LITTLE ROCK — There are enough cupcakes being served this opening weekend of college football to make Hostess and Little Debbie jealous.
I’m going to add Arkansas State to the weekly predictions along with the SEC games.
JACKSONVILLE STATE AT ARKANSAS Quarterback Tyler Wilson avoids a sack on the Razorbacks’ first play, rolls right and finds Cobi Hamilton at the 50, and he goes untouched to complete a 75-yard touchdown play. Arkansas 56, Jacksonville State 14
ARKANSAS STATE AT OREGON The Red Wolves are going to earn every penny of this big-money guarantee, and we’ll have coverage on our website immediately after the game, but not in the paper until Monday because of a 9:30 p.m. start. Oregon 35, Arkansas State 21
MICHIGAN-ALABAMA (Arlington, Texas) The Crimson Tide get an early test, against a very solid Wolverines team, but you can’t give Nick Saban seven months to prepare for a game. Alabama, 31, Michigan 21 AUBURN-CLEMSON (Atlanta) A showdown of Tigers. Auburn has to hold Clemson to 10 points or less to win, and it has the defense to do that. It will be easier for Auburn to keep teams out of the end zone than for them to find their way there. Auburn 10, Clemson 9
BOWLING GREEN AT FLORIDA This gives all new meaning to the phrase “Gator Bait.” The Gators should rock and roll and give their fans something to shout about past midnight. The Gators have 17 starters back. So do the Falcons, but that might not be good news for the visitors. Florida 49, Bowling Green 10
BUFFALO AT GEORGIA Surely the Bulls, who should change their name to Hot Wings, thought they were scheduling Georgia State. This is one where Mark Richt can name his score, and he might punch a little extra on the Bulls just to make sure his hot seat stays cool. Georgia 63, Buffalo 7
KENTUCKY AT LOUISVILLE Something to talk about before basketball practice starts. Charlie Strong has the Cardinals in a position to challenge for the Big East title and a trip to the BCS Orange Bowl, which will make him a hot commodity and much talked about in Arkansas. Louisville 28, Kentucky 17 NORTH TEXAS AT LSU Hurricane Isaac rolls out, Tigers roll over Mean Green. LSU 59, North Texas 6
TEXAS A&M-LOUISIANA TECH (Shreveport) Hurricane Isaac 1, game delayed. CENTRAL ARKANSAS AT OLE MISS The Rebels Nation has a reason to be nervous about this. These are real Bears, not Rebels disguised as Black Bears. Both of these teams like to throw the ball and it could come down to a fourth quarter turnover or defensive stop. Probably not an upset, Central Arkansas 35, Ole Miss 30
JACKSON STATE AT MISSISSIPPI STATE The Bulldogs begin their quest to be the undisputed champions of the Magnolia State and shouldn’t have much trouble with this neighbor to the south. Cowbells will be ringing almost until church opens on Sunday. Mississippi State 49, Jackson State 10
SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA AT MISSOURI The Tigers better enjoy this because their inaugural venture into the SEC includes trips to South Carolina and Florida and hosting Alabama and Georgia. If the Tigers are thinking about postseason play, they cannot be looking ahead. Missouri 35, Southeastern Louisiana 12
SOUTH CAROLINA AT VANDERBILT (tonight) The Commodores’ James Franklin is about to become a hot name in coaching. He’s fiery, enthusiastic and a very good coach, But he’s facing the Ol’ Ball Coach himself, and the Gamecocks are improved over last season. South Carolina 31, Vanderbilt 28 (OT) TENNESSEE-NORTH CAROLINA STATE (Friday, Atlanta) Save-the-Dooley campaign begins, and he can tell the Vols Nation he got them to Atlanta. Actually, the Volunteers are under the radar and much improved over last season. Derek Dooley can get off the hot seat just by winning all his home games; a road victory might get him a new contract. Tennessee 35, North Carolina State 24
Sports, Pages 17 on 08/30/2012