)
7. OHIO ST: 35.75 -(#57 of 119)
8. PENN ST: 35.75 -(#58 of 119)
9. INDIANA: 35.42 -(#61 of 119)
10. MINNESOTA: 35.25 -(#63 of 119)
11. NORTHWESTERN: 34.83 -(#65 of 119)

Pac 10
Hard Schedule – Washington Easy Schedule – California

While California may have the easiest schedule in the Pac-10, it is anything but simple ranking 22nd in the StatFox rankings. Hosting Louisiana Tech and at Colorado State should produce easy victories. A home revenge opener against Tennessee will draw immediate attention and the conference slate will have enough landmines, nonetheless if the Bears play up to expectations the +200 second choice to win the Pac-10 could be in reach being the home team against USC. Perception is a tricky thing, as third year coach Tyrone Willingham has the same record after two seasons as the coach who was fired before him Keith Gilbertson (7-16). As all signs are pointing to improvement, the schedule is brutal and considered the most imposing in the country. Starting with the second game of the season, it reads like this; Boise State, Ohio State, at UCLA, USC, at Arizona State. It closes with home games against Cal and in-state rival Washington, followed by a trip to the islands to take on a very good Hawaii team. Chances of a Huskies bowl game, Aloha.

Pac 10 Schedule Strength
Team: Avg OppRtg - (Nat'l Rank)
1. WASHINGTON: 46 -(#1 of 119)
2. STANFORD: 45 -(#2 of 119)
3. UCLA: 44.83 -(#3 of 119)
4. OREGON: 43.33 -(#5 of 119)
5. WASHINGTON ST: 41.67 -(#9 of 119)
6. ARIZONA: 41.25 -(#13 of 119)
7. USC: 41.17 -(#14 of 119)
8. ARIZONA ST: 40.92 -(#15 of 119)
9. OREGON ST: 40.83 -(#18 of 119)
10. CALIFORNIA: 40.25 -(#21 of 119)

SEC
Hard Schedule – Vanderbilt Easy Schedule – Arkansas

It’s a good thing Vanderbilt scheduled Richmond and Eastern Michigan this season, because the rest of games are treacherous. While few teams will have the experience the Commodores have (18 starters back), few will have to play at Auburn, at South Carolina, at Florida and at Tennessee. Home games with Alabama and Georgia, plus a non-conference closing game with Wake Forest spells trouble at Vandy. Arkansas has arguably the softest slate in the SEC and they will need it. Hard to find two better running backs than Darren McFadden and Felix Jones on one team, unfortunately a grand total of just 10 starters are back for this campaign, including four on defense. The four non-conference games would make would make Syracuse hoops headmaster Jim Boeheim plush. The Hogs will be favored in all home games, and road ventures to Bama, Tennessee and LSU are spread out. Houston Nutt’s squad is +300 (third pick) to win SEC West.

SEC Schedule Strength
Team: Avg OppRtg - (Nat'l Rank)
1. VANDERBILT: 41.45 -(#11 of 119)
2. TENNESSEE: 40.92 -(#16 of 119)
3. KENTUCKY: 40.33 -(#20 of 119)
4. OLE MISS: 39.93 -(#23 of 119)
5. S CAROLINA: 39.75 -(#26 of 119)
6. MISSISSIPPI ST: 39.54 -(#28 of 119)
7. GEORGIA: 39.5 -(#30 of 119)
8. AUBURN: 39.33 -(#32 of 119)
9. ALABAMA: 39.17 -(#33 of 119)
10. LSU: 38.54 -(#39 of 119)
11. FLORIDA: 38.33 -(#41 of 119)
12. ARKANSAS: 34.17 -(#71 of 119)